Quoting: Caufield
I wouldn't give Slaf for Z, at least not as of today. Jesus that's too much
Now that's just homer talk.
Let's be real, the Habs reached when they took Slaf. He wasn't the unanimous #1 pick his year, hell, he wasn't even the unanimous #2. Draft boards had him going in the 5-8 OA range. NHL central scouting didn't even have him as the #1 EU skater. So let's not pretend that being 1OA gives him some superpower making him more than what he is. He's projected to be a top of the lineup player, bubble all star. Z is an all-star player, he's bubble elite in his projections, better than Caulfield. He also plays center, which is a more valuable position.
A deal for Montreal to acquire Zegras would start with Slaf, whom Verbeek would admittedly have interest in, but Slaf only gets you halfway there. Montreal's unprotected 24 1st and some other window dressing might get it the rest of the way there. To get a player like Z is going to take alot, and the acquisition cost will hurt.
Don't like those projections? Take it up with Pronman and the Athletic, pulled straight from their site.