Zach Parise plays many roles on the Wild, alternate captain and leading scorer among them. But of late, the Minnesota native has added another role -- recruiter.
When Gophers defenseman Mike Reilly signed with the Wild Wednesday, he credited a phone call from Parise for steering him toward the Wild.
Parise, Reilly said, explained the pros and cons of playing outside Minnesota, as Parise did to start his NHL career, and staying home, as Parise did when he signed with the Wild three years ago.
But most important to Reilly, Parise explained why he believes the Wild are headed in the right direction.