Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Jason Zucker Now A Member of The Pittsburgh Penguins

02/10/2020 at 8:24pm EST

added 8:49pm, Pttsburgh release is below.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Jason Zucker from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Alex Galchenyuk, Calen Addison and a conditional 2020 first-round draft pick, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.

Zucker is signed through the 2022-23 season and his contract carries an average annual value of $5.5 million.

"Jason Zucker is a top-six forward that we think will be a great fit for our group," said Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford. "He's a proven goal scorer, and with three more years on his current contract, he has the potential to make an impact for us moving forward."

The 28-year-old Zucker currently ranks sixth on Minnesota this season with 29 points (14G-15A) in 45 games. Zucker's 14 goals are tied for third on the Wild, while his five power-play goals are tied for second on the team.

The 5-foot-11, 192-pound winger has notched 132 goals, 111 assists and 243 points in 456 NHL games, all with Minnesota, and is a career plus-21. He ranks in the top-15 on many of the Wild's all-time lists, including games played (12th), goals (4th), assists (14th), points (9th), and game-winning goals (5th). The Newport Beach, California native has also appeared in 31 career Stanley Cup Playoff games with Minnesota where he's picked up eight points (4G-4A).

In 2017-18, Zucker enjoyed career-highs in games played (82), goals (33), assists (31) and points (64). He has reached the 40-point mark in each of the past three seasons.

In addition to his on-ice performance, Zucker was the recipient of the 2018-19 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented annually "to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community." Zucker and his wife, Carly, were recognized for their various charitable efforts throughout the Minneapolis area during his tenure with the Wild.

Drafted in the second round (59th overall) in the 2010 NHL Draft, Zucker has appeared internationally for the United States on multiple occasions. He played in three World Junior championships, winning a gold medal in 2010 and a bronze medal in 2011. He served as captain of the 2012 U.S. World Junior squad, registering seven points (3G-4A) in six games.

Prior to his time in the NHL, Zucker played two seasons at the University of Denver of the NCAA, where he tallied 91 points (45G-46A) in 78 games. He also played two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2008-10.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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