The 2025 NHL Draft is just around the corner, bringing renewed optimism for teams as they look to shape their futures. However, it also presents an opportunity for general managers to make moves and trades. With salary caps on the rise, many teams might become more aggressive in the trade market this summer.
The combination of the increasing salary cap and a quieter free agency class is expected to spark some major trades in the coming weeks. Players like Jason Robertson and Marco Rossi have already been the center of trade rumors for a while.
Trade talks are heating up as the draft approaches. Teams might be looking to create more salary cap space or initiate rebuilding processes, making trades likely this weekend, regardless of whether a team is directly involved or not.
This is an exciting period for hockey fans, as general managers start adjusting rosters in preparation for the July 1st free agency period.
Leading into the 2025 NHL Draft, here are the eight most sought-after trade targets:
1. Trevor Zegras has been reportedly traded to the Philadelphia Flyers from the Anaheim Ducks just before the draft.
2. Jason Robertson, one of the league’s top young scorers, has been linked to trade speculation since the Dallas Stars’ season ended. Dallas faces salary cap challenges and Robertson is in the last year of his contract, with a high pay raise expected in his next deal. The Stars may explore all options, including trading Robertson if necessary at the draft.
3. Marco Rossi, a 23-year-old restricted free agent coming off a 60-point season, is likely seeking a significant pay bump. The Minnesota Wild might be willing to meet his demands given the scarcity of quality centers available in free agency. Rossi, a 2020 first-round pick, has shown consistent production but his size may limit his role as a first-line center. A new contract around $7 million annually seems reasonable.
4. defenseman Mark Giordano Anderson is expected to be traded if no contract extension is reached with the Calgary Flames soon. Anderson has been a reliable shutdown defender, delivering solid performances, though his value has declined somewhat under new coaching. He still shows potential to be a strong two-way defenseman in the right setting.
5. Braden Miller, a big mobile defenseman with the New York Rangers, is another trade candidate. The Rangers are shaking up their roster after a disappointing season, and Miller, a restricted free agent, might thrive elsewhere despite underwhelming advanced stats during his five seasons.
6. James Neal, who struggled with the Nashville Predators in his first year, may seek a fresh start. Neal’s contract has four years remaining at $5.5 million per season, which is manageable given the rising salary cap. His contract includes movement clauses allowing him some control over trade destinations.
7. Veteran goalie John Gibson, showing some resurgence split with a younger goalie in Anaheim, has two years left on a $6.4 million contract. The Ducks might trade him to get value as Gibson posted decent stats last season and could be a low-cost upgrade for other teams.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs face salary cap challenges despite having $25 million in space because of key players needing new contracts. Morgan Rielly might be traded to create flexibility, although his effectiveness has somewhat declined. Whether another team will absorb his $7.5 million salary and if Rielly will waive his movement clause are open questions.
Lastly, defenseman Brian Carlson of the Pittsburgh Penguins may change teams as his current tenure hasn’t gone well. Known more for his offensive contributions from the blue line rather than shutdown defense, Carlson could attract teams needing a power play quarterback. The Penguins may need to cover part of his $11.5 million salary to facilitate a trade.
Fan Take: This upcoming draft and trade period is pivotal for NHL teams looking to balance talent and salary caps, potentially reshaping many rosters. For hockey fans, it signals a dynamic offseason full of excitement and uncertainty that could redefine team fortunes and the competitive landscape of the league.
