Mark Parrish, veteran right wing in the NHL, has been biding his time in the AHL, waiting for his next opportunity in the big leagues. He, like so many other NHL veterans, was the odd-man-out with the last club he was attached to (Vancouver) after the NHL preseason and was left wondering when and where they would play next in the league, if at all.
Parrish was signed by Lightning GM Brian Lawton (Parrish’s former agent) on a try-out basis to the Norfolk Admirals – not officially with Tampa Bay but through the Lightning organization none-the-less. It was to get playing minutes again, and it was to show he still had the fire and the desire to play the game.
And now? Parrish has been waived, not for release or demotion, but likely to pave the way for his ultimate signing by the Lightning.
He still may be claimed by any club looking for help, but he may become a very valuable addition to the Lightning for it’s playoff push. All without having to acquire a player of his talent and experience via trade.
We’ll know for sure on Tuesday if he clears waivers or not, and what the ultimate actions will be by the club afterward – assign him to Norfolk officially or call him up to replace Brandon Bochenski or someone else on the Lightning roster?
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