New York Rangers: Would you rather trade Zuccarello or McDonagh?

Dan Carrozzi- Ryan McDonagh

Between the two, I think the New York Rangers should trade Ryan McDonagh instead of Mats Zuccarello.

First, I believe that McDonagh would bring more assets back in a trade than Zuccarello, either at the trade deadline or the draft. In addition to what he provides on the ice, his steal of a contract is likely very appetizing for teams looking to load up at the deadline.

Another reason I would trade McDonagh before Zuccarello is his play this year. As was suspected and now confirmed, the Rangers’ captain has been playing through injury this season (which will also reduce his trade value). He has looked a step or two too slow this season and more concerning, often exhibited poor decision-making that is very uncharacteristic of him.

This makes me hesitant to keep him and then re-sign him when his contract expires. He is going to be paid very handsomely after this current contract. If this is truly who McDonagh is as a player now, I would not want the Rangers to offer him the type of contract he will be looking for.

McDonagh has relied on his skating ability in his career. These physical tools only deteriorate with age and for a player like McDonagh, that loss of a step or two will reduce him to being, at most, a second pairing defenseman.

Regarding Zuccarello, he leads the team in points as he has for three of the past four seasons. Although not a slouch in the skating department, the Norwegian winger relies more on his vision, distribution ability and underrated shot to be effective. Zuccarello will also be needed to fill the leadership void if McDonagh (as well as Rick Nash) is traded.