Nashville Predators forward Jason Zucker is set to return to the Valley tonight for the first time since getting traded by the Arizona Coyotes. On March 8, the Coyotes traded Zucker to the Predators in exchange for a sixth-round pick. 240326 Doan Post Through 51 games with the Coyotes this season, Zucker had nine goals, 16 assists and 25 points while playing 14:02 minutes per game. The 32-year-old signed a one-year $5.3 million contract with Arizona this past offseason in what was one of the team’s bigger moves of the summer. Despite his brief stint with the Coyotes, Zucker meant a lot to his teammates and served a valuable role as a leader. “I can’t say enough about that guy on and off the ice,” Sean Durzi said. “Just the kind of teammate he was, always doing his best to kind of help our group bond and I think that goes a long way whether it shows or not. It’s going to be fun to see him tonight.” Zucker specifically made a significant impact for Coyotes rookie Logan Cooley who considers him a lifelong friend. “Zucker has helped me so much just starting my career,” Cooley said following Zucker being traded. “Ever since I first got here he’s been a huge help for me. He’s definitely going to be one of my best friends for life here…” The Predators are on a six-game winning streak right now as they come into Mullett Arena to take on the Coyotes.
