"I was chasing the whole year, and it's unfortunate," said Zucker. "But everyone goes through that at some point in their career, and for me it just happened to be last year. So I'm excited to get that out of the way. It's a contract year for me, so I'm coming ready to play." He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer once his five-year, $27.5 million contract is completed. In 41 appearances during the 2021-22 campaign. Zucker registered eight goals and 17 points, but he has plenty of bounce-back appeal if he can stay healthy. 

Zucker was regarded as a game-time decision. He's projected to be on a line with Jeff Carter and Brock McGinn.

Zucker was on the ice for Friday's optional practice. He was also a game-time decision on Thursday and took part in the pregame warmups, but he didn't return to the lineup. Zucker has been out since Apr. 26 because of a lower-body injury. 

Zucker, who was listed as a game-time decision, was on the ice for the pregame warmups, but he didn't take part in line rushes.