Trevor Zegras has bounced between center and winger during his days with the Anaheim Ducks, which shows off his versatility. But for the Philadelphia Flyers, center would be the best option. And it seems like Zegras wants to play in the middle,
In a piece from ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek was straightforward on the issue, saying, "Ultimately, Trevor has been wanting to play center, and I think that he'll be given that opportunity in Philadelphia. Trevor to kind of get pushed to the wing, and that probably doesn't suit his best attributes being able to create from the middle."
We also know what kind of damage Zegras can do when he's seeing some time at center, as he put up 61 and 65 points in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. They were also the last two seasons that saw a completely healthy Zegras, so putting him in a top-six role at center would work wonders for a young team like the Flyers.
Flyers need a player with superstar potential at center
Despite Zegras' last two seasons being absolute downers, he's still young enough to reclaim the "superstar potential" label since he's only in his age-24 season and part of a brewing core in Philadelphia that includes Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny, Tyson Foerster, Travis Sanheim, and Cam York.
As it stands, Zegras should sidle into a role on the second line alongside Owen Tippett and Michkov while Sean Couturier mans the top line. This would be the ideal spot for Zegras, especially since Michkov played like he more than belonged in the NHL throughout a successful rookie campaign in 2024-25. Meanwhile, Tippett has put up solid points totals over the past three seasons that each included at least 20 goals scored.
If Zegras picks up where he left off two seasons ago in Anaheim, then the Flyers will have a top six that could send shockwaves throughout the NHL. Foerster, Couturier, and Konecny are proven players, while Michkov could be poised for a point-per-game pace.
Flyers fans should be optimistic about Zegras
Zegras looks like yet another building block in this reclamation project, especially if he fills the void at center. And in a best-case scenario, he forms an exciting one-two tandem with Michkov, which could help transform the Flyers into one of the league's more high-octane teams.
Center seems like the most natural position for Zegras, so if he's in the middle, chances are, fans will see the player reminiscent of his first two seasons with the Ducks as opposed to the mediocre output we saw over the last two years. Even if he doesn't provide much help defensively, his previous offensive output, especially on a team with so much young talent, will make up for it.
With a solidified top six, Daniel Briere can turn his attention more to the lower lines, and within another year or two, this could be a deep Flyers team. And Zegras will have played an outstanding role in that regard.