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Follow the latest updates from our team of reporters from now through the NHL trade deadline.
Following an engaging week of hockey with the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NHL trade deadline could continue the hype by provide ample storylines, with marquee names potentially on the move as teams across the league gear up for a playoff push.
For more, check out our trade board, which ranks 32 players most likely to be moved over the next two weeks.
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NHL trade board 6.0: Latest on the top targets heading into the 4 Nations break
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The retooling Flyers are short on rental players to take to market in the lead-up to the deadline, but they could be compelled to part with the big, physical defenseman who has some term remaining. Ristolainen plays a rugged style best suited for third-pairing duty, and he’s taken meaningful steps forward over the past 18 months toward becoming a more reliable defender in his own zone. With a contract that stretches two seasons beyond this one, some salary retention might be needed to make a trade work.
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After acquiring Marcus Pettersson and signing him to a six-year extension, the Canucks have made the 6-foot-5 Soucy available on the trade market. Minutes are going to be tougher for him to come by after Vancouver’s retool. Soucy is a prototypical shutdown defender who has performed well in the playoffs for the Canucks and during his previous stop in Seattle. As a bonus, the left shot is comfortable playing on either side of the ice. Soucy will have a lot of say in where he lands because of a no-trade clause that runs through the end of the season.
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Well on his way to topping 30 goals and 60 points this season, Rakell may be the most productive offensive player available ahead of this deadline. The right-shot winger is an above-average finisher who has a history of holding his own when playing alongside highly skilled linemates. With three years remaining on his contract after this one, the usual caveats apply: The Penguins do not have to move Rakell now, but they’d be willing to do it if the return helped them push along their organizational goal of getting younger. He’s signed to an extremely reasonable contract in a rising cap environment.
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The Islanders are one of the hottest teams in hockey and find themselves still in the playoff chase due to that solid run of results. And while it’s fair to point out that general manager Lou Lamoriello has a history of holding on to players on expiring deals, two important facts remain: An extension with Nelson doesn’t appear likely, and the 33-year-old all-situations forward would have tremendous value on the trade market. Nelson is a big, sturdy man with a strong track record of scoring goals. He can be slotted as a second-line center or slide into a wing spot on the top line. As a pending unrestricted free agent, he’s exactly the kind of difference-maker that contending teams would be falling over themselves to get their hands on, which is why plenty of contenders are monitoring this situation closely.
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The Big Board has been decimated by a flurry of activity in recent weeks.
No sooner can we get it posted before a move — or series of moves — sends us scrambling for another update.
Here’s our latest Big Board. Players are listed by how closely they demand watching, based on their potential impact and the current amount of buzz around them.
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NHL trade board 6.0: Latest on the top targets heading into the 4 Nations break
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Here are the latest trades that have taken place this season:
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The 2025 NHL trade deadline is Friday, Mar. 7 at 3 p.m. ET. All transactions must be sent into the league office by this time, though some trade news could trickle out after the deadline.
Hello hockey fans, and welcome to our live coverage of the NHL trade deadline. Over the next two weeks, our team of reporters will be covering the latest trade buzz around the NHL every single day, providing critical analysis, perspective and nuance.
Following the hype of the 4 Nations Face-Off, we here at The Athletic have you covered all things hockey leading up to the deadline. Stay tuned!
