NHL Trade Deadline 2025: The Race is On
The NHL’s trade deadline, set for 3 p.m. ET on Friday, is a critical time for teams vying for the Stanley Cup. It’s a period where general managers scramble to seal deals that could make or break their playoff hopes. This year, the market is particularly active, with several notable players potentially on the move. Here’s a closer look at some of the key trade candidates and the latest developments.
Mikko Rantanen: A High-Profile Focal Point
Mikko Rantanen, the 28-year-old right winger for the Carolina Hurricanes, has become one of the most sought-after players in the trade market. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Thursday night that the Hurricanes and Dallas Stars had the framework of a deal in place for Rantanen. However, as TSN’s Darren Dreger pointed out on Friday morning, the deal is not yet finalized. The critical sticking point is Rantanen’s contract extension. The Stars have been given permission to negotiate a new deal with Rantanen, but if he does not agree to terms, the Hurricanes may need to re-evaluate their options. Rantanen’s performance on and off the ice has made him a valuable asset, and his future remains uncertain as the deadline looms.
Brad Marchand: A Veteran with Staying Power
Brad Marchand, the 36-year-old left winger for the Boston Bruins, is another player generating significant interest. TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that the Bruins and Marchand are engaged in contract extension talks, but the team is still receiving inquiries from other clubs. There’s a prevailing sentiment in the NHL that Marchand could be on the move to a team “out west,” though no definitive trade is on the horizon. Marchand’s experience, tenacity, and scoring ability make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their lineup. However, the Bruins are likely to hold out for a favorable deal that aligns with their long-term goals.
Rickard Rakell: A Lucrative Prospect on the Market
Rickard Rakell, the 31-year-old scoring right winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is also available for trade. According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, the Penguins are not willing to part with Rakell for a meager offer. He is signed through the 2027-28 season with an average annual value of $5 million, and his eight-team no-trade list adds another layer of complexity to any potential deal. Rakell’s offensive prowess and contract stability make him a valuable asset, but it will take a substantial offer to pry him away from Pittsburgh. Teams interested in Rakell must weigh the cost against the potential benefits, making him a highly intriguing but challenging trade candidate.
Brayden Schenn: A Captain with a High Price Tag
Brayden Schenn, the 33-year-old captain of the St. Louis Blues, is another name in the trade rumors. TSN’s Darren Dreger believes Schenn and former New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (now traded to Colorado) are among the Toronto Maple Leafs’ prime targets. Schenn has three more years on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, which has set a high asking price for the Blues. The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford reported that the Blues do not feel pressured to trade their captain, and they are waiting for offers that meet their expectations. Schenn’s leadership and scoring ability are highly valued, and any team acquiring him would be making a significant commitment.
Brock Boeser: A Stalled Contract Talks Spark Interest
Brock Boeser, the 28-year-old right winger for the Vancouver Canucks, is another player whose future is in question. Contract extension talks between the Canucks and Boeser have stalled, and TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that the Canucks have been exploring his value in the trade market. While the Canucks may retain Boeser and continue negotiations if they don’t find a suitable offer, the possibility of a trade remains open. Boeser’s scoring potential and cap-friendly contract (he is signed through 2024-25 with an average annual value of $5.875 million) make him an attractive option for teams looking to shore up their wings.
Other Notable Trade Candidates
The trade deadline market includes several other notable players. Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, a reliable depth forward, has been attracting interest from multiple teams. Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports that the Flyers are hesitant to trade Laughton but are still listening to offers. Potential suitors include the Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Winnipeg Jets. Laughton’s versatility and reliability make him a solid addition to any playoff-bound team.
John Gibson, the 31-year-old goalie for the Anaheim Ducks, is another player being discussed. The trade market for goalies is thin this season, which has not helped Gibson’s value. The Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly among his preferred destinations, but as Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic notes, neither team seems particularly interested in acquiring him. Gibson’s experience and potential could still make him a valuable asset for a team in need of goaltending depth, but the lack of interest suggests that his trade value may not meet the Ducks’ expectations.
Finally, Brandon Tanev of the Seattle Kraken has been sidelined for trade-related purposes. The Kraken made a significant move by trading Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they are reportedly willing to retain half of Tanev’s $3.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade. Tanev’s physical play and energy make him a valuable player in the bottom six, and his availability could trigger a flurry of activity as the deadline approaches.
The NHL trade deadline is always a tense and exciting time, and with several high-profile players potentially on the move, this year promises to be no exception. Teams will have to balance their immediate needs with long-term goals to ensure they make the right moves. Stay tuned for the latest developments and updates as the deadline approaches.
