2025 NHL Trade Deadline: Rumors & News
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NHL Trade Deadline Analysis: Key Moves and What They Mean
Table of Contents
- NHL Trade Deadline Analysis: Key Moves and What They Mean
- NHL Trade Deadline: Key Moves and Analysis
- Key Trades and Transactions
- Detroit Red Wings and Ville Husso
- Dallas stars Acquire Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci
- Rangers Acquire Juuso Parssinen
- Rangers and Canucks Trade: J.T. Miller Heads to New York
- Flames and Flyers Swap Forwards
- Vegas Golden Knights Sign Brandon Saad
- Islanders Acquire Scott Perunovich
- Avalanche and Hurricanes Shake Things Up
- Predators and Avalanche Swap Players
- Rangers Trade kaapo Kakko
- Key Trades and Transactions
- NHL Trade Roundup: Key Moves and Roster changes Impacting Teams
- Notable Trades and transactions
- Jacob Trouba Traded to Anaheim Ducks
- Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators Swap Defensemen
- Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire P.O. Joseph
- Cam Fowler Lands with St. Louis Blues
- Goaltending Changes in Colorado
- Mackenzie blackwood Trade Details
- Igor Shesterkin’s Extension with the Rangers
- Other Notable Trades
- Minnesota Wild Acquire David Jiricek
- Avalanche Acquire Scott Wedgewood
- Philip Tomasino Traded to Pittsburgh
- Lars Eller Returns to Washington
- Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Matt Benning
- Utah Hockey Club Adds Olli Maatta
- Impact and analysis
- Notable Trades and transactions
Published: March 5, 2025
With the NHL trade deadline just two days away, teams are making meaningful moves to bolster their rosters for the playoffs. Several blockbuster trades have already occurred, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
Before the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Mikko Rantanen was dealt by the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes. Additionally, J.T.Miller was traded by the Vancouver Canucks to the New york Rangers.
The Avalanche have also adjusted their goaltending, while the Dallas Stars acquired Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers have also been active, adding Seth Jones and two forwards, respectively.
Expect more activity as the March 7, 3 p.m. ET deadline approaches. Teams will either gear up for a playoff push or trade veterans for future assets.
TRADE DEADLINE: Team needs | Who has signed extensions?
Key Trades and Analysis
Tampa Bay Lightning Acquire Forwards
The Lightning acquired forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick, from the Kraken. In return, the Kraken received forward Mikey Eyssimont, two first-round picks (2026 and 2027), and a 2025 second-round pick.
This move addresses the Lightning’s depth issues, which have arisen due to salary cap constraints as their Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021. Gourde, a pending unrestricted free agent, was a key part of those championship teams.Bjorkstrand is a consistent scorer, on pace for his sixth 20-goal season in seven years, and has another year remaining on his contract.
The Lightning’s recent performance, with nine wins in their last 10 games, signals their intent to compete for the Stanley Cup.They are known for trading draft picks to maintain their championship aspirations.the kraken, currently out of playoff contention, will benefit from the long-term value of the first-round picks. The Kraken also retain 50% of Bjorkstrand’s salary, with the Red Wings retaining 25% in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Panthers Add Goaltending Depth
Following the seth Jones trade, the Panthers have added goaltending depth by acquiring Vanecek, a pending unrestricted free agent, to serve as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup. The Sharks received Patrick Giles in return.
The Panthers had the cap space to accommodate Vanecek’s $3.4 million cap hit after placing Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injured reserve.Giles, 25, is a former Boston Collage forward who has primarily played in the American Hockey League.
Other Notable Moves
- The Penguins received a 2028 fifth-round pick.
- Rangers forward reilly Smith sat out a third consecutive game due to trade-related reasons.
Oilers Acquire Trent Frederic
The Edmonton Oilers acquired pending unrestricted free agent forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins, with the New Jersey Devils facilitating the trade to retain part of his salary.
Frederic’s offensive output has declined this season, but his physical style of play makes him valuable in the playoffs. The Oilers, who reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last season, have been missing that element since Evander Kane’s surgeries.Frederic is currently week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The Bruins received two draft picks and defenseman Max Wanner in the trade.
Here are the details of the trade:
Trade 1: Boston Bruins trade Trent Frederic (50% salary retained) to New Jersey Devils in exchange for unsigned draft choice Petr Hauser.
Trade 2: New Jersey trades trent Frederic (50% salary retained) to Edmonton in exchange for unsigned draft choice Shane Lachance.
