Sam Rosen has enjoyed a successful career in broadcasting. With more than 40 years in the industry, Rosen is closing in on retirement, and he got a nice, warming touch from former New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello. Zuccarello went into the pregame practice at the Garden without the traditional 36 on his back, instead opting for a custom jersey with Rosen's nameplate and the "40" as in the 40 years Rosen has been the voice of the New York Rangers.
It's a touching tribute from a player so many Blueshirts faithful still love. Zuccarello adored everything about the Rangers during his time in Manhattan because the organization gave him his shot at professional hockey. Glen Sather watched the Norwegian forward in the Olympics and estimated his skills would translate to the NHL despite his slim stature. Mats is 5'8, 180 lbs, and of a stature that should have made it difficult for him to make the NHL.
Former #NYR Mats Zuccarello is wearing a No. 40 jersey with a Rosen nameplate in honor of Sam Rosen! pic.twitter.com/JLnbOoeT8k
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 2, 2025
However, in his nine years with the New York Rangers, Zuccarello scored 113 goals and 239 assists for 352 points in 509 games. He was a part of the team that made it to the Stanley Cup Final against Los Angeles and represented the Rangers organization well for a long time. So, when he returned to the Garden with the Minnesota Wild, it was only fitting that he wore a jersey dedicated to a Blueshirts legend.
Wearing Rosen's number in the warmup was a kind gesture from the Norwegian. Rosen called almost every game Zuccarello played in a Rangers, and honoring the departing play-by-play voice of the New York Rangers is genuinely within his nature. Zuccarello has been one of the nicest guys in the NHL for a long time, and it was a touching tribute to one of the most outstanding members of the Rangers organization.