Eklund: Watch Josh Rimer's Exclusive Interview With Zach Parise NOW.

Thanks Ek,
It sure sounds like he wants this process done more than anyone. It also sounds like he's giving Lou every opportunity to match what's coming his way.

Great interview by Josh Rimmer. By being respectful and asking adroit questions he got a lot of information. I think the most interesting points are:

He talks to Lamarillo several times everyday.

He was cautious in saying that it was possible he could end up playing with Suter.

He and Suter are regularly talking.

He talked positively but vaguely about playing in Minnesota.

Can't really figure out how he is leaning. Struck me that it is possible that both Suter and Parise decide to sign with their original teams. Beyond that I do not think that there is anything in the interview that suggests one team has been able blow any of the other teams away with a staggering offer. In fact, my guess is that you have as many as four teams (Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburg) all making essentially the same offer for both term and dollars as wellas signing bonus. This is further complicated by Lamarillo saying he will match the best offer.

In a situation like this, it is not about the money. It really comes down to where he would like tp play.

I think Parise thought going into this the Devils weren't going to be able to come close to other offers and he would be able to act like he gave the Devils an opprotunity but at the end of the day it is a business. Then Lou came to him and explained that he is the Captain and face of the franchise and there is no price tag that will keep the Devils from keeping him. Which makes it more difficult on Zach because if he were to leave it wouldn't be a business move it would be just straight up he would rather play somewhere else, which is hard to say when your the Captain of the team that drafted you and have fans in NJ by the thousands watching and pleading for him to come back along with the managment. The fact that its taking hiim this long worries me as a Devils fan, I just hope Lou has already spoken to Semin and can pull the trigger on that moments after Zachs decision if its not in our favor. Zach is a great player and person but is by far the most over rated player to ever hit free agency. 100 million plus? For a guy whos cracked 40 once in his career and that came BEFORE missing a SEASON to a knee injury. The Devils want him for his leadership and puck pursuit he is very tenacious and will get to the puck and dish it to Kovy or Henrique thats all its not because he is a beast of goal scorer or clutch goal scorer. In fact he usually doesn't score a point in big games. Tough Call. As a Devils die hard it would be hard to see him go but would be totally okay with him leaving if we were to Sign and re-sign Semin and Sykora, and since we have 7 D on a one way contract maybe trade Tallinder, Taromina and Zubrus for a big puck moving D

I think Parise thought going into this the Devils weren't going to be able to come close to other offers and he would be able to act like he gave the Devils an opprotunity but at the end of the day it is a buisness. Then Lou came to him and explained that he is the Captain and face of the franchise and there is no price tag that will keep the Devils from keeping him. Which makes it more difficult on Zach because if he were to leave it wouldn't be a buisness move it would be just straight up he would rather play somewhere else, which is hard to say when your the Captain of the team that drafted you and have fans in NJ by the thousands watching and pleading for him to come back along with the managment. The fact that its taking hiim this long worries me as a Devils fan, I just hope Lou has already spoken to Semin and can pull the trigger on that moments after Zachs decision if its not in our favor. Zach is a great player and person but is by far the most over rated player to ever hit free agency. 100 million plus? For a guy whos cracked 40 once in his career and that came BEFORE missing a SEASON to a knee injury. The Devils want him for his leadership and puck pursuit he is very tenacious and will get to the puck and dish it to Kovy or Henrique thats all its not because he is a beast of goal scorer or clutch goal scorer. In fact he usually doesn't score a point in big games. Tough Call. As a Devils die hard it would be hard to see him go but would be totally okay with him leaving if we were to Sign and re-sign Semin and Sykora, and since we have 7 D on a one way contract maybe trade Tallinder, Taromina and Zubrus for a big puck moving D
- Jeff_121

Pretty good assessment. Parise has been a good player in the context of the game played by the Devils. But, there have been a few Devils who have been signed by other teams who have failed to meet expectations. Parise is obviously not a Gomez. But UFA contracts have a history of becoming problematic for the teams that chase them.

I don't see Parise going in division at all. He said (frank) NYR, so I'd assume he wouldn't (frank) NJ or their fans over by going to Pitt or Philly, I think those two teams are just wishful thinking.

Out of the 4 teams, it's either Minn or NJ.

Don't count out teams who you've heard little to nothing from either. I highly doubt it, but I wouldn't be too surprised.

But once again, Minny or NJ.

Great interview by Josh Rimmer. By being respectful and asking adroit questions he got a lot of information. I think the most interesting points are:

He talks to Lamarillo several times everyday.

He was cautious in saying that it was possible he could end up playing with Suter.

