Article: Zuccarello Must Become More Than Kaprizov's Wingman

[Robert Brent]

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[Citizen Strife]

He's only around for one more season after this anyway.  It's up to the team to find his replacement.  They finally have some money with which either to find said replacement internally or somewhere else, or find depth so his decline isn't so pronounced and detrimental to the whole of the team's function.

Besides, there's a couple other people I'd subtract from the team before Zuccarello.  I'm willing to ride it out provided he doesn't ask for more than the extra couple years leash he was given.

Edited 6 hours ago by Citizen Strife

[MacGyver]

At age 37 we are getting the best of what we can expect of him now. Expecting much more from him particularly without Kaprizov feeding him is a big ask. 

Edited 5 hours ago by MacGyver

[SkolWild73]

Players all go through stretches where they do not produce a ton of points.  A quick search of players that average about the same point production per game as Zucc this year I found 5 such players without too much searching.

• D. Batherson- 1P in 8games in Jan.
• B. Tkachuk- 1P in 12 games in Jan.
• C. Verhaeghe- 2P in 8 games Dec-Jan
• N. Schmaltz- 2P in 8 games in Nov.
• A Tuch- 1P in 9 games in Dec.

Zucc has played 20 games without Kap this year and has 4G and 10A for 14 points which is .7 points per game.  I think his career average without Kap is .68.  

We didn't think Zucc was going to maintain his production when he was scoring 13 in 10, I think we need to look at it the same during the cold stretch.

 

[Kato AK]

Looking at Zucc in the future perspective, I do think the Wild need to find an upgrade on the 1st line this offseason for KK. But where would that leave Zucc? Does anyone think he could catch lightning in a bottle twice and help develop Yurov like he did Kaprisov?

Could be an intriguing option with the right linemate.

[mnfaninnc]

I maintain that Zuccarello needs to be protected with 4th line minutes. Again, I'm not suggesting teaming him up with Lauko and MaRat, I'm suggesting that he get a couple more shifts off a period while playing with the scorers. Give Lauko or MaRat a couple of extra shifts a period. 

The issue here is fatigue in a 37 year old player. You don't want to blow his engine just before the playoffs. Keep him tuned up, but let him play a little less. I think you'll get more out of him.

Also, in the Heinzy system this year, Zuccarello has done a very good job of cycling to the point and playing defense if there's a turnover. Much better than he did last season. 

I'm with big Mac above me, getting more out of him at this point would be a big ask. I think expecting more out of the youth is a better proposition.