By JD Lagrange – In the secretive corridors of hockey’s inner sanctum, a name floats like a whisper, laden with tantalizing intrigue: Trevor Zegras. Stirred by Pierre LeBrun’s suggestive prodding, curiosity lingers, urging us to delve deeper into the mystique surrounding Zegras. We’ve flirted with the edges of his style before, analyzing its provocative deviation from our team’s norm.
But now, as rumours swirl, drawing eerie parallels to trades of yesteryears about Jonathan Drouin, we find ourselves ensnared once more in the seductive dance of speculation. Ah, the echoes of past risks linger, beckoning us into the shadowy depths of uncertainty. Shall we succumb to temptation?
Comparatives
It is interesting to note that both young men have had issues with their respective teams at that stage in their career. Drouin, wanting more ice time, requested a trade from the Lightning though his agent Allan Walsh. Zegras, wanting more money on a long term deal, held out at training camp and finally signed a bridge deal ($5.75M cap hit) 12 days before the Ducks’ season opener.
Let’s now dive into some statistical comparisons based on the performances of the two players in their first three seasons in the NHL.
DROUIN | ZEGRAS | |
---|---|---|
5’11” | HEIGHT | 6’0″ |
198 | WEIGHT | 185 |
22 | AGE | 22 |
3rd OA in 2013 | DRAFT | 9th OA in 2019 |
164 | GP | 200 |
29 | G | 53 |
66 | A | 93 |
95 | PTS | 146 |
0.58 | PTS/GP | 0.73 |
-9 | +/- | -44 |
15:23 (9th) | TOI/GP | 17:55 (3rd) |
2:27 (8th) | PP TOI/GP | 2:40 (1st) |
23 (12th) | PEN TAKEN | 65 (2nd) |
2.92 | HITS/60 | 1.95 |
2.40 | GvA/60 | 2.84 |
2.11 | TkA/60 | 1.48 |
0.80 | BkS/60 | 1.22 |
52.4 | SAT% | 49.1 |
51.8 | USAT% | 48.3 |
Admittedly, the statistics may be somewhat distorted due to the differing caliber of the teams they represented. While the Lightning boasted Stanley Cup contention, the Ducks found themselves mired in significant struggles. Yet, this dynamic can cut both ways. Drouin, positioned amidst formidable talent, was deprived of the top-line opportunities afforded to Zegras, who ascended immediately to such heights. Nonetheless, Drouin undoubtedly reaped benefits in the plus-minus department from his tenure in Tampa, for example.
The rationale behind the Ducks’ willingness to trade him is very likely for the same reasons why they didn’t offer him a long term deal to start with. They have questions about his game, so they would consider putting him on the trade block because of the following:
- He lacks proficiency in his defensive responsibilities.
- His penchant for laziness results in numerous avoidable penalties.
- He tends to vanish when faced with rougher and more physical game situations.
- He prefers the safety of the perimeter over engaging in the physical battles in the corners or in front of the net.
- While he exhibits flashy skills, often captured for highlight videos, they often lack substance in games situations.
- His potential trade value is inflated, as teams may be inclined to overpay for him.
Let me be clear, I’m all for Hughes acquiring another promising top-6 forward. However, Zegras simply doesn’t fit the bill in my humble opinion, at least not based on what I’ve observed from him out here in the west. I’d prefer to see the Canadiens exercise patience, waiting for the right deal, rather than rushing into a trade they may come to regret.
As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Zegras embodies laziness, defensive irresponsibility, and a tendency to stick to the perimeter. St-Louis might work wonders for a player eager to learn and grow, but I have my doubts about his impact on Zegras, just as he struggled with Drouin.
As the whispers of trade speculation fade into the ether, Habs’ fans find themselves ensnared in the tangled web of uncertainty, our thoughts a labyrinth of desire and doubt. Trevor Zegras, with all his allure and flaws, remains a tantalizing enigma, a seductive puzzle yet to be unraveled.
Will the Canadiens succumb to the allure of his flashy potential, or will they heed the cautionary whispers of hesitation? Only time will tell, as we navigate the treacherous waters of hockey’s dark romance, where passion and prudence collide in a dance as intricate as it is unpredictable. And so, we find ourselves bound to the edge of anticipation, longing for the climax of this tale, even as I fear the bitter taste of regret that may linger in its aftermath.