Sabres' Jason Zucker Injured in Win Over Wings: Will He Be Ready for Rivalry Clash Against Maple Leafs?
“Losing a player like Zucker is a big blow to our offense, especially with the way he's been playing. But this team has shown resilience, and we’ll keep pushing forward, focusing on what we can control. We have a strong group, and we’ll step up for him, no matter the challenge.”
The Buffalo Sabres were riding a wave of momentum after winning three of their last four games, but their offense now faces a serious question mark ahead of their rivalry showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jason Zucker, the Sabres’ leading goal scorer with four goals, was forced to leave Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings midway through the second period after a collision with former teammate Jacob Bernard-Docker.
Zucker was seen favoring his left arm as he quickly made his way off the ice and to the locker room. He did not return to the game, and his status for the upcoming weekend matchups against the Leafs remains uncertain. The injury has cast a shadow over the Sabres’ recent success, as Zucker has been a key part of their offensive surge.
In Zucker's absence, fourth-line forward Tyson Kozak stepped up, scoring his second goal of the season and helping tie the game. However, the Sabres are counting on Zucker’s presence, not only for his scoring ability but also for his leadership and energy.
Head coach Lindy Ruff has been cautious about Zucker’s condition, revealing that the forward is still being evaluated. The team did not practice on Thursday, so fans will have to wait until Friday morning for an update when the Sabres begin preparations for their back-to-back, home-and-home series against the Maple Leafs. Ruff didn’t offer any specifics on the timeline for Zucker’s return, but his words hinted at the difficulty of replacing such a crucial player.
“Losing a player like Zucker is a big blow to our offense, especially with the way he's been playing. But this team has shown resilience, and we’ll keep pushing forward, focusing on what we can control. We have a strong group, and we’ll step up for him, no matter the challenge,”
The Sabres will play the first game of their rivalry series on Friday night at KeyBank Center, with a 7:00 PM start time due to adjustments for the 2025 World Series. The second leg of the series will take place on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena, with a 5:00 PM puck drop, as the series’ schedule has been shifted to avoid a conflict with the World Series.
With or without Zucker, the Sabres will look to continue their strong play and stay in the hunt within the competitive Atlantic Division. The matchup with the Leafs will be critical in determining whether Buffalo can maintain its upward trajectory, especially with the pressure mounting to replace their top scorer if Zucker is sidelined.
Yankees Have Easy Decision With Jonathan Loáisiga's Contract
Jun 16, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the tenth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees don't have to think too hard about whether or not to pick up Jonathan Loáisiga's club option for the 2026 campaign.
Yankees Likely Moving On from Loáisiga
While going through New York's 40-man roster before free agency begins next month, the New York Post's Greg Joyce alluded to the fact that the club is leaning towards declining Loáisiga's $5 million option, which would result in the right-hander hitting the open market.
"A $5 million club option is unlikely to be picked up for the reliever who could never stay healthy for long enough," Joyce wrote.
Loáisiga's History with Yankees
After being released as a minor leaguer by the San Francisco Giants in May 2015, the Yankees signed Loáisiga in February 2016.
He underwent Tommy John surgery that same year, but he returned in 2017 and went on to make his big-league debut for the team in 2018. Over nine appearances (four starts) as a rookie, Loáisiga logged a 5.11 ERA in 24 2/3 innings.
It wasn't until 2021 that we would become a true mainstay for the Yankees, however. That season, Loáisiga completed 57 outings and recorded a 2.17 ERA to go with 3.3 bWAR and a 2.58 FIP.
He remained a solid contributor out of New York's bullpen over the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, posting a 3.84 ERA in 65 2/3 frames during that stretch, but he tore the UCL in his right elbow at the beginning of 2024 and underwent season-ending surgery.
Loáisiga re-signed with the team last offseason on a one-year deal worth $5 million that includes his impending option for 2026. He put up a 4.25 ERA in 29 2/3 innings, though he sustained a right flexor strain that ended his year in August.
Should Yankees Keep Loáisiga?
Though Loáisiga has proven himself to be a borderline elite reliever at times in the past, New York simply can't hold any sort of confidence in his durability moving forward.
His advanced metrics remained strong this season, with a 40.6 percent chase rate and 86.6 mph average exit velocity serving as prime examples, but that's all for naught if Loáisiga can't consistently stay on the field.
The Yankees will have a number of openings to fill in their bullpen this offseason as the likes of Luke Weaver and Devin Williams reach free agency, but just because they need relievers doesn't mean keeping Loáisiga for $5 million should be in the cards despite his obvious talent.
