The long-speculated rumor was confirmed on Monday when the Anaheim Ducks officially traded forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Anaheim sent Zegras, a player frequently mentioned in trade talks, to Philadelphia in exchange for forward Ryan Poehling, a second-round draft pick in 2025 (originally Columbus`s), and a fourth-round pick in 2026.
Let`s analyze the implications of this trade and assess how each team`s management performed.
Philadelphia Flyers Assessment: Grade B+
The key theme surrounding this trade for the Flyers is `potential`. Trevor Zegras arrives as another potential top-nine center, with aspirations of becoming the team`s primary center down the line, complementing Sean Couturier and Noah Cates. Zegras has previously achieved two seasons with 20+ goals and back-to-back 60+ point campaigns. For a Flyers team that ranked 24th in goals per game, he could provide much-needed scoring and playmaking ability.
At age 24, he also aligns well with Philadelphia`s youth movement; according to Elite Prospects, the Flyers were the NHL`s youngest team in 2024-25 with an average age of 26.09 years.
However, `potential` also highlights the uncertainties. Recent injury issues and inconsistent performance over the last two seasons have raised questions about his ability to recapture or surpass his previous production levels, especially if he had stayed in Anaheim. Pairing Zegras with wingers like Tyson Foerster, Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, or Owen Tippett could help him regain his form. Not long ago, Zegras was considered a rising star and potential future face of the NHL, even gracing the cover of NHL 23.
Financially, Zegras is entering the final year of a contract worth $5.75 million annually. He will be a restricted free agent for the following two seasons before becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2027-28 season. Even after absorbing Zegras`s salary, PuckPedia reports the Flyers still maintain $15.141 million in salary cap space.
Anaheim Ducks Assessment: Grade A-
Despite questions regarding the Ducks` decision to keep Zegras for so long, a significant consideration persisted: Was it practical to allocate over $5 million annually to a player potentially positioned as a third-line center, particularly when less expensive alternatives existed and other roster needs required attention?
Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick in 2023, has capably stepped into the role of a full-time top-line center. Last season, he recorded 20 goals and 45 points, presenting a well-rounded 6-3, 205-pound center with strong two-way play. Complementing him is Mason McTavish, the third pick from 2021, who served as the second-line center, achieving career highs with 22 goals and 52 points.
McTavish led the team in goals and finished second in points, while Carlsson was third. The strong performance from their top two centers made Zegras a less essential piece for Anaheim.
Financially, Anaheim is projected to have over $36 million in cap space this season, a considerable amount. However, GM Pat Verbeek needs to manage this carefully, especially considering future commitments. Lukas Dostal, Drew Helleson, and McTavish are upcoming restricted free agents needing new contracts this offseason, which will impact the funds available for unrestricted free agency starting July 1.
The appeal of this trade becomes even clearer when considering next offseason. Zegras was part of a large RFA group scheduled for 2026, including Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Pavel Mintyukov, Jackson LaCombe, and Olen Zellweger, alongside pending UFA Jacob Trouba. While that group still requires attention, removing Zegras means the Ducks face a potentially lower salary figure with Ryan Poehling, a 26-year-old forward who scored 12 goals and 31 points in 2024-25. Poehling has one year remaining on his contract at $1.9 million before becoming a UFA next summer.
