NHL Trade Grades: Zegras to Flyers Report Cards

Philadelphia Flyers

Grade: B+

The term `potential` is central to understanding this trade from the Flyers` perspective.

This move adds Zegras as another option among the top-nine centers, joining Sean Couturier and Noah Cates, with the aspiration that Zegras could eventually develop into their primary top-line center.

Having previously recorded two seasons with 20 or more goals and back-to-back 60-point campaigns, Zegras brings scoring ability and playmaking to a Flyers team that ranked 24th in goals per game, potentially boosting their offensive output and creating chances for teammates.

At 24 years old, he aligns with the Flyers` long-term vision. Philadelphia was the youngest team in the NHL during the 2024-25 season, with an average age of 26.09, according to Elite Prospects.

Highlighting again, `potential` remains the crucial element.

Recent seasons have been affected by injuries and inconsistent performance, raising doubts about whether Zegras can recapture his form from the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons when he achieved consecutive 60-point totals, and whether he could exceed those numbers if he had stayed with the Ducks.

Placing Zegras alongside forwards like Tyson Foerster, Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, and/or Owen Tippett might help him regain his previous trajectory. It`s worth remembering that Zegras was once seen as a rising star and a potential future face of the league, even being featured on the cover of NHL 23.

Another factor is Zegras` contract status; he`s in the final year of a three-year deal carrying a $5.75 million annual value. He will be a restricted free agent for the following two seasons and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2027-28 season.

Even after acquiring Zegras and his salary, the Flyers maintain significant cap flexibility, with $15.141 million in cap space according to PuckPedia.

Anaheim Ducks

Grade: A-

Despite questions surrounding whether the Ducks should keep Zegras, a significant concern seemed to be present:

Was it financially sensible to allocate over $5 million annually to a player who was primarily functioning as a third-line center, particularly when more cost-effective alternatives existed and other areas of the roster needed addressing?

Leo Carlsson, selected second overall in the 2023 draft, demonstrated his capability as a full-time top-line center, recording 20 goals and 45 points last season and providing the Ducks with a robust, 6-3, 205-pound two-way player.

Additionally, Mason McTavish, the third overall selection in 2021, excelled as a second-line center, achieving a career-best 22 goals and 52 points.

Last season, McTavish led the team in goals and was second in points, while Carlsson ranked third in points. This strong production from their top two centers made Zegras a less essential player for the Ducks.

Financial considerations also played a role. Anaheim is projected to have over $36 million in cap space this season, a substantial amount, but one that requires careful management by GM Pat Verbeek when considering future needs. Key restricted free agents like Lukas Dostal, Drew Helleson, and McTavish need new contracts this offseason, and their deals will influence the funds available for unrestricted free agency beginning July 1.

However, the trade became more appealing when considering the implications for the next offseason. Zegras was part of a large restricted free agent group including Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Pavel Mintyukov, Jackson LaCombe, and Olen Zellweger, while Jacob Trouba is also set to be an unrestricted free agent at that time.

This group of five RFAs plus Trouba still requires contract decisions. However, by trading Zegras, the Ducks avoid the question of his potential high salary and instead address Poehling`s contract, which is a much lower $1.9 million for one more year before he becomes a UFA next summer. Poehling, a 26-year-old, recorded 12 goals and 31 points in the 2024-25 season.