NY POST: Zuccarello Contract Gap Over $1 Million
(Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
One of the main focal points that has been surrounding the New York Rangers recently is the talk of a potential contract extension between the organization and the Mats Zuccarello camp.
Zuccarello, a favorite among the fanbase, has made it clear he would like to stay in Rangers blue. Head coach Alain Vigneault has also stated that he made it clear to management that he would like number 36 to stay in The Big Apple.
Despite all this side stuff, the Rangers as a team have been finding ways to win games, and sit second in the Metropolitan division as they race toward the finish line of the regular season.
As for Zuccarello, his numbers haven’t been stellar this season, as he has just 34 points 55 games, with only 12 goals. However, he has played a major role in the lineup and will be needed for another deep run come playoff time.
According to an article published just 20 minutes ago by Larry Brooks of the NY Post, Zuccarello and the Rangers are nowhere close on an extension, and it is believed the Norwegian winger is looking to make north of $5mm when he inks a new contract. The Rangers originally offered between $4 to $4.25 per year for four years, but they may up that bid before free agency starts.
Brooks believes that unlike Ryan Callahan, the Rangers will keep Zuccarello and not trade him at the deadline, since he is such an important player in the lineup.
Brooks also wrote “Not when everyone in the organization believes the team is a legitimate Cup contender with a healthy Henrik Lundqvist in place for the playoffs.”
It will be interesting to see what happens come the trade deadline, but the true belief is that Zuccarello will stay in New York for now, and if he does happen to leave, it will be over the summer as a free agent.
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