Is Zach Parise retiring? NHL legend's plan post joining Avalanche after semi-retirement revealed

Yes, Zach Parise is retiring after the Dallas Stars eliminated the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 with a 2-1 double-overtime win to lead the series 4-2. In an interview with The Denver Post on April 17, the 39-year-old Parise stated:

"Yeah, I've decided. I'm not going to make a big deal out of it. I was content coming back that this would be the last one."

Parise signed a one-year contract with the Avalanche on January 26 and had mentioned several times that this would be his final NHL season, regardless of whether he won the Stanley Cup or not.

During the regular season with the Avalanche, Parise scored five goals and provided five assists in 30 games. He expressed his gratitude for the experience, saying:

"It's been awesome to be a part of. The experience itself. Playing with these guys and even just practicing with them, it makes you a better player, even at my age. It's gone even better than I thought it would."

Parise also reflected on his decision to return to the NHL, stating:

"Coming back was a great idea. No. 1, it has been fun. It's been just a really good experience to play with these players, and to have one more crack at it. I'm happy I did it. Hopefully, we'll be playing for a couple more months."

Before joining the Avalanche, Parise had spent seven seasons with the New Jersey Devils and nine with his hometown team, the Minnesota Wild.

Throughout his illustrious career, Parise played in 1,254 NHL regular-season games and 122 postseason games for the Devils, Stars, New York Islanders, and the Avalanche.

---

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar's thoughts on parting ways with Zach Parise

Colorado Avalanche HC Jared Bednar expressed bittersweet emotions about parting ways with forward Zach Parise.

"It's tough because we talk him into coming here, he had some options and the goal is to succeed as always, especially when you know you've got a guy or two and it might be their last kick of the can," Bednar said (per NHL.com). "You want to help them achieve their goals."

He praised Zach Parise's impact, saying:

"They put so much into when they come here, they fit in right away, do whatever they can do to help our team. He's just such a great pro and great person. Everyone in our room was rooting for him."

Though the Avalanche fell short of defending their Stanley Cup title, Bednar emphasized that Parise's motivations were aligned with the team's.

"Everyone is playing as hard as they can and I'm sure that's part of it."

As he retires, Zach Parise remains optimistic about the Avalanche's future chances.