What Trevor Zegras’ hot start at the World Juniors means

We’re only a few days into the 2021 World Juniors, and Trevor Zegras has already amassed the best, most comprehensive highlight reel of the tournament.

Through just six periods, Zegras set up countless scoring chances, many in the flashiest possible way, broke ankles, and sniped three goals. He has five points through two games, and he’s probably earned more than that, too.

What Zegras has put on display in this tournament hasn’t been a breakout – it’s been a continuation. Zegras was one of the NCAA’s top players a season ago, as an 18-year-old. That same season, he led the World Juniors in assists, despite having a reduced role to start the tournament.

The core of Zegras’ game is offensive manipulation. He doesn’t just find open lanes; he creates them. When skating into a group of defenders,