A lot of people are taking away the wrong message from today's trade. Drysdale was traded because he came from an organizational position of strength and would address a long term weakness, not because Verbeek is desperate to move on from old Bob Murray picks. Trading Zegras in almost any context would undo that and would put them right back where they started. And this trade wouldn't be a step in the right direction to alleviate the hole Zegras would leave.

Yessir!

I'm not saying the Ducks have to trade Zegras, but you cannot deny that his relationship with the team has hit a bumpy road.

1) The results are not there on the scoresheet
2) The unwillingness to commit long term was telling

Do you really see Zegras in Anaheim beyond his 3 year deal?

I have no understanding how everyone always says these bumpy road things or that he doesn’t want to be there.

Verbeek talked to Zegras before signing him and told him he wants to see him become a more all around player and he agreed! There is absolutely zero evidence that Zegras wants out

I think if the Habs really wanted Zegras, they'd have to part with Beck + Kidney or Mesar + a 1st and maybe another pick.
Poor year this year but, he's still 22, still had back to back 60+ point years the past 2 yrs

Zegras might be unhappy but, Nylander held out even longer than him the first time he needed to resign and ended up resigning again in Toronto. Holding out isn't great but, not fatal to the relationship if the money is there.

Beck + Mesar + 1st is worth it. The Habs need to consolidate B prospects to get A players.

I agree with you on this, however I wouldn't say that it leaves a hole long term. The Ducks would be coming out of this deal with2 top 7 picks even if they miss out on one of the top 3 forwards (highly unlikely though) and draft a D man with the 4th or 5th pick then they can just take Lindstrom with the Habs pick which is likely 7th. That would be a huge long-term win for the organization