Draft Profile: Is Trevor Zegras a Good Fit for the Anaheim Ducks?

It’s time for the Anaheim Ducks to start thinking critically about who they will select 9th overall in the 2019 Draft. Does Trevor Zegras fit into their equation?

The NHL Entry Draft is always unpredictable. Players rise and fall, and until a player’s name is called, it is almost impossible to accurately predict when they will be selected, although it is still fun to try and guess. That is why it is so hard to place your finger on who the Anaheim Ducks will choose and who will be available at 9th overall.

This year, the U.S. National U18 Team is stacked this with enticing prospects who are draft ready. Players like Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, Alex Turcotte, Cam York, and Trevor Zegras have been an integral part in making their team almost unstoppable, losing only 15 of their 65 games this season. They were a force to be reckoned with, and that is why many of them are projected to be drafted within the Top 15 come June.

Jack Hughes has been the favorite to go first overall, and it is likely New Jersey will choose him when the time comes. Passing on a generational talent like Hughes would be a tough pill to swallow. Cole Caufield has found himself on the rise, and while he would be a dream for the Anaheim Ducks, teams like the Detroit Red Wings or the Buffalo Sabres aren’t likely to pass up on a prospect of his caliber.

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While the Ducks could use a defenseman, it is unlikely that they will take York at 9th overall, especially in regards to Murray’s comments about taking the best players available. This leaves Alex Turcotte and Trevor Zegras as two very viable candidates. It is very possible that one, or both, of them, is selected prior to 9th overall, but it doesn’t hurt to take a look at how they could be beneficial to the future of the Anaheim Ducks.

If he is still available, Trevor Zegras would be the Ducks best option at 9th overall. It’s time to start thinking about the future, and who could eventually take over the duties as the first line center once Ryan Getzlaf is out of the picture. If Zegras is a Duck, come June, it’s going to be a tight race between him and Sam Steel.

Is Zegras a Good Fit for the Anaheim Ducks?

As the Anaheim Ducks prepare for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, their biggest focus should be to draft the best center available. It’s time for them to start thinking about the future without Ryan Getzlaf. Eventually, he will hang up his skates, and it is imperative that they do not wait to find his successor until it is too late. If he is still available at 9th overall, Trevor Zegras would be the best prospect available.

While it is important that they draft a center of Getzlaf’s caliber or higher, there are certain requirements that any prospects they draft must meet. Of course, no player is perfect, especially right out of the draft. In fact, the man himself, Ryan Getzlaf still makes mistakes after 14 years in the NHL. The question is, however, whether or not Trevor Zegras would actually be a good fit for the Anaheim Ducks?

The 18-year-old Bedford, New York native is currently ranked anywhere between 7th overall to 10th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Praised as a two-way forward, he also has the ability to transition between center and wing if needed, making him an extremely versatile piece to any lineup.

Playing in the shadow of Jack Hughes, however, may cause teams to overlook him in some capacity. Nevertheless, the swift and dynamic center has many qualities that will still make him a highly sought after commodity. The persona he has on the ice is very reminiscent of current Ducks but also adds depth and qualities that the team currently does not have in excess.

Much like Corey Perry, Zegras isn’t afraid to get under the skin of his opponents and create a little bit of controlled chaos, making things quite difficult for his opponents. He also possesses leadership qualities that allow him to carry his team towards success, very reminiscent of a young Ryan Getzlaf.

He is commended for being a slick playmaker with an exceptional hockey IQ. His point totals for the 2018-19 season (81 points with the U.S. National U18 team and an additional 40 with the USNTDP Juniors team)  is clear evidence that he has a nose for the net and is a proven and consistent goal scorer, something the Ducks desperately need. Zegras also has the ability to consistently set up his teammates.

With his slick and clean zone entries, he is able to create space between himself and the other team. His accurate shot, even at horrible angles, make him a nightmare for any opposing team’s goaltender. His stickhandling, as well as passing ability, are also both admirable qualities.

The young center is also phenomenal in the faceoff, winning a majority of the battles in the faceoff circle. He also isn’t afraid to be physical, a quality that Bob Murray would love. An added bonus is that Zegras is also a threat on the power play, and alongside players like Max Jones and Troy Terry, could do wonders in improving the Anaheim Ducks less than average special teams.

All in all, the Ducks could benefit greatly from having a player like Trevor Zegras in their pipeline. The only downside is that he is currently committed to the University of Boston for the next four years, which could make it difficult if the Anaheim Ducks want him to join the team any sooner. However, Bob Murray has voiced his concerns about throwing players into the NHL before they are properly developed, which could mean it would be a few years before they integrated Zegras anyways.

There are plenty of fantastic options that will be available at 9th overall this year. However, Murray would be a fool to pass up on a player like Zegras. He may not be Jack Hughes or Kappo Kakko, but he is certainly an asset that could do some damage at an NHL level when he is ready to make that leap.

Do you think the Anaheim Ducks should draft Trevor Zegras if he is available at 9th overall? Let us know why or why not you believe he would be a good fit by leaving a comment in the comment section down below.