$8 mill, really? I think that is a definite overpayment. If he gets offers for over $8, I would be shocked. I thought $8 is the absolute most he will be offered, I was thinking more along the lines of $7.25-$7.5 cap hit at most...
I said $8 million or less, which makes me and you share the same line of thought here. Let's not forget that this playoff run has certainly raised eyebrows when it comes to Parise and other Devils players. His value, unfortunately for us, will go up.
The Devils cannot use the argument in negotiation with Parise saying "Hey, you're our captain, but didn't win us anything..." He could reply, "My first year back from a major injury and I help us get to the SCF...what's your point..."
Any real hockey guy that thinks with his hockey wit and his hockey wallet won't give Parise $8 million per or more because, quite frankly, I have yet to see a game this playoffs where Parise has single handedly made the difference on the scoreboard.
He has backchecked tremendously and played with a lot of heart and courage, yes. I cannot contest that. However, people don't buy $150 average seats to see a guy backcheck and block shots. They want to see a guy break four players and score big goals. I'm afraid Parise has yet to show that.
I wouldn't be surprised if the following teams make a pitch (I've put them in a order of "favorites" to land him)...NY Islanders (build around Tavares and Parise) / Detroit / Minnesota / Nashville / Vancouver (if Luongo goes bye bye).
Guys, I would be absolutely flabbergasted if the Rangers made a pitch for Parise. Ryan Callahan is a poor man's version of Parise, and having two players with similar skill sets on a team that is in need of "difference makers" would not be a good fit. So, don't worry about that.
