The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired forward Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks just days before the 2025 NHL Draft, marking a significant change for both teams. This Trevor Zegras Flyers trade comes as the Flyers, after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fifth straight season, continue to rebuild under new leadership.

The Flyers sent forward Ryan Poehling along with their 2025 second-round and 2026 fourth-round draft picks to Anaheim in exchange for Zegras. This deal aims to inject offensive talent into Philadelphia’s lineup while the Ducks gain future assets and bolster their depth at forward.

Details of the Player Exchange Between Flyers and Ducks

Philadelphia welcomed Trevor Zegras, a center with proven scoring ability, aiming to strengthen their attack. Anaheim received Ryan Poehling, also a center known for his versatility and physical style, plus two valuable draft picks scheduled for upcoming NHL Drafts. This trade reflects each team’s attempt to reshape their rosters and objectives moving forward.

Philadelphia’s Strategic Move to Add a Dynamic Forward

Since their last playoff appearance during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the Flyers have struggled to return to postseason contention. In recent years, the franchise made coaching and management changes, replacing Chuck Fletcher and John Tortorella with general manager Danny Briere and coach Rick Tocchet, formerly of the Vancouver Canucks.

Briere has sought to position Philadelphia for future success by accumulating numerous draft picks, including ten for this week’s NHL Draft. Acquiring Zegras fits into this plan, adding a player once considered a franchise cornerstone for Anaheim. Zegras has recorded notable career numbers with the Ducks: 67 goals and 119 assists over five seasons, including a standout 2022-23 campaign where he posted 65 points in 81 games.

While injury problems have limited Zegras to just 88 games in the past two seasons, he remains a skilled forward with untapped potential. The Flyers see value in taking a calculated risk on him, especially since his $5.75 million salary for the 2025-26 season and restricted free agent status next summer give Philadelphia control before making a long-term commitment. If Zegras can stay healthy, he could become a fixture in the Flyers’ top six forward group.

Despite questions around his durability, this deal only cost Philadelphia a second-round pick as its highest asset, which many view as a reasonable price given Zegras’ offensive upside. Danny Briere appears willing to gamble on the young star to accelerate the team’s recovery.

What Anaheim Gains and Loses in Trading Zegras

For the Ducks, trading Zegras reflects their crowded forward group. Despite missing the playoffs for seven straight seasons, Anaheim has stockpiled young and emerging talents, including Troy Terry, Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier. The latter was part of a previous exchange with the Flyers involving defenseman Jamie Drysdale, illustrating ongoing roster adjustments between these clubs.

With Zegras gone, Anaheim frees salary cap space and clears room for Leo Carlsson to cement his role as the top-line center, a spot Zegras had held until this deal. Ryan Poehling adds depth to Anaheim’s bottom six. Known for his gritty play and ability to center the fourth line, Poehling also can put pressure on opponents with physicality and scoring abilities demonstrated by his 12 goals and 19 assists last season.

The inclusion of the 2025 second-round pick is particularly valuable, landing Anaheim a promising opportunity in the upcoming draft. General manager Pat Verbeek secured this pick to replenish the club’s assets and maintain flexibility for either player development or future trades. Though the return for Zegras may not reflect the elite potential he once held, Anaheim considers this a clean break beneficial for both sides given previous trade discussions and the team’s evolving priorities.

Implications of the Trade for Both Franchises Moving Forward

This Trevor Zegras Flyers trade signals a pivotal shift for Philadelphia as the team seeks to end a prolonged playoff drought by adding a high-impact player with proven NHL success. Zegras’ speed, playmaking, and scoring can potentially transform the Flyers’ offense and energize a rebuilding roster. His presence also offers a test to the new coaching regime, which aims to blend youthful talent with strategic acquisitions.

Meanwhile, Anaheim’s focus turns toward maximizing the potential of their young core while managing salary and roster space carefully. By getting additional draft capital and a versatile player in Poehling, they are hoping to create a stronger foundation to break their lengthy postseason absence. This trade underscores how both teams are balancing immediate needs with long-term planning as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches.

The upcoming draft will be watched closely following this deal, with Philadelphia holding multiple picks and a new center who could make an instant impact, and Anaheim hoping to convert their additional assets into future success. How Zegras adapts to his new environment and whether he can remain healthy will largely determine the final verdict on this bold transaction.