The Anaheim Ducks have traded forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Ryan Poehling along with two draft picks. This deal, finalized in Anaheim, further reshapes the Ducks’ roster as they aim to strengthen their lineup. Along with Poehling, the Ducks will receive the 45th overall pick in the upcoming draft, originally belonging to Columbus, and a fourth-round pick for the next season.
Trevor Zegras’ Tenure and Challenges in Anaheim
Selected by the Ducks as a first-round pick in 2019, Trevor Zegras quickly made a name for himself with two impressive 60-point seasons early on. He also gained widespread recognition for his skill with the Michigan goal, a complex move that involves lifting the puck behind the net and scoring. However, over the last two seasons, Zegras faced difficulties with injuries and scoring consistency, managing 47 points in 88 games. These struggles contributed to ongoing trade speculation about his future with Anaheim.
New Leadership and Recent Acquisitions Shaping Anaheim’s Future
Throughout his time with the Ducks, Zegras remained a fan favorite, even as the team worked to return to playoff contention under new coach Joel Quenneville. The Ducks have been active in the trade market, recently bringing in Chris Kreider from the Rangers, who has a good rapport with Zegras from their shared New York roots. This transaction demonstrates Anaheim’s commitment to rebuilding a competitive roster.
Philadelphia Flyers’ Reacquisition of Zegras and Related Trades
For the Flyers, this deal reunites them with Zegras, who is familiar with the franchise through connections with other players. They had previously dealt with the Ducks in January 2024, when GM Danny Briere traded forward Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale, a close friend of Zegras. These moves reveal a continuing effort by Philadelphia to balance their roster with talent and potential.
Ryan Poehling’s Role and Career Highlights
Ryan Poehling, age 26, joins Anaheim after posting 12 goals and 19 assists last season with the Flyers. His two most productive offensive seasons came while playing in Philadelphia, following earlier stints with Montreal and Pittsburgh. The Ducks will rely on Poehling’s experience and scoring ability as they look to improve their forward depth.
Implications for Anaheim and What Lies Ahead
This trade signifies a pivotal moment for the Anaheim Ducks in their efforts to build a stronger team capable of returning to the playoffs after a lengthy absence. Adding Ryan Poehling and valuable draft picks provides them with fresh assets, while Philadephia gains a talented but inconsistent player in Zegras who may rediscover his early career promise. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how this move impacts both teams in the coming seasons.
“Zegras remained a fan favorite in Anaheim throughout his tenure with the Ducks, who hired coach Joel Quenneville to lead them back to the playoffs after a seven-year absence.” —Danny Briere, GM