Parros is coming back, back, back. Updated w/quotes.
The Ducks and enforcer George Parros agreed today to a three-year contract extension worth $875,000 per year. Parros gets a raise of $325,000, and his status as a fan favorite makes him worth arguably more to the franchise. It's helped that he has showed skills beyond fighting this season, with a career-high three goals and eight points through 45 games.
"It feels great," Parros said. "I'm really happy that they wanted to, that they were interested in talking early. This is where I wanted to play, that's why we got a deal done before the deadline. I think we're both thrilled."
"We are pleased to announce that George has signed for three more seasons," Ducks GM Bob Murray said in a statement. "His character and toughness on the ice along with his commitment to our community have been valuable assets for the organization."
Added Parros: "I know this is where I want to play. I love it here, love the fans, I love the organization, so the longer the deal, the better for me. Three years seems right for me, and I had no problem working something out. I'm happy the way things went."
It's worth noting that while many more Ducks are set to become free agents on June 1 - Brendan Morrison, Todd Marchant, Rob Niedermayer, Sammy Pahlsson, Travis Moen, Scott Niedermayer, Bret Hedican, Francois Beauchemin, Steve Montador, Kent Huskins, Nathan McIver, Brett Festerling - and GM Bob Murray has attempted negotiating with some of them (if not all), Parros is the first to sign. The Princeton grad didn't know what's been holding up so many of his teammates.
"I couldn't tell you," Parros said. "I think that goes case by case. I hear they have a lot of things to work out. So I'm happy they wanted to come to me and figure something out right away, because they have a lot of other decisions to make, too. So I'm glad they got me off their checklist; we'll move forward from here."
For Parros, getting the contract done early was about peace of mind.
"Now I can go concentrate - not that I wasn't before - but it's nice not to have to worry and bite your nails all season," he said. "I wouldn't have done it if this wasn't where I wanted to be, my first choice."
About J.P.
J.P. Hoornstra has been covering the Anaheim Ducks since 2007. Eight months after the University of Wisconsin won its third NCAA hockey championship, he was born in a frigid Madison winter. He betrayed his blue-blooded beginnings by graduating from UCLA in 2003, and welcomes any and all dialogue on the finer points of hockey.
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