Zayne Parekh hasn’t exactly burst onto the scene…yet. Article content

Through the Flames’ first three games, Calgary’s most exciting prospect has appeared only once, logging just over 11 minutes at even strength. Article content Article content

That’s not the type of usage fans expected for the teenager who lit up junior hockey last season with 107 points, one of the highest single-season totals ever by an 18-year-old defenceman.

So why the hesitation? Why isn’t Calgary giving its most gifted young player a real shot when the offence already looks anemic?

The short answer is that the coaching staff has its reasons — and none are without merit.

Defencemen inherently are higher-risk bets than forwards. It’s easier to shelter a forward versus a defender. Every mistake at the blue li

See Full Page