The New York Islanders want veteran Zach Parise back, but he's more of a need, given their prospect pool.

When we last spoke to New York Islanders pending unrestricted free agent Zach Parise, he was undecided about his career.

"I haven't decided anything," Parise said. "I'm going to take a couple of weeks and get away from stuff for a little bit and just see where it's at, but I haven't decided anything yet.

"I think it would be here or nowhere. I just feel like that's how it would be."

Many don't know this, but when Parise put pen to paper to join the Islanders in September of 2021, his family stayed in Minnesota. The situation remained the same when he re-upped on the day of the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline -- another one-year deal. 

When Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello met with the media on Tuesday, he was asked about bringing Parise back.

"Right now, he (Parise) will he's just taking a step back and looking at what's best for his family and making a decision," Lamoriello said. "We certainly want him back. We've told him that, and we will encourage him any way we possibly can. 

"But I think each and every one of you who have seen him play enough, know what he brings. He brings not only tangibles but intangibles not only to our locker room but on the ice, and he helps a person out like me that age is only a number."

The soon-to-be 39-year-old Parise had an excellent year two on Long Island, potting 21 goals with 13 assists while playing all 82 games for the second consecutive season. 

His 21 goals were the most he's scored since 2019-20, his second-to-last season with the Minnesota Wild. His versatility was a lethal weapon for head coach Lane Lambert this season, especially as the injuries to key players started to pile up. 

He's an invaluable member of the Islanders, and with the lack of salary-cap flexibility, the Islanders currently have -- with the priority being to retain of their own free agents  -- having a veteran player at league minimum (plus bonuses) is a life savior.

While few fans are complaining about Parise's production or the willingness for Lamoriello to have him back, a portion of the fan base believes Parise may be taking playing time away from prospects.

But there needs to be an understanding of why Parise was brought in two years ago and why there's a need for him back -- not a want.

The original signing came due to a hole in the Islanders' lineup that prospects, then, couldn't fill. As we sit here today, the lack of NHL-ready talent still remains an issue. 

In 2022-23, the Islanders had four forwards make their NHL debut: Simon Holmstrom, Arnaud Durandeau, Aatu Räty, and William Dufour. 

Räty, who was viewed as the organization's top prospect, was included in the deal to acquire Bo Horvat. 

Holmstrom, 22, is the most ready of the three, having played 50 games at the NHL level. He showed off his defensive prowess but struggled to provide offense, with just six goals and three assists.

Durandeau's NHL cup of coffee lasted four games, where he showed off an active stick, but the 24-year-old failed to score on his nine shots.

Both Holmstrom and Durandeau are gearing up for their fourth season in the organization.

Dufour's cup of coffee was more like an espresso shot, playing just one game this past season against a juggernaut Boston Bruins squad, totaling 6:48 minutes. The 21-year-old right winger was thrown into the fire and got burned, being sent down following the game. 

Unfortunately for the Islanders, none of these players bring what Parise brings to the table on a nightly basis.

This off-season, the Islanders signed a pair of 20-year-old forwards to their entry-level deals: Matthew Maggio, OHL Player of the Year, and Eetu Liukas, an identity line type of forward out of Finland.

READ MORE: Catching Up With Islanders Prospect Matthew Maggio

If Parise retires, one of these younger players likely gets a vital opportunity. And who knows, maybe they will take that next step and become integral parts of this team like we saw when Hudson Fasching was recalled in late November.

But with the inability to look at the prospect pool and point out a player that is a known sure NHL asset for this upcoming season, Parise not returning would leave a significant hole.