DONE: Canadiens approved trade for $17.25 Million superstar
The Montreal Canadiens are approaching the conclusion of their rebuild, and one trade proposal suggests they could acquire star forward Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks.
PuckPedia has introduced a new tool called PuckGM, allowing users to craft their own trades, and one user has proposed a deal in which the Ducks would trade Zegras.
Canadiens get:
Trevor Zegras
Ducks get:
Logan Mailloux
2025 first-round pick
2025 second-round pick
At first glance, the price the Canadiens would pay for Zegras seems steep. However, at just 23 years old and entering the second year of his three-year, $17.25 million contract, Zegras offers significant potential. He is also close friends with Canadiens star forward Cole Caufield, which would provide an immediate connection on the team.
Although Zegras, a former first-round pick, is only 23, he has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate, as a change of scenery might benefit him. Last season, Zegras managed just 6 goals and 9 assists, totaling 15 points in 31 games.
In this proposed trade, Montreal would send their 2025 first and second-round picks, along with prospect Mailloux, to Anaheim. Mailloux, a defenseman selected in the first round of the 2021 NHL draft, could be expendable for Montreal, as the team’s strong defensive unit blocks his path to the NHL.
Zegras on Trade Block
Zegras has been a topic of trade discussions this offseason, with the former first-round pick potentially in need of a fresh start.
NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that several NHL teams, including the Canadiens, have shown interest in Zegras.
“Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has set a very high price for Zegras, and several teams have maintained their interest in the 23-year-old. At least eight teams have expressed serious interest, including the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres. I believe other clubs are also in the mix,” Pagnotta wrote.
According to Pagnotta, Zegras and his camp are open to a change of scenery, but he is also willing to stay in Anaheim and contribute to the Ducks’ rebuild.
Canadiens Quiet in Free Agency
Montreal had a quiet offseason, with the Canadiens focusing primarily on re-signing their own players.
On July 1, the Canadiens didn’t sign any new players, as General Manager Kent Hughes emphasized the importance of not rushing into decisions that could negatively impact the team’s future.
“We didn’t approach today with the mindset that we had to accomplish certain things. In free agency, if you’re too determined to acquire something, you might end up with something you later regret,” Hughes explained.
“We wanted to stay disciplined and only make moves that fit within our parameters. If not, we’re content to wait and see if opportunities arise later, either through free agency or a trade,” Hughes added.
Instead, Montreal focused on retaining key members of their core, re-signing Juraj Slafkovsky, Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, and Justin Barron.