We are proud to announce that with the 9th overall selection, the Anaheim Ducks have drafted, from the US National Development Team, Trevor Zegras.
Going into the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, there were a lot of names on the top of our wish list. The Anaheim Ducks desperately needed a center who can someday be the heir apparent to Ryan Getzlaf. Nevertheless, with the 9th overall pick, there was no telling what the teams ahead of us would do. So, we began to think realistically. Peyton Krebs and Alex Newhook rose to the top of our lists, while players like Dylan Cozens, Kirby Dach, and Trevor Zegras seemed to move further out of reach.
However, an off the board pick from Detroit Red Wings General Manager, Steve Yzerman, opened up the door for the Anaheim Ducks to draft a franchise-changing player. A player who will one day take over the duties as our number one center. The prospect who, aside from maybe Jack Hughes, is one of the most creative playmakers of the draft. With the 9th overall selection, the Anaheim Ducks had the esteemed privilege of drafting Trevor Zegras.
What Does Drafting Zegras Mean for the Anaheim Ducks?
Father time is the only one in the NHL who is currently undefeated. With Ryan Getzlaf rounding the corner to 35, it is only natural that the Ducks began to prepare for a future without their captain and first line center. Drafting Trevor Zegras was not only a nice treat for Anaheim Ducks fans after an atrocious season, but he was an absolute necessity for the franchise going forward.
Zegras is a lot like Ryan Getzlaf in that he tends to be a pass-first player. During the 2018-19 season, between the U.S. National U18 Team and the USNTDP Juniors, he tallied an incredible 87 assists. However, the Ducks are in serious need of a goal scorer, and Trevor’s 40 goals on the season are nothing to scoff at. His 127 point season is enough to make any hockey fan drool.
There are also qualities Zegras possess that are very reminiscent of former Anaheim Ducks right wing, Corey Perry. He can be an agitator when the moment calls for it, getting under the skin of the opposing team. He creates controlled chaos that absolutely wreaks havoc for his opponents. He is also not afraid to get physical when it matters most, a quality Bob Murray absolutely loves.
Playing in the shadow of the 2019 first overall draft pick, Jack Hughes, caused Zegras to be slightly overlooked at different points of the season. However, make no mistake, he is easily one of the most creative playmakers of his draft year. His ability to finish and create plays out of thin air has become his calling card.
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He is attentive and grounded while on the ice, and paired with his incredible hockey IQ, Zegras has blossomed into a dangerous scoring threat, a trait that will translate well in the NHL. When he has the puck, he is almost untouchable. When he doesn’t, he has the capability to open up the ice for his teammates and make smart decisions that give his team the extra edge to gain the upper hand.
With the Ducks less than stellar special teams, the addition of Zegras on the power play, alongside players like Troy Terry and Max Jones, is going to make the Ducks a dangerous entity when they have the one-man advantage. Faceoffs are also one of his strong suits, as he wins a majority of his battles at the dot, allowing the Ducks to have yet another advantage when they’re on the ice.
The 18-year-old Bedford, New York native is a nightmare for goaltenders, the kind of player that has been missing in the Ducks lineup over the last few seasons. His slick zone entries allow him to create space between himself and the other team. Paired with his incredibly accurate shot, even when he’s placed in a position where the angle is horrible, he has the ability to create pandemonium in the offensive zone.
Where Does Zegras Fit in the Anaheim Ducks Future?
Going into the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks have several puzzle pieces that fit together to create a team that will likely have what it takes bring Lord Stanley back to Anaheim. Every piece except for one; a blue-chip franchise center. Prior to the draft, Sam Steel was the most highly touted center in the Ducks prospect pool, but there have been doubts as to whether or not he has what it takes to be the first line center.
With Zegras now in the mix, it seems pretty clear what role both him and Steel will take in the coming years. The thought of having Trevor Zegras and Sam Steel as a 1-2 punch down the middle for the foreseeable future is enough to give a Ducks fan goosebumps. The Ducks could not have chosen a better speedy, dynamic, offensive duo to lead the team for the next decade or so.
Currently, Zegras has committed to playing for Boston University in the NCAA, and he has made it clear that he intends to make good on his commitment. This means it will be another 2-3 more seasons before he is prepared to make the jump to the NHL. However, Bob Murray has made it clear that he no longers wants to make the mistake of rushing his prospects before they are ready.
Nevertheless, the idea that Trevor Zegras will be a Duck in the next few years is both exciting and enticing. We will be keeping a close eye on him while he is at University so we can keep track of his progress and development. In the meantime, Ducks fans, say hello to the future of the Anaheim Ducks!
We have high hopes for Trevor Zegras and his future with the Anaheim Ducks. We have no doubts that he will do great things for the franchise. We would like to offer him our sincerest congratulations, and as always, Let’s Go Ducks!