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Jason Zucker, LW |
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Shoots: L |
Height: 5-11 |
Weight: 185 |
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Born: 1992-01-16 |
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA |
Drafted: 2010 by Minnesota Wild, 59th overall |
Observations:
November 2015- In a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Jason Zucker mustered his fourth and fifth goals of the young campaign. He now has 13 points through 15 games and with 10 of them being assists he’s showing his ability to refer scoring opportunities to others along the way. It’s been good to see he’s making the most of the promotion to the top power-play unit manning the blue line alongside Ryan Suter. Edric Joseph
June 2015- To exemplify previously made points about his terrific intangibles, Jason Zucker showed some more intestinal fortitude towards the end of their Minnesota playoff run playing through a broken thumb the team’s last few games against the Chicago Blackhawks. While he only managed three points through 10 post-season games he managed to provide depth and hustle, qualities no team has enough of. Coming up short in the semi-finals ought to make good motivation for a strong showing next year. Edrich Joseph
May 2015- Through seven postseason games, Jason Zucker has managed to muster three points in that time. He put forth his best NHL playoff performance when spearheading an admirable but futile Wild comeback against the Chicago Blackhawks in a 4-3 loss. Hopefully he can make effective use of the extra playing time to go around with the recent injury to Justin Fontaine combined with the gradual reintroduction of Jason Pominville to the rotation. Edric Joseph
April 2015- Zucker, whom was previously expected to miss the rest of the season may cleared for return prior to the season’s end. This is much ahead of schedule and would give the Wild a big shot in the arm not only because of Zucker’s on ice contribution but the character and discipline he brings to the locker room. Zucker’s broken collarbone was supposed to keep him sidelined until well into May. Edric Joseph
March 2015- After previously being deemed out essentially the rest of the season it seems that Jason Zucker may be back within a month’s time from his operation to mend a broken collarbone. On the optimistic side, Coach Mike Yeo and company are hoping he gets a game or two in before the playoffs. While they have their share of scoring forwards, the Wild can’t help but miss his persistence and compete level on the ice and in the dressing room. Can play the game with the intensity of a wrecking ball be it on a scoring unit or on a checking line and the post season inexperienced Wild can use that kind of feisty nature when things get rough in April. Edric Joseph
February 2015 – A pure sniper, an exciting talent that one would find easy to cheer for as he doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit once he hits the ice. Be that as it may, Zucker needs to round out his defensive game thereby being played more aggressively by coaching staff. Rediscovering his ability to distribute that he exhibited in his days as a University of Denver standout would be a good way to stand out on a depth chart that has the likes of Parise, Vanek and Niederreiter among others ahead of him. Even so, Zucker has the makings of a valuable checking line presence to spread the scoring talent across the active roster. Edric Joseph
March 2014 – Zucker hasn't played an NHL game since February 6 and continues to be a reserve for coach Mike Yeo, especially now with the addition of winger Matt Moulson from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline. The 22-year-old had been shuffled around when given ice time in the lineup, seeing time between the second and third lines. However, if opportunities present themselves with the right line mates in the future, Zucker does possess a quick, sneaky shot that could make him a potential 20-goal scorer. Jamie Zadow
February 2014 – Jason Zucker returned to the lineup and tallied an assist in a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Zucker had been a healthy scratch for the past few games after Zach Parise returned from Injured Reserve. The speedy winger will try and make the most of his opportunities and finds himself on the second line with Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley. Jamie Zadow
November 2013 – Minnesota recalled Jason Zucker from the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Zucker has been red hot in 13 games with Iowa this season, recording 10 points (six goals, four assists) and three of his goals have come on the power play. Zucker could be a good play fantasy wise with Mikael Granlund out of the lineup for an unknown period of time, particularly since Zucker could provide some spark to the Minnesota powerplay and should get the minutes to do so. Jamie Zadow
October 2013 – Zucker has been called up by the Minnesota Wild from AHL Iowa following a knee injury to forward Charlie Coyle, who is expected to miss up to a month. Zucker could see top six minutes, as he spent parts of last season on the second line and had five points (four goals, one assist) in 20 regular season games. The 21-year-old also had two points in five playoff games back in May. At 5'11" he is a small forward, but possesses great speed and a solid shot off the wing. Jamie Zadow
May 2013 – Zucker helped the Wild to their only victory in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against Chicago. He cut the series deficit in half by scoring the game-winning goal in game three with a 3-2 overtime win. Zucker finished with two points (1 G, 1 A) in his first five career playoff appearances after being called up from the Houston Aeros (AHL) in February of 2013. Even after a disappointing playoff exit for Minnesota, his solid play late in the season appears to have earned him a top-12 forward position going into next season. Look for Zucker to be given even more responsibility in 2014. Clayton Bailey
February 2013 – Jason Zucker has been called up by the Minnesota Wild. If he sees any time in the top six, Zucker could be worth a pick up. Zucker has a quick shot and is a great skater, watch him closely. Andrew Ward
February 2013 – Jason Zucker plays a game similar to that of Cal Clutterbuck but with better scoring ability. Zucker is strong, physical, and has the wheels to beat guys to a lot of loose pucks. He doesn’t have the most accurate shot but his release is quick and his shot is deceptive in speed. Zucker is a fantastic scorer. In his first year with the Houston Aeros, he leads the team with 18 goals and 38 points in 43 games. Zucker is willing to go into the gritty areas and isn’t afraid to take a beating at the top of the crease, he has an uncanny sense for finding the puck in the slot and putting it in the back of the net. Being such a versatile forward, Zucker could find himself on third or fourth line checking duty, especially considering the lack of opportunity and the weapons Minnesota has upfront. With the Wild struggling to score and an abysmal 21 goals in 10 games for the entire Minnesota team, a call up wouldn’t be that surprising if the Wild decide to look elsewhere for scoring help. Andrew Ward
December 2012 – Zucker posted 13 shots in a single game for Houston on December 16. He was all over the ice, creating offense every time he touched the puck. He was pigeonholed as a 'tweener' – somewhere between a potential second liner and a potential third liner. But a performance like this certainly makes the case that he'll be a top sixer at the NHL level. To start the AHL season, his first pro campaign, he has 22 points in 22 games. Dobber
March 2012 – Zucker signed an entry-level contract with the Wild. Rich Dillon
February 2012 – Zucker, a product of the USDP, tallied 45 points last season for Denver University- as a freshman. He is well on pace to exceed that, despite missing a couple of games while captaining the U.S. team at the World Junior Hockey Championships. With 7 points in 6 games there, Zucker continued to raise his stock in the eyes of the Wild. Plays a fearless game and that hustle should ensure an NHL career. Rich Dillon
Jason Zucker needs to improve his defense adequately so he can be deployed in more than the most favorable, low risk situations. Hopefully he can put it all together, as he has terrific finishing ability.
Footage:
Jason Zucker hit in WJC:
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