From Montreal’s perspective, it’s easy to see the allure. Zegras is one of the NHL’s most creative young forwards—a playmaker known for his flashy puck-handling, highlight-reel assists, and high hockey IQ. Since entering the league, the 23-year-old has recorded 67 goals and 185 points in 265 games. He enjoyed back-to-back 60-point seasons in 2021–22 and 2022–23, solidifying himself as a key piece of Anaheim’s rebuild.
Not all blockbuster moments in hockey involve trades that do happen—sometimes, it’s the ones that almost do that create the most noise. That was the case during the 2024 NHL Draft when reports surfaced that the Montreal Canadiens were in serious discussions to acquire electrifying forward Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks.
According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman in his widely-read “32 Thoughts” column, the deal came surprisingly close to completion. However, despite the advanced stage of negotiations, the trade ultimately fell apart—leaving fans on both sides buzzing with speculation about what might have been.
The precise reason the deal collapsed hasn’t been made public, but Friedman suggested one possible turning point: the unexpected availability of Russian phenom Ivan Demidov at the No. 5 overall pick. With Demidov still on the board, Montreal saw a golden opportunity to add high-end talent without giving up any existing assets. It’s believed that the Canadiens were unwilling to part with their top pick, even for a player as dynamic as Zegras.
But Zegras’s rise hasn’t been without challenges. Injuries have hampered his consistency, and questions about his defensive play have occasionally overshadowed his offensive skill. Since the start of the 2023–24 season, he has suited up in just 85 games—missing significant time due to a string of injuries that have made his development path a bit more unpredictable.
Despite these concerns, many around the league still view Zegras as a potential game-changer—particularly in the right system. That’s where Montreal enters the picture again. Under head coach Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens have become known for nurturing offensive creativity. St. Louis, himself a former NHL scoring star, has played a pivotal role in developing young talents like Cole Caufield, who has blossomed into a goal-scoring threat under his guidance. It’s easy to imagine Zegras flourishing in the same environment, with more freedom to play his game.
Off the ice, there’s another layer of intrigue. Zegras shares a well-known friendship with Canadiens winger Cole Caufield and Devils forward Jack Hughes, going back to their days with the U.S. National Team Development Program. A Zegras-Caufield reunion in Montreal could have added another spark to the Habs’ young core—and likely would have been a fan-favorite pairing.
While the trade didn’t happen this time around, it may not be the last we hear of it. As Montreal continues to shape its roster for the future, adding a dynamic offensive weapon like Zegras could still be on the table. For now, the failed deal has added a juicy “what if” to the Canadiens’ growing list of offseason storylines—and has left many wondering if this near-miss will eventually become a major headline in the next trade cycle.
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