Avalanche sign F Zach Parise to 1-year contract

Zach Parise, an 18-year NHL veteran, signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche on Friday.

Parise, 39, who hasn't played since the end of last season, is under contract for the rest of the season. He's 21 points away from 900 for his career.

"We are excited to add Zach to our group," Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said. "Over his impressive NHL career, Zach has always been a highly competitive and driven forward who is hard to play against. We look forward to adding his veteran presence to our locker room."

Parise was a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) by the New Jersey Devils in the 2003 draft. He has 879 points (429 goals, 450 assists) in 1,224 games for the Devils (2005-12), Minnesota Wild (2012-21) and New York Islanders (2021-23).

In 111 career playoff games, the former All-Star has 37 goals and 80 points. Parise is also one of 13 players born in the United States to scored 400 NHL goals.