Hockey fans love a good fresh-start story, and Brady Tkachuk seems convinced that Trevor Zegras’ move to Philadelphia will be one of them. The Ottawa Senators captain recently shared his thoughts on the Flyers’ $17.25 million star trade, and his confidence in Zegras’ ability to thrive under a new system is enough to make even neutral fans curious about what’s coming next. With Rick Tocchet at the helm and a roster built around grit and skill, the Flyers might be the perfect environment for Zegras to reignite his game.
How Will Brady Tkachuk’s Endorsement Impact Trevor Zegras’ Philadelphia Debut?
Tkachuk isn’t one to toss around empty praise, so when he speaks highly of a fellow player’s future, it’s worth paying attention. In a recent conversation with ESPN, the Senators’ captain opened up about why he’s so optimistic about Zegras joining the Philadelphia Flyers.
“I drove up to Connecticut and skated with him,” Tkachuk said. “I’ve known ‘Z’ throughout the years, but we got to know each other better during the world championships. He’s a great guy, and I think it’s going to be great for him to get a fresh start in Philly and under Rick Tocchet.”
The Flyers have been known for years as a hard-working, physical team, but recent seasons have seen them adding more high-end skill to their lineup. Tkachuk’s comments suggest that Zegras’ creative playmaking, combined with Philadelphia’s competitive culture, could be a perfect match.
The move wasn’t cheap. Philadelphia’s $5.75 million investment next season (the final year of Zegras’ three-year, $17.25 million deal) shows that it is serious about transforming its offense and giving Zegras the environment to maximize his talent. For Tkachuk, the money matters less than the fit.
Tkachuk also highlighted the team’s culture as a crucial factor in his confidence.
“They have a great culture there, and I think he’s just going to do a good job of fitting in,” he said. This goes beyond on-ice chemistry. It’s about a locker room where Zegras can feel supported while being pushed to reach his potential.
Playing against Philadelphia multiple times, Tkachuk has witnessed their competitive fire firsthand. That intensity can be contagious, especially for a skilled player like Zegras who feeds off high-energy environments and meaningful games.
“I’ve always thought playing against Philly that they play super hard, but they have a lot of great players with skill,” Tkachuk added. “So, I think that is going to be the best thing for him.”
The Senators’ captain went even further with his prediction.
“I’ve always thought that when you play against Philly, they go all out,” Tkachuk said. “They also have a lot of skilled players. I think that’s going to be the best thing for him. I’m excited to see his progression this year and how the change impacts him. I’m betting it’ll be for the better.”
For a player starting fresh in a new city, that kind of public confidence from a fellow star carries weight. The real test begins when the puck drops, and all eyes will be on Zegras to see if he can transform Tkachuk’s belief into tangible results on the ice.