Zegras talks creative moves, Ducks future in Q&A with NHL.com

In NHL.com's Q&A feature called "Sitting Down with …" we talk to key figures in the game, gaining insight into their lives on and off the ice. In this special Stanley Cup Playoffs edition, we feature Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras, who was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy this season.

TAMPA -- Trevor Zegras said he will be more committed than ever to his creative offensive moves next season.
The Anaheim Ducks forward, who finished second to Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL rookie of the year, had a long list of highlight-reel, high-skill plays this season, including his lacrosse-style goal against the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 27, his flip pass over the net to teammate Sonny Milano for a goal against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 7, 2021 and a pass reception and spin before a quick shot for a goal against the Calgary Flames on April 6.
"I feel like there's no real in between when you're trying to do something like that," Zegras said. "It's either you see it and you go for it 100 percent or you see it and you lay off it. I feel like if you're in and out, you're never going to do it. I find that I have my most success with those plays that are a little different when I'm totally committed to it, that my mind is set and I'm picking it up with my stick and I just like when you focus on, 'I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it, I'm going to make it,' then I think your percentage of picking it up and succeeding are a lot better.
"I feel like the times it hasn't worked out, I've been unsure about it and a little cautious. You can learn from that. You've just got to be confident and you could say that about anything. I feel like it goes hand in hand with some of those tricks."

The No. 9 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft said he has heard opponents protest that he's trying to be too flashy but that it's simply water off a duck's back.
"For sure I have," he said. "It's the same as any other chirping. It doesn't really mean much. And it's definitely not going to discourage me from trying any of that stuff, that's for sure. As long as the coaches and our teammates are good with it, I'll [keep] doing it."
The 21-year-old from Bedford, New York, had 61 points (23 goals, 38 assists) in 75 games this season. Playing in the second half of the 2020-21 season after being called up from San Diego of the American Hockey League, he had 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 24 games.
NHL.com caught up with Zegras at the 2022 NHL Awards and discussed several topics, including his take on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Have you been watching the playoffs?
"Yes and I've loved the skill and the scoring and how many offensive chances there have been. I definitely liked some of those early series matchups. I particularly liked St. Louis-Colorado. I think that series showed how good St. Louis was, that they were able to beat the Avalanche twice and some teams haven't been able to do that. And obviously being in New York there was big buzz around the Rangers in the city, which was great. All my buddies are big Rangers fans so they were all going to games and were real excited. I feel like there's been a real positive vibe around the playoffs this year. In terms of everybody being excited about the goals and stuff, there's definitely some great hockey that's been played, that's for sure."
What has caught your eye in the Stanley Cup Final?
"I feel like the best players have been playing as the best players. (Nathan) MacKinnon, (Cale) Makar, (Nikita) Kucherov, (Steven) Stamkos, all these guys are unbelievable and they're showing up for every game. Really the difference so far, in my opinion, has been those secondary guys coming into the spotlight and showing up in these big games. Colorado, that team is just a well-oiled machine right now. Just knowing how good some of these teams are, it's almost crazy to see how dominant they've been. Nonetheless, it's been fun to watch."
What's been occupying your time in the offseason?
"I'm Week 3 back in the gym so obviously working out. Skated a couple of times just to be out there but nothing too official. Playing a lot of golf, spending a lot of time with my family. Have a 5 handicap, playing lots, playing very well, going to the range a lot, kind of honing the game."
So your serious training for next season is already underway?
"I'll mix in more skating as we go along. I've been in the gym three weeks now and it's been good trying to build back up some muscle that you lose from the season. And it's nice to get the juices flowing. Once you're out of it for a while, you start getting the itch for it."
The Ducks finished 31-37-14, seventh in the Pacific Division and 21 points behind the Nashville Predators for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Western Conference. What kind of progress did the team make?
"I think obviously our start was unbelievable and going on that stretch where we won eight in a row (to get to 10-4-3 on Nov. 16). But as the season goes on, guys get banged up, get injured and where we were at, it didn't really make sense to go for it this year. We were more sellers at the deadline, obviously. I'm not going to say that was great for morale for the room, it's not easy, and it being (Ryan) Getzlaf's last season, it was kind of a different vibe going down the stretch in terms of the mindset and mentality. But nonetheless, it was a lot of fun. A lot of us young guys are coming together and we've got a really good group and a really good room. I think there are good times ahead."