Quoting: LosPatos
Just because we traded Drysdale doesn’t mean we’re trading Zegras lol. The whole snowball effect started because of pure speculation.
You think that’s why I’m saying this? I hadn’t even thought of that connection until you just mentioned it.. That’s another sign to add, though a small one.
Firstly they bridged him. That’s a rare thing to do in todays nhl. Most guys get re-sign long term after their elc. The ones who don’t are the guys who play for good teams that can’t afford long term deals at the moment so they bridge them. (Didn’t apply to the Ducks).
Secondly, they reduced his ice time (even slightly) showing they’re not happy with him, in your 3rd year your ice time should only be going up.
Thirdly, you can tell Zegras is unhappy by the way he has played. I remember watching a video from the off season where a reporter asked him about the coach trying to get him to be better defensively and he very sarcastically said something along the lines of “yay defense”.
Lastly, multiple insiders came out in the offseason and said Verbeek isn’t a big fan of the player (proven by the bridge deal)
Now one of those things by itself is a non issue. All of them put together is an issue. I promise you he will be traded within two years but more likely this offseason. I absolutely guarantee it. The writing is on the wall.