Now that NJD lost, both end up in Detroit
The Detroit Red Wings was the other team I thought Zach Parise and Ryan Suter could go. I just didn't go there, because it seemed so obvious to pick that team as the destination. Why? Very attractive for big league studs who want to go to a team with a great history of winning and treating their star players right, and the fact the Wings need to replace both Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom. I thought Nashville would be a gutsier pick.
Granted, Holmstrom was a niche player who used his big body to screen goalies and slurp up the garbage... he was a tip-in guy.. front doorstep. Parise is a much more creative high-end calibre of player, and Suter is no where near Lidstrom's level. Alas, he's the best defenseman available.
Detroit can afford Parise at 7-8 million since that was Lidstrom's contract. But do you want to pay that much for a guy who maybe only a 65-75 point forward? He's no world class, generational defenseman.
In a dream world, I would move Jordan Staal and have him exploited as a top line centerman, which is his natural position and the minutes alone teamed up with a Ilya Kovalchuk would allow for him to break out and meet his lofty expectations that are expected of a former 2nd overall selection. In return, we get much stronger on the wing. Parise with Sidney Crosby... would be as nice as James Neal with Evgeni Malkin.
Of course this is all dreaming. heh
I think New Jersey finds a way and retains his services. They would be idiots to let him go. He's 27 and a natural left winger who at best can get you over a point-per-game. In today's NHL, that is BIG!
For all we know, and this is how it usually goes, the player goes to the last team all the experts say... and shocks everyone. Suter to the Edmonton Oilers (hey they need more defensemen)... and Zach Parise goes to the Colorado Avalanche. Just for ____s and giggles.