Trevor Zegras trade rumors will run rampant all summer long. The Anaheim Ducks star had a rough 2023-24 season, and Zegras struggled with injury. And after Anaheim's trade for Cutter Gauthier earlier in the year, there is room for the 23-year-old to be moved. Many teams are taking note of the situation, including the New York Rangers.
The Rangers are interested in a potential Trevor Zegras trade, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. However, he notes that the Ducks may wait to pull the trigger on a potential move. Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek has reportedly set a “high price” for the 23-year-old forward.
Zegras was selected ninth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. He was one of Anaheim's best players during his first two seasons in the league. He recorded two consecutive 60+ point seasons during that time. However, he was limited to just 31 games in 2023-24. He scored six goals and 15 points in those 31 games.
How Trevor Zegras fits Rangers
Zegras is more of a long-term play for New York. He could certainly come in an make an impact within his first season. However, given his recent struggles with injuries, it's unlikely he has that sort of impact right away. New York can afford to gradually bring him along, though.
The Rangers are one of the best teams in the NHL. They won the Presidents Trophy this season as the best regular season team in the league. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, New York went on to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, they fell in six games to the Florida Panthers. The Rangers were the only team this postseason to record a sweep, beating the Washington Capitals in round one.
That said, their core is starting to get up there in age. Chris Krieder, one of the better players in franchise history, is 33 years old. Furthermore, all three of Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Vincent Trocheck are 30 years old or older. Bringing Zegras in through trade gives New York a younger player who can play games now and potentially become a star player down the line.
New York is not alone in Trevor Zegras trade sweepstakes
The Rangers certainly benefit from acquiring Zegras. However, they are far from the only team interested in his services. Pagnotta notes that at least eight teams have inquired about acquiring the Ducks forward. And there may be more unknown teams involved.
Among the teams interested are the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks. Montreal is no strangers to trading for young, NHL-ready forwards. In the last two offseasons, they have pulled off trades for Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach.
The Flyers, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their roster after a disappointing collapse in 2023-24. Philadelphia has recent trade history with the Ducks, as well. They were the team that traded Gauthier to Anaheim. The Flyers received a second-round pick and defenseman Jamie Drysdale in return.
The Blackhawks are also an interesting fit. Chicago is looking to acquire support for franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard. Zegras and Bedard would give the Blackhawks one of the most promising young duos in the NHL.
Overall, the Rangers have competition if they decide to make this move. The price may be steep, but it's certainly understandable why the Blueshirts are interested in this move. Let's see if New York can pull off a Trevor Zegras trade with the Ducks this summer.
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