The Sure-Things
Right now, the 2025 NHL playoff race is wide open, and the league’s general managers (GMs) have two more days to position their teams for a championship run. This height of uncertainty and competition creates a fertile ground for eager sellers to capitalize on the market. Five teams are out of the playoff race and have valuable assets that could fetch significant returns at the deadline.
The Philadelphia Flyers are among the sure-things in the seller category. With the St. Louis Blues reportedly setting a high price for Brayden Schenn, it’s possible he might remain with the Blues. However, if Schenn is off the table, Scott Laughton becomes one of the top centers available. Laughton’s versatility and ability to play in high-pressure situations make him an attractive option for contending teams looking to shore up their center ice. Other potential Flyers trade candidates include Andrei Kuzmenko and Erik Johnson as rental players, and Rasmus Ristolainen, a rugged defenseman with another year left on his contract and no trade protection, could also draw interest. The Flyers are in a position to leverage these assets for a mix of immediate and future returns, potentially boosting their rebuild efforts.
The Seattle Kraken: A Crossroads
The Seattle Kraken are another team facing a crucial decision. Despite a coaching change and significant free-agent signings, the Kraken have struggled to find their footing this season, putting GM Ron Francis in a tight spot. The pressure to make impactful moves to turn the team’s fortunes around—and possibly secure his job—could lead to some big trades. Original Kraken players Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev, both on expiring deals, could provide immediate help to a playoff-bound team. However, the intrigue lies in whether Francis might move players with long-term contracts, such as Jamie Oleksiak or Oliver Bjorkstrand. These decisions carry significant weight, and the Kraken’s GM will need to balance the immediate need for improvement with the long-term health of the team. If Francis does decide to make bold moves, it could reshape the Kraken’s future and the playoff landscape.
Buffalo Sabres: Contemplating the Next Move
The Buffalo Sabres have been the subject of trade rumors for months, particularly regarding Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram. GM Kevyn Adams might opt for smaller, less risky trades rather than repeating past missteps where former Sabres players excelled with new teams. The Sabres have already indicated that pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) Henri Jokiharju and Jason Zucker might be on the move, sitting them out in a recent game against San Jose. Jordan Greenway, who has an eight-team no-trade list, could also be a rental option. Adams’s cautious approach is understandable, but the deadline could push him to make some critical decisions. Moving these veterans while collecting valuable assets could help solidify the Sabres’ rebuild and set them up for future success.
San Jose Sharks: Streamlining the Roster
The San Jose Sharks have already made some moves, trading UFA goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the Florida Panthers. GM Mike Grier has been actively tweaking the roster to support his young talents, but there’s room for more. Forwards Luke Kunin and Nico Sturm, both without trade protection, are rental options that could interest contending teams. Mario Ferraro, a solid defenseman, might also draw attention, but Grier will be cautious about moving him. The Sharks are in a delicate position, balancing the need to provide experience for their younger players with the opportunity to acquire assets that could propel them forward. Grier’s decisions will be crucial in shaping the Sharks’ future and their playoff prospects.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Strategic Moves
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a team with a storied history, and while it’s unlikely that perennial star Sidney Crosby will join Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado, right winger Rickard Rakell could be a hot commodity. Rakell, 31, has had a stellar bounce-back year with 29 goals and a manageable $5 million cap hit that will become more palatable as the salary cap increases in the coming years. Rakell’s limited no-trade list (eight teams) adds another layer of intrigue. Contending teams looking for a scoring boost could make aggressive offers, and the Penguins might find it advantageous to trade him for a mix of prospects and immediate help. This move could signal the Penguins’ pivot towards a younger, more sustainable roster while still maintaining a competitive edge.
The Possibles: High-Stakes Decisions
No matter their playoff prospects, these enigmatic squads seem most likely to make or break deadline day. Their GMs face high-stakes decisions that will resonate whether they go all-in or stand pat.
