Jason Zucker Is Pricing Himself Out of Penguins Reach
The Pittsburgh Penguins may not be able to afford Jason Zucker next year.
This season Jason Zucker has become everything the Pittsburgh Penguins hoped for when they acquired him in February 2020. Whether he's scoring the goal to spark a comeback or changing the momentum with his physical forechecking, Zucker has made himself an indispensable member of this Penguins roster.
Unfortunately for the Penguins, Zucker's breakthrough in Pittsburgh came at the end of his contract as the 31-year-old heads to free agency this summer. Currently making $5.5 Million, Zucker could look to cash in on what could be his final big NHL contract opportunity.
Zucker ranks fifth on the Penguins in goals (21) and points (39) but has brought much more to the table this season. Few Penguins can match Zucker's energy and physicality on every shift, and his appeal to the guys in the locker room is evident.
Zucker will enter the summer of 2023 in a similar position to what Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell faced last offseason. Both players took less money and more term to stay with the Penguins. Will Zucker follow their lead?
The acquisition of Mikael Granlund and his $5 Million contract will make it more difficult for the Penguins to retain Zucker this summer, especially if he continues to fill the net as much as he has in recent weeks, scoring seven goals in his last eight games.
If Zucker wants to sign for market value in the offseason, his performance has already priced him out of Pittsburgh.
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