San Jose Sharks: Seven Trade Ideas Before the Deadline

Jan 10, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Rangers right wing

(36) drives around San Jose Sharks defenseman

(4) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Mats Zuccarello – New York Rangers

The simple fact of the matter is that New York likely cannot afford to keep all five of their RFAs and all four of their UFAs. They are most likely going to have to let some of them go, and unfortunately for the Rangers, Zuccarello may cost them too much to keep.

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Puck Prose

All of their RFAs are likely due for a raise, and with the cap not going up as much as many people expected, teams like the Rangers will have to make tough decisions about who to keep and who to let go. The Rangers would definitely want to keep him if were possible, but they may not be able to afford him. This is where the Sharks can take advantage — they have much more cap space than many other NHL clubs, so they can afford to pay those players the money they are seeking.

The small Norwegian forward has spent parts of five years in the NHL, all with the Rangers after being signed as a free agent by the team. He has 35 points (12g, 23a) in 58 games this season. The 5-foot-7, 180 pound forward is also a +13 for New York this year after scoring a career-high 59 points in 77 games last season.

The price for Zuccarello may be cheap enough for San Jose to consider him. The Rangers would probably take a roster player and a high draft pick for Zuccarello.

Possible trade:

To SJS: Mats Zuccarello

To NYR: Tyler Kennedy, second round draft pick

Chances of happening: 25%

Next: 7. Dion Phaneuf