The 2025 NHL Trade Deadline: A Look Back
By Steven Papadopoulos, The Hockey News Intern
It’s the 2025 NHL trade deadline week, a time when the hockey world is abuzz with rumors, speculations, and groundbreaking deals. This year, one of the most eye-catching trades involved Mikko Rantanen moving from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team deal. However, the history of the NHL is littered with similarly monumental moves that have reshaped teams and altered the course of seasons. This article takes a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the most significant trades over the past decade.
Mikko Rantanen to Carolina Hurricanes: A Surprise Move
On January 24, 2025, the hockey world was caught off guard when the Colorado Avalanche traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, along with Taylor Hall, in a three-team deal. The Avalanche received centers Martin Necas and Jack Drury, while the Chicago Blackhawks got a third-round pick for retaining half of Rantanen’s $9.25-million cap hit. This trade was particularly surprising, given that Rantanen’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season. The Hurricanes, however, secured a top-10 player in Rantanen and a solid veteran in Hall, making them early contenders to win it all.
Patrick Kane’s Departure from Chicago: The End of an Era
On February 28, 2023, the Chicago Blackhawks shocked the hockey community by trading their franchise icon, Patrick Kane, to the New York Rangers. Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and winner of numerous individual accolades, had been the face of the Blackhawks for over a decade. The trade, a three-team deal involving the Arizona Coyotes, saw Chicago receive a second-round pick, a 2025 fourth-rounder, Andy Welinski, and Vili Saarijarvi. The Rangers, in addition to Kane, also acquired Cooper Zech. This move marked the end of the most successful era in Blackhawks history but allowed Kane to reunite with former teammate Artemi Panarin and potentially chase another championship, although the Rangers’ season ended in a first-round defeat to the New Jersey Devils.
Ryan O’Reilly’s Journey: From St. Louis to Toronto
In the 2022-23 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs, under then-GM Kyle Dubas, made a series of bold moves leading up to the trade deadline. The biggest of these was the acquisition of Ryan O’Reilly from the St. Louis Blues. The Leafs sent Mikhail Abramov, Adam Gaudette, a 2023 first-rounder, a 2023 third-rounder, and a 2024 second-rounder to the Blues. O’Reilly, a childhood Leafs fan, had a stellar 24-game stint with Toronto, scoring seven goals and 20 points. Although he did not re-sign with the team, his contributions helped the Leafs break their 19-year first-round playoff curse, making his brief tenure a memorable one.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Impact in Florida: A Risk Worth Taking
On July 25, 2022, the Florida Panthers made a bold move by trading Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar to the Calgary Flames for Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk, who had been in arbitration discussions with the Flames, agreed to an eight-year contract with the Panthers. This trade paid off handsomely, as Tkachuk had a career-best 109-point season in 2022-23 and helped the Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Final, winning the Cup in 2024. Huberdeau, meanwhile, continued to produce in Calgary, and Weegar set career-highs in points, making the trade a win-win for both teams.
Jack Eichel’s Resurgence in Vegas: A Stanley Cup Victory
The saga surrounding Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres came to an end on November 4, 2021, when the Sabres traded their former captain to the Vegas Golden Knights. In exchange, Vegas sent Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch, a top-10-protected first-round pick in the 2022 draft, and a second-round pick. Eichel underwent the surgery he had been advocating for, which allowed him to play pain-free. The trade proved to be a massive success for Vegas, as Eichel played a crucial role in their Stanley Cup victory in the 2023 season, contributing 26 points in 22 playoff games.
Mark Stone’s Journey: From Ottawa to Vegas
On February 25, 2019, the Ottawa Senators traded Mark Stone and Tobias Lindberg to the Vegas Golden Knights for Erik Brannstrom, Oscar Lindberg, and a 2020 second-round pick. This move was part of the Senators’ commitment to a rebuild after trading other key players. For Vegas, Stone became a cornerstone player, eventually being named the team’s first captain and playing a pivotal role in their 2023 Stanley Cup victory. His 24-point playoff performance in 2023 solidified his status as one of the league’s premier players.
These trades, among others, have left an indelible mark on the NHL, shaping the fortunes of teams and altering the trajectories of some of the league’s most talented players. Each deal, whether a resounding success or a calculated risk, underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of professional hockey. As the 2025 trade deadline approaches, the hockey world eagerly awaits the next big move that could redefine the league once again.
