Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images
Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras was a hot topic of media speculation leading up to last season’s NHL trade deadline.
Contract negotiations forced him to miss training camp last fall before finally signing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.75 million. Injuries and inconsistent play limited the once-dazzling scorer to 15 points in 31 games.
The Ducks’ trade of defenseman Jamie Drysdale to the Philadelphia Flyers for left winger Cutter Gauthier in January sparked rumors that Zegras might be next. Following the trade deadline, GM Pat Verbeek denied any team had called him about the 23-year-old. Nevertheless, the rumors dogged Zegras during the off-season.
Fast-forward to mid-November, and Zegras’ offensive woes continue with just three points in 14 games.
The Hockey News’ Patrick Present noted on Nov. 4 that despite Zegras’ lack of production, his 200-foot effort and attention to detail have been eye-catching. Nevertheless, the trade conjecture has shifted to whether he needs a change of scenery to get his career as a top-six forward back on track.
The Montreal Gazette‘s Pat Hickey noted that some Canadiens followers were clamoring for GM Kent Hughes to add Zegras. Hughes is reportedly in the market for a physical forward, a need Zegras cannot fill. Hickey also pointed out his shortcomings in the defensive zone and the faceoff circle.
Related: Montreal Canadiens Still Shopping For Help
Meanwhile, RG.org’s James Murphy cited a source claiming the Boston Bruins had spoken with the Ducks, raising the question of whether Zegras was a target. Murphy wondered if Bruins GM Don Sweeney might try to bring the former Boston University star back to Boston.
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston was asked whether there was any real trade buzz about Zegras. He thinks the discussions might pick up at some point, but they’re not a serious current priority.
Teams could be noting Zegras’ struggles in Anaheim and the possibility that a trade could help him regain his offensive skills. However, it seems like NHL GMs aren’t giving it that much thought right now.
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News Summary:
- Is There A Trade Market For Trevor Zegras?
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