Hockey Analyst Urges the Montreal Canadiens to Trade for Trevor Zegras Immediately

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Julien Trekker
November 3, 2024 (11:58)

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Prominent French hockey analyst David Ettedgui urged the Montreal Canadiens to trade for Trevor Zegras immediately.

Fans must be patient when a team goes through a full rebuild, but it seems that patience is running out for the fans in Montreal. Due to the acquisition of Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach's return after season-ending surgery last year, and Lane Hutson's arrival, expectations were high entering the season, but unfortunately, the team is failing to meet those expectations.

Dead last in the Atlantic Division with a 4-7-1 record, the Montreal Canadiens have lost seven of their last ten games despite Cole Caufield leading the NHL in goals with 10. It shows that one guy can't win games alone, and with Laine still sidelined with an injury until the New Year, he needs help.

David Ettedgui, an analyst for the French radio station BPM Sports made a massive revelation, suggesting the Canadiens management should go after Caufield's friend and former teammate Trevor Zegras on the trade market. According to him, the Canadiens are the perfect organization for Zegras, who could benefit from a change of scenery, and the Ducks forward would be a great addition to the team's top six.

He added that the Canadiens are mainly looking for a right-handed defenseman on the market. Still, he pointed out that talented players like Zegras aren't often available at such a low price.

Here's a translated version of what he posted on social media:

"It's the best time for the Canadiens to go after Trevor Zegras; this is the moment. He needs a change, and the Canadiens are the perfect team to revive him. With the uncertainty in the offense, the inconsistent performances of some forwards, and Laine's injury, I would add him to balance out the two forward lines. Otherwise, keep an eye on Nashville in this situation. I know the Canadiens' priority is a #3 or #4 right-handed defenseman, but 23-year-old talents like Zegras at a low price come around very rarely."

After being limited to 31 games in the 2023-24 season due to injuries, Zegras has struggled to find his rhythm. This year he's only scored three points including one goal, in 10 games with the Ducks.

Though he's been beset by injuries and is currently struggling, he's been a great piece of the Ducks when healthy. From 2021-2022 he had 23 goals and 38 assists, then had a nearly identical season in 2022-23, with 23 goals and 42 assists. He and Caufield would be a dynamic duo, and it could spark Zegras out of his slump.

Despite all this, the Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek won't trade him unless he gets the right offer, although the Canadiens have what it takes to pay the price, though they may be reluctant to sacrifice their assets. Especially with Arber Xhekaj's name emerging in the rumors, it may be the price needed to pay for success, and if GM Kent Hughes is serious about getting a game-changing player, he should look no further than Zegras.