The NHL landscape saw a significant shakeup on Monday, June 23, 2025, as the Philadelphia Flyers bolstered their roster by acquiring center Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks. This blockbuster trade sent forward Ryan Poehling, along with two valuable draft picks—a 45th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in 2026—heading to Anaheim. The deal, confirmed by Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere, marks a fresh chapter for Zegras and a strategic move for both franchises as they prepare for the upcoming season and beyond.
Trevor Zegras, now 24 years old, was originally drafted ninth overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Standing six feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, Zegras quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic and creative center. Over five seasons with Anaheim, he has amassed 67 goals and 119 assists, totaling 186 points in 268 career games. His early promise was underscored by back-to-back 60-plus point campaigns in 2021-22 and 2022-23, and he earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2022.
During the 2022-23 season, Zegras emerged as the Ducks’ offensive leader, topping the team charts with 65 points, 23 goals, three game-winning goals, and multiple overtime tallies. However, the past two seasons have been challenging for the talented center. Injuries and inconsistent play limited him to just 47 points in 88 games across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In the most recent 2024-25 campaign, Zegras managed 12 goals and 32 points in 57 games, ranking fifth in points per game for Anaheim with a 0.56 average.
Despite these setbacks, Zegras’ highlight-reel ability has never been in question. Known for his signature "Michigan" goal—a move where he lifts the puck onto his stick blade and wraps it into the net from behind—he has dazzled fans and analysts alike with his flair and vision. His skill set and youth make him a tantalizing prospect for the Flyers, who are looking to inject creativity and scoring punch into their lineup.
Before cementing his NHL career, Zegras showcased his talent at Boston University during the 2019-20 season, tallying 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) in just 33 games. He also had a dominant stint with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls in 2020-21, recording 10 goals and 21 points in 17 games, plus three points in three playoff contests. Internationally, Zegras has represented the United States multiple times, most notably at the 2021 World Junior Championships. There, he was named the tournament MVP after scoring seven goals and accumulating 18 points in seven games, helping Team USA secure gold. He also contributed at the 2024 World Championships with a goal and an assist in eight games.
On the other side of the trade, Ryan Poehling, 26, is a hard-working depth center who has spent the past two seasons with the Flyers. Drafted 25th overall by Montreal in 2017, Poehling has played 283 NHL games across stints with the Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Philadelphia. He posted a career-high 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 68 games during the 2024-25 season. Though not as flashy as Zegras, Poehling provides reliable two-way play and experience, which will be valuable for the Ducks as they continue their rebuild.
The draft picks involved also add strategic value. The 45th overall pick in the 2025 draft originally belonged to Columbus and was acquired by Philadelphia in the 2023 Ivan Provorov trade. Alongside the 2026 fourth-round pick, these selections give Anaheim additional assets to develop their future core. Meanwhile, the Flyers retain a strong draft position, holding six picks within the first two rounds in 2025, including the 6th, 22nd, and 31st overall picks, totaling ten selections overall.
Financially, Zegras is entering the final year of a three-year contract worth $17.25 million, carrying a cap hit of $5.75 million for the 2025-26 season. He will be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent after this season. The Flyers currently have just over $15.1 million in salary cap space to work with, which leaves room for further roster moves, including addressing the contracts of restricted free agents Cam York and Jakob Pelletier. General Manager Danny Briere has been linked to potential trades targeting players like winger JJ Peterka and defenseman Bo Byram, as well as monitoring Dallas Stars’ Jason Robertson amid their cap crunch.
The move to acquire Zegras reflects the Flyers’ ambition to find a top-line center who can elevate the team’s offensive ceiling. Briere praised Zegras as “a game-changer with the puck,” highlighting the potential impact the young star could have in Philadelphia. Zegras is expected to slot alongside rising winger Matvei Michkov, forming a promising duo that could energize the Flyers’ attack.
For Zegras, this trade represents a fresh start after a period of injury struggles and fluctuating performance in Anaheim. With the Ducks focusing on building around emerging talents like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier, Zegras’ departure was widely anticipated. The change of scenery offers him a chance to rediscover his form and fulfill the high expectations set early in his career.
Coach Joel Quenneville, hired by the Ducks last month to end their seven-year playoff drought, will now work with a reshaped roster that includes Ryan Poehling and new draft assets. Meanwhile, the Flyers look to build momentum heading into the 2025-26 season, hoping Zegras can be a cornerstone for their resurgence.
As the NHL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how Zegras adapts to his new environment and whether he can return to his electrifying best. Flyers fans are eager to see if this high-profile acquisition can spark the offense and help the team climb the standings. Meanwhile, the Ducks will focus on leveraging their new assets to continue their rebuild.
General Manager Danny Briere is expected to address the media later Monday to discuss the trade in detail and outline the Flyers’ plans moving forward. Until then, the hockey world buzzes with anticipation over what this trade means for both franchises and the exciting season ahead.
