The 27-year-old is expected to be the most coveted prize of the NHL's off-season and for former Rangers GM Neil Smith, who saw Parise's prowess in the 2010 Olympics, he would most likely make acquiring the Devils' captain is top priority if he were still GM.
"Clutch is a good word -- he is a clutch player," Smith, who was the Rangers' GM in 1994, when they last won the Stanley Cup, told the paper. "He's a guy you can count on being there in tough games. He comes through for you in very difficult situations where other skilled players that are great goal-scorers may not come through. With the Rangers, he'd fit in nicely."
While the Rangers and GM Glen Sather declined to comment on their possible pursuit of Parise through a spokesperson, the team is expected to make a play for him, as it would have more than $16 million worth of room under the cap next season.
Their need for offense also increases the likelihood that the Rangers would go after Parise, who has scored at least 31 in five of his seven NHL seasons.
"He would actually be exactly what the Rangers need," Gus Katsaros, the scouting director of McKeen's Hockey, told the paper, "a nice, sweet injection of offensive ability."
Several teams are expected to chase Parise, though, which could drive up his price tag. While the Detroit Red Wings are likely to be big players, Parise could choose to return home to Minnesota and sign with the Wild.
The Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks are also likely to go after Parise, should he hit the open market.
But, with the Devils still standing, still playing for a shot at the Stanley Cup, Parise may remain loyal to the team that selected him in the first round in 2003.
