Fans, myself included, want Zayne Parekh to be a full-time NHLer right away. Especially after the taste of Parekh NHL action we saw in game 82 of last season. However, it is okay for the Flames to be patient in handling him, especially in the first half of the season. It’s important to note that Parekh is only 19 years old. The NHL is a big adjustment, especially for young offensive defencemen.

Other teams have been patient with their young players, and it’s worked out well. One of their division rivals is a great recent example.

The Anaheim Ducks and Leo Carlsson

It has been mentioned several times that the Anaheim Ducks’ strategy with Leo Carlsson is one the Flames are keen on following. A few years ago, Carlsson appeared in 55 games with the Ducks. That’s almost exactly two of every three games in a regular season. The Ducks frequented Carlsson as a healthy scratch in that other third of their games. Not because he wasn’t playing well. Rather, giving Carlsson time to adjust to the NHL. Confidence is key, especially for young players.

I would imagine that Parekh likely plays fewer games than Carlsson, since defencemen take longer to adjust to the NHL than forwards. The Rasmus Andersson situation likely doesn’t help Parekh’s case, either. I would imagine Parekh likely gets into every second or third game until Andersson is dealt. It seems natural for Parekh to slide in next to Kevin Bahl eventually, or as soon as Andersson is dealt.

The defence will change as the year develops

You could certainly make the argument that Parekh should be playing over the likes of Jake Bean and Daniil Miromanov every night. That’s certainly a fair argument. But Parekh will be a long-term future in this organization. Starting him out slow is not a bad idea. I would guess Parekh might see action tonight in the home opener against the St. Louis Blues, after the Flames were blown out by the Vancouver Canucks two nights ago..

Concern would develop for me if Parekh is sidelined for more than 50% of games, regardless of where the Flames are sitting standings-wise. The key there is that the Flames should not let the standings affect their handling of Parekh. If the Flames remain in the hunt, I’m sure the coaching staff would be tempted to rely on experience. But they should factor Parekh into their plans regardless. He’s going to be a massive part of the future of the organization.

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