mats zuccarello
Mats Zuccarello

Mats Zuccarello is not producing the goods. To some that’s a pretty inflammatory comment, but think about it for a moment. Zuccarello’s production is well down compared to last season’s impressive totals, and it’s not just because his powerplay numbers are down (an issue in its own right, covered today at noon). He’s simply not impacting games right now, and hasn’t for most of the season.

I saw a blog comment recently and the writer made a very valid point; given his linemates Zuccarello’s numbers should be much better. For the majority of the season he’s shared a line with Rick Nash, who had been on an All Star level tear, and has predominantly had Derek Stepan (close to a point per game himself) as his center, yet Zuccarello’s production is modest.

Thanks to several large, long term contracts, the Rangers face a struggle to retain Zuccarello at the end of this season. Regardless how you judge Zuccarello’s season so far, he’s surely going to expect a raise on his $3.5 million salary. He’ll also know that if he hits free agency he’ll get that raise he’s looking for because, to put it mildly, the upcoming free agent class is underwhelming at best. Remember what Benoit Pouliot got from the Oilers on the back of a solid but hardly All Star season?

Does Zuccarello look to cash in during the summer? Do the Rangers risk losing a talented player for nothing? After all, his numbers at present probably don’t have Glen Sather frantically reaching for his cheque book, so if Zuke makes it to the summer unsigned, he may as well as see what July has to offer, no?

Perhaps the biggest issue surrounding Zuccarello’ future is one that, in his defence, is out of his control. The Rangers have another chance to go deep in the playoffs but almost everyone would admit that in order to do so, they need to make an upgrade or two. That’s difficult to achieve with little cap room and minimal assets. Unless you think J.T. Miller’s inconsistent form and intriguing but unfulfilled talent will fetch a major upgrade, newsflash it won’t. Nor will John Moore.

Trading Zuccarello would perhaps be a blow to the offense – and to #fancystat lovers (although it depends on what the return is) – but his departure could provide cap relief. His obvious talent and impressive, recent 2014 production (59 points) would surely bring back a solid return. Moving Zuccarello likely represents the Rangers’ best chance of getting a significant upgrade rather than a minor roster tweak.

Can the Rangers afford to lose Zuccarello from the offense? First of all his impact on the powerplay has been minimal this season, so there’s no great loss in that regard. He’s sixth in points on the Rangers only just ahead of Carl Hagelin, while Miller, Lee Stempniak and Jesper Fast all have the talent to produce more offense if trusted to do so. Of course if traded, Zuccarello might bring back an offensive player in return so the hole created by his departure may be filled instantly.

Let go of sentimentality. The Rangers won’t be sentimental. This is the same general manager that traded Brian Leetch and wasn’t afraid to move heart and soul captain Ryan Callahan because he was publicly playing hardball. The Rangers, if they are going to compete beyond April, need to make a move or two whether we like it or not and Zuccarello is their best chance at acquiring a legitimate upgrade.

It’s worth remembering there are a few wingers in the system that pretty much everyone is excited about. It won’t be long before Anthony Duclair and Pavel Buchnevich are competing for roster spots. Throw in Chris Kreider, Rick Nash and Martin St Louis and really, does Zuccarello have a definite, long term home in the Rangers top nine anyway? He’s not playing like a top six winger but will be paid like one next season – scary thought. The Rangers need help and if they are going to make moves to get help, Zuccarello will need to be one of the guys that gets moved.

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