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Odds Say Rangers Trade Mats Zuccarello Ahead of 2019 Deadline

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in NHL Hockey

Updated Apr 3, 2020 · 10:49 AM PDT

Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello
Mats Zuccarello is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2018-19 NHL season. Photo by Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games (Flickr) [CC License].
  • Mats Zuccarello has 9 goals and 23 assists this season
  • He is making $4.5 million in the last year of his deal
  • The Rangers are 7 points out of a playoff spot and are likely going to be sellers at the trade deadline

Mats Zuccarello is player many are speculating could be on the move ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline on February 25th. As the deadline nears, sportsbooks have released a prop on Zuccarello’s chances of being involved in a deal.

Odds Mats Zuccarello is Traded Before Deadline

Will Mats Zuccarello be Traded by the Deadline? Odds
Yes -180
No +140

*Odds taken 2/12

You have to pay a premium of -180 to take the side of yes he will be dealt, but here’s the case why it’s more than worth the price.

Zuccarello is a Pending Unrestricted Free Agent

The Rangers are not a playoff team and Zuccarello is on an expiring deal, making him the perfect player to be traded before the deadline.

Many lists have Zuccarello on it and that makes perfect sense. He has 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points this season, and the price wouldn’t be too high. He’s a perfect fit on a 3rd line for a contender looking for some extra scoring depth.

Zuccarello Making $4.5 Million This Year

Some of the players on the block come with big price tags like Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. On the other hand, Zuccarello is only making $4.5 million this year, making the remainder of his contract very easy to fit under the cap for a contender without much money left to spend.

In theory, a contending team would not need to trade a roster player to make the trade work financially, meaning a prospect or pick swap very easy.

Rangers GM Jeff Gorton Wants to Deal

The best reason that a deal will happen in this case is there really isn’t a reason why it won’t.

Even if the Rangers wanted Zuccarello back long term, they could sell the asset and re-sign him once he’s a UFA July 1st. Rangers GM Jeff Gorton will be highly motivated here and it’s an easy move to make. All he needs to do is pick up the phone when it rings and take the best offer available at 2:59 Eastern Time February 25th.

Zuccarello Should Keep a Suitcase Packed

He’s as good as gone, and frankly the price of -180 is pretty affordable when you weigh it against the likelihood of him actually staying in New York.

Bet Yes and wait for your windfall no more than 14 days from now.

PICK: MATS ZUCCARELLO WILL BE TRADED BEFORE THE DEADLINE (-180)


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