Why Are the Canadiens a Potential Suitor for Trevor Zegras?

Since signing his bridge deal with the Anaheim Ducks back in 2023, Trevor Zegras has dealt with the injury bug. The 23-year-old has only played 56 games in the past two seasons due to multiple lower-body injuries. With the Ducks forward core getting stronger in his absence, Zegras may be pushed out of the lineup. If this is the case, multiple suitors could benefit from his arrival. The Fourth Period reported that the Montréal Canadiens have set their eyes on Zegras as a potential acquisition.

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Here are the three reasons why Zegras would fit best in a red and blue jersey.

Adding Zegras Could Boost the Canadiens Closer to the Playoffs

The Canadiens have a record of 24-20-5, putting them two points behind a wildcard spot. Montréal has been nothing but a wagon recently, going 16-8-2 in their past 26 games. Their latest addition, Patrik Laine, has played a massive role in the team’s success. Laine has 18 points (12 goals and six assists) in 21 games played with the squad this year. Could adding another offensive superstar potentially boost the team even further?

While Zegras’ numbers haven’t been as impressive as his freshmen and sophomore seasons, you have to take into account his injuries. As a player who focuses mainly on speed and puck handling, it can be hard to play at your best when your lower body doesn’t work how you want it to. Once Zegras can get over that injury hump, it’s almost a given that he’ll succeed again.

In his most recent game against the Nashville Predators, we saw glimpses of Zegras’ former self on the ice. Even though he only played just under 16 minutes, Zegras still recorded a healthy statline of a goal and an assist with a plus/minus of +1. Since his return early last week, Zegras has looked promising. He is a point-per-game (1g, 2a) with only 16 minutes of ice time per game.

The Canadiens Need A True Second-Line Center/Left Winger

Montreal’s success has occurred mostly from their first-line forward group. The trio of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky have lived up to their hype and have played out of their minds. Going deeper into the lineup, it’s becoming clear that Laine is the only real producer. If Montreal wants to get serious about reaching the postseason, this issue must be addressed.

Alex Newhook mans the left side, while Kirby Dach mans the center. Newhook has nine goals and four assists, while Dach has ten goals and nine assists. Both players have their moments, but they haven’t been consistent this year.

Conveniently, Zegras plays both left wing and center, making a trade for the former first-rounder even more probable. Pairing him alongside Laine could increase the team’s offense even more. With Zegras’ ability to maneuver the puck at ease, he could be a driving force in Laine’s goal-scoring magic. When looking at who is the most likely to leave the second line, Newhook is the prime candidate. He could even play a role in relocating Zegras to Montréal as Anaheim is looking for more left-handed talent.

The Chemistry Between Caufield and Zegras is Unbreakable

If there is one thing that benefits a team off and on the ice, it is team chemistry. This is especially true when the chemistry is high among your top players. In a scenario where Zegras were to play with Montréal, the bond between him and Caufield would bring light into a room. With them being in their early 20s, Montréal would benefit greatly from the young energy, including the older guys still on the team.

From playing together in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program to making TikToks together in a hotel room, the two are close. Their close bond won America gold in the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship, taking down a very strong team Canada.

Besides their emotional connection, the two play well together. At the World Juniors, Zegras recorded 18 points (7g, 11a), taking home the MVP title, while Caufield tallied five points (2g, 3a). Zegras’ elite playmaking abilities, combined with Caufield’s superstar scoring talent, would be a nightmare for any opposing team.

Is the Idea Really Realistic?

On paper, the trade can help both parties. Montréal acquires an elite forward who could greatly impact the team’s top six. Zegras could see a lot of ice time and play with those he is closest with.

An issue with a trade like this would be giving Anaheim cap-heavy deals to compensate for Zegras’s contract. Montréal would need to clear up almost $9 million in contracts to take on Zegras’ $5.75 million cap hit. If Anaheim is looking to get younger, they’ll likely disapprove of taking on the long-term deals of Josh Anderson or Brendan Gallagher. A three-team trade may be the way to go if Montréal really wants Zegras.

Next: Canucks Confirm Unfixable Rift: Pettersson, Miller Trade Coming