After trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes on January 24, the Colorado Avalanche have gained significant cap space and roster flexibility, sparking speculation about their next move. While Martin Necas and Jack Drury have already contributed as the key pieces in return for Rantanen, many believe Colorado has another big trade in the works—including rumors surrounding Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.
Although a Crosby deal seems more like a fantasy than reality, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared an intriguing suggestion from a league executive on the 32 Thoughts podcast.
“I had an executive from the league tell me this—do you want to know who he wants to see Colorado trade for?” Friedman said. “Trevor Zegras. He said that he would love to see Trevor Zegras learn from Nathan MacKinnon. I have no idea if it’s even a thing, but his idea was, ‘Go get Zegras. Put him with MacKinnon, see what happens.’”
Zegras, 23, is currently in the second season of a three-year, $17.25 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks, carrying a $5.75 million cap hit. However, injuries have limited him to just 29 games this season, where he has posted five goals and eight assists for 13 points. While his production has been inconsistent, his skill and upside as a former No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft remain undeniable.
The Avalanche, currently holding a 30-21-2 record and leading the Western Conference’s wild-card race, are still in the hunt for a higher playoff seed. With aspirations of another deep postseason run after their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, a move for Zegras could add offensive firepower to an already talented roster.
While there is no confirmation that Anaheim is actively shopping Zegras, speculation has surrounded his future for months. According to The Fourth Period’s Frank Seravalli, the Ducks are taking calls from potential suitors ahead of the trade deadline, making a move to Colorado at least a possibility.
Leave a Reply