Fresh Start With Flyers Could Allow Trevor Zegras To Unlock His Full Potential

Trading a 24-year-old Zegras as he enters his prime years certainly represents risk for the Ducks. Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere was happy to part with a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick and bottom-six center Ryan Poehling to land Zegras.

The underwhelming return that Anaheim received was a bit of a head-scratcher. Briere proved again why he’s one of the league’s shrewdest general managers by acquiring Zegras without giving up any major assets.

It’s no secret that there was a disconnect between Zegras and Anaheim management. Though both player and club desperately needed to part ways, this trade is going to haunt the Ducks if Zegras realizes his full potential in Philly. 

Zegras To Take Advantage of “Philadelphia Freedom”

Flyers fans will soon get a chance to sample the creativity and playmaking that Zegras brings to the lineup. It’s hard to see the downside from Philadelphia’s perspective. At worst, he’s going to be a 50-point producer and power play specialist – but Briere acquired Zegras because of his upside.

Offensively, Zegras will bring the goods. He’s going to make audacious, “did he really do that” plays that end up on the highlight reel. 

His playmaking and vision will help the Flyers improve a dismal power play that ranked 30th in the league and only registered a 15 percent success rate. 

Zegras also thrives in the shootout. He is second all-time in career shootout percentage at 61.9 percent.

Where Zegras Needs To Improve

The Flyers are hoping that Zegras will develop into a 200-foot player. The versatile center-wing needs to improve on his play without the puck. He needs to be more engaged in the defensive end of the rink and not “switch off” when the puck isn’t on his stick.

It will be up to newly-installed head coach and Flyers legend Rick Tocchet to ensure that Zegras is motivated. Tocchet understands the rewards that come when “The City of Brotherly Love” falls for a player and he will be an ideal mentor for the former Boston University standout.

Zegras will also need to prove his durability after only appearing in 57 games during his final season in Anaheim. Ankle and groin injuries limited him to 88 combined regular season games over the past two seasons.

Philly fans will get a first look at Zegras in preseason action when they take on the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Sept. 21.

If Zegras can put it all together and become reliable in all three zones, the Briere and the Flyers will have pulled off a heist.