Montreal is in urgent need of a significant lineup improvement and has set its sights on Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras, a player they might have acquired in the 2024 Entry Draft.
The Montreal Canadiens have faced a rough season, marked by speculation about head coach Martin St. Louis potentially stepping down, trade discussions involving Arber Xhekaj, and numerous injuries to key players. With these challenges, the team is looking for offensive reinforcements and has identified Zegras as a top target—one they could have pursued if general manager Kent Hughes had his way earlier this summer.
Reports indicate that Montreal proposed a trade package to Anaheim, which included defenseman Logan Mailloux and their 2024 first-round pick (21st overall), to acquire Zegras. According to Marco Normandin, the deal was close to being finalized, with both teams agreeing on the trade structure, which would have sent Zegras to Montreal along with a second-round pick from Anaheim.
Normandin is not alone in his belief that Montreal is keen on Zegras, as many have urged the team to secure the talented forward. Anthony Di Marco from The Daily Faceoff notes that while Zegras is still available for trade, the price might be steep. Should he join the Canadiens, he would reunite with his best friend Cole Caufield and quickly become a key player on the roster. The combination of Zegras, Caufield, and Patrik Laine, once Laine returns, could create a formidable offensive trio, alongside promising talents like Juraj Slafkovsky.
Though Zegras has struggled this season and faced injuries last year, he has previously demonstrated his potential, scoring 23 goals with 61 points in the 2021-22 season and 23 goals with 65 points the following year. His performance has been affected by the struggles of the Ducks, but his capabilities are undeniable.
Montreal’s interest in Trevor Zegras is at an all-time high, and rightly so. Acquiring him could be the key factor between a surprising playoff run and another disappointing season.
