As the NHL Trade Deadline is around 24 hours away, there is a ton of chatter surrounding some big names still on the market. Understanding that what’s true as this post is written might not be true hours, if not minutes, after it’s published, here is the latest on what I hear about some of the biggest fish teams can still potentially reel in.
Mikko Rantanen – Carolina Hurricanes
Mikko Rantanen has informed the Carolina Hurricanes that he will not sign an extension before the trade deadline. As such, they have a choice to make ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline. The Hurricanes might not be willing to take that chance he leaves for nothing, so they’ve picked up the phone and are checking the market for a final run of offers. It doesn’t mean they’ll take any of them, but they want to know what their options are.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights have all been linked to Rantanen in the past few hours. Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic writes: “It comes down to weighing best trade offers on the table versus keeping Rantanen as a rental… let’s see how it goes.”
Darren Dreger added, “Good luck defining who’s in and who’s out involving the possibility of a Rantanen trade. The Hurricanes are working on options.” He adds, “Multiple teams are in the mix. Trade and extension is absolutely on the table. However, no guarantee at this moment Carolina pulls trigger.”
Brock Boeser – Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks are taking calls on forward Brock Boeser. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects writes, “I’m told the Canucks are none too impressed with the offers on Brock Boeser at this point. He’s a secondary option for buyers, so Canucks will try and wait out the market to maximize a return. I do think preference is to move him.”
** Author’s Hunch: Gotta wonder if teams like Carolina or New Jersey might make a move if other plans come to fruition or they strike out on their primary targets. The Panthers are also being aggressive at the deadline.
Brad Marchand – Boston Bruins
As per TSN and The Athletic’s Chris Johnston:
“While the Bruins continue to go back and forth with Brad Marchand on a possible contract extension, word is they’re still open to potentially trading their captain: Teams calling with interest aren’t being told “no” right now.
The same narrative has surrounding Marchand most of the season. He wants to stay and the Bruins would like to keep him. But, as the Bruins become sellers, if teams make the right offers, Boston is open to listening and Marchand understands it’s a business. Marchand holds an eight-team modified no-trade clause.
Evander Kane – Edmonton Oilers
As per TSN’s Ryan Rishaug:
“My understanding is Kane hasn’t put back to back days of intense workouts together, and as the deadline draws near it’s perhaps becoming more apparent that a return at playoff time is more likely.. with that said they’ll be careful here, but my sense is we could see them with more space to work with than previously thought.”
Brayden Schenn – St. Louis Blues
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on TSN Insider trading that the Maple Leafs are looking at several options, including Brock Nelson, Scott Laughton, and other centers. Brayden Schenn is still their top priority, but it sounds like GM Doug Armstrong is holding out, only keeping conversations going to with teams to see how high he can get the bidding on their captain.
Related: 10 Blackhawks Thoughts Heading Into the 2025 Trade Deadline
Dreger noted:
“Would Toronto consider trading all three of their young prospects? You’re talking about Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and Ben Danford for Brayden Schenn.” He adds, “Is that even enough?”
Some fans in Toronto are thinking Dreger is out to lunch with his suggested value of Schenn, but he noted, “The players I mentioned out of Toronto aren’t ready to be NHL roster players,” and said the Leafs would have to give more, considering Blues GM Doug Armstrong is holding out and fishing for a massive return.
The Leafs also clear up at least $1.15 million in cap space ahead of the trade deadline by placing Ryan Reaves on waivers. If he’s claimed, Toronto sheds his entire $1.35 million.
Brock Nelson – New York Islanders
Speculation continues around Brock Nelson’s future with the New York Islanders. Despite being someone who wants to stay and the team is talking about an extension, Nelson is a popular name in the final hours of the deadline. He is on pace for his lowest goal and point totals in a full season since 2017-18, but teams know he can help in the right environment.
GM Lou Lamoriello faces a tough decision—can he afford to hold onto the top rental center if the team misses the playoffs?
Brandon Tanev – Seattle Kraken
After already moving Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand, it’s clear the Seattle Kraken are sellers. According to Elliotte Friedman, “Sounds like Brandon Tanev (Seattle) gets the bubble wrap treatment tonight…held out for trade protection reasons vs. Nashville.” Is a trade imminent? ” He’s a fierce forechecker with speed and competitive juice that teams crave,” writes Daily Faceoff.