Flames’ Parekh Injured Post-World Juniors, Coach Reports
Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh recently returned from a successful stint with Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship. However, his participation in upcoming games remains uncertain due to an injury sustained during the tournament.
Injury Update on Zayne Parekh
Flames head coach Ryan Huska stated that Parekh is “a little bit banged up” and is currently undergoing evaluation. The timeline for his return to the Flames’ lineup is not yet defined, with Huska only mentioning, “At some point,” before their game against the Montreal Canadiens.
NHL Debut for William Stromgren
On the same night, Calgary will see forward William Stromgren making his NHL debut. The 22-year-old has played for the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers over the past three seasons, achieving six goals and 23 assists in 33 games during the 2025-26 season.
Zayne Parekh’s Performance at the World Juniors
Parekh, selected by the Flames with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, performed remarkably during the World Juniors. He scored six goals and provided seven assists, totaling 13 points. This outstanding performance helped Canada secure a bronze medal.
- Parekh led all defensemen in goals, assists, and points at the tournament.
- Tied for second among all skaters in goals scored.
- Tied for fourth in assists and ranked third in total points.
- Set a new record for points accumulated by a Canadian defenseman in the tournament.
Despite his on-ice achievements, Parekh also made headlines for his candid remarks regarding NHL culture. He expressed a desire for players to exhibit more personality, contrasting it with the stereotypical “robotic” behavior observed in some professionals.
Upcoming Road Trip
Although Parekh’s status is uncertain, Flames GM Craig Conroy indicated that he would be traveling with the team on their five-game road trip. Calgary is currently looking to break a losing streak after back-to-back defeats that have resulted in a record of 18-20-4 this season.
