2024 Draft Rundown

Day 1 (Round 1)

1st Round, 9th Overall - D Zayne Parekh

Player Profile (by Torie Peterson, Flames.com):

• An elite offensive talent, he scored 33 goals and 96 points in 66 regular season games in 2023-24, averaging 1.45 points-per-game (the best points-per-game average from an OHL defenceman since 2009). In the playoffs, he scored 2 goals and 11 points in 13 games.
• He was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman this season.
• Also played for Canada in 2023-24, scoring 3 goals and 5 points in 7 games with Canada Black at the U17s.
• At 16, he was voted to the CHL’s All-Rookie Team and broke the OHL’s all-time under-17 goals-for record by a defenceman with 21 goals in 2022-23.
• Can provide plenty of flash but also has a shot-pass and space management approach to his offensive game, similar to that of Quinn Hughes and Adam Fox.
• Has South Korean (mom’s side) and Indian (dad’s side) heritage.
• Finished high school by the age of 16 and was taking courses at the University Of Toronto during the 2023-24 season.
• Aspires to be a pilot and considered the collegiate route before opting to play in the OHL to get more games in.
• From his Future Considerations scouting report: “Parekh, an offensive-minded defenseman, showcases an impressive blend of skill and determination on the ice. Utilizing his agile edgework and quick turns, he evades fore- checkers with ease, generating speed to contribute offensively while maintaining a solid defensive presence. His elite vision and decision-making allow him to execute precise passes and make smart plays under pressure, highlighting his high hockey IQ. Despite his smaller stature, Parekh com- pensates with active defensive tactics, utilizing his stick and skating ability to disrupt opposing forwards and maintain defensive pressure."

Click for a draft preview story *Flames.com*'s Ryan Dittrick wrote on Parekh back on May 23

Survey Says:

NHL Idol: Cale Makar
Walk-Up Song Choices: Clocks, Coldplay or Shots, Imagine Dragons
Pre-game meal or routine: Chicken and rice
Which player would you like to go back in time and play with: A young Steven Stamkos
Favourite hockey memory: Winning the Memorial Cup
When I’m not playing hockey I’m: Spending time with my teammates"
What was your favourite hockey team growing up: Tampa Bay Lightning
Who do you think is the best forward in the NHL: Connor McDavid
Who do you think is the best defenceman in the NHL: Cale Makar
Who do you think is the best goaltender in the NHL: Jake Oettinger
Which NHL player do you think has the best style/fashion: Auston Matthews
If you could play an NHL game in any city in the world where would it be: New York
What is your nickname: Z
What is something fans would be surprised to know about you: I’m a solid golfer
What is your hidden talent: I can do a Rubix Cube.
Who is your favorite non-hockey athlete: Kobe Bryant

Scouting Report (via NHL Central Scouting):

A smooth skater with requisite speed, quickness and offensive smarts. Good instincts, reads and reacts quickly to move the puck with purpose. Plays with some “swag” and his game has matured considerably to where he makes measured choices with the puck. Excels and is creative on the power play. Very good handling the puck. A precision passer with quick hands in traffic, sets up point shots from the middle and has a quick release. Gets shots low and on net to generate extra chances. Composed and laid-back presence, never panics or gets rushed. Defends effectively with his smarts and stick and is very effective at getting in the way of an opponent or puck.

GM Craig Conroy's Take:

"High-end offence. If you've watched him, high hockey sense, skill. He competes hard, too. That's the one thing. And he's got a real swagger when he's on the ice and you like it. Winning a Memorial Cup, it never hurts to have guys that have won.

"He was an easy guy to talk to, but he had confidence and he was enjoyable. He made a couple little jokes in there and was talking about him and (London Knights defenceman Sam) Dickinson going 1-on-1 and he was like, 'That's a good stick isn't it?' Little things like that. He's got a good personality and he's going to bring some life to the Flames."

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"Skill and offence. It's as simple as that. The numbers he put up, the ability to pass the puck, the brain, everything. He's a winner. He was the whole package.

"The thing with Zayne is he's a really smart kid, like intelligence-wise. He knows what his shortcomings are and he has something that a lot of kids in this draft don't have, and that's the skill and the offence and the brain. He knows what he has to work on like every other kid. He'll add details to his defensive game, like he needs to do with the structure and everything, but he's a competitive kid. He'll learn it, he'll do it. The hardest thing sometimes with kids is when they have so much success at 17, it's hard for them to accept that, 'I don't have to play any different, or I don't have to change or add.' But he was different. He understands what happens at the next level and there are bigger, stronger kids that play against him and he won't be able to do some of the things he does, but the self-awareness and the self-identity to leave him to be fine over the next couple years."

