NHL rumors were running wild approaching the trade deadline. Without a doubt, the 2025 NHL trade deadline had surprises, and it also displayed how strong teams became stronger. The Dallas Stars came away with the prize, acquiring Mikko Rantanen. The Colorado Avalanche did well acquiring Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle up front, with Ryan Lindgren and Erik Johnson added to the blueline.
The reigning Cup victor Florida Panthers got stronger (if that’s possible) by trading for Seth Jones and yes… Brad Marchand. Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs gathered Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo. Even with the deadline expiring, there are still NHL rumors going forward. What almost happened and why it didn’t. It’s time to check in for the latest NHL rumors.
It has been revealed that the Maple Leafs were in the hunt to land Rantanen, but Star contributing columnist Nick Kypreos had one last surprise for Maple Leafs fans.
“Maple Leafs had the best offer on the table for Rantanen today and the Canes refused to take it,” Kypreos posted on X, before teasing that he would discuss it further on his “Real Kyper and Bourne” show on Sportsnet.
Kypreos followed up that post by saying the Leafs offered the Hurricanes top prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten plus two first-round picks for Rantanen. Kypreos added the Leafs were willing to sign Rantanen to an eight-year deal in the range of $105 million to $110 million (U.S.) — more than the $12-million annual salary over eight years he agreed to in Dallas.
🚨 The Maple Leafs had an official offer of Minten, Cowan, and two first-round picks on the table for Mikko Rantanen. Carolina “said no on the thought that they could meet the Leafs and Rantanen in the playoffs.”
— @RealKyper / @FAN590 #leafsforever pic.twitter.com/mi1dnF0Rpg
This shows that ordinary fans just don’t know what happens behind the scenes of a trade deadline. Many factors take hold of the events that ensue. Many times it can be that the player has personal reasons for deciding about his future. Money does weigh in, but may not be the deciding factor.
What is intriguing is that according to Elliotte Friedman of sportsnet.ca, Carolina wanted Mitch Marner in a return for Rantanen.
https://t.co/7uOMzGxAx4
After all of the trade drama requiring a huge bowl of popcorn to survive, the NHL gets back to playing games with all the changes that took place. The newly acquired Mikko Rantanen and his Stars went up against the Edmonton Oilers, on Saturday night, who also are vying for a Cup. Better get that popcorn and favorite beverage ready for some hockey action!
The Bruins dealt away captain Brad Marchand, center Charlie Coyle and defenseman Brandon Carlo on Friday. That’s in addition to trading center Trent Frederic and left wing Justin Brazeau earlier in the week. It was a seller’s market and the Boston club took advantage of it.
“We weren’t just going to roll it back. We needed to turn a page in some regard and do a better job,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told reporters at a press conference. “That’s what we’ll do.”
There is still hope that the Bruins will recover. They added a young and talented Casey Middlestadt who is seven years younger than Charlie Coyle. Also they acquired Fraser Minten, a 2022 second-round pick of the Maple Leafs, who is a physical player with an impressive shot. He projects to be a dependable two-way center at the NHL level.
Will Zellers was a third-round pick of the Avalanche in 2024. He leads the USHL with 37 goals in 40 games for the Green Bay Gamblers this season. He’s an exciting offensive player and immediately becomes one of the Bruins’ top-three prospects. And, don’t forget they still have David Pastrnak who has 32 goals, and 46 assists in 63 games.
It’s yet to be determined if the Bruins can be playing in the postseason. Trades that were made allow the remaining players to realize that they too could be gone. Survival is a great motivator.
Armstrong did make one controversial move. He traded Shea Weber’s $7.9 million contract, Victor Soderstrom and Aku Raty from the Utah Hockey Club for a 2026 5th round pick. This cleared valuable cap space which can be used to go after free agents this summer and go towards the trade deadline next year. He explained his motives HERE.
Does that mean such names as Mitch Marner, Aaron Ekblad, John Tavares, Jamie Benn, Sam Bennett, Patrick Kane, or Matt Duchene could be considered? Marner certainly will be on the top of their list.
Bagley believes Utah HC is “arguably the most well-constructed team for the future”. Many think that it is an accurate opinion. They’re in the wild-card race in the Western Conference with a roster filled with rising young talent. Expect them to make a couple of significant additions via the trade and free-agent markets this summer.
They also will be able to look at extending potential restricted free agent Logan Cooley, who has played well. Armstrong stated that he will deal with Cooley over the summer.
It was an eventful trade deadline. Now the teams go back to competing for the prize… the Stanley Cup.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
