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Mats Zuccarello News
Zuccarello (shoulder) is on the ice for the Rangers morning skate.

Zuccarello missed Sunday's game vs. Toronto with a shoulder injury that he suffered on Saturday. Zucc's presence this morning is a good sign that the injury is not serious and he could be back in the lineup on Tuesday vs. the Islanders. Zuccarello has yet to record a point this season and is coming off of a minus-4 performance vs. the Blue Jackets.

Mats Zuccarello
The Rangers have signed restricted free-agent to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.

Zuccarello, 26, showed that he is more than just a shootout specialist in 2013-14. He recorded 19 goals and 40 assists (59 points) in 77 games--which led the Rangers. He was a part of New York's best line last season, playing most of the year with Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot, but now Pouliot wears Blue and Orange, so Zuccarello will have to get acclimated with at least one new linemate this season.

Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello (hand) will return to the Rangers lineup on Friday.

Zuccarello has missed the last four games with a hand injury that he suffered in the Olympics. He was originally listed as a game-time decision, but he will be back for sure tonight in Carolina. Heading into tonight he is on a six-game point streak (2G / 6A). Expect him to return to his regular line with Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot.

Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello (hand) is now day-to-day, won't play Wednesday but is nearing a return.

Head coach Alain Vigneault had a lot of positive news about Zuccarello this morning. He could return later this week, which is way ahead of his 3-4 week timeline. When Zuccarello can return has to do with whether or not he can deal with the pain. Monitor his status before Friday's contest.

Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello will miss 3-4 weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his left hand.

Zuccarello said he suffered the injury blocking a shot during Norway’s 3-1 loss to Austria Sunday in a Group B match at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Zuccarello leads the Rangers with 28 assists and 43 points in 58 games this season. “It’s tough, but it’s part of the game so you kind of have to just go with it,” Zuccarello said Friday, wearing a black brace on his left hand. “But obviously it’s nothing you wanted to happen over there. It’s a tough one.”

Mats Zuccarello
Can confirm that Mats Zuccarello has agreed to terms on contract with Rangers, though he is awaiting his release from the KHL

MZA has spent some time on the Rangers' top line in the past so he could be the spark the Rangers need up front to get moving again. He does not need to go through waivers because he is already under RFA-status with New York as per Bob McKenzie.

Mats Zuccarello
This season, Zuccarello said he also needs to shoot more. Yesterday, coach John Tortorella said while he liked a lot of what he saw from Zuccarello, there does need to be an improvement in his consistency.

Zuccarello looks to make the NHL out of camp and stick for the entire season. The former SEL MVP posted decent totals as a rookie -- 6 goals, 23 points in 42 games.

Mats Zuccarello