Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh has been invited to the 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase, which will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. The annual event, now in its 15th year, is hosted by the NHLPA and Upper Deck and brings together over 30 of the league's top prospects and rookies for photo and video sessions that will be featured on trading cards and other media. The event is not open to the public.
Parekh, a dynamic defenseman, is widely regarded as one of hockey's most gifted young blueliners and will be among the marquee names featured at this year's rookie showcase. He was selected ninth overall by the Flames in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. On July 5, 2024, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team.
The 19-year-old is aiming to make the Calgary Flames roster this fall. Flames General Manager Craig Conroy said Parekh will have "every opportunity" to make the team.
Prior to being drafted, Parekh played with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Parekh has achieved significant success in his junior career. In his rookie season, he scored 21 goals and had 16 assists for 37 points in 50 games. He posted back-to-back 30-goal seasons, a feat achieved previously only by Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Orr in OHL/OHA history. During the 2024-25 season with the Spirit, Parekh recorded 33 goals and 74 assists. His final season in Saginaw, he recorded 107 points, the fifth-highest scoring player in the league and 16 points ahead of the next defenseman.
Parekh received his second consecutive First All-Star Team designations from both the OHL and the CHL. He was also named the CHL Defenceman of the Year in 2024.
Parekh made his professional debut in Calgary's final game of the 2024–25 season on April 17, scoring a goal in a 5–1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
Zayne Parekh's invitation to the NHLPA Rookie Showcase highlights his potential and the high expectations surrounding his future with the Calgary Flames. He is part of a group of more than 30 top prospects who will participate in the event. The content collected at the showcase will be used by Upper Deck to create the players' first NHL and NHLPA licensed rookie trading cards, as well as additional promotional materials.
