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The Pittsburgh Penguins will make a run at signing All-Star Zach Parise, perhaps the top American-born player in the NHL. Parise is coming off a fantastic 2012 season, leading the New Jersey Devils to the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the champion Los Angeles Kings. But despite his success as the captain of the Devils, Parise is a free agent this summer who will hit the open market and be the top target for almost every team with the room to make a run at him. And according to Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Penguins will make a serious push to sign Parise. Via @JoshYohe_Trib:
Hearing from multiple sources that the Penguins are very serious about attempting to sign Zach Parise in July.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib) June 23, 2012
Obviously, Parise would be a huge offseason addition for the Penguins if they were able to sign him in what will surely be a competitive bidding process. Yohe followed up his initial report by stating the Pens will try to unload Paul Martin, creating cap room to sign Parise:
Pens are looking to trade Paul Martin. Money saved in that deal may give them shot at Parise. Multiple sources believe this is their plan
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib) June 23, 2012
Yohe's report came less than an hour after Ray Shero shipped off Jordan Staal to Carolina in exchange for Brandon Sutter, Brian Dumoulin, and the No. 8 pick which became Derrick Pouliot. This report certainly adds to the Draft-night excitement for Pens fans.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Penguins and their offseason, visit Pensburgh.