RUMOR: The Rangers are looking to trade Mats Zuccarello, rather than re-sign him.
REPORTED BY: Katie Strang, ESPN
NHL TRADE DEADLINE: Timonen to Blackhawks | Caps, Blackhawks discuss Sharp | Leafs deal Clarkson
DETAILS: Zuccarello was signed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Rangers back in July. Reportedly, teams have been told that the forward is available for the next season. The team also can't pay everyone with the cap rise for the next season. Coach Alain Vigneault has voiced his hopes that the team will retain Zuccarello, but his lackluster performance for the Rangers could have an impact on Zuccarello's position with the team.
THIS SEASON: Zuccarello has had 12 goals and 23 assists in 58 games with an average 17:18 minutes per game.
SN's TAKE: Zuccarello has struggled in New York. He recorded 59 points in 77 games during the 2013-14 season and has barely made a dent in achieving those numbers for this season. Zuccarello certainly has the skill and the capabilities to add padding to the Rangers' 38-16 record, but at this point, he seems to be more of a hindrance than an asset. The 27-year-old veteran might flourish elsewhere.