On Tuesday morning, Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement following a 19-year NHL career that was nothing short of incredible.
Boston had awaited Bergeron’s decision ever since their season came to an abrupt end in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now that they know the six-time Selke Award winner has skated his last shift, the Bruins can officially turn the page and move forward.
In a similar situation, the New York Islanders are still awaiting the same decision from Zach Parise.
Parise played in his 18th NHL season in 2022-23 for the Islanders and showed no signs of slowing down. At age-38, Parise played in all 82 games during the regular season, plus six in the playoffs, while scoring 20 goals and contributing on both special teams units for New York.
However, once the year came to a close, Parise wasn’t sure if he’d come back for another season.
“Since day one, we all have that dream of chasing the Cup,” Parise said on May 1. “That’s no different if you’re 18 or you’re 38 like I am. We’re always chasing that thing, so that’s always a draw. And, honestly, you just enjoy being around these people so much that it’s a huge draw. On the flip side, it’s no doubt it’s been hard being away from the family and being away from your kids for a couple of years. That’s hard. There’s a lot of different things that play into it.”
Parise did state that if he were to play next year, it would only be for the Islanders, who are ready to welcome the veteran forward back with open arms.
“Zach will always fit on this roster,” said Islanders’ president of hockey operations and general manager Lou Lamoriello during a July 1 media availability. “We know his situation… We’ll have an answer [on his decision] in the very near future.”
In the four-plus weeks since Lamoriello’s comments, there hasn’t been any formal announcement of Parise’s future. Meanwhile, the Islanders have made several moves that will make his return difficult.
While Parise has contemplated his decision, the Islanders have re-signed Oliver Wahlstrom and added Julien Gauthier. Along with Simon Holmstrom, both will compete for the vacant spot on the third line that has been left in Parise’s wake. If he does choose to come back for another year, Parise will surely lower the three younger forwards on the depth chart while likely stunting each of their development and confidence.
At the same time, the moves the Islanders have made this summer have pushed their payroll beyond the salary cap. Now, even on a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum, they can no longer afford to bring Parise back.
After nearly two decades in the league, Parise has all the right in the world to take his time while deciding whether or not he still wants to be playing hockey at 39 years old. However, his time is starting to run, out as the Islanders may have already begun moving forward without him.
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