NHL Scouting Continues Amid 4 Nations Face-off
While the 4 Nations Face-off takes over the NHL, the relentless pursuit of talent continues for teams preparing for the March 7 trade deadline. The Anaheim Ducks, in particular, have been frequent visitors to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Though it’s common for NHL scouts to attend AHL games during the NHL’s break, the consistent presence of Anaheim’s scouts at WBS is noteworthy. The Ducks, a team poised to compete but still far from their peak, may be looking to trade younger players for high-value assets. Pittsburgh’s General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, has hinted at the possibility of moving the conditional first-round pick acquired in the Marcus Pettersson deal for a promising young player. Here, we explore some young Ducks players who could fit the bill and what they might cost.
Trevor Zegras: The High-Upside, Injury-Prone Center
Trevor Zegras, a 23-year-old center selected ninth overall by the Ducks in 2019, has been a name drawing a lot of attention. Despite a promising start to his NHL career, Zegras has faced a series of injuries that have dented his progress. In his first two full seasons, he recorded 46 goals and 126 points in 156 games. However, over the past two seasons, he has played only 63 games, scoring 12 goals and 30 points due to ankle and knee injuries. His stock has dropped, but his potential remains high. Zegras’s ability to play center, a position the Penguins will need to solidify, makes him an attractive option. However, given his injury history and recent lack of production, Dubas should not overpay. A package centered on a 2026 second-round pick and a prospect, such as Avery Hayes, Vasily Ponomarev, or Emil Pieniniemi, might be a more sensible offer.
Pavel Mintyukov: The Promising Young Defenseman
If the Penguins are looking to upgrade their defense, Pavel Mintyukov might be the perfect fit. The 21-year-old left defenseman, selected 10th overall by the Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance. In his rookie season, he recorded four goals and 28 points in 63 games. However, his sophomore season has been less impressive, with four goals and 11 points in 44 games. Despite this, Mintyukov possesses excellent puck-handling skills, a high hockey IQ, and the physicality to develop further. The Penguins, who need another young, reliable option on the left side, should consider Mintyukov, who is signed through the end of the 2025-26 season. If he is on the market, Dubas should be willing to part with the conditional first-rounder for this promising talent.
Mason McTavish: The Rising Two-Way Center
Mason McTavish, the Ducks’ third overall pick in 2022, is a player to watch closely. The 22-year-old center has already made a significant impact in the NHL, with 51 goals and 115 points in 201 games. This season, despite a bit of a down year with 13 goals and 27 points, McTavish remains a vital player. His offensive game is expected to continue growing, and he has the potential to become a second-line center, a critical need for the Penguins. However, there is some uncertainty about McTavish’s future with the Ducks. He has been playing mostly in a third-line role, and Ducks head coach Greg Cronin’s comments suggest a lack of confidence in his long-term potential. If McTavish is available, Dubas should be prepared to offer a premium, including the conditional first-rounder and a valuable prospect like Tanner Howe or an NHL-ready player such as Ponomarev. McTavish’s combination of size, hockey IQ, and offensive talent makes him a worthwhile investment for the Penguins’ future.
Evaluating the Potential Returns
The potential returns for these young Ducks players vary based on their current form and potential. Trevor Zegras, despite his recent struggles, remains a high-upside center with a significant cap hit. A package centered on a 2026 second-round pick and a promising prospect could be a fair trade. Pavel Mintyukov, a defensive prospect with a bright future, is a more valuable asset. The Penguins may need to part with their conditional first-rounder to secure his services. Mason McTavish, the most promising of the three, could command a higher price, including the first-rounder and a top prospect. Dubas should carefully weigh these options to ensure the Penguins receive the best possible return for their assets.
Preparing for the Future
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a unique position to build for the future while remaining competitive in the present. Dubas must balance the need for immediate impact with long-term sustainability. Trevor Zegras, Pavel Mintyukov, and Mason McTavish all offer different paths to achieving this balance. Zegras provides immediate center depth, Mintyukov adds a promising young defender, and McTavish brings the potential to be a top-line center. By carefully evaluating the trade market and making strategic moves, the Penguins can position themselves for success in the coming seasons.
Staying Informed
To stay updated on the latest news, roster moves, and player features for the Pittsburgh Penguins, bookmark THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab. This will ensure you have the most current information to follow the team’s progress and potential trades leading up to the March 7 deadline.
