Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere made his first big splash of the 2025 offseason on Monday afternoon by acquiring Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks.
Going in the opposite direction to the Ducks is Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick (45th overall) and a 2026 fourth-round pick. It always seemed like Zegras would be an ideal fit for the Flyers, dating back to when the team acquired Jamie Drysdale from the Ducks in exchange for Cutter Gauthier in January 2024.
Besides Zegras reuniting with Jamie Drysdale and also Cam York, the 24-year-old fills a need in a weak position in the Flyers’ lineup.
A hot start in the NHL
Trevor Zegras was drafted ninth overall by the Ducks in 2019 and made his debut for the team during the 2020-21 season. In 24 games, he scored 13 points (3G, 13A) and was a +6. During the next two seasons, Zegras started to find a rhythm.
He scored 61 points (23G, 38A) in 75 games during the 2021-22 season and then 65 points (23G, 42A) in 81 games the next year. He turned heads throughout the league in 2021 when he and Sonny Milano connected on a behind-the-net goal, and then he scored a Michigan goal the next month.
Zegras was all flair during his first three years, but then injuries hampered him during the next two.
Rough stretch from 2023-25
From 2023-25, Zegras endured a broken ankle, torn meniscus, and other lower and upper body injuries. He suited up in only 31 games during the 2023-24 season, scoring just 15 points (6G, 9A). During 2024-25, he played in 57 games, scoring 32 points (12G, 20A). Zegras started to find himself again this past year, but he still wasn’t quite on the level he once was from years prior.
The Ducks also have deep center depth, with Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish leading the charge. Zegras was pushed to the wing during parts of his tenure in Anaheim, which contributed to the decrease in his production.
A need for high-upside centers
Ryan Poehling contributed well as a bottom-six center in Philadelphia, but moving him for a player like Zegras, who still has incredibly high upside, is a no-brainer move.
Zegras possesses the skill to be a 70-80 point player, and he was nearing the 70-point mark during his first two of three years in Anaheim. He’s a natural center whose creativity blossoms in the center of the ice. His skillset will create a positive impact from the start in Philadelphia, both at five-on-five and on the powerplay.
He already seems like an ideal fit to play alongside Matvei Michkov and fills the need for offensive-minded centers. There is still more work to be done at the center position in the organization, but Zegras is the perfect jump-start into what appears to be a busy summer.
Potential Concerns
Zegras’ biggest concern is his defensive play. He’s an electric offense-first-minded player who didn’t fit the style of play of his former head coaches, Dallas Eakins and Greg Cronin, in Anaheim. Although he did manage to improve his defensive game under Cronin. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet is known for his emphasis on structure, defense, and high-effort style. He wants his players to be competitive on both sides of the puck, but he is also fair and approachable and understands the new era of players.
Zegras has his imperfections, and he’s not the type who will constantly block shots and play dump-and-chase hockey. He’s on the ice specifically to score points and create offense. The Ducks’ defense was abysmal during Zegras’ tenure, but he’s joining a Flyers side that has gained a new structure and understanding from former head coach John Tortorella and former assistant coach Brad Shaw.
Another concern for Zegras is his injury history. Missing significant time while in his early 20s is not ideal. When he’s healthy, he knows what he’s capable of. Staying off the injured reserve will be critical for his time in Philadelphia.
Playing for a contract
Zegras has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5.75 million. Joining a new team is a perfect bet for him, and also for Daniel Briere and the Flyers. If he looks like his former self and can contribute 50-60+ points in 2025-26, he’ll most certainly be a long-term lock for the future.
If he struggles and finds himself flirting with injuries again, maybe a shorter-term deal or using him as an asset for something else could be an option.
A win for Briere
A trade for Zegras in years prior seemed like a long shot for most teams because it would’ve cost a significant price. With his stock being at a low point, Daniel Briere cashed in. Trading a bottom-six center in Poehling along with a second-round and fourth-round pick for a player with the upside that Zegras has is an A+ move. Briere made the first step in addressing the center position, but he knows there’s still more to do.
Acquiring Trevor Zegras is the perfect move at this stage of the Flyers’ rebuild, and it has the chance to pay massive dividends for the future. He was no longer a fit for the Ducks, but now he has the chance to play a key role and rediscover his game on Broad Street.
