Zayne Parekh was the center of attention on the first day of Calgary Flames training camp, overshadowing established players like Jonathan Huberdeau, Mikael Backlund, and Dustin Wolf. Despite having only 20 minutes of NHL ice time to his name, the 19-year-old defenseman is generating significant buzz among fans and analysts alike.

The pressure on Parekh is considerable, especially as he enters his second NHL training camp. Flames head coach Ryan Huska emphasized the importance of focusing on the basics. "Just focus solely on making the team, that’s it," Huska said. He added that Parekh should not feel the burden of being a savior for the team. "Zayne is a really good hockey player and we’re so excited about this guy’s future. It’s our job as a coaching staff to help him along the way."

Externally, Parekh is viewed as a likely candidate to make the Flames roster this season. He was the Flames' first-round pick, selected ninth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and had a standout season with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. Given his age, he is not eligible to play in the AHL, making his presence on the Flames almost a foregone conclusion.

This year’s training camp feels different for Parekh. "This time around, I’m putting myself outside of my comfort zone," he explained. "There’s a lot of pressure on me, so maybe I was more comfortable last year because the expectation was to probably end up going back to junior."

Parekh is determined to avoid returning to junior hockey. He acknowledged the pressure but also sees it as a motivating factor. "I really don’t want to go back to junior this year. There’s a bit of a comfort level being around the NHL team, for sure, but it goes without saying there’s pressure, too."

His debut in April, where he scored his first professional goal, showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar noted that Parekh seems to thrive under scrutiny. "For Zayne, I think he loves it. He’s a top prospect for a reason. If I can make him feel more comfortable, I’ll help him with whatever he needs."

Despite a lower-body injury that kept him out of prospects camp, Parekh has remained engaged with his teammates. He participated in practice and made it clear that he does not take his position for granted. He skated with Jake Bean during practice, indicating he is vying for a third-pairing spot rather than being guaranteed a top role.

Parekh understands the stakes. "You’ve got to put pressure on yourself. If you don’t, there’s nothing keeping you on your toes and keeping you ready," he said. "Obviously, I feel a little bit of pressure but I want this, I asked for this and this is why I do it."

As training camp progresses, all eyes will remain on Parekh as he navigates the challenges of being a young player in a demanding environment.