The Calgary Flames have selected Zayne Parekh, a defenseman from the Saginaw Spirit, with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Parekh, known for his offensive prowess, scored 33 goals and 63 assists for a total of 96 points in 66 games this season. The 17-year-old, who hails from Nobleton, Ontario, and has Indian and South Korean heritage, has drawn comparisons to NHL star Erik Karlsson. Parekh, a Memorial Cup Champion, is a right shot and full of personality. His selection comes as a surprise to some, as other highly-touted defensemen, Zeev Buium and Sam Dickinson, were still available. Parekh's impressive performance helped lead the Saginaw Spirit to a Memorial Cup victory this year.
#Flames select @SpiritHockey Zayne Parekh 9th overall at #NHLDraft! The high-scoring defenceman has drawn comparisons to Erik Karlsson. https://t.co/qilHcCtUhK
Flames take offensive Defenceman Zayne Parekh 9th overall. Defenceman aren't typically exciting picks but this kid had 33 goals as a 17-year-old in the OHL this year with the Mem Cup-winning Saginaw Spirit. Right shot and full of personality and points.
Parekh's stat-line this season with the Saginaw Spirit — 66 GP, 33 G, 63 A, 96 P. As a defenceman. https://t.co/bDLsexK4cg
Memorial Cup Champion, Zayne Parekh is heading to Calgary! 🔥 #NHLDraft | @NHLFlames https://t.co/OHaZxRY1JY
Zayne Parekh, defenseman for Saginaw Spirit, goes at No. 9 to Calgary Flames.
Zayne Parekh, a young defenceman from Nobleton, Ontario and of Indian 🇮🇳 & South Korean 🇰🇷 heritage, has been selected by the @NHLFlames Parekh's game has been compared to Erik Karlsson. https://t.co/u8cDFJdFru
Calgary takes Saginaw defenseman Zayne Parekh with the ninth pick. Surprised neither Zeev Buium nor Sam Dickinson have been picked. One of the two would have been available for Buffalo had it stayed at 11.
#Flames go with Zayne Parekh at No. 9, who will bring a different element to the blue line they’re building.
#Flames select dynamic defenceman Zayne Parekh, the only blue-liner who put up more points in the OHL this season than Hunter Brzustewicz.
#Flames take D Zayne Parekh at No. 9 @ColinSNewsday and I projected him at No. 8
Calgary obviously reading my timeline selects Zayne Parekh from Saginaw. An offensive dynamo on the blue line. He's going to be fun to follow.
Calgary takes Saginaw's Zayne Parekh at No. 9.
At No. 9, Calgary takes Saginaw D Zane Parekh.
At ninth overall, the #Flames select D Zayne Parekh out of OHL Saginaw.
At No. 9, CGY selects D Zayne Parekh, of Saginaw (OHL).
Zayne Parekh goes to Calgary at 9
#Flames take Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit
Calgary selects Zayne Parekh.