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NHL insider Elliotte Friedman hosted his Trade Deadline Preview episode on his 32 Thoughts podcast. In this episode, he goes over all 32 teams and what he has heard and believes each team will do.
One team that was interesting was the Anaheim Ducks, who have to decide on the future of Trevor Zegras. There could be a path where he is dealt, which is where the Columbus Blue Jackets should come calling.
If they add Zegras, it would be low risk, high reward. At just 23 years old, he would fit into the Blue Jackets' plans for the future.
Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out during his time in Anaheim, and a change of scenery may be welcomed. The only challenge for Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell would be the asking price.
Historically, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek drives a harder bargain and usually doesn't lower the asking price on his players.
One thing is clear: the Ducks aren't in need of defensemen but could benefit from some help up front.
Prospects like Luca Pinelli or Jordan Dumais could be the centerpiece of a trade package, along with a potential first- or second-round pick in 2027.
Waddell wouldn't be tinkering with the immediate future of the team while also adding someone like Zegras, who could fit in well with the core of the Blue Jackets.