The Philadelphia Flyers have been searching for a potential #1 center for years. Could the acquisition of Trevor Zegras finally be the one?
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The most obvious need the Flyers have had over the past few years is a true #1 center.
Claude Giroux… Mike Richards… Jeff Carter… Peter Forsberg… Eric Lindros… names that come to the forefront when discussing the Flyers rich history of top line centers since the turn of the century.
But, since the Flyers recent downfall since 2020, there hasn’t been a new name appear to be the next one in line.
Enter Trevor Zegras.
The Flyers acquired Zegras in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks today. Sending Ryan Poehling, 40th overall selection in 2025 NHL draft, and a 2026 4th round pick to the Ducks for the young center.
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The 24 year old center is coming off two very down seasons. Oh which, were both injured riddled.
It is also one of the reasons why he was available via trade.
“Why he was available in the first place,” Briere said when asked about Zegras drop in production the last two seasons. “Top-six talents are very rarely available around the NHL. We felt that was a risk worth taking for us.”
The risk is definitely worth the reward of Zegras regaining his early form in the NHL.
In his first two full seasons in the NHL, he put up some impressive number. Putting up 61 points as a 20 year old in his first full season and followed it up with a 65 point season the next.
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But, it’s not as big of a risk as some may think. Especially when it comes to the injuries he has suffered in the past two seasons.
Zegras broke his ankle mid-way thru the 2023-24 season. Forcing a mid-season surgery and cutting his season short to just 31 games. The following season, he tore his meniscus. Again, requiring a mid-season surgery.
After returning from his second straight mid-season surgery, he finished with 8 goals and 14 assists in the final 33 games. Albeit, on the wing.
However, his offensive production returning after starting with just 4 goals and 6 assists in his first 24 games, is a sign for hope.
That hope, along with a full bill of health per Danny Briere are two of main reasons why the Flyers felt comfortable taking a chance.
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“We feel good about it because of what he’s shown in the past,” Briere said. “We hope he can find that magic again, and take it to another level.”
If Zegras can regain his 60 point season form, it will go a long way in the Flyers rebuild. Especially with the young talent already in Philadelphia and what is still to come in the coming days at the draft.
The Flyers have six picks in the first 48 selections of the draft… 6, 22, 31, 36, 40, & 48.
PHOTO CREDIT: San Diego Gulls PR
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