Zayne Parekh's NHL Struggles: A One-Way Player?

0:00The latest scores, headlines and storylines, right here on NHL News today. Subscribe and stay game ready. Zayn Porek was picked ninth overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2024 draft, and right away, fans saw him as a key piece for the route. Teens rebuilt. The 18-year-old defenseman lit up Junior Hockey with the Saginaw spirit in the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 33 goals and 96. Points in his draft year, then topping that with 33 goals, and 107 points the next season. Everyone figured he'd go pro for the 2025-2026 campaign, but at just 19 to start, he couldn't play in the American. Hockey Lee. So, the Flames put the now 20-year-old on their opening roster, sparking big excitement among supporters. Early on though, he faced healthy scratches, tiny ice times, and no power play shifts. Plus his 6-foot, 179-pound frame drew. Heavy hits. A check from Nick Felino sidelined him for over two months, but he bounced back strong at the World Junior's for Canada,

1:04grabbing 13 points in. Seven games despite no gold medal. That had Flames fans hopeful again for his offense to click in the National Hockey League. Since the Olympic break, Porek's been scratched in nine of 11 games, logging over 19 minutes just twice, with only one assist on the year, across 22 games. His defense lags way behind his score in Tallinn, making him look like a one-way player, not yet ready for this level. Looking ahead, he'll be eligible for the minors next season in 2026, 2027, which could give him steady play to build both, sides of his game. Defencement often take longer to adjust anyway, so there's still hope he turns into the star everyone expected. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, LinkedIn the description, a pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly.