The Ducks generally controlled possession with him on the ice and had their share of chances too. So, it's a little harder to pinpoint the exact reason behind this decision.
Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks star forward, Trevor Zegras played just 12:26 seconds in a game that required overtime.
It's the first time this season that Zegras has played fewer than 16 minutes in a game, and just the second time in the last year that he's played fewer than 13 minutes.
There's been no reported injury for Zegras, meaning he was simply benched by Cronin.
Looking at the numbers, Zegras wasn't having a bad game leading to the benching.
The Ducks generally controlled possession with him on the ice and had their share of chances too. So, it's a little harder to pinpoint the exact reason behind this decision.
There were several plays in the second period, particularly on the power play, where Zegras lacked a bit of urgency and decisiveness, which may have led to the benching.
This feels like the kind of thing a new coach does to send an immediate message, to lay down the law with his new team.
"I don't care who you are, or how many points you put up, you're not immune to being glued to the bench."
I don't hate the decision from Cronin, he was clear in his first few interviews after being named coach of the Ducks that he would be hard on Zegras.
That he would push him to improve his overall game and 200-foot effort, and this feels like a step in that direction.
Again, it also sends a message to the rest of the team. Do your job, or you won't play.
To do it in a game the Ducks were chasing really hammers the point home too.
As it got into the later part of the games and even into overtime, a lot of coaches would have cracked and sent Zegras out to try and create offense, but Cronin held firm.
The Ducks then going out and winning the game without Zegras is a big positive for Cronin's message. A strong team game is more important than a single individual.
Now is also the perfect time for Cronin to play hardball with Zegras. It isn't a season determined by wins and losses. If Cronin can use this season to improve Zegras' complete came — amongst other things, of course — the Ducks will be in a great spot when they do look to take that next step.
I doubt this will become a regular occurrence and you'd hope the message is received well by Zegras.
Because, if he can round out his game, there is a genuine superstar in him.