Breaking: Ducks’ top-6 forward is sent to Montreal by the Canadiens

Even though the NHL playoffs are heating up and entering their final stretch, only four teams remain in the hunt for the Stanley Cup. Nonetheless, trade rumors are swirling around all franchises, including the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens.

In a trade scenario suggested by Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic on May 24, the Canadiens would trade their 2024 first-round pick (No. 5) to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for top-6 forward Trevor Zegras.

 

Although Zegras has not requested a trade, Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported on February 29, just before the March 8 trade deadline, that there was significant speculation that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek might trade Zegras.

Ultimately, the Ducks retained Zegras and did not trade him in March 2024.

Canadiens Offering Best Trade For Ducks’ Trevor Zegras

The Athletic’s readers proposed a few alternative trade options involving Trevor Zegras for the Ducks to consider. In addition to the Montreal Canadiens scenario, readers suggested two potential packages from the Philadelphia Flyers, Zegras’ former team (though he was drafted by them, he never played for the franchise).

However, Eric Duhatschek believes the Flyers are not in a position to acquire Zegras and his $5.75 million cap hit, stating, “Philadelphia has a lot of salary-cap issues to navigate going forward.”

Duhatschek ultimately thinks the Ducks would reject both Flyers’ trade proposals, saying, “Not enough for a player with Zegras’s upside.” He adds, “In real life, simple often also works the best,” before detailing the mutually beneficial trade offer involving Montreal.

The Ducks already possess the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft. By accepting the Canadiens’ package, they would gain another top-5 selection, potentially securing two future franchise cornerstones developed within their organization.

For the Canadiens, trading for Zegras aligns with their strategy to acquire an NHL-ready forward with room for growth. Duhatschek anticipates that they would aim for a similar type of player with their No. 5 pick if they retain it.

“Montreal is probably targeting a forward at No. 5,” Duhatschek wrote. “Why not turn the pick into a ready-made NHL player who is only 23 and produced 65 points in 81 games two years ago, before injuries derailed his 2023-24 season?”

Zegras scored 65 points in 81 games two years ago but is coming off a 15-point season in which he only played 31 games due to injuries. He tallied 6 goals and 9 assists, ending the year with a minus-1 rating.

Trevor Zegras is “Available and Controllable”

Adding credence to this hypothetical scenario, Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period discussed Trevor Zegras’s availability on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio during Steve Kouleas’ Power Play Show on May 22, as reported by NHL Rumors.

“He’s available and he’s controllable,” Pagnotta said, noting that Zegras is on the trade block and under contract through the end of the 2025-26 season, according to CapFriendly.

However, Pagnotta doesn’t foresee an imminent trade involving Zegras, given that the Ducks decided to retain him through the 2024 trade deadline.

“There is no sense of urgency,” Pagnotta explained. “(The Ducks) don’t have to make a move. (…) Those conversations will pick up probably starting in the next few weeks and then kind of leading into the draft.”

Pagnotta mentioned the Canadiens and the Flyers as potential destinations for Zegras.

“He (Zegras) may want something with a little more pizzazz market-wise, and that’s one of the kinds of rumors floating around as to why he’s available and out there but there is interest in him,” Pagnotta said. “I think the Canadiens. I think Philadelphia. (…) But I would certainly be surprised if it seemed like Montreal is not part of that mix.”

For Montreal, integrating Zegras with players like Nick Suzuki (the Habs’ top-line center, per Daily Faceoff) and Cole Caufield (top-line left winger) would provide the team with a dynamic offensive combination. This addition would enhance depth and give head coach Martin St. Louis greater flexibility in managing his top-six forward group.