Trevor Zegras

Zegras wasn't able to substantially build on his fantastic 61-point rookie campaign in 2022-23, but he certainly didn't disappoint either. The 22-year-old contributed 23 goals and 65 points in 81 outings with Anaheim last season. Although Zegras did endure some mild slumps during the year, such as his goal and three points over 10 appearances from Dec. 4-23, he was a steady contributor. The forward also played with an edge, accumulating 88 PIM last campaign, up from 50 PIM in the previous year, though he's managed a comparatively less noteworthy 102 hits in 156 games over his first two full seasons. Already the Ducks' top center and a critical part of their first power-play unit, Zegras has the potential to get even better with 180 career NHL contests now under his belt.

Zegras entered the 2021-22 campaign as a favorite to win the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year, and he performed well enough (23 goals, 61 points, including 17 with the man advantage in 75 games) to be nominated as a finalist for the award. Zegras is one of the most dynamic and creative offensive players to have entered the league in recent memory. His vision is exceptional and his shot has long been underrated. The Ducks signed John Klingberg, Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano in unrestricted free agency this summer in hopes of improving this year, but Zegras, at age 21, is the organization's most valuable asset, both in the long and short term. He'll have both a high floor and a high ceiling from a fantasy perspective in 2022-23.

Zegras made three different stops last season and excelled at every level. He was the best player (and tournament MVP) at the World Juniors and helped Team USA win the Gold Medal. He then averaged more than a point-per-game (21 points in 17 games) with AHL San Diego, before excelling (13 points in 24 games) in a brief run with the Ducks. Zegras is an elite playmaker. He makes the most difficult passes seem routine and that should lead to high-end power-play production for many years to come. The Ducks are trying to figure out if Zegras bets fit in the middle or on the wing, but he's going to have boatloads of fantasy value regardless and it should begin to surface this season. Target him in the middle rounds of your draft.