Ducks’ Trevor Zegras out with lower-body injury

Cronin said the injury had bothered the 22-year-old forward for a while and needed to rest it. It’s unclear whether Zegras will be in the lineup on Sunday against a San Jose Sharks team riding a two-game win streak.

Zegras signed a new three-year deal midway through training camp but has so far had very little to show for on the scoresheet. He has just one goal and two points in 12 games for the Ducks this season, a far cry from last year when he had 65 points in 81 games.

Drafted ninth overall in 2019, Zegras made his NHL debut with the Ducks in 2020-21, scoring three goals and 13 points. Known for his skill with the puck, the 2021 World Junior Championship MVP had 61 points in 75 games in his rookie campaign in 2021-22, making him a finalist for the Calder Trophy. He upped the ante with his 65-point season last year, with many expecting him to surpass 70 for the first time his year. Instead, with a 14-point pace, it’s been anything but sunshine and rainbows in sunny California.

The Ducks sit fourth in the Pacific Division, one point over the Seattle Kraken and five behind the Los Angeles Kings. They’re 6-4-0 in the last 10 games and are coming off of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The Ducks were the first team to beat the Vegas Golden Knights in regulation this year, doing so in a comeback effort last Sunday.

Anaheim is expected to go with a top line of Alex Killorn, Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry, with Frank Vatrano, Mason McTavish and Ryan Strome making up the second line.