Parise Signing Not As Easy As It Looks

News today rang out across the land that there is "no way" Zach Parise signs with the New York Rangers. The soon to be unrestricted free agent straight up said today he would never sign with the Devils rival team across the Hudson. Shocker! Even though Parise has also stated that he would like to stay with New Jersey, it doesn't make the deal as easy as it may look. I'm not saying Zach Parise won't sign with New Jersey, as it is always possible. But from the outside, there are many more factors involved in this deal than just what both sides say.

The first issue is, of course, money. Some people around hockey are saying his contract could be somewhere in the 9 million dollar range per year. The Devils, even though having made good money during their lengthy playoff run and possibly having ownership coming soon, still owe money and aren't considered the most stable franchise at this time. Forbes has stated the team owes 80 million dollars to banks this upcoming summer and as of last November had racked up 250 million dollars in debt. Who knows what is going on over there....the main thing is Parise will want plenty of money. Will he be able to get that in New Jersey? That is to be guessed upon in the next few weeks. Parise also has stated it's possible he could be signed before July 1st, but it's not definite. 

Another issue is the other teams interested. By this point, everyone, including Parise and the Devils, know who is interested and willing to fight for him. Not a shocker the Rangers won't have a chance to sign him, however, they have other interests vested at this point anyway. Still, there are 28 other teams besides the Rangers and Devils. What about the Detroit Red Wings. They are a Cup contending team nearly every year with a stable franchise and about $20 million in upcoming cap room. Plus the fact they are also heavy on acquiring Ryan Suter as an unrestricted free agent too. The combination already there plus adding these two stars would sure make a top caliber team for years to come. Michigan is also near Parise's home state of Minnesota. 

Another team willing to go to war over Parise will be the Minnesota Wild. Parise is from Minnesota and still has strong ties back to his home. He hadn't ruled out the possibility of returning home as of earlier in the year. The Wild are also on record of saying they will outbid every other team for Parise, no matter what the cost is.Wild owner Craig Leipold and general manager Chuck Fletcher have made it clear they want Parise and again, are willing to outbid any contender. That sounds like it could be some ridiculous money. If Parise wants to have more money than he can dream of plus live in his hometown, Minnesota will surely be willing to have him. They aren't the greatest team in the league at this point but have some strong names. If Parise was to go there, he would be the centerpiece to build around. 

The last team who could even land Parise is, yes, the team that just beat the Devils for the Stanley Cup. The Los Angeles Kings are always looking for a big gun to add to their roster and with some work, they could fit Parise in. Moving cap space has never been a huge issue for general manager Dean Lombardi. The Kings are full of stars already and with warm weather and sun all year round, Parise could be lured. 

In the end, it's going to be what Parise wants. Yes, there is a strong chance he does stick with the Devils and captain them for years to come. However, there are many more factors than what it seems. The main issue is definitely going to be money. It's unlikely Parise will take a paycut as last year he saw the Devils throw $100 million at Ilya Kovalchuk. At this point, all we really know is that it's going to be an interesting few weeks heading into the June 23rd draft and July 1st free agency period.