The Anaheim Ducks signed their 2019 first-round draft Trevor Zegras to a three-year entry-level deal worth $2.78 million. The contract comes with a salary cap hit of $925,00.
NEWS: We have signed 2019 first-round pick Trevor Zegras to a three year entry-level contract. https://t.co/NJjjMbXrHC
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 27, 2020
Ducks Sign Trevor Zegras
Zegras was selected ninth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Ducks. He was a highly-touted prospect coming out of the U.S. National Team Development Program but decided a year of development was best before going to the big stage of the NHL. Last season, Zegras played at Boston University recording 36 points (11 goals and 25 assists) in 33 games. He was named to the 2019-20 Hockey East All-Rookie Team. Along with those accomplishments, Zegras was ranked tied for second amongst NCAA freshman in assists as well as third in points. During his time with the Terriers, Zegras averaged 1.09 points per game. Not to mention he was second on the team in assists and third in points.
In addition to his time with Terriers, Zegras played for Team USA at the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championships. While most of the top players on came up short, as they failed to win a medal, Zegras led Team USA in assists with nine at the tournament. All of his assists were primary assists and that is tied for fourth-most amongst U.S. players in a single World Junior Tournament. During his time with USNTDP, Zegras recorded 146 points (46 goals and 100 assists) in 116 career games.
Bright Future Ahead
Ben Kerr described Zegras ahead of last year’s draft saying, “Zegras marries his skating ability with the ability to handle the puck and make plays at top speed. He has very good vision and passing skills, helping him to be a primary playmaker on his line. He also has a high hockey IQ and good vision. Zegras anticipates the movements of his teammates and opponents, allowing him to find the open man and create quality scoring chances. He can make tape-to-tape passes through tight areas as well as make a saucer pass to a teammate. Zegras is especially effective on the power play, where he can run the playoff the half-boards.” The full scouting report is available here.
General manager Bob Murray has the youth movement going in Anaheim. Zegras in joining a very young and talented group. The likes of which include Sam Steel, Troy Terry, Max Jones, and Rickard Rakell. It may take some time for Zegras to adjust to the NHL style, just having him there is a boost to the team. While guys like Steel and Terry struggled, Zegras has the ability to adjust to any style. Fans should not expect a lot of goals as he is more of a setup man, but the future is in good hands. It will not be long before the Ducks are competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference again.
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