Flames Face Ducks But Possible Trade Target Remains Out

Injuries have contributed to a tough couple of seasons for Trevor Zegras, who isn't available to face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. It's a shame, really, since there's no better way to scout a player you may be interested in trading for than by watching him against your own.

Recovering from surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee, Zegras remains on the list of NHLers most likely to be traded. The Anaheim Ducks have plenty of young prospects, with some already seemingly having passed Zegras on the internal rankings.

With Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy making no secret of his search for a young and talented center to add to an increasingly youthful roster, Zegras has been mentioned as a candidate more than once this season. For good reason, too.

Zegras is 23, and there are no debates about his talent. He brought an excitement to Anaheim as a rookie, scoring three goals and earning 13 points after joining the team for 24 games in the 2020-21 season. Zegras scored 23 goals in each of his next two NHL campaigns and finished second in Calder Trophy voting in 2021-22 with 61 points in 75 games. He racked up 65 points in 81 games the next year and had 34 powerplay points over those two seasons.

He's a left-handed shot — which unfortunately isn't ideal for the Flames system as it currently stands — but the team needs top-end talent down the middle and Zegras might be a bargain given his massive dip in perceived value after a freefall in status with the Ducks franchise.

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The Flames certainly have the draft capital to take a shot at Zegras. His knee injury is of little consequence for a team taking a longer-term approach on being a contender, and the dip in production these last two seasons so far — 10 goals and 25 points in 55 total games — may be attributed to the struggles of a young player who has struggled to adapt to his circumstances in addition to his injuries. He's been moved between center and the wing, dropped to lower lines and seen his minutes steadily cut (including on the powerplay where he is most lethal).

After a contentious negotiation, Zegras was signed to a three-year deal with a $5.75 AAV prior to last season, with trade rumors surrounding him the entire summer. He'll be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026 at the age of 25.

With all the elements a Flames franchise is lacking offensively, Zegras would be an exciting addition. The Flames have enough veteran players and Stanley Cup winners to help mentor a player who has lost his way a little but has unlimited potential.