Zach Parise’s training has indeed taken a step up in intensity, as the winger has a strong interest in returning to the NHL, a league source confirmed to The Post Friday morning.
There is not yet a clear picture on when Parise will make a final decision on returning or retiring, but things have been trending in the direction of a comeback, with the winger having been skating at home in Minnesota for nearly two months.
The Athletic was first to report that Parise’s training had ramped up.
It is believed that an Islanders reunion with Parise is the most likely outcome, but that may not be the same level of guarantee it seemed on breakup day last year when No. 11 said, “I think it would be here or nowhere.”
The Athletic noted that multiple teams have interest in Parise.
It is also not 100-percent clear where he would fit in the Islanders’ lineup at the moment.
The Islanders, who had won four straight games headed into a Friday night clash against the Bruins, have been playing Simon Holmstrom in the spot Parise occupied last year on Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s left wing.
Julien Gauthier, who is on the right side of that line, would be the player most likely to come out of the lineup but has played well of late.
From a salary cap perspective, there could be hurdles to clear as well.
The Islanders currently have room to work with because Adam Pelech is on long-term injured reserve, but when the defenseman is healthy, they will need to clear space, having added Mike Reilly and Robert Bortuzzo to fortify their blue line while a series of defenseman have been injured.
Adding Parise, even at the league minimum, would further complicate that situation.
However, after Parise scored 21 goals for the Islanders last season, getting him back would be a major boost for their depth.
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