Should the Predators Really Re-Sign Jason Zucker?
As there becomes less and less time to make a decision on Zucker, there's pros and cons of bringing the veteran back on a new contract.
Should the Predators Really Re-Sign Jason Zucker?The Nashville Predators have a ton of money to spend on upgrades this summer and the team is definitely going to make a splash. How can they not after exceeding expectations and making it to the playoffs in 2023-24?
The Predators have to juggle decisions on bringing back current UFAs and going out and getting talent to fill some holes to make the team better. One player in particular that is of interest is Jason Zucker. He came over at the trade deadline in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes and left his mark.
From Zucker's perspective, he said that "It was great for me. I absolutely love it here...overall my experience was fantastic." He played a total of 24 games between the regular season and playoffs, but also made it clear "I would love to be back."
The Money Works Easily, but Does the Lineup?
Zucker is 32 years old and still has game left. He might be on the decline, but not very evidently just yet. If the Predators want to bring him back, money isn't an issue this offseason...as of now.
We don't know exactly who the Predators are going to bring in. It could be 3 big names and most of the cap space would be gone. That would take Zucker out of the equation, even if he is only going to be signed to a short-term deal.
Signing for a couple of years at most is probably the best outcome if the Predators can't land some big fish in either trades or free agency. There is a lot of young talent and a decline could happen sooner or later.
Zucker's contract this season was $5.3 million AAV, but he was on a five-year, $5.5 million AAV deal prior to that. His price tag won't be nearly as high and he brings some scoring and a good amount of physicality. From what it looks like, he is also a great teammate and a solid veteran to have around the younger players just learning the NHL.
Money isn't an issue, but who to fill Nashville's roster with may be. There's less of a chance the Predators can bring Zucker back if they get to July 1st without a contract, but the Predators also won't know which free agents the team can sign until around that time either.
How the Analytics Fare in Nashville
For the most part, Zucker did well with the Predators. At 5-on-5 he had strong Fenwick For % (51.64%), Shots For % (53.63%), expected Goals For % (55.92%), High Danger Chances For % (57.83%), and High Danger Goals For % (50%). Where his numbers were lacking during the regular season once he got to the Predators were in Goals For % (44.44%) and Scoring Chances For % (47.03%).
Zucker really stepped up his game in the postseason as he was on the ice for three goals for and none against. He helped his line excel in areas like SF% (57.89%), xGF% (54.2%), HDCF% (60%), and HDGF% (100%).
Zucker did a lot well and would likely be in a third line role if re-signed. This would create even better depth for the Predators. I see no problem with bringing him back, but if no trades are made at the draft by Nashville, there's going to be a lot to think about for free agency.