The trade deadline is always one of the most exciting times of the year as a hockey fan. As a Canadian, both TSN and Sportsnet put on their big deadline day show and it is always fun to follow along. These are my NHL trade deadline predictions for 2025. This includes some guesses on which players who I think could get dealt and where they could go to. I will be updating this as the year goes on and the standings become more clear.
Gunner’s NHL Trade Deadline Predictions
Connor Murphy Will Get Traded To The Toronto Maple Leafs
The Chicago Blackhawks are not going to make the playoffs, so they are a top target to look at when predicting who will get traded at the deadline.
Someone who stuck out to me when looking at the Blackhawks roster was Connor Murphy. He has two years left at an AAV of $4.4 million. He is 31 years old though, so I don’t think he fits into the long-term plans of the Blackhawks, who will (likely) still be bad for a few years.
If Chicago retains salary, it could bring down the AAV to $2.2 million. I think that makes Murphy more valuable. He is also a right-handed defenseman, so he already has value from that.
I think he would be a fit on any team who needs a defenseman. I think the Toronto Maple Leafs would make a ton of sense. If they pair him with Morgan Rielly, it could be a nice fit as Murphy is more defensive.
On a related note, make sure to check out my Stanley Cup predictions.
| Prediction: | Connor Murphy goes from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Toronto Maple Leafs |
Jason Zucker Will Get Traded To The Las Vegas Golden Knights
It looks like the Buffalo Sabres are not going to make the playoffs. Jason Zucker is 33 years old and an upcoming UFA, so I see him getting dealt at the deadline to a contender. Based on his age, he will want to try and chase a cup.
Zucker has an AAV of $5 million, so the Sabres would likely need to retain on any deal.
I could see him moving over to a contender like the Las Vegas Golden Knights. He could fit nicely in their top 9 on left wing.
| Prediction: | Jason Zucker goes from the Buffalo Sabres to the Las Vegas Golden Knights |
Adam Larsson Or Brandon Tanev Will Get Traded To The Toronto Maple Leafs
I am going to predict that the Seattle Kraken miss the playoffs this year. If that is the case, they have a bunch of interesting names who are going to be UFA’s. Two of the names that most intrigue me are Adam Larsson and Brandon Tanev.
Larsson is a big defenseman who shoots right, so most General Managers will be interested. Tanev is a great bottom 6 player who can kill penalties, so he should also draw interest.
I think that that the Toronto Maple Leafs will try and get both of these guys. I don’t think their cap situation will let them get both but I could see them trading for one of them.
Larsson would be a smart way for the Leafs to improve their blueline before the playoffs. Tanev is the brother of their current defenseman, Chris Tanev, and he can also help out the bottom 6 and penalty kill.
Either would be solid moves for them.
| Prediction: | Adam Larsson Or Brandon Tanev goes from the Seattle Kraken to the Toronto Maple Leafs |
What are your 2025 NHL trade deadline predictions? Let me know in the comment and also on Twitter.