If there’s one thing fans of the Calgary Flames know, it’s that change is coming on the blue line.
Right-handed defenseman Rasmus Andersson, a top-four mainstay and 28-year-old veteran, has been at the center of trade rumors all summer. With the Flames navigating contentious contract talks and the clock ticking toward training camp, the odds that Andersson will be in Calgary come opening night appear slim.
Team leadership, including captain Mikael Backlund, has suggested that a resolution is imminent, making it clear that Andersson is likely to be traded before the season starts. Multiple teams, both in the playoff hunt and looking for a top-four right-handed defenseman, are said to be monitoring the situation closely, positioning Andersson as one of the most sought-after trade assets of the summer.
The looming vacancy could be the opening Zayne Parekh has been waiting for.
Calgary Prospect Zayne Parekh Earns Comparisons to Bobby Orr, Cale Makar
Just 19 years old, Parekh enters training camp with a real shot at cracking the roster. The No. 9 overall pick in 2024 also brings a hockey resume that already has his name mentioned alongside some of the all-time greats.
In 61 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League last season, the Markham, Ontario, native scored 33 goals with 74 assists. The year before, Parekh netted 33 goals with 63 assists in 66 games, becoming the first defenseman in the history of the OHL to finish with back-to-back 30-goal season.
He was also the first to accomplish the feat in six decades, when the league was called the Ontario Hockey Association and a young defenseman named Bobby Orr did it while skating with the Oshawa Generals.
At 6-feet, 178 pounds, Parekh has all the tools you look for in a future top-pairing defenseman. His footwork and skating are exceptional, especially when he’s building speed. He pairs explosive acceleration with nimble agility, and that same quickness carries over when he’s handling the puck, leading some analysts to suggest that Parekh could be a generational talent.
“If Parekh can reach the potential most believe he can, he could become the next Cale Makar,” wrote Jacob Ponturi of Sports Illustrated. “That is a lofty expectation, but he has all of the skills and determination to become an elite defenseman at the NHL level.”
With Andersson’s trade all but confirmed by team leadership, the Flames are staring at a clear opening on the right side of their top-four pairing. That creates a rare opportunity for a homegrown talent like Parekh to not just make the roster, but potentially earn regular minutes against NHL competition. The Flames’ front office has also signaled that they are open to giving younger players a legitimate shot, particularly when salary-cap constraints and long-term planning intersect with roster openings.
“He’s a special, special player for us and we have high expectations, but we don’t want to rush him to rush him,” said Calgary general manager Craig Conroy. “He is going to get a really good look at camp.”
Zayne Parekh Enters Training Camp Eyeing Spot on Flames Roster
Parekh himself has made no secret of his intentions: come training camp, he wants to show he’s ready for the NHL.
“Everyone knows that for me, I’m trying to play in the NHL,” said Parekh, who doesn’t turn 20 until Feb. 15. “All my peers know that. I have a great support group and everybody’s pushing me every day and I’m pretty hard on myself, too. I’m going to keep working so that in the fall, it’s pretty far away, but I’ve got to have a big camp.”
Reports from development staff and preseason skates suggest he’s been emphasizing mobility, puck retrieval, and transitional play — areas that align directly with the team’s defensive needs. Scouts have praised his anticipation and hockey IQ, noting that he consistently makes smart decisions under pressure, a trait that could accelerate his adjustment to the NHL game.
While Parekh isn’t expected to immediately replace Andersson’s point totals, he brings offensive tools worth noting. His shot from the point and ability to move the puck quickly through the neutral zone gives Calgary a potential high-level contributor on the right side. Coupled with his ability to log penalty-kill minutes, he presents a versatility that is increasingly valuable for a team balancing experience with youth.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Parekh to see if he can convert potential into roster reality. With Andersson likely moving on and the Flames keen to bolster their defensive depth with high-character, high-upside talent, the stage is set.
Should Parekh seize the moment, he could emerge as a key fixture on Calgary’s blue line for the 2025-26 season, marking the next chapter in what has been a quietly impressive development path.
Flames’ Blue Line Shakeup Will Pave Way for ‘Next Cale Makar’