Could The Rangers Move Mats Zuccarello?

Is there life after Mats Zuccarello? Would the Rangers afford not to sign the Norwegian-born left winger at the end of the season? Could Glen Sather scheme up a trade involving the Hobbit by the trade deadline?

Those are questions that have been on my mind since the small, big man had signed his “discounted” contract this offseason with the Rangers. With his play on the ice and the emergence of young talent, could his days as a Ranger be coming to an end? We all love the guy. He has shown his talent and skill right from the get-go.

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In my opinion, Zuccarello’s lore started back in 2010 when he debuted for the Rangers against the Tampa Lightning. In that game, the Lightning and Rangers had to settle the score through a shootout. One of the player’s called upon was Zuccarello. His deliberate slow approach towards the net was not regularly seen by Rangers fans. Much to our delight, he scored by out-thinking the goalie. From that time on, Zuccarello has made his living on the shootouts. But his game has evolved over the years. His offensive talents have been on display in regular five on five situations, and even on the power play. He’s become larger than life and everyone loves chanting his nickname, “Zuuuuuucccc”.  Here’s a YouTube clip to remind you:

However, things in New York may start getting crowded. With the much-anticipated season debut of Derek Stepan, the emergence of 19-year old Anthony Duclair, the development of recently acquired Kevin Hayes, and the overflow of left-wingers within the Rangers organization, it seems someone is going to be left without a chair when the music is over. That person may end up being Zuccarello.

With his present one year deal expiring at the end of the season and other Rangers seeing the end of their contracts, both restricted and unrestricted, it’s going to be difficult to judge who stays and who goes.

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Presently, Zuccarello’s contract is commanding 3.5 million towards the team’s salary cap this season. That’s money that was well earned after his performance last year, leading the team in points and being one of the important pieces to the Rangers run to the Stanley Cup Final.

However, this season has proven difficult for him. Through 10 games this season, Zuccarello has produced only four points (one goal, three assists). Teams are not keying on the tough forward by checking him hard, stopping him in his tracks, and not allowing him to break out from his own zone. In a way, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings may have drawn up the blueprint on stopping Zuccarello as a offensive threat for the Rangers other teams could copy.

Something that was noticeable was the team’s size.  The Kings were able to use their size and weight to stuff Zuccarello, not allowing him to get around their defense. He loves to create and make the impossible, possible when he is free to roam on the ice. However, the Kings proved all you have to do is get in his grill and force him to give up the puck. As a result, Zuccarello registered only one goal and two points in the Final.

Yes, it’s early to make such comments. We’re not even at the All-Star break and we are talking about trading. However, it is never too early to speculate. For now, we can just put this on the back burner and let the season unfold. Who knows, Zuccarello may find his game and justify why he deserves big money. But if things don’t work out and the talent around him is getting better and the prospects in Hartford a knocking, would you say bringing this up was out of the question?

Just food for thought.