Adding Zach Parise at this juncture of the season is the type of under-the-radar move that could elevate the Avalanche’s depth. He’s not the top-line player he was a half-decade ago. But at 39 years old, Parise still provides a lot of what the team needs.
Parise played two full 82-game seasons with the New York Islanders following his buyout from Minnesota. Last year, he had 21 goals and 36 points while playing 16:08 per game. It’s quite the workload for a veteran nearing the age of 40, but he’s proven to be reliable in that regard.
He had as many shorthanded points (three) as power-play goals in 2022-23. He moved up and down the lineup on Long Island and was a key piece of their penalty kill and second power-play unit — where the Avs currently roll out three defensemen.
The Avs will likely deploy Parise in a bottom-six-depth role. But given their lack of top-six options the past two seasons — especially when injuries arise — it’s not unlikely that he’ll see top-six minutes, too. If Valeri Nichushkin’s absence stretches into February, Parise likely could find himself on the wing alongside center Ryan Johansen and winger Artturi Lehkonen.
The veteran forward will be made available to the media on Monday and is expected to practice with many of his teammates in Denver during the lengthy break. The plan, as of now, is for Parise to debut following the All-Star weekend when Colorado begins a six-game east coast road trip against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Parise isn’t the only move general manager Chris MacFarland is expected to make to bolster the roster. But given the low cost (a reported $825,000), and the lack of assets necessary to acquire him, it’s a solid addition.
It’s up to the Avs to fit him into their lineup in an appropriate role. It’s up to Parise to deliver.
And if all goes well, he could be the next veteran to find his way to Colorado late in his career to win Lord Stanley’s Cup.