The Calgary Flames are reportedly not thrilled with 19-year-old rookie defenseman Zayne Parekh’s remarks about NHL players during the World Juniors.
During an interview at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, Parekh was asked why he felt comfortable being open and expressive with the media, even in tough moments.
“I think it’s more watching NHL guys be robots and not having any personality. I think you need some personality, and it’s the best way to grow the game. I don’t want to come in here and be a robot. When I’m in Calgary, I definitely have a lot of guys that are telling me to give really simple answers. But here I could kind of do what I want,” he said.
However, his response was not what the Flames wanted him to say. According to Flames insider Pat Steinberg, Parekh’s team and teammates were not thrilled by the comments:
“Players, coaching staff and management are aware of it…. His team and teammates were not thrilled (about the comments)” Steinberg said.
Zayne Parekh and Team Canada fall to Czechia in WJC semifinal
On Sunday, Team Canada was eliminated from the 2026 World Juniors after suffering a 6-4 loss to Czechia in the semifinals. This marks the third straight year Czechia has eliminated Canada in the medal round.
Zayne Parekh scored a goal in the matchup. Overall, it was his fifth goal in the tournament. The defenseman had been the standout defenseman before the semifinal.
Drafted No. 9 overall by the Flames in the 2024 NHL draft, Parekh has accumulated two points and one goal in 11 games this season. Meanwhile, Team Canada is eliminated from gold-medal contention and will play Finland for bronze on Monday, Jan. 5.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
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