Montreal Canadiens: Trevor Zegras Would Fill A Habs Need

The Montreal Canadiens have not made any trades yet this season, but with the first three months of the season behind us, after the Anaheim Ducks made a big trade, another player has emerged in the rumour mill. 

The Ducks dealt defenseman, Jamie Drysdale, to the Philadelphia Flyers and a second-round selection in exchange for forward Cutter Gauthier. Pat Verbeek (Ducks GM) dealt from a position of strength, beefing up his offence. Mere days later, Zegras' name emerged as another player Verbeek might be fielding calls on.

If this is the case, it’s puzzling that he hasn’t been moved yet, even in a down year. Zegras was selected in the first round of the 2019 Draft. The draft was headlined by the United States National Team Development Program, and Zegras has been one of the draft’s most productive talents.

With two 60-point seasons under his belt and an array of ridiculous highlights, it’s safe to say that this guy would be a fan favourite in Montreal. Circling back to the ‘19 draft for a second, Cole Caufield was selected 13 overall. And he and Zegras just so happen to have some history - the pair are best friends. 

What’s It Going To Cost? 

Kent Hughes has developed a reputation with the players over a long career as an agent. Not much has changed from one day job to the other, except for the fact that he now has a strong rapport with fellow gm’s. He is both fair and honest, giving the proper value to bring in highly-coveted pieces. 

A hypothetical trade for Zegras would be more of the same from Hughes. Perhaps since they moved out Drysdale, the Ducks may want to swap number 11 for a defenceman. Hughes has plenty of those, some more likely to be available than others, but Z is a big fish.

There’s nothing out of the media about what the Ducks need in their organization. So assessing what a potential trade package could resemble is a tall task admittedly. Anaheim has great depth throughout the organization, but NHL-ready talents could be intriguing and prospects with high potential. 

Trade Package

The Canadiens have a lot of prospects that are on the smaller side. Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson reserve two spots, and you likely don’t want to carry many more than that. So with that in mind, 5-foot-9 Sean Farrell and/or 5-foot-10 Filip Mesar could be a good starting point. 

On the blueline, I would think that Arber Xhekaj, Jordan Harris or Adam Engstrom could grab Verbeek’s attention. Adding in a second-round pick could put the finishing touches on a trade offer. If that isn’t enough, then throwing in a late first (acquired at the trade deadline via Matheson/Savard/Monahan trade??) 

It’s all hypothetical and perhaps I overpaid or maybe I underpaid. But Zegras and Caufield playing together in a Canadiens sweater would be awesome. Put Kirby Dach or Nick Suzuki in the middle of that line and you’ve got a great trio in the top six. 

C’mon Kent, you’ve seen the kid come up through the American ranks, it’s your move.