Rangers, Zuccarello avoid abitration; agree to terms on 1-year, $3.5-million contract

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The New York Rangers and forward Mats Zuccarello avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.5-million contract according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

The 26-year-old led the team in scoring this past season, registering 19 goals and 40 assists in 77 games, with an impressive 53.8 Corsi For rating at even strength to boot.

It is believed that Zuccarello was seeking a long-term deal worth upwards of $4.5 million; this remains an option, and Brooks adds the two sides will continue to work towards that end. Such a deal would not be able to be signed until January 1, 2015.