Zach Parise, Ryan Suter still unclear about where to sign -NHL Free Agency Update
Surprisingly, some of the hottest commodities available in this year’s National Hockey League (NHL) free agency are still without contracts as New Jersey Devils’ Zach Parise and Nashville Predators’ Ryan Suter have yet to make a decision about where they
are going to be playing next season.
Parise had expressed his decision to return on the New Jersey Devils team, a club which has been his own since being drafted as the 17th overall back in 2003, but due to some unfortunate circumstances like financial issues, the two staying together
looks outright impossible now.
Veteran Devils’ goalie, Martin Brodeur, had to face a slash in his annual pay check in order to stay with New Jersey, but since it was a two-year deal, compromising was an option. But in the case of Zach Parise, the 27-year-old is definitely looking for
something long term and secure, which Devils just cannot give him at the moment.
"I'm getting closer but haven't made a decision," Parise told reporters Monday in Toronto. "I haven't set any deadlines."
It was also learned that family is playing a major role in Parise’s situation since he would have to shift from his long time home of New Jersey to another city if he manages to secure a multi-season deal with them.
Minnesota Wild had been seen as one of the teams in pursuit of Zach Parise but have not been able to work out anything significant as of yet. Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings are also said to be in contact with the player’s agent.
Ryan Suter is also going through a near identical situation at the moment, but it is not because of financial troubles the defenseman is leaving the Nashville Predators, instead, it is an issue of pride and career advancement.
Staying in Shea Weber’s status all career long will certainly not help the player and being the top level defender that he is, teams are going after him from left and right, but he still has not made up his mind.
"There will be no decision on Ryan Suter tonight and there is no timetable for his contract signing at this time," Suter's agent, Neil Sheehy, wrote in an email Monday night. "Ryan is considering his opportunities and is taking the necessary time to give
each proper consideration."
Updates should be expected on both players in the upcoming days.
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