Trade 3: Boston trades Max Jones and unsigned draft choice Petr Hauser to Edmonton in exchange for Max Wanner, St. Louis’ second-round pick in 2025 (owned by Edmonton) and Edmonton’s own fourth-round selection in 2026.
Blackhawks Acquire Spencer Knight
The Florida Panthers sent goalie spencer Knight and a conditional 2026 first-round pick (which could move to 2027) to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Seth jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick. The Blackhawks retain 26% of his salary.
Jones’ recent comments expressing frustration with the team’s play essentially pushed the trade. The Panthers gain a right-shot defenseman who can play significant minutes, filling the void left by Brandon Montour’s departure. Knight, now free from backing up Sergei Bobrovsky, has the opportunity to establish himself as a No. 1 goalie.
TRADE GRADE: Who won Seth Jones trade?
Wild Add Gustav Nyquist
The Minnesota Wild acquired Gustav
NHL Trade Deadline: Key Moves and Analysis
The NHL trade deadline saw a flurry of activity as teams positioned themselves for playoff contention or future success. Several significant trades and signings occurred, impacting various teams across the league.
Key Trades and Transactions
Detroit Red Wings and Ville Husso
the Detroit Red Wings cleared cap space by trading goaltender Ville Husso, who carries a $4.75 million cap hit. Husso, who played only nine games for Detroit and spent considerable time in the AHL, was sent to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. The Ducks assigned Husso to the San diego Gulls due to an injury to goalie Calle Clang.
Dallas stars Acquire Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci
The Dallas Stars bolstered their roster by acquiring forward mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci. In exchange, the Stars gave up a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional third-round pick. This move addresses injuries to key players such as Tyler Seguin, Mason Marchment, Miro Heiskanen, and Nils Lundqvist.
Granlund,who led the Sharks with 45 points in 52 games,is expected to enhance the Stars’ forward depth. Ceci, who led San Jose in ice time and blocked shots, will strengthen the defense. Both players are pending unrestricted free agents. The conditional third-round pick will become a fourth-rounder if the Stars fail to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Rangers Acquire Juuso Parssinen
The New York Rangers have acquired F Juuso Parssinen, D Calvin de Haan, a 2nd round pick and a 4th. Both picks in 2025 draft.
AAV. Rangers receive F juuso Parssinen, D Calvin de Haan, 2nd round pick and a 4th. Both picks in 2025 draft.
Notes on picks:
-2nd round…— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) March 1, 2025
Rangers and Canucks Trade: J.T. Miller Heads to New York
In a significant trade, the New York rangers acquired J.T. Miller, Erik Brannstrom, and Jackson dorrington from the vancouver Canucks. The Rangers sent Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 draft to Vancouver. The pick is top-13 protected.
The Canucks subsequently traded the acquired first-round pick to the Pittsburgh penguins, along with Danton Heinen, Vincent desharnais, and Melvin Fernstrom, in exchange for Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor.
ANALYSIS: Who won the trade?
Flames and Flyers Swap Forwards
Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost were traded to Calgary, while Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2028 seventh-round pick went to Philadelphia. This trade aims to provide scoring depth for the Flames and a fresh start for Kuzmenko with the Flyers.
Farabee, a two-time 20-goal scorer, and Frost are expected to bolster Calgary’s offensive capabilities.Kuzmenko, a pending unrestricted free agent, offers the Flyers an opportunity to evaluate his fit alongside Russian rookie Matvei Michkov. Pelletier can contribute to the Flyers’ bottom-six forward group and penalty-killing efforts.
Vegas Golden Knights Sign Brandon Saad
The Vegas Golden knights signed forward Brandon Saad for the remainder of the season at a pro-rated $1.5 million. Saad,a two-time Stanley Cup winner,was released by the St. Louis Blues, allowing him to become a free agent.While his goal production has decreased this season,he scored 26 goals last season.
Islanders Acquire Scott Perunovich
the new York Islanders acquired Scott perunovich from the St. Louis Blues for a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick. This move addresses an injury-plagued defense, particularly after Ryan Pulock was placed on injured reserve. Perunovich recorded six points in 24 games with the Blues this season. This follows the Islanders’ recent signing of Tony DeAngelo due to Noah Dobson’s injury.
