Zach Parise makes final decision on future after signing with Avalanche

The only player Parise knew on the 2023-24 Avalanche coming in was Jack Johnson; the two played prep school together in Faribault, Minnesota, per Gulitti.

Playing third line minutes — he’s averaging 12:44 through five games — Parise already has his first goal with the team, and has added 10 shots, three hits and five blocks.

“It’s been great,” Parise said of the transition. “System-wise things are a little different than what I had been playing, but it’s pretty simple to learn. It’s great to be back playing. … Of course, there’s things you get so accustomed to doing routine-wise and you’ve got to hop back into that pretty quickly.”

And his new coach is taking notice.

“He’s looked pretty good,” Jared Bednar explained. “Another guy, just a veteran guy that understands the game, plays the right way for 200 feet. He’s chipped in a little bit offensively. He’s doing a nice job on the defensive side of things. Obviously, took care of himself really well and was prepping to get ready to play, so physically he’s there. That experience, it’s hard to teach that.”

A veteran of 1,229 regular-season games, Zach Parise has accumulated 430 goals and 880 points, while adding another 80 points in 111 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

He advanced to the Stanley Cup Final with the New Jersey Devils in 2012, eventually losing to the Los Angeles Kings in six games. He hasn’t been past the second round since, and will have one more chance with the team that captured Lord Stanley two years ago.

“I have a lot and I’ll give everything to whatever role, whatever situation they put me in. Wherever they throw me, I’ll give it everything I’ve got. That hasn’t changed. But I’m grateful to be given the opportunity.”