Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, commonly known as P.A. Parenteau, embarked on his professional hockey career after being drafted by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the ninth round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Despite being drafted, Parenteau spent several years honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) before making a name for himself in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Parenteau's NHL journey began with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he made his debut during the 2006-2007 season. However, it was with the New York Rangers that he started to gain more attention. After signing with the Rangers in 2009, Parenteau played a handful of games, showcasing his offensive capabilities. His time with the Rangers was brief, but it set the stage for his subsequent move to the New York Islanders.
Joining the Islanders in the 2010-2011 season marked a turning point in Parenteau's career. He quickly became an integral part of the team's offensive lineup, playing alongside star center John Tavares. During his two seasons with the Islanders, Parenteau demonstrated his playmaking abilities, recording 53 assists in the 2011-2012 season, which placed him among the league's top assist leaders. His performance with the Islanders earned him a reputation as a reliable winger capable of contributing significantly to his team's scoring efforts.
In 2012, Parenteau signed a four-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche. His first season with the Avalanche was productive, as he tallied 43 points in the lockout-shortened 2012-2013 season. Parenteau continued to be a consistent offensive presence for Colorado, contributing both goals and assists. However, his time with the Avalanche was cut short when he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2014.
Parenteau's stint with the Canadiens was marked by challenges, including injuries that limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he managed to contribute to the team's playoff run in the 2014-2015 season. After being bought out by the Canadiens, Parenteau signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2015-2016 season. In Toronto, he experienced a resurgence, leading the team in goals and proving his worth as a veteran presence on a young roster.
Following his time with the Maple Leafs, Parenteau returned to the New York Islanders for a brief period before being traded to the New Jersey Devils in 2017. His tenure with the Devils was short-lived, as he was claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators later that season. Parenteau's career in the NHL concluded after the 2016-2017 season, during which he played for multiple teams and continued to demonstrate his offensive skills.
Throughout his career, Parenteau was known for his ability to adapt to different teams and line combinations, often serving as a valuable asset on the power play. His journey through the NHL was characterized by his offensive contributions and his ability to find opportunities to score and assist, making him a respected player among his peers.
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