Jason Zucker is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a left winger in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on January 16, 1992, in Newport Beach, California, and grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. Zucker began his hockey career playing for the Las Vegas Storm and the Los Angeles Jr. Kings before moving to the United States Hockey League (USHL) to play for the U.S. National Team Development Program.
In 2010, Zucker was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Wild's minor league affiliate, the Houston Aeros, before making his NHL debut in 2012. Zucker quickly established himself as a skilled and speedy forward, known for his ability to score goals and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Over the course of his career, Zucker played for the Minnesota Wild, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Seattle Kraken. He was a consistent scorer, with a career total of 132 goals and 111 assists in 542 NHL games. Zucker was also known for his strong defensive play and his ability to contribute on the penalty kill.
Zucker's best season came in 2017-18, when he scored a career-high 33 goals and 31 assists for the Wild. He was named the team's MVP and was a finalist for the NHL's Bill Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Off the ice, Zucker was known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to giving back to the community. He and his wife, Carly, founded the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, which provides a comfortable and interactive space for patients and their families to watch Wild games and participate in other activities.
In February 2022, Zucker announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 30. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests outside of hockey. Throughout his career, Zucker was a respected and beloved member of the hockey community, known for his hard work, dedication, and positive attitude both on and off the ice.
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