NHL Trade Deadline 2025: Bold Predictions for Every Team

The 2025 NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be a dramatic one, with teams across the league poised to make bold moves—or, in some cases, stand pat. Here’s a snapshot of the most intriguing predictions for each team as we approach the March 7 deadline.

Anaheim Ducks: Could this finally be the year John Gibson packs his bags? The Ducks would need to reduce his $6.4 million cap hit to attract suitors, but with his bounce-back season, there’s real potential here. And let’s face it, Edmonton and Carolina could certainly use the help in goal.

Boston Bruins: Trading Brad Marchand might sound like blasphemy in Boston, but with the captain unsigned beyond this season, the Bruins may prioritize future assets over loyalty. A hard pill to swallow for fans, but hey, all bets are off.

Buffalo Sabres: Jason Zucker’s one-year deal and impressive 44 points in 54 games make him a hot commodity. If the Sabres can’t lock him into a new contract, trading him while his value is sky-high seems like the smart move.

Calgary Flames: The Flames are in the market for both young forwards and future assets, thanks to nearly $18 million in cap space. They could emerge as the ultimate trade brokers, making moves that cater to both present and future ambitions.

Carolina Hurricanes: The buzz around Mikko Rantanen suggests trade rumors, but Carolina seems determined to lock him into an eight-year, $106 million deal. A bold play for a bold team.

Chicago Blackhawks: Trading defenseman Seth Jones seems like a long shot given his hefty cap hit, but if the stars align (and a Cup-contending team makes the right offer), anything’s possible.

Colorado Avalanche: If they snag Brad Marchand, the Avalanche would be making a statement. Marchand’s veteran leadership and scoring depth could be game-changing for Colorado.

Columbus Blue Jackets: A top-nine forward is on their wishlist, and with their surprising season, GM Don Waddell might reward the team with a roster boost. Gustav Nyquist, anyone?

Dallas Stars: Standing pat isn’t flashy, but after acquiring Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci, Dallas seems content. With limited assets left to trade, it’s a pragmatic decision.

Detroit Red Wings: With their blue line thinned by injuries, the Wings are likely to prioritize a defenseman over a center at the deadline. A smart, if not splashy, move.

Edmonton Oilers: While goaltending woes dominate fan chatter, the Oilers are more likely to target a scoring winger. Adding depth on offense could be the key to a playoff push.

Florida Panthers: Could Matthew Tkachuk be sent to LTIR to free up cap space for a big defensive acquisition? The Panthers are chasing glory and aren’t afraid to take risks.

Los Angeles Kings: Adding a scoring winger to play alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe could be just what the Kings need to solidify their playoff positioning.

Minnesota Wild: Injuries to key players open the door for the Wild to become buyers. A potential trade for Brock Nelson would add much-needed depth at center.

Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens might acquire a roster player with term, addressing long-term needs while staying creative and bold at the deadline.

Nashville Predators: A call-up for Joakim Kemell could be the storyline Nashville needs during a lost season. It’s a gamble, but isn’t that what bold predictions are all about?

New Jersey Devils: With a strong collection of forwards, the Devils are eyeing a top-six addition to balance their lineup. Ondrej Palat or Tomas Tatar could shift to bottom-six roles to make room.

New York Islanders: Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s trade value as a No. 3 center with a meager market makes him a prime candidate to be moved—assuming the Isles retain part of his salary.

New York Rangers: Once playoff hopefuls, the Rangers might turn into sellers, focusing on future assets over a potential (and unlikely) deep playoff run.

Ottawa Senators: Crippled by salary cap issues, the Senators may be forced to sit out the trade deadline, relying instead on returning players to boost their lineup.

Philadelphia Flyers: Despite being in a rebuild, the Flyers may not make a trade at all. High asking prices for Rasmus Ristolainen and Scott Laughton could lead to a quiet deadline.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Rickard Rakell’s productive season makes him a valuable trade chip, but his streaky reputation and long contract might keep him in Pittsburgh.

San Jose Sharks: Mario Ferraro could be shopped around but likely won’t be moved unless the Sharks receive an offer too good to refuse.

Seattle Kraken: Injured center Yanni Gourde remains a desirable trade piece, even as a classic seller team. His reputation as a playoff performer could net the Kraken a solid return.

St. Louis Blues: Captain Brayden Schenn’s name has floated in trade conversations, but moving him would depend on a perfect alignment of interest and persuasion.

Tampa Bay Lightning: A potential reunion with Yanni Gourde could address Tampa’s need for reinforcements, though his injury status complicates matters.

Toronto Maple Leafs: With organizational pressure mounting, the Leafs might make a big splash this year. It’s about time Treliving takes a swing for the fences.

Utah Hockey Club: Stockpiled with picks and prospects, Utah is ready to add NHL-caliber talent. A top-six forward seems to be on their radar.

Vancouver Canucks: In a bid to balance short- and long-term goals, the Canucks could both buy and sell at the deadline. Strategic moves will be key.

Vegas Golden Knights: A potential trade for Brandon Tanev adds grit to their lineup without breaking the bank. Vegas knows how to play the deadline game.

Washington Capitals: The Caps might target a third-line center like Jake Evans to solidify their playoff aspirations and long-term roster flexibility.

Winnipeg Jets: Acquiring Rasmus Ristolainen and Scott Laughton from the Flyers would fill two key holes, though it would require a significant trade package.

With so many potential moves on the table, this year’s NHL trade deadline promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Buckle up, hockey lovers—March 7 is going to be a wild ride!