Analysis of the Trevor Zegras trade: Winners and losers?
The long-awaited transfer of Trevor Zegras finally materialized, marking a milestone in the NHL season. The Anaheim Ducks sent the talented forward to the Philadelphia Flyers in a move that has generated diverse reactions and analyses.
In this transaction, the Ducks received forward Ryan Poehling, a second-round pick in 2025 (originally from the Columbus Blue Jackets), and a fourth-round pick in 2026.Philadelphia Flyers: A bet with potential
The Flyers get a B+ grade for this trade. The keyword to describe this move is “potential.” Zegras, a player with two 20-goal seasons and two consecutive 60-point seasons, could become the first-line center the Flyers need.
At 24 years old, Zegras fits into the Flyers’ long-term plans, who had the youngest team in the NHL in the 2024-25 season. However, injuries and inconsistency in the last two seasons have raised doubts about whether Zegras will be able to regain his previous level.
The possibility of playing with teammates like Tyson Foerster, Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov and/or Owen Tippett could help Zegras regain his best form. At one point, Zegras was one of the league’s rising stars and was chosen for the cover of the NHL 23 video game.
Additionally, Zegras is in the final year of a three-year contract worth $5.75 million annually. He will remain under team control as a restricted free agent for the next two seasons before becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2027-28 campaign.
Even after assuming Zegras’ salary, the Flyers will still have $15.141 million in cap space.Anaheim Ducks: Optimizing the Future
The Ducks get an A- grade for this trade. The decision to trade Zegras was based on the need to optimize the team’s structure. With Leo Carlsson emerging as a top-line center and Mason McTavish showing great potential, Zegras became a valuable asset to trade.
Anaheim’s projected salary cap space for this season is over $36 million, but General Manager Pat Verbreek must be cautious. Lukas Dostal, Drew Helleson, and McTavish are restricted free agents who need new contracts.
Zegras’ departure allows the Ducks to have a wider financial margin for next season, alleviating the pressure of having to pay a high-value contract. Poehling, 26, scored 12 goals and 31 points in the 2024-25 season and has one year remaining on his contract for $1.9 million before becoming a UFA next summer.
