The 2025 NHL trade deadline has concluded, intensifying the arms race among Stanley Cup contenders in both conferences. Several deals finalized in the past week are poised to significantly influence which team will hoist the Cup in the coming months.
Despite a gradual start, this year’s trade deadline culminated in significant excitement. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche engaged in a series of impactful transactions, preparing for a potentially intense first-round playoff matchup.
The Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division has solidified its reputation as a formidable battleground. The Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning have all strengthened their already impressive rosters. The team emerging from this competitive playoff bracket will have undeniably earned their place in the conference final.
Reflecting on recent Stanley Cup champions, it’s evident that proactive team management has been rewarded. The Panthers, Golden Knights, and Avalanche all made bold acquisitions that led to championships. The teams featured in this ranking could very well continue this trend in 2025.
Here are the top five most impactful acquisitions of the 2025 NHL trade deadline. For this analysis, only trades completed after the 4 Nations Face-Off break are considered.
5. Yanni Gourde | C | Tampa Bay Lightning
Former team: Seattle Kraken
Reuniting familiar players can yield varied outcomes, but this particular reunion has high potential for success. Gourde has firmly established himself as a premier defensive forward and played a crucial role in Tampa Bay’s consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. His return to the Lightning positions them strongly to contend with the Eastern Conference’s elite teams.
With Gourde on the ice during five-on-five play, the Kraken conceded just 2.31 expected goals against per 60 minutes, according to Natural Stat Trick. This was the team’s best statistic and significantly better than their overall average of 2.64. While Tampa Bay’s offensive capabilities are undeniable, defense remains crucial for championship contention, 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 Cup champions already possessed a defensive unit well-suited for postseason hockey, and they further enhanced it by acquiring Jones from the Blackhawks. While Jones’s tenure with the Blackhawks wasn’t without its challenges, often amidst a struggling team environment, he possesses the potential to be a significant contributor at both ends of the ice with stronger teammates and a more structured system in Florida.
Jones brings size and respectable mobility to the Panthers’ defense, a characteristic shared by all their defensemen. Even Uvis Balinskis, their smallest defenseman, stands at 6-foot and 196 pounds. Jones adds further size, measuring 6-foot-4 and 213 pounds. This Florida defensive corps is well-equipped for another deep playoff run.
3. Brad Marchand | LW | Florida Panthers
Former team: Boston Bruins
Jones was not the Panthers’ only acquisition, nor their most significant. In the closing moments of the trade deadline, Florida secured a trade for the Bruins’ captain. While Marchand may not be the elite winger of his prime, he still brings considerable tenacity and skill to the Panthers. Marchand’s current season tally of 21 goals would immediately rank third highest on the team, and his 157 games of playoff experience are invaluable.
Florida coach Paul Maurice has numerous options for integrating Marchand into the lineup. A particularly exciting possibility would be pairing Marchand with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk (once healthy). The prospect of facing that line could be daunting for opposing defenses. Alternatively, he could slot into the third line alongside the intelligent young center Anton Lundell. Regardless of his line placement, Marchand is poised 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 concluded with the acquisition of Nelson, considered the top option available at the trade deadline. While his long-term fit in this role remains to be seen, he immediately addresses a pressing need and significantly strengthens Colorado’s forward depth behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Nelson has consistently averaged nearly 25 goals per season throughout his career. He is expected to thrive with improved matchups, as opponents must now prioritize containing MacKinnon. If Nelson takes over Casey Mittelstadt’s former position on the second line, he would potentially play alongside Valeri Nichushkin. This pairing could be a dynamic force in the postseason and potentially propel the Avalanche to greater heights.
1. Mikko Rantanen | RW | Dallas Stars
Former team: Carolina Hurricanes
The Dallas Stars have further bolstered their already formidable roster. Before acquiring Rantanen, they already boasted eight players with at least 15 goals. This number now increases to nine with the addition of Rantanen, a premier goal-scorer in the NHL in recent seasons. Since the 2021-22 season’s commencement, Rantanen has scored 160 goals, ranking fifth highest in the league during that period.
Similar to his situation in Colorado, Rantanen will now play alongside potent offensive talents in Dallas. He might potentially join a line with his fellow Finn, Roope Hintz, and Jason Robertson on the opposite wing. Rantanen’s 6-foot-4 frame would bring size and physicality to any line he joins. Regardless of his specific role, Rantanen elevates the Stars to the team to beat in the Western Conference, even considering the Avalanche’s significant acquisitions.
