Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) – Even though Jason Zucker played with Alex Tuch when they were with the Minnesota Wild, he said he didn’t have time to speak with the winger before signing on Monday with the Buffalo Sabres in free agency.
Zucker signed a one-year contract in Buffalo, and says he spoke with Tuch after he signed. He sees a team that is ready to move forward.
"For me it’s an opportunity to play with an extremely talented group," said Zucker on Wednesday during his introductory press conference. "Playing against Buffalo the last few years has not been a fun game to play with the amount of talent, the D-core, and I think it’s only getting better. So for me, I’m looking forward to bringing that veteran side of things. My style of play is more of a gritty style, so hopefully I can bring that aspect, as well as the skill that’s on this team.
"Talking to Lindy [Ruff] and Kevyn Adams, that’s what they want from me, to bring the veteran leadership side of things, but also bring that grit and speed to the game."
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In 25 games against the Sabres, Zucker has scored five goals and six assists for 11 points.
"I’ll start with Lindy Ruff, his reputation is incredible. There’s a reason he continues to get coaching jobs," Zucker said. "When we played against New Jersey, it was a very fast game with high tempo and high pace. It’s a high skill game as well, but he tries to make sure he has enough grit to compliment that skill. I think that’s something he does a very good job of."
Zucker believes to get to the level of confidence the Sabres need as a group, they must get off to a fast start.
With the Arizona Coyotes last season, Zucker says they had skill at the very top of their lineup, but he didn’t get the opportunity there. He says he knows his speed and skill is still there, and feels he can fill a top-six role.
Zucker also played with Sam Lafferty while in Pittsburgh, and he’s glad Lafferty is now a member of the Sabres.
"He brings a crazy amount of speed," Zucker said. "The physicality is a lot of fun to watch. We’re going to be bringing more of that, which will make us harder to play against."
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It’ll be interesting to see if Ruff puts Zucker with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn, or if he slots him with Peyton Krebs and Jordan Greenway.
