The Colorado Avalanche have already shaken the NHL to its core with a blockbuster trade sending Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes—but the fireworks might not be over yet. With newfound cap space and flexibility, rumors are exploding about what the Avs will do next, and one stunning name has just entered the conversation. A league executive has floated a jaw-dropping trade target that could send shockwaves through the league—a young superstar with electrifying potential who could thrive alongside Nathan MacKinnon.
After the Colorado Avalanche shook up the NHL with a blockbuster trade sending Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes on January 24, speculation has been swirling about their next big move. With newfound salary cap space and added roster flexibility, many believe the Avalanche are gearing up for another major trade—possibly even a bold attempt to land Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. While acquiring Crosby remains more of a dream than a realistic scenario, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed an intriguing alternative suggested by a league executive on the “32 Thoughts” podcast.
“By the way, I had an executive from the league tell me this—do you want to know who he wants to see Colorado trade for?” Friedman teased. “Trevor Zegras. He said that he would love to see Trevor Zegras learn from Nathan MacKinnon.”
While it remains uncertain whether the Avalanche have serious interest in the Anaheim Ducks’ young star, Zegras’ name has been circulating in trade rumors for months. The 23-year-old, currently in the second year of a three-year, $17.25 million contract ($5.75 million cap hit), has been limited to just 29 games this season due to injuries, tallying five goals and eight assists for 13 points. Despite inconsistent production, his talent and potential as a former ninth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft make him an intriguing target.
Sitting at 30-21-2, the Avalanche currently lead the Western Conference wild-card race but remain in contention for a higher playoff seed as they push for another deep postseason run following their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. While Anaheim has yet to officially put Zegras on the trade block, reports from The Fourth Period’s Frank Seravalli suggest the Ducks are at least listening to offers ahead of the deadline. Could Colorado make a move to pair Zegras with MacKinnon? The trade watch is officially on.
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