Avalanche and Hurricanes Shake Things Up
The Colorado Avalanche traded Mikko Rantanen to the carolina Hurricanes for Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-rounder. The Hurricanes also acquired Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks, who retained 50% of Rantanen’s salary.
This trade allows the Avalanche to manage their salary structure, particularly with Nathan MacKinnon’s significant contract. Necas, the Hurricanes’ top scorer, is signed through next season, while Drury is signed through 2025-26.
Last year, the Hurricanes were also aggressive before the deadline, but they lost in the second round and weren’t able to re-sign Jake guentzel.
Predators and Avalanche Swap Players
The Nashville Predators traded forward Juuso Parssinen to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, the Predators received forward Ondrej pavel and a 2027 third-round pick. The Avalanche also get a 2026 seventh-round pick.
The Predators had earlier called up forward Vinnie Hinostroza,the AHL’s leading scorer. parssinen had five points in 15 games with nashville this season.
Rangers Trade kaapo Kakko
The New York Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko to get back defenseman Will Borgen and 2025 third- and sixth-round picks. The trade occurred shortly after Kakko expressed his frustration with being a healthy scratch. ”It’s just easy to take the young guy and put him out,” he said.
Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick in 2019, has not lived up to expectations, with his best season being 2022-23 when he recorded 40 points. He has 14 points this season.
NHL Trade Roundup: Key Moves and Roster changes Impacting Teams
The NHL has seen a flurry of trade activity, with teams making significant moves to bolster their rosters. From defenseman acquisitions to goaltending changes,here’s a breakdown of the latest transactions.
Notable Trades and transactions
Jacob Trouba Traded to Anaheim Ducks
On December 6, the Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers. This move provides the Ducks with a veteran presence on their blue line. The Rangers received defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick in return. The ducks also absorbed Trouba’s $8 million cap hit,offering the Rangers financial flexibility.
trouba, who has faced challenges this season, brings experience to the Ducks’ young team. He joins Radko Gudas as one of the league’s moast physical players.
Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators Swap Defensemen
In a trade on December 18, the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators exchanged defensemen. Justin barron, 23, is heading to Nashville, while Alexandre Carrier, 28, joins the Canadiens.Carrier, who signed a three-year deal this offseason, provides Montreal with a seasoned right-shot defenseman. this trade also saves the Predators $2.6 million in cap space.
Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire P.O. Joseph
The Pittsburgh Penguins added defenseman P.O. Joseph from the St. Louis Blues for future considerations. Joseph’s arrival will support the Penguins’ defense while Marcus Pettersson is sidelined due to injury. Joseph previously played his first four NHL seasons with Pittsburgh.
Cam Fowler Lands with St. Louis Blues
The St.louis Blues acquired defenseman Cam Fowler, 33, from the Anaheim Ducks. In exchange, the Blues sent minor league defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka and a 2027 second-round pick to Anaheim. The Blues also receive a 2027 fourth-round pick, with the Ducks retaining approximately 38.5% of Fowler’s remaining salary.
With Torey Krug out due to an ankle injury, Fowler, who averages over 21 minutes of ice time per game, will provide a veteran presence on the Blues’ blue line. Fowler’s move occurred eight days after the Ducks acquired Jacob Trouba.
Goaltending Changes in Colorado
The Colorado Avalanche have revamped their goaltending lineup following a subpar start to the season. Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood now lead the way after trades with the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators,respectively.
Mackenzie blackwood Trade Details
The blackwood trade involves forward Givani Smith and a draft pick going to Colorado, while forward Nikolai Kovalenko and two picks head to San Jose. Blackwood’s .904 save percentage contrasts with georgiev’s .874. Blackwood made 49 saves in his last game, while Georgiev was pulled in his second-to-last start.
Igor Shesterkin’s Extension with the Rangers
The New York Rangers made headlines by trading captain Jacob trouba and signing Igor shesterkin to an eight-year extension, making him the highest-paid NHL goalie. The Rangers officially announced the extension on Saturday.
Shesterkin’s new deal averages $11.5 million, surpassing Carey Price ($10.5 million) as the league’s top-paid goaltender. The Rangers heavily rely on Shesterkin,who faces numerous high-danger shots.
Other Notable Trades
- Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens: Jacob Perreault to Edmonton for Noel Hoefenmayer.
- Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets: David Jiricek to Minnesota for Daemon Hunt and draft picks.
- Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators: Scott Wedgewood to Colorado for Justus Annunen and a sixth-round pick.
- Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins: Philip Tomasino to Pittsburgh for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
- Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins: Lars Eller to Washington for draft picks.
- Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks: Matt Benning to Toronto for Timothy Liljegren and draft picks.
- Utah Hockey Club and Detroit Red Wings: Acquiring defenseman Olli Maatta from the Detroit Red Wings.
Minnesota Wild Acquire David Jiricek
The Minnesota Wild acquired former first-round pick David Jiricek, 21, from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Daemon Hunt, 22, and a package of draft picks, including a top-five protected 2025 first-round pick. Jiricek will report to the Wild’s AHL team. The other picks heading to Columbus include 2026 third- and fourth-rounders and a 2027 second-rounder. The Wild also receive a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Avalanche Acquire Scott Wedgewood
The Colorado Avalanche acquired backup goalie scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators for Justus Annunen and a sixth-round pick. The Avalanche, who have the league’s third-worst team goals-against average, were expected to make a goaltending move. Wedgewood, 32, has another year left on his contract.
Philip Tomasino Traded to Pittsburgh
The Nashville Predators traded Philip Tomasino to the pittsburgh penguins for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Penguins gain another player for their bottom six with Tomasino,whose best season was 32 points as a rookie in 2021-22.
Lars Eller Returns to Washington
Centre Lars Eller, 35, is back with the Washington Capitals after playing there from 2016-23, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2018. The Pittsburgh Penguins receive a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder. This trade may indicate a roster shakeup for the Penguins, allowing them to give more ice time to younger players.
Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Matt Benning
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Matt benning, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-rounder from the San jose sharks for Timothy Liljegren. Liljegren should fit in well in San Jose, which is building around younger players. Benning, 30, and liljegren are signed through 2025-26.
Utah Hockey Club Adds Olli Maatta
The Utah Hockey Club addressed their need for a veteran defenseman by acquiring Olli Maatta from the Detroit Red Wings for a third-round pick. With sean Durzi and John Marino out long-term, Maatta’s experience will be crucial for Utah’s defense.
Impact and analysis
These trades reflect teams’ efforts to address specific needs and improve their competitiveness. The moves range from acquiring veteran leadership to providing opportunities for younger players. As the season progresses, it will be engaging to see how these changes impact team performance.
Trade Summary Table
| Date | Team | Acquired | Traded Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 6 | Anaheim Ducks | Jacob Trouba | Urho Vaakanainen, 2025 4th round pick |
| Dec 18 | Montreal Canadiens | Alexandre Carrier | Justin Barron |
| Dec 18 | St. Louis Blues | Cam Fowler, 2027 fourth-round pick | Jeremie Biakabutuka, 2027 second-round pick |
| Dec 18 | Colorado Avalanche | Mackenzie Blackwood, Givani Smith | Nikolai Kovalenko, draft picks |
| Dec 18 | Minnesota Wild | David Jiricek, 2025 fifth-round pick | Daemon Hunt, draft picks |
| Dec 18 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Matt Benning, draft picks | Timothy Liljegren |
Nyquist for future considerations from the Washington Capitals.
Nyquist’s versatility and experience make him a valuable addition to Minnesota’s forward group, which had been searching for secondary scoring. He is a pending unrestricted free agent.
Canadiens Ink Cole Eiserman
The Montreal Canadiens signed Cole Eiserman to three-year, entry-level deal on Sunday.
The San Jose Sharks have landed another college free agent. On Monday morning, Sharks GM Mike Grier announced that the team has inked Quinnipiac University forward Collin Graf to a three-year entry-level contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Graf has spent the last trio of seasons with quinnipiac. He was named to the ECAC Hockey First All-Star Team this season, notching 22 goals and 49 points in 34 games.
Nyquist for future considerations from the Washington Capitals.
Nyquist’s versatility and experience make him a valuable addition to Minnesota’s forward group, which had been searching for secondary scoring. He is a pending unrestricted free agent.
Canadiens Ink Cole Eiserman
The Montreal Canadiens signed Cole Eiserman to three-year, entry-level deal on Sunday.
The San Jose Sharks have landed another college free agent. On Monday morning, Sharks GM Mike Grier announced that the team has inked Quinnipiac University forward collin Graf to a three-year entry-level contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Graf has spent the last trio of seasons with Quinnipiac.He was named to the ECAC Hockey First all-Star Team this season, notching 22 goals and 49 points in 34 games.