Adam Oates on Ducks' Zegras: 'I'm trying to get the Instagram skill out of there'

Hall of Famer Adam Oates knows his client Trevor Zegras can do things on the ice that he never even would have dreamed of doing, but he also knows that there is a time and place to try those skills.

Oates, who now operates the Oates Sports Group and represents at least 30 NHLers including Zegras, joined Sportsnet's Real Kyper and Bourne Tuesday and was asked about how the young Ducks star conducts himself on the ice.

"Yes he's a very talented man," Oates said of his client. "But for me personally there is a difference between Instagram skill and skill. And he's kinda got both. And I'm trying to get the Instagram [skill] out of there."

Oates then went on to explain how he and Zegras have already talked about this topic. The 21-year-old forward has responded positively and understands he still has much to learn.

"He's great about it, he's just like 'I just can't help myself sometimes,'" Oates explained. "Yeah he can do things I can't do and never would've thought of and I get that."

But then Oates brought up his success rate of the 'Michigan' goal, which Zegras has succeeded on twice, but according to Oates, has failed on nearly 200 times.

"That's 198 times that you might be open in the slot looking for a pass," Oates said. "It it fantastic? Yes, it is.... but what I don't want is him getting hurt because he's sticking his stick between his legs, number one. And number two, what if there is a teammate open, because sooner or later your teammates aren't going to like you."

Now Oates doesn't want Zegras to completely lose his creativity, but he also wants him to focus on becoming a better hockey player as a whole.

"If you have have a window of opportunity to make that play, go ahead," Oates concluded. "Otherwise, make the right hockey play at that time. Last time I checked, you get 80 helpers, they're going to like you too."

Zegras has 21 goals and 35 assists in 67 games for the lowly Ducks this season.