Buffalo Sabres Forward Hoping to Re-Sign

It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the trade deadline that’s coming on March 7. This means that general managers will have to make some tough decisions before that day. Clubs that are close to falling out of contention are going to be faced with some interesting issues. Will we see teams try to extend impending unrestricted free agents? Or will we see GMs try to spin these players into draft picks, players and prospects? One team that is likely to face this choice is the Buffalo Sabres. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at one player and his future with the club.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Buffalo Sabres Veteran Forward Hoping for New Deal

Rumour: Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic discussed the future of forward Jason Zucker with the team. The veteran is a UFA at the end of the season, but is having a great campaign despite the team’s down year. Zucker did say that he would be interesting in sticking around in Western New York.

Analysis: Last July’s free agent market didn’t seem like a favourable one for the Newport Beach, Calif. native. He inked a one-year pact worth $5 million and started off on the club’s third line. However, Zucker has put together a strong season with 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 45 games.

These totals are on pace for the 33-year-old to have his second-highest career point totals. He’s only second behind Tage Thompson for the team’s lead in point. However, Zucker being such a contributor on offence was sort of unexpected.

Buffalo looks to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 14th straight season. However, it’s not for a lack of effort on Zucker’s part. The decision now falls to Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams on whether to sign him to a new deal or flip him for assets.

Zucker has been a big help in the locker room and the Sabres are one of the youngest teams in the league. He may not have a letter on his sweater, but he’s been critical to a youthful group trying to find its way.

An Unexpected Surprise

Zucker has been traded at the deadline a few teams, so it’s nothing new to be the subject of trade speculation. However, he’s fit in nicely with the Sabres. The veteran has risen to the being on the first line and getting time on the power-play unit.

This has been a pleasant surprise in another season full of disappointments for Buffalo. The question to re-sign Zucker or deal him will probably weigh on Buffalo’s management team. Zucker has been eligible to re-sign with the club as of the turn of the new year.

Zucker said that he would love to sign a contract extension with the club. However, he realizes that part is not in his hands at this time. Adams holds the cards, but one also has to wonder how much longer he’s got left in the post.

Should Adams get dismissed, what direction do the Sabres take? Does the new management team want to keep Zucker or do they use his great season as a chance to get some more assets?