Done deal: Colorado Avalanche has made a classic signing

Zach Parise signs a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche.

January 27—GRAND FORKS — Zach Parise is back.

The former UND star has signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche worth $825,000, according to CapFriendly.

Parise hasn’t played yet this season.

He’s spent the last two seasons with the New York Islanders. In 82 games last year, he scored 21 goals and added 34 points.

“We are excited to add Zach to our group,” Colorado general manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement. “Throughout his stellar NHL career, Zach has consistently been a highly competitive and motivated forward who is difficult to play against. We are excited to have his veteran presence in our locker room.

Parise is one of UND’s most successful alumni.

He is presently third among UND players in regular-season NHL games played, with 1,224. He’s 32 games back of Craig Ludwig and 56 behind leader James Patrick. The Avalanche have 33 regular-season games remaining this season.

Parise leads in goals with 429 and points with 879. He’s only four points behind Jonathan Toews, who has also not played this season due to health issues.

Parise will be aiming for one honor that has eluded him throughout his career: the Stanley Cup.

Colorado, the 2022 champion, is a strong candidate to repeat. The Avalanche have 67 points, which ranks second in the Western Conference.

Parise played for New Jersey in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, but the Devils fell in six games to the Los Angeles Kings.

Parise is the 24th former UND player to sign an NHL contract this season.