NHL Free Agency: Ideal Landing Spots for Star Wingers

The 2012 NHL free-agency period is set to begin on Sunday, July 1, and New Jersey Devils star winger Zach Parise is without question the hottest name out there heading into the stretch of summer spending.

Parise was key in leading the Devils to the Eastern Conference championship last spring and will likely have tons of offers flying at him when the clock strikes midnight on Sunday morning. 

Wherever he winds up, one thing is certain: He'll have to make a difficult decision as to where to sign.

Parise is not alone in this, though.

Here are the ideal landing spots for the NHL's star free-agent wingers this summer. 

Zach Parise

New Jersey Devils star Zach Parise was huge for the club en route to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals this past June, but according to Mark Everson of the New York Post, Parise is expected to test the free-agent waters this summer before making a decision as to where to sign. 

Parise, who scored eight goals and tallied seven assists for the Devils during their deep 2012 playoff run, could receive hefty offers from teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild, all of which are in the market for a talented left winger.

Regardless, Parise would be best suited to remain in New Jersey with the Devils.

His goal scoring ability (31 goals in 2011-12) is crucial for New Jersey's hopes of repeating as Eastern Conference champions in 2012-13, and he has unfinished business with the Devils after they came within two wins of a Stanley Cup title last season. 

Alexander Semin

Anywhere but Washington, D.C., will do for free-agent winger Alexander Semin, who has expressed displeasure with the team and is more than likely headed elsewhere this summer.

The Capitals' move to acquire Dallas' Mike Ribeiro was made in preparation of Semin's soon-to-be departure, according to a report from Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times. 

The Detroit Red Wings could pursue Semin if talks break down with Zach Parise this summer.

Semin is still a quality winger and scored 21 goals and recorded 33 assists last season as a disgruntled Capital.

A change of scenery to Detroit might be just what the Russian needs to reach his peak.

PA Parenteau

The Ottawa Senators are one of a number of teams reportedly interested in right-winger Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, who scored 18 goals and recorded 49 assists in 80 games for the New York Islanders last season.

Parenteau would give the Senators an added boost on the right side and a superb passer who could set up goal scorers Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek, who combined for 69 goals last season.

The Senators were the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL last season, and adding a star like Parenteau would give them the piece they need to get over the hump in the postseason. 

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