Buffalo Sabers add second scorer and build on upside, sign LW Jason Zucker

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — While not a blockbuster move, the Buffalo Sabers have added veteran forward Jason Zucker on a one-year deal. According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Zucker’s deal is worth $5 million over one year.

Zucker, 32, has played nearly 700 games in the NHL and spent last season in Arizona and Nashville.

Last season, Zucker finished with 14 goals and 18 assists in 69 games played. It was a bit of a disappointing season after a good year in Pittsburgh in 2022-23 where he scored 27 goals and had 21 assists in 78 games.

Zucker fits in as a middle-six left winger and will provide the Sabres with the secondary scoring they desperately need. In a perfect world, Zucker would be on the Sabres’ third line, but given their lack of options on the left side, Zucker could play higher in the lineup.

Bove’s point of view:

I like this move for the Sabers because there isn’t much risk. Zucker is a better secondary scoring option than some of the options they’ve had in recent years, and it’s only a one-year deal, so there’s no long-term commitment.

The Sabers still have a lot of work to do, but Zucker is a good start. If he can score around 20 goals and help the second power play unit, he will be a welcome addition.

That said, the Sabres are still in desperate need of adding a top-tier forward and a true third-line center. It’s clear that the focus early in free agency has been on building their bottom six, but until they add a true difference-maker, the offseason will feel incomplete.

NHL free agency officially began at noon Monday.

The Sabers also reportedly signed Sam Lafferty to a two-year deal worth $2 million per year. You can find out more here.