The top two targets in free agency have finally found a mutual home: longtime Nashville Predators blueliner Ryan Suter and New Jersey Devils offensive stalwart Zach Parise have both agreed to terms with the suddenly relevant Minnesota Wild. The pair evidently
signed matching 13-year, $98M contracts
Anytime a premier forward departs the Eastern Conference is cause for celebration in Sunrise; Minneapolis native Parise is no exception though his all-time regular season numbers against the Panthers (7G-10A in 24GP, 1GWG) aren’t nearly as frightening as I had anticipated, nor were the 4 points he collected in the 2012 playoffs vs. Florida: 1-1 in a Devils loss, with the other goal (a “gamewinner”) coming in a 4-0 New Jersey blowout on April 19.
Happily, Suter’s 1G-5A in nine career games against the Cats remain safely ensconced out West.
Consider the free agent floodgates now wide open as an unofficial “second round” of UFA signings should be imminent. Have a safe and happy holiday, all 🙂
UPDATE: Local reaction to the signings from In Lou We Trust, On The Forecheck, and Hockey Wilderness.