The countdown to the NHL trade deadline is on.
General managers across the league have until 3 p.m. ET today to make their moves.
Teams will look to either load up for what’s hoped will be a long playoff run this spring, gain assets for the future, or stand pat with current rosters.
Several GMs made splashes ahead of the deal-making cutoff.
The Florida Panthers added defenceman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Tampa Bay Lightning picked up forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken as part of the Eastern Conference arms race.
Meanwhile in the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers added size up front with the acquisition of Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins before getting some blue-line help by grabbing Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks.
The Vegas Golden Knights brought back a familiar face with the trade for Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers. The Colorado Avalanche, meanwhile, snagged centre Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders.
Another situation to watch is pending unrestricted free agent Mikko Rantanen and the Carolina Hurricanes.
The star winger was acquired from Colorado last month, but he hasn’t signed a contract extension with the Hurricanes and could be dealt again before the end of the day.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2025.
The Canadian Press
