Is writing on wall for Parise exit?

Zach Parise and the New Jersey Devils avoided arbitration on Friday when the restricted free agent was signed to a one-year, $6 million contract. Even before this deal, though, dating back to last summer’s re-signing of Ilya Kovalchuk, it seemed like Parise’s future in New Jersey was murky. Is the writing on the wall for Parise, a UFA-to-be in 2012, to head for greener pastures next off-season?

Parise is an elite left winger in this league. He had a career-year in 2008-09, tallying 45 goals and 94 points in 82 games, which was followed up by an 82-point campaign in 2009-10. Last season was almost a lost cause for Parise, who only played 13 games due to a torn meniscus in his right knee that he suffered in November. Still, Parise is considered one of the best on the left side up front.

The problem is, so is Kovalchuk, who is signed with the Devils for the next 14 years. These are two of the five best left wingers in the NHL, and neither is fully comfortable playing right wing. With that in consideration, there are some doubts as to whether A) the Devils can afford to be pay two top-line left wingers premium money for the long haul or B) Parise wants to play second fiddle to Kovalchuk.

Cap space-wise, the Devils can probably afford to keep Parise around long-term, in large part due to Kovalchuk being the only forward being under contract past the 2012-13 season. Also, there is time for GM Lou Lamoriello and Parise’s camp to hammer out a long-term deal, if they so choose. (Parise told NHL.com on Thursday that he’d like to stay in New Jersey.)

That said, the one-year contract is icing on the cake for people who believe Parise’s future isn’t as a New Jersey Devil.

Next summer will be the first time Parise can become a UFA. If he gets to the open market, he’d be the most coveted player, league-wide, in modern-day free agency. Kovalchuk was also a special free agent, but only two teams seriously pursued him. Given Parise’s all-around talent and consistency, teams would be lining up at his door. Would the Devils be able to contend with, say, Los Angeles or Toronto if those GM’s put forth mega offers for Parise?

Two years ago, it seemed like Parise was the future of a Devils team that is now entering a crossroads stage as Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias approach the end of their respective careers. Between the Kovalchuk trade/signing in 2010 and Parise’s knee injury, things appear to have changed a bit.

The possibility is obviously there for an eventual long-term contract between Parise and the Devils. If things don’t work out, there would be no shortage of suitors next summer.

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