Danny Brière swings big, lands Trevor Zegras in trade with Ducks

You were halfway through complaining about the humidity when the Flyers dropped a midsummer stunner on Monday afternoon, announcing that Trevor Zegras is officially a Philadelphia Flyer.

General Manager Danny Brière pulled the trigger on a deal that sends Ryan Poehling, the 45th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and a 2026 fourth-rounder to Anaheim in exchange for the 24-year-old centerman who’s been doing things with a hockey stick most players only try in video games.

Trevor Zegras has been traded to the Philadelphia Flyers

Trevor Zegras has been traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, per @FriedgeHNIC 🪽 pic.twitter.com/BpI2l5MT3e

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 23, 2025

Meet Trevor Zegras

The Ducks took Trevor Zegras ninth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, and while Anaheim never figured out how to build around him, the kid has game. Over five seasons, Zegras has tallied 67 goals, 119 assists, and 186 points in 268 games.

Trevor Zegras scores with the Michigan 😳 pic.twitter.com/dqGY8hrKk2

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) January 28, 2022

He made the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2022, then followed it up with back-to-back 60-point seasons, including a team-leading 65-point campaign in 2022-23 where he led the Ducks in goals, game-winners, and overtime daggers.

Yes, the numbers dipped a bit this past season — 12 goals and 32 points in 57 games — but the Ducks were a mess and Trevor Zegras still ranked fifth on the team in points per game.

Philly isn’t getting damaged goods. They’re getting a former World Juniors MVP and gold medalist who has already proven he can be an impact player and still has room to grow.

What Did the Flyers Give Up?

Ryan Poehling was a serviceable fourth-line guy with one year left on his deal. The 45th pick is a decent second-rounder, and the 2026 fourth is a flyer (pun intended). In return, the Flyers get a former top-10 pick who is still just 24 and has already produced at a top-six level in the NHL.

Solid move from Danny B here. You bet on talent, especially when it becomes available at a discount. This is a one-year audition with RFA control. If Trevor Zegras clicks in Philly, they’ll have the leverage to keep him around long term. If he doesn’t, you didn’t burn your rebuild to the ground to take the shot.

Flyers NHL Draft Picks:

The Flyers now enter the 2025 NHL Draft with six picks in the first two rounds, including three in Round 1 (6, 22, 31) and three more in Round 2 (36, 40, 48). They still have their full stock of future capital, and now they’ve added a playmaker with star power to their young core.

Pair Zegras with familiar face Jamie Drysdale. Drop him into a locker room that just added some scoring pop and flexibility. And for the love of Gritty, let the kid try some Michigans now that Torts is out of the picture.

This isn’t just about flash. It’s about giving the rebuild a shot of adrenaline and reminding the league that the Flyers aren’t here to tread water. They’re trying to build something. And this is a swing worth taking.

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