PITTSBURGH – Jason Zucker became a fan favorite during his 172 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. For most of his time, Zucker struggled with injuries and consistency, but that didn’t stop him from putting up an outstanding 2022-23 season.
In a primarily healthy 78 games played last year, Zucker scored 27 goals and 21 assists for 48 points. The Penguins let him walk in free agency, where he signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Coyotes.
With the trade deadline drawing closer, Zucker might find himself hitting the road out of Arizona. According to Frank Seravalli, Zucker is a new name to be featured on Daily Faceoff’s trade board. With no clauses attached to his Coyotes deal, Zucker can be moved wherever before the deadline.
“Zucker has seen mostly middle-six action with the Coyotes,” Seravalli writes. “The plus side to the premium of a one-year deal is that now Arizona can try to recoup some of that by moving him ahead of the deadline. Zucker does not have any no-trade protection.”
The Coyotes, as usual, are struggling to put together wins despite having a decent enough offseason with key additions. Zucker was among those names brought in, but sitting sixth in the Central Division hasn’t given them much hope for the year.
Even at 32, Zucker could add to a team looking for a push to the playoffs. He’s only missed 10 games this year with an early season injury and a suspension in early January. With his health mostly in check, Zucker has played decently with the Coyotes.
In 39 games played, Zucker has scored eight goals and 10 assists for 18 total points in the middle six. Put him on a team with more consistent and skilled linemates, and he could be a hot commodity down the line.
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