With the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, there are a couple players that have garnered interest all season that make for a great deadline acquisition.

F Brock Nelson, NYI
16G 17A 33P, $6M AAV – UFA

Brock Nelson will be the biggest target for contending teams this deadline, as he is a premier middle-six scorer who has proven to be a great goal scorer down the line. Being able to slot in at center or on the wing, Nelson has versatility that allows teams to drop him in anywhere in their lineup. Nelson would serve as a strong option on the powerplay, and he has the abilities to kill penalties if needed.

Prediction: Colorado Avalanche

F Scott Laughton, PHI
10G 15A 25P, $3M AAV, 1YR Remaining

Scott Laughton serves as one of Philadelphia’s premier trade pieces, playing a fine offensive game all while being a strong and physical player. Laughton would likely slot into a team’s third line, with abilities to play down the middle or on the wing. Like Nelson, Laughton would be a strong net front presence on the powerplay, and he is one of the Flyers’ best penalty killers. Laughton’s trade value is quite high, meaning teams would have to spend to acquire the player.

Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs

D Carson Soucy, VAN
2G 7A 9P, $3.25M AAV, 1YR Remaining

Soucy is an interesting one, as he started his career in Minnesota, then heading to Seattle in his sophomore year, and finally heading to Vancouver for another change of scenery. Soucy would be an effective 3rd pairing defender for a team looking to bolster their blueline come playoff time.

Prediction: Los Angeles Kings

F Trent Frederic, BOS
8G 7A 15P, $2.3M AAV, UFA

Frederic looks to be a sought after player this deadline, reportedly with many teams in the mix for his services. Frederic is a glorified bottom-six player with little offensive abilities, but his tenacity and physicality make him a useful player on the third or fourth line. Boston’s season is slowly slipping away, and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind parting ways with Frederic if the price is right.

Prediction: Washington Capitals

F Brandon Tanev, SEA
9G 8A 17P, $3.5M, UFA

Brandon Tanev is an interesting player to look at. His frightful headshots to his tenacity on the ice, Tanev is a player that many teams dream of having in the bottom half of their forward group. From Winnipeg to Pittsburgh to Seattle, Tanev has seen his fair share of competition. Tanev will be a great addition on a cheap(ish) contract for contending teams, giving the team depth in their bottom six.

Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights

F Ryan Donato, CHI
21G, 22A, 43P, $2M AAV, UFA

Ryan Donato is a really intriguing player on the trade market this season, as he’s in the middle of a breakout season with the Blackhawks. With over 20 games to go in the season, Donato has already set career highs on all three scoring marks this season. Getting traded to a contender would not only boost those totals even more, but it would be an addition to a team’s middle-six, giving the line a scoring boost and a good playmaker to facilitate with.

Prediction: Winnipeg Jets

F Brayden Schenn, STL
12G 25A 37P, $6.5M AAV, 3YR Remaining

Brayden Schenn is a name circling around trade rumors, but there isn’t much chatter going further than rumors. Schenn is in year 5/8 of his current deal, and he might be looking for a change of scenery if the Blues don’t have a plan for those final years. Schenn is a strong center who would be a great 3C on a contending team, giving the team durability and insurance for a deep playoff run. As it was previously mentioned there has been a lot of talk surrounding his name, but it’ll be tough for contending teams to clear enough cap space to acquire his services.

Prediction: No Trade

D Connor Murphy, CHI
1G 15A 16P, $4.4M AAV, 1YR Remaining

Connor Murphy is a veteran defenseman known for his strong defensive play, physicality, and shot-blocking ability. He was traded to Chicago in 2017 and has since been a key part of their blue line. Murphy is valued for his leadership, reliability in his own zone, and ability to play tough minutes against top opponents. Murphy would be an ideal 2nd pair defender for a contender, with the ability to be a game changer in his own zone.

Prediction: Edmonton Oilers