Penguins hope Crosby connection scores with Parise
The Pittsburgh Penguins are playing a big role in the Zach Parise Watch. With what is believed to be a 12-year, $96 million offer, the Penguins are attempting to make Parise the richest free agent in the history of Pittsburgh sports.
He is fielding offers from the Penguins, New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. His choice is simple. Parise can go home to Minnesota and make the most money, remain loyal to the Devils and be a New Jersey icon for taking less money to stay, or take the Penguins' competitive offer and play on Sidney Crosby's line for the next decade.
Parise has taken longer than expected to make his decision, but then, for the 27-year-old, this is a life-altering decision.
Sources close to Parise have said that he is feeling guilt for considering a departure from New Jersey. However, those same sources have said that Parise is "extremely intrigued" about the idea of playing with Crosby and the potent Pengunis.
Parise and Crosby have been close friends for a decade. Both attended the same prep school in Minnesota, St. Mary's-Chattuck.
The Penguins are quietly confident that they will land Parise and are hoping for the best. Should they fail to secure him, they will turn their attention to another prominent free agent, defenseman Ryan Suter.
However, for the Penguins, this month is all about attempting to land Parise. They have long wanted to get Crosby a long term, star winger. This is their best chance.
With Parise, the Penguins would boast the best line in hockey last season -- Chris Kunitz, Evgeni Malkin and James Neal -- as their second unit.