1st Round, 28th Overall

Player Profile - RW Matvei Gridin (by Torie Peterson, Flames.com):

• In his second USHL season, Gridin scored 38 goals and 83 points in 60 regular season games. In the playoffs, he recorded 1 goal and 5 points in 8 games.
• He is committed to the University of Michigan in 2024-25.
• In 2023-24, he was named a USHL First-Team All-Star and led the league with 83 points.
• From his Future Considerations scouting report: “Gridin is a talented sniper with a quick release, deadly accuracy, and high-end power, making him a significant threat in the offensive zone. He has a cannon of a shot, which makes him a target for teammates during offensive possessions. Away from the puck, Gridin is a workhorse, efficiently forechecking by using his intelligence and strong skating to force opponents into mistakes … Gridin’s strengths include his strong, intelligent, possession-dominant play and his calm, methodical approach with the puck. He is adept at regaining control, breaking the puck out, and recycling possession in the offensive zone. His intelligent movement creates numerous opposition turnovers and facilitates effective playmaking, keeping the puck on the sticks of his linemates. Physically, Gridin’s stature stands out, and his offensive play, including net-front presence and puck skills, is highly noticeable. Overall, Gridin’s upside and intelligent play make him a promising player.”

Survey Says:

NHL Idol: Nikita Kucherov
Walk-Up Song Choices: Superstar by Lupe Fiasco or Can't tell me nothing by Kanye West
Pre-game meal or routine: Chicken and chicken
Which player would you like to go back in time and play with: Pavel Datsyuk
Favourite hockey memory: Won a championship in Russia with my team Avangard Omsk
When I’m not playing hockey I’m: Rest
What was your favourite hockey team growing up: Detroit Red Wings
Who do you think is the best forward in the NHL: Nikita Kucherov
Who do you think is the best defenceman in the NHL: Cale Makar
Who do you think is the best goaltender in the NHL: Andrei Vasilevskiy
Which NHL player do you think has the best style/fashion: Auston Matthews
If you could play an NHL game in any city in the world where would it be: Khabarovsk, Russia
Team and/or player name of the first NHL jersey ever owned: Pavel Datsyuk
What is something fans would be surprised to know about you: I’m a good basketball player
Who is your favorite non-hockey athlete: Lionel Messi, Kobe Bryant

GM Craig Conroy's Take:

"High-skill, too. Great shot. I watched him a lot of games against the US program this year and it was impressive. He was making plays through people, around people, and whether he shoots or passes, he can do it all. There's a reason he led the USHL in scoring and he has good size, skates well and I love his shot, too.

"Size, skill, hockey sense and just his overall game (made him the right pick at No. 28). When he was in Muskegan, you'd watch him, he'd be playing against good teams and he could take games over by himself. The one thing you'll see, you'll see his shot when we move along. And even at (NHL agent) Dan Milstein's camp, he caught your eye. If (President of Hockey Operations) Don Maloney were here, he'd be saying the same thing. You're watching everyone else and then are just drawn to him, just like during the games."

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"Same thing. It was a skill, offensive draft for us. Led the USHL in scoring at 17 years old. He's skilled, he's really, really smart and ... Probably the right word is 'cunning.' It looks like he's ... And then he pounces. He surveys and pounces. He's really smart like that. He's not going to wow you with energy, but all of a sudden, you look up and he's made like two quick plays and there's a scoring chance.

"Cerebral and skill. He lurks in the weeds and he really reads the game well. But he's explosive when he decides what he's going to do, what he needs to do."

Day 2 (Round 2)

2nd Round, 41st Overall - LW Andrew Basha

Player Profile (by Torie Peterson, Flames.com):

• In 63 regular season games in 2023-24, Basha scored 30 goals and 85 points. In the playoffs, he scored 3 goals and 5 points in 5 games.
• Grew up in Calgary, cheering the Flames, and wears number 34 because of Miikka Kiprusoff.
• He will have 17 family members and 4 friends with him at the draft this weekend.
• From his Future Considerations scouting report: “Basha is a speedy playmaking winger who uses his pace and vision to generate scoring chances and contribute on the scoresheet. His standout qualities include his skating ability and willingness to push the pace of play in transition. Basha is a quick skater with good straight-line speed and strong edgework, allowing him to make quick cuts and evade checkers. As a natural puck carrier, he excels at moving the puck through the neutral zone and gaining controlled entries in the offensive zone. His vision and puck distribution ability enable him to make plays to teammates, creating high-danger scoring opportunities. Despite not being the largest player on the ice, Basha drives to the crease for rebounds and plays below the goal line to set up high-to-low passing plays. His shot is above average and strong enough to beat junior netminders … Overall, Basha flashed his offensive skill and showcased upside as a top-nine playmaking forward at the pro level. He impressed with his small-area playmaking and vision, making quick, intelligent decisions under pressure. His smooth, fast skating and puckhandling ability allow him to dominate transition play, creating several dangerous counterattacks. While his creativity might limit his ceiling as a top-six scorer in the NHL, Basha’s combination of speed, skill, and playmaking ability makes him a compelling prospect.”

