RD Zayne Parekh - Saginaw Spirit, OHL (2024, 9th, CGY)

57special

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interesting article that addresses a lot of his flaws.


Wheeler also talks about his size in the comments section. Some players look thinner, some thicker, simply because of the way and type of equipment they wear.

Scott Wheeler
Yeah, his listing (6’ and 179) checks out. I actually noted it to a couple of people when I ran into him at the airport leaving last year’s draft in Nashville. Stronger kid than you expect when you see him. Well built, honestly.
 

Kingpin794

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For everyone's (rightful) concerns about Parkeh's defense, he was getting PK time in the memorial cup. I'm almost certain that wasn't the case at the start of the year but someone can correct me if I'm wrong. He seems to be able to grow his game. If he can continue to grow his game consistently over time, he'll be fine.
 

DJB

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The more I watch Parekh the less I like him.

I will say that he’s terrific inside the opposition O zone. He makes some cheeky plays and is a threat to score or dish the puck to a teammate. He’s really good. It’s like he is a 4th forward on the ice once the puck is in the opponents zone

However I don’t think he is a play driving offensive defenceman. If you watch him he almost never carries the puck up the ice through the neutral zone to try and gain entry into the offensive zone. He does have a solid first pass from his own zone but that’s his preference most of the time to start the breakout. And no matter where he is on the ice if anyone pressures him he gets rid of the puck immediately. Usually he at least tosses the puck towards a teammate but he rarely tries to dangle or create time and space for himself. I think it’s because he isn’t confident in his skating which needs to improve specifically his speed. I don’t think he likes to get hit either.

Defensively I actually think he can improve. So many of his points were because he was cheating his way up the ice which in turn caused him to get way out of position once a turnover happened or his team wasn’t transitioning up the ice . I think his compete is ok in his own zone but it needs to improve dramatically and in how he defends.

Hes an intriguing player but I’m worried he’s more of a PP specialist than a guy you can rely on to be in your top 4.
 
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Evgeny Oliker

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He reminds me a lot of Adam Fox. Similar size. Similar concerns about skating…neither is exactly fast. On defense there were concerns about Fox too but he has improved a lot in that area. I think Parekh will improve defensively as well.

Anyone else sees this comparison?
 

57special

Posting the right way since 2012.
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He reminds me a lot of Adam Fox. Similar size. Similar concerns about skating…neither is exactly fast. On defense there were concerns about Fox too but he has improved a lot in that area. I think Parekh will improve defensively as well.

Anyone else sees this comparison?
No, not at all. Buium is the one who reminds me of Fox, a little bit.
 
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Bounces R Way

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Mixed feelings here because the 3 guys I really wanted went directly in front of him. That's not his fault tho.

Every time I've watched him he's getting bodied so I hope he puts on some weight and gets a lot stronger. Definitely the talent and the vision are high end, and what this team needs is more high end skill so I can understand taking a swing. Riskier pick than I thought it'd be being back in the top 10 for the first time since 2016.
 

57special

Posting the right way since 2012.
Sep 5, 2012
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Mixed feelings here because the 3 guys I really wanted went directly in front of him. That's not his fault tho.

Every time I've watched him he's getting bodied so I hope he puts on some weight and gets a lot stronger. Definitely the talent and the vision are high end, and what this team needs is more high end skill so I can understand taking a swing. Riskier pick than I thought it'd be being back in the top 10 for the first time since 2016.
I'm with you. Thing is, he's actually very athletic looking, and not small, if not exactly big, either(6' 180). I have all sorts of concerns with his style of play, his skating(again, polarizing- some call it excellent, others think it's flawed), and his defensive intensity(no doubt for me in that regard), but you can't deny his skill, vision, productivity, or creativity. I also think that he is a smart person( i think he was taking college course while in junior) with an excellent work ethic.
 

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