The Minnesota Wild franchise is at a crossroads. The team hasn't been to the playoffs in four seasons and the fan base is becoming restless. Next year's team will contain names such as Zucker, Granlund, Coyle, Brodin, Larsson and Phillips. That is at least six rookies that will vie for playing time. With money to spend, reports of the return of Zach Parise to the state of hockey are beginning, or continuing to heat up.
"I don't think anybody is going to pay more than they're willing to pay," Lou Nanne told FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich. "After things that I heard, I am certain the Wild are going to make a stronger push for Parise than anybody else."
Nanne believes the Wild will make a strong play for both Parise as well as Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter. The return of Parise would give the Wild the shot in the arm it needs adding a superstar presence alongside of Dany Heatley and Mikko Koivu.
"At first I thought Parise would not come back if he didn't win the Cup," said Nanne. Or (he) wouldn't come here because he'd have the taste of getting so close that he would try to go to a team that he thought had a better chance than the Wild right now to win the Cup.
New Jersey has been unable to sign Parise to a long term contract making the top goal scorer in the 2012 NHL playoffs the must have free-agent on the market.
