Sabres Extend Jason Zucker with $9.5M Contract

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Jason Zucker to a two-year contract extension worth $9.5 million, with an annual average value of $4.75 million, retaining him amidst NHL trade deadline activity. Zucker, 33, joined the Sabres on a one-year, $5 million deal and has been a key player, leading the team with nine power-play goals and tallying 44 points in 54 games despite missing games due to an injury. His decision to stay in Buffalo reflects his satisfaction with the team environment and his role as a leader among its young roster. Prior to joining the Sabres, Zucker had a career spanning several teams including the Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins, amassing 214 goals and 414 points in 751 NHL games. Although the Sabres will miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, Zucker's performance and leadership have been seen as valuable to the team's development.