New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello was traded Saturday night and all of Rangerstown has tears streaming down to the floor.
New York Rangers fans, the players and coaches, and Mats Zuccarello all knew it was coming. At 8:20 p.m. ET the news broke that the “Hobbit” was no longer a Blueshirt.
Let me be one of the first to say that this sucks. Hockey may be a business first, but there are very few players that come around that have the fans adored as Zuccarello did.
The heart and soul of Rangers will now skate for the Dallas Stars.
Fans across Twitter should the love and respect for a player who really deserved it. Twitter was exploding with thank you’s sent out to Zucc.
Mats Zuccarello's final goals as a Ranger #NYR pic.twitter.com/jzI1FIjGX7
— Dom Renna (@drennaESNY) February 24, 2019
More importantly: Mats Zuccarello was a true ambassador to the game, made people believe in magic, and was maybe the most fun player I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch. I’m sorry it ended this way, but he will succeed wherever you go. He always does.
— Joe Fortunato (@JoeFortunatoBSB) February 24, 2019
#NYR Hockey is a business, but business aside it’s sad to see Zuccarello have to wear another jersey mother than a Rangers one. He will he missed and we appreciate the heart he put into every game…. https://t.co/R8ayuEB7z6
— RangerProud/Frank Curto (@RangerProud) February 24, 2019
@AJ Castiglia posted a great tribute video to Mats.
No video or words could describe what you meant to every @NYRangers fan, Zucc. Thank you for your heart, soul and service. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. Take good care of him @DallasStars pic.twitter.com/gay4q6wNu1
— AJ Castiglia (@ajcastigliaa) February 24, 2019
Are you all crying yet? Okay, let's keep going with some of the more fun clips of Zuccarello #NYR #GoStars pic.twitter.com/GG0dtWXCwu
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) February 24, 2019
He enjoyed many great moments in the sweater with the Rangers letters across his chest. From his very first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes to his last Rangers goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Zucc laid in on the line every night.
Zuccarello’s best friend, Henrik Lundqvist, tweeted out his favorite moment with the former Ranger (weird to write).
“My favorite moment as a Ranger, “We’re going to the finals!!” #36”
One of the most unique player and teammate I ever played with. Brings so much to the table. Will miss you a ton! ?
My favorite moment as a Ranger, “We’re going to the finals!!” #36 #Zuuuuk pic.twitter.com/qMK5a54X21— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist30) February 24, 2019
Mika Zibanejad‘s Instagram post was simple and to the point.
The Dallas Stars have no idea how lucky that organization is to have Mats Zuccarello for the remainder of the season and likely, the playoffs.
The players and fans will love him as did all of Rangerstown. It’s going to be strange to see him wear the green and white colors of Dallas.
All of New York will be rooting for him. All of New York will hope he gets another opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup.
All of New York will miss his smile, his fight, his heart, and soul. Mats Zuccarello is and always will always be a Ranger.
These numbers speak volumes:
509 Games Played
113 Goals
352 Points
One Stanley Cup Final Appearance
Two Eastern Conference Final Appearances
Seven Playoff Appearances in Eight Seasons
