Coyotes Sign Jason Zucker to One-Year Deal

The Arizona Coyotes have signed forward Jason Zucker to a one-year contract worth $5.3 million.

Well, this one is a shocker. 

The Arizona Coyotes opened a few eyes on Saturday, agreeing to terms with forward Jason Zucker on a one-year contract worth $5.3 million. 

The deal comes as a surprise given Zucker's continued ability and the lack of viability of Arizona as a free-agent destination, but certainly represents the Coyotes' desire to improve their on-ice product after years of rebuilding. 

Zucker is coming off what everyone in Pittsburgh would consider a down year in 2022-23, and yet he still nearly hit 30 goals and 50 points by finishing with 27 goals and 21 assists for 48 points in 78 games. That’s pretty darn effective for a middle-six winger, which Zucker will be at the very least for the Coyotes, who may even play him alongside homegrown star Clayton Keller. 

The gripe against Zucker last season was his cap hit. But the good news is he did not get a raise on the $5.5 million he once made, and the Coyotes have oodles of space to throw at him. Not to mention, Zucker will likely become a very attractive target at the trade deadline, with the Coyotes possibly retaining a good portion of his salary. At a price tag of $3 million to $3.5 million, that’s a fantastic get for any contender. 

Stay tuned. More moves are continuing to roll in.