The Philadelphia Flyers made headlines on Monday by acquiring forward Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks, signaling a shift in their roster strategy. General manager Danny Briere indicated that this Trevor Zegras Flyers trade represents only the beginning of a larger effort to reshape the team’s lineup this offseason.
In exchange for Zegras, the Flyers sent Ryan Poehling along with a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Anaheim. Rather than viewing this transaction as a final fix, Briere emphasized it as one component in the franchise’s ongoing rebuild.
Briere Suggests Additional Changes Are Expected
Briere underlined that the Zegras addition does not resolve all issues, particularly at the center position.
“This is hopefully just one piece of the puzzle,”
he said. According to journalist Charlie O’Connor of PHLY Sports, Briere
“did not sound like a GM who is satisfied with their center situation, even after the Zegras trade — nor a GM who is satisfied with merely making this move this offseason.”
O’Connor also noted,
“Sounds like he wants to do more on both counts,”
referring to improvements in both player personnel and positional depth.
Role of Trevor Zegras Under New Head Coach Rick Tocchet
Zegras, who recently turned 24, brings versatility to the Flyers’ offense, capable of playing center or wing. The final determination of his position will be made by new head coach Rick Tocchet during training camp. Briere commented,
“We hope he can help in the center position, because that’s obviously an area that we could improve.”
He added,
“But at the same time, if Rick decides that he’s better suited on the wing and there are other guys who play better in the middle, then he’s going to decide.”
This flexibility highlights the ongoing evaluation of the roster as the Flyers prepare for the upcoming season.
Salary Cap Room Remains for Further Moves
Following the trade, the Flyers still maintain $15.1 million in salary cap space, providing room for additional acquisitions. This financial flexibility supports Briere’s suggestion that more roster adjustments may be on the horizon as the franchise continues to search for ways to improve its competitiveness in the NHL.