Bill Guerin called Ryan Suter first, and it went to voicemail.
So, the Wild general manager called Zach Parise, naturally in the middle of a Tuesday morning workout, next.
“I was caught off guard,” the now-former face of the Wild franchise said. “I had a feeling something was gonna happen, but when it does happen, you’re still shocked.”
Parise actually had a pleasant conversation with Guerin.
Deep down, the veteran forward was relieved.
He had just completed the lowest point of his career where he received fourth-line minutes, was removed from the power play and ultimately began last spring’s playoffs humiliated as a healthy scratch.