Nine days without solid food, Jason Zucker out indefinitely with severe illness

It’s been quite rough since the start of the season for the Buffalo Sabres, and it’s not looking any better, especially for veteran winger Jason Zucker, who remains on injured reserve while dealing with a severe viral illness. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Zucker has not been able to shake the flu-like symptoms, and there is currently no timeline for his return to the lineup.

“Zucker (has a) real severe viral or flu-like thing that just he hasn’t been able to shake,” Ruff said. “(He’s) undergone a lot of tests and still isn’t doing that well.”

Zucker has already missed the last three games and has not practiced since November 1, when he last played against Washington. Ruff revealed that Zucker has undergone a series of tests but continues to struggle and shared on WGR this morning that forward Jason Zucker has gone nine days without solid food while dealing with a viral illness. The prolonged sickness has caused Zucker to lose a noticeable amount of weight, raising concerns about his health and recovery timeline.

Before falling ill, Zucker had contributed four goals and three assists in 12 appearances this season, along with 27 shots on net and 15 hits. The Sabres will have to manage his absence carefully, as the veteran winger provides experience and scoring depth that the team will be missing in the coming weeks.

Ruff did not provide any estimates on when Zucker might return, emphasizing that the team’s focus is on his full recovery. With Zucker sidelined indefinitely, Buffalo will need other forwards to step up as they navigate a challenging stretch of the schedule. Fans will be watching closely, hoping Zucker can regain his health and rejoin the team as soon as possible.