Get ready for a unique story about a player who's winning over the Philadelphia Flyers with his one-of-a-kind, lighthearted approach!
The Trevor Zegras Effect
When Trevor Zegras joined the Flyers on June 23, some of his new teammates were a bit skeptical. But here's where it gets interesting - Zegras has a way of quickly winning people over with his positive, energetic vibe.
Defenseman Cam York, who played with Zegras for two seasons at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, said it best: "He's going to be a really good teammate, and everyone in the locker room loves him."
But it's not just his 50 points this season that make him so likable. It's his ability to keep the locker room light and positive, especially during the long 82-game season.
"He keeps the locker room light. With the 82-game season, that goes a long way," York added.
So, what makes Trevor Zegras so unique and beloved?
The Golden Retriever
Those who know him best describe him as a "golden retriever dog" - always happy, friendly, and full of energy. Jake Sanderson, a teammate at the NTDP, said, "He's just so happy, so friendly, so energetic."
Even his first NHL coach, Dallas Eakins, described him as the "Spicoli" character from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" - a free-spirited, fun-loving personality.
The Mick Jagger of Hockey
Zegras' unique personality extends beyond the rink. In college, he and his buddies took a class on the Rolling Stones, and their final exam was to perform one of the band's songs. Zegras, being the charismatic figure he is, took on the role of Charlie Watts, banging along on the drums.
"I was the Mick Jagger of the group, but for this one, I was Charlie Watts," Zegras said with a laugh.
The Pre-Game Rituals
Zegras and his longtime teammate, Jamie Drysdale, had a unique pre-game ritual - they'd touch each other's shin pads and then nail each other in the groin with their stick shafts. It was a lighthearted moment that brought a smile to everyone's face, especially their captain, Ryan Getzlaf, who watched with a sideways glance, like a dog hearing a strange noise.
"We don't do that anymore," Zegras said, reflecting on his youthful antics.
The Shoulder Check
Zegras' innate desire to help others is evident in his involvement with the Shoulder Check, a charity focused on mental health. He understands the importance of checking in on those close to him and making sure they're doing well.
When his former coach, Greg Cronin, was fired, Zegras was the first to call and check on him. Cronin was blown away by Zegras' empathy and genuine concern.
"He senses things. EQ, emotional quotient... he's got extremely high EQ," Cronin said.
Coach Taco
John "Tocc" Tocchet, the Flyers' coach, has a unique nickname thanks to Zegras - "Taco." Zegras picked up the nickname from Quinn Hughes, who played for Tocchet in Vancouver.
"When I would talk to him, he would always ask how Taco was doing. So, I just assumed that was his nickname for some reason," Zegras explained.
The Shirtless Wonder
One of the most distinctive things about Zegras is his habit of going shirtless. He does it everywhere - in offices, around the rink - and somehow, he pulls it off with style.
"The guy never wears a shirt. He goes into every office, everything, without a shirt on, so that's one thing we're all still trying to wrap our heads around," said Jamie Drysdale.
Zegras attributes this habit to his time playing for the San Diego Gulls in the AHL. Living in California, he embraced the laid-back lifestyle and never looked back.
"I don't really know why. I really don't have a good answer for you... Maybe I just... my tan in Anaheim," he joked.
The Competitive Spirit
Despite his lighthearted personality, Zegras is a highly competitive player. His former coach, Dallas Eakins, emphasized that the perception of him as a carefree player is far from the reality.
"He just wants to win. That's it. So, he is a really interesting kid... because the perception of him and the reality of him are really two different things when it comes to his competitiveness and his commitment," Eakins said.
So, there you have it - the unique and fascinating world of Trevor Zegras. He's a player who brings a smile to everyone's face, both on and off the ice. But here's the part most people miss - behind that lighthearted exterior is a deeply competitive and committed athlete.
What do you think? Is Trevor Zegras' unique personality a strength or a distraction? Let us know in the comments!
