Another day, another look at a prospect from the US National Team Development Program. As with teammate and fellow centerman Alex Turcotte, Zegras has drawn comparisons to a superstar from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Whereas Turcotte has been compared to Jonathan Toews, Zegras has been described in the mold of Patrick Kane. He's been touted as one of the most skilled offensive players in the draft, and NHL.com's Adam Kimelman said he may be second-best passer available (in the video above).
But, why tell you when we can show you? Watch No. 11 along the right-wing boards:
What he's saying
"I think growing up watching a lot of hockey my favorite player was Patrick Kane. But his passes are way better than mine, so I just try and do what I can to maybe emulate a little bit of him. It's kind of just what I like about the game."
What they're saying
USNTDP forward (and projected No. 1 pick) Jack Hughes: "He's an unbelievable talent, the way he can move the puck. He kind of prides himself on the way he moves it. I mean, he's a really easy player to play with knowing that the puck's going to be on your tape and you're going to be able to score. I love playing with him because of how creative he is."
NHL Central Scouting Services director Dan Marr: "He's got personality to his game and he's one of these high-character players on the ice where he can rise to the occasion and he wants the puck, he wants to score, he wants to be in on the play. He goes out there and makes things happen. He's a player that forces you to notice him … He jumps out and pops at you every game."
Why he could be picked at 7
Most projections have Zegras going in the lower half of the top 10, which puts him in Buffalo's range. Zegras said at the combine that he had multiple meetings with the Sabres, so one would figure he'll be an option if he's still on the board.
