We’re deep into the NHL off-season, which means many people are sharing their opinions on social media about various topics to keep the conversation going. With not much happening besides anticipating the upcoming season, it’s a great time for discussions. It’s also an ideal moment to unveil prospect rankings, like we’re doing at FlamesNation, especially since the draft was recently and fans have had the chance to watch their new prospects at rookie camps.
Elite Prospects has released their list of the top 100 affiliated skater prospects, which includes three players from the Calgary Flames. It’s worth mentioning that this list focuses specifically on skater prospects, so Dustin Wolf is not included due to these criteria.
Flames Prospects Highlights
Zayne Parekh – 8th (not ranked last year)
Andrew Basha – 44th (not ranked last year)
Samuel Honzek – 91st (dropped from 49th)
It’s no surprise to see these names on the list, with two breaking into the top 50!
Zayne Parekh stands out with impressive stats: 33 goals and 63 assists (96 points) in 66 games as a defenceman, demonstrating why scouts are high on him. He ranks just behind Cutter Gauthier and ahead of Tij Iginla in the rankings, reflecting his potential to reach the NHL.
Andrew Basha also earned his ranking, scoring 30 goals and 55 assists (85 points) in 63 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers. He was third on his team, demonstrating solid performance, especially noted during Flames rookie camp. His efficient skating stride and strong shots on special teams highlight his potential for success.
Samuel Honzek, the Flames’ 2023 first-round pick, faced challenges last season, playing only 33 games and scoring 31 points. Injuries hindered his performance, and while he played two games with the Calgary Wranglers, he’ll need a strong training camp to regain confidence after falling in the rankings. Despite setbacks, his outlook remains positive as he is only 19 years old.
Biggest Omission
One surprising name missing from the list is Hunter Brzustewicz. Since joining the Flames system from the Vancouver Canucks in the Elias Lindholm trade, his absence is notable, especially after his standout performance last season. The 19-year-old defenceman ranked 10th in OHL scoring and was second among defencemen, trailing only Zayne Parekh. His 79 assists were the highest in the league, and he demonstrated his skills during Flames rookie camp, consistently creating chances.
While this list focuses on the top 100 affiliated prospect skaters, some players currently on it could easily be swapped for Brzustewicz.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Flames’ prospect pool shows promise as they build from the defensive line, acquiring young talent with significant upside. With players still developing, the organization is keen on maximizing their potential in the upcoming season. Despite only three prospects making the list, it’s worth noting that others like Matthew Coronato and Jakob Pelletier have graduated from prospect status, and Dustin Wolf is outside the ranking criteria.
Henry Mews Overview
Henry Mews is a promising defenceman selected 9th in prospect rankings. Drafted in the third round (74th overall) by the Flames in 2024, his journey was shaped by the pandemic. He excelled with the Ottawa Myers Automotive U14 AAA, then moved to the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, scoring 78 points in 52 games.
In his first season with the Ottawa 67’s, he scored 12 goals and 19 assists over 55 games and captained the Canada White U17 team. This past season, Mews improved significantly, amassing 61 points in 65 games and leading his team with 46 assists.
His skill set, particularly his skating and offensive creativity, caught the attention of scouts, although there are concerns about his consistency and defensive intensity. Mews must focus on developing his defensive game to maximize his potential in the OHL as he aims for a quicker route to the NHL.
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