The Dynamic NHL Trade Season
The 2025 NHL trade season has been a whirlwind, with the presence of the 4 Nations Face-Off creating a sense of two distinct deadlines. Teams have been hustling to make strategic moves, leading to some significant trades before the February break. Notable acquisitions include the Hurricanes’ acquisition of Mikko Rantanen and the Rangers’ reunion with J.T. Miller. Despite these early moves, the action is far from over.
Major Moves and Key Players
The biggest storyline ahead of the March 7 deadline is Mikko Rantanen. Already traded once this season, there are reports suggesting Carolina might trade him again if he doesn’t agree to a long-term extension. This could result in the season’s top blockbuster move involving the same player. Other notable names on the trading block include Brock Boeser, Brock Nelson, and Ryan Donato. The NHL’s trade deadline is always a time of high drama and speculation, and this season is no exception.
Recent Trade Activity
On March 6, the Islanders made a significant move by trading Brock Nelson to the Avalanche for D Oliver Kylington, F Calum Ritchie, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 conditional third-round pick. The Rangers, not to be outdone, have had advanced discussions with the Sabres’ F JJ Peterka. The Wild acquired Justin Brazeau from the Bruins, and the Oilers are working on a deal for Sharks D Jake Walman. The Bruins are also considering trading veteran star Brad Marchand, a move that could see him heading out west.
More Deals and Depth Moves
The Rangers continued their busy day with the acquisition of D Carson Soucy from the Kraken in exchange for a second-round pick. The Panthers added some forward depth by trading for G Kaapo Kahkonen from the Jets and C Nico Sturm from the Sharks. The Devils made a defensive addition by acquiring Brian Dumoulin. The Penguins traded Michael Bunting to the Predators, and the Lightning bolstered their roster by acquiring W Oliver Bjorkstrand and C Yanni Gourde from the Kraken.
Early Deadline Moves
Earlier in the season, the Panthers acquired D Seth Jones from the Blackhawks, and the Avalanche traded for D Ryan Lindgren, W Jimmy Vesey, and the rights to Hank Kempf from the Rangers. The Canucks acquired D Marcus Pettersson and F Drew O’Connor from the Penguins, and the Stars added C Mikael Granlund and D Cody Ceci from the Sharks. The Rangers brought back C J.T. Miller from the Canucks, and the Flyers acquired W Andrei Kuzmenko and W Jakob Pelleiter from the Flames. The Hurricanes made a monumental move by acquiring W Mikko Rantanen and W Taylor Hall in a three-team deal.
Notable Trades and Their Impact
Here is a comprehensive list of the most significant trades completed ahead of the March 7 deadline:
- March 6: The Oilers acquired D Jake Walman from the Sharks.
- March 6: The Rangers acquired D Carson Soucy from the Kraken.
- March 6: The Panthers acquired G Kaapo Kahkonen from the Jets.
- March 6: The Golden Knights acquired W Reilly Smith from the Rangers.
- March 6: The Panthers acquired C Nico Sturm and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Sharks.
- March 5: The Penguins traded Michael Bunting to the Predators.
- March 5: The Lightning acquired W Oliver Bjorkstrand, C Yanni Gourde, and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Kraken.
- March 4: The Oilers acquired C Trent Federic, W Max Jones, and prospect Petr Hauser.
- March 1: The Panthers acquired D Seth Jones from the Blackhawks.
- March 1: The Avalanche acquired D Ryan Lindgren, W Jimmy Vesey, and the rights to Hank Kempf from the Rangers.
- Feb. 1: The Canucks acquired D Marcus Pettersson and F Drew O’Connor from the Penguins.
- Feb. 1: The Stars acquired C Mikael Granlund and D Cody Ceci from the Sharks.
- Jan. 31: The Rangers acquired C J.T. Miller from the Canucks.
- Jan. 30: The Flyers acquired W Andrei Kuzmenko and W Jakob Pelleiter from the Flames.
- Jan. 24: The Hurricanes acquired W Mikko Rantanen and W Taylor Hall in a three-team deal.
- Dec. 18: The Kraken acquired W Kaapo Kakko from the Rangers.
- Dec. 14: The Blues acquired D Cam Fowler and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Ducks.
- Dec. 6: The Ducks acquired D Jacob Trouba from the Rangers.
These trades have reshaped the NHL landscape, providing teams with the necessary depth and skill to compete for the Stanley Cup. As the deadline approaches, the excitement and speculation only continue to build.
