While it didn't come as a big surprise, the Minnesota Wild chose to buyout the contract of Zach Parise at the end of the 2020-21 season, one in which he had just seven goals and 18 points in 45 games while carrying a cap hit of $7,538,462 million.
Prior to the buyout, it was clear there was some friction between Parise and head coach Dean Evason. Regardless of what happened there, Parise is on to new beginnings, and while nothing has been confirmed there have been rumors from very trusted insiders that he has a deal in place with the New York Islanders. The 36-year-old said on Tuesday that he was shocked by the buyout at the time, things since have been «really good».
«I haven't been this excited heading into a season in awhile,» Parise admitted. «I've been here for a long time and sometimes a chance of scenery is good.»
Assuming the Islanders rumors are in fact legitimate, Parise will have a good chance to compete for his first ever Stanley Cup. Though he isn't the player he used to be, he brings a ton of leadership having played over 1000 NHL games and recording north of 800 points. He was also served as the captain of the New Jersey Devils during the 2011-12 season and served as an alternate for all nine seasons he played with the Wild.
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