and one that made him one of the faces of the NHL.

Entering the 2023-24 season, Zegras began training camp without a contract and ultimately signed a three-year, $17.25 million extension well into the preseason. The term of his deal didn’t quite signify a full commitment from player nor team, and in the two campaigns since Zegras has been lettered by injuries.

Last season, Zegras developed a groin injury that he attempted to play through before ultimately missing a month and a half. He returned to notch three goals and five points in seven games before breaking his ankle in Nashville.

In all, Zegras missed 51 matches after appearing in 154 of a possible 162 contests in two prior campaigns.

This year, Zegras played both wing and center while occupying a prominent role on the power play. Though his 10 points in 24 games underwhelmed on a team pressed for offense, his commitment to his all-around game was more apparent while his playful exuberance remained present.