After signing with the Los Angeles Kings in free agency this past week, veteran winger Mats Zuccarello has been challenging reports and rumors that he was frustrated or "ticked off" with how his departure from the Minnesota Wild went this summer.
Reporting from Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic indicated that he was angered about how Wild general manager Bill Guerin handled his situation with the team this offseason.
Based on the comments we heard from Zuccarello, he was pretty disappointed with how his exit unfolded, but he stopped short of describing himself as angry with the Wild organization this offseason.
Los Angeles Kings' newest veteran winger set the record straight on reports surrounding his exit from the Wild
When he was asked about how things ended in Minnesota, Zuccarello mentioned that he was a little displeased with the exit.
"I'm going to be honest, I was a little bit disappointed in how it happened; that was the only thing. "Mats Zuccarello on his Minnesota exit
It's easy to understand why Zuccarello was emotional about his exit from Minnesota, especially with the fact that he spent this past seven years there and laid down roots in the area.
"Once you kind of understand it, you move on. For their side, it’s a business. They decided to move on, and I just have to respect that. But I have respect for Minnesota and the organization. I spent seven really good years there. There’s no hard feelings."Zuccarello
The part that Zuccarello did take some issue with were the reports that he was mad at the Wild for how they handled his departure this offseason.
"I’ve seen some reports that I was pissed or ticked off or whatever they used. Which is not true. I have respect for the Minnesota Wild organization. I spent seven really good years there. Which I've addressed before, there's no hard feelings. Obviously, when you spend a lot of time in a place like that, you get relationships on and off the ice and around the community. That’s always sad to leave behind. But I respect their decision. "Zuccarello
What matters now for Zuccarello is focusing on the Kings for this upcoming season. Zuccarello said he's "eager" to get going with the Kings going into training camp and the preseason with the team this fall.
He said what made a difference for him with the Kings and what made him ultimately sign a one-year contract with Los Angeles this offseason was the "good feeling" he got from being in contact with the organization in this past week or so.
"Once free agency started, I felt like LA, the Kings were a team that was really interested in me and showed me that they had a place for me. I’m a simple guy and I think that’s really important to me, to play on a team where you feel like you’re wanted. I had a really good talk with Lavi and Kenny there, really good talk, I liked everything they said."Zuccarello on joining the Kings
It doesn't matter from a Kings perspective how the situation ultimately unfolded. The Kings get the benefit of landing one of the most productive and proven offensive playmakers available in unrestricted free agency this offseason on a low-cost one-year contract.
Zuccarello cleared the air, making it known that he is disappointed with the way things ended in Minnesota, but that he is now focused and energized about the move to join the Kings for this upcoming season.
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