The 2025 NHL Draft is proving to be a hotbed for trade activity, with several notable deals already completed and rumors swirling around potential moves involving established players. As teams look to retool their rosters and position themselves for future success, draft day has become a prime opportunity for general managers to wheel and deal.
One of the biggest trades of the draft so far saw the Montreal Canadiens acquire defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders in exchange for the 16th and 17th overall picks and forward Emil Heineman. The Canadiens' acquisition of Dobson could make puck-moving blueliner Mike Matheson available. Montreal is looking to add to their top-six forwards, specifically a second-line center, but are also open to adding a winger. They are among several teams interested in Jordan Kyrou. With the Habs' focus on acquiring forward talent, Matheson, with one year left on his contract and an AAV of $4.875 million, could be a valuable trade chip. Kent Hughes is receiving serious calls about a trade involving Mike Matheson. Hughes might wait for an offer that's impossible to refuse, especially with young players like Lane Hutson emerging.
Other draft-day deals include the Columbus Blue Jackets acquiring forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. The Pittsburgh Penguins have been active, acquiring the 24th overall pick from the Los Angeles Kings for the 31st and 59th overall picks. The Penguins also acquired Connor Clifton and the 39th pick from the Sabres. The Ottawa Senators traded the 21st pick to the Nashville Predators for the 23rd and 67th overall picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. Additionally, the Carolina Hurricanes traded the 29th pick to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Detroit Red Wings acquired goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. The Los Angeles Kings traded RHD Jordan Spence to the Calgary Flames.
Beyond the completed trades, several players have been mentioned in rumors as potential trade candidates. Jason Robertson and Marco Rossi have been swirling around in trade rumors for weeks. Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames is drawing interest from contenders in the West. K'Andre Miller of the New York Rangers has also been mentioned in the rumor mill. The Islanders were also reportedly entertaining offers for Noah Dobson.
As the draft progresses and teams continue to assess their needs and opportunities, more trades are expected. With a rising salary cap, teams may be willing to get more aggressive on the trade market. This is an exciting time for hockey fans, with possibilities as general managers tinker with their rosters ahead of free agency on July 1.
