Zuccarello “I Want To Stay A Ranger”! Plus News & Notes
Mats Zuccarello wants to stay in NY. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
As if Mats Zuccarello couldn’t endear himself anymore to the Blueshirt fan base, he told Norwegian site, Nettavisen that he wants to win the Cup, not just make money.
“Zucc” as he is affectionately known was interviewed by Roy Kvatningen and said “the most important thing for me is the number of years, not necessarily the salary. I want to compete for the Cup and not just focus on maximizing my salary.”
Zuccarello villig til å ofre litt lønn for å hjelpe New York Rangers: https://t.co/ZZVL6lh6Ts pic.twitter.com/5uNWe4RfVB
— Nettavisen Sport (@NettavisenSport) June 30, 2014
This has to have Glen Sather a smile from ear to ear. With the likes of Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman and Benoit Pouliot all pricing themselves out of NY, this comes as great news. Considering Zucc’s performance this season, a 5 year deal is not out of the question.
Mats made a paltry 1.15 million last season and should easily see 3 million a year on his next contract. Depending on the number being offered by Sather, the Zuccarello camp may want to sign for as little as three or up to 5 years.
“I want to stay a Ranger,” Zuccarello said. “I feel like I’m part of the core now, and that’s also what the Rangers are telling me.” He went on to express how this vote of confidence will only help him improve going forward. After notching 59 points in his first full season, there is no reason to believe he can’t break the 70 point plateau next year. And at the young age of 26, he is only entering his prime now.
If Glen Sather knows what’s best, he will lock up Zuccarello for the next 3-5 seasons. We expect the Rangers to announce his signing later this week.
Other NYR News & Notes:
Dan Boyle has the Rangers on his list of 5 teams.
Dan Boyle will have multiple offers tomorrow on a 2 yr deal. TB, Tor, Det, NYR and Mtl believed to be his top 5. #TSN — Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2014
The Rangers are also checking out 2 NJD Free Agents in Mark Fayne on D and Ryan Carter as a 4th line C.
Told Rangers checked in on Fayne & Carter just to see where things stood with them.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) June 30, 2014
As the opening of Free Agency approaches (July 1st 12 PM), Dominic Moore looks like a sure goner.
Don’t be surprised if the wheeling-and-dealing TBLightning go after veteran centre Dominic Moore. — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 30, 2014
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