5 Potential Trade Partners if the Ducks Trade Trevor Zegras
Grant White
Host · Writer
Carolina Hurricanes
Head coach Rod Brind'Amour deserves a ton of credit for what he's done with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes are expected to compete every year, seemingly keeping their fingers in the President's Trophy and Stanley Cup pots. Just as reliably, they come up short in their pursuits. Trevor Zegras could push the Hurricanes over the hump, adding a much-needed scoring piece to their front end.
The biggest knock on Zegras early in his career is his lack of defensive responsibility, but that's where the Hurricanes can help. Over the years, Brind'Amour has refined his systems, getting everyone to buy into playing a defensive-first style. It might be a little uncomfortable for Zegras at first, but in the long run, it would help round out his game.
With Martin Necas on the trading block, the Canes will be eager to land Zegras and replace his lost production. That could be the best outcome for Zegras, who could use some guidance on the defensive end.
Ottawa Senators
Four years into the Trevor Zegras era, and it's not working for the Anaheim Ducks. With that, the Pacific Division basement dwellers will be looking to part ways with their former first-round draft pick this offseason. They will find a willing trade partner in the Ottawa Senators, who desperately need a change.
Like the Ducks, Ottawa's performance has been sub-optimal over the last few years. The Senators haven't qualified for the playoffs since 2016-17, finishing with a record below .500 in six of the seven preceding seasons. With more questions than answers, the Senators will look for upgrades throughout their roster this offseason.
In need of a shake-up, Zegras could help the Sens' forwards corps blossom into the threat they were always meant to be. And with a bevy of draft picks and a handful of quality players to offer in return, this could be the best fit for both clubs.
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are running out of excuses to offer their unforgiving fanbase. Failing to make the playoffs since losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, Montreal should be ready to make a significant splash by any means necessary this offseason.
Like their Atlantic Division counterparts, the Habs have plenty of draft picks they could offer up in exchange for Zegras. Armed with four first, three second, and five third-round selections over the next two NHL Drafts, the Canadiens could offer an enticing package to bring Trevor Zegras to La Belle Province.
Boston Bruins
The Ducks' best-case scenario would be getting Trevor Zegras out of the division, and they could have yet another trade partner from the Atlantic Division.
The Boston Bruins seemingly always find ways to win trades, and they would have to work some of that magic to acquire Zegras. Without a pick in any of the first three rounds of this year's NHL Draft, the B's are also curiously short on cap space with several gaping holes to address.
However, the Bruins also possess a quality netminder in Linus Ullmark, who could nudge the Ducks in the right direction. John Gibson has been dangled in the trade market for years, and acquiring Zegras for Ullmark would allow them to move on from their current netminder in another deal.
Columbus Blue Jackets
It's easy to lose track of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They rarely compete and are overshadowed by 31 other NHL teams, but adding Trevor Zegras could help the Jackets become a more relevant force for the 2024-25 campaign.
With three players still on entry-level deals and only one forward earning more than $3.75 million, the Blue Jackets are young and need to upgrade their nucleus. Enter Zegras. Although we didn't see it last year, the 23-year-old has flashed the game-changing potential Columbus desperately seeks.
It's time to step up and add to your coffers, Columbus. Zegras is the dynamic offensive playmaker that will help your young roster grow.
Carolina Hurricanes
Head coach Rod Brind'Amour deserves a ton of credit for what he's done with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes are expected to compete every year, seemingly keeping their fingers in the President's Trophy and Stanley Cup pots. Just as reliably, they come up short in their pursuits. Trevor Zegras could push the Hurricanes over the hump, adding a much-needed scoring piece to their front end.
The biggest knock on Zegras early in his career is his lack of defensive responsibility, but that's where the Hurricanes can help. Over the years, Brind'Amour has refined his systems, getting everyone to buy into playing a defensive-first style. It might be a little uncomfortable for Zegras at first, but in the long run, it would help round out his game.
With Martin Necas on the trading block, the Canes will be eager to land Zegras and replace his lost production. That could be the best outcome for Zegras, who could use some guidance on the defensive end.
Ottawa Senators
Four years into the Trevor Zegras era, and it's not working for the Anaheim Ducks. With that, the Pacific Division basement dwellers will be looking to part ways with their former first-round draft pick this offseason. They will find a willing trade partner in the Ottawa Senators, who desperately need a change.
Like the Ducks, Ottawa's performance has been sub-optimal over the last few years. The Senators haven't qualified for the playoffs since 2016-17, finishing with a record below .500 in six of the seven preceding seasons. With more questions than answers, the Senators will look for upgrades throughout their roster this offseason.
In need of a shake-up, Zegras could help the Sens' forwards corps blossom into the threat they were always meant to be. And with a bevy of draft picks and a handful of quality players to offer in return, this could be the best fit for both clubs.
