Parise: ‘Games Were Hard To Play’ While Wild Talked Trade

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — For the past week, Zach Parise was carrying some extra weight with him around the ice. The Minnesota Wild were actively talking about trading him.

Parise says the "games were hard to play" after general manager Bill Guerin approached him with the possibility. The deadline has passed, relieving Parise's stress and ensuring he will complete an eighth season in his home state of Minnesota.

The standout left wing can now better focus on trying to help the Wild return to the playoffs. Beyond that his future with the organization has become uncertain.