The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, and a potential trade scenario has them landing former first-round pick Trevor Zegras in a three-player blockbuster.
A user on PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool proposed a deal that would send Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks to Detroit, sparking speculation about how the dynamic forward could fit into the Red Wings’ lineup. While there’s no indication that a trade is imminent, adding a player of Zegras’ caliber could provide a major offensive boost as Detroit pushes for a postseason berth.
Red Wings acquire:
Trevor Zegras
Ducks acquire:
Joe Veleno
Erik Gustafsson
2205 first-round pick
The proposed trade would be a major move, with Detroit acquiring Zegras, a fan-favorite forward, in exchange for Veleno—also a former first-round pick—along with an NHL defenseman and a first-round draft selection.
Zegras, who is in the second year of his three-year, $17.25 million contract, has played 32 games this season, tallying 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points. After dealing with an injury earlier in the season, he has struggled to regain his form, but a fresh start in Detroit could benefit him. Zegras would likely slot into the Red Wings’ top six.
In return, Detroit would send their 2025 first-round pick and Veleno, who was selected in the first round of the 2018 draft. Currently in the first year of his two-year, $4.55 million contract, Veleno has recorded 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in 50 games this season and could also benefit from a change of scenery.
Additionally, veteran defenseman Gustafsson, in the first year of his two-year, $4 million contract, would bring experience to Anaheim’s blue line. He has played 47 games this season, contributing 2 goals and 11 assists for 13 points.
Red Wings Battling for Playoff Spot
Detroit is determined to end its playoff drought and remains in a tight battle for a postseason spot.
As the team enters the 4 Nations Face-off break, the Red Wings currently hold the final playoff position. Head coach Todd McLellan believes the break comes at an ideal time.
“We can take a moment to regroup,” McLellan said. “As a staff, we’ll evaluate our progress and identify areas for improvement. Some of what we saw [Saturday] is crucial. Game-management skills are difficult to refine in practice since there’s no score, fatigue, or strategic line-matching. These skills must develop through video review and in-game experience. If we want to move forward, we’ll need to improve in that area.”
Detroit heads into the break with a strong 7-2-1 record over its last 10 games, sitting at 28-22-5 overall. The Red Wings are aiming to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Zegras Returned From Knee Injury
Zegras sustained a torn meniscus on December 4 but was able to make his return to the lineup on January 21.
The talented forward admitted that missing games was difficult, but he was eager to get back on the ice.
“In the moment, it can be frustrating,” Zegras said. “You just want to play and get back out there. Missing games is tough, especially after last season. But I feel good, confident, strong, and ready to go.”
A ninth-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Zegras has appeared in 243 career games, tallying 61 goals and 108 assists for a total of 169 points.
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