Rangers’ Zuccarello says he’s “sitting alone and waiting” to be traded

It’s no secret that the New York Rangers are turning the page on the past and trying to start anew this season. General manager Jeff Gorton pulled the trigger on a full rebuild when he shipped out captain Ryan McDonagh and longtime Rangers forward Rick Nash at last year’s trade deadline. Up next: Mats Zuccarello?

The 31 year old winger is currently nursing a groin injury, so he’s not with the team and in a Swedish language interview released earlier today Zuccarello admitted that he feels “alone” and that he’s just “waiting to be traded.”

Check out some of these quotes from Zuccarello in a translated article published in the Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet:

“A trade appears to be the most likely outcome. I guess am prepared for it,” Zuccarello said. “Basically, I’m just waiting for it to happen. It’s a tough spot to be in, if I’m being honest.”

“I’ve always said that I only ever want to play for the New York Rangers, but I’ve been thinking … I’m getting older and maybe I could use a new spark”. 

“It will be a very sad day, of course. I’ve been here a long time and know everyone in the organization, so it will be very sad. But I also think that it can be a positive thing, if it happens. You can get a spark from trying something new.”

Ouch… how’s that make you feel, Rangers fans?

The fan favorite has been with the Rangers organization, his only NHL team, for nearly a decade and has put up 105 goals and 325 points in 480 games. The 5 foot, 8 inch, 185 pound forward has three goals and 10 points in 17 games with the Rangers so far this season.

If he does end up on the trade market, there will surely be a lot of teams interested, especially given that he’s a short term commitment with his contract expiring this offseason. He’d be a great fit on the Boston Bruins’ second line or alongside another speedster like Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid. Or, how about moving on to another struggling team like the Pittsburgh Penguins? Time will tell, but don’t be surprised if Zuccarello’s days in NYC come to an end before the NHL’s February 25th Trade Deadline.