How Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras' play might force EA Sports' hand

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, consider Trevor Zegras quite flattered.

Ever since the Anaheim Ducks rookie sent a pass over the Buffalo Sabres' net to teammate Sonny Milano for a goal on Dec. 7 — on a move heretofore known as «The Zegras» — he's been inundated with messages, links and clips of other players in all levels of hockey attempting the move.

«I obviously get tagged by a bunch of kids that were trying it,» the 20-year-old told ESPN. «I honestly think that's the best thing that came out of that goal — seeing everybody have so much fun with it.»

They're trying The Zegras in virtual hockey, too. There's a long tradition in EA Sports' NHL series in which gamers attempt to recreate famous goals within the game, even if there isn't a traditional button combination to execute the move, like Alex Ovechkin's sliding goal and «The Michigan» lacrosse-style goal.

Now, those playing NHL 22 are attempting to send passes over the net to teammates and posting janky, rough, squint-hard-enough-and-you'll-see-it versions of Zegras' play.

Sean Ramjagsingh of EA Sports, the producer of their NHL series, said they haven't officially incorporated The Zegras in the game yet, but that discussions are already underway about putting the move in the next edition of the series.

«As soon as a move like that lights up the internet, there are people that come right to our game and try to replicate it. Try to get the first video out there. It's incredible to watch,» he said. «There are people out there who have figured out ways to use some of the mechanics we have in the game to pull off The Zegras. It's just extremely difficult.»

It's a move that has inspired TikTok and YouTube videos, like «How to Zegras Goal in NHL 22»:

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