'Dream come true' - Click for more on Basha

Survey Says:

NHL Idol: Sidney Crosby
Walk-Up Song Choices: The Nights - Avicii or White Horse - Chris Stapleton
Pre-game meal or routine: Have to play Sewer ball
Which player would you like to go back in time and play with: Steve Yzerman
Favourite hockey memory: City Championship Pewee 2nd year
When I’m not playing hockey I’m: Hanging out with friends
What was your favourite hockey team growing up: Pittsburgh Penguins
Who do you think is the best forward in the NHL: Connor McDavid
Who do you think is the best defenceman in the NHL: Cale Makar
Who do you think is the best goaltender in the NHL: Andrei Vasilevskiy
Which NHL player do you think has the best style/fashion: Auston Matthews
If you could play an NHL game in any city in the world where would it be: New York City
Who is the best player you’ve ever played against: Ridley Greig
What is your nickname: Bash

Click for a draft preview story Flames.com's Ryan Dittrick wrote on Basha on June 14

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"Hockey sense, skill, quickness. He had really good chemistry with (Cayden) Lindstrom in Medicine Hat. He's a worker and he plays in the hard areas. And he succeeds with his skill in the hard areas. 

"You had a group of 25 guys that Andrew was in and we thought hopefully we could get Basha at 41. There were no guarantees, but when we went back last night, we thought he was a guy that would be available at 41. He was the next guy on our list and there he was at 41. That's the excitement, right? When you go at 9, we knew we were getting a good player there. And you need some people that you don't have rated as high to get a guy at 41 that you had at 25. That's the case for all the teams, but that was the case with Andrew. The fact that Andrew was a Calgary kid was a ribbon on top."

2nd Round, 62nd Overall - RW Jacob Battaglia

'Scoring Touch, Passion and Vision' - Flames.com's Ryan Dittrick with more on Battaglia

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"(Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting) Fred Parker said in his description, which is the most apt I've heard: He's a junkyard dog. He's thick, he's in the middle of the battle, he's got good enough hands to score in the trenches and he's always in the trenches in the middle of it."

Day 2 (Round 3)

3rd Round, 74th Overall - D Henry Mews

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"Just value. Pure value. We talked about him and Battaglia at the same pick and Fred said for sure (take) Battaglia and if Henry's there at the next pick, and he was there. I was joking with Brad Pascall, you're going to Penticton and you've got (Hunter) Brzustewicz, you've got Parekh, you've got Mews, the powerplay better be humming! Tell those coaches no excuses, right? You're looking for skill and you get it."

3rd Round, 84th Overall - G Kirill Zarubin

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"That was (Senior Goaltending Coach) Jordan (Sigalet). Last night, we put his goalies in the slots where we thought he would get to and we got - actually it was the 62nd pick, before that pick - and he said, 'This is an area where I'd like this guy.' And we said, 'Well, we're not going to do it here, but definitely in the next few picks.' He stayed. (Sigalet) kept on texting and I told him we would take him if he was there at the next pick."

Day 2 (Round 4)

4rd Round, 106th Overall - RW Trevor Hoskin

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"A total (Amateur Scout) Terry Doran pick. We saw him in the World Junior-A Challenge and he was really good there. Not a big enough window for us to say definitively what he was going forward. So, Terry said he was skilled, smart, he's going to Niagara next year, and he's gone through a draft. He's an older kid but lots of time to develop and him going to school really helps us as well for that development time."

4rd Round, 107th Overall - Traded to Philadelphia for Picks 150, 177

Day 2 (Round 5)

5th Round, 150th Overall - C Luke Misa

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"Skilled, smart. We just felt like there was no (better pick). At 125, we thought we were going to get Misa. But just the way everything was going, we were going to get him at 150."

Day 2 (Round 6)

6th Round, 170th Overall - C Hunter Laing

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"Just a big rig. Real smart player and at 6-foot-6, he's got some developing to do with the overall physical part, but really happy - especially since our Western Scouts really liked him. And then Jarome (Iginla) was the finisher there. He knows the family living in Kelowna and he said he's going to take him in the garage and wrestle with him and train him, and if he can handle that, he's going to be a player for us."

6th Round, 177th Overall - D Eric Jamieson

Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button's Take:

"He was a guy that went through the draft last year. Our guys kept watching him and tracking down and he kept on improving and improving to the point where they said - at that point in the draft - we were going to take him if he was still there."