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Flyers’ Rick Tocchet drops ‘idiot’ take on potential Trevor Zegras linemate
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- Flyers’ Rick Tocchet drops ‘idiot’ take on potential Trevor Zegras linemate
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The post Flyers' Rick Tocchet drops 'idiot' take on potential Trevor Zegras linemate appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Philadelphia Flyers made the first big trade of the offseason already, picking up Trevor Zegras . They sent Ryan Poehling and two draft picks to Anaheim for the former ninth-overall pick. They also hired Rick Tocchet to be the coach, bringing him back to Philly after a wild two years in Vancouver . When asked by The Athletic's Kevin Kurz. Tocchet says he has thought about playing Trevor Zegras with Matvei Michkov when the Flyers' season begins.
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"We'd be idiots not to explore it and talk about it, and try to manifest it where it can work," Tocchet told Kurz. "Can it work? I don't know."
Tocchet continued, "I always use (Wayne) Gretzky and (Mario) Lemieux as benchmark guys — they never liked playing on a line with guys that went east-west all the time. They felt it was really hard for them. …but there's also certain things you have to do to become a good line — retrievals, driving the middle (of the ice), net-front — all that stuff. Creativity is great, but if you're just on the outside spinning your wheels, I don't think that's effective."
The Flyers have a desperate need for centers, which they hope Zegras can help fill. He has struggled mightily in the face-off circle in his NHL career, winning just 40.1% of draws. But his playmaking takes over when he does get the puck, making him a high-upside option down the middle. Michkov is a winger who contended for the Calder Trophy this year.
The Flyers should not stop adding centers with Zegras. Philly has the sixth overall pick in the NHL Draft , where they could draft one for the future. But free-agency options Mikael Granlund and Jack Roslovic could be options as well. Zegras could develop into a star with Philadelphia, and giving him a talented winger is a great place to start.
Related: NHL rumors: Flyers linked to goalie reunion via Canucks trade
Related: Flyers' most realistic trade acquisition in 2025 NHL offseason
