Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason: Metro Division Under-the-Radar Impact Players

Mar 26, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers right wing

(36) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Rangers defeated the Senators 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers – Mats Zuccarello

Mats Zuccarello will be huge to the success of this team going into the 2015-2016 season. Zuccarello finished fifth in points for the Rangers last season, twenty points behind leader Rick Nash. He was severely injured in game 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins when he took a slap shot to his head and was not able to play in the series against the Washington Capitals. The Rangers did not make many offseason moves this year, other than sending Carl Hagelin to the Anaheim Ducks and the addition of Jarret Stoll and Viktor Stalberg. This maintains the work load that awaits Zuccarello.

Not having Zuccarello in the lineup was detrimental to the Rangers in their series with the Washington Capitals. Others stepped in and were able to contribute offensively but Zuccarello was greatly missed. His speed on the wing is a huge asset to this team going forward especially with the loss of the speedy Carl Hagelin.

The Rangers are hoping to have a perennial twenty-goal scorer in Zuccarello. New York has struggled to score goals as of late, which will put a heavier load on Zuccarello’s shoulders.

Next: Kyle Okposo