It appears Mats Zuccarello’s days as a New York Ranger could be numbered.
According to ESPN’s Katie Strang, it is more likely that the forward is dealt than re-signed.
As it currently stands, looks more likely that Rangers F Mats Zuccarello will be traded than re-signed. Teams have been told he's available
— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) February 28, 2015
Zuccarello & team remain far apart on contract talks and #NYR can't pay everyone w/ cap rise also uncertain next season. That's the biggie
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 28, 2015
Zuccarello, who is on a one-year $3.5 million contract, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Today’s news comes despite head coach Alain Vigneault hoping his club could retain Zuccarello.
“I believe that Mats is a very good hockey player; I would prefer he stay a New York Ranger,” Vigneault said earlier this month. “I’ve made that very clear to management. I think that this young man has a lot of upside, and I do believe that he can play much better than he has this year.”
The 27-year-old has 12 goals and 23 assists in 58 games while averaging 17:18 in ice time a night.
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