Whether the Anaheim Ducks want to call it "rebuilding" or not, the organization must commit to an extreme makeover.
For the second consecutive season, they have been among the NHL's worst teams. They don't receive the full benefit of John Gibson's quality goaltending because they are one of the NHL's lowest scoring teams. In 2019-20, they rank 29th in league scoring at 2.57 goals per game. For contrast, consider that 17 NHL teams are averaging 3.00 goals per game or better.
The Ducks need an infusion of offense, and they recently took a step in that direction by pulling 2019 first-round draft pick Trevor Zegras out of Boston University after one season. He is the team's most heralded prospect.
"(Zegras) has the kind of playmaking skill that can turn around an organization," said former NHL goalie John Vanbiesbrouck who oversees USA Hockey's national teams.
New York native Zegras posted 11 goals and 36 points in 33 games as a college freshman. He had nine assists in five games for USA at the World Junior Championships. "His creativity is his best asset," Vanbiesbrouck said. "I don't know if I've seen many guys who can make the five foot slip pass like he can."
Here is a Q and A with Zegras, I did earlier this week:
How would you describe your playing style?
Zegras: I think I am a pretty creative player. I have a tendency to pass more than I shoot. Fun, fast and creative, I guess.
How did you improve in your one season of college hockey?
Zegras: I gained confidence, and added strength, got stronger, and that's one reason why I took a year at college -- to play against older guys to get ready for the pros. That's what I learned the most.
Can you quantify how much stronger you are today compared to when you started college?
Zegras: I was probably lifting more than the average pro player could (during the season). I was in the gym three days a week. We were practicing a lot more. I got to go on the ice six days and work on the individual parts of my game. That was awesome for me. I just had more time to train, practice and evolve as a player.
How much weight did you add?
Zegras: I probably came into the season 170 and I'm closer to 180 now. During the season, it's hard to gain weight. You are trying to maintain.
Was it a difficult decision to turn pro? Or, had you planned to turn pro after one season?
Zegras: It was a goal of mine at the beginning of the year to have a good enough season to turn pro at the end of the year. It was already in my head. It turned out to be a mutual decision between me and the (Ducks).
Was there a time this season when you knew you were ready for pro hockey?
Zegras: I don't think there was one specific time. Obviously, our team was very young at BU and our coach (Albie O'Connell) showed a lot of confidence in me by putting me out in all situations. I had a lot of confidence all year. I didn't have many lows. I felt like I was in control all year.
What is your expectation for next season -- do you plan to be in the NHL?
Zegras: Just like everyone else, I will have to fight for a spot on the team. But obviously it's a goal to be on the team in Anaheim.
How have you filled your time this summer with everyone sheltering in place because of the pandemic?
Zegras: There's not much to do these days. But I'm keeping busy. I throw on the rollerblades and go outside and mess around. I have a couple of things I can do inside to stickhandle. The Ducks have given us some stuff we can do at our house. But I don't have a lot of weights. It has been kind of tough.
How many movies have you watched?
Zegra: Probably too many. A lot of movies. Lot of TV shows. Lot of Xbox. Too much screen time.
Your former U.S. National Team Development teammate Alex Turcotte signed with the Los Angeles Kings right before you signed with the Ducks. What can you tell fans about him?
Zegras: His skill is as good as it gets for a player his age. Hard-nosed two-way guy. Good teammate. Really good in his own end. He's going to a really good player for a very long time.
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