It seemed that just a few weeks ago, Jason Zucker would be on the trade block and out of Buffalo by the March 7th Trade Deadline. Now, things have seemed to turn around as it looks like Zucker is interested in staying in Buffalo. Zucker signed a one-year, five-million-dollar contract this offseason with the Sabres and is arguably having the best offensive year of his career.
Zucker is currently on pace for the second-best season of his career as he has 18 goals, and 23 assists this season. Zucker had a 30-30 season back in 2017-2018 with the Minnesota Wild as he had 33 goals and 31 assists. Zucker currently ranks tied for 4th on the team in points with 43. Earlier this week, Zucker and GM Kevyn Adams held early discussions about a new deal. Earlier in the year, Zucker made it known that he’d be interested in a contract extension with Buffalo. With a $7M jump in the new salary cap coming next season, Zucker should be able to land himself a new deal. However, Zucker would want a multi-year deal this time instead of a short contract. Zucker in his 14th season, and has found the fountain of the youth and wants to help build around this young core. Adams said he wants players in Buffalo now with experience and does not want to keep waiting for new prospects to come up through the organization every year. If Zucker is still producing at a high level, then I think the Sabres should try to get him what he wants for a contract agreement. The question lies in how high are the Sabres willing to go for Zucker.
I had Zucker being traded at the deadline just a few weeks ago in a deal with the Minnesota Wild. I think that the Sabres could get a good return for Zucker with the season he is having. I don’t think the Sabres should go above six million in this deal with Zucker if they decide to resign him. If Zucker is serious about wanting to help build around this young core, he will not take a major contract extension. Buffalo only has about 6.5 million in cap space, without the salary cap jump heading into next season. If Zucker isn’t resigned which is my prediction, he will likely end up with a contender and the Sabres will likely get a nice return.