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Zuccarello Pushes Back On Exit Rumors After Minnesota Departure
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- Zuccarello Pushes Back On Exit Rumors After Minnesota Departure
Mats Zuccarello is pushing back on how his departure from the Minnesota Wild has been portrayed, firmly denying reports that he left the organization frustrated or "ticked off" about how things unfolded as his long tenure with the club came to an end.
The 38-year-old winger from Norway acknowledged some disappointment in how the separation initially played out, but stressed there is no lingering bitterness toward the Wild after spending seven seasons in Minnesota.
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"I was a little bit disappointed in how it happened," Zuccarello said. "But I have respect for Minnesota and the organization. I spent seven really good years there. There's no hard feelings."
He added that while emotions naturally surface when a long chapter ends, the situation ultimately came down to the business side of hockey.
"Once you kind of understand it, you move on," Zuccarello said. "For their side, it's a business. They decided to move on, and I just have to respect that."
What he did take issue with, however, was the public framing of his reaction in the aftermath.
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"I've seen some reports that I was pissed or ticked off or whatever they used — which is not true," he said. "I have respect for the Minnesota Wild organization. I spent seven really good years there."
Zuccarello emphasized that while the departure marks the end of a meaningful chapter — one that included deep relationships on and off the ice — it does not come with resentment.
"Obviously when you spend a lot of time in a place like that, you build relationships in the community and in the locker room," he said. "That's always tough to leave behind."
Still, the focus now shifts forward. The veteran forward signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings this offseason and is also eligible for up to $5.5 million in performance bonuses, including $5 million tied to playing 10 regular-season games, according to the contract structure.
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One of just nine players in NHL history born in Norway, Zuccarello has carved out a lengthy career built on consistency and production. He has 232 goals and 512 assists for 744 points in 963 career games with the New York Rangers , Dallas Stars , Minnesota Wild, and now the Los Angeles Kings.
Zuccarello made it clear he is embracing the move west.
"I'm super excited to get to L.A., meet the guys, and start a new chapter in my hockey life and my family life," he said.
For all the speculation surrounding how it ended in Minnesota, Zuccarello's message was consistent: disappointment with the process, respect for the organization, and a clear focus on what comes next.