He and Suter are regularly talking.

He talked positively but vaguely about playing in Minnesota.

Can't really figure out how he is leaning. Struck me that it is possible that both Suter and Parise decide to sign with their original teams. Beyond that I do not think that there is anything in the interview that suggests one team has been able blow any of the other teams away with a staggering offer. In fact, my guess is that you have as many as four teams (Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburg) all making essentially the same offer for both term and dollars as wellas signing bonus. This is further complicated by Lamarillo saying he will match the best offer.

In a situation like this, it is not about the money. It really comes down to where he would like tp play.
- spatso

That interview was terrible. The host could have asked Parise his favorite flavor of ice cream and Parise would say he couldnt disclose and he is narrowing it down.

Can you tell us how many flavors you like? No, that wouldnt be fair to the other flavors.

No wonder the Devils couldnt win the SC, this guy is a Puddy cat.

That interview was terrible. The host could have asked Parise his favorite flavor of ice cream and Parise would say he couldnt disclose and he is narrowing it down.

Can you tell us how many flavors you like? No, that wouldnt be fair to the other flavors.

No wonder the Devils couldnt win the SC, this guy is a Puddy cat.
- Daman

Actually, he got a great deal of hard information by using a very probing and respectful style. We know that Parise is talking with Lamerillo and Suter frequently. We did not know that before. We know that the process has proved more complex and difficult than Parise expected. We know the decision is not imminent and may go beyond today. Please go back and listen again, I think you may have missed somethng. Sometimes people don't hear what is being said because they are just listening to hear what they want to hear.

Actually, he got a great deal of hard information by using a very probing and respectful style. We know that Parise is talking with Lamerillo and Suter frequently. We did not know that before. We know that the process has proved more complex and difficult than Parise expected. We know the decision is not imminent and may go beyond today. Please go back and listen again, I think you may have missed somethng. Sometimes people don't hear what is being said because they are just listening to hear what they want to hear.
- spatso

You had zero clue before and zero clue now. Just like everyone else. Even Parise doesnt know. I think his favorite ice cream would have been a good question..lat least it would be something to talk about.

You had zero clue before and zero clue now. Just like everyone else. Even Parise doesnt know. I think his favorite ice cream would have been a good question..lat least it would be something to talk about.
- Daman

But, that is the point. He does not know. He is struggling to make a decision. I thought Rimmer did a great job of drawing that out. If your interest is just what the final decision is finally going to be, don't worry, you did not miss anything, he hasn't decided. Stick around somebody will tell you when it happens.

Great picture

per espn parise and suter to make decision tomorrow

per espn parise and suter to make decision tomorrow
- dmarsden2988

My guess is, it leaks out today.... 4th of July BBQ, tons of beer with people probably asking him where. By the time he finishes a case, I'm sure it will have slipped out....

Use of "Minny" as reference to the state of MN or its sports teams.

PLEASE STOP.

Signed, Minnesota natives

Use of "Minny" as reference to the state of MN or its sports teams.

PLEASE STOP.

Signed, Minnesota natives
- mikkohermosa

That's weird. I always thought of Parise as a little minny mouse. Weird if he plays in 'Sota

Use of "Minny" as reference to the state of MN or its sports teams.

PLEASE STOP.

Signed, Minnesota natives
- mikkohermosa

That's weird. I always thought of Parise as a little minny mouse. Weird if he plays in 'Sota

Use of "Minny" as reference to the state of MN or its sports teams.

PLEASE STOP.

Signed, Minnesota natives
- mikkohermosa

Is it okay if we call people from Minneapolis, Minnies?

I think the neatest part is that you hear from a lot of players. You have a lot of friends throughout the league, that's for sure, but you hear from a lot of captains from a lot of teams that want to offer advice or answer questions. They've all been really good and helpful. They all just want to give you information. ... They've been really helpful. Things like that make a big difference

Hmm, so which teams out there have American Captains?

Is it okay if we call people from Minneapolis, Minnies?
- Scooby_Doo

Yes. I approve.

Signed,
From St. Paul

I think a nice day in the sun with his family on a beautiful Minnesota lake will help lean Mr Parise in the right direction

Use of "Minny" as reference to the state of MN or its sports teams.

PLEASE STOP.

Signed, Minnesota natives
- mikkohermosa

I don't mind! Go ahead guys, it's been our nickname for to long to try and drop it

I think a nice day in the sun with his family on a beautiful Minnesota lake will help lean Mr Parise in the right direction
- Tweaterben

Lots of chatter that they are both going to the Wild.
Would be great if they did.