Trevor Zegras had already played his former team, the Anaheim Ducks, for the first time earlier in the season back in Philadelphia.
Still, Wednesday night’s first visit back to the place, Honda Center, where his NHL career started promises to be something special.
Coach Rick Tocchet has been experimenting with moving Zegras back to center in recent games and reported there’s been progress.
Initially he’s had some troubles with faceoffs but that should come around with more playing time at that position.
“He (Zegras) enjoys it when I go back and forth,” Tocchet said after Tuesday morning’s skate. “More of a center role lately. He continues and we’ll where he takes it.
“He’s had a really good year all year. He had a really hot start. Just let him play (at left wing) so he doesn’t have all this responsibility. That was the reason for it. He’s taken responsibility in his own end. Obviously he’s got to work on faceoffs. It’s a work in progress but I think he’s made some strides.”
Zegras was hoping for a positive reception. He spent six good seasons here before last season’s trade.
“It’s definitely good to be back,” Zegras said. “I was here for some time. A lot of love for the people who live here. They were always so good to me. Made it a lot of fun to come to work.”
The Flyers are chasing a playoff spot so this is no time to get too sentimental. They need to come back from this three-game road trip with some positive results.
“Still think I can do better on the faceoffs,” Zegras said of his five games at center. “Other than that I like where my game is at.”
Zegras said he’s been picking up tips from teammate Christian Dvorak, who is a natural center. Every little bit helps.
Zegras’ style of play has pretty much endeared himself to his coach.
“He’s a very coachable kid,” Tocchet said. “Well-liked in the room. A smile on his face every day. I like that. You win eight-nothing, lose eight-nothing, he’s a pretty consistent guy. Plus he wants to improve his game, he’s not satisfied.”
Naturally, Zegras was a popular player in Anaheim and it’s pretty much a given he will be given a warm reception when he plays on Wednesday night at his old rink.
“For him, there’s an obligation to sign autographs, it’s not just about hockey,” Tocchet said. “That’s why I think he’s a popular guy. Plus he’s a great kid. I played with those guys, they do a lot for the game. It’s OK to be a little flashy and enjoy the game. As long as it doesn’t hurt your game.”
>Foerster update
Tyson Foerster, out since December due to an upper-body injury which required surgery, skated with the team on Wednesday. Tocchet was asked if there is a chance Foerster might be back in action before the season ends.
“I think it’s too early to say,” Tocchet said. “He’s a first-shot guy and we desperately need those guys. He’s got that ‘it’ factor with the shot. Whether he comes back this year I’m not quite sure but he is progressing in the right direction.”
>Short shots
After Wednesday’s night game, it’s a quick turnaround across town to face the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. The Flyers are coming off a recent rare sweep of a back-to-back when they defeated Washington and Minnesota a week ago.
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