The Colorado Avalanche are rumored to be in on several players, depending on which day of the week it is, I guess. We’ve been noticing the will they/won’t they stuff regarding Nazem Kadri. Insider Elliotte Friedman and others have brought that connection up a ton, and sometimes it makes sense while sometimes it doesn’t. Like I said, it depends on the day of the week I guess.
Let’s add another player into the mix in case the Kadri connection doesn’t end up being the final result. That player would be Trevor Zegras of the Philadelphia Flyers and formerly of the Anaheim Ducks.
Zegras is just about to turn 25-years-old. He was a top-10 draft pick in 2019 of the Anaheim Ducks and was just traded to the Flyers in June of 2025. Before he was dealt, he spent five seasons with Anaheim, playing in 268 games and recording 67 goals and 119 assists.
He finished second among Calder Trophy finalists, behind Moritz Seider, in 2021-22.
Zegras fell out of favour with the Ducks in the end, with general manager Pat Verbeek noting that the forward no longer fit what their plans were and they wanted to get something of value for him. They ended up receiving forward Ryan Poehling, the No. 45 pick in the 2025 draft and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Adding Zegras could also strengthen the Avalanche power play, something that has been their biggest weakness this season. He has eight power play goals and 10 power play assists this year, and has shown even before this season that he is capable of handling power play duties.
So, what could the Avalanche offer for Trevor Zegras?
Making a move for a young forward with potential is in the cards for many teams. For the Avalanche, they’ll want to add some depth, which Zegras would provide for their third or fourth line.
While Zegras did not get traded for a first-round pick, it might be a scenario where that’s part of what it takes this time around. The Avalanche do not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, but they do have one for 2027.
The proposal would be the Avs sending their 2027 first-round pick and forward Ross Colton to the Flyers for Zegras. I could see the Avs asking about a draft pick in return—maybe a fourth-rounder.
While some (one) are discussing how unimpressive Gabriel Landeskog has been this season, Colton has just seven goals and 15 assists in 57 games this year. It might be a good idea for him to agree to terms with the fact that a move is in the best interest for himself.
The financials work out too. The change from Colton to Zegras is a little bit more expensive. Colorado would use up $1.75 million more by adding him (Zegras’s contract is an AAV of $5.75 million while Colton’s is an AAV of $4 million). Is it the most logical financially? No. But, it is certainly not the worst/most expensive option. It is certainly doable.
The trade deadline is this Friday.