The New York Islanders have been treading water for a while, and their recent win over the Winnipeg Jets keeps them within striking distance of a playoff spot. This ambiguity makes it challenging to predict GM Lou Lamoriello’s moves. The Islanders have a strong core, but the impending free agency of Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri could be a tipping point. Nelson, in particular, is a valuable asset with his scoring ability and leadership. Lamoriello’s loyalty to his players might weigh heavily on any decision, but if the right offer comes along, he could be persuaded to part ways. The Islanders’ moves could either solidify their playoff push or set them up for a stronger future.
Vancouver Canucks: Franchise Decisions
The Vancouver Canucks are also in a tricky position. GM Patrik Allvin has been open about the potential trade of defenseman Carson Soucy, but Soucy’s full no-trade clause for the rest of the season could limit the return. Pius Suter and Derek Forbort, both pending UFAs, are likely to stay with the team as the Canucks aim for a playoff berth. However, the elephant in the room is the possibility of trading franchise cornerstones Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson. Despite their recent slump in scoring, both players have the potential to attract significant interest. Pettersson’s cap hit is substantial, but with no trade protection until July 1, a team with a deep prospect pool might step up. A trade involving these players could have seismic effects on the Canucks and the league, making this deadline a pivotal moment for Vancouver.
Nashville Predators: Risk and Reward
The Nashville Predators find themselves in a situation where the clock has run out early in Music City. GM Barry Trotz has been making small tweaks to the roster all season, and he might continue this strategy. However, the Predators’ biggest asset, Mikko Rantanen, adds a layer of complexity. If Rantanen is flipped by the deadline, it would be one of the most memorable trades this season. Even if Rantanen’s future with the Predators is uncertain, they might roll the dice and keep him, hoping a strong playoff run could change his mind. The Predators are in a position to either make a bold move or consolidate their position, and either decision could have long-lasting implications for the team and the league.
Boston Bruins: Balancing Act
The Boston Bruins have already made a significant move with the trade of Trent Frederic to Edmonton, despite his injury. With Brad Marchand listed as week-to-week, there’s speculation that he could be next. Marchand, the team’s captain, has only an eight-team no-trade list, but GM Don Sweeney has been clear about Marchand’s desire to stay with the Bruins. Sweeney’s long-standing relationship with Marchand might make it difficult to part ways, even as contract challenges loom. Instead, it’s more likely that we’ll see Justin Brazeau move as a rental. Andrew Peeke, a big, young depth defenseman with term, could also draw interest. The Bruins’ moves will need to balance immediate needs with the long-term future of the franchise, ensuring they remain competitive while also building for the future.
Carolina Hurricanes: A Big Decision
The Carolina Hurricanes are in a unique position as a rookie GM, Eric Tulsky, takes the helm. One of the most significant decisions facing Tulsky is whether to trade Mikko Rantanen. Rantanen’s value is undeniable, but the risk of him walking away on July 1 adds a layer of uncertainty. If another team can secure a long-term commitment from Rantanen, the Hurricanes could receive a substantial return. However, if Rantanen remains a rental, the Hurricanes might decide to keep him and aim for a deep playoff run. Winning could persuade Rantanen to consider a future in Carolina, and the team’s young core could be a selling point. Tulsky’s first major decision as GM will be closely watched, and it could set the tone for the Hurricanes’ future.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and pivotal moments in recent hockey history. The teams discussed here are at various stages of their rebuilds and championship pursuits, and their decisions will have far-reaching consequences. For the sure-things like the Flyers, Kraken, Sabres, Sharks, and Penguins, the focus is on maximizing asset returns and setting the foundation for the future. For the possibles like the Islanders, Canucks, Predators, Bruins, and Hurricanes, the stakes are even higher, with decisions that could alter their trajectories for years to come. As the deadline approaches, the hockey world will be watching closely to see which teams rise to the occasion and which are left to contemplate the moves that might have changed their fortunes.
