This will be a short entry. It was just reported now by Lou Lamoriello that Zach Parise's return has been pushed back to mid-March at the earliest and he might not play again this season. Parise will only see the doctor again in March and will then only get clearance to skate. So, unless the Devils miraculously make the playoffs, Parise will likely return in mid to late March .
Parise's knee is healing fine and on schedule for a possible February return, but it might be a case where the doctor preferred Parise rest the knee for an extra month. The Doctor likely decided to er on the side of caution. Parise's injury was the biggest blow to the Devils chances of turning the season around back in early November when he suffered the injury. The Devils were not the same since and their goal scoring slumps continued.
Parise is recovering from a torn meniscus in his knee. He is slated to become a Restricted Free Agent this Summer 2011 and there has not been any dialogue for a contract extension yet. It is very crucial for the Devils to sign Parise to a long-term deal, but this time they have to be very careful not to circumvent the NHL salary cap like they did with Ilya Kovalchuk this past Summer or else consequences will be more severe. Other NHL Teams will line-up for offer sheets for his services. Once an offer sheet is signed, the Devils will have 7 business days to match the offer or lose Parise to that team. The Devils will be awarded huge compensation and multiple first round picks as well as second and third rounders from the team that signs him to that offer sheet. Based on their struggles this year, it will be very difficult for them to sign him to an extension, but I do not imagine Parise leaving the Devils. My guess something gets done in the summer and he should be priority number one.
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