Zach Parise has signed with the Colorado Avalanche after hinting that it would be the New York Islanders or nowhere at the end of last season.
Zach Parise has signed with the Colorado Avalanche after hinting that it would be the New York Islanders or nowhere at the end of last season.
EAST MEADOW, NY — "I think it would be here or nowhere, but I just feel like that's how it would be."
Those were the words of Zach Parise during his end-of-the-season press conference after the New York Islanders were eliminated from the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Parise did want to take time to be with his family before making a decision, as his wife and kids didn’t travel to Long Island with him when he signed in the summer of 2021.
Two years away from them took a toll on him.
"It's been tough being away from the family and being away from the kids for a couple of years. That's hard," Parise said.
While Parise praised his teammates, calling them a major draw on why he’d want to come back to the island, the veteran also had visions of hoisting a Stanley Cup.
“Since day one, we all have that dream of chasing the cup, you know what I mean? And that's no different if you're 18 or you're 38 like I am," Parise said. "I mean, we're all chasing that thing. So that's always a draw."
When training camp rolled around, Parise hadn’t made a decision, but Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said that there would always be a place for him.
"The door was always open," Lamoriello said. "And I think everybody knows the relationship that I have with Zach, from when he was 17 years old, and I understand, appreciate, and respect the decision where he's at. But I think that when you have a player like that, who loves the game, the way he looked and had the success he had and what he did for the team, it's a tough thing for him to make that decision, so you allow him to go as long as you possibly can without pressing or asking."
But, sometimes other doors open, and ultimately, Parise has chosen to join the Colorado Avalanche, as he’ll begin his 19th NHL season shortly in hopes that their season will end with a Stanley Cup.
That decision wasn’t a shock as it had been reported a few days prior:
At 39, this is likely it for the grizzled veteran.
As for the Islanders fans who are upset by Parise’s decision — after he said Islanders or nowhere — don’t be.
Parise gave his all while donning the Blue & Orange for two seasons, winning the Bobby Nystrom Award twice and producing as well, with 36 goals and 33 assists in 164 games.
If the Islanders had been safe in a playoff spot, one would think Parise would have been back on the island for a third season.
Even with Patrick Roy here and the belief that the tide of this shaky season could be turned, Parise wants to win and win right now, especially if this season is his last.
That's the reality of the situation.
The Avalanche give Parise a strong chance of accomplishing the goal every player sets when entering the league, and his style and skills make him a perfect fit for that team.