Rumors circulating for some time finally solidified into reality on Monday when the Anaheim Ducks completed a trade sending forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Ducks moved Zegras, a player frequently mentioned in potential trade discussions, to the Flyers in exchange for forward Ryan Poehling, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft (originally belonging to the Columbus Blue Jackets), and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft.
What does this significant move signify, and how did the general managers of both franchises fare in this transaction?
Philadelphia Flyers: Grade: B+
The defining characteristic and most frequently used term when describing this trade is “potential.”
This begins with Zegras providing the Flyers with another option for their top-nine forwards, complementing existing players like Sean Couturier and Noah Cates. The hope is that Zegras possesses the potential to develop into their primary top-line center.
Zegras is a player who has twice reached the 20-goal mark and recorded back-to-back seasons with 60 or more points. For a Flyers team that ranked 24th in the league for average goals scored per game, he offers an additional offensive threat capable of both finding the back of the net and creating scoring chances for his teammates.
At 24 years old, his age profile potentially aligns well with the Flyers` long-term strategic plans. According to data from Elite Prospects, Philadelphia fielded the NHL`s youngest roster during the 2024-25 season, with the average age being just over 26 years.
However, as noted, the concept of “potential” remains paramount.
Injuries and inconsistent performance over the past two seasons raised questions about whether Zegras could return to or exceed the production levels he demonstrated in 2021-22 and 2022-23, particularly if he remained with the Ducks. Surrounding Zegras with talented wingers such as Tyson Foerster, Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, or Owen Tippett could be key to helping him rediscover his game. At one point, Zegras was recognized as one of the league`s emerging stars, projected to become a future face of the NHL, even gracing the cover of NHL 23.
An additional factor is Zegras` current contract status. He is entering the final year of a three-year deal with an annual value of $5.75 million. He will remain under the team`s control as a restricted free agent for the subsequent two seasons before potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2027-28 campaign. Even after taking on Zegras` salary commitment, the Flyers are projected to maintain a significant amount of salary cap space, reportedly over $15 million according to PuckPedia.
Anaheim Ducks: Grade: A-
Despite the ongoing discussions about the Ducks` decision regarding Trevor Zegras, a considerable question loomed:
Was it a sound organizational choice to pay a player primarily filling a third-line center role over $5 million annually when more cost-effective options were available, and the team had other areas needing improvement?
Leo Carlsson, the second overall selection in the 2023 draft, proved his capability of handling the responsibilities of a full-time top-line center. Last season, he registered 20 goals and 45 points, providing the Ducks with a physically strong, two-way center. Similarly, Mason McTavish, the third overall pick in 2021, performed effectively in a second-line center position, achieving career bests with 22 goals and 52 points.
McTavish led the team in goals and finished second in points last season, with Carlsson placing third in points. The strong offensive output from their top two centers made Zegras a more dispensable asset for Anaheim.
Furthermore, financial considerations played a significant part. Anaheim is projected to have over $36 million in salary cap space this season, which appears ample. However, General Manager Pat Verbeek must navigate future financial planning carefully. Key restricted free agents requiring new contracts this offseason include Lukas Dostal, Drew Helleson, and Mason McTavish. The terms of these deals will influence the funds available for pursuing unrestricted free agents beginning July 1.
Moreover, the outlook for the *following* offseason made this trade particularly attractive. Zegras was part of a substantial group of six players scheduled for restricted free agency then, a list that also included Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Pavel Mintyukov, Jackson LaCombe, and Olen Zellweger. Additionally, Jacob Trouba would become an unrestricted free agent at that time. While decisions regarding the other five restricted free agents and Trouba still lie ahead, the Ducks now face a potentially much lower salary cap impact with Ryan Poehling compared to Zegras. Poehling, a 26-year-old who recorded 12 goals and 31 points in the 2024-25 season, is in the final year of a contract valued at $1.9 million before becoming a UFA next summer.
Gareth Tenby