The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the rumor mill is churning with Trevor Zegras‘ name at the forefront. After the New York Rangers were linked to the Anaheim Ducks’ young star, another team has emerged: the Pittsburgh Penguins. This potential move would be a significant shakeup in the Eastern Conference and could drastically alter the Penguins’ trajectory.
Penguins’ Pursuit of Zegras Heats Up
Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas has publicly expressed his willingness to part with the conditional 2025 first-round draft pick acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in the Marcus Pettersson trade. Dubas’s objective is clear: acquire a young, dynamic player with high-end talent, and Zegras undoubtedly fits that bill. The Ducks, currently rebuilding, might be tempted to move Zegras if the offer is right.
Adding fuel to the fire, Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News reports that Ducks scouts were present at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, over the weekend. This scouting trip could indicate that Anaheim is seriously evaluating the Penguins’ prospect pool, looking for potential pieces in a Zegras trade. While a first-round pick is a valuable asset, it’s likely not enough on its own. The Ducks would likely demand a promising young player to sweeten the deal. Names like Owen Pickering, Rutger McGroarty, and even Samuel Poulin could be in play, depending on how highly the Penguins value Zegras.
My personal take? This rumor has legs. Dubas is known for his aggressive approach to team building. He recognizes the need to inject youth and skill into the Penguins’ aging core. Zegras, with his dazzling playmaking and offensive creativity, would be a perfect fit alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Imagine the power play with those three! However, the cost will be steep. The Penguins will need to carefully weigh the potential reward against the risk of depleting their future assets. The Ducks, on the other hand, are in a position where they can afford to listen to offers. They are in a full rebuild and accumulating draft picks and young talent is their priority. If Dubas puts together a compelling package, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Zegras donning the black and gold.
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