Z is worth more to us than Necas

Anaheim passes

Jackets easily decline.

If Necas isn’t a fit for RBA, Zegras definitely isn’t a fit.

Carolina would be adding for a few reasons.

Zegras is still considered a center, Necas is just a winger

Zegras is younger, and cheaper.

I personally think Zegras is better as well, but that reasoning needn't apply for trade value, the above dictates Zegras is the more valuable player.

Let's put aside the contention that Zegras has more value than Necas.

Trading one top-line forward for another is not a step forward for either team. You have to add to an existing core to make progress.