Looking at the pros and cons of the Calgary Flames trading for Trevor Zegras

It’s been rumoured over the last couple weeks that the Calgary Flames are one of the teams who have inquired about Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks. And it makes sense as Craig Conroy and the Flames have said they are going to look to make a trade for a young NHL player this off-season.

Zegras is one of the most polarizing players in the NHL and there is no shortage of strong opinions from Flames fans on this matter.

With that being said, let’s do a deep dive into the pros and cons of acquiring Trevor Zegras.

There is no denying that Trevor Zegras is one of the most talented, dynamic players in the NHL. He possesses a rare skill set that you don’t see come around very often. Zegras makes spectacular plays on a nightly basis. Whether it’s a dangle in a one-on-one situation. A remarkable pass that goes through three defenders and ends up on his linemates tape. Or scoring a spectacular goal. He adds an element of skill that the Flames are lacking. Especially if they lose Andrei Kuzmenko at the 2025 trade deadline.

Zegras was a productive player in his first two years in the NHL. He put up 61 and 65 points in his 20- and 21-year-old seasons in the NHL which is incredible production from someone his age, especially when you consider the bad teams he was part of. It’s a matter of when not if he’s going to be a point per game player in the NHL.

Zegras did struggle last season. But you can consider it a write off. He missed the majority of training camp due to a contract stalemate and then sustained two separate injuries. Those were the reasons he put up 15 points in 31 games. Zegras will put up a lot of points if he is 100% healthy.

One thing that doesn’t get talked about a lot when it comes to the Flames acquiring Zegras is that he is going to bring people out of their seats. And that should matter to fans.

The next few years of Flames hockey might be a little dull because that’s what happens when you go through a re-tool. Wouldn’t it be great to have a guy like Zegras to make Flames hockey watchable over at least the next two seasons? The Flames haven’t had a player like Zegras on their team since Johnny Gaudreau.

Zegras can show off his skills on the power play, in 3-on-3 overtime and in the shootout, all areas that the Flames need help with.

I guarantee that Flames fans would fall in love with Zegras, just like they did with Kuzmenko after they acquired him in January.

Zegras has two years remaining on his current contract that pays him $5.75 million a year. He will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of his deal.

The reason that’s important is because if things don’t work out with Zegras and he’s not willing to stay in Calgary long term, he’ll still have a lot of value on the trade market. It’s not like he’ll just walk away from the Flames as a UFA.

Worst case scenario, the Flames could get two years out of Zegras and then recoup the assets they spent to bring him to Calgary in a trade two years from now.

The best-case scenario is that things work out great. Zegras sees the Flames have a bright future, they’re moving into a new arena and he signs a long term extension with the Flames.

It’s not going to be cheap to trade for Trevor Zegras. There was a report out of Montreal that the Ducks were asking for guys like Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher, the two best young defencemen in the Canadiens organization.

In order for the Flames to win the Zegras sweepstakes they’re going to have to give up high quality draft picks and prospects to get it done. Is Craig Conroy willing to part with a first round pick and a guy like Matt Coronato or Hunter Brzustewicz? That’s a lot to ask for.

There is a narrative that has followed Zegras throughout his career that he is immature and cocky. He has a huge personality and that can rub people the wrong way.

We as fans have no idea what these players are like behind the scenes. So, it’s not necessarily fair to conclude that Zegras is going to be an issue in the locker room. Having said that, the Flames will have to do a lot of due diligence to make sure they know exactly what they’re getting in Zegras. Just like they do with any player they bring into the organization.

The Flames would run the risk of having Zegras tell them that he won’t sign in Calgary on a long-term deal.

That would be unfortunate if it happened. But as I mentioned earlier in the article, it wouldn’t be the worst thing if he said no to a long-term deal because the Flames control his rights. Zegras will have a lot of value on the trade market. The Flames will be able to recoup assets for him in a trade. And they might be able to get more for him than they gave up if Zegras turns into the player we all know he can be.

It would be pretty cool if Trevor Zegras was a Calgary Flame. Having a player that talented, skilled, and entertaining would be a lot of fun for at least a couple seasons. And if it doesn’t work out then you can trade him as an RFA.

I think he would quickly become a fan favourite in Calgary with his style of play on the ice and his personality off it.

But it all comes down to acquisition cost. If the Ducks are looking for the 9th overall pick and a top prospect or two, then you say no. But if it’s the 28th overall pick and a prospect, then I would be tempted to take that trade.