Trevor Zegras has had quite the up-and-down NHL career so far.
After bursting onto the scene as a rookie, the 2019 ninth overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks dazzled with his unique skill set, looking like the new flashy toy that would be at the forefront of the hockey world for years to come.
That was certainly the case throughout his first two full seasons in Anaheim, as Zegras was on a star trajectory following 61- and 65-point campaigns, respectively. However, the two years to follow were nightmarish, seeing the uber-talented forward struggle not only with injuries but also with production when healthy.
As a result, Zegras was in trade rumors for what felt like two straight years. After plenty of talk and nothing to show for it, he was finally dealt this summer to Philadelphia, where he’ll get a fresh start with the Flyers.
With his days as an Anaheim Duck now a thing of the past, Zegras opened up about how difficult the last few seasons were, both mentally and physically, in a conversation with Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.
“The contract stuff played a role, too. That was hard, just from a mental standpoint. That was a year with the new coach, and then you kind of come in behind the 8-ball. You get off to a slow start, and then that combined with the contract and with the [trade] rumors, it’s just not fun. But I’ve gotta keep playing,” Zegras said.
“The last thing I was thinking about was actually playing hockey at times. That was hard for me. And then you throw in the injuries and then the rehab and the recovery and then getting back to, I guess, the place that you were before. Little things become big things in your head, and it makes it very hard to play against the best players in the world on a night-to-night basis… It almost felt like you were alone when they didn’t believe in you,” Zegras added.
Trevor Zegras on his @AnaheimDucks crash out, the mental anxiety of trade rumors, his 2nd chance with @NHLFlyers, golfing with the Hughes bros, calling his coach “Taco,” NHL shootout moves …
… Trevor Zegras on pretty much everything. My story:https://t.co/4KhzZW7dLs
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 30, 2025
The 24-year-old is entering the final season of said three-year, $17.25 million contract he signed with the Ducks in 2023.
Zegras’ outlook in Philly
While the days of Trevor Zegras being a star in the NHL feel far removed, he has a chance to remind everyone why he generated so much hype throughout his first few seasons in the league.
Zegras seems to be building a strong relationship with head coach Rick Tocchet and will be set up for success centering a line with Matvei Michkov while playing on the number one power play unit.
When at his best, the New York native plays with confidence and swagger, so all it will take is a strong start to 2025-26, and Trevor Zegras could get back to being the guy we saw during his early days in Anaheim.
