Ducks Secure Future with Trevor Zegras' Three-Year Extension
In a resounding declaration of their commitment to a bright future, the Anaheim Ducks have inked a lucrative three-year contract extension with their star forward, Trevor Zegras. The long-anticipated announcement, which arrived just in the nick of time before the new NHL season kicks off, brings an air of excitement and stability to the franchise.
The terms of the deal are nothing short of impressive, with an annual average value of $5.75 million. Zegras, who had been a restricted free agent on the cusp of a promising career, is set to embark on an exciting journey with the Ducks.
The $5.75 million average annual salary agreement shows the Ducks' dedication to the 22-year-old center. Prior to this agreement, Zegras was a restricted free agent, and it represents a turning point in his budding NHL career.
Zegras's impressive performance last season was a catalyst for this deal. With a remarkable 65 points, including 23 goals and 42 assists, he was the Ducks' leading scorer. Notably, this young prodigy has managed to score 23 goals in two of his first three NHL seasons, demonstrating his reliability as a goal scorer.
The Ducks selected Trevor Zegras as the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and this upcoming 2023-24 campaign will be his fourth season in the NHL. He was recognized as a finalist for the Calder Trophy, given to the league's top rookie, as a result of his remarkable rookie performance in the 2021–22 season.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Zegras's career is his distinction as only the second player in Ducks history to achieve 60 points in multiple seasons before the age of 23. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated a remarkable 126 points, comprising 46 goals and 80 assists, despite playing for a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase.
Zegras attracted a lot of attention for his brilliant scoring strategies, especially for executing two "Michigan goals" in his rookie season. The "Michigan goal" involves scooping up the puck with the blade of the stick and then whipping it around the net to score in the top corner of the net over the goalie's shoulder.
With Zegras now officially locked into a new contract, the Ducks will shift their focus to securing defenseman Jamie Drysdale, who is also a restricted free agent, to a new deal. The Ducks continue to place a high premium on Drysdale because he is an essential part of their future.
Zegras's immediate future with the Ducks is not only assured by this deal, but it also establishes him as a cornerstone for the team's efforts to rebuild. The general manager of the Ducks, Pat Verbeek, stressed Trevor Zegras' enormous potential and the team's enthusiasm for his continuing growth.
Although the contract for Zegras was said to have been difficult and drawn out, the Ducks and their young star eventually came to a decision that represents the player's rising stature in the league. While the three-year contract is hardly a long-term commitment, it gives Zegras a foundation for the future and enables him to continue his rise in the NHL.
The Ducks are still steadfast in their resolve to sign Jamie Drysdale, further solidifying their dedication to erecting a formidable future on the shoulders of young, talented players. Negotiations for Drysdale are still ongoing.
Trevor Zegras's contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks marks an important milestone in the franchise's recent history. It not only represents the Ducks' steadfast commitment to building a successful future, but also signals the prospect of seeing more electrifying play from Zegras in the upcoming seasons. Hockey fans, get ready for a thrilling journey with the Anaheim Ducks' Trevor Zegras at the helm.