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Former King Clancy Winner Gets Extension
Main Photo: Steve Roberts- Imagn Images

Jason Zucker has done a lot in his hockey career. In 2010, he won a gold medal in the World Juniors. In his 14-year NHL career, he has been a 30-goal scorer. He has also had a positive impact in his community, winning the King Clancy Award in 2019 for it. Now, the California native has inked a two-year contract extension. The deal is for two years and is $9.5 million total. This works out to a cap hit of $4.75 million per season and the deal runs out at the end of the 2026-27 season.

Jason Zucker Extension Signed by Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have made the Zucker extension happen at the trade deadline. Zucker, 33-years old, has scored 18 goals in 54 games for the Sabres this year. Zucker joined the Sabres over the summer after being traded at last year’s trade deadline.

As the Sabres have found themselves near the bottom of the standings, it became clear the team would be sellers. Zucker’s name has generated much buzz in trade rumours. However, Buffalo has decided to keep the forward and the feeling is mutual.

Many Playoff Appearances for Forward

Zucker is no stranger to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the forward has yet to make it out of the second round in his career. The closest Zucker has gotten was in 2014, when the Minnesota Wild fell two wins short of the Western Conference Final.

In 52-career playoff games, Zucker has scored nine goals and recorded nine assists. His best postseason came in 2015, when he recorded three points in ten playoff games.

What It Means

Zucker has slid into a role on the top-six in Buffalo. With the Sabres, he has primarily played on the second line.

While his 25-30 goal seasons may be in the past, Zucker can still be a force on offence. He can handle the puck well and can provide a net-front presence. He is someone who is not afraid to crash the net. In the playoffs, getting those “dirty goals,” can be the difference between advancing and going home for the summer.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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