Oilers: Why not add Zach Parise to the lineup for 2021-22?
By Jim Lynch
The Edmonton Oilers are in the market for some help in the bottom six, maybe Zach Parise could help the team out.
Zach Parise was bought out by Minnesota Wild a few days ago, adding the veteran winger might be a good option for the Edmonton Oilers as they try and take the next step on their current championship window.
This team needs depth. Edmonton is without some depth, it was the reason they struggled in the postseason and it is something that needs to change this coming season. Now one would imagine players want to win a Stanley Cup, and they should be able to recognize what the Oilers have going on. This team is just a piece or two away from going on a deep run.
The New York Islanders FanSided Site Eyes On Isles had an article talking about why they should sign Zach Parise, and they said the contract would be just over a million for a season. If I was the Oilers I would offer him two million for the next season or two to help contribute to the team. Here are a few reasons why.
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A versatile winger that would make everyone else around him better:
Parise is a great forward. He has been in the NHL for a handful of seasons but has never won the Stanley Cup. He is definitely chasing the championship now that he is out of Minnesota and I bet he will do anything to win.
He is a few years removed from putting up over 60 plus points in the regular season and he is someone that I think would be great on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Leon Draisaitl. Edmonton needs to add some different talented wingers to play with their stars. If they can spread out McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nugent-Hopkins on three different lines then the depth will already be better for the future of the team. Now all they need to do is find some of the guys that can play along with their stars.
A team-friendly deal should definitely be on the table:
Parise is chasing a championship as I said before. He got his money from Minnesota the past handful of years. Now it is his turn to chase a championship. When you look at Edmonton’s roster their has to be a definitive feeling that this group is ready to be better. They have some of the best players in the world, now they just need to add a few extra guys.
Time to address the forward group:
This offseason, the Oilers went out and traded for Duncan Keith. They haven’t really addressed the holes on their offence yet. Adding Parise would give the team someone who can play up and down their lineup that has been a top guy before. I know he is older, but he has never played with someone as skilled as McDavid before, I am sure he will be like coming out of a fountain of youth after playing on the same line as McDavid for one year.