Chart: The Zach Parise file

Age: 27 (July 28, 1984)

Size: 5-11, 195 pounds

Position: Left winger

Regional connection: Father is J.P. Parise, who played for the North Stars. J.P. moved the family when Zach was entering sixth grade, from Bloomington to Faribault -- home of noted hockey prep school Shattuck-St. Mary's, where Zach starred as a youth. ... Played two seasons at North Dakota, leading the nation in freshman scoring his first season with 61 points. Was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in both of his seasons at UND.

Pro: Drafted 17th overall in 2003 by New Jersey and debuted with the Devils in 2005. ... Has scored at least 30 goals in five different seasons, including a career-high 45 in 2008-09. ... Had 15 points in 24 playoff games for the Devils this past season, helping New Jersey reach the Stanley Cup Finals before losing to Los Angeles.

International: Helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships, then helped the U.S. Olympic team win the silver medal in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Scored the tying goal with 24.4 seconds left in the third period to force overtime in gold medal game against Canada.

Stat fact: Had 83 goals, 176 points and was a combined plus-56 in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.

The concern: Underwent knee surgery and missed most of the 2010-11 season, then had a modest 69 points and was a minus-5 last season.

MICHAEL RAND