A lot of people thought Zach Parise’s career was over a few years ago. In 2020-21, he scored just seven goals in 45 games for the Minnesota Wild, found himself on the fourth line or in the press box, and was bought out at the end of the season. He was turning 37 and would earn a paycheck from the Wild through 2028-29—what better situation to sail off into the sunset.
Except, he wasn’t done. Parise would join his old general manager Lou Lamoriello with the New York Islanders and experience something of a renaissance. This past season he scored 21 goals, the 11th time in his career he scored at least that many. Now, instead of assuming his career is over, people are asking whether he’s returning to the Islanders for another go.
A month before his 39th birthday, Parise still isn’t sure. Andrew Gross of Newsday reports that the veteran forward is undecided on his playing future, meaning the Islanders must wait before any negotiations can happen.
After his one-year, bonus-laden deal expires, Parise is about to become an unrestricted free agent again. He had an initial $750K cap hit last season but earned another $750K in bonus money for staying healthy. That kind of a deal would be expected again if he decides to return, and likely only with the Islanders.
If it is the end, Parise’s two seasons with New York are a nice capstone on a fantastic career. Selected 17th overall by Lamoriello and the New Jersey Devils in 2003, he has played 1,224 regular season games, scored 429 goals, and recorded 879 points.
Glad Detroit did not get him and Sutter!
The stories about them coming out of Minnesota, just cancerous, along with the bloated contracts.
Another one who can’t let go. Embarrassing!!!
21 goals is embarrassing? Maybe it’s you embarrassing yourself.
PHR should trade you for future 7th round pick…..if we can get that good of a return. :D
No, Bear. We can trade Wilf for two interns, and a troll to be named later. If we can fit the interns under the cap!
He was pretty clearly still NHL caliber last year. Or should everybody just retire immediately after their prime playing years are over?
@KRB – I don’t think another site would give back multiple pieces for Wilf unless we take back a really bad troll in return. We may need to go the buyout route here. ;D
OK Bear, so let’s do it this way:
WilfPaiment
Nha Trang
Gavin Lee
We retain half salary
For
Two interns
Pierre McGuire
A troll to be named later
Provided we can get them to waive their no trade clauses
@KRB – I know Gavin is leaving as a UFA, but I just can’t tarnish his legacy by including him in this troll swap. :D
And who included no-trade clauses for these critters?!?! Was that you, Mac? ;p
Bear, the interns will be useful. We have to build this comment section for the future. I say blow it up now. Get rid of some trolls now, so we don’t get stuck later. We have our sanity to think of!
Kinda like you Wilf. The big difference being that Zach Parise is still very productive while you are still attempting to tap out one post that makes sense instead of trying to prove how little you know about hockey.
@Gbear – Hey! You guys are playing downhill both ways. I’m just going to hang out on the bench and wait for the end of the period! :) Besides, I just suffered through Cheesie-Marcheesie on SN590.
I could see Parise as a good fit with the Oilers. Not sure he would want to play there, but that’s the kind of bottom six scoring they need.
Parise is just what Edmonton needs. Lol.
And don’t forget Lucic, Edmonton can bring him back to!!!! Lol.
Parise would be a good fit with the oilers on the bottom 6 and maybe 2nd line pp. He scored 21 on a isles team desperate for offense where in edm he would have more options offensively
Sheesh, he scored 21 goals last year, and his defense wasn’t bad. Parise might want to retire, of course, but he’s far from washed up.