Siobhan's Opinion: Trading For Trevor Zegras Would Be A Blockbuster, But Not What The Flyers Need
Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras became an unexpected rumored trade target for the Philadelphia Flyers after the notorious business deal that sent former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier to the Ducks, while the Flyers received defenseman Jamie Drysdale in return.
Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Siobhan's Opinion: Trading For Trevor Zegras Would Be A Blockbuster, But Not What The Flyers NeedAnaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras became an unexpected rumored trade target for the Philadelphia Flyers after the notorious business deal that sent former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier to the Ducks, while the Flyers received defenseman Jamie Drysdale in return.
And I have to admit something—I was originally pretty on board with Zegras becoming a Flyer when rumors first started seriously swirling in February. On paper, it seemed like a good deal (although I did—and still do—have my doubts about how realistic the trade would be). In all fairness, I still think Zegras would be a good addition to the Flyers, and it would certainly turn a lot of attention to the team.
But despite his positive qualities, he's not what the Flyers need right at this moment.
That's not meant to be a knock on his talent and ability, both of which he has plenty of. Zegras is a high-energy forward whose motor never stops running, with creativity for days and a world of potential he hasn't fully unlocked yet. At 23, he fits right in with the young direction the front office is moving in, and his outgoing personality would be a standout in the now-famous culture of the Flyers' locker room.
However, Zegras wouldn't come cheap, and there aren't many pieces in the Flyers' hands that I think would be worth trading for him (because, no, trading Travis Konecny is not the amazing idea that some people are trying to convince Flyers fan it is). Flyers GM Danny Briere has also emphasized how important the organization's current draft picks in 2024 and beyond are crucial parts of the rebuild, leading me to believe that they won't easily part with those either.
Not to mention that the qualities that Zegras can bring to the table can be found in players the Flyers already have in the system. Konecny and prospect Denver Barkey bring boatloads of dynamic energy to the ice, while creativity and playmaking can be fulfilled by guys like Morgan Frost (who, despite constantly being linked to trade deals, I could see the Flyers keeping) and Matvei Michkov. Plus, if Briere decides to go with an offensive player with his No. 12 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, that could strengthen their options even further.
So, yes, Zegras to the Flyers would be a huge deal—that's a given. And, while it may not be the most perfect fit, I could see his style of play meshing pretty well with what the Flyers have been trying to establish. However, with the team still being in a rebuild and focusing on bringing in talent through the draft and developing their current young core, this doesn't feel like the time Briere would try to pull off another headline trade deal with the Ducks (although we never really know what he's up to, do we?)
Seeing Zegras in a different kind of orange and black would be a sight to behold, and while he has all the tools to be successful as a Flyer, right now, he would also be superfluous. This deal is something that should be kept in Briere's back pocket for now, and revisited when the Flyers have had at least one more season of figuring out what needs to be done to make them a regular fixture in the playoffs and, consequently, Stanley Cup champions.
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