On September 10th 2021, it was announced that 1x All Star Forward Zach Parise would sign with the Islanders on a 1 Year, $750,000 contract. A year and a half later, it is looking like a bargain compared to other contracts around the league.

Zach Parise has been in the NHL since 2005-06 and has played for teams like the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, and this is now his second year as a New York Islander.

Last year, he recorded 15 goals, 20 assists which was good for 35 points in 82 games, which made it no surprise to see General Manager Lou Lamoriello extend him on another 1 Year, $750,000 contract.

Around the league, $750,000 is referred to as the veteran minimum, meaning Zach Parise was making the lowest money he could possibly make on an NHL contract. However, he is 38 years of age so it makes sense why he is making the money he is making.

So far this season, you can see why the case can be made that his contract is among one of the best value wise in the National Hockey League, and why it should be talked about more.

In 59 games so far, he has 15 goals, 7 assists and 22 points, and those 15 goals already match his total from last season. However, production is not the only thing he brings to the team.

Zach is the hardest worker on the team and gives it his all every shift, can play on any line, and also is on the second Power Play unit, and he kills penalties time from time. He also is a tremendous mentor to young players like Oliver Wahlstrom, Simon Holmstrom, and Mathew Barzal.

We can see what he does for the Islanders, but what can you see when you compare him across the rest of the league?

So far, there are 116 players that have played a game this year that is making $750,000. Out of those 116, Zach Parise is tied for first in goals with Seattle Kraken forward Daniel Sprong, and is third in points behind Daniel Sprong, and Washington Capitals forward Sonny Milano. Zach is also seventh among qualified forwards in Points per Games Played with a 0.37.

If the Islanders continue to push for the playoffs, Zach Parise’s Veteran Leadership and what he brings on the ice makes him a very valuable player for them, and could be considered one of the more valuable players around the league.