The Biggest Winners and Losers of This Year’s NHL Trade Deadline
The 2025 NHL trade deadline was a rollercoaster of emotions, with teams making bold moves that left fans buzzing. Many of these trades came with changes in players’ and teams’ strategies. Now that the dust has settled, here are the biggest winners and losers of this year’s trade deadline.
Winner: Dallas Stars
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The Stars weren’t messing around. They saw an opportunity, went all in, and landed Mikko Rantanen—a game-changing addition. Even better, the Finnish winger signed an eight-year deal, so he’s locked in long-term. The team has a stacked roster and fresh firepower while sending a clear message: they’re here to win now.
Loser: Carolina Hurricanes
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Carolina made a splash by acquiring Mikko Rantanen—then flipped him almost immediately. While the front office had a plan, the move left fans confused and frustrated. Did this actually make the team better? That remains to be seen, but now the Hurricanes have to prove they didn’t overthink the deadline.
Winner: Washington Capitals
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The Capitals played it smart. Instead of making reckless, high-risk moves, they bolstered their depth in a way that made them better without overpaying. Veterans got help, young players got support, and the front office got well-earned praise. Washington set themselves up for a strong playoff push.
Loser: Brock Boeser
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For months, trade rumors swirled around Brock Boeser, but when the deadline passed, he was still in Vancouver. Despite being one of the NHL’s top scorers this season, his name kept popping up in trade talk. Now, he finishes the year with uncertainty hanging over him, knowing he could hit the open market on July 1.
Winner: 2025-26 Toronto Maple Leafs
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Toronto’s deadline moves—bringing in Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo—weren’t about this season. They were about next season. While this year’s playoff hopes remain uncertain, the Leafs are building for the future. Fans might need patience, but these trades could turn Toronto into a real force next year.
Loser: July 1 (NHL Free Agency)
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Usually, NHL free agency is chaos, but this year’s trade deadline stole the show. So many top players moved at the deadline that the July 1 frenzy might be a dud. General managers who waited for summer could regret it, and fans hoping for blockbuster signings might be in for a letdown.
Winner: Sellers
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Teams willing to trade away talent at the deadline cashed in. First-round picks, top prospects, and future assets flowed their way. While contenders focused on winning now, these sellers played the long game. If their prospects develop, today’s rebuilding teams could be tomorrow’s powerhouses.
Loser: Detroit Red Wings
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Detroit had a golden opportunity to strengthen their playoff push. Instead, they did nothing. Fans expected a big move, but the team stood still while their competition got better. In a brutal Eastern Conference, that lack of action could come back to haunt them.
Winner: Florida Panthers Marketing Team
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The Panthers made moves to improve their roster, but their front office wasn’t the only one winning—their marketing team scored big, too. Big trades = big excitement. Fans can expect fresh promos, hype videos, and a fired-up fanbase as Florida gears up for a playoff run. Sometimes, the biggest wins happen off the ice.
Loser: Los Angeles Kings
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The Kings needed a game-changer, but they didn’t do anything about it. They stayed quiet—despite being in a tight playoff race. Now, they’re left fighting an uphill battle in the Western Conference, and their lack of urgency could cost them a postseason spot.
Winner: Tampa Bay Lightning
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The Lightning always seemed to nail the trade deadline, and this year was no different. Instead of flashy moves, they made smart, under-the-radar additions, including bringing back Yanni Gourde. They kept their core intact while adding the depth and experience needed for another deep playoff run.
Loser: Vancouver Canucks
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What exactly was Vancouver’s strategy? Some expected them to go all in, others thought they might sell—but their deadline moves felt directionless. The Canucks are still competitive, but did they actually improve? Fans aren’t sure, and now they’ll have to prove they didn’t waste an opportunity.
Winner: Colorado Avalanche
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Colorado filled key gaps and made their already dangerous team even better. They didn’t just make moves—they made the right moves. If everything clicks, the Avalanche could be unstoppable in the playoffs. They played it smart, and it could pay off in a big way.
Loser: Winnipeg Jets
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The Jets needed a real boost at the deadline. Instead, they made small tweaks while everyone else made major upgrades. Missing out on a second-line center could hurt them down the stretch. If they come up short in the playoffs, fans will be looking back at this as a missed opportunity.