Ultimate NHL Trade Deadline Review: Expert Grades on Every Deal This Season!

The 2025 NHL trade deadline is approaching, and the excitement is building! The trade season started strong in January when the Colorado Avalanche made waves by trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. Since then, many teams have made moves to improve their rosters ahead of the March 7 deadline.

Maple Leafs Acquire Scott Laughton

Maple Leafs get: Center Scott Laughton, fourth- and sixth-round picks.
Flyers get: 2027 first-round pick, forward Nikita Grebenkin. The Flyers will keep 50% of Laughton’s salary.

Laughton brings a much-needed energy to the Leafs. With a cap hit of $1.5 million through next season, he strengthens their third line. The Flyers, in a sellers’ market, found solid value for a player who has had only one 40-point season.

Grades: Maple Leafs: B- | Flyers: A

Stars Land Mikko Rantanen

Stars get: Forward Mikko Rantanen.
Hurricanes get: Forward Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks, two third-round picks.

The Stars are aiming high, having reached the brink of the Stanley Cup Final recently. Adding Rantanen, one of the top players in the league, could put them over the edge.

Grades: Stars: A | Hurricanes: C+

Penguins and Kraken Make Deals with Jets

Jets get: Defenseman Luke Schenn.
Penguins get: 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick.
Jets get: Forward Brandon Tanev.
Kraken get: 2027 second-round pick.

Schenn brings physicality to the Jets, but his age and speed are concerns. Tanev, while a solid player, hasn’t performed consistently in recent seasons.

Grades: Jets: C- | Penguins: A | Kraken: A

Kings Acquire Andrei Kuzmenko

Kings get: Forward Andrei Kuzmenko.
Flyers get: 2027 third-round pick (with 50% salary retention).

While it feels like a steep price for Kuzmenko, who might not fit perfectly, the Kings see potential in him.

Grades: Kings: B- | Flyers: B+

Senators Secure Dylan Cozens from Sabres

Senators get: Forward Dylan Cozens, defenseman Dennis Gilbert, 2026 second-round pick.
Sabres get: Forward Josh Norris, defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.

This trade seems to favor the Senators. Cozens has solid potential and can bolster their lineup significantly.

Grades: Senators: A | Sabres: C-

Capitals Acquire Anthony Beauvillier

Capitals get: Forward Anthony Beauvillier.
Penguins get: Washington’s 2025 second-round pick.

Beauvillier can add depth to the Capitals’ bottom six, while the Penguins orchestrated a smart trade to maximize their return.

Grades: Capitals: C+ | Penguins: A

Avalanche Make a Big Move for Brock Nelson

Avalanche get: Forward Brock Nelson.
Islanders get: First-round pick, conditional third-round pick, and two players.

Nelson is a top-tier second-line center, known for his goal-scoring capability and solid two-way play. The Avalanche made a significant investment here.

Grades: Avalanche: A | Islanders: A

Oilers Take a Chance on Jake Walman

Oilers get: Defenseman Jake Walman.
Sharks get: Conditional first-round pick, forward Carl Berglund.

Walman may not be a complete answer, but he offers the Oilers a defensive upgrade at a fair price.

Grades: Oilers: B+ | Sharks: A-

Wild Get Justin Brazeau from Bruins

Wild get: Forward Justin Brazeau.
Bruins get: Forward Marat Khusnutdinov, Jakub Lauko, sixth-round pick.

Brazeau has found success this season, and while he may not be the fastest player, he can be effective in the right role. The Bruins acquire a solid prospect in Khusnutdinov.

Grades: Wild: B- | Bruins: B+

Oilers Make a Risky Move for Trent Frederic

Oilers get: Center Trent Frederic, forward Max Jones.
Bruins get: Second- and fourth-round picks, defenseman Max Wanner.

This trade reflects the Oilers’ attempt to add grit and versatility. Frederic’s physical style could make Edmonton tougher to play against.

Grades: Oilers: B | Bruins: B-

Florida Panthers Obtain Seth Jones

Panthers get: Defenseman Seth Jones.
Blackhawks get: Goalie Spencer Knight, first-round pick.

This trade seems beneficial for both teams. The Panthers address their defensive needs while the Blackhawks gain promising assets.

Grades: Blackhawks: C | Panthers: B

Wild Acquire Gustav Nyquist

Wild get: Forward Gustav Nyquist.
Predators get: 2026 second-round pick.

Nyquist’s past success means he could thrive on a stronger Wild team, making this a gamble worth taking.

Grades: Wild: B | Predators: A-

Rangers Trade Ryan Lindgren to Avalanche

Avalanche get: Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey, prospect Hank Kempf.
Rangers get: Juuso Parssinen, Calvin de Haan, future draft picks.

The Rangers shift their focus to next year, while the Avalanche hope to maximize Lindgren’s ability on their blue line.

Grades: Rangers: B+ | Avalanche: B