The 2025 NHL trade deadline has concluded, and Stanley Cup contenders in both conferences have strengthened their rosters in a significant arms race. Several deals finalized in the past week are poised to play a crucial role in determining the Stanley Cup champion in the coming months.
While the trade deadline period started slowly, it culminated in significant drama. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche engaged in a flurry of major transactions, preparing for a potentially intense first-round playoff series.
The Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division has solidified its position as a formidable battleground. The Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning have all enhanced their already impressive lineups. The team emerging from this competitive playoff bracket will have undoubtedly earned their place in the conference final and beyond.
Looking back at recent Stanley Cup champions, it’s evident that proactive team management has been rewarded. The Panthers, Golden Knights, and Avalanche all made ambitious moves that ultimately led to championships. The teams featured on this list have the potential to continue this trend in 2025.
Let’s examine the five most impactful acquisitions of the 2025 NHL trade deadline. For clarity, this list includes only trades completed after the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
5. Yanni Gourde | C | Tampa Bay Lightning
Former team: Seattle Kraken
Reuniting familiar players can yield varied results, but this particular reunion has the potential for considerable success. Gourde has established himself as a premier defensive forward and was instrumental in Tampa Bay’s consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. His return to the Lightning positions them to contend with the Eastern Conference’s elite teams once again.
With Gourde on the ice during five-on-five play, the Kraken conceded just 2.31 expected goals against per 60 minutes, according to Natural Stat Trick. This was the team’s best metric and significantly better than their average of 2.64. Tampa Bay’s offensive capabilities are well-established, but championship runs are often built on strong defense, and Gourde is capable of matching up against any opponent’s top offensive line.
4. Seth Jones | D | Florida Panthers
Former team: Chicago Blackhawks
The reigning Cup champions already possessed a defensive unit tailored for playoff hockey, and they’ve further strengthened it with the addition of Jones from the Blackhawks. While Jones’s tenure with the Blackhawks had its inconsistencies, often amidst challenging team circumstances, he possesses the potential to significantly impact the game at both ends of the ice when supported by stronger teammates and a more structured system in Florida.
Jones brings size and notable mobility to the Panthers’ defense, a trait shared by all their defensemen. The smallest defenseman on their roster, Uvis Balinskis, stands at 6-foot and 196 pounds. Jones adds even more size, at 6-foot-4 and 213 pounds. This Florida defensive corps is well-equipped for another deep playoff campaign.
3. Brad Marchand | LW | Florida Panthers
Former team: Boston Bruins
Jones wasn’t the Panthers’ only acquisition, nor their most significant. In the closing moments of the trade deadline, Florida secured a trade for the Bruins’ captain. While Marchand may not be at the peak of his career, he still offers substantial tenacity and skill to the Panthers. His 21 goals would instantly rank third on the team, and he brings an additional 157 games of playoff experience to the roster.
Florida coach Paul Maurice has numerous options for integrating Marchand into the lineup. A particularly exciting prospect is pairing Marchand with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk (once healthy). Such a line combination could be intimidating for opposing defenses. Alternatively, Marchand could slot into the third line alongside the skilled young center Anton Lundell. Regardless of his line placement, Marchand is poised to thrive in Florida.
2. Brock Nelson | C | Colorado Avalanche
Former team: New York Islanders
The Avalanche’s annual search for a second-line center concluded with the acquisition of Nelson, considered the top available option on the trade market. While his long-term fit in this role remains to be seen, Nelson immediately addresses a pressing need and significantly strengthens Colorado’s forward depth behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Nelson has averaged nearly 25 goals per season throughout his career and should benefit from improved offensive matchups, as opponents must prioritize defending against MacKinnon’s line. If Nelson takes over Casey Mittelstadt’s former spot on the second line, he’ll likely play alongside Valeri Nichushkin. This pairing has the potential to be highly effective in the postseason and could be the key to pushing the Avalanche to the next level.
1. Mikko Rantanen | RW | Dallas Stars
Former team: Carolina Hurricanes
The Dallas Stars, already a formidable offensive team, have become even more potent. Before acquiring Rantanen, they boasted eight players with at least 15 goals. Rantanen’s addition brings that number to nine, and he is recognized as one of the NHL’s premier goal-scorers in recent seasons. Since the 2021-22 season’s start, Rantanen has scored 160 goals, ranking fifth in the league during that period.
Similar to his role in Colorado, Rantanen will now play alongside elite offensive talent in Dallas. He might be paired with his fellow Finn, Roope Hintz, and Jason Robertson on the same line. Rantanen’s 6-foot-4 frame adds size and physicality to any line he joins. Regardless of his linemates, Rantanen makes the Stars the team to watch in the Western Conference, even considering the Avalanche’s significant acquisitions.
Elton Marrow 
Torin Vale