Now, now, now, pump the brakes there for a second. I know, I just brought up the Rangers trading away their poster child, but hear me out for one second. He is in the final year of his current deal and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Zuc has played in five out of the last eleven games for the Rangers, and to add to that, he has missed twelve games this season because of that pesky groin injury. Zuc turns 31 this year, which makes this even more of a case. The Rangers are clearly moving towards a much younger and faster pace of hockey.
The rumors really started to swirl last February. The Rangers were moving anyone with value so they could begin their full rebuild. Zuc’s name was thrown in the hat and I remember saying “if they trade Zuc, I’m done with this team.” The guy plays with such a passion and desire for the sport, you literally cannot hate him. He hustles for the fifty-fifty pucks, he gives his all every shift he is on the ice; he is a fan favorite, without debate, amongst the Garden Faithful. But at some point in time, you are going to have to part ways with him, and I hate admitting to that. He loves to play in front of the faithful, and they love seeing him on the ice. Showering him with “ZUUUUUUUUCCC” whenever he touches the puck. New York has always built a bond with hard workers, because, that’s what New York was and is, a hard working city.
IT JUST MAKES SENSE! The team is rebuilding. You have a star, nearing the end of his contract, which a contender, like Anaheim, Calgary, Vegas, or Edmonton, might want to grab to help their Cup run. All those teams are currently on the bubble (and not in the Metro) and could utilize his services. I mean c’mon, you don’t think he’d be a better fit on a line with Henrique than Ritchie? You could probably get a young guy like Manson and a pick in return. It’s bound to happen. He recently stated on a Norwegian podcast “A trade appears to be the most likely outcome. I guess I am preparing for it.” And he didn’t sound to pleased to say it either.
I hate to say it ladies and gents, but we may need to start buying some tissues, because it looks like Zuc’s future with the Rangers organization is bleak.
