PHILADELPHIA — Mats Zuccarello wasn’t able to become a regular, let alone a core component within coach John Tortorella’s lineup the last two years. But the Norwegian winger is on his way back to New York following a season in the KHL to try to produce some offense for the Blueshirts in their stretch run to the playoffs.
Zuccarello, who spent the season with Mettalurg Magnitogorsk, agreed to terms with the Rangers yesterday. The Post, which first reported general manager Glen Sather’s interest in re-signing Zuccarello on Feb. 27, reported on Sunday a contract offer to No. 36 would be forthcoming.
The 5-foot-7, 25-year-old is in the process of completing the paperwork that will allow him to rejoin the Rangers after having completed the first season of a two-year deal that contained an NHL out-clause. The Blueshirts retained Zuccarello’s rights by extending him a qualifying offer last June.
It is expected he will join the team late in this week’s three-game road trip that begins tonight against the Flyers before continuing Thursday in Ottawa and concluding Saturday in Montreal.
Zuccarello, whom the Rangers first signed as an undrafted free agent in 2010 after an MVP season in the Swedish Elite League, played only 52 games for the club over the last two seasons, recording eight goals and 18 assists.
He spent a majority of his time with the club’s AHL affiliate attempting to learn how to adapt to the smaller North American rinks and to Tortorella’s requirements for playing without the puck.
Zuccarello provided a spark on the power play when recalled late last season for a seven-game run in March that ended when he broke his wrist blocking a shot. He is a career 5-for-10 in the shootout after scoring on his first four attempts and five of his first six chances.
“He’s a talented player who can definitely help us,” Ryan Callahan said following yesterday’s practice. “He’s skilled, sees the ice well, can move the puck and is shifty out there.
“If we can bring in a guy to create offense, that definitely helps the team.”
Tortorella declined to weigh in on the move, citing the fact Zuccarello has yet to join the team.
Talks with the Swedish Federation aimed at getting winger Jesper Fast’s release continue. … Rick Nash and Anton Stralman did not participate in practice, the club citing a “maintenance day” for each. J.T. Miller, who missed Sunday’s 3-2 shootout defeat to the Capitals with a wrist injury, also did not skate.