It was a lighthearted moment at Flyers’ Training Camp yesterday, as Forward Trevor Zegras has reportedly started calling his new Head Coach, Rick Tocchet, “Tocco or Taco.”
This fun detail emerged during a press availability on September 24, 2025, just after a practice session in Voorhees, New Jersey.The Context
Why It Matters (and Why It’s Funny)
- Team Chemistry Vibes: Tocchet highlighted Zegras’s seamless fit in the locker room and on the ice, including early line experiments with Michkov and Christian Dvorak. This nickname drop underscores the budding rapport, especially as the Flyers eye Zegras as a top-line centerpiece to boost their offense.
- Fan and Media Reaction: Hockey Twitter lit up immediately. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski quipped about the new detail, one fan called it “the most Trevor Zegras thing ever,” capturing his offbeat personality. It’s a welcome morale boost amid Pre-Season hype.
As of September 25, 2025, Trevor Zegras—traded to the Flyers from the Anaheim Ducks on June 23, 2025, for forward Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick—appears to be settling in positively during the early stages of Training Camp and Pre-Season.
At 24 years old, Zegras brings high-end playmaking skills (highlighted by his 2022 NHL All-Rookie Team nod and viral highlights like his Michigan goal) to a Flyers team rebuilding around young talent like Matvei Michkov. While it’s early, reports from practices, media sessions, and his debut preseason game paint a picture of quick chemistry, coachability, and enthusiasm.
- On-Ice Chemistry: Zegras has been frequently paired with Michkov, while showing immediate cohesion. In his first Pre-Season game on September 21 against the New York Islanders, the duo (along with Nikita Grebenkin) formed the most dynamic line, looking “more than just a couple practices’ worth” together despite zero prior camp time as a unit. Zegras generated chances, including a near-breakaway after a poke check on Mathew Barzal. Post-practice sessions have seen Zegras and Michkov staying late to work on shots and setups, with veteran Garnet Hathaway even cheering him on during stickhandling drills.
- Line Projections and Role: Under new head coach Rick Tocchet (hired July 23, 2025), Zegras is projected as a top-six center or winger, often with Travis Konecny or Michkov. Rookie Alex Bump has credited Zegras for mentorship, calling him a “great guy” who’s helped with line reads. Tocchet has tested combos like Michkov-Zegras-Konecny, emphasizing Zegras’ return to center to address Philly’s depth issues.
- Off-Ice Fit and Mindset: Zegras has embraced the change after two injury-plagued seasons in Anaheim (32 points in 57 games last year). In his intro presser, he expressed excitement for a “new start” and learning from the storied franchise.
Tocchet praised him as “coachable” yesterday, noting Zegras spends extra time in the film room, unhappy with his recent production. Adding levity, Zegras’ nickname for Tocchet—”Taco”—has become a camp highlight, endearing him to teammates.
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