The Avalanche have signed veteran winger Zach Parise to a one-year contract through the remainder of this season, the team announced Friday.

Parise, 39, has played 18 NHL seasons but has yet to appear in 2023-24 games. In his previous two seasons with the Islanders, he produced 69 points (36 goals).

“He’s a highly dedicated player. When it comes to his habits, they’re elite — a lot like (Andrew) Cogliano,” Jared Bednar said after Friday’s 5-1 win over the Kings. “An older guy that’s been around, great leadership. I think you take his reliability — he’s played 82 games the last couple of years. It’s because he takes care of himself off the ice. We’ll get him in here, see what he looks like with our group and we’ll make a decision.”

Bednar said he expects Parise to report to Denver with the rest of the team as they all regroup following a few days off for the NHL all-star break.

“He’ll come in with the rest of our players. I’m pretty sure that he’s going to be in Thursday (or) Friday,” Bednar said. “We have some guys that are gonna skate Friday (and) Saturday on their own. Sunday morning we practice and leave (for New York). I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the ice either Friday or Saturday, but definitely Sunday morning before we go.”

Parise gives the Avalanche needed forward depth with Valeri Nichushkin’s indefinite absence in the NHLPA player’s assistance program.

“We are excited to add Zach to our group,” Avs general manager Chris MacFarland said in a news release. “Over his impressive NHL career, Zach has always been a highly competitive and driven forward who is hard to play against. We look forward to adding his veteran presence to our locker room.”

Parise is well known among long-time Avalanche fans after spending nine seasons (2012-21) as an alternative captain with the division rival Minnesota Wild. He registered a 40-point season six different times. Parise is also proven in the playoffs with 111 career NHL postseason game appearances with 80 points (37 goals).

Mikko Rantanen said veterans Gabe Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon were involved in the conversations in bringing Parise to Denver.

“I think it’s great,” Rantanen said. “Veteran guy and solid, hard-working guy. He’s always had the edge in his game a little bit. He was always tough to handle sometimes, even though he’s a small guy. And he can score. He’s an older guy, but still has the nose-for-the-puck mentality and can put the puck in the net.

“I’m glad he chose us.”

The Avs roster might be due for more overhaul before the trade deadline on March 8. The availability of second-line centers and backup goaltenders will be top of mind for MacFarland coming out of the NHL All-Star break.