The Anaheim Ducks have signed center Trevor Zegras to a three-year entry-level contract.
Zegras, 19 (3/20/01), collected 11-25=36 points with a +8 rating in 33 games with Boston University (Hockey East) this season. Named to the 2019-20 Hockey East All-Rookie Team, Zegras ranked tied for second among NCAA freshmen in assists and tied for third in points and points-per-game (1.09). The 6-0, 170-pound forward also ranked second on the Terriers in assists and third in points and plus/minus.
“We are happy to get this contract done and start Trevor’s professional career,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. “He’s got quite a bit of work ahead of him, but we know he’s got the talent and intelligence to be an impactful NHL player.”
Selected by Anaheim in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Zegras has represented the United States at several international tournaments, including the 2020 World Junior Championship. Zegras became only the second player since 2004 to record nine primary assists in a single tournament. Zegras’ nine assists also ranked tied for the fourth-most by a U.S. player in a single World Junior Championship.
A native of Bedford, NY, Zegras recorded 46-100=146 points in 116 career games with USA Hockey National Training and Development Program (NTDP) U-17 and U-18 teams. He ranks fourth in NTDP history in career assists, and sixth for assists in a single-season (61 in 2018-19). Zegras also helped Team USA to a U-18 World Championship bronze medal in 2019 and a U-17 World Hockey Challenge gold medal in 2017.
Zegras spoke with members of the media shortly after the signing was announced.
Can you walk us through the past few days leading up to signing your contract?
The past week has been pretty much just sitting and waiting. Pretty much all of it went through my agent, Pat Brisson. We had conversations about what we wanted to get done. He’s the best at what he does. He was able to get it all worked out.
How does the pause in the NHL and AHL seasons impact your next steps?
We know what’s going on with the world right now. There’s no hockey, but this will keep me excited for quite some time. It’s a very exciting time for me and my family. It’s almost bittersweet because there’s nothing I can really do about it right now, but it’s definitely keeping me in good spirits during this tough time.
What are you doing to stay busy?
It’s a weird time. Nobody in our lifetime has been through something like this. I have a bunch of stuff at my house I can do. I can stickhandle and shoot in the driveway. I’m definitely still playing hockey. Maybe I’ll go out in the driveway and roller blade. Going to the rink, I definitely miss that. Just trying to keep as busy as I can.
How do you feel you’ve grown as a player since the NHL Draft last June?
The year was great in terms of getting stronger and more ready to play in the NHL. That’s my goal. In all aspects, it was the next step in my career going from playing in the junior leagues to a men’s league. It was great for my development in that regard.
How do you see yourself fitting in on the Ducks roster?
The big emphasis around draft time was, as a young guy looking to fit into the lineup, I can play center or wing. The versatility as a younger guy. It’s an extremely tough league – the best league in the world. I think I can fit in wherever they see me best.
Is there a current NHL player you model your game after?
Patrick Kane is probably my favorite player. I’ve been watching him ever since I was a young kid. He’s inspired me in a lot of different ways.
What areas of improvement have you and the Ducks discussed throughout the season?
The big thing I talked about with [Executive Vice President/General Manager] Bob [Murray] and some of the staff was becoming more explosive and powerful. That’s something I talked about with them last summer and something I’ve been continuing to work on. That’s the biggest thing for younger guys is being able to be explosive and get away from guys.
If the NHL season resumes, have the Ducks talked about bringing you up for a game or two?
I haven’t talked too much about that. It would be up to them and what their decision would be. That would be pretty cool, for sure.
