With the Arizona Coyotes’ recent downfall, free agent Jason Zucker was expected to be traded. He had signed a one-year deal with the Yotes last summer for $5.3 million. The veteran forward has disappointed offensively, with just eight goals and 15 assists in 48 games. In his previous season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the scrappy forward tallied 27 goals and 21 assists. That was, of course, with a much better team.
Jason Zucker Dealt to Nashville
Friedman/Lebrun confirm forward Jason Zucker is on his way to #Smashville from #Yotes. Return to follow. #Preds buying in attempt to maintain a wildcard spot.
— Full Press Hockey (@FullPressNHL) March 8, 2024
Considering his lack of production and the extended losing streak the Coyotes suffered, it was expected that Zucker would be traded by the trade deadline. Until the All-Star game, they had overperformed by being in a wild-card spot, only to see them falter immensely with an extended losing streak. They fell from playoff contention, and as their GM Bill Armstrong had stated, “the players will decide if we are buyers or sellers.”
Zucker Will Help His New Team
While Zucker may score only a few goals as a rental, he can provide veteran leadership. He was on a line with the former third overall pick, Logan Cooley, who learned some valuable tips from the veteran. Zucker certainly will help his new team achieve their goals to make it to the postseason. He has collected 190 goals and 171 assists in 677 career NHL games. Zucker will also contribute to the power play. He has 32 goals and 39 assists with the extra man. Still, he needed a player like Sidney Crosby to help him out.
We will see if he signs a longer-term contract or will test the free agency market this summer. Either way, he is an excellent addition to the Nashville Predators.
The return to the Coyotes in this deal was a 2024 sixth-round pick with no salary retention, per LeBrun. The rebuild in Arizona is going strong, and you can always use a few extra draft picks.
Stay tuned