Zegras: Flyers “Classy” in Handling New Contract

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For Trevor Zegras, negotiating his four year extension with the Philadelphia Flyers was worlds apart from his previous experience. After a renaissance season, he went from an uncertain future with the Anaheim Ducks to a key part of Philadelphia’s ambitions.

That said, it took some time to get to where both sides were able to lock in on term and dollars through the season. But with salary arbitration a part of the equation, the 25 year old Zegras was quick to point out how different talks with general manager Daniel Briere and team president Keith Jones. Especially in comparison with the hard bargaining Pat Verbeek.

“Danny and Jonesy and everybody, they were just like very classy at how they handle it and how they deal with it,’ Zegras said. “And I actually talked with Danny a couple times before we even started doing the contract negotiations, which was awesome.”

Last Thursday, the Flyers announced a four-year contract extension for Zegras through the 2029-30 season. The contract carries a $9.125 million average annual value (AAV) with a partial no-trade clause. As such, it makes him the highest paid player on the Flyers roster.

“Trevor has been a big part of our team since we acquired him from Anaheim,” Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said to reporters. “He cares about winning. And even in this negotiation, he’s the one who took charge. He’s the one who said, ‘I want to be here’. He’s gone through a lot in his career. Things that weren’t easy. That made him stronger.”

In some ways, it’s a lengthier “bridge deal” which takes his to his age-29 season. At that point, he could be an unrestricted free agent, seeking a big money legacy contract.

In the present, the Flyers rewarded Zegras for career highs in goals (26) and points (67). It also reflected his hybrid role at center and wing. He spent the majority of the season on left wing, before moving to center after the Olympic break.

In addition, Zegras led the team in playoff scoring with two goals and six points in 10 games played. It was his first postseason action of his career.

“I feel pretty comfortable in both spots, whether it’s in the middle or on the wing, so wherever they need me to play, I’m more than comfortable in both spots,,” Zegras said of his dual role.

“I thought playing center in the playoffs was definitely something that gave me a lot of confidence. So I think wherever they need me, I’m good to go.”

Room To Grow

However, if he’s to become more of a full time pivot, he knows he has to improve on his face-offs. He finished with a 34.1 percent success rate on draws during the past season (while at 38.9 percent for his career).

“I think some of it starts in the gym and just getting bigger and stronger,” Zegras said. “I think a lot of it was reps and repetition and taking a ton of face-offs, even against your own guys in practice or after practice, and just picking up on little things that maybe guys against you do. All things that I’m always thinking about. So I’ll try and definitely be better than I was last year.”

Even as the team’s top power-play scorer (10 goals and 23 points), there’s also room for him to grow in helping the team dig out from being the worst man-advantage group in the league.

However, it was plainly evident that the environment in Philadelphia was key re-igniting his confidence and getting the swagger back in his game.

“I just had a lot of fun being at the rink and being around the guys,” Zegras said. “I find it lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing people. So I found it was just a very good situation for me mentally, and it was a lot of fun on the ice too.”

The Flyers certainly hope his positivity spurs their collective growth as they strive to become a perennial playoff contender.

Off The Post Radio

After a slightly extended break, Off The Post Radio is back on the air this Wednesday at 4:30pm ET.

Michael Augello, Russ Cohen, and I will discuss the NHL offseason as it reaches mid-summer. We’ll get into other possible offer sheet candidates, what’s happening with arbitration hearings, and much more. Be sure to tune in at the link below!