As the NHL draft looms, the buzz around Zayne Parekh is impossible to ignore. This right-shot defenseman from the Saginaw Spirit has captured the imagination of scouts and fans alike. Parekh isn’t just a prospect; he’s a narrative in motion, a blend of raw talent and a spirit that refuses to be caged by the conventional. His story is one of a player who could very well become the next big thing in the NHL or remain an enigma wrapped in potential. Parekh isn’t just a player; he’s a story unfolding before our eyes—a tale of talent, tenacity, and the tantalizing question of what comes next. His skill is undeniable, yet his path raises as many questions as it does expectations.
Position: Defense
Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Combine Height: 6-foot-0.25
Combine Weight: 178 pounds
Pros
Offensive Mastery: Parekh’s offensive production has been historic, setting him apart as one of the most impressive OHL defensemen in recent memory. His elite shot and scoring rate have not only made headlines but have also marked him as a potential game-changer at the NHL level. His hands and his edges are absolutely superlative. He’s such a silky-smooth operator on the ice. He dangles around defenders as easily as he slips into the quiet areas. He has great vision and playmaking ability. And his wrist shot is absolutely deadly, not only in terms of velocity but also accuracy and deceptiveness. Zayne has so much calmness and poise in the offensive zone, he almost looks as casual as he is dominant. And he is truly dominant offensively.
Defensive Evolution: Parekh is not a good defender. We can sugarcoat this somewhat but there is no avoiding this fact. He has a lot of work to do on his defending before any NHL coach will be willing to give him any opportunities outside of a powerplay specialist role. Having said that, I am compelled to provide a silver lining and turn this con into a pro.
While there’s no denying that Parekh’s defensive game requires polishing, his hustle and improved rush defense are indicative of a player who’s not just aware of his shortcomings but is actively working to address them. His willingness to engage and push back when targeted is a testament to his competitive spirit. There is hope for Zayne, here. Truly.
Maverick Spirit: In a league that often prizes conformity, Parekh plays by his own rules. His unique approach to the game is a breath of fresh air. His creativity and flair on the ice challenge traditional play styles and Parekh has special talent you can’t teach. And it is so clearly evident when he is on the ice. Even when he’s out there with other highly touted prospects, even those that are older, you can see that Parekh is special. He’s a different kind of animal. But he’s got to learn how to play within a system. He’s not playing hockey, he’s playing Zayne.
Cons
Defensive Challenges: While Parekh’s offensive talents are clear, his defensive game has been a mixed bag. He’s shown moments of solid stick work and support for teammates but also tends to avoid contact and hard areas, often leaving his partner exposed. He does not like the corners and is not much help in clearing out the slot for his goalie. He does not defend the cycle well. As noted above, his rush defense did improve throughout the season, however.
Physicality and Competitiveness: Parekh’s physical game has often been questioned; he’s been seen avoiding corners and contact, and at times being walked by much less talented players. His strength and his competitiveness in defensive situations require significant improvement. He showed a high degree of push-back at times, especially against Owen Sound in the first round of the OHL playoffs. This quality is just very inconsistent. He sometimes bails on plays when he doesn’t want to get hit. I have witnessed this hurt his team more than once.
Physical Vulnerability and Durability: His slight frame and noticeably upright stance make him vulnerable in contact situations. Parekh is often physically overwhelmed, often knocked off the puck or down to the ice, and he’s prone to falling too easily and too hard. He is just too easy to hit. This physical vulnerability was starkly evident during two critical playoff series against Sault Ste. Marie and London, where he missed time due to injury and was less effective when he did play. It impacted his production but also seemed to impact his focus and attitude. He spent a lot of time picking himself up off the ice and having tantrums about being targeted.
His tendency to get rag-dolled and his lack of physical robustness echoed the struggles of former Arizona 3rd overall pick Kyle Turris, who faced similar issues with size and durability throughout his career. Parekh's physical limitations not only impacted his performance but also raised concerns about his ability to withstand the rigors of NHL play over a full season.
What do the Numbers Say?
Zayne had a historically productive season for a draft-eligible OHL defenseman. He was his team’s MVP and he smashed any competition in recent memory. In the table below we can look back at the last fifteen NHL Entry Drafts, and focus on OHL defensemen drafted in the top fifteen of each draft class. You can see that over the last 15 years, the average OHL defenseman drafted in the top 15 was taken 9th overall, had 15 goals, 40 assists, 55 points, and produced 0.93 points-per-game. Meanwhile, Zayne laid waste to anything any of these other kids achieved. In 66 games played, he put up a staggering 33 goals, 63 assists, 96 points, and 1.46 points-per-game.
Armstrong’s Dilemma
In Zayne Parekh, Utah faces a conundrum. Their draft history suggests a preference for size and stability, yet Parekh offers an X-factor that could redefine their defensive identity. Pairing him with a steady foil like Dmitri Simashev could create a duo that’s as formidable as it is fascinating—a gamble that could pay off with a high-octane, crowd-pleasing style of play, adding a wild card to their future defensive lineup.
Undersized defensemen who provide the lion’s share of their value on the power play, no matter how productive they are, tend to be undervalued in the market. Bill Armstrong does not have to look further than the 2nd rounder he was given to take on Shayne Gostisbehere or the mere 2nd he had to trade away to acquire Sean Durzi. Does this give Utah pause, or do they recognize that Parekh offers something more, something that is rarely found later in the draft and can’t be acquired so easily?
Parekh is an enigma wrapped in a riddle, skating on thin ice. His style is unorthodox, his play is unpredictable, and yet, there’s a method to his madness. Hockey is a sport that values clearly defined roles, and coloring inside the lines. Parekh dares to be different. He’s not just playing hockey; he’s playing Zayne—a game where creativity knows no bounds, and the conventional playbook is merely a suggestion.
The Verdict
Zayne Parekh is more than just a prospect; he’s a statement. In a draft class filled with talent, he stands out as a beacon of boldness—a player unafraid to take risks and push boundaries. For Utah, the question isn’t just whether Parekh fits into their system; it’s whether they’re ready to embrace his maverick mindset and the thrilling unpredictability he brings to the ice.
As the draft approaches and the future of the eligible prospects begins to unfold, there is one certainty; Zayne Parekh is a name we won’t soon forget. Whether he’s the missing piece to Utah’s puzzle remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—wherever he goes, excitement follows.
-Trent Hess
Also, check out these great scouting report videos to help form your own opinion of this prospect. Don’t miss the PHENOMENAL video at the end about Parekh’s family history. And let us know what you think! And be sure to check out our recent Spotlights on other top prospects.
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