Mats Zuccarello is entering his last season under contract in Minnesota. Could the former fan favorite return to the Rangers?
Mats Zuccarello left New York unceremoniously at the 2019 trade deadline amidst the club's roster demolition.
“The Hobbit” was not only a fan favorite for his unique stature and style of play but had a seamless chemistry with any Ranger he played on a line with. Zuccarello saw action with Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider, Brian Boyle, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad.
His passing, patience, ability to play with a stick longer than his size, and passion make Zuccarello a uniquely desirable asset to the Minnesota Wild. His chemistry with Kirill Kaprizov has helped the Wild to compete in the central division and has contributed to the Russian star's bombastic
"Zuc" is entering the final season of his 5-year, 6-million-dollar contract that landed him in the state of hockey in 2019.
If the Wild play to another mediocre finish in the central division, could a player like Mats Zuccarello be moved?
One thing is certain if any club could pry Zuccarello from re-signing in Minnesota, it would be the Rangers.
Tarasenko and Kane required the movement of capital that strained the organization. It did not allow the team to field a reliable defensive lineup for a few games amid injuries and required the Rangers to play a game of inches with the cap ceiling.
In the end, Kane did not work under Gallant and Tarasenko landed in Ottawa. Zuccarello would hardly need an adjustment period, and would automatically help on the right wing depth chart.
Could the Rangers make an offer to bring Zuccarello back to New York? It will be a piping-hot storyline when the trade deadline arrives on March 1st, 2024.