NHL Rumors: Ducks & Penguins Becoming Trade Partners

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 ,

The Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins could be lining up as trade partners, according to Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News. 

Ducks scouts have been closely monitoring the Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton during the Four Nations Face-Off break, fueling speculation about potential moves before the March 7 trade deadline. 

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has expressed a willingness to move the conditional 2025 first-round pick acquired in the Marcus Pettersson trade, and Anaheim has several young NHLers who could fit Pittsburgh’s long-term plans.

Surmacz believes Trevor Zegras, Pavel Mintyukov, and Mason McTavish are among the names that could interest Dubas, though their values vary. 

Zegras has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, and while his upside remains, Surmacz writes that he "wouldn’t justify a first-round pick on his own." Mintyukov, a 21-year-old defenseman, has seen a dip in production but still has strong potential, making him a possible target if the Ducks are willing to move him. 

McTavish, a two-way center with top-six potential, could command the highest price, especially if Anaheim has any doubts about his long-term future with the team.

With Pittsburgh in need of high-end talent and Anaheim in a rebuilding phase, a deal could make sense for both sides. 

Dubas has the draft capital to work with, while the Ducks could see value in flipping one of their young players for a high pick or a prospect package. 

"If Dubas goes bigger for an elite young talent, McTavish is a great option," Surmacz noted.

Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

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