The Philadelphia Flyers are hanging in there in the crowded playoff picture through 28 games this season. The team's front office had belief the team could take that next step forward out of their rebuild. So far, their hunch appears to be correct.
Their biggest move this past offseason was trading with the Anaheim Ducks for forward Trevor Zegras. Thus far, the move has paid off and the change of scenery has worked wonders for the former first-round pick. So far, Zegras is a nearly point a game player. But can he keep it up?
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski unveiled trends for all 32 teams this season and if they are sustainable. On a scale from 1-to-10 with 1 being "probably just a blip" and 10 being "certain to stick." For the Flyers' trend of "Trevor Zegras leads in scoring," Wyshynski gives it an 8.
ESPN believes Trevor Zegras scoring trend will continue for rest of season
"So far, it has paid off: Zegras leads the Flyers in points (26) and is tied for the team lead in goals (10) with Tyson Foerster, who's out for at least two months with an upper-body injury," writes Wyshynski.
"The Flyers' power play has been middling (18.4% conversion rate), but Zegras has been a star on special teams with 11 points, putting him among the top 20 scorers with the man advantage in the NHL this season. He's playing 18:17 per game and picking up points regularly for Philly. Again, we'll note this is happening in a contract year for the 24-year-old forward."
Flyrers fans' couldn't have asked for more from Zegras. The Flyers were taking a chance on the forward, who had high upside on the Ducks early in his career. But a contract situation, injuries, and a difference in philosophy from the Ducks organization spelled the end of his tenure in Anaheim.
In a contract year, Zegras has made a case to receive a long-term contract. The Flyers will have a chance to retain him, considering he is a restricted free agent, meaning he won't hit the open market. Thus far, through 28 games, Zegras has 10 goals and 17 assists.
There is still a lot of season left. The Flyers are in playoff position and could potentially add by the trade deadline if they so choose. They do, after all, have to add some more scoring help behind Zegras, as Tyson Foerster is out for two-to-three months due to an upper body injury.
The Flyers are banking on their offseason moves to pay off, whether it's Dan Vladar in net or Zegras being their top scorer. ESPN believes Zegras can continue being their leading scorer for the remainder of the season.