The Anaheim Ducks Trade Trevor Zegras
The Anaheim Ducks concluded the uncertainty surrounding Trevor Zegras on Monday by trading him to the Philadelphia Flyers. In exchange, the Ducks received center Ryan Poehling, the 45th overall selection from the latest NHL draft, and a fourth-round pick from the Flyers slated for 2026. From Anaheim’s viewpoint, the trade felt lackluster; Poehling is generally regarded as a role player likely to occupy a fourth-line position, and the draft picks do not promise immediate impact players.
Missed Opportunity for the Buffalo Sabres
On the other hand, the Buffalo Sabres might view this deal as a missed opportunity. Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams had ample salary cap room to take on Zegras’s $5.75 million salary, which is only guaranteed through the 2025-26 season. This year essentially serves as a critical evaluation period for Zegras, allowing for the possibility that if he underperforms, the Flyers could walk away following the season. Conversely, if he excels, the team would still retain control over him as a restricted free agent come next summer.
The Question of Better Proposals
This begs the question: why couldn’t Adams have offered a better package to the Ducks?
With the Sabres capable of proposing an asset that could rival or surpass what Philadelphia provided, one wonders if the club’s reluctance was due to an in-house player who could have been substituted, or perhaps a more compelling draft pick.
Sabres’ Need for Goal-Scoring Talent
The Sabres have accumulated plenty of draft choices lately, yet they seem to lack the goal-scoring talent that a player like Zegras represents—a former 20-goal scorer looking to rejuvenate his career. To see the Flyers successfully acquire such an asset at a relatively low cost reflects positively on their GM, Daniel Briere. In contrast, the situation feels discouraging for Buffalo, which has long sought to qualify for the postseason after over a decade of dry spells.
Pressure for Sabres to be Active
As NHL teams ramp up their trades and free agency moves ahead of the 2025 off-season, there is mounting pressure for the Sabres to be active. This exploration into potential trade partners continues for Buffalo, including teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, and others such as the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils. Time and again, the Sabres find themselves on the sidelines, watching rival organizations capitalize on favorable deals amid their struggles to make their own improvements.
Frustration Among Fans
Frustration is palpable among Sabres fans, as every missed opportunity magnifies the scrutiny on Adams and the ownership. The need for the Sabres to strategically engage in the market has never been more pressing. They must consider trading away draft picks and young prospects in favor of established players who can contribute immediately. If the current leadership fails to secure essential talent while other franchises advance, the stagnation will inevitably continue, leaving fans asking how much longer this cycle of disappointment can persist.
