3 disappointing Anaheim Ducks players who are bounce-back candidates for next season feat. Trevor Zegras

The Anaheim Ducks went through a tough time last season as part of their ongoing rebuild, ending the season with a 27-50-5 record in 82 games played. Their finish at the bottom of the standings landed them the third-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The cause of their disappointing year could be traced to players that failed to live up to their usual standards. That said, here are three Anaheim Ducks players who should have a bounce-back year in 2024-25.

3 disappointing Anaheim Ducks players who are bounce-back candidates for 2024-25

3. Ryan Strome

The New York Islanders' 2011 first-round draft pick was solid with the Anaheim Ducks last season. He played in 79 games and scored 41 points; the point total matched his output from 2022-23. However, his goal total dropped from 15 to 11.

Strome’s overall ice time also dipped from over 17 minutes in 2022-23 to roughly 15:50 per game. While he has been a decent player for the Ducks, there’s hope that he could regain the form that saw him score 20-plus goals with the New York Rangers.

Another healthy season, plus the infusion of new talent, could help Strome elevate his game and have a great bounce-back year.

2. Alex Killorn

Killorn was a key contributor during the Tampa Bay Lightning’s back-to-back cup runs in 2020 and 2021. In his final year with the Lightning, Killorn scored 27 goals and 64 points in 82 games. However, Killorn only played in 63 games last season and registered 18 goals.

The disappointing totals were a combination of injury and inconsistency. A full healthy year in Anaheim should help Killorn revert to his old form.

1. Trevor Zegras

Zegras has been the subject of ongoing trade talks; after all, he is the most valuable trade chip that the Ducks have. However, the ninth overall pick in the 2019 draft suffered a significant injury last season. A broken ankle forced him to miss more than half of their 2023-24 campaign and limited him to 31 games.

When Zegras was on the ice, he managed six goals and 15 points. Those totals are a far cry from the 23 goals and 65 points he put up in 81 games the year before.

A healthy year from Zegras, coupled with consistent play across the lineup, could help him improve. If everything goes well, he could eclipse the 30-goal mark and emerge as a true top-six NHL center.