When the Philadelphia Flyers traded for Trevor Zegras, they were taking a chance on a player’s upside. With the Anaheim Ducks, Zegras quickly became one of the most popular young players in the league. He was on the cover of video games, celebrated at All-Star Games, and often found his plays on highlight reels. Then, the floor seemed to fall out almost as fast as his star rose.
Zegras immediately made an impact with the Ducks, putting up back-to-back 60+ point seasons in his first full seasons in the NHL. He was one of the stars of the U.S. National Development Team Program from the 2019 NHL Draft alongside other stars like Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, and Spencer Knight.Â
Zegras initially looked like the best of the bunch. He was silky smooth on the ice, and he had a knack for big plays. The spotlight was never too bright, at least at first.
Something changed in Anaheim, and Zegras became a different player. That trademark smile wasn’t seen as much. He seemed lethargic on the ice. Frustration boiled over, and injuries started to stack up.
Zegras had just 15 points in 23-24 and 32 points in 24-25. While he didn’t play near full seasons either year, even his points per game were well below his previous average.Â
The Ducks traded Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers for center Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick (No. 45), and a 2026 fourth-round pick. That wouldn’t get you the ninth-overall pick in the draft let alone a guy who has already proven he can play at this level, but Zegras’s value was shattered from two bad season.
The Phladelphia Flyers saved Trevor Zegras's NHL reputation
And it’s almost like this weight was lifted from his shoulders. Zegras could be himself again in Philadelphia, which is crazy to think about since his head coach was now Rick Tocchet. Something clicked there, and Zegras was once again a great option down the middle.Â
Zegras was back to his previous highs, putting up a career-high 67 points. It was his first season in Philadelphia, acting as almost a tryout for him. He passed the test with flying colors.Â
On Wednesday night, Zegras paid the Flyers back for having faith in him. He signed a four-year extension with his team. While it’s not the long-term deal some might have expected, this feels like a great compromise for both player and franchise. It helps both sides avoid an ugly arbitration process, and it gives the Flyers a chance to move forward with their offseason.
And once again, the Flyers commit to Zegras. They gave him north of $9 million per season. Of course, the Flyers reset the center market when they gave Zegras’s former teammate Leo Carlsson an $18 million-per-season offer sheet, so that probably increased Zegras’s ask. Still, signing for under $10 million while showing he can still get even better is huge for the Flyers.Â
Zegras looks like a perfect fit in Philadelphia, where he played his first playoff games. If he gets better, the playoffs may become a formality for him.Â
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