With the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers imminent, the NHL offseason is about to kick into high gear. According to recent reports by Frank Seravalli, significant trades could start happening as early as this week. This presents an exciting opportunity for General Manager Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators to make strategic moves. With ample cap space, numerous draft picks, and Trotz’s end-of-season comments about strengthening the team, the Predators are well-positioned to make impactful trades.
Addressing the Need for Speed and Skill
Trotz has expressed a desire to add more speed and skill to the forward core, specifically highlighting the center position as an area needing reinforcement. Fortunately, there is a potential trade target who fits this need perfectly: Trevor Zegras.
### The Potential of Trevor Zegras
Trevor Zegras, a 23-year-old former 9th-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, is an intriguing option for the Predators. Despite a challenging 2023-24 season marred by two significant injuries limiting him to just 31 games, Zegras remains a highly talented player. His struggles to maintain rhythm due to constant lineup changes did not diminish his talent, as evidenced by his 8 points in the last 11 games of the season, bringing his total to 15 points in 31 games.
Trade Rumors and Contract Disputes
Trade rumors surrounding Zegras have been persistent, partly due to a contract dispute last offseason. Despite reaching a resolution, the rumors continued throughout the season, affecting Zegras’s performance and relationship with the Anaheim Ducks. With the Ducks having several young, talented forwards, Zegras might be seen as expendable, making this an opportune moment for the Predators to act.
### Why Zegras is a Perfect Fit for the Predators
Zegras’s talent is undeniable; he excels in playmaking and scoring, offering the potential to be a top-line center—a role the Predators have always struggled to fill. Finding a player of Zegras’s caliber on the trade market is rare, especially one who is young, productive, and still has room to grow. Moreover, Zegras is under contract for two more years at a reasonable price and will still be a restricted free agent at the end of this period, providing the Predators with significant upside and minimal risk.
### Strategic Benefits of Acquiring Zegras
Trading for Zegras allows the Predators to leverage their current assets without significant long-term risk. Given their current position, the Predators are unlikely to draft a true top center anytime soon, making a trade for Zegras a strategic move. Even in a worst-case scenario where Zegras underperforms, the Predators have enough assets to cushion the impact, making this a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
Potential Trade Package for Zegras
A trade for Zegras is unlikely to be cheap but won’t necessarily break the bank either. The Ducks are seeking a top-four right-shot defenseman, a need the Predators can meet with Dante Fabbro. Fabbro’s tenure in Nashville has been inconsistent, with frequent lineup changes despite solid performances when paired with Roman Josi. A move to the Ducks could provide Fabbro with a more stable role, benefiting both teams.
Additional Trade Components
Besides Fabbro, the Ducks might require a forward to compensate for losing Zegras. The Predators could include Cody Glass in the trade, a former sixth overall pick who had a down year but showed potential towards the end of the previous season. A change of scenery might help Glass realize his potential, making him a valuable addition to the Ducks.
Draft Picks and Additional Assets
The Predators can also afford to include their 1st round pick in this year’s draft, which is the 22nd overall pick. With three 2nd round picks this year and two 1st round picks next year, the Predators have a wealth of draft assets. If the Ducks demand more, Trotz should be willing to comply, given the Predators’ deep draft pick pool.
### Impact on the Predators’ Future
Acquiring Zegras could significantly alter the Predators’ future trajectory. As long as the trade does not involve top prospects or established game-changers, the Predators stand to benefit immensely. A successful trade for Zegras would provide the Predators with a dynamic player who could elevate their performance and fill a critical need. Therefore, Trotz should actively pursue this opportunity to secure Zegras and strengthen the Predators’ lineup.
In conclusion, Trevor Zegras represents a unique opportunity for the Nashville Predators to acquire a young, talented center who can significantly impact their team. With the right trade package, including players like Dante Fabbro and Cody Glass, along with draft picks, the Predators can make a compelling offer. This strategic move could propel the Predators into a stronger position for future seasons, making it a pursuit worth undertaking.
