Flames' Rookie Phenom Zayne Parekh Ready for Prime Time
Any time a young defenceman gets mentioned in the same breath as Bobby Orr, the hockey world takes notice. For Parekh, it's not just talk—it's backed by record-breaking numbers, dazzling offensive instincts, and a resume that has already turned heads at the NHL level.
The Flames selected Parekh ninth overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, and wasted little time locking him up with an entry-level contract on July 5, 2024. Now, at just 19 years old, the Nobleton, Ontario, native is poised to make his mark in Calgary—and across the league.
Parekh was electric during his time with the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League, rewriting the franchise record books with a 33-goal, 96-point campaign over 66 regular-season games in 2023-24.
He followed that up with a jaw-dropping 33 goals and 74 assists for 107 points, with a plus-42 ranking in 61 games last season. In doing so, Parekh joined the legendary Bobby Orr as the only defencemen in OHL/OHA history to post multiple 30-goal seasons.
His dominance earned him the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenceman in 2024 and received 2024 CHL Defenceman of the Year honours, solidifying his reputation as one of the most gifted offensive blueliners in recent memory.
The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) on X The regular NHL season schedule is out, with Marner set to return to Toronto on January 23, 2026. THN Hosts @Michael_Traikos, @katie_gaus , and @THNRyanKennedy debate Toronto's reception of Marner after being traded to Vegas, the latest NHL news, and more on the newest episode
The real question now: How will it translate to the NHL?
If his brief debut last season is any indication, Flames fans have plenty to be excited about. Parekh suited up for Calgary in a late-season matchup against the Los Angeles Kings and didn't disappoint—scoring his first NHL goal and finishing with a plus-3 rating.
Heading into the 2025–26 campaign, NHL.com has Parekh slotted at No. 7 in its Top 10 Rookie Rankings.
With elite vision, an innate sense for offence, and a poise well beyond his years, Parekh is set to become a key part of Calgary's rebuild—and quite possibly its future star on the blueline.
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New York Times
5 hours ago
- New York Times
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They trailed 3-0 early and 5-2 after Marcus Semien's late homer, but things never drifted out of reach. The Jays kept the door open for late magic, and Kirk delivered. The catcher slashed at the first pitch he saw in the eighth, falling to his knee as he whiffed on the fastball down the middle. As the three Blue Jays filling the bases scurried back to their bags, Kirk collected himself. The swing was too big, Kirk said, and he refocused on simple contact. Three pitches later, he sent a curveball screaming back up the middle, pushing two runs across to hand Toronto an eighth-inning lead. Advertisement 'I hate to say I expect it from him,' Bassitt said. 'But there's not many guys on our team that (I) would rather have up than him.' The Jays have earned many identities this season. They're the team of ever-changing heroes. They're the unexpected American League leaders. They're the squad focused on small advantages and forgotten fundamentals. 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He can hit any pitch, Bassitt said, and remains mild-mannered through the most stressful spots. So, perhaps, his winning single could've been expected. The stolen base, though, was entirely unforeseen. With Kirk standing at first base, basking in the moment of a clutch single, first base coach Mark Budzinski told him the plan — he was stealing. 'I just kind of turned around and looked at him,' Kirk said. 'Like, 'Are you serious? All right.'' As Phil Maton pushed home, Kirk darted off the base. By the time the pitch reached the catcher's glove, it was too late. Kirk glided into second with ease, the usual stoic look plastered on his face. The tension of a tight game faded away, leaving room for pure celebration. The crowd exploded and the dugout cheered. Advertisement After Jeff Hoffman punched through a clean ninth inning, the crowd hailed Kirk once more. As players flocked off the field, Kirk stood outside the Blue Jays' dugout, holding second base, ripped out of the infield dirt. 'They're authenticating it,' Schneider said, 'and it should go down in major-league history.' Toronto's comebacks are so frequent they're hard to remember. As the season draws closer to October, they become increasingly important. This one, though, will be remembered — because of the 90-foot dash that followed. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
