Report: Penguins want to make a play for free agent forward Zach Parise
John Buccigross of ESPN first suggested the possibility that the Pittsburgh Penguins might make a play for free agent winger Zach Parise, late of the New Jersey Devils:
Penguins gained 2 million cap space in Staal trade. They are in position to offer front loaded contract to Zach Parise and pair him with #87—
John Buccigross (@Buccigross) June 23, 2012
…I imagine they would love to move Martin or Michalek to make that easier..—
John Buccigross (@Buccigross) June 23, 2012
Shortly thereafter, Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tweeted confirmation of sorts:
#pens will make play for Parise if they can move Martin, just was told … Team trying to clear space to find Crosby a winger—
Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) June 23, 2012
Give Penguins general manager Ray Shero credit for making the best out of a seemingly bad situation. By most accounts he received good value for center Jordan Staal, and if moving Staal ultimately helps Pittsburgh land the top forward on the free-agent market, the Pens could end up with a net gain.
UPDATE: Later on Friday night, the Penguins did indeed trade a defenseman, but it was Zbynek Michalek, to the Coyotes. The end result is the same: The team frees up more cap space to pursue a big-name free agent.
Pitt has dealt Z. Michalek to Phx in exchange for prospect Harrison Ruopp plus a 3rd-round pick this year (81st) and goalie Marc Cheverie.—
Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 23, 2012
