The 2025 NHL trade deadline has concluded, with teams aiming for the Stanley Cup strengthening their rosters. The trades made recently will play a crucial role in deciding who wins the championship.
While the trade deadline started slowly, it became very exciting. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche made several significant trades, preparing for a potentially intense first-round playoff series.
In the Eastern Conference, the Atlantic Division has become incredibly competitive. The Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning have all improved their already strong teams. The team that emerges from this division will be a strong contender for the conference final.
Looking at past Stanley Cup champions, it’s clear that aggressive trading has paid off. Teams like the Panthers, Golden Knights, and Avalanche made bold trades that led to championships. The teams on this list could continue this trend in 2025.
5. Yanni Gourde | C | Tampa Bay Lightning
Former team: Seattle Kraken
Reuniting players can be risky, but this could be very successful. Gourde is known as a top defensive forward and was important in Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021. His return makes the Lightning stronger in the competitive Eastern Conference.
When Gourde was on the ice for the Kraken at five-on-five, they allowed very few expected goals against per 60 minutes. This was the best on the team. Tampa Bay has strong offensive players, but defense is key to winning championships, and Gourde can defend against any top opposing player.
4. Seth Jones | D | Florida Panthers
Former team: Chicago Blackhawks
The defending Stanley Cup champions, already strong defensively, added Jones from the Blackhawks. Jones had mixed results in Chicago, partly due to a struggling team around him. However, with better teammates and a stronger team structure in Florida, Jones has the potential to significantly impact both offense and defense.
Jones brings size and good skating ability, which fits the style of Florida’s defense. Most of their defensemen are big. Jones adds to this with his size, making Florida’s defense ready for a deep playoff run.
3. Brad Marchand | LW | Florida Panthers
Former team: Boston Bruins
Jones wasn’t Florida’s only move, nor their biggest. Just before the trade deadline, Florida traded for the Bruins captain, Marchand. While Marchand might not be at his absolute peak, he still brings toughness and skill to the Panthers. His goal-scoring ability will be immediately valuable, and he adds significant playoff experience.
Florida’s coach, Paul Maurice, has many options for using Marchand. A very exciting option would be to play him with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk. That line would be very difficult for opponents to play against. He could also play on the third line with Anton Lundell. Either way, Marchand is in a good position to succeed in Florida.
2. Brock Nelson | C | Colorado Avalanche
Former team: New York Islanders
The Avalanche were looking for a second-line center and found a top option in Nelson. It’s uncertain if Nelson is a long-term solution, but he immediately fills a need and makes Colorado much stronger behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Nelson has averaged almost 25 goals per season and should do well with better offensive matchups, as opponents will focus on MacKinnon. If Nelson plays with Valeri Nichushkin, it could be a very effective pairing in the playoffs and help the Avalanche become champions.
1. Mikko Rantanen | RW | Dallas Stars
Former team: Carolina Hurricanes
The Dallas Stars, already strong, have become even stronger. Before acquiring Rantanen, they had eight players with at least 15 goals. Now they have nine, and Rantanen is a top goal-scorer in the NHL. He’s scored the fifth-most goals in the NHL since the 2021-22 season.
Like in Colorado, Rantanen will play with talented offensive players in Dallas. He might play with Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson. Rantanen’s size and physicality would benefit any line. Regardless of his linemates, Rantanen makes the Stars the top team in the West, even with Colorado’s trades.
