The Columbus Blue Jackets have a new general manager leading the charge. Don Waddell left the Carolina Hurricanes after their elimination from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His arrival in Columbus is exciting, to some extent. He has a track record of success over the last few years, and can certainly help turn this franchise around. However, if he wants to make his mark with the Blue Jackets, taking Zayne Parekh in the 2024 NHL Draft is one way to do so.
Parekh is one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft. In fact, ClutchPoints has Columbus drafting the Saginaw Spirit star with the fourth overall pick in its latest NHL Mock Draft. That is certainly higher than most expect the decorated defenseman to go. Especially with other prospects being left on the board. However, it's a pick that makes a lot of sense for the team.
The Blue Jackets can go in any direction they wish at the 2024 NHL Draft. But Parekh is a selection that would certainly make a statement. With this in mind, here is why Columbus should select Zayne Parekh with the fourth overall pick in this year's NHL Draft.
Blue Jackets' prospect pipeline
Columbus does not necessarily have a position of strength in their prospect pipeline. They have depth at nearly every position, with the exception of goaltender. However, Columbus is not drafting a goalie with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
That said, the Blue Jackets could create a position of strength by selecting Zayne Parekh. Columbus has a few offensively inclined defensemen on the roster already. Zach Werenski and Damon Severson play regular roles in the NHL. And they figure to play regular roles on the blue line in Columbus for years to come.
They also have promising puck movers in the prospect pipeline. David Jiricek, Denton Mateychuk, and Stanislav Svozil project as regular NHL defensemen. All three can move the puck well and could develop into impressive offensive defensemen in their own rights.
However, Parekh has more offense upside than those three prospects. They could certainly find a role as power-play quarterbacks in Columbus. But Parekh could give the Blue Jackets a potential point-per-game defenseman in the NHL. He could develop into the league's next great offensive defenseman, similar to an Erik Karlsson or Cale Makar. This is something the Blue Jackets do not have, but would be very wise to add.
Zayne Parekh compared to other prospects
Parekh is not the most complete prospect in the 2024 NHL Draft. Especially when talking about the deep defensive class. The Spirit star is not the most stout defensively, but plays better defense than given credit for. Where he shines is his offensive game. He has one of the best shots in the class regardless of position. And his hockey sense is second to few players in this class.
That said, the defensive concerns will cause some teams early in the draft to look elsewhere. For instance, Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov is a candidate to be the first defenseman off the board. He is an offensive defenseman, as well, but he plays a bit better defensively. Levshunov also has ideal size for the position. Parekh, who stands 6'0″ and around 180lbs, is a bit undersized.
There is also Anton Silayev, who played in the KHL this season. Silayev is a legitimate two-way defender who played regularly on the power play for his KHL team in 2023-24. In a league where young players rarely carve out regular roles, Silayev was one of his team's best players. And he did not look out of place playing against grown men.
Parekh may not offer an elite two-way game. But he plays serviceable defense and shouldn't be a liability in the NHL. The offensive potential stands out, and it may even be in a class of its own. The Blue Jackets should think very carefully about drafting the Spirit star at the 2024 NHL Draft.
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