According to the AHL transactions log the
New York Rangers have sent forward Mats Zuccarello down to the Connecticut
Whale. The move is not that surprising
considering Zuccarello was a healthy scratch for two straight games prior to
last night and was largely ineffective during his ice time against the
Islanders. This past Sunday I wrote that
sending
Zuccarello down to the minors was the right move if he was either going to
be scratched or play under 10 minutes a game because at this stage of his
career playing time is the most important thing.
Zuccarello has special skills and will be a very solid NHL
player when the time comes, but right now he is inconsistent and still has
things in his game that can use work.
Going to the Whale and playing 20 minutes a night in situations that
allow him to better succeed is the best thing for him long term. On the season
Zuccarello, 23, has 6 goals, and 16 assists in 40 games for the Rangers.
