Avalanche add depth with veteran forward
Veteran forward Zach Parise adds depth to the Avalanche's bottom six.
Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports - Avalanche add depth with veteran forwardThe Colorado Avalanche signed forward Zach Parise to a one-year contract for $825,000 on Friday, the organization announced.
Parise was previously with the New York Islanders for the last two seasons where he tallied 69 points (36G/33A) and participated in all 82 games both seasons.
“We are excited to add Zach to our group,” GM Chris MacFarland said. “Over his impressive NHL career, Zach has always been a highly competitive and driven forward who is hard to play against. We look forward to adding his veteran presence to our locker room.”
The 39-year-old spent nine seasons with the Minnesota Wild before his two seasons with the Islanders. Parise accumulated 400 points (199G/201A) in 558 games with the Wild.
The Minneapolis, Minnesota native was drafted 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2003. He earned 410 points (194G/216A) in 502 games while with the Devils from 2005-12.
In total, Parise has skated in 1,224 career NHL games and has earned 879 points. He tallied 80 points (37G/43A) in 111 career postseason games.
Parise is third in most games played by an American-born player trailing only Ryan Suter (1,410) and Joe Pavelski (1,298). He's played for Team USA twice at the Winter Olympic games in 2010 and 2014.
The 5-foot-11 forward adds depth to the Avalanche's bottom six and an additional veteran presence in the locker room.