January 12, 2024
Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks following a left ankle injury he sustained during a game. The Ducks have announced that Zegras will undergo surgery for the broken ankle.
Zegras suffered the injury in the first period of a game against the Nashville Predators on January 9, 2024. He slid feet first into the side boards after Nashville forward Juuso Parssinen’s stick got caught in his skates. This incident occurred just six minutes and 25 seconds into the game.
The 22-year-old forward has been a key player for the Ducks. Before this injury, he had already missed 20 games due to a lower-body injury but still managed to collect four goals and three assists in 20 games this season. Last season, Zegras led Anaheim in goals (23), assists (42), and points (65).
The injury to Zegras is a significant blow to the Ducks, who are currently seventh in the Pacific Division. His absence removes a crucial offensive element from the team’s lineup, making the Ducks’ path to improvement even more challenging.
The Ducks also announced that rookie defenseman Pavel Mintyukov suffered a separated shoulder and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks. Mintyukov was injured when he was hit into the boards by Predators forward Michael McCarron.
The Ducks, navigating through a challenging season, will now have to find ways to compensate for the absence of Zegras and Mintyukov. The team’s depth and adaptability will be tested as they aim to stay competitive in the Pacific Division.