Flames sign first-rounders Zayne Parekh, Matvei Gridin to 3-year deals

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th July, 15:21 2024

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Matvei Gridin is selected by the Calgary Flames with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Calgary Flames signed first-round draft picks Zayne Parekh and Matvei Gridin to three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contracts on Friday.

Each deal carries an average annual value of $975,000.

Calgary selected Parekh, an 18-year-old Canadian, with the ninth overall pick of the NHL draft last month. Parekh set Saginaw Spirit records for goals (33) and points (96) at the position in 66 regular-season games, which also led Ontario Hockey League defensemen. He scored 10 power-play goals, two short-handed goals and six game-winners.

Parekh had 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 13 OHL playoff games as Saginaw won the Memorial Cup.

The Flames selected Gridin, an 18-year-old Russian, with the No. 28 overall pick.

Last season, the 6-foot-2 forward played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL and led the league in scoring. He tallied 83 points (38 goals, 45 assists) in 60 games. Gridin will play at the University of Michigan next season.

--Field Level Media