Trevor Zegras’ reputation has been under attack since last season. Taxed with individualism because of his spectacular maneuvers, he is often found in the lists of the most overrated players in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Guest on BPM Sports, Anaheim Ducks recruiter Stéphane Pilote painted the portrait of a misunderstood player.
“It came with the media coverage of his special feints,” he explained. Some people protested against this type of maneuver. My first question to these people is: do they know him?
“And secondly, one should not trust a flash of seven seconds on a news report.”
Because in the end, Pilote continues, Zegras is not an enfant terrible.
“He doesn’t really do anything arrogant on an ice rink,” he assured. He doesn’t make sweeping statements. He never asked to be traded.”
The young man does indeed have a personality that clashes, but that doesn’t bother his teammates, apparently.
“He maybe has a little different style,” Pilote admitted. Internally, all we hear is that it’s a chatterbox. He’s a little hyperactive. But there is no problem with Zegras, the players love it.”
Unfortunately, Zegras couldn’t silence his detractors by letting his play do the talking, as he was limited to 31 games last season and found himself sidelined again due to knee surgery.
“Poor Trevor,” Pilote pointed out. He’s been really unlucky with injuries for the last two years. And that delayed his arrival as a true number one center.”
It is still reasonable to wonder if Zegras is really part of the Ducks’ future plans, knowing that the talented American forward has been involved in all kinds of transaction rumors in recent months.
The emergence of Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier in Anaheim could make Zegras a bargaining chip for general manager Pat Verbeek.
