Trevor Zegras not signing long-term to remain in Anaheim

Times have changed in the National Hockey League. Gone are the days that players would have to prove themselves at the NHL ranks before receiving a giant payday. Instead, young players coming out of entry-level contracts are looking for massive paydays and under the current salary cap structure for a lot of teams that becomes difficult.

Players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and so many others have set the trend of getting paid out of your entry level deal. Now it appears Trevor Zegras is trying to follow suit. Zegras is currently a restricted free agent and is unsigned for the Anaheim Ducks. While there is no threat of an offer sheet, there does appear to be an issue between the two parties.

In year's past players of Zegras caliber would receive long-term deals at moderate cap hits. Now it appears that the two parties are unable to reach a deal on a long-term contract. Instead the two will look at a bridge deal to try and get Zegras into the Ducks lineup for training camp.

Elliotte Friedman shared the following on the negotiations.




A bridge deal does offer some benefits to both parties, it gives Zegras an opportunity to renegotiate in two or three years while also giving the Ducks more information on the type of player Zegras will be. In 81 games last season Zegras put up 64 points (23 Goals, 42 Assists).