Trevor Zegras might not be your classic “Philly athlete,” but that’s exactly why he fits. He doesn’t pretend to be a grinder or a blue-collar cracker. He is a modern player: skilled, flashy and not afraid to play his game. And according to Elliotte Friedman on 32 thoughtsboth parties seem enthusiastic about the turn of events.
“He’s happy, they’re happy — I think they’re already talking about an extension,” Friedman said.
Jeff Marek said he sees Zegras in a different position in Philadelphia and that he has become a more mature player with one trade. Kevin Kurz of The Athletic says he asked for an extension, but Zegras said he hasn’t thought about it. No one seemed to believe this was true.
Zegras is still a nuisance, but he fits right in with the Flyers’ locker room and the Flyers have a history of being annoying. He builds instant chemistry with old friends and new teammates. Kurz added that Zegras enjoys coming to the rink every day and feeds off the energy in the building.
Part of that comfort comes from familiarity: He has a good relationship with Cam York, who recently scored a big goal that Zegras said meant more because it came from his best friend. He also has ties to Anaheim’s Jamie Drysdale and knows Christian Dvorak through Cole Caufield. That network has helped him feel comfortable in a market that can be difficult to conquer.
Zegras represents something new for Philadelphia: the evolution of a franchise that embraces skill, speed and personality, after years of being known for brawn and perseverance. It’s a shift that fans will quickly warm to, especially if he continues to produce. Daniel Briere has given Zegras a lot of credit. He looks good and he is actually taking on a leadership role, pulling a number of other players along in attack. He does everything expected and even more.
If an extension really is on the table at all, it’s a sign that the Flyers see Zegras as more than a short-term spark. They see him as part of their identity: the skilled, creative center of a new era in hockey in Philadelphia.
Zegras is in the final season of a deal that pays him $5.75 million. If he continues to score at his current pace, he is in for a big pay increase.
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