The Calgary Flames defensive corps lost its best young prospect on Friday.
Zayne Parekh exited the Flames’ game against the Chicago Blackhawks after taking a hit from Nick Folingno in the second period.
The 19-year-old blueliner took the contact awkwardly and bent over, appearing to be in discomfort as he skated to the bench.
Before the second period ended, the Flames announced that Parekh would not return to the game because of an upper-body injury.
With MacKenzie Weegar and Joel Hanley in the penalty box and Parekh in the dressing room, winger Joel Farabee lined up as a defenceman alongside Brayden Pachal.
Parekh has one assist in 10 games this season and has averaged just over 15 minutes of ice time.
The Flames’ ninth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Parekh made his NHL debut in Calgary’s final game last season and scored his first career goal in the 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings.
