Ducks' Trevor Zegras returning after 20-game absence

After missing 20 games with a lower-body injury, Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras will return to the lineup Saturday against the Seattle Kraken.

The No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Zegras moved into the No. 1 center role between Alex Killorn and Troy Terry at practice Friday. He took the spot of 2023 No. 2 overall pick Leo Carlsson, who suffered an apparent lower-body injury Thursday and was still being evaluated as of Friday.

Zegras, 22, has a goal and an assist in 12 games this season after posting a career-high 65 points (23 goals, 42 assists) last season in 81 games.

Carlsson, who turns 19 on Tuesday, couldn't put any weight on his right leg after Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar fell on Carlsson's side.

"Weegar there was lunging, and then Leo lost his balance," Anaheim coach Greg Cronin said after the game. "You could see when Weegar fell on him, any sport when that happens, it's not good."

In 23 games, Carlsson has eight goals and seven assists.