Indications Recommend the Geese are Happy with Zegras' Progress

Potential commerce chatter surrounding Anaheim Geese ahead Trevor Zegras has been inescapable in the course of the calendar 12 months of 2024.

Mentioned chatter was born from hypothesis following the commerce between the Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Geese, which despatched Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim in trade for Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round choose.

Whether or not normal supervisor Pat Verbeek and the Geese’ entrance workplace noticed Zegras as a part of their long-term future was questioned.

Trevor Zegras’ Elevated Attention to Detail Despite Lack of Production

Like his mentor, Steve Yzerman, Pat Verbeek is notoriously tight-lipped and does not tip his hand by some means on the subject of his thought course of.

The one data that may be taken at face worth is that opposing groups reached out to Verbeek and the Geese to inquire about Zegras, at which level Verbeek “did not dangle up the telephone.”

One of many NHL’s premier insiders, Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet, reported on his “32 Ideas” podcast that he “did not assume there was a whole lot of motion round Zegras by way of (a) commerce after the draft.”

“I feel all people knew final 12 months, as I wrote, that Montreal was type of taking a look at it,” Friedman continued. “I heard that dissipated. It is simply not on the market.”

This got here on Oct. 14, two days after Zegras scored his first and solely aim of the season when he was trusted by Geese head coach Greg Cronin to guard a one-goal lead within the dying minutes of their season-opening recreation in opposition to the San Jose Sharks.

Ducks’ Zegras is Ready to Bounce Back in 2024-25

Coinciding with the hiring of Cronin at the start of the 2023-24 season, regardless that he was taking part in with an harm, and thru the early a part of the 2024-25 season, Zegras has dedicated himself to particulars, the defensive aspect of the puck, and turning into a 200-foot participant, one thing detractors would constantly critique when analyzing his recreation.

One other of the NHL’s prime insiders, Chris Johnston from the Athletic, indicated the Geese have been pleased with Zegras’ development as an all-around participant.

“It does sound just like the Geese are fairly pleased with him, and that possibly among the issues that they’ve questioned previously, whether or not it is simply habits, defensive consideration to element, issues like which were there,” Johnston mentioned on his “The Chris Johnston Present” podcast. “I do assume that the ambiance has shifted somewhat bit round him.”

“So I imply, everybody’s accessible at a sure worth, however I do not assume it is a precedence. I do assume the Geese are centered on simply seeing the place this goes,” Johnston concluded.

Zegras solely has a aim and two assists by 15 video games within the 2024-25 season.

These with a “glass half-empty” outlook will recommend he misplaced worth, and groups aren’t calling Verbeek like they as soon as might have been.

These with a “glass half-full” outlook will echo what the NHL’s prime reporters are suggesting: that Zegras has made the strides he was requested to make, and the Geese group sees him as a big a part of their future.

Ducks’ Zegras learned lots of lessons in tough 2023-24 season

“I imply, I watch a whole lot of hockey, and I really feel like if you wish to be part of a successful group, you gotta do all of the small issues proper on a regular basis,” Zegras mentioned of his consideration to element this season. “Not that it hadn’t sunk in till now, however I am studying. I am studying the place somewhat bit extra.”

Zegras has confirmed himself an especially coachable participant. He’s dedicated to taking part in the function and magnificence anticipated of him and hasn’t misplaced the talent that outlined the early a part of his profession.

“Whether or not it is him or Leo (Carlsson), I do not care what evening it’s, they’re each primary centermen,” Cronin mentioned following the Geese’ victory over the Blue Jackets on Sunday. “Trevor was excellent within the circle, in order that’s nice for him and that is nice for his linemates.”

He’s evolving as an NHL middle and remains to be creating harmful alternatives for himself and his teammates regardless of the extreme lack of manufacturing.

Zegras, Cronin, and those that pay shut consideration will elude to the notion that it is solely a matter of time earlier than pucks begin discovering the again of the online for the 23-year-old middle and the remainder of the Geese’ struggling offense.

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