Zucker - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres receive immediate help in Ryan McLeod by trading Matt Savoie to Oilers

After the Buffalo Sabres recently made a minor deal and signed some free agents, it appeared the significant trade that was expected this summer might never materialize.

Maybe, just maybe, general manager Kevyn Adams felt that adding some grit to augment a talented lineup and having a new coach in Lindy Ruff would be enough to help the Sabres end their NHL-record 13-year playoff drought.

But on Friday, Adams, who has expressed his willingness to ... Read the full article

Sabres sorely need grit, leadership and versatility veteran Jason Zucker offers

BUFFALO – During his four-year tenure in Pittsburgh, Sabres newcomer Jason Zucker regularly enjoyed plum assignments skating alongside legendary Penguins centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Zucker, who believes his speed and forechecking ability are his top assets, added grit to the future Hall of Famers’ lines, retrieving pucks and utilizing his 5-foot-11, 192-pound frame to wreak havoc around the net.

“If pucks end up in the corners, go get them back and let their ... Read the full article

Seasons with Flames changed Sabres newcomer Dennis Gilbert’s career

BUFFALO – Almost two years ago, a seven-game stint with the Calgary Flames changed defenseman Dennis Gilbert’s career.

Gilbert played sparingly during that short recall, sometimes skating less than 10 minutes an outing. By the end of that November, he was back in the AHL, where he had spent the entire previous season.

But the lessons the Williamsville native learned from former Flames coach Darryl Sutter and his staff during those three weeks stuck with ... Read the full article

Signings, trade help revamp Sabres’ roster: ‘I like the look of our team’

BUFFALO – In signing Jason Zucker to a one-year, $5 million contract, the Sabres believe they added a versatile veteran winger they can utilize up and down the lineup.

“His ability to play anywhere in our lineup, I think, is critical in style,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said Monday in KeyBank Center. “He’s played plenty with top skill guys or he could play more of that hard-checking role.”

Meanwhile, center Sam Lafferty, the Sabres’ ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty in free agency, re-sign Jacob Bryson

BUFFALO – The Sabres added two forwards shortly after free agency opened today, signing Jason Zucker to a one-year, $5 million contract and Sam Lafferty to a two-year, $4 million deal.

Zucker, 32, compiled 14 goals, 42 points, 81 penalty minutes and a minus-9 rating in 69 games with the Arizona Coyotes and Nashville Predators last season.

The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Zucker, a winger, has scored 196 goals and 370 points in 697 career NHL games. ... Read the full article