kovazub94
Enigmatic
- Aug 5, 2010
- 12,474
- 8,321
Inappropriate or not I still don't see them moving away from a marquee player they went all out to get. It might not be the right decision but the alternative would be a bit embarrassing not only for MSL but the Rangers organization and the upper management decision makers--namely Sather and Gorton.
With Buchnevich and Duclair waiting in the weeds along with the seeming emergence of JT Miller--it will make IMO moving Zuccarello or allowing him to leave as a UFA this summer more palatable to them than the embarrassment of dumping MSL. Factor in Zuccarello not providing the expected offense--and he is being outpointed by St. Louis 35-23.
The thing is with Stepan heading towards a big payday we were always going to be losing at least one major player some time this year or over the summer. I figured it might be Staal. I was wrong. The next most likely to me is Zuccarello.
First, I don't see anything embarrassing to either MSL or the NYR if they let him walk this summer. Both gained at least one trip to the SCF and who knows what else this year. When the Rangers signed him - it was a business decision and so should be whether to let him go or re-sign (including at what price).
Then I agree with you that there are other factors at play here. With the uyts likely taking spots in top 9 the decision of Hagelin becoming too expensive as a 4th liner should be considered. MSL could be more useful for another season or two as a veteran 3rd liner with a scoring touch and a PP specialist. This is how I can justify resigning MSL over Hagelin. Disagreeing with you re Zuke - I think he will be more of a priority and resigned before these two.