What would a hypothetical trade for Trevor Zegras look like for the Canadiens?

The ultimate trade package for Trevor Zegras

There is no doubt that the Habs will try and trade David Savard this summer, and for a few good reasons. While the Ducks will look to put together a young team this coming season, they also wouldn’t mind acquiring players who they could later move at some point in 2024-25, or at least around the deadline. 

That said, the trade would likely involve Savard, but the Ducks need way more than just a 33-year-old defenseman who wouldn’t factor in with the team long-term. Beyond Savard, look for the Canadiens to give up a first-round pick in 2025, plus a mid-round pick - I’m going with a third-rounder for 2026. 

The major downside would mean giving up at least one high-end prospect, most likely a forward, in exchange for someone of Zegras’ talent, so Owen Beck, a former second-round pick, sees his name called. He’s not the ideal candidate to move, but to acquire someone more established with the potential to put up at least 60 points a year, it’s a fair trade. 

Plus, Beck will be eligible to move into the AHL ranks in 2024-25, and the Ducks would want a prospect who can potentially play full-time in the NHL by 2025-26. Finally, I had Kent Hughes moving an NHL-caliber defenseman, Justin Barron. 

I’m a big fan of Barron’s, but he has yet to solidify a spot with Montreal’s big club, so it made sense to move him, too. Because of the large number of picks and prospects on the move, I also had Anaheim flip the Habs a fourth-rounder to further even out the trade.