Zayne Parekh and three other Calgary Flames prospects to make NHL debuts
It may not mean a whole lot in terms of the standings, but there will still be plenty of reasons for Calgary Flames fans to watch Thursday night’s game.
The Flames were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday, meaning that their final game of the season versus the LA Kings isn’t of the utmost importance. Though it’s yet to be confirmed, it appears that four prospects will be making their NHL debuts as a result.
At the top of the list is Zayne Parekh, who fans have been dying to see since he was called up from the OHL last week. The 19-year-old defenceman, who is coming off a 107-point season with the Saginaw Spirit, has been given jersey No. 89.
Another blueliner who appears set to make his NHL debut is Hunter Brzustewicz, as he was recalled from the Calgary Wranglers on Wednesday. The 20-year-old, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last season, has had an up-and-down rookie season in the AHL, compiling five goals and 31 points through 69 outings. Should he play, he’ll wear No. 48.
Up front, Flames fans will get the chance to watch Aydar Suniev make his NHL debut. The 20-year-old signed with the Flames shortly after wrapping up his sophomore season with UMass-Amherst and has gotten in plenty of practice reps the past two weeks. He will rock No. 36 assuming he slots in versus the Kings.
Last but not least is Sam Morton, who has been one of the more consistent forwards for the Wranglers this season. Like Brzustewicz, he was recalled on Wednesday morning.
Morton, 25, was signed by the Flames as an undrafted free agent late in the 2023-24 season. While he doesn’t have as high of upside as the other three, he has an opportunity to push for a bottom-six role with the Flames next season. He is expected to dawn No. 45.