Flames call up 2024 first-round pick Zayne Parekh for playoff push

Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh (89) warms up before a preseason NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond) (Jason Redmond/AP)

The Calgary Flames have called up 2024 first-round pick Zayne Parekh for their end-of-season push to the playoffs.

Parekh, drafted ninth overall, joins the team after a record-setting year with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, putting up 107 points on 33 goals and 74 assists.

The 19-year-old defenceman became just the fifth in Canadian Hockey League history to reach 100 points and is the second defenceman in OHL/OHA history to record 30 or more goals in back-to-back seasons, along with Bobby Orr in 1964-65 and 1965-66.

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Parekh joined the Flames in Anaheim, Calif., on Tuesday.

ZAYNE!!

We've recalled defenceman Zayne Parekh from the OHL's Saginaw Spirit!#Flames | @original16beer pic.twitter.com/M1EXrA8Xhf

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 8, 2025

The Flames are fighting for a playoff spot, with just five games remaining on the season.

They pulled within four points of the final wild card spot after a 3-2 comeback win against the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.

As of Tuesday, the Flames have 87 points and are chasing the Minnesota Wild (91 points) for the last playoff spot.

The Flames will take on the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT.