Parise Shipped Out On Eve of Draft Day

Raleigh, NC.

Well, one more day until the draft and GM Matthew Rose has fans screaming for his head. In a widely unpopular move amongst the fan base, the Zach Parise era has come to an end in Carolina. Parise was acquired (more like stolen) from the New York Rangers prior to the 2016-17 MRFHL season in exchange for Jamie McGinn and Matt Carle. Today, the Hurricanes announced that they have acquired Nick Baptiste and a 3rd round draft pick in tomorrow's draft in exchange for Parise's rights.

"Losing a player like Zach sucks. He embodied everything that the Hurricanes represent and we are sad to see him leave. However, we feel like our forwards are an older group and look to bring a fresher look up front", Rose said during the press conference, "Zach was arguably one of our MVP's this year and drove our offense. Our late season surge into the post-season and past the President's Trophy Senators was in large thanks to him. It's a tough day to lose not just a player but a person as valuable as Zach and I deeply wish him the best in Buffalo where I know he'll be a fan favorite".

Rose also added that Baptiste was "a player that we've had our eyes on for my entire tenure with the Hurricanes" and that he sees him "one day playing a regular shift in our organization and contributing offensively". Rose is typically pretty good at keeping things quiet on the trade front but there is speculation that he has been working the phones trying to move up in tomorrow's draft. The Hurricanes are said to be pursuing a forward in the draft and also looking to acquire some help up front in their top 6. 

Whatever happens tomorrow, one would only hope that he continues to bring a winning tradition back to this organization such as he has promised over and over again. He did help lead the Hurricanes back to the playoffs in his first year with the team and rumor has it that he may be up for a possible GM of the Year nomination. 

More will be reported following tomorrow's 2017 MRFHL Entry Draft.