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Calgary Flames defenceman Parekh has changed his jersey number

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Oct 6 2025, 6:55 pm
Calgary Flames defenceman Parekh has changed his jersey number
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images

Calgary Flames defenceman Zayne Parekh will be wearing a different number than fans saw last season.

Fans were able to watch Parekh make his NHL debut in the final game of the 2024-25 season, one in which he donned No. 89. It turns out that will be the only regular-season game he’ll have ever worn 89, as it has been confirmed this morning that he will wear No. 19 moving forward.

This had been hinted at by Parekh himself throughout training camp, making it no surprise to most. The ninth-overall selection from the 2024 draft wore No. 19 during his three seasons in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit.

Though it comes as no surprise, Parekh has officially cracked the Flames’ opening-night roster. He isn’t AHL eligible due to his age, meaning that his only options this season were to remain with the Flames or return to the OHL for a fourth season. Coming off a 33-goal, 106-point season with the Spirit, there was little sense in sending him back to junior hockey.

Also cracking the Flames roster is 19-year-old forward Matvei Gridin. Despite being the only player on the roster who was waiver-exempt, the skilled winger was able to earn a spot on the opening night roster, partially due to injuries to both Jonathan Huberdeau and Martin Pospisil.

Given that the Flames will be two forwards down to begin the 2025-26 campaign, Gridin will be in the lineup for their season opener this Wednesday versus the Edmonton Oilers. The Flames do have eight defencemen on their roster, though Parekh is expected to suit up in Edmonton as well.

The Flames will begin their 2025-26 season with two road games against the Oilers and Vancouver Canucks before their home opener on Saturday afternoon versus the St. Louis Blues.

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