As expected, given the reporting from a few days ago, Wes Gilberton of Postmedia confirmed that Calgary Flames’ top prospect, Zayne Parekh, will not participate in the team’s rookie camp for precautionary reasons. Parekh has reportedly been dealing with a nagging lower-body injury that has lasted for much of the summer.
The expectation is that Parekh will be ready for the start of the Flames’ training camp in a few days, suggesting he is in the latter half of his recovery. Still, it would significantly impact Calgary’s defensive core if Parekh’s injury continues to limit him during training camp, as he aims to make the Flames’ opening night roster.
Drafted with the 9th overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, Parekh has not only solidified his positioning as the Flames’ top prospect, but is considered one of, if not the best, defensive prospects not currently a full-time NHLer. Before making his debut with the Flames at the end of last season, Parekh put together a pair of rather ridiculous seasons with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, scoring 66 goals and 203 points in 127 games with a +81 rating, with another four goals and 20 points in 18 postseason contests.
Additional rookie notes:
- In an unfortunate update for the Vegas Golden Knights, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that prospect Trevor Connelly is not with the team for the opening of rookie camp. Webster reminds that Connelly suffered a leg injury earlier this summer at the World Juniors showcase, likely leading to his absence from the team’s rookie camp. There haven’t been any updates regarding Connelly’s availability for the team’s training camp, though he was likely destined to start with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, regardless.
- The Chicago Blackhawks have already lost one defenseman from the team’s rookie camp. According to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, defenseman Ty Henry went down with a supposed knee injury during today’s practice, leading to his departure from the ice. Chicago selected Henry with the 163rd overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, and he spent last year with the OHL’s Erie Otters, scoring one goal and 17 points in 63 games with a -5 rating.
- As it turns out, the Blackhawks almost lost another player from rookie camp. Pope originally reported that forward prospect A.J. Spellacy also left the team’s practice after being accidentally cut by Aidan Thompson’s skate. Fortunately, it appears that the cut only required minor repairs, as Tracey Myers of NHL.com updated that Spellacy had returned to practice.
Parekh is the next Tyson Barrie. An offensively capable sometimes elite defenseman, but limited in his own zone.