Arizona Coyotes forward Jason Zucker will have a hearing Wednesday evening due to his hit on Nick Cousins according to the NHL's department of player safety. In the second period of Tuesday night’s game, Zucker hit Cousins from behind which resulted in a 10-minute game misconduct, a five-minute fighting penalty and a five-minute major for boarding. Zucker was defending Jusso Välimäki after he was hit in the chin by Cousins, so it’s unclear if that will play a factor in this hearing. Coach André Tourigny talked about what the team’s approach is if Zucker is indeed to be suspended. “It’s the same way on how we absorb the other guys missing this year,” Tourigny said. “It’s unfortunate, but at the same time we are 100 percent behind Zucker and it’s the next man up.” 20240102_Tourigny_Postgame_1 He also mentioned that Zucker’s absence will most likely result in him playing seven defenseman and 11 forwards, Travis Dermott or Josh Brown being the next man up. Zucker currently plays on a line alongside Logan Cooley and Liam O’Brien. The 31-year-old has six goals, six assists and 12 points in 29 games.
