The problem with Zuccarello is that he's shooting 4% above his career S% and we're still disappointed in his production. He hasn't meshed with anyone on this team and having a 32 year old (33 at the start of next season) at $6M for another 4 seasons is disheartening.
Nobody here wants him to fail, but he hasn't shown anything that makes us optimistic about his future. The $6M that is allocated to him could be much better spent and we certainly could use the expansion draft protection slot that he's blocking with his NMC.
First of all, this expansion draft protection is something management was of course fully aware of when they signed him, it's part of the plan.
I agree that Zuccarello should shoot more, and he has a very good shot. But he has a tendency to make things more complicated than they have to be, because of his desire to help his linemates score. No doubt.
But I would disagree if you say he doesn't fit. Right now he has a mentor role for Galchenyuk, who's playing better and better. Gally could turn into a decent center.
Zuccarello himself has taken a more passive role on the ice because of his injury, playing 12-13 mins a game. This is in agreement with the coaching- and medical staff. He's saving himself for the playoffs (if they make it). Zuccarello has a great playoff history, and he was on fire last year for the Stars.