The trade market is rarely short of exciting rumors, and the idea of a trade between Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks and Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens is giving some fans pause.
On one side, the flamboyant Zegras, a creative center player who does not hide his preference for playing in the center and who could easily reinvigorate a Montreal attack in search of consistency.
On the other, Kirby Dach, whose versatility and solidity make him an underestimated asset.
But while the trade seems promising, further analysis suggests it may not be a good fit for the Canadian.
Trevor Zegras needs no introduction for his skills or his flair on the ice.
His seasons of 61 and 65 points with the Ducks demonstrate that he is capable of making those around him shine.
Montreal, looking for reinforcement at the second center position, could benefit from a player of this caliber.
Indeed, after less convincing tests with Kirby Dach at center, the CH moved the latter to the right wing of the first line, leaving a void at the center of the second line.
Zegras, with his raw talent and playing intelligence, would be a great addition to the Canadian’s young talents.
But here’s the rub: Zegras is not content to play in the center, he absolutely wants this role.
However, in a team that values flexibility, this stubbornness could become a problem.
He wants to control the game from the center and openly expresses his discomfort on the wing, a position that requires constant adaptation.
And although his offensive profile fits well with the DNA that Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis want for the CH, his insistence on his position could break the balance sought within the alignment.
On the Ducks side, Kirby Dach represents a more balanced player.
Less spectacular than Zegras, certainly, but also more versatile and stable defensively.
Dach has adapted to a role on the right wing, while showing he can also take on the center role when necessary.
His more affordable contract (3.362 million per year compared to 5.75 million for Zegras) would also allow the Ducks to maintain financial flexibility.
In the long term, Dach could even evolve as a pillar in their reconstruction, bringing robustness and significant offensive potential.
Although a Suzuki-Zegras duo sounds impressive on paper, there are several reasons why Kent Hughes would be cautious before diving into such a deal.
First, the salary cost of Zegras.
With a salary that exceeds Dach’s by almost two million, joining Zegras would mean compromising the budget of a team that must juggle upcoming contract extensions for its young prospects.
Then there is the question of flexibility.
Dach has shown he can play different positions and adapt to the team’s needs.
Zegras is much more categorical: he wants to play in the center, period.
And even if this position is currently vacant at CH, what would happen if the team wanted to review its trios?
Finally, we must consider the impact on team dynamics.
Dach fits well into the St. Louis playing system, where versatility and collective effort are essential.
Zegras, while talented, could prove to be a risky choice, especially on a team still in the construction and development phase.
A Zegras-Dach exchange might seem, at first glance, like a masterstroke to improve the Canadian’s offense.
But Kent Hughes, who has constantly focused on the flexibility and adaptability of his squad, would be wise not to compromise this balance for such a polarizing player.
Between flexibility and ego, sometimes you have to know how to prioritize what strengthens the team as a whole, and this is precisely where Kirby Dach offers a valuable asset that Zegras, despite all his talent, cannot guarantee.
To be continued…
