The NHL trade deadline always brings tons of drama, and this year is shaping up to be no different than the rest. Quite a few big names are swirling around in the trade rumors, with playoff contenders looking to bolster their lineups a bit for the run and struggling teams deciding whether to sell high or hold onto assets.
Some of the most intriguing names we’ve seen in trade talks include Mikko Rantanen, Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson, and others. Here’s where some of the NHL’s biggest stars might land and what impact these moves could have on the playoff race.
Mikko Rantanen’s situation is one of the most unexpected developments of the season. In fact, it shocked us all just over a month ago when he found himself in the Carolina red and white. After being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in a blockbuster deal, he’s already back in the rumor mill.
The main reason for this unexpected turn? Contract uncertainty.
Rantanen is set to become a free agent this summer, and if he isn’t willing to commit to the Hurricanes for the long haul, they may flip him at the deadline rather than risk losing him for nothing altogether.
Despite being a recent acquisition, his scoring ability and playoff experience make him one of the most sought-after players. The Canes are looking at playoff viability against next season’s aspirations.
Dallas Stars. A team already loaded with tons of offensive firepower could get even deadlier by adding Rantanen to their top 6 alongside Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz. Cap space is tight, but a little bit of creative maneuvering could make this a reality.
Edmonton Oilers. The thought of Rantanen playing with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is terrifying for every other team in the NHL. With Edmonton in full win-now mode, they may push really hard to get him.
Florida Panthers. Fresh off their Stanley Cup win, the Panthers just might see Rantanen as a key piece in their repeat bid. They have a little cap flexibility and a willingness to make aggressive moves.
If the Hurricanes decide to move Rantanen, they could fetch a massive return. However, if they feel good about re-signing him, keeping him for a playoff push makes sense for the short term and long term.
It seems almost unthinkable, but Sidney Crosby’s name has surfaced in a few trade discussions. Before you write this off, just hear us out.
The Penguins are struggling this year and they’re sitting outside the playoff bubble with an aging core. While Crosby has remained loyal to Pittsburgh, there’s some talk that he might accept a move to a contender for one last Stanley Cup run.
Of course, Crosby has a full no-movement clause, meaning he would need to approve any trade. But if the Penguins embrace a rebuild, is there any chance he would jump ship?
Colorado Avalanche. A Crosby-Nathan MacKinnon reunion would instantly make Colorado the Cup favorite up from +1400 to the realm of +600 or so. With Rantanen’s future uncertain, Crosby could slide into their top 6 and bring championship experience.
Boston Bruins. The Bruins have lacked a true No. 1 center since Patrice Bergeron’s departure, so they’re getting desperate. Crosby’s leadership and 2-way game would make them even more dangerous in the East. Though, for now, they’re on the outside looking in at the playoffs.
Vegas Golden Knights. The Knights love making splashy moves, and adding Crosby would solidify them as top Cup contenders. Jack Eichel and Crosby down the middle would be an absolute nightmare for opponents.
The chances of a Crosby trade remain slim, like, very slim, but if the Penguins’ struggles continue, it could be the biggest deadline blockbuster in years. This could be good for both the Pens and Crosby if he’s looking to hang up the skates.
Karlsson’s time in Pittsburgh has been disappointing. The reigning Norris Trophy winner has struggled on the blue line, and with the Penguin's hopes for the playoffs fading, teams are already asking about his availability.
The challenge for most teams? His massive contract.
Karlsson carries an $11.5 million cap hit (with Pittsburgh retaining some of that), making a trade a bit more complicated. But for a team needing some power-play help, he’s still a nice option.
Dallas Stars. The Stars lost Chris Tanev, and Karlsson could give an offensive boost from the blue line. Cap issues, of course, remain a big hurdle for this to happen.
Florida Panthers. With Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour battling through some injuries, Karlsson could be the offensive defenseman they need for a deep run and clinch the cup yet again.
Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto desperately needs help on the back end. If Pittsburgh retains some salary to alleviate cap space, Karlsson could be a solid fit alongside Morgan Rielly.
If Karlsson gets moved, it’ll most likely require Pittsburgh to retain a portion of his salary. Of course, this isn’t impossible, but it makes a trade a little trickier.
Brock Nelson is one of the more underrated trade chips on the block. The 33-year-old center has been a consistent scorer, and with the Islanders hovering outside of the playoff bubble, they could decide to cash in.
Teams looking for center depth will undoubtedly be calling, and as a pending free agent, he’s a solid season rental.
Minnesota Wild. With Joel Eriksson Ek injured and listed as week-to-week, the Wild could bring Nelson back to his home state for a playoff push.
Boston Bruins. The Bruins need more offense from their middle-6 forwards, and Nelson fits their playing style perfectly.
Colorado Avalanche – If they can’t land Crosby, which they most likely cannot, Nelson would be a solid Plan B as a second-line center.
If the Islanders decide to sell, Nelson could be one of the most sought-after players at the NHL trade deadline.
John Gibson has been in trade rumors for years. He’s become a perennial discussion, but will this finally be the year he’s moved?
The Ducks are obviously rebuilding, and while Gibson remains a solid netminder, his $6.4 million cap hit and no-trade list complicates things a bit.
Despite this, we think there are several teams with goaltending struggles that could come calling.
Carolina Hurricanes. With Frederik Andersen’s injury woes, Gibson could be the stable presence in the crease that they really need.
Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers’ goaltending has been a weak spot for years, and adding Gibson could finally give them some reliability to balance their team out.
New Jersey Devils. With Jacob Markstrom struggling, the Devils might look to Gibson as a solution to add some depth in the crease.
Gibson’s contract and injury history make a trade a bit more difficult, but playoff contenders with goalie issues just might see him as a necessary gamble heading into the final stretch.
The Blues captain might be on the move if St. Louis falls further out of the playoff race. Though they’re only 1 point out of a playoff spot, it’s a tight race for the Western Conference wild cards. Schenn is a proven playoff performer and brings leadership and versatility that just about any team could use.
With 3 years left on his deal, he isn’t a pure rental, but contenders looking for a veteran forward might bite if they don’t mind his age.
Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights love adding experienced players, and Schenn would be a great candidate to take their team deep into the playoffs.
Toronto Maple Leafs. Schenn’s physicality and leadership would make him a valuable addition to the Leafs’ middle-six.
Tampa Bay Lightning. A reunion with his brother Luke Schenn in Tampa could be a great storyline and a solid fit for one of the best teams in the NHL.
Schenn’s contract makes him a tougher trade piece like Karlsson, but if the Blues decide to move on, he’ll unquestionably have some suitors.
Boeser is another name that’s been in trade rumors for years but this just might be his time. With Vancouver in an already tight playoff race, they could move him for future assets or keep him for their push. They’re basically in the same boat as the St. Louis Blues.
His scoring ability makes him a prime target for teams needing a bit of a boost on the wing.
Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets need offense and have more than enough cap space to make a deal.
Los Angeles Kings. They already have a comfortable spot for the playoffs, but a skilled winger alongside Anze Kopitar could elevate their offense.
Winnipeg Jets. Adding Boeser to their top 6 would give Winnipeg even more depth up front and make them even more lethal — as if that can even happen.
If the Canucks can’t reach an extension with Boeser in the coming days, a deadline trade seems likely.
The NHL trade deadline is just days away and always delivers surprises.
This year’s rumors we’re hearing suggest we could see some massive moves over the next few days.
Whether it’s Rantanen on the move (again), Crosby chasing another Cup, or Karlsson finding a new home, the next few days will shape the playoff race and into the summer. This is a pretty exciting time for NHL fans.