Eurolanche

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with US journalist

Todd Cordell is a New Jersey Devils Blogger for the famous website www.hockeybuzz.com as well as he co-operates with other media. Todd was the first journalist who denied Thursday´s rumor about the trade of Zach Parise´s rights to Colorado Avalanche for two players and two draft picks. He pointed on two facts: Parise´s rights have not been traded anywhere and will not be on the upcoming weekend. The first talks between Devils and Parise should start on Monday, Todd wrote.

In a circle of rumors and all of reliable sources I was asking myself: Who could be right and who not? Why he and why he not? When fans should believe him and when not? I decided to make an interview with the man who has the opposite opinion that most of Avs fans have and did not believe that rumor.

You denied rumors about Zach Parise´s trade of his rights to the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. This rumor has been started by the member of the Avalanche message board who referred to "reliable sources from New Jersey". Are your sources reliable? We, fans, would like to know the truth and do not want to be lied, so please, do not take it offensively: Why we would believe you and not the man with his reliable sources?

First off, the rumor makes no sense. The Devils won't trade their Captain before even attempting to re-sign him. Not only that, but he wouldn't sign in Colorado anyways, especially before free agency. I think common sense pretty much kills the rumor. Nothing else needs to be said.

Do you think there is a chance Zach Parise will sign new contract with Colorado Avalanche this summer?

There's always a chance for everything, but I highly, and stress highly, doubt Parise will even consider signing with the Avalanche this summer if he even gets to free agency. His first goal is to re-sign in New Jersey, and should that not work out there are several options much better than Colorado. He says he wants to win now, and the Avalanche is not at that point yet.

Do you know which teams have the biggest interest in Parise?

If he doesn't re-sign with New Jersey, I think Minnesota, Detroit and Carolina will all make big pitches to Parise.

How would the new Parise contract look like (years and money)?

If he re-signs in New Jersey, probably a 6-8 year extension worth about 7 million dollars per season. If he goes to free agency he'll probably get 9-12 years worth about 7.5 million dollars per season with that contract being front loaded.

Where do you think will play Parise in the next season and why?

Ultimately I think he'll end up staying with the Devils. There is a mutual interest to get something done there long-term, and I think the two sides will come to an agreement.

Why do you think people and sometimes even professional journalists create unconfirmed and absolutely false rumors?

I don't have an answer for that one.