Top Signings made by Hockey Teams during the Offseason –NHL Special Part 1
Excitement and mystery are two words that could perfectly describe the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) offseason as a number of players made some moves that shocked the entire world while the lockout was not discussed as much, but was obviously in the
back of everyone’s mind.
It was interesting to see a number of transitions some players made over that time period after their contracts came to an end on July 1st, 2012, following the regular season and playoffs, signalling an intense free agent market to kick off with
teams scuffling left and right to get their hands on the best of the best.
Here are some of the top signings made during this year’s offseason, in no specific order.
Zach Parise to Minnesota Wild
This was probably the biggest moment of awe in the entire process as the now former New Jersey Devils captain, Zach Parise, signed on to a huge 14-year, $96 million contract with the Minnesota Wild at his peak after just reaching the Stanley Cup Finals with
the New Jersey franchise and nearly winning.
New Jersey lost to the Los Angeles Kings, but hockey took over the city of the Devils as fans had been waiting for a turnaround after a disappointing 2010-2011 regular season in which Devils failed to make it.
Parise making a transition was the last thing anyone could have thought, but at the end of the day, he turned out to be the shocker as the former 17th overall draft pick of the Devils is finally going to be playing for another team. One of the
biggest factors that can be termed to have influenced his decision to join the Wild franchise is certainly family and he, himself being a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota; it was not hard to see why.
Last season, Zach Parise picked up 69 points (31 goals, 38 assists) in all 82 games played and is one of the most consistent players in the league with tons of playoff experience as well, which should definitely be a major factor in boosting the Wild team.
Ryan Suter to Minnesota Wild
Zach Parise was one player everyone knew at one point would eventually move, but thinking Ryan Suter would also make the move was definitely not on the radar at one point during the offseason.
He just looked really content with long time friend and Nashville Predators captain, Shea Weber, but it now turns out that Suter was looking for the ability to lead and actually take charge instead of being a wingman.
Minnesota make a huge acquirement by bringing on board Ryan Suter, with an identical contract to that of Zach Paris’, showing the world just how valuable they really think he is.
He had seven goals and 39 assists (46 points) with the Nashville Predators last season in 79 games, along with putting up one goal and three assists in 10 playoff matchups.
To be continued in Part 2....
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