Wilderness Walk: Parise in Isles colors

That’s Wild

• While hitting the ice for the first time this summer in a somewhat organized fashion, free agent (sort of) Zach Parise is seen sporting the blue and orange of the New York Islanders, despite not officially signing with them for some weird cap loophole that Lou Lamoriello has figured out.

• Most recently, our 2021 Top 25 Under 25 carries on and next up is hard-nosed defenseman Ryan O’Rourke at the 12th spot. [Hockey Wilderness]
• ICYMI, Joel Eriksson Ek is going to be here for a while, but here’s why he can still be that elite defensive center for that period of time. And just how exactly he is so effective. [Hockey Wilderness]
• Why the Wild should give a fair share of starts to Kappo Kahkonen next season. [10K Rinks]

Off the trail...

• Pittsburgh Penguins captain and star Sidney Crosby will be out at least six weeks (and will miss training camp) after getting wrist surgery. [Pensburgh]
• The Seattle Kraken and the Montreal Canadiens are just the latest teams that are going to require full vaccination to attend their games. [Sportsnet]