The 2025 NHL trade deadline has ended, and teams vying for the Stanley Cup in both conferences have significantly strengthened their rosters. The deals finalized recently are expected to play a crucial role in determining this year’s Stanley Cup champion.
Despite a slow initial pace, this year’s trade deadline concluded with considerable excitement. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche engaged in a series of major acquisitions, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes first-round playoff series.
In the Eastern Conference, the Atlantic Division has become exceptionally competitive. The Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning have all enhanced their already strong lineups. The team emerging from this playoff bracket will have undoubtedly earned their place in the conference final.
Looking at recent Stanley Cup champions, it’s evident that aggressive trading strategies have been successful. The Panthers, Golden Knights, and Avalanche all made bold trades that led to championships. The teams featured in this ranking could very well continue this trend in 2025.
Here are the five most impactful acquisitions from the 2025 NHL trade deadline. This list includes only trades made after the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
5. Yanni Gourde | C | Tampa Bay Lightning
Former team: Seattle Kraken
Reuniting familiar players can be unpredictable, but this acquisition has the potential to be very successful. Gourde has established himself as a top-tier defensive forward and was instrumental in Tampa Bay’s consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. His return to the Lightning positions them to strongly compete in the Eastern Conference.
With Gourde on the ice during five-on-five play, the Kraken allowed a low 2.31 expected goals against per 60 minutes, which was the best on the team. Tampa Bay’s offensive capabilities are well-known, but strong defense is crucial for winning championships, and Gourde is capable of matching up against any opponent’s top offensive line.
4. Seth Jones | D | Florida Panthers
Former team: Chicago Blackhawks
The reigning Stanley Cup champions, already boasting a strong defensive unit, have further strengthened it by acquiring Jones from the Blackhawks. While Jones’s performance in Chicago was inconsistent, partly due to a challenging team environment, he possesses the potential to significantly impact both ends of the ice with improved team support and structure in Florida.
Jones brings size and good mobility to the Panthers’ defense, a common trait among their defensemen. Adding a player of Jones’s stature (6-foot-4, 213 pounds) further solidifies Florida’s defense for another deep playoff run.
3. Brad Marchand | LW | Florida Panthers
Former team: Boston Bruins
Jones was not Florida’s only acquisition, nor their biggest. Just before the trade deadline, Florida secured a trade for the Bruins captain, Marchand. While not at his peak, Marchand still brings considerable tenacity and skill to the Panthers. His 21 goals would instantly rank third on the team, and his extensive playoff experience (157 games) is invaluable.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice has numerous options for integrating Marchand. A potentially exciting option would be pairing him with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, creating a formidable and potentially intimidating line for opponents. He could also play on the third line with the skilled young center Anton Lundell. Regardless of his line assignment, Marchand is well-positioned for success in Florida.
2. Brock Nelson | C | Colorado Avalanche
Former team: New York Islanders
The Avalanche’s annual search for a second-line center led them to Nelson, considered the best option available at the deadline. While his long-term fit remains to be seen, Nelson immediately addresses a crucial need, making Colorado significantly stronger behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Nelson has averaged nearly 25 goals per season throughout his career and should thrive with improved matchups playing alongside MacKinnon. If he takes Casey Mittelstadt’s former second-line spot, he could be playing with Valeri Nichushkin, forming a potentially dynamic duo for the postseason and possibly elevating the Avalanche to championship contention.
1. Mikko Rantanen | RW | Dallas Stars
Former team: Carolina Hurricanes
The Dallas Stars, already a strong team, have become even more formidable. Before acquiring Rantanen, they had eight players with at least 15 goals. Rantanen, a top goal-scorer in the NHL in recent seasons, now makes it nine. Since the 2021-22 season, he has scored 160 goals, ranking fifth in the league.
Similar to his role in Colorado, Rantanen will play alongside potent offensive players in Dallas. He might join a line with fellow Finn Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson. Rantanen’s size (6-foot-4) and physicality would benefit any line he joins. Regardless of his linemates, Rantanen makes the Stars the team to beat in the West, even considering Colorado’s significant acquisitions.
