The Ducks have made a major coup by acquiring Cutter Gauthier from Philadelphia.
The American adds to the Ducks’ superb bank of young forwards, and they had to part with Jamie Drysdale, one of the NHL’s fine young defensemen, to pull off their coup.
You have to pay to get, after all.
But Gauthier’s arrival in California suggests there could be more changes in store for the Ducks, who can already count on the services of Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras up front.
And on that subject, Darren Dreger indicated in his podcast that, at the moment, Zegras’ name seems to be circulating all over the league:
Several teams have suggested to me that Trevor Zegras might be available. – Darren Dreger
Trades and Contracts!
Gauthier/Drysdale swap. Zegras available? Nylander signs.
+more @TimHortons Headlines.
Agent JP Barry in conversation. Pettersson contract up next@rayferraro21 @DarrenDregerNew audio is live courtesy @Canadian_Club
Listen here: https://t.co/RW2m27m7WN pic.twitter.com/mD8xcQXzsC– The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast (@rayanddregs) January 9, 2024
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It’s worth remembering that Zegras and the Ducks came to an agreement late in his recent contract signing… And that the relationship between the two clans doesn’t seem to be at its peak at the moment.
The forward is tied to the team until the end of the 25-26 season and earns an annual salary of $5.75 million. This is a respectable contract for a player who has scored over 60 points in his last two seasons and who will celebrate his 23rd birthday next March.
But Zegras has been struggling since the start of the campaign, and it makes you wonder if he needs a fresh start elsewhere. He’s always said he’s having a great time in Anaheim, but things are going badly at the moment and he’s just seen his best chum traded, which won’t make him any happier.
He was very, very close to Jamie Drysdale:
See this post on Instagram
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There’s also the real question of whether Kent Hughes should pull out the heavy artillery to try and get the kid in Anaheim.
The reason is simple, in fact, because a talented young player like him is rarely available anywhere in the NHL. And Kent Hughes wouldn’t be doing his job properly if he decided not to check with Ducks GM Pat Verbeek.
Plus, it fits in with Kent Hughes’ plan because Zegras is young and the Habs GM is looking to add a talented young player…
It’s also easy to make the connection because Zegras has been a big hit with Cole Caufield at the U.S. Development Program and the World Junior Championship, and they have a great relationship…
It would also make sense, since we know Zegras loves the cameras and would feel right at home in Montreal…
Anyway. All this to say that there are obvious links between the Canadiens and Trevor Zegras.
At this point, it’s up to Kent Hughes to take a step back and see if the American has what it takes to help the club in the long term… And it’s up to the Montreal GM to see what price he’s willing to pay to get his hands on a young forward who’s full of talent, but who sometimes gets talked about for the wrong reasons because of his flashy style of play.
In brief
– Jack Hughes is injured (again). He’ll have to miss a few weeks.
Jack Hughes’ absence is considered a matter of weeks, not months, says #NJDevils Lindy Ruff.
The team is aware he will miss some time and Jack will be evaluated week to week to see how he progresses.
– Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) January 9, 2024
– It’s time to vote!
More than 20M votes have been cast so far for the remaining 12 All-Stars. Voting(https://t.co/J6163V0rm7) is still open through Thursday. pic.twitter.com/H7y77mFk6k
– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 9, 2024
– His new colors suit him well.
Happy to be here and ready to work. 👊 #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/7pJSynD0Lg
– Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 9, 2024
– Come on!
We’re back at Place Bell for the week!
We’re back at Place Bell for the week! #GoRocket pic.twitter.com/PYexjfRopR– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 9, 2024
– That’s it.
Cayden Primeau’s father, Keith, has a special bond with the Flyers.
Will Cayden talk to him before tomorrow’s game?
“I plan to see him today. But I definitely won’t be talking to him tomorrow!” the goalie quipped.
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) January 9, 2024