Trevor Zegras Looks to Reinvent Himself in Philadelphia: From Promising Star to Complete Player
Voorhees, NJ – Trevor Zegras, with his EA Sports “NHL 23” cover image still fresh in his memory, seeks a fresh start in Philadelphia. After a challenging period in Anaheim, the talented player yearns to recapture the magic of his early NHL seasons.
Zegras, who dazzled in his early days with the Ducks, accumulating 139 points in 180 games, became the face of a new generation of players. His spectacular plays, including the famous “Michigan” (lacrosse-style goal), catapulted him to fame. However, the last two seasons in Anaheim were marked by injuries, criticism, and a decline in his performance.
“I want them to go from saying ‘he’s good at hockey’ to ‘he’s a hockey player’”, Zegras to Alofoke Deportes.
Trevor Zegras
The move to the Flyers represents an opportunity for Zegras to play as a center, a position that was denied to him in Anaheim. Coach Rick Tocchet sees this move as a “sanctuary” for the player, where he can focus on his game.
Zegras attributes his difficulties in Anaheim to “seasonal depression” and lack of support. Monotony and injuries limited his performance, leading to poor performance in the 2023-24 season.Trevor Zegras’ NHL career started promisingly, including a Calder Trophy nomination after his rookie season. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)The arrival of the new coach, Greg Cronin, and Zegras’s position change to the wing exacerbated the situation. The player felt that he was not given the opportunity to prove his worth as a center, which affected his mental health. The situation was further complicated by trade rumors, which generated anxiety in the player.There were more downs than ups for Zegras in the last two seasons in Anaheim. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)The transfer to the Flyers, finalized in June, put an end to the rumors. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek argued that Zegras no longer fit in the team. Daniel Briere, Flyers general manager, sees Zegras as a key piece for the team’s future.
Lukas Dostal, Zegras’ former teammate, highlights the player’s understanding of the two-way game and wishes him success in his new stage. Brady Tkachuk, friend and training partner of Zegras, also believes that the move to Philadelphia will benefit him.
Tocchet, the new Flyers coach, has established a good relationship with Zegras, who nicknamed him “Taco”. Zegras has stated that he is enjoying his time in Philadelphia, where he seeks to regain the joy and enthusiasm that characterized him in his early days.Although he didn’t always appreciate Zegras’ antics in penalty shot practice, former teammate Lukas Dostal wishes him the best in Philadelphia. (Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)Zegras is now in the same division as Devils center Jack Hughes, a friend off the ice. (Tori Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images)The Flyers are looking for Zegras to regain his creative spark and develop a complete game. Tocchet highlights his willingness to learn and his work ethic. Briere is confident that Zegras will grow alongside the team’s young talents and help the Flyers return to the playoffs.
For Zegras, “recapturing the magic” means, above all, having fun and enjoying the game. With a new team and a new approach, Zegras is ready to prove that he can still be a star in the NHL.
