The Calgary Flames scratched Zayne Parekh for the second straight game, and reports came out saying that the Flames are debating what is best for his development. Although Parekh has held his own with the big club, the offensive production has not shown yet, as he only has one point in nine games. Whether that is because of his limited ice time and power play usage, or because he is still adjusting to the league—it’s probably both of those reasons—at the end of the day, the offence has not shown up just yet.
The Flames can send him down to the OHL, but, year after year, he has shown he is just way too good for that league. Parekh is ineligible to be sent down to the AHL—unless for a conditioning stint—so, for now, it is either keep him up in the NHL or send him down to the OHL. So, which approach should the Flames pick? We asked, you answered.
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OHL or NHL?
We presented the below poll to our readers.
Should Zayne Parekh stay with the #Flames or go back to the OHL?
— The Win Column (@wincolumnCGY) November 1, 2025
Keep him on the Flames
This is by far the most popular answer to this dilemma, and it seems most likely, too. During the first intermission of yesterday’s game, Francis stated that he believes that Parekh will end up staying with the Flames. Despite this, Flames management is still going through a debate. A likely cause for this debate is that they have yet to fully commit to bowing out of the playoffs, despite what their record suggests.
There is no indication that they are shopping their veterans, and they are still playing big minutes for the club. However, it seems only a matter of time before the Flames finally have to face the music and sell. Once this happens, it will open up more opportunities for Parekh. The season will shift to a developmental one for the club’s young players. Once they fully commit, it is likely this will be the situation for Parekh for some time.
Send him down to the OHL
There is a small minority that believes sending Parekh down is the option. The one reason I can think of why some may believe this is the approach is to help his confidence. There is no doubt that Parekh would once again dominate if he were to be sent back down. However, if the Flames do this, they won’t be able to bring him back up to the team until the OHL season is over. To me, that’s just not worth it.
The Flames are not making the playoffs. Sending Parekh down to the OHL would result in him missing valuable NHL games in the second half of the season, when the team is likely to focus on the development of its younger players.
Development should be the priority
With the Flames’ playoff chances practically gone, the Flames need to make a decision that is best for Parekh’s development. He is an A-grade prospect for the team. Every decision they make has to ensure that it will lead to getting the best out of him.
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