"I don't feel that I've shown Calgary my full capability yet," said the 21-year-old goalie prospect during Flames development camp in early July. "I've had a lot of injuries that kind of held me back. That's not an excuse. Things happen. You can't control it. This is the best I've felt in my whole, entire life. I'm really looking forward to proving myself, to show I can be that guy."
Parsons, who was selected by Calgary in the second round (No. 54) of the 2016 NHL Draft, won the Memorial Cup with London of the Ontario Hockey League in 2016 and a gold medal with the United States at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship but hasn't been able to replicate that success after being limited to 27 games with Stockton of the American Hockey League the past two seasons.
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He had a 4.39 goals-against average and .856 save percentage in seven games with Stockton in 2017-18, and a 3.70 GAA and .898 save percentage in 20 games last season.
"I was very inconsistent last season," said Parsons, who also spent 28 games with Kansas City of the ECHL two seasons ago. "A lot came down to mentality and injuries, but I feel great now. I'm just going to keep working. That's when I shine … when I play like that. That's how my whole career has been so far.
"But I've got a lot more in the bag I'm looking forward to showing."
The Flames haven't lost faith in him and understand what's derailed Parsons after a promising junior career.
"I think he's started to show it coming down the stretch last year in Stockton," Flames goaltending coach Jordan Sigalet said. "I think it was tough for him going up and down the years before and missing time due to injuries. It's just him getting into a rhythm and learning how to be a pro and getting that consistency at the pro level.
"It's a big year for him and he knows that. He's put a lot of work in already early in the summer. He feels great from his injury, and mentally, and I think he's going to come in and have a strong year."
Parsons has the same expectation.
"It comes with feeling better in my life, in hockey and away from hockey," he said. "Everything has been absolutely amazing. I can't thank the people around me enough. From my fiancée to my parents to the people I work out with, to my trainers and the organization for all the support through all the injuries I've had my first two years pro.
"Now I'm back on top and I feel great. I'm ready to show what I can do."
