Ducks in a row
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So I have heard comparison to P. Kane in this thread I wonder what odds are people would give to him being a top line Center vs. Winger in the NHL
C Trevor Zegras (2019, 9th, ANA)
- Thread starter Pavel Buchnevich
- Start date
Ed Ned and Leddy
Brokering the Bally Sports + Corncob TV Merger
I think, provided the Ducks are patient with his development, Zegras should develop fine as a center. I've always said that his two-way game/physicality/engagement is a bit underrated. Not saying he'll be a Selke candidate center in the mold of Bergeron/Toews/Kopitar, but by the time he enters his prime I think he'll be responsible enough defensively. I'd imagine that the Ducks will look to develop him as a center.
Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
If a guy like Barzal can play center at the NHL level I don't see why Zegras can't. As skilled as Zegras is he's also got an active stick, competes in all three zones, and has a chip on his shoulder. I don't see him as a liability at all.
Aerchon
Registered User
- Jul 20, 2011
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Oilers fan here.
Zegras seemed the obvious pick at #8 in the draft. Was perturbed we passed on him and took the much lower ranked Broberg. Especially that Anaheim got him .
Broberg is a fine prospect and tracking well enough but I think even without Zegras most recent dominance at the wjc he is, was, and most likely always will be a better player/prospect.
Some Oilers fans are really putting down Zegras in an attempt to bolster the decision to draft Broberg. Saying his play won't translate to the nhl.
So I came here and figured I'd ask on the mains.
#1 Do many here agree that Zegras is likely to have troubles at the nhl level. I personally think he is tracking very well to be a star/first line talent.
#2 Do many here think Broberg will have a equal or better career than Zegras.
Thanks to anyone who responds.
Zegras seemed the obvious pick at #8 in the draft. Was perturbed we passed on him and took the much lower ranked Broberg. Especially that Anaheim got him .
Broberg is a fine prospect and tracking well enough but I think even without Zegras most recent dominance at the wjc he is, was, and most likely always will be a better player/prospect.
Some Oilers fans are really putting down Zegras in an attempt to bolster the decision to draft Broberg. Saying his play won't translate to the nhl.
So I came here and figured I'd ask on the mains.
#1 Do many here agree that Zegras is likely to have troubles at the nhl level. I personally think he is tracking very well to be a star/first line talent.
#2 Do many here think Broberg will have a equal or better career than Zegras.
Thanks to anyone who responds.
JadedRandom
Registered User
- Aug 14, 2008
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Zegras is not the greatest defensively. He's below-average by NHL standards right now at that facet of play, but that could change with development. And then you add his deft plays in transition, his vision, great skating ability and elite passing, all of which more than offset that unpolished part of his game.
After he gets a bit of NHL time and experience under his belt, perhaps as a winger at first to familiarize himself with that level of competition, I don't see why Zegras should play elsewhere than in center.
Seriously, I see a lot of Marc Savard circa 2005-2007 when I see Zegras play; great passing, underrated shot, really good and fluid skater, borderline elite vision, high compete level, awesome hands, meh defense and physical play.
I thought it was a no brainer for the Oil to pick Zegras, or a smart, two way winger like Boldy. Picking Broberg, considering their crying need for quality forward help, seemed bizarre, especially considering that they picked a Dman in the 1st the year before.
Right now Zegras looks to have elite skills. Not sure that EDM needs another player that needs to dominate the puck, but it's a hell of nice dilemma to have.
Right now Zegras looks to have elite skills. Not sure that EDM needs another player that needs to dominate the puck, but it's a hell of nice dilemma to have.
Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
Can you imagine Boldy on McDavid's wing? A winger with great hands that can keep up?
What would have been nice about Boldy was that he is a good two way player, and doesn't need to dominate the puck. Better defense isn't always about getting better defenseman, but getting forwards that play two ways.
Ducks fan here.
1. I think Zegras will struggle for some time because of his physical immaturity and just getting used to the game. He needs to get stronger and even more explosive. I and many more Ducks fans hope he actually spends most of this year with San Diego.
2. It's really impossible to compare D and F careers this early. Broberg is already playing pro and doing it well. THing I am concerned with him is weather he is smart enough for NHL, but the raw tools are there. It needs time to tell, right now no one is clearly better than the other at least after their first 1-2 NHL seasons.
Watched Juniors a lot this year (and many many before) and I must say Zegras is amazing. My personal belief is barring injuries he will become as good as P. Kane or better. Probably one of the best American born players.
Our Lady Peace
Registered User
I personally don't think Zegras reaches that level. Eichel and Matthews are IMO the only current challengers to Kane for greatest American of all time. Even then, Kane's outstanding resume makes it so much harder for the others to surpass.
I think Zegras will be a Barzal-level player, which is an elite skating/playmaking 1C that's very respectable on the D side of the game. Guys who don't disappear in big games either, which is super important.
KirkAlbuquerque
#WeNeverGetAGoodCoach
Don't know about trophies but Zegras is the most elite American players i have seen at these tournaments. He is elite in almost every category. His vision may be better than Kane's, his hockey IQ is through the roof. Like with any u20 player, sometimes they are held back by injuries and if Zegras holds up he will be insanely good.
A thing to note is that at Zegras age Kane, Matthews and others were already playing in the NHL.
I am not so sure Z will be able to manage a full NHL season this year.
I am not so sure Z will be able to manage a full NHL season this year.
Pavels Dog
Registered User
Zegras destroyed the WJC, amazing performance. But that's about it, I don't think the overall body of work makes Kane comparisons realistic.
Jersey Fan 12
Positive Vibes
- Nov 20, 2006
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Would pump the brakes on the comparison to players like Kane and Mathews, and for that matter Jack Eichel. As the above post said, those players were dominant and NHL ready from the get-go. Zegras had a big tournament playing with two other elite junior players, Turcotte and Kaliyev, but I'm not sure he has the same individual talent as the players mentioned.
I think Kane does everything a step or 2 (or 3) better than Zegras but Trevor has that Patrick Kane swagger.
KaseMeOutside
Based
- Oct 18, 2011
- 44,330
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Zegras carried that line. Kayilev was a complete anchor 5 on 5
Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
Turcotte and Kaliyev were not elite even in junior. Verry good but not elite. And Zegras was very impressive in last years WJC with very little playing time.
Fatass
Registered User
- Apr 17, 2017
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Agreed, but Turcotte was that line’s defensive conscience. Turcotte kept his feet on the defensive side of the puck as much as possible. Zegras is fun to watch, and is destined to be a 70 plus point player in the National League, but I like Turcotte’s complete game.
I agree with this, except I think Zegras could be the better pssser/playmaker, if he hits he ceiling. He has and unreal ability to get the puck to guys in scoring position with passes most guys don’t dream of, and he makes it look fairly routine. Obviously, Kane is phenomenal in this regard too, but it’s the one area that I think zegras could exceed Kane.
