Is This Mats Zuccarello’s Last Season As A New York Ranger?
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It has become common knowledge over the past few days that the New York Rangers are actively shopping for a center. Even with the return of Derek Stepan, the Rangers are still short one natural center. Currently Kevin Hayes, who’s natural position is right wing, is the team’s 3rd line center, and has been for most of this 2014-15 NHL season. With Hayes ranking near the bottom of the league in face off percentage, and admitting to feeling more comfortable on the wing, it only makes sense that the Rangers are seeking a natural centerman via trade.
Plus I believe we all saw first hand in the Stanley Cup Final last season how mismatched the Rangers were at center compared to the Los Angeles Kings, and how it hurt the Rangers all series long, resulting in a Kings Stanley Cup victory in 5 games.
But in order to get someone, you have to trade someone, and I have a feeling when this trade does happen that Rangers fans will be upset. I say when and not if because GM Glen Sather knows that acquiring a natural centerman to fill up the Rangers starting roster is as close to a necessity as you can get. And with more than a few unrestricted free agents after this season to choose from, one of the players that could very well be on the move is a fan favorite Mats Zuccarello.
Me personally, I would hate to see Zuccarello go, but if it gets to the point where they can’t reach an agreement a long term deal, like what happened with Rangers former captain Ryan Callahan, Zuccarello could very well suffer the same fate. And if that is indeed the case then this could be Zuccarello’s last season as a Ranger.
However, Zuccarello is not the Rangers only option to move for a center. Another unrestricted free agent after this season that could be dealt instead is defenseman Marc Staal.
Now if I had to choose between the two, I would have to choose to trade…neither. This is because just last season Zuccarello led the entire Rangers team in points and also is a very good puck possessor, shows tremendous heart and effort game in and game out, and knows what it takes to get it done in the playoffs. Now for Staal, while it is very obvious he is not the same player he once was, after his multiple concussions and serious eye injury, we’ve seen just how bad the Rangers depth is at defense when there is an injury or two. Plus there is no one in the Rangers system that is currently ready to step up and play Staal’s big minutes every game.
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So, all in all, if I had to choose a player for the Rangers to trade for a center, my choice would be soon to be restricted free agent Carl Hagelin, who is more potential than anything. He may be a speedster, but Hagelin’s inability to consistently put the puck in the back of net has always been a cause for concern with me, and is why I believe it would be better for the Rangers to trade Hagelin instead of Zuccarello or Staal, but with all of that being said, I am not the Rangers GM.
Let me hear your opinion on this topic. Comment below and tell me if you think this will be Zuccarello’s last season as a Ranger, and if your answer is no, then who do you think the Rangers are more likely to trade for a natural center at some point this season?