Mats Zuccarello’s start with the Dallas Stars could not have gone worse. He was injured in his first game with the team after being acquired at the trade deadline and missed all but one of the remaining regular season games. One of two conditional picks that went back to the New York Rangers had the possibility of being upgraded if Zuccarello worked out well enough in Dallas to earn a contract extension. Yet, heading into the playoffs, few were likely looking at Zuccarello as a long-term piece in Dallas following that unfortunate start.
That all changed in the first round, as Zuccarello came up big with three clutch goals and looked like a natural fit with the Stars. His efforts helped to lead Dallas to an upset of the Nashville Predators and on to the second round. All of a sudden, Zuccarello has the support of his teammates and the fan base and indeed looks like he may be more than just a rental. But, as the New York Post’s Larry Brooks writes, Dallas’ leadership faces a tough decision in that regard. Brooks issues a reminder that if the Stars re-sign Zuccarello, they will give up a first-round pick to the New York Rangers in 2020 instead of the third-rounder initially transferred in the deal. The Stars are already at risk of losing their 2019 first-rounder, which goes to New York in place of their second-rounder if the team reaches the Western Conference Final with Zuccarello playing in at least half of those games. If Dallas defeats the St. Louis Blues, with Zuccarello continuing to be an impact player, would they really surrender two straight top picks to keep the veteran winger in town?
Zuccarello is set to turn 32 prior to next season and his point totals have dropped in each of the past three seasons. Dallas stands little chance of getting great value on a new contract for the veteran forward. Yet, even on a downward trajectory, Zuccarello is still a top-ten free agent winger. The Stars already have him in the building and he is building chemistry and familiarity with their core. It could be a mutually beneficial scenario for both sides and the Norwegian scorer could be amenable to staying with the Stars at a reasonable term and rate. If Dallas opts to let him walk instead, they stand a decent chance of missing out on any of the better targets. Is that a gamble worth keeping a first-round pick? There are far more factors yet to be determined, but the Zuccarello situation will continue to be a lingering topic during Dallas’ current postseason run.
Dallas should turnover the GM job to Larry Brooks as he seems to be the Dick Young of the Dallas organization…ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Seems he likes to backseat-drive from somebody else’s car…
i dont know if he really got settled enough to take a hometown diacount in Dallas
Not a Dilemma. Are you aware of Dallas’ lack of playoff success lately and lack of scoring? How about their 1st round draft history under Jim Nill? I’m pretty sure the Stars would happily sacrifice another Valeri Nichushkin and Julius Honka for both.
He’s 32, if they reach the WCF definitely not worth two first rounders
Might as well mention I’m a devils fan so anything that happens to make sure the rangers don’t recieve more pick is what I want haha
Would they be willing to give up two first round draft picks?
Uh…they made the deal, so what does that tell you?
well you have one thing over the Rangers this 2019 NHL Draft , the Devils have the #1 pick, my Black Hawks have the #3 there is several good options for my team. and lots of good players in this rich draft.
Agreed. They made the deal, stick to it. If the Stars sit a healthy Zuccarello, they should be penalized two additional draft picks for making a mockery of the game.
No one is talking about sitting Zucc to dodge giving up a first round pick. The only argument here is whether we really want to lose a first round pick by resigning him.
Big Game Zuke is a keeper! Hated to see him go, but now that he is gone, I hope he keeps killing it and putting up goals and assists. More better picks for the Rangers is just a bonus to seeing a fan favorite win the cup that he deserves.