As the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, teams are actively looking to make changes to their rosters in preparation for the final push towards the playoffs. With the deadline set for March 7 at 3 PM ET, player movement is expected to pick up in the coming weeks. A series of high-profile trades have already set the stage for more action as teams work to bolster their lineups.
One of the most notable moves occurred on January 24, when the Carolina Hurricanes made a bold play, acquiring scoring star Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche. Additionally, they secured 2018 Hart Memorial Trophy winner Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks in a three-team deal. This move was a significant boost to the Hurricanes’ offensive depth and set the stage for further trades in the days leading up to the deadline.
Just days later, the Philadelphia Flyers made a big splash by sending forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, and two draft picks. With this deal, the Flyers have injected some fresh talent into their roster, while also positioning themselves for potential future success.
The Vancouver Canucks followed suit on January 31, trading center J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers in a multi-player deal. This move was coupled with the acquisition of defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins, signaling a shift in the Canucks’ approach as they look to bolster their blue line.
One name generating significant trade buzz is Rasmus Ristolainen. The Flyers defenseman, who has shown improved performance this season, could be on the move before the deadline. Despite rumors that the Flyers aren’t actively shopping him, his value as a right-handed shot has sparked interest from various teams around the league. If the Flyers fall out of the playoff race, Ristolainen could be a key piece in a larger trade.
The New York Islanders are another team with trade speculation swirling around their top players, including Brock Nelson. As the team fights for a playoff spot, general manager Lou Lamoriello has remained tight-lipped about the future, but if the Islanders fail to make significant progress, it’s possible they’ll consider moving Nelson to rebuild for the future.
As teams continue to assess their positions, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining how many more trades will go down. The landscape of the NHL could look very different come March 7, with several high-profile names potentially changing addresses. Stay tuned as teams work to make their final roster adjustments ahead of the 2025 NHL playoffs.
