"If it does happen to get to Sunday, that's by no means saying I don't want to go back to New Jersey," Parise said.
"I know the perception would be, 'Oh, he wants out.' But that's not the case. I haven't been lying. I've said all along how much I like playing in New Jersey. So that wouldn't be me saying, 'I don't want to play there anymore.' "
Parise is set to become the most coveted free agent forward on the market, with top teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Minnesota Wild pushing to acquire the top-scorer.
While Parise revealed that he was not interested in moving to the other side of the Hudson River to play for the New York Rangers, the rivals might still be in the mix if they offer a hefty contract.
Meanwhile, team owner Jeff Vanderbeek is looking to get financial help to guarantee Parise more security, though many don't expect a solution to come prior to the start of free agency on Sunday.
Parise, who earned $6 million this past season, collected 31 goals and 38 assists for 69 points in 82 games with the Devils. Due to his production and leadership, interested teams could potentially offer him a long-term deal that average $9 million or $10 million annually.
Though it appears that Parise will test the market this weekend, neither he nor GM Lou Lamoriello would comment on the situation.
"I can't comment on that," he said. "But if it does get to July 1st it's going to be a bit overwhelming."
