New York Rangers’ head coach David Quinn announced that forward Mats Zuccarello was suffering from a foot infection and would be out in the short term. What does this mean going forward?
For those who do not get selected to represent their team in the all-star game, the bye week is supposed to be a period of time to focus on rest and recovery. The NHL season is truly torture on the human body and something not for the faint of heart. With less than a month to go until the trade deadline, an injury may throw a monkey wrench into the New York Rangers’ plan.
Mats Zuccarello missed an extended period of time back in November with a lower-body injury. Since returning to the lineup full time, the forward started to play like himself again. However, on Monday morning, head coach David Quinn announced that the Norwegian was suffering from a foot infection and would likely be out until at least Thursday.
The very nature of infections makes them unpredictable, especially in the world of sports. Especially in recent years, the Rangers’ organization has mismanaged injury situations, either pushing players to come back too soon from injury and exacerbating the condition or failing to give the proper situation upon their return.
However, if Zuccarello is only out from team activities until Thursday, it’s no big deal. The Rangers return from their bye week on Tuesday to play the free-falling Philadelphia Flyers. If the forward only misses one game, Boo Nieves, who was recalled from Hartford, easily slides into the lineup for Wednesday.
But, if this foot infection lingers as an issue, it could impact the team’s trade deadline plans. At this point in time, it seems that the writing is on the wall when it comes to Zuccarello’s future with the team. The forward clearly wants to stay with the organization, but the team is in no shape to compete anytime soon.
This makes the Norwegian an expendable asset that is likely on the way out. But, other teams will be leery of trading for a player with injury issues. The forward missed three weeks of games back earlier in the season and is dealing with a foot infection currently.
How did the team allow it to get to this point after the bye week? The whole point of the ten-day lay off is to get well for the final stretch run of the season. The Rangers cannot allow this situation to divert them from the obvious decision come deadline day.
For much of this decade, Zuccarello was the team’s best statistical player and emotional leader. It’s unfortunate that his Rangers’ tenure has to end as a deadline rental. But, that’s the nature of the NHL.