WJC 2021: Three Takeaways as Team USA take Gold in shutout

1. Zegras Worthy MVP

There wasn’t a much more deserving winner of the MVP of the 2021 World Junior Championship than Team USA forward Trevor Zegras.

The Anaheim Ducks prospect, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, absolutely lit up the tournament and was by far the best player on the ice throughout.

Zegras came up huge for Team USA all tournament long, and he did it again in the Gold Medal game with a goal and an assist for two points.

He claimed a secondary helper on Alex Turcotte’s first period goal, before reacting quickest to a loose puck early in the second period and tucking it past Team Canada goaltender Devon Levi.

It proved to be the knockout blow that sealed both the game and the Gold Medal for Team USA, while it also sealed MVP honors for Zegras, who finished with the most points with 18 (7 G, 11 A) in seven games with a plus / minus rating of +9.

Showcasing a high hockey IQ with slick hands and an elite offensive creativity, Zegras made something happen every time he had the puck on his stick and he also showed more consistency with his shot.

While not the fastest of skaters, Zegras boasts size and skill and his elite hockey IQ makes up for his lack of foot speed.

He was also the most entertaining player to watch at the 2021 WJC and, after playing a major role in Team USA winning Gold, Zegras will now report to Anaheim Ducks Training Camp where he will hope to impress enough to win an Opening Night roster spot.

And, if Trevor Zegras can translate his performances in Edmonton to the NHL stage, then Ducks fans are in for a huge treat.