Breaking: Montreal Canadiens Confirms Trade For Another Top Star
Despite the NHL playoffs intensifying as they approach the final stages, only four teams remain in the running for the Stanley Cup. However, rumors circulate about all teams, including the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens.
In a trade scenario proposed by The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek on May 24, the Canadiens could potentially acquire Anaheim Ducks’ top-6 forward Trevor Zegras in exchange for their 2024 first-round pick (No. 5).
Although Zegras has not requested a trade from the Ducks, The Athletic’s Eric Stephens reported on February 29, ahead of the March 8 trade deadline, that there was significant speculation about Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek possibly trading Zegras.
Ultimately, the Ducks chose to retain Zegras and did not trade him in March 2024.
Canadiens Offering Best Trade For Ducks’ Trevor Zegras
The Athletic’s readers proposed several alternative trade options involving Trevor Zegras for the Ducks to consider. Besides the Montreal Canadiens trade, readers suggested two packages from the Philadelphia Flyers, Zegras’ former team (he was drafted by the Flyers but never played for them).
However, Duhatschek doubts the Flyers are 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.”
Ultimately, Duhatschek believes “Anaheim says no to both. Not enough for a player with Zegras’s upside,” adding, “In real life, simple often also works the best,” before detailing the mutually beneficial trade offer involving Montreal.
The Ducks already hold the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft. By accepting the Canadiens’ package, they would secure another top-5 selection, potentially acquiring two future franchise cornerstones developed within their organization.
For the Canadiens, trading for Zegras would align with their strategy of obtaining a ready-made NHL forward with potential for improvement. Duhatschek anticipates the Canadiens would draft such a player with the 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 had a challenging 2023-24 season, scoring 15 points in 31 games due to injuries. He finished the season with 6 goals, 9 assists, and a minus-1 rating.
Trevor Zegras is “Available and Controllable”
Adding weight to this speculative scenario, Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period discussed 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 informed Kouleas, 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 following the Ducks’ decision to retain him through the 2024 trade deadline.
“There is no sense of urgency,” Pagnotta remarked. “(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 a dynamic offensive combination, enhance depth, and give head coach Martin St. Louis more flexibility in managing the top-six lineup.