NHL Trade Deadline Approaches
As the National Hockey League approaches its trade deadline, set for 3 p.m. ET on March 6, various teams are already making strategic moves ahead of time. The Minnesota Wild have secured defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks, while the Los Angeles Kings recently finalized a deal to bring high-scoring forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers into their lineup. Just before the deadline, on March 2, the Edmonton Oilers made headlines by acquiring Connor Murphy, a defenseman from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Recent Trades Overview
As the days wind down to the deadline, the market remains active with several franchises, including the Rangers, Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames, anticipated to offload players. Other organizations may decide to sell off assets as well, based on their performance in the games preceding the deadline. Here’s a recap of the most significant trades made so far this season:
March 2: Oilers Acquire Connor Murphy
Edmonton has acquired Connor Murphy from Chicago in exchange for a second-round pick in 2028. The Blackhawks will take on 50% of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit. The Oilers, who have struggled defensively, added the 6-foot-4 blueliner who is known for his solid defensive play, ranking first in blocked shots among Blackhawks and contributing to an elite penalty kill unit.
February 24: Penguins, Avalanche Defensemen Exchange
The Pittsburgh Penguins welcomed defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Colorado Avalanche in a trade for Brett Kulak. This deal helps the Avalanche with salary cap relief while giving the Penguins a player with recent Stanley Cup Final experience. Girard is also set to hit free agency soon.
February 4: Kings Land Artemi Panarin
Los Angeles enhanced its offensive prowess by acquiring Artemi Panarin from the Rangers for Liam Greentree and conditional future picks. Panarin has signed to stay for two more years at an $11 million cap hit, becoming a key component for the Kings, who face challenges due to injuries like that of Kevin Fiala.
February 4: Devils Trade for Nick Bjugstad
The New Jersey Devils showed interest in forward Nick Bjugstad by trading Thomas Bordeleau and a conditionally placed fourth-round pick. The towering Bjugstad, with another year left on his contract, is seen as a valuable addition to the bottom-six forward group.
January 27: Islanders Secure Ondrej Palat
The New York Islanders have added Stanley Cup-winning left wing Ondrej Palat along with future draft selections from the Devils in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov. Palat’s experience and penalty-killing abilities add depth to the Islanders’ roster.
January 26: Islanders Acquire Carson Soucy
In a deal aimed at shoring up their defensive unit, the Islanders obtained Carson Soucy from the Rangers for a third-round draft pick in 2026, marking a rare transaction between the in-city rivals.
January 20: Sharks Bring in Kiefer Sherwood
Looking to strengthen their playoff chances, the San Jose Sharks traded for Kiefer Sherwood, sending picks and defenseman Cole Clayton to Vancouver. Sherwood was among the leaders in hits when traded and has proven to be a valuable asset in terms of offensive output.
January 19: Golden Knights Acquired Rasmus Andersson
Vegas traded for defenseman Rasmus Andersson from Calgary, giving up Zach Whitecloud, defensive prospect Abram Wiebe, and conditional draft picks. This acquisition helps fill the void left by Alex Pietrangelo‘s absence and aims to solidify the team’s defensive options moving forward.
December 29: Penguins Add Yegor Chinakhov
Pittsburgh acquired Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets, sending Danton Heinen and picks in exchange. Chinakhov, showing promise, had sought a trade previously, and now poses a risk-reward opportunity as a restricted free agent.
December 19: Canadiens Bring Back Phillip Danault
In a reunion, Montreal acquired Phillip Danault from the Kings, indicating they value his contributions to the team.
December 19: Blue Jackets Get Mason Marchment
Columbus acquired Mason Marchment from Seattle for future draft picks, hoping to unleash his offensive potential after a sluggish start to his season.
December 12: Wild Make a Big Splash with Quinn Hughes
The Minnesota Wild made a bold statement in acquiring Quinn Hughes from Vancouver, trading a substantial package including Marco Rossi and future draft picks to enhance their chances in the playoffs.
December 12: Oilers and Penguins Goalies Trade
Lastly, the Oilers acquired goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin from Pittsburgh, moving on from Stuart Skinner while aiming to stabilize their goaltending situation.
Looking Ahead
As the trade deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring further transactions, with a full analysis of each completed trade as they unfold. Expect the action to heat up as the clock ticks down to March 6.
