Anaheim Ducks: Trevor Zegras expected to pace Calder Trophy race
By Bob Heyrman
If you’re looking for a pre-season Calder Trophy favorite, Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks is your guy.
Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks is expected to open the NHL season as the odds on favorite to win the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the leagues’ top rookie.
The Ducks selected the 20-year old forward with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Level Draft after a stellar season with Boston University. In 33 games, Zegras recorded 11 goals and totaled 36 points before entering the draft.
Zegras split time between the Ducks and their AHL affiliate in San Diego in 2020-21. In 17 games with the Gulls, Zegras scored 10 goals and added 11 assists totaling 21 points. The youngster also appeared in 24 contests, with the Ducks totaling 13 points, including just three goals.
Last season Zegras anchored Team USA to a gold medal in the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship. The prized Ducks’ forward recorded a staggering 18 points in just seven games en route to being awarded the tournament’s MVP trophy cementing his place in history.
Trevor Zegras will have plenty of opportunities to thrive with the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks
According to Cap Friendly, Ducks general manager (GM) Bob Murray currently has an estimated $13 million in salary-cap space at his disposal. Still, as the NHL season vastly approaches, it appears the organization will be comfortable rolling with veteran Ryan Getzlaf along with Zegras as Anaheim’s top two centers.
It would be in head coach Dallas Eakin’s best interest to load up his top line by flanking Zegras with Rickard Rakell and Maxime Comtois, in turn, sliding Getzlaf down a slot to play with Troy Terry and Max Jones.
Zegras has a wonderful blend of creativity and finishing ability. That mixed with the fact he will see his fair share of power-play time and five-on-five top-six minutes should set the table for an exceptional 2021-22 season.
As it currently sits the Ducks are a long shot to contend for a playoff spot, but Zegras should provide the fanbase with plenty of promise looking forward.
Other rookies around the league that will likely challenge for the award are Cole Caufield, Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Alex Newhook, Spencer Knight, Quinton Byfield, and Vasily Podkolzin.
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WynnBET has yet to release their Calder Trophy Odds for the 2021-22 NHL Season, but when they do look for Zegras to be atop the list.