The Arizona Coyotes have decided to pull forward Jason Zucker out of tonight’s game in Arizona against the Chicago Blackhawks. According to Coyotes Insider Craig Morgan, Zucker is missing the game for “trade-related reasons” meaning a move out of the desert is imminent.
Zucker was acquired by the Coyotes this past offseason in free agency. He was added as a veteran who could come and help with the younger core. Most believed that Zucker would become a piece to move at the deadline. It appears that the plan is going through. The 32-year-old has scored nine goals and 25 points in 51 games (0.49 PPG). Zucker has spent significant time on a line with young star Logan Cooley and 2021 9th overall pick Dylan Guenther.
The Coyotes signed Zucker to a one-year, $5.3 million contract, making a deal more difficult for most contenders. However, the Coyotes have the cap space to retain on a deal and optimize their return. Zucker has some playoff experience and could make a solid addition to any team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Is There A Trade In Works for Zucker? If So, Who?
A team that makes sense is the Edmonton Oilers. The Coyotes would be looking for picks going into this year’s draft, as they have fallen out of the playoff spot they held earlier this season. If Edmonton were willing to give up their second-round pick this year, and maybe a younger guy like Broberg, the Coyotes would have a hard time saying no.
Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong has made it a habit to trade expiring deals at the deadline and build one of the strongest prospect pools in the NHL. Armstrong has built a front office and scouting staff better than the franchise has ever seen and getting some more picks for Zucker fits Armstrong’s pattern to a tee. The last player the Coyotes held out of the lineup for trade-related reasons was Jakob Chychrun, who was sent to Ottowa last season. Look out to see where Zucker ends up, as well as some other possible Coyotes trade pieces, (Dumba, Bjugstad, Schmaltz???)
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