It isn’t easy for smaller centers to excel on top lines. Probably Datsyuk is at the top of the list. And I’m not comparing Z to Pavel. But little guys have to be tough and strong and not just creative. Datsyuk was a real stud.
On the surface I would never see Sebastian Aho as a #1 center. Whether you like or dislike him, he takes a lot of abuse, goes into dirty areas, and keeps coming back.
With bigger and faster players in todays NHL, Zegras has to become tougher and more durable. This might be in direct conflict with his fun loving style he has had for years.
Eakins may have been the best, and worst, coach for Zegras. Pretty laid back, even he had some issues, and let Z be Z on a losing team with few options.
John