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One Player Returns from Injury, but the Anaheim Ducks Lose Another for the Season

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The Anaheim Ducks are set to receive a significant boost with the anticipated return of forward Trevor Zegras from injury. Zegras has been sidelined since December 4 due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. Zegras will rejoin the lineup against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. This development is crucial for the Ducks, who have struggled to generate consistent offence in his absence. However, while Zegras’s return is a significant positive, the team is also dealing with the long-term loss of Brock McGinn, who recently underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and will be sidelined for seven to nine months.

Zegras’s Impact on the Ducks

Before his injury, Zegras had recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 24 games this season. While these numbers may not fully reflect his impact, Zegras remains one of Anaheim’s most dynamic playmakers. He is known for his elite puck handling, creativity, and ability to generate scoring chances. His return is expected to revitalize the Ducks’ offence, providing much-needed firepower.

In the 2022-23 season, Zegras led the Ducks with 65 points (23 goals, 42 assists). Solidifying his reputation as a premier offensive talent. Without him, Anaheim has lacked offensive cohesion, ranking at the bottom of the league in goals per game (2.37, 32nd overall). The power play has also suffered, currently at 12.5% (32nd in the NHL). With Zegras back in the fold, the Ducks will look to improve these numbers and regain some offensive rhythm.

Head coach Greg Cronin emphasized the importance of easing Zegras back into game action while maximizing his strengths.

Brock McGinn’s Long-Term Absence

While Zegras’s return is a welcome sight, Anaheim will have to cope without Brock McGinn for the foreseeable future. The 30-year-old forward recently underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and is expected to be out for seven to nine months, potentially missing the rest of the season and part of the next.

McGinn had been a key depth piece for the Ducks, contributing four goals and four assists in 26 games this season. Beyond his offensive production, he provided a strong defensive presence and was a mainstay on the penalty kill. His absence will force the Ducks to shuffle their bottom-six forward group, likely giving younger players like Nikita Nesterenko or Ross Johnston a chance to step into more prominent roles.

The Ducks have already been dealing with injuries throughout the season, with Isac Lundestrom, Mason McTavish, and Leo Carlsson missing significant time earlier in the year. Losing McGinn for the remainder of the season adds another challenge to a team that has struggled to maintain consistency.

What’s Next for the Ducks?

With Trevor Zegras’s return, the Ducks will hope to see an immediate impact on the scoresheet. His return should help alleviate some of the offensive burden. Placed on players like Frank Vatrano (11 goals, 24 points) and Troy Terry (34 points in 42 games). Anaheim still finds itself well outside the playoff picture. The remainder of the season could be crucial for player development and building chemistry for the future.

On the flip side, McGinn’s loss will test the team’s depth, particularly in defensive situations. With their penalty kill ranked 28th in the NHL (73.08%), the Ducks will need to find a way to compensate for his absence in their defensive schemes.

While this season has been a rebuilding year for Anaheim, Zegras’s return injects excitement and potential into the lineup. If he can return to form quickly, the Ducks may be able to string together some strong performances and continue developing their young core as they look toward the future.

Main Photo by Gary A. Vasquez- Imagn Images

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