Blackhawks Draft Resume: Trevor Zegras

With the 2019 NHL Draft approaching, the Blackhawks will make their highest pick since 2007 - when they selected a teenager from Buffalo named Patrick Kane first overall. This week, Blackhawks.com will take a look at five top prospects Chicago will likely be considering if consensus top picks Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko are off the board in Vancouver.
Next up is playmaking center Trevor Zegras of the U.S. National Team Development Program:

Experience

Avon Old Farms School (2016-2017)
U.S. National Team Development Program (2017-2019)
- Recorded 59 points (20G, 39A) with the U17 squad in his first season - Played second-line and third-line minutes for the U18 team in 2018-19. - His 61 assists were second on the team, playing without Jack Hughes on his line - Zegras led all USNTDP skaters outside the Hughes line in scoring with 87 points (26 G, 61 A) - Committed to play at Boston University next season.

The Tape

Watch: Youtube Video
Watch: Youtube Video
Watch: Youtube Video

What They're Saying

"Scouts liked what they saw from Zegras when he took on more offensive responsbility. Zegras actually has a better shot than Hughes but is seen as more of a playmaker than a scorer. Zegras also has some edge to his game." - The Hockey News (#7 prospect in 2019 NHL Draft, #4 Center)
"Zegras has played everywhere along the forward lines for Team USA this year. He is a natural center, but has made a prolific partnership with Hughes when he plays on the wing. Zegras is a great north-south skater and has plus edges. He has exceptional hands and can carry the puck through a maze of sticks and then backhand saucer the puck to an open linemate on the other side of the slot. He makes his linemates better." - Ryan Wagman, Yahoo Sports (#8 prospect in 2019 NHL Draft, #5 Center)
"Zegras was fantastic all season for the USNTDP and was a go-to guy for the program when they needed a goal. In terms of pure offensive skill, he's the best in the draft class. He's a special playmaker and one of the best passers I've seen as a first-year draft-eligible in recent years...Zegras isn't a guy who you pick to run over guys, though; you're drafting him to slot onto the half-wall of your first power play and get the puck to the scorers on his wing for a decade." - Corey Pronman, The Athletic (#6 prospect in 2019 NHL Draft, #3 Center)

What He's Saying