Ducks GM reveals the 2 Canadiens players he wants in exchange for Trevor Zegras

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MarcO
June 9, 2024 (0:30)

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All winter, we debated whether or not Trevor Zegras should join the Montreal Canadiens.

Recent developments in the case, as we learn the price demanded by Pat Verbeek from Kent Hughes, will continue to generate a lot of discussion.

According to the excellent Arpon Basu, the Ducks have very high demands. They are asking for nothing less than Kaiden Guhle or David Reinbacher in a trade involving the American.

Definitely, Verbeek seems to be seeking defensemen, even though his upcoming defensive brigade is already impressive. Much like the Canadiens, they have many young defensemen who will undoubtedly become star players in the league, such as Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger. Not to mention Tristan Luneau and Tyson Hinds, who will join the lineup sooner rather than later. Adding a Guhle or Reinbacher, who is nearly "NHL ready," will only strengthen this position.

The Anaheim Ducks want to include David Reinbacher or Kaiden Guhle in the Trevor Zegras trade with the Montreal Canadiens

Basu, however, does not think a trade between the two teams, especially if it involves one of these two defensemen, will happen. He would be very surprised to see Guhle or Reinbacher leave the Canadiens.

If the Ducks' GM doesn't get a top defenseman through the trade market, he might very well turn to Anton Silayev at the next amateur draft. Many mock drafts predict that Verbeek will select the towering Russian defenseman with the 3rd overall pick.

Here is what Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale from the NHL website had to say about Silayev:

NHL.com - 2024 Mock Draft: Defensemen in the Spotlight Behind Celebrini

Kimelman -- Anton Silayev, D, Nizhny Novgorod (RUS): The left-shot defenseman is one of the most intriguing players in this class due to his size (6-7, 211) and the progression of his offensive game. The Ducks have acquired several offensive-minded defensemen in recent years, including Tristan Luneau, Olen Zellweger, and Pavel Mintyukov. Silayev could become a complementary piece that would give the Ducks a sensational top defensive pair.

Morreale -- Anton Silayev: The left-shot defenseman recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists), blocked 74 shots, and delivered 98 hits in 63 regular-season games in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Silayev, who played the season at 17 (he turned 18 on April 11), set the record for the most points by a player under 18 in a single season in KHL history. Vladimir Tarasenko had 10 with Novosibirsk in 2008-09.

This case will definitely be one to follow in the coming weeks...