Parise signed - now what are the lines?
Posted 9:39 PM ET | Comments 0
Well the Devils and Zach Parise finally agreed to a 1 year deal. With the Devils opting to file for salary arbitration there was no chance that Parise could entertain an offer sheet, so him coming back was a certainty. The only question was - could they get him signed to a long term deal - and the answer right now is no.
Having said that - barring any trades the roster for 2011-12 is probably set. I do see a few roster spot battles, like for the 6th De spot and perhaps a 3rd or 4th line forward spot (will guys like Adam Henrique or Adam Larrson make the team?). But one question that immediately comes to mind is - who centers for Zach Parise?
If you recall - Parise was on a very successful line with Travis Zajac and Jamie Langenbrunner for a few years. But after Parise went down with an injury last season - Zajac moved over to center Ilya Kovalchuk and Nick Palmieri. It took a while but that line eventually became the teams most dangerous line. The 2nd line featured Patrick Elias, Danius Zubrius and the now departed Brian Rolston.
My guess is that coach Peter DeBoer keeps Zajac with Kovy to start, and slots Parise in with Elias and Zubrus. I also think that Adam Henrique will make the team as a 3rd line wing, playing with Clarkson and Steckel. What do you think?
Having said that - barring any trades the roster for 2011-12 is probably set. I do see a few roster spot battles, like for the 6th De spot and perhaps a 3rd or 4th line forward spot (will guys like Adam Henrique or Adam Larrson make the team?). But one question that immediately comes to mind is - who centers for Zach Parise?
If you recall - Parise was on a very successful line with Travis Zajac and Jamie Langenbrunner for a few years. But after Parise went down with an injury last season - Zajac moved over to center Ilya Kovalchuk and Nick Palmieri. It took a while but that line eventually became the teams most dangerous line. The 2nd line featured Patrick Elias, Danius Zubrius and the now departed Brian Rolston.
My guess is that coach Peter DeBoer keeps Zajac with Kovy to start, and slots Parise in with Elias and Zubrus. I also think that Adam Henrique will make the team as a 3rd line wing, playing with Clarkson and Steckel. What do you think?