ZEGRAS A TRADE TARGET, BUT MOVE MAY WAIT

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — The Anaheim Ducks have generated a lot of interest in forward Trevor Zegras, and trade talks are expected to escalate this week in the days leading up to Friday’s NHL Draft in Las Vegas. But barring a change in the conversations, a move may not occur this summer.

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has set a very high price for Zegras, and several teams have continued to communicate their interest in the 23-year-old.

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.

Regarding the specific asking price, it varies team-by-team and so far, nobody will elaborate on the specific demands aside from emphasizing it’s a “big price.”

Taking everything into account, things did not go well for Zegras this past season. From missing training camp to injury issues, including a broken ankle, Zegras was limited to just 31 games in 2023-24 and put up just six goals and nine assists for 15 points after recording back-to-back 60+ point seasons. Those factors have impacted his perceived market value, but Verbeek remains steadfast on a substantial return.

There is a strong belief, according to those close to Zegras, that is open to a change of scenery, but word out of the Zegras Camp is they are not sitting around waiting for a move.

The consensus among teams is that Verbeek is playing hardball and is not looking to give a key asset away for a package centered around draft picks and prospects. The Ducks remain high on Zegras’ potential and unless a team steps up to the plate this week and offers what Verbeek is looking for, Zegras is likely starting the 2024-25 campaign in Orange County.

Assuming the 2019 ninth-overall selection rebounds next season, teams may be more inclined to pay a premium for him in the future. And given the circumstances, I’m told Zegras is fine with spending another season on the rebuilding Ducks.

That won’t stop the trade calls, though, and Verbeek will continue to entertain inquiries. All it takes is one GM to shoot hit shot and this time of year is the silly season, after all.

HERE AND THERE

• After putting up 37 goals and 60 points this past season, Frank Vatrano’s value has never been higher. Verbeek and the Ducks are also taking calls on him, as he enters the final year of his contract.

• Lots of eyes are on the Ottawa Senators this week. They have been very active on several fronts, including trying to land Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins. As I reported a few days ago, Ullmark is willing to waive his NTC for the Senators (they are currently on his 14-team no-trade list), and if the two sides can reach an agreement on a contract extension, which he cannot officially sign until July 1, this should get to the finish line this week.

• After making their surprising Dubois-for-Kuemper swap this week, both the Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals have more in the works, as they’d each like to add another top-six winger to their lineups.

• Brett Pesce is a hot commodity. Barring a substantial last-minute offer by the Carolina Hurricanes, he will be hitting July 1 as a UFA and will attract interest from a good chunk of the league.

• Mega hat tip to TFP’s Anthony Di Marco for his work Sunday’s Matvei Michkov news. The Philadelphia Flyers are excited and his addition to the team next season could result in another move, as the team is shopping forward Joel Farabee.

• The Hurricanes have expressed interest in Philly’s Travis Konecny, and while the Flyers have shown interest in Martin Necas, it doesn’t sound like there’s a pathway to a deal right now.

• On Necas, there are some around the League who wonder if the Predators will gain the inside track if they include goalie Juuse Saros in a (larger) trade. Nashville has known since mid-season what type of contract Saros is looking for – $8 million to $8.5 million per year on a long-term extension – and it still doesn’t sound like they are overly interested in dishing out that contract.

• Detroit remains an interesting team to me this summer. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman acknowledged his team needs to take the next step in 2024-25 and he’s looking to upgrade his roster. He’s been in on the goalie market but said this week he does not “anticipate using prime assets” for a short-term fix between the pipes. He’s checked in on Ullmark and Saros, but without extensions in place, Yzerman will explore other options.

• Chicago is another team I’m keeping my eye on this week. The Blackhawks are looking to add a top-line winger and have a few irons in the fire, beyond interest in Zegras.

• Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final comes tonight at 8pm ET in Sunrise. Be sure to tune in to FaceOff Live on SiriusXM NHL Network with myself and Dennis Bernstein from Amerant Bank Arena at 7pm-8pm ET as we take you inside the action leading up to puck drop.

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