High-scoring Calgary Flames prospect Mews says he has improved defensively

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The Calgary Flames may have drafted more than just one stud defenceman last year.

The main takeaway fans had from the 2024 draft was the selection of Zayne Parekh, who immediately became the organization’s top prospect after being selected ninth overall. The hype surrounding the Saginaw Spirit blueliner was — and still is — warranted, but fans are now coming to realize the Flames may have gotten another game-breaker a few rounds later.

Despite putting up an impressive 61 points in 65 games with his hometown Ottawa 67’s in his draft year, Henry Mews had to wait a while before hearing his name called at the draft, when Calgary chose him with the 74th pick.

The knock on the 6-foot-1, right-handed blueliner has always been his defensive play. But in an exclusive interview with Daily Hive, Mews explained how that part of his game has improved drastically.

“I think my overall game has improved a lot,” Mews said. “I’ve been able to round out my defensive play. I think the offensive numbers are picking up in big part because of the improvements I’ve made on the defensive end. [My] teammates have obviously helped with the numbers in a big way as well.”

The numbers have been piling up for the 18-year-old, who leads OHL defencemen in scoring with 50 points in 38 games. He’s also the leading scorer on his team, 13 points ahead of the leading-scoring Ottawa forward.

The big year has many in Calgary deeming him as a major draft steal, though that’s not what he’s focused on.

“I try to block that stuff out, but with social media being what it is, you notice it,” Mews admitted. “I don’t focus on it too much. At the end of the day, what matters going forward is how I play. I’m just trying to stay focused on that.”

Mews pointed towards being able to attend the Flames camp in Calgary this past fall as a big contributor for what has allowed him to have so much success to this point in the 2024-25 season.

“The speed really stood out,” Mews said about the experience. “Those guys are so fast. That’s probably the biggest thing I took away is the speed. It’s something I’ve worked on since getting back.”

Being able to lean on some Flames veterans for pointers hasn’t hurt, either.

“MacKenzie Weegar was a guy I was able to talk to a few times,” Mews explained. “He was really good with giving me advice and answered any questions I had. I tried to watch him and a bunch of the other [veterans] to see how they go about the game. [Weegar] is so good at both ends of the ice. It was great to be able to watch him up close.”

Another player Mews has picked up tips from is Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid. The two have a bit of a history and were able to go up against each other in a split-squad game in September.

“He’s so smart on the ice. His speed is incredible, but what stood out is how good he is at both ends of the ice,” Mews said. “He’s so strong offensively and defensively. I’ve been able to skate and train with him in the offseason. He’s a guy I look up to and have been able to lean on for advice.”

Mews is suddenly one of several exciting prospects the Flames have on the back end. Along with himself and Parekh, they also have another offensively-skilled rearguard in Hunter Brzustewicz, who they acquired via trade last season from the Vancouver Canucks.

While it will still be some time before the Flames become Stanley Cup contenders, the seasons being put together by Mews and several other prospects point towards a bright future in Calgary.

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