Calgary is coming off an impressive road trip.
After a loss in Toronto, the Flames secured wins against the Rangers, Devils, and Islanders in New York. This marks the first time in franchise history Calgary has swept all three New York teams.
With team morale high, the Flames are now four points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final Western Conference playoff spot. As the playoff race intensifies, let`s delve into some fan questions.
One of the most discussed topics is Zayne Parekh, Calgary`s top pick from the 2024 NHL Draft. Parekh is coming off a remarkable season with the OHL`s Saginaw Spirit, achieving his second consecutive 33-goal season.
Parekh is only the second defenseman in OHL/OHA history to have multiple 30-goal seasons, alongside Bobby Orr. He also finished the regular season with 107 points, the most productive season for an OHL defenseman since 1993-94.
There`s significant excitement around Parekh. He is considered the Flames` best prospect since Matthew Tkachuk in 2016. However, an immediate NHL debut similar to Cale Makar`s in 2019 is unlikely.
Despite this, there`s a real chance Parekh could play in the NHL this year.
Next season, at 19, Parekh will still be ineligible for the American Hockey League. Having achieved much in major junior hockey, the Flames are expected to give him every opportunity to earn an NHL roster spot in training camp next fall.
Parekh will need to gain size and strength and improve his defensive play during the summer. Even if he doesn`t play a full NHL season initially, similar to Leo Carlsson`s rookie year, he could still spend a significant portion of next season in the NHL.
Another frequently asked question concerns goalie Dustin Wolf.
Wolf is having an outstanding rookie season and is likely to be a Calder Trophy finalist. His stats, including high-danger save percentage and goals saved above expected, place him among the NHL`s top goalies. Wolf`s performance is a key factor in the Flames` playoff contention.
Wolf is in the first year of a two-year contract and can sign an extension from July 1. There are differing views on his next contract.
One option is a long-term deal, similar to Jordan Binnington`s six-year, $36 million extension with the Blues after their 2019 Stanley Cup win. While Binnington has had mixed results since, St. Louis likely doesn`t regret the signing.
Alternatively, a shorter “bridge” contract might be better for Wolf. A two-year deal would give him more time to prove his performance, potentially leading to a larger contract at around age 27.
Dan Vladar also deserves recognition. Despite Wolf`s emergence, Vladar has been crucial in keeping Calgary in the playoff race, especially since February.
Since a win against Seattle on Feb. 2, Vladar has consistently played well. In his last seven games, he has a 4-1-1 record with a .919 save percentage, including important wins against Washington and the Islanders.
Vladar`s improved play increases the likelihood of him and the Flames agreeing to a new contract. The Wolf-Vladar tandem has been effective, and Vladar has consistently given Calgary a chance to win.
Vladar`s decision will be interesting. Returning would mean accepting Wolf as the primary goalie. He needs to decide if he`s comfortable with potentially fewer starts or if he`ll seek a team where he has more playing time.
Regarding college free agents, the answer is yes, the Flames are looking at them.
The Flames recently signed college goalie Owen Say to a one-year, two-way contract. Say had a strong season with Notre Dame, posting a .920 save percentage, third-best in the Big Ten. Calgary is impressed with Say`s agility and movement.
Reports also link the Flames to University of Denver captain Carter King, a Calgary native. King is known for his work ethic and two-way play, scoring 20 goals and 40 points this season. King, a two-time national champion, is heading to the NCAA tournament with Denver.
