Trevor Zegras Anaheim Ducks future has been a focal point for the Anaheim Ducks since his NHL debut, captivating fans with his creativity, flair, and dynamic playmaking. Whether it’s his lacrosse-style “Michigan” goals or insane assists, Zegras has brought excitement to a rebuilding Ducks team. But as Anaheim continues its climb back to competitiveness, a question looms over their young star: Is this the season for Zegras to prove he can be the franchise cornerstone, or should the Ducks exercise patience and give him time to reach his full potential?
Trevor Zegras Future With the Ducks
Early Career and Impact
Selected ninth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Zegras entered the league with high expectations. From the beginning, his creativity and skill set him apart. In his rookie season (2020-2021), Zegras played 24 games, contributing 3 goals and 10 assists. Despite limited playing time, he showed glimpses of his potential to become an offensive leader.
The following season, Zegras played 75 games, tallying 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points. His breakout performance earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team and placed him firmly in the Calder Trophy conversation. By the 2022-23 season, he recorded 23 goals and 42 assists, showing consistent offensive production. Yet, questions about his defensive play and consistency lingered, with critics pointing to his -24 plus/minus rating as a sign of unbalanced play. In the 2023-24 season Zegras was hampered by injury and his numbers dropped off significantly.
Statistical Overview
Zegras’s offensive contributions are evident when looking at his first three NHL seasons:
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 24 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 6 |
| 2021–22 | 75 | 23 | 38 | 61 | -21 |
| 2022–23 | 81 | 23 | 42 | 65 | -24 |
| 2023–24 | 31 | 6 | 9 | 15 | -1 |
While Zegras’s offensive numbers have steadily improved outside of 2023-24 when he dealt with injury. His defensive struggles are highlighted by his declining plus/minus ratings. His reliance on offensive creativity sometimes leaves him out of position, creating opportunities for opponents.
Comparative Analysis: How Does Zegras Stack Up?
To better evaluate Zegras, it’s useful to compare him to peers like Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils) and Tim Stützle (Ottawa Senators), both of whom were drafted in the same era and are similarly expected to lead their franchises:
| Player | Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hughes | 2022-23 | 78 | 43 | 56 | 99 | +10 |
| Tim Stützle | 2022-23 | 78 | 39 | 51 | 90 | -3 |
| Trevor Zegras | 2022-23 | 81 | 23 | 42 | 65 | -24 |
Hughes and Stützle both showed significant offensive production in the last full season for Zegras. Hughes, in particular, has developed into one of the NHL’s most dynamic centres, with a balanced game evident in his +10 plus/minus rating. Stützle, while not as strong defensively, has also surpassed Zegras in scoring, further raising expectations for Anaheim’s young star to reach their level.
Advanced Metrics: Beyond the Surface
Advanced statistics reveal even more about Zegras’s game. Two key metrics stand out:
- Corsi For Percentage (CF%): Measures shot attempt differential while a player is on the ice. A CF% above 50% indicates the team generates more shot attempts than it allows when the player is on the ice.
- Expected Goals For Percentage (xGF%): Evaluates the quality of scoring chances generated compared to those allowed.
In the 2022-23 season, Zegras posted a CF% of 46.9% and an xGF% of 43.1%. Both metrics suggest that Anaheim is often outshot and out-chanced when Zegras is on the ice. These numbers highlight the need for Zegras to elevate his two-way game to impact play beyond scoring.
The Case for Patience
At just 23 years old, Zegras is still developing. Many NHL stars, especially centres, don’t hit their peak until their mid-to-late 20s. Players like Nathan MacKinnon and Leon Draisaitl didn’t reach elite status until several years into their careers. It’s important to remember that Anaheim is in the midst of a rebuild, and Zegras is often tasked with carrying the offensive load without the support of a veteran-heavy roster.
Zegras’s creativity and playmaking are rare and valuable assets. His lacrosse-style goals and daring passes energize fans and teammates alike. These flashes of brilliance suggest that his ceiling is still incredibly high. Patience could allow him to develop into a more complete player, especially if the Ducks continue to surround him with young talent like Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson.
The Case for Immediate Impact
On the other hand, Zegras is entering his fourth NHL season, and with it comes rising expectations. The Ducks are looking for consistency and leadership from their young star. While his offensive skills are undeniable, questions about his defensive responsibility and his ability to impact games when not scoring persist.
Anaheim needs Zegras to set the tone as a leader on and off the ice. As Hughes has done in New Jersey, Zegras must find a way to elevate his two-way game while maintaining his creative spark. Without these improvements, his effectiveness as a franchise cornerstone could be called into question. If Zegras does not improve he could be the first one out at the trade deadline for the Ducks.
Team Dynamics: Zegras’s Role in Anaheim’s Rebuild
The Ducks’ reliance on Zegras is significant. As the team rebuilds, Zegras is expected to be the linchpin of their offensive strategy. This season, however, Anaheim has placed an emphasis on integrating young players like McTavish, and Carlsson into the lineup. This shift could either alleviate some pressure on Zegras or create new expectations for him to take on a mentorship role.
Coaching Perspective
Head Coach Greg Cronin has stressed development and accountability, two areas that could greatly benefit Zegras. Under Cronin’s structured system, Zegras has the opportunity to refine his defensive play and develop into a more well-rounded player. Cronin’s focus on team-first hockey may challenge Zegras to adjust his game to fit a more disciplined approach.
Fan Expectations
Ducks fans remain one of Zegras’s biggest supporters, drawn to his exciting style of play. However, there’s growing anticipation to see his individual success translate into team success. As the team progresses in its rebuild, fans want Trevor Zegras Anaheim Ducks future to be the player who leads Anaheim back into playoff contention.
Conclusion
Trevor Zegras stands at a pivotal point in his career. Balancing patience with the need for immediate results is a challenge for both the Ducks and their young star. While his offensive brilliance is undeniable, consistency and two-way play will define his legacy in Anaheim.
With continued development, support from the organisation, and personal growth, Zegras has the potential to become the franchise cornerstone the Ducks envision. Whether this is the year he takes the leap remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Trevor Zegras Anaheim Ducks future as he writes the next chapter of his career.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
