Flyers acquire Trevor Zegras in trade with the Ducks

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Flyers

June 23 strikes again for the Philadelphia Flyers. A date that is synonymous with the Flyers making big trades, June 23, 2025, can now be added to the list. Some of the biggest moves in recent franchise history have been made on this date, with the subtractions of former captain Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, James van Riemsdyk, and Scott Hartnell, and the additions of Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn, Jakub Voracek, and a 2011 first-round pick that turned into current captain Sean Couturier. On June 23, 2024, it was announced that Russian star Matvei Michkov would be signing with the Flyers two years before he was expected to. One could say June 23 holds some significant meaning for the organization and its fans.

This year adds to the list of big moves the Flyers have made on June 23, as the team announced the acquisition of Ducks forward Trevor Zegras in exchange for center Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick (No. 45), and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Zegras, a versatile forward who can play center and left wing, has 186 points in 286 games, including two 60-plus point seasons. The 24-year-old had 12 goals and 20 assists in 57 games played last season. Zegras missed significant time in 2024-25 with a torn meniscus in his right knee. He was limited to just 31 games (15 points) the season before due to a groin injury and a broken ankle.

The former ninth-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft showed flashes of brilliance during his first three seasons in the league. After scoring 13 points in 24 games in 2020-21, Zegras followed up his first season in the NHL with back-to-back 60-plus point seasons. He scored 23 goals and recorded 38 assists for 61 points in 2021-22 and scored 23 goals and recorded 42 assists for a career-high 65 points in 2022-23. Zegras finished second in Calder Trophy voting for NHL Rookie of the Year in 2021-22.

The Bedford, New York, native is a strong point producer at even strength. Per reporter Alexander Appleyard, Zegras’ 2.08 points per 60 minutes across 268 games would rank third on the Flyers. Only Travis Konecny (2.15) and Michkov (2.34) have a higher points per 60 minutes over that span.

Zegras has been in trade rumors for the past few seasons, with the Flyers reportedly showing interest on multiple occasions, but the asking price was too high at the time. Now, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere pulls the trigger on a deal to land the skilled forward at a fairly reasonable price.

Center Ryan Poehling goes the other way in the deal. After 22 points in 85 games with the Montreal Canadiens and 14 points in one season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Poehling signed with the Flyers before the 2023-24 season. In 145 games with the Flyers, the 26-year-old had 59 points, setting career highs in goals, assists, and points in back-to-back seasons. Poehling is coming off a 31-point season where he scored 12 goals and recorded 19 assists in 68 games. Poehling, who has one year left on his deal, served as the fourth-line center and a key penalty killer for the Flyers.

The Flyers also part ways with two draft picks, sending the Ducks a 2025 second-round pick (No. 45) and a 2026 fourth-round pick. Originally the Columbus Blue Jackets’ second-round pick, the Flyers acquired the 45th-overall selection in a trade that sent Ivan Provorov to the Blue Jackets in June 2023. The Flyers still have three second-round picks in this year’s draft, including the Ducks’ pick at 40th overall.

The Flyers and Ducks are no strangers to making big trades with each other. Briere and Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek struck a deal on January 8, 2024, to send defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick to the Flyers in exchange for forward Cutter Gauthier, who refused to sign his entry-level contract with the Flyers. Gauthier, whom the Flyers picked fifth overall in 2022, had 44 points in his first full NHL season with the Ducks. Drysdale, who was selected sixth overall by the Ducks in 2020, has 25 points in 94 games with the Flyers. Briere also picked up a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft as part of the deal, which is the 40th-overall pick.

Drysdale and Zegras reunite in Philadelphia after forming a special bond and becoming best friends during their time together in Anaheim.

While there are concerns about Zegras’ health, recent lack of production, and defensive work rate, the Flyers swing low on a high-upside player with a lot of offensive potential. It is unclear what role the team envisions for Zegras, but they have holes at center and left wing on the top two lines, both positions the versatile 24-year-old could fill.

Zegras has one year left on a three-year, $17.25 million contract extension he signed with the Ducks in 2023. He will make $5.75 million this season and will become a restricted free agent upon season’s end.