New York Rangers: A theoretical Mats Zuccarello trade to Nashville

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the New York Rangers have already notified the league and their fans of their intention to sell. One of the players who may be leaving is fan favorite Mats Zuccarello.

The New York Rangers will be selling at the trade deadline for the first time in the Henrik Lundqvist era. Among those potentially on the trading block is alternate captain Mats Zuccarello.

Those teams who will be buyers at the deadline would all love to add a player of Zuccarello’s caliber. One of those teams is the Nashville Predators, who also have their eye on Rick Nash (and for more than just his name).

The Predators are looking to return to the Stanley Cup Final after their surprising run last season and its disappointing ending. If the Predators are unable or unwilling to acquire Nash from the Rangers, Zuccarello is a very tempting option to augment their top-six.

What would the Predators have to offer the Rangers to send their leading scorer to Nashville?

Why Nashville?

On the other side of the equation, why would the Rangers look at the Predators as desirable trade partners?

First, the Rangers would be most comfortable with trading Zuccarello outside the division or preferably outside the conference.

Also, the Predators boast one of (if not the) best defensive corps in the league, led by all-star P.K. Subban and captain Roman Josi. Alternate Captains Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis round out their talented top-four.

The Predators also have a wealth of young defensive prospects. Given that the Rangers’ defense has been its Achilles Heel this season, addressing it should be a top priority for General Manager Jeff Gorton. Furthermore, Rangers Captain Ryan McDonagh may be on his way out the door which further necessitates restocking the cupboard on defense.

On the other side of the puck, the Predators have 2017 first rounder Eeli Tolvanen breaking KHL rookie records although he is likely nigh untouchable. In addition, the Predators have their first-round pick in this year’s draft and most of their picks for the next three drafts.

What would Zuccarello cost?

The asking price for Nash was set at a first round pick, a top prospect and a lesser prospect. However, I expect Zuccarello to cost more to acquire.

Zuccarello, at 30, is three years younger than Nash and is a lock to score 50-60, points per season. In addition, he is signed through next season at a cap hit of only $4.5MM, much more palatable than Nash’s $7.8MM deal (even if the Rangers retain some of it).

Acquiring Zuccarello would allow a team, in this case, the Predators, to have him for two full playoff runs. As he would only essentially be 32 after his current contract, having the inside track into re-signing him to likely his final NHL contract would be appealing to prospective suitors.

Similar to a deal for Nash, the Rangers would be looking for a package of draft picks and prospects. This is also because the Predators will not entertain parting with their young roster forwards such as Viktor Arvidsson or Kevin Fiala or any of their top-four defensemen.

Assuming Eeli Tolvanen is off the table, Nashville would need to start with one of their top defensive prospects. This would come in the form of either Alexandre Carrier or Dante Fabbro. Next, a middling prospect or two such as one of Fabbro’s teammates Patrick Harper or David Farrance would be needed. After that, Nashville’s 2018 first round pick would be required as well one or more late round picks.

Another possibility is to include Pontus Åberg or a different forward prospect like Rem Pitlick instead of Carrier or Fabbro. However, if the Predators were able to offer Tolvanen, then he and Nashville’s 2018 first round pick would be sufficient.

The waiting game

At the time of this writing, the NHL trade market has been almost completely dormant. Although, some teams like the Rangers are beginning to stir up the rumor mill.

When the first trade dominoes begin to fall, the market for Zuccarello should become clearer. For the Rangers, this means after moving Nash and Michael Grabner and around the league, players like Evander Kane.

However, a million different things can happen from now until February 26th at 3 pm ET. Additionally, it is difficult to accurately predict the cost for a player like Zuccarello. There haven’t been any comparable players moved around the trade deadline in the past few years.

Next: Five positives about the Rangers' current situation

The Rangers are willing to move practically everyone, which is vital if they are to execute this rebuild successfully. Although if push came to shove, I would prefer the Rangers to move Ryan McDonagh instead of Zuccarello. However, Zuccarello is one of the Rangers’ most valuable assets and if the right deal is there for him, it must be made.

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