It has been confirmed that Jason Zucker signed a contract with the Arizona Coyotes. His deal is a one-year deal worth $5.3 million.
What Will Jason Zucker Bring to His Team?
The California-born forward is one of the more underrated forwards in the league.
Used as a winger, Zucker’s primary talents would not make anyone consider him to be a playmaker. However, his pace, energy and skating are huge assets when making offensive plays, leaving defences vulnerable. He is also no stranger to contributing with the odd assist.
The 31-year-old also boasts a sharp, accurate shot, reflected by his respectable scoring record. A high-scoring winger is always an asset to have in a team’s arsenal and his club has truly gained one in Zucker.
One notable area of concern is his injury record. Despite spending just over three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Zucker has been on the mending shelf on seven separate occasions. After signing his new contract will be wanting to shake off the injury bug and make staying healthy his top priority.
Zucker’s Career So Far
Selected 59th overall in 2010 by the Minnesota Wild, Zucker was the first Nevada-raised NHL draft pick. After spending two seasons with the NCAA’s University of Denver, he would make his debut for the Wild in March 2012.
From that point on, Zucker cemented himself as a key member of Minnesota’s core group. During his nine-year stay, he scored 243 points in 456 games. His goal tally of 132 puts him fourth on the Wild’s all-time scorers list, with his points total the ninth highest.
During his last full season in the State of Hockey, Zucker took home the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award acknowledged his leadership on and off the ice, plus his charitable work.
In February 2020, Zucker was traded to the Penguins. During his time in Pennsylvania, he has battled with injury, but was a force in the team’s top-six, scoring 95 points in 175 games.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
