Red Wings Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Trevor Zegras
The Detroit Red Wings, in the midst of a playoff push, have been linked to a major trade proposal involving former first-round pick Trevor Zegras in a three-player deal.
Proposed Trade
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user suggested the following deal:
Red Wings receive:
- Trevor Zegras
Ducks receive:
- Joe Veleno
- Erik Gustafsson
- 2025 first-round pick
This trade would be a significant move for Detroit, bringing in Zegras—a skilled playmaker and fan favorite—while parting with Veleno, a fellow former first-round pick, a veteran defenseman, and a first-round selection.
Why the Red Wings Would Make the Trade
Zegras, currently in the second season of a three-year, $17.25 million contract, has struggled to find his form this year after missing time due to injury. He has played 32 games, tallying 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points. A fresh start in Detroit could help him regain his offensive spark, and he would slot into a top-six forward role.
What the Ducks Would Get in Return
- Joe Veleno: Selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, Veleno is on the first year of a two-year, $4.55 million contract. He has posted 5 goals and 5 assists in 50 games this season and could also benefit from a change of scenery.
- Erik Gustafsson: The veteran defenseman, in the first season of a two-year, $4 million deal, has contributed 2 goals and 11 assists in 47 games. He would bring valuable experience to Anaheim’s blue line.
- 2025 First-Round Pick: A key asset for the Ducks as they continue their rebuild.
Red Wings Focused on Playoff Push
Detroit is determined to break its postseason drought, having missed the playoffs since 2015-16. Heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Red Wings held the final playoff spot with a 28-22-5 record, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.
Head coach Todd McLellan emphasized that the break came at the right time:
“We can take some time to breathe,” McLellan said. “As a staff, we’ll review where we’ve been and what we need to work on… For us to move forward, [game-management skills] are going to have to improve.”
Zegras’ Return From Injury
Zegras suffered a torn meniscus on December 4 but returned to action on January 21. He admitted the recovery process was frustrating but was eager to be back on the ice.
“During the process, it’s a bit frustrating,” Zegras said. “You want to play, you want to get back out there. You hate missing games… I feel good. I feel confident and strong and ready to go.”
Selected ninth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Zegras has played 243 career games, recording 61 goals and 108 assists for 169 points.
If this trade were to happen, it could provide a much-needed boost to Detroit’s offense while giving Anaheim valuable pieces for the future.
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