Following a fifth consecutive season without reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers have made a significant roster move. Just days before the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Flyers have acquired forward Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks in a trade.
In exchange for Zegras, the Flyers are sending forward Ryan Poehling, their 2025 second-round draft pick (45th overall), and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Ducks.
Over five seasons with the Ducks, Zegras registered 67 goals and 119 assists. His most productive season was 2022-23, where he achieved a career-high 65 points (23 goals, 42 assists) in 81 games. However, the dynamic forward has been limited by injuries over the past two years, appearing in only 88 games. Last season, Zegras recorded 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 57 contests for Anaheim.
The Ducks, who have missed the postseason for seven straight years, also recently acquired veteran forward Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers. Anaheim currently boasts considerable depth at the forward position.
Let`s take a closer look at the components of this trade and analyze how Zegras fits into the Flyers` plans.
The Trade
Flyers Acquire:
- Trevor Zegras (C)
Ducks Acquire:
- Ryan Poehling (C)
- 2025 Second-Round Pick
- 2026 Fourth-Round Pick
Grades
Philadelphia Flyers
Since their last playoff appearance in the COVID-19 shortened season, the Flyers organization has undergone changes. The previous leadership group, including former general manager Chuck Fletcher and coach John Tortorella, has been replaced by Danny Briere as GM and Rick Tocchet as coach. Although the Flyers didn`t make the postseason in 2024-25, Briere has been focused on building for future success by accumulating assets, including holding 10 picks in the upcoming draft.
Trevor Zegras was once considered a potential cornerstone player for the Ducks, but Anaheim has seen other forwards like Troy Terry, Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier develop. Notably, Gauthier was acquired from the Flyers last season in the trade that sent defenseman Jamie Drysdale to Philadelphia, after Gauthier indicated he would not sign with the Flyers who drafted him 5th overall in 2022.
Zegras was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2022 and had consecutive seasons (2021-22, 2022-23) with at least 60 points. In the 2022-23 season, he led the Ducks in points (65), goals (23), game-winning goals (3), and overtime goals.
Acquiring Zegras carries some risk, particularly given his recent injury history, but it`s a risk the Flyers could afford due to their surplus of draft capital. Zegras is scheduled to earn $5.75 million in 2025-26 before becoming a restricted free agent next summer. This timeline provides Philadelphia with an opportunity to evaluate his fit in their top six forward group before making a long-term commitment.
While injuries have hampered Zegras`s ability to stay healthy over the past two seasons, he remains a highly skilled forward who may not have reached his full potential yet. Even if the move doesn`t ultimately pan out, it`s a worthwhile gamble for Briere, especially considering the biggest asset departing is a second-round pick. Grade: B
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks` depth at forward likely played a significant role in their decision to trade Trevor Zegras. While the return might not reflect the high market value Zegras once held, the trade does clear his $5.75 million salary for the upcoming season.
In Ryan Poehling, the Ducks acquire a reliable bottom-six forward capable of centering the fourth line or playing wing. Poehling is a versatile player known for his physicality and willingness to score “gritty” goals from close range. He recorded 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points with the Flyers in 2024-25.
The 2025 second-round pick is a valuable asset, projected to be within the top 50 selections in the upcoming draft. General Manager Pat Verbeek successfully landed a second-round pick for a player in a situation that likely needed a change of scenery, which is a solid outcome. Having numerous draft picks is always beneficial, as they can be used to select prospects or be traded later for established talent.
While this return for Zegras, who was once central to Anaheim`s future vision, isn`t spectacular, it solidifies Leo Carlsson`s position as the top-line center. Considering the trade speculation surrounding Zegras over the past few seasons, this move likely provides a clean break that benefits both the player and the team. Grade: C+
