The Pittsburgh Penguins brought in Reilly Smith, but that doesn't mean Jason Zucker is finding a new home.
When the Pittsburgh Penguins traded a 2024 third round pick to the Vegas Golden Knights in return for Reilly Smith, it was assumed there would be a certain casualty from the roster.
Because Smith carries a $5 million contract for another two seasons, it seemed as if that would draw the end of Jason Zucker’s time with the Penguins.
That doesn’t seem to be the case, however, as both head coach Mike Sullivan and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas said the door is still open for Zucker.
While saying Smith might fit well playing alongside Evgeni Malkin, Sullivan noted that Zucker is an important piece to the locker room, and he’s hopeful something can get finalized.
“He had a real good year for us last year,” Sullivan said. “He’s a big part of our team. His teammates really value what he brings to the table.”
Dubas noted that the talks with Vegas didn’t start until this week thanks to their Stanley Cup run and subsequent celebration, but he’s had constant conversations with Zucker’s group.
“It certainly doesn’t close the door,” Dubas said. “I understand how important he has been to the team.”
The Penguins want to add to their depth still and will have around $15 million in salary cap space to do so.
Everyone will just have to wait and see where the story goes with Zucker, but it at least looks like the team wants to keep him around.
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