Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras headlined the HT40 Foundation's Shoulder Check Showcase charity event on Thursday. It was the foundation's second annual event.
The HT40 Foundation, co-founded by Rob Thorsen and Sarah Thompson is a charity event aimed at raising awareness for mental health in the hockey community, honoring the memory of young goalie Hayden Thorsen, who died in May 2022.
Former New York Rangers defenseman Dave Maloney has been actively involved in the Shoulder Check Showcase initiative. Maloney recently expressed his thoughts on the program (via NY Post):
“Chris is the driver,” Maloney said. “Chris has embraced what the message intends to be, what we hope to accomplish long term. Another guy that’s been really good is [former Ranger and current unrestricted free agent] Kevin Shattenkirk. [Ducks forward] Trevor Zegras, he’s a local kid, obviously, he’s embraced it."
Maloney is hopeful and speculated Trevor Zegras joining the New York Rangers, reckoning it would be amazing for the cause:
“He and Chris are the focal points and, God, [if] Zegras ever ends up in a Rangers uniform, how great would that be for this movement? There seems to be rumblings and hope on the front of the Shoulder Check people that will happen — but that’s for further conversation.”
Amid Maloney's strong desire to see Zegras in a Rangers jersey, rumors have been swirling about the Blueshirts' interest in adding Zegras to their roster to team up with Mika Zibanejad and Kreider.
However, as of now, discussions regarding this move are still awaiting further updates and confirmation. Zegras is inked to a three-year, $17.25 million contract with the Ducks and will become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Along with Zegras, notable names like Chris Kreider, Matt Rempe and Jonathan Quick will be endorsing the Shoulder Check Showcase initiative. Moreover, collaboration with NHL and PWHL clubs has further expanded the reach of the cause, engaging thousands of fans in promoting mental health awareness and encouraging support of one another.
Insider reckons Anaheim Ducks potentially moving Trevor Zegras
According to a report from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Ducks are open to listening to offers for Zegras and would be willing to trade him in the right deal.
However, LeBrun also highlighted the distinction between exploring the market for the 23-year-old forward and executing a trade, describing the situation as "TBD."
Zegras was drafted No. 9 overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL draft. He's been with the club for the past four seasons, accumulating 154 points through 55 goals and 99 assists in 211 games.