The New York Islanders and Parise make it official, announce that a contract has been signed

The New York Islanders have finally made things official with UFA forward Zach Parise, agreeing to terms on a contract, though no details have been released at this point in time.

Parise, 37, was admittedly disappointed when the Minnesota Wild had bought out the final four years of his contract earlier this summer, but has since come around to the idea of moving on.

"I'm looking forward to the change, a fresh start," Parise said. "I have a great mindset right now. I haven't been this excited heading into a new season in a while. It's good. I had been here for a long time and sometimes a change of scenery is good."

Parise appeared in 45 games for the Wild last season, recording 18 points over that span and while he wasn't anticipating being bought out, he did acknowledge that he somehow knew that his time in Minnesota was coming to an end.


"It kind of felt like the writing was on the wall - just the way I was being used, it just felt like something was going to happen. But still, when it does, you're kind of shocked. We had just moved into a new house two days before, so kiss of death. But honestly, after those couple of days it's been great. It's been really good."

With Lou Lamoriello choosing not to reveal the terms of Parise's deal, there is a good chance that the Isles are not done adding.