Talk Hockey

Zach Parise isn't going to talk to the media about his contract talks any more, but the last thing he said (via the New York Post) is that he's still open to re-signing with the New Jersey Devils during the season. Now, that means two things. First off, Parise and the Devils will continue to talk throughout the season. But it also means that, if those talks are alive for the next few weeks -- and there's still a glimmer of hope that he'll stay -- Parise isn't going to be in play at the trade deadline. That's really no surprise, but now it looks like it's pretty set in stone. However, if Parise isn't re-signed before the trade deadline, talks may become less urgent, since the next real deadline is July 1, when he hits free agency.

The HockeyFanLand insight:

Zach Parise  is fully healthy and back to being a dangerous fantasy hockey asset with 48 points through 51 games this season, ( 21-27) Parise's New Jersey Devils currently sit in sixth place with 66 points in the NHL's Eastern Conference. If New Jersey is able to secure a trip to the post-season, it could be the key ingredient for convincing Zach Parise to stay with the New Jersey Devils long-term.

Critics, like ESPN's Craig Custance believe Parise will be tempted by free agency no matter what.

"He could return home and be the cornerstone Chuck Fletcher builds around in Minnesota. He can be the high-scoring winger Lombardi has long coveted in Los Angeles -- plus be the kind of high-profile star that Kings ownership has been looking for. Detroit is going to have money to spend. It all might be too much for Parise to pass up."

What do you think?

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