Top Summer Additions to Watch for in the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline
As the NHL offseason unfolds, teams across the league are making moves to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. While some signings and trades are meant to solidify a team for the long term, others are strategic moves that could see players being traded at the deadline. Just like Jason Zucker’s situation last season, where he signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Coyotes only to be traded to the Nashville Predators at the deadline, players often find themselves on the move to different teams as the season progresses.
Here are 10 players who were either signed or acquired in the 2024 offseason that could potentially be on the move by the 2025 trade deadline, for various reasons ranging from design to necessity due to changing circumstances.
1. **Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks**
Erik Karlsson, one of the top defensemen in the league, signed a lucrative deal with the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 offseason. However, with the Sharks struggling to compete in the tough Western Conference, there is speculation that Karlsson could be a valuable trade asset for a playoff contender looking to bolster their blue line. Keep an eye on Karlsson as the trade deadline approaches.
2. **Taylor Hall, Buffalo Sabres**
After a disappointing season with the Buffalo Sabres, former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall signed a one-year deal to stay with the team in the hopes of turning things around. However, if the Sabres continue to struggle, Hall could be a prime candidate to be moved to a playoff-bound team in exchange for assets to help with the rebuild.
3. **Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights**
In a blockbuster trade, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres in the 2024 offseason. Eichel, a dynamic center with elite scoring ability, could be a game-changer for the Golden Knights. However, if things don’t go as planned for Vegas, Eichel’s contract could make him an attractive trade target for teams looking to add a top-tier center to their lineup.
4. **Seth Jones, Chicago Blackhawks**
Seth Jones was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the offseason. Known for his strong defensive play and offensive contributions, Jones is expected to be a key player for the Blackhawks. However, if Chicago finds themselves out of playoff contention, Jones could be a sought-after asset for teams looking to strengthen their defense for a postseason run.
5. **Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning**
Brayden Point signed a long-term extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the offseason, solidifying his place as a core player for the defending Stanley Cup champions. However, with the Lightning facing salary cap constraints, Point’s contract could become a burden in the future. Keep an eye on Point’s situation as the trade deadline approaches, as Tampa Bay may need to make tough decisions to stay cap compliant.
6. **Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary Flames**
Matthew Tkachuk, a physical forward with a scoring touch, signed a contract extension with the Calgary Flames in the offseason. However, with the Flames looking to shake up their roster after several disappointing seasons, Tkachuk’s name has been floated in trade rumors. If Calgary decides to rebuild, Tkachuk could be a valuable asset to acquire young talent and draft picks.
7. **Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils**
Dougie Hamilton joined the New Jersey Devils in the offseason, bringing his offensive prowess and strong defensive play to a young and up-and-coming team. However, if the Devils fall out of playoff contention, Hamilton could be a sought-after trade target for teams looking to add a top defenseman to their lineup for a postseason push.
8. **Chris Kreider, New York Rangers**
Chris Kreider signed a contract extension with the New York Rangers in the offseason, solidifying his role as a key contributor to the team’s success. However, if the Rangers struggle to make a playoff push, Kreider’s combination of size, speed, and scoring ability could make him an attractive trade target for teams looking to add depth to their forward group.
9. **John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks**
John Gibson, one of the top goaltenders in the league, signed a contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks in the offseason. However, with the Ducks in the midst of a rebuild, Gibson’s elite goaltending skills could be better utilized on a contending team. Keep an eye on Gibson as the trade deadline approaches, as he could be a valuable asset for teams looking to solidify their goaltending.
10. **Filip Forsberg, Seattle Kraken**
Filip Forsberg was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft and signed a contract extension with the team in the offseason. However, if the Kraken struggle in their inaugural season, Forsberg’s scoring ability and leadership could make him an attractive trade target for playoff-bound teams looking to add a top-six forward to their lineup.
As the 2025 NHL trade deadline approaches, these players could be on the move for various reasons, from helping a playoff contender make a push for the Stanley Cup to aiding a rebuilding team in acquiring assets for the future. Keep an eye on these players as the season progresses, as their fates could change with one phone call before the trade deadline passes.