Trevor Zegras trade: 3 teams that should avoid signing Ducks star

Anaheim Ducks' young star Trevor Zegras has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time. But just because a deal hasn’t materialized yet, it doesn't mean there has been a shortage of interested teams.

While Zegras would be a wonderful addition to virtually every team in the NHL, three teams stand out as clubs that would do best to avoid trading for Trevor Zegras. So, let’s understand why these teams should avoid trading for the Ducks star.

3 teams that should avoid signing Trevor Zegras

#3: Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers are in a rebuilding phase. However, last season’s encouraging performance appears to signal that the Flyers are ready to emerge from their rebuild to contend in the Metro Division. As such, the Flyers may be tempted to pull the trigger on a deal for Trevor Zegras. However, there are two key reasons why the Flyers should hold off signing the young star.

First, the Flyers are over the cap ceiling by $830K, according to PuckPedia. With Trevor Zegras’ $5.75 million cap hit, a deal would have to involve moving out a contract. So would the Ducks be willing to take on a contract such as Sean Couturier’s, for instance?

Second, the Flyers have plenty of talented young forwards in their top six. Bringing Zegras into the fold might mean bumping someone down the depth chart. Perhaps moving Couturier could open up a spot for Zegras on the top line. But that would depend on the Ducks willingness to take on Couturier’s contract.

Ultimately, the Flyers are better off allocating their resources to solidifying their top six and the goaltending position as they look to contend this season.

#2: Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are in win-now mode. They came within one goal of heading into overtime in Game 7 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final. The club has made key additions such as sniper Jeff Skinner to their top six.

While Zegras would be a fantastic addition to the Oilers, the club cannot afford him. The Oilers may have the pieces to pull off a trade. But with contract extensions for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard looking on the horizon, there’s no way the Oilers could take Zegras’ contract.

PuckPedia shows the Oilers are $350K over the cap, meaning the Oilers would have to dump a contract on the Ducks. Would the Ducks be willing to take Darnell Nurse off the Oilers’ hands? Seems unlikely.

#1: Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are desperately trying to keep their competitive window open for as long as Sidney Crosby can play. However, Crosby is entering the final year of his current deal. Evgeni Malkin is one year old. Kris Letang isn’t getting any younger, and Erik Karlsson isn’t young either.

In short, the Penguins are an aging club most likely heading into a rebuild. But with general manager Kyle Dubas’ penchant for a big splash, the Penguins might try to make a run at Zegras. However, trading for Zegras might mean putting the young star during a painful rebuild while giving up valuable assets that could help rebuild Pittsburgh faster. Ultimately the Penguins should focus on salvaging what they can of a talented roster.