Jason Zucker has scored 17 goals this season. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

As trade deadline approaches, Sabres interested in re-signing Jason Zucker

BUFFALO – In the coming days or weeks, Sabres winger Jason Zucker will almost certainly hit the 20-goal mark, one of hockey’s special achievements.

Zucker, 33, is no stranger to the number, having surpassed it five times in his 14-year NHL career, most recently when he scored 27 times in 2022-23.

His ability to keep scoring at an advanced age isn’t surprising. But when he signed a one-year, $5 million contract in free agency, few envisioned he would become one of the Sabres’ offensive drivers.

Zucker has scored 17 goals this season entering this afternoon’s contest against the New Jersey Devils at KeyBank Center, a total that ranks second on the Sabres behind winger Tage Thompson’s 25. His 37 points are tied for third.

The Sabres knew Zucker’s speed and grit gave them an intriguing option to move around the lineup. They also expected as their oldest and most experienced player, he would impact a team filled with 20-somethings.

Still, he has exceeded expectations.

“In my eyes, I think he has,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following Saturday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter. “I thought he’d be a good player for us, but I think he’s exceeded where I thought he’d be at.”

Not surprisingly, the Sabres are interested in re-signing Zucker, who can become an unrestricted free agent again this summer. General manager Kevyn Adams told WGR on Friday he met with the American and his agents during the team’s recent road trip.

“We had an initial conversation, and that’s it,” Zucker told the Times Herald.

Zucker has likely played well enough to earn a multi-year contract. If they deal him before the trade deadline March 7, he would fetch a strong return.

The last-place Sabres, of course, hope it doesn’t reach that point. They sorely need him.

Zucker, who has averaged 15 minutes, 5 seconds of ice time per outing this season, his highest total since 2019-20, might not find the grass is greener elsewhere.

“He’s fit really good in with the group,” Ruff said. “He’s been a real positive influence. I mean, he’s had different roles, I think, these last few years on how he’s played. He likes his role here. He’s done a good job being … the net-front guy.

“I think he understands the pressure that’s in the game and tries to be an example of doing the right thing at the right time.”

Zucker scored a critical goal in Friday’s 4-3 win, tying the game at 3 during a second period in which the Nashville Predators thoroughly outplayed the Sabres.

At his current 27-goal pace, he would become the Sabres’ first free agent to reach the 20-goal mark since Randy Burridge scored 25 times in 1995-96.

“I like to be able to prove that I still have a lot of game left, and I know I’m obviously getting a little bit older,” he said. “But for me, that’s not a negative thing. For me, when I look at some of the best players I’ve played with, they’ve been at this age or a little bit older and taught me a lot about the game and how to continue to play.

“I’m trying to do that with all of our young guys, but still I think the biggest thing is showing (it) on the ice.”

The affable Zucker has also shown a lot off the ice.

“With my personality I’ve gotten to be a lot closer with the guys,” he said. “It’s a really good group.”

Zucker said his personality is “pretty outgoing” and “pretty lighthearted.”

“I’m not afraid to talk to guys about any of the hard issues,” he said. “But at the same time, I try to keep things light and try to have fun in the room. It’s a really long year, so you got to try to find ways to enjoy every bit of it.”

Ruff said Sabres rookie center Tyson Kozak missed Saturday’s practice because he’s sick.

3 thoughts on “As trade deadline approaches, Sabres interested in re-signing Jason Zucker”

  1. Sign Zucker. Need veterans with leadership in the lineup. At some point have to show stability and stop trading for draft picks.

  2. Sign Zucker. He’s an important piece and veteran leader. Sign Malenstyn too. Both offer grit and good energy.

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