Sabres' Jason Zucker To Be Out Long-Term With Injury
Veteran winger Jason Zucker, arguably their best forward over the past few weeks, is out with a lower-body injury and “going to miss some time,” according to head coach Lindy Ruff on WGR 550.
Zucker was banged up during Monday’s 7–4 loss to the Calgary Flames, left briefly in the second period, returned, then appeared to aggravate the issue after a late slash from MacKenzie Weegar. He’s now on injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss at least the next three games, and given how Ruff framed it, it looks like this absence will stretch longer.
Zucker’s Hot Streak Halts As Sabres Spiral
This injury comes at the worst possible time for Buffalo. Zucker had been on a tear since returning from a viral illness that already cost him eight games earlier in the year.
Over his last nine outings, he posted 11 points, including three multi-point efforts, and now sits at nine goals and 18 points in 21 games with the Sabres this season. That production ranks near the top of the team in goals and points per game, and he was driving play despite only third-line minutes next to Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn.
With Jason Zucker headed to IR, the Sabres have recalled Isak Rosen
— Crossing Swords ⚔️ (@CrossSwordsPod) December 10, 2025
He has 7 points (3 goals 4 assists) in 10 games with the Sabres pic.twitter.com/kB9t2HdDua
With Buffalo already missing depth forwards like Justin Danforth and Jiri Kulich, losing Zucker strips even more scoring from a lineup that can’t afford it. Isak Rosen has been recalled from AHL Rochester and Noah Ostlund is a logical next man up, but those are big skates to fill on a team already struggling to finish chances.
Pressure Mounts On Adams, Ruff As Season Slips Away
The Sabres had dropped three straight before their overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers, and have just eight wins in their last 22 games, and sit last in the Eastern Conference with an 11–14–4 record.
Jason Zucker now has 70 points for the #sabrehood which ties him for 139th on the all time list with Mike Grier pic.twitter.com/xHrTDkUyLr
— Sabres Fun Stats (@SabresFunStats) December 9, 2025
They are a disastrous 3–9–2 on the road, their defensive play remains a glaring issue, and their goals against numbers sit near the bottom of the league as the midway mark of the season draws nearer.
Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
