http://blueshirtsunited.com/posts/3728/zuccarello-re-ups-with-rangers#.UfgMUNKR_To Don't like it, but he'll be here next year.
With Zucc signed @1.15 capgeek has us with 2.1m in cap space and still no deal with Step. Yes Powe and Asham have cleared so that's a combined 1.8m saving, but don't forget some of the kids such as Miller, Lindberg, Fast etc arent factored into the payroll yet and at least 1 of them will be on the team to start the year filling in for Hags and Cally. We need a move here.
Ugh. That tiny little man better over achieve this year. I hate this signing. Cheap, but still hate it. That's 1.15M that could have gone to Stepan. They guy gets better every year, I'd hate to lose him because Zucc was signed. Richards better have an out of the rink season, too, for that matter. But really, something needs to happen and they need to get Stepan signed. He'd be a great fit on any team, and I want that team to be the Rangers.
over reaction, this team is down two forwards to start the year. they will sign Stepan, all will be fine. This munchikin will not last the full season so no worries on this one year deal.
They had to come to terms or else he was going to arbitration where he possibly could've received more. It's no big deal.
it's the fact he shouldn't be on the team to begin with. Why is he here instead of giving his spot to Kristo, or Fast or any other kid? he's really not that good.
I think the Rangers want to go the Hagelin route with Fast and let him play 40 AHL games at the least. I'm not a big Zucc fan after watching him get run over vs. the Bruins in the playoffs.
I didn't really think they needed to bring him back but since he's here for a year maybe he'll exceed expectations in a different style where he can use his shiftiness. I agree with Dump on Fast/Lindberg/Kristo probably getting half an AHL year before being any type of callup. MZA is sort of a bridge in that way.
I'm hoping it doesn't take 40 games. We need some toughness. I'm tired of watching us getting pushed around.
Why are people so down on Zuccs? I think he makes a fine 3rd line winger. Dude is shifty and has very good hockey sense. He's been decent on the PP at times among a group who have generally stood around and made NOTHING happen with the extra man. And let's not forget he's very good in shootouts. (People underestimate this, but having someone who can consistently score in shootouts can be worth an extra 4-5 points easily over the course of a season.) The deal is fine, especially with Callahan and Hagelin out to start the season.
I'm with you Sorr, I've said a few times I'm not nearly as down on Zucc as everyone else seems to be. Zucc is as far away from a Tortorella hockey player as you can find, yet he was still somewhat effective in his time here. Let's see what he can do with a coach who will give him some offensive freedom. However, if signing Zucc has hurt us in the Stepan negotiations, it might not have been the smartest move. I get that Zucc had arbitration rights and Step didnt, but Step clearly should have been the priority.