Tensions between Trevor Zegras and his coach Greg Cronin seem far from eased as the latter once again publicly targets his young star striker.
In an exclusive interview with RG.org, Cronin criticized Zegras’ engagement in the more physical aspects of the game, saying he needs to become a more complete player.
“Competing hasn’t been at the top of his value system – and I don’t mean he doesn’t fight at all – but is he fighting in those areas where he’s not really comfortable doing it?”
“Like the battles in front of the net or along the boards. He’s so talented that he can use his stick as a tool to create offense.”
“We’re just asking him to be a little more robust in those areas that I’ve identified.”
The Ducks coach said Zegras has exceptional skills, but needs to show more determination and courage in the battles along the boards and in front of the net.
“He knows now what he has to do, and he just has to go out and do it. It’s like a value system. Spectacular plays and finesse are part of his core identity and reflect his natural abilities.”
“He has ridiculous manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, as well as an incredible IQ, and he’ll always have that. It’s not going to go away, but we’re just trying to make him a more dynamic and adaptable player when he doesn’t. He doesn’t have the puck.
Although he recognizes the progress made this summer, Cronin seems eager to see his forward step out of his comfort zone and become a more dynamic player without the puck.
“It’s like everything. You learn to ride a bike, and if you’ve never ridden a bike before, you have to keep pedaling until you learn to master it. »
Cronin also stressed the importance of Zegras becoming a physical threat when he doesn’t have possession of the puck:
“You won’t have the puck the whole game, and there’s a lot of ice time where you won’t have it. So it’s up to us to help him become a physical threat during those times when he doesn’t have possession. »
The coach acknowledges that Zegras will never be an ultra-physical player, but he believes he can still make an impact by forcing his way to the net:
“We know he’s never going to be one of those guys that runs over people or pushes them around, but he can certainly force his way to the net, generate a rebound or score on a deflection.”
“I think he can be a little more confident in his one-on-one battles along the ramps. He knows that, and he’s accepted that. He worked on that a lot this summer, and I saw it in training make a conscious effort to do so.”
At the end of his interview, Cronin acts as if he is sympathetic towards Zegras’ profile, but it is clear that he has long understood that the attacker will never fit his mold.
“I think any time you ask someone to do something that requires them to step out of their comfort zone, there’s a bit of awkwardness.”
We understand that, and it won’t happen overnight, but as long as the effort and attention is there, I think we will see tangible growth in this area. »
Meanwhile, in Montreal, the Canadiens have just lost Patrik Laine for an indefinite period. This injury could force general manager Kent Hughes to re-evaluate his options.
Isn’t now the perfect time to revisit the possibility of getting Trevor Zegras, Cole Caufield’s best friend?
The Ducks still appear to be interested in Logan Mailloux, and with the uncertainty surrounding Zegras and his relationship with Cronin, a trade could be possible.
But it will take a lot more than Mailloux to convince the Ducks.
It’s clear that Zegras still has a lot to offer despite Cronin’s criticism.
His natural chemistry with Caufield could give hope to CH fans after the loss of Laine.
Martin St-Louis could be the ideal coach for a player like Trevor Zegras.
St-Louis, himself a former star player known for his game intelligence and finesse, has a unique approach that values skill, creativity and precisely finesse.
He has proven he can turn talented but sometimes underperforming players into complete athletes, as evidenced by the development of Cole Caufield.
Trevor Zegras, with his magical hands, his vision of the game and his talent which allows him to produce spectacular moments, perfectly matches the philosophy of St-Louis.
Where Cronin seeks to push Zegras out of its comfort zone by forcing it to adopt a more physical style, St. Louis, for its part, could allow Zegras to flourish in a system that favors creativity while providing subtle adjustments to his defensive game.
As a former small player, St-Louis understands better than anyone how to compensate for a physical deficit with his technical and mental skills.
Zegras, who will never be a dominant physical player, would benefit from St. Louis’ finesse-focused approach, which knows how to maximize raw talent while developing an impeccable work ethic.
With a mentor like St-Louis, Zegras would finally find himself in an environment where his style of play would not only be tolerated, but encouraged.
Additionally, with the Ducks looking to build a team with a more physical and tough style under the influence of their general manager Pat Verbeek, who is still looking for a young right-handed defenseman.
Mailloux, with his potential and his rougher style of play, could be an element of choice for Anaheim.
A trade involving Zegras and Mailloux would have a lot of other elements, but it could be exactly what Montreal needs to improve its offense after the loss of Laine, while taking advantage of the ongoing friction between Zegras and his coach.
The door opens in Anaheim.
It’s up to Kent Hughes to enter.
