Minnesota Wild forward
Zach Parise has enjoyed being a part of the team's top-six for the duration of his career there, but this year he has seemingly lost a grip on that role. In fact, he isn't just struggling to crack the top-six, but the lineup in general.
Parise has struggled mightily this season, and now he has been watching games from the pressbox.
Kevin Fiala missed Wednesday's game due to injury, but he returned Friday night and the player chosen to be taken out of the lineup was the franchise's third-leading goal scorer and point-getter in franchise history,
Zach Parise.
Minnesota could roll without him in the playoffs as their younger and faster wingers have improved a lot this season. Since returning from the NHL's COVID-19 protocol on April 7, he has played on the team's fourth line for 15 games. Now he has been taken out of the lineup completely for the likes of
Nick Bjugstad,
Marcus Johansson, and Nick Bonino.
Parise has just 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 44 games this year and is still due $6 million next season. It would not be surprising to see an offseason trade for the veteran forward if the team can find a partner.
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