Could the Rangers land Ducks rising superstar in blockbuster trade?

Trevor Zegras, Rangers, Ducks
Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers are expected to have an active offseason. While their own stars could be on the trade block this summer, the Blueshirts are also sniffing around the league for potential blockbuster trade targets. The latest name thrown into the mix is Anaheim Ducks rising superstar Trevor Zegras.

The Rangers are reportedly interested in trading for Trevor Zegras

Oct 17, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) skates against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Anaheim Ducks have “generated a lot of interest in forward Trevor Zegras,” and trade talks could escalate this week ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft.

“At least eight teams have expressed serious interest in Zegras, including the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres, and I believe other clubs have also been in the mix.”

DAVID PAGNOTTA, THE FOURTH PERIOD

Despite interest from the Rangers and other teams around the league, Pagnotta notes that “barring a change in the conversations, a move may not occur this summer.”

Zegras could be one of the most enticing trade targets this summer, but a move is not guaranteed to happen. However, if he were to be on the trade block, Zegras would be an exciting option for the Rangers to pursue.

What would Zegras bring to Broadway?

Trevor Zegras, Rangers, Ducks
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Zegras, once seen as a rising superstar, saw his value take a hit after a disappointing and injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign. The former NHL EA Sports cover boy could be on the move after he put up just six goals and nine assists for 15 total points this season in only 31 games played.

However, despite his struggles this season, Zegras still holds a high value. After all, he is a 23-year-old forward who recorded back-to-back 60+ point seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23. The former No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft was named an All-Star in the 2021-22 season behind a 61-point campaign.

Adding Zegras via trade would give the Rangers more talent for the present and for the future. Most of the Blueshirts’ core stars are beginning to reach the final phases of their respective careers. Getting younger could elevate the Rangers’ ceiling long term. A deal for Zegras would not be cheap, but it could be the blockbuster move that keeps the Rangers in postseason contention for the next several years.

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