Zucc Celebrates: Mats Zuccarello is congratulated by Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider after his goal.
AP Photo by Bill Kostroun/Getty Images

With the dominoes falling after the blockbuster trade for Keith Yandle, it appears the Rangers and Mats Zuccarello figured out a way for him to stay. After being far apart, the two sides got back to negotiating. It appears they are close to agreeing on a four-year $18 million extension. The Daily News Pat Leonard broke the story on Twitter.

It looks like once the two sides hammer out a no-trade clause, Zuccarello will re-sign. The popular 27-year old top right wing hasn’t had a big season in a contract year. After leading them in scoring with 59 points last year, Zuccarello has 12 goals and 23 assists totaling 35 points in 59 games. He ranks fifth in team scoring and is a plus-16 with 35 penalty minutes and 91 hits.

Even though the production hasn’t been as consistent, what the pint sized Zuccarello brings is king sized heart every shift. As teammates have echoed, he’s a 200-foot player who plays every zone. A perfect complement on the top line with Derick Brassard and top sniper Rick Nash, he’s in a one-year deal that pays him $3.5 million. Of course, reports had him demanding $5 million per season to stay. But it appears the two sides have found the ‘common ground’ coach Alain Vigneault was hoping for. It looks they’ll settle on $4.5 million per season.

Assuming it gets done and there’s no reason not to believe so after the Coyotes picked up half of Yandle’s $5.25 million salary, the Rangers keep one of their most passionate players. Zuccarello is a team leader who always brings a lunch pail work ethic every shift. He might not always make the right play but it’s never for lack of effort. If he reaches July 1, there’s no doubt he’d get $5 million over five years from potential suitors.

Couldn’t you have just seen Lou Lamoriello offering him five for 25 to team with Mike Cammalleri? The Devils might’ve come calling without a number one right wing. Teams appreciate what Zuccarello brings. A heady player who plays with aggression and is willing to get the jersey dirty.

When Glen Sather indicated to reporters that he was on the block, it reminded of last year’s ugly negotiation with Ryan Callahan resulting in the captain for captain trade netting Martin St. Louis. Only if he traded Zuccarello, there wasn’t going to be a future Hall Of Famer coming back. He would’ve been much harder to replace. Especially for a battle tested team who added Yandle while only subtracting a spare part of the roster in hopes of winning a Cup.

When Zuccarello re-signs, it’ll be a huge sigh of relief for everyone. Back to business.