While the NHL is on hiatus, it seems that much of the news is coming from players from Europe. First it was Lias Andersson talking to a Swedish newspaper. Now, Mats Zuccarello has weighed in on a number of topics including his departure from the New York Rangers.
Mats Zuccarello returned to his native Norway when the NHL season was halted by the COVID-19 virus. He sat down for a lengthy interview with the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang. For the first time he weighed in on his trade from the New York Rangers and was outspoken about the team’s treatment of his pal, Henrik Lundqvist.
Zuccarello spent nine years with New York and was probably one of the most positive players to every wear the Rangers jersey. He led the team in scoring four times and was a sublime passer.
Stepan from Zuccarello, twice. This one's good for career goal #100. #PHIvsNYRhttps://t.co/KwE9ASJ7zM
— NHL (@NHL) February 15, 2016
There is no doubt that it was Zuccarello’s head injury that kept the Rangers from their second straight trip to the Finals in 2015.
The lead topic in the story is the Lundqvist angle and as can be expected, Zuccarello is angry at how his friend is being treated. In a rough translation, Zuccarello said “It’s disrespectful. He is getting older, yes, and they have another good keeper, but then they could let him play the games Shesterkin doesn’t play.”
He added, “Lundqvist understands the situation and has handled it well. He is a professional and knows the situation. If you ask him, he will play every game, just like all players will.”
Zuccarello said he felt that the team had given Shesterkin and Georgiev “better” matches while Lundqvist was idle for weeks before being sent out to play against top teams. The Norwegian said “It is absolutely chillling that he is treated that way. Did anyone ever think that this was going to happen Henrik Lundqvist? No.”