Zayne Parekh feeling good as he returns to Flames lineup against Maple Leafs

The last couple of months have been a bit of a whirlwind for Flames defenceman Zayne Parekh, who returns to Calgary's lineup on Monday night.

The last couple of months have been a bit of a whirlwind for Flames defenceman Zayne Parekh.

After starring for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, Parekh was sent to the American Hockey League on a conditioning stint.

The 19-year-old is back now and will return to the lineup Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“I feel good,” said Parekh, who was picked by the Flames in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

“The last month has been good, and I’m really looking forward to tonight.

“Just trying to get better; that was the biggest focus. Just more urgency away from the puck when I was down with the Wranglers and found some confidence in my game. The last two months have been great, and hopefully it carries over.”

Ryan Huska, the team’s head coach, says he just wants the youngster to play his game.

“(Urgency away from the puck is) something we asked him to work on, and I guess the same holds true with the puck and the decisions that he makes with it. He went down there and had a good stretch of games and had some good practice and I feel he got himself back up to speed,” said Huska.

Parekh will be paired with Joel Hanley for the game against the Leafs.

Parekh put up two goals and added three assists in five games with the Wranglers.

The Flames wanted him to get some of his swagger back, and Parekh feels it’s there.

“I’m feeling confident, and I’m feeling good and having fun again.”