Zuccarello “Ticked” at Wild: How Guerin Mishandled One of His Top Wingers

Mats Zuccarello is likely leaving Minnesota — and the Wild have nobody to blame but themselves.

According to Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, Zuccarello is “pretty ticked” about how negotiations have unfolded and is now determined to test free agency when the market opens Wednesday at 11 a.m. The Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks have already been linked as suitors for the 38-year-old winger.

The root cause traces back to June 9, when GM Bill Guerin prioritized signing Michael McCarron — acquired at the trade deadline for a second-round pick — to a six-year contract extension. The move caught fans and media off guard and it pushed Zuccarello’s extension talks to the backburner. Talks haven’t resumed. In fact, the Wild never called to restart negotiations.

Zuccarello’s frustration is understandable. He posted 15 goals and 39 assists for 54 points in 59 games last season and has accumulated 389 points over seven seasons in Minnesota. He is Kirill Kaprizov‘s linemate, his best friend on the roster, and one of the most productive wingers the franchise has ever had. Guerin chose to lock up a bottom-six center on a six-year deal before even picking up the phone for him.

Zuccarello To Hit the Market

Now the damage is done. Whatever hometown discount Zuccarello may have offered is gone. The Wild won’t be the highest bidder on the open market, and even if they circle back before Wednesday’s bell, there’s little reason to believe Zuccarello is coming back.

The Wild likely won’t circle back, either. They’ve been preoccupied with trying to get in on the Dylan Larkin trade discussions or potentially trading for Vincent Trocheck. Guerin also recently revealed that Vladimir Tarasenko was not given permission to speak with other teams as a pending UFA, which has some wondering if he’s preoccupied with Tarasenko’s new agent.

The timing couldn’t be worse. With Zuccarello, Vladimir Tarasenko and Marcus Johansson all potentially walking out the door, Minnesota is staring at a significant hole in their top nine — one that Guerin’s misplaced urgency helped create.

Next: Maple Leafs Skyrocket Up List in Werenski Trade Discussion