Mats Zuccarello
Age: 31
Height/Weight: 5-8, 184 lb.
Contract situation: UFA in 2019 offseason ($4.5 million AAV)
One year ago, it looked as though Mats Zuccarello was all but on his way out of New York.
After being drafted by the Rangers and playing the first eight years of his NHL career with the organization, New York decided to take the rebuild route midway through the 2017-18 season. That included a fire sale at the 2018 Trade Deadline, and most of the Rangers’ veteran talent was sent packing.
Zuccarello was a potential name on the market, but never ended up being sent away.
But now, the 2019 Trade Deadline is approaching, and Zuccarello’s name is being tossed around the market more than ever. It seems inevitable that the winger will be traded before Feb. 25 as plenty of teams join in the sweepstakes. And maybe, just maybe, Jim Nill might take a flyer and see what’s going on in New York.
Gone Puck Wild
Mats Zuccarello is one of the smallest players currently in the NHL. But that doesn’t stop him from providing an impressive offensive spark. He’s fast and electric when the puck is on his stick, always looking for ways to make a play or set up an opportunity. He tallied a career-high 26 goals and 61 points back in the 2015-16 season and has been one of the most consistent scoring forwards for the Rangers over the past few years.
This season, he’s got nine goals and 32 points through 41 games played and has put together a strong surge over the past six weeks while helping a struggling Rangers team along.
His skills seem to mesh well with how the Stars want to play, mixing speed and possession to create scoring opportunities. That makes him an intriguing candidate to post on the second line.
So, as the Rangers focus on the future, where does that leave the 31-year-old winger? On the trading block.
Of all the realistic trades that the Dallas Stars could make for a veteran scoring forward, this could very well end up being the priciest of the bunch. With plenty of teams knocking on the door for Zuccarello, the Rangers have an opportunity to set the price bar. Does that take things too high and out of proportion for the Stars to bother chasing? Or does Zuccarello’s skill set make him an ideal target all the more?
Keep an eye on where Mats Zuccarello lands. And, if he ends up landing in Dallas, keep an even closer eye on the return price.