3. Jason Zucker
Buffalo Sabres
Jason Zucker has bounced around the league after leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023. He has played for three franchises in the past two seasons, and he could make it four at the deadline. He’s struggled with consistency his whole career. However, he’s found a groove late in his career in Buffalo.
Zucker already has four more goals than he had last season with the Arizona Coyotes (RIP) and Nashville Predators. There is no fountain of youth in Buffalo, and we already see the differences first-hand between the Lindy Ruff offensive system and the Sheldon Keefe offensive system. It doesn’t feel like Zucker is a right move this season.
Would the Devils love to add depth like Zucker for nothing? We suppose, but we think there’s a chance he falls off similar to Grabner, and it just feels like a waste. There is too much risk here, and the Devils have avoided those high-upside risks all season long, even when they were players that were free on waivers.
The Devils need a player who sets the stage. If they are going to make a move, it needs to count. We’re not saying they need to repeat the Timo Meier trade, but they do need a player that has an actual guaranteed impact. And that's not Zucker.