Report: Devils Showing Interest in Coyotes Forward Jason Zucker Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

According to a report, the New Jersey Devils are showing interest in Arizona Coyotes forward Jason Zucker.

The Coyotes announced on Tuesday that they held Zucker out of game action for “trade-related reasons.”

Sportsnet radio host/insider Jeff Marek expanded on the Coyotes report that Zucker was going to sit out having potentially played his last game in a Kachina jersey. In the report, Marek named the Devils as one of seven teams in the market for the veteran forward.

“Plenty of teams have shown interest in Zucker – Boston, Vancouver, Nashville, Carolina, Florida, New Jersey, and Vegas (although the Mantha trade may have changed that),” Marek tweeted on Tuesday evening.

The report comes on the back of general manager Tom Fitzgerald addressing the firing of former head coach Lindy Ruff and giving an update on his intentions for this Friday’s trade deadline. From the sound of it, Fitzgerald intends to move forward with the Devils pushing for the playoffs. That includes retaining forward Tyler Toffoli.

Further, Fitzgerald admitted he’s not shopping Toffoli on the market. He further clarified there is interest in the pending free agent forward, however, for the Devils to trade him it’s going to be expensive.

That brings us to Zucker. In 51 games this season, Zucker’s accrued nine goals and 25 points.

The Devils’ interest in the 32-year-old forward makes sense. New Jersey certainly got younger this season and lack a certain element of work ethic required to be successful in the NHL.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now‘s Dan Kingerski chimes in on why the former Pittsburgh Penguins forward is a fit for the Devils.

“Zucker is a GREAT guy in the room,” Kingerski explained.” Fast. Hard forechecker. Brings energy. Not sure how he ever scored 30 goals, but can get hot. Has some offensive instincts. Can occasionally stay on the perimeter but is a good combo of grit, speed, and skill.”

Forechecking? Energy? Offensive instinct? GRIT?!

Those elements check the boxes of what’s missing from the Devils’ lineup this season. He certainly sounds like the kind of player the Devils want to plug into their lineup. With Fitzgerlad moving forward with the Devils’ pursuit for the playoffs, Zucker would certainly be a welcomed addition.

Zucker is a pending unrestricted free agent with a $5.3 million cap hit.

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL