New York Rangers: Mats Zuccarello waiting for a trade
Mats Zuccarello’s days with the New York Rangers appear to be numbered.
The New York Rangers, despite surprisingly pushing a point per game, are a rebuilding team. One of the toughest things about being a rebuilding team is saying goodbye to players. Last season was tough, as Rangers fans had to say goodbye to Rick Nash, J.T. Miller, and even their captain Ryan McDonagh, among others. Fan favorite Mats Zuccarello appears to be the next guy out.
Recently, on a podcast, the Norwegian forward talked about the inevitable trade rumors following him. He’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, so those rumors aren’t at all surprising. The podcast can be found here and the episode is the one from Nov. 28, though the podcast is in Norwegian.
"“A trade appears to be the most likely outcome. I guess am prepared for it,” Zuccarello said. “Basically, I’m just waiting for it to happen. It’s a tough spot to be in, if I’m being honest.”"
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Credit Forever Blueshirts for the translation.
Zuccarello has been with the Rangers his entire career since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He has had to work for everything he’s gotten in his career. This, along with Zuccarello’s resiliency and consistent production, has endeared him to fans across the league.
At 31 years old, the Rangers might not feel comfortable giving him a long-term deal. It would be understandable if Zuccarello wants one, considering he’s never really had one. He’s currently playing out the final year of a four-year deal worth $18 million total he signed back in 2015. Zuccarello has a $4.5 million cap hit.
The Rangers are also having enough trouble finding playing time for all their young forwards as is, which is likely another factor behind the rumors. Zuccarello is 31 and likely wants to try to win a Stanley Cup. With the Rangers focusing on rebuilding, a trade to a contender is the most likely outcome.
A trade would further signify a passing of the torch to younger players, such as Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers could get a pretty solid return for him as well, though it likely won’t match the one they got for Nash last season.
In 480 career regular season games, Zuccarello has 105 goals and 325 points. He has won the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, given to the Rangers player who goes above and beyond the normal call of duty, three times with the Rangers (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17).
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Additionally, Zuccarello has 31 points in 60 career postseason games. During the Rangers 2013-14 Stanley Cup Final run, he put up 13 points in 25 games. In 18 games during the 2018-19 season, Zuccarello has three goals and 10 points in 17 games.