The Philadelphia Flyers made a bold move to kick off the 2025 NHL offseason, acquiring dynamic forward Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks on June 23, 2025, in exchange for center Ryan Poehling, the 45th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft (originally Columbus’), and a 2026 fourth-round pick. The trade, announced just days before the 2025 NHL Draft, signals the Flyers’ intent to inject high-end skill into their lineup as they aim to end a five-year playoff drought under new head coach Rick Tocchet.
Zegras, a 24-year-old Bedford, New York native, brings flair and offensive prowess to Philadelphia. Drafted ninth overall by Anaheim in 2019, he has tallied 67 goals and 119 assists for 186 points in 268 career games. His breakout 2021-22 season saw him notch 23 goals and 61 points, earning NHL All-Rookie Team honors and a runner-up finish for the Calder Trophy. Zegras followed with a career-high 65 points in 2022-23, leading the Ducks in goals, assists, and points. However, injuries, including a torn meniscus in December 2024, limited him to 57 games last season, where he recorded 12 goals and 32 points. His highlight-reel plays, like lacrosse-style goals and an alley-oop assist, made him the EA Sports NHL 23 cover athlete.
The Flyers, who finished the 2024-25 season at 33-39-10, see Zegras as a potential top-six center to address their lack of offensive creativity. General Manager Daniel Briere called him a “dynamic addition” who fits the team’s long-term vision. Zegras, with one year left on his $5.75 million contract before becoming a restricted free agent, reunites with close friend and former Ducks teammate Jamie Drysdale, acquired by Philadelphia in 2024. Despite struggles at center—evidenced by a 40.1% career faceoff percentage—the Flyers plan to give him a chance down the middle, though he could shift to wing if needed.
For Anaheim, the trade aligns with their ongoing roster retool under GM Pat Verbeek. Poehling, 26, brings defensive reliability to the Ducks’ bottom six, coming off a career-best 12 goals and 31 points in 68 games with Philadelphia. The 2025 second-round pick and 2026 fourth-rounder bolster Anaheim’s draft capital as they build around young stars like Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier. Verbeek, who recently acquired Chris Kreider and hired Joel Quenneville as coach, acknowledged the difficulty of trading Zegras but emphasized the need to reshape the roster for a playoff push after a 80-point 2024-25 season.
The trade has sparked excitement in Philadelphia, with fans hopeful Zegras can recapture his early-career form alongside young forwards like Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster. Meanwhile, Anaheim gains cap flexibility with Poehling’s $1.9 million deal, leaving them $36 million to pursue free agents like Mitch Marner. As the Flyers prepare for the draft, where they hold the No. 6 pick, Zegras’ arrival marks a pivotal step toward rebuilding a competitive roster.
