Calgary Flames ‘not happy’ with Zain Parekh’s scathing comment about NHL players at WJC

The Calgary Flames are reportedly not happy with 19-year-old rookie defenseman Zain Parekh’s comments about NHL players during the World Junior Championships.

During an interview at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, Parekh was asked why he feels comfortable being open and vocal with the media, even in difficult moments.

“I think it’s like watching NHL guys who are robots and they don’t have any personality. I think you need to have some personality, and that’s the best way to grow the game. I don’t want to come here and be a robot. When I’m in Calgary, I definitely have a lot of guys asking me to give really simple answers. But here I can kind of do what I want,” he said.

However, his response was not what the flames wanted him to say. According to Flames insider Pat Steinberg, Parekh’s team and teammates were not happy with the comments:

“The players, the coaching staff and the management are aware of this,” Steinberg said. “His team and teammates were not happy (about the comments).”

Zain Parekh and Team Canada take on the Czechs in the WJC semi-finals

Team Canada was eliminated from the 2026 World Junior Championships on Sunday after losing to the Czechs 6-4 in the semifinals. This marks the third straight year the Czechs have eliminated Canada in the medal round.

Zain Parekh scored a goal in the match. Overall, this was his fifth goal of the tournament. The defenseman was the standout defenseman heading into the semifinals.

Parekh was drafted No. 9 overall by the Flames in the 2024 NHL Draft, and he has collected two points and one goal in 11 games this season. Meanwhile, Team Canada has been eliminated from gold medal contention and will play Finland for bronze on Monday, January 5.