Mats Zuccarello Shows Respect Toward Sam Rosen In Return To New York

Before the New York Rangers’ game against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night, Mats Zuccarello was seen wearing a No. 40 “Rosen” jersey to honor Sam Rosen. 

After 40 seasons as the Rangers play-by-play announcer, Sam Rosen is retiring and members of opposing teams are showing their respect to the legendary broadcaster. 

Zuccarello was with the Rangers for nine seasons from 2010-19, so he has a personal connection to Rosen.

After the game, Zuccarello spoke fondly of Rosen and opened up into why he decided to go ahead with this kind gesture. 

“Yeah. I mean, it was, it's about respect,” Zuccarello said. “He's been in the game 40 years. He's a legend in the game, especially here in New York. So as respect, we all signed a jersey for him.

“Obviously I spent some time with him, around him. So for me, it's kind of a thank you and a special friend to have the last game he's probably going to commentate for me so I think it's a nice token respect from the team. And wish him good luck.”

Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. Over six years after the Rangers traded Zuccarello to the Dallas Stars, fans at Madison Square Garden were still cheering his name on Wednesday night. 

Meanwhile, Zuccarello showed that the relationships he made while with the Rangers remain entrenched in his heart.