Parent was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the first round, 18th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. After playing three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm, Parent joined the Milwaukee Admirals for the 2006 American Hockey League playoffs. He returned to the Guelph Storm for the 2006–07 season. Parent also played on both Canada's 2006 and 2007 World Jr. Hockey Championship gold-medal winning teams.