Jan 25, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) skates with the puck against New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

nhl

NHL Players on the Trade Block Following Mikko Rantanen Deal

After the blockbuster Mikko Rantanen trade, teams are eyeing key players on the trade block ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline.

The NHL trade market has exploded ahead of the March 7 deadline, and it’s all thanks to a stunning early blockbuster. Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall have joined the Hurricanes, making an immediate impact with assists in a dominant 4-0 win over the Rangers. Meanwhile, Jack Drury and Martin Necas have shifted to Colorado, already finding success with Drury netting two goals and Necas tallying four assists.

Now Mikko gets his first point as a Hurricane! pic.twitter.com/qETgk0F02f
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) January 29, 2025

This trade isn’t just a headline—it’s a warning shot. With so much time before the deadline, the league could see a flurry of moves, from highly anticipated deals to complete surprises.

Also Read: Carolina Hurricanes May Have More Moves Ahead as Trade Rumors Swirl

For players like Rantanen, whose future hinged on contract negotiations, this trade proves no one is safe from the shuffle. As March 7 approaches, other big names in similar situations could be next to pack their bags.

Which NHL Star Might Be Next on the Trade Block?

John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks)
Gibson has spent all 12 of his NHL seasons with the Ducks, going on four playoff runs, though none since 2018. The 31-year-old goalie has been reliable despite Anaheim’s struggles and has been linked to trade rumors for years. With the Ducks rebuilding and far from a playoff spot, this could finally be the year they trade him, especially since he has two seasons left on his contract and salary retention has become common in recent deals.

Yanni Gourde (Seattle Kraken)
Gourde, a 33-year-old forward, is in the final year of his contract with a $5.16 million cap hit. If extension talks with the Kraken don’t go well, he could be moved instead of being lost for nothing in free agency. His situation is complicated, though. He’s just returned from a long-term injury and hasn’t had a great season, with only six goals and 16 points in 35 games. However, his playoff experience and versatility as a rental could make him appealing, especially with a limited market for centers.

Marcus Pettersson (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Pettersson might be the Penguins’ best trade chip if they decide to make a move. The defenseman has a $4.025 million cap hit, which is reasonable for a top-four player. He’s a strong, defense-first blueliner who can still contribute offensively. With a lack of defensemen available on the market, Pittsburgh could potentially land a first-round pick for him if they negotiate wisely.

Mikael Granlund (San Jose Sharks)
Granlund is having a solid season, leading the Sharks with 15 goals and 44 points in 51 games. He’s versatile, capable of playing as a winger or center, and has a manageable $5 million cap hit. The Sharks are in rebuild mode, so while keeping him might be tempting, trading him could bring in a solid return. Granlund is also due for a new contract, so the decision to keep or trade him won’t be an easy one.

Mikael Granlund as a Shark:

90 games
— 61 assists
— 82 points (75pt pace)
— 50 even-strength points (no other Shark has 40)
— +12 takeaway differential

Is the best version of Granlund in his career? pic.twitter.com/k7Qgg0n3wd
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) November 21, 2024

Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres)
The Sabres are once again outside the playoff picture, and teams are reportedly interested in 23-year-old center Dylan Cozens. He’s in the second year of a seven-season deal with a $7.1 million cap hit. Cozens has struggled this season with 10 goals and 26 points in 50 games, but that’s not unusual for players in Buffalo. If the Sabres decide to free up some cap space, they might consider moving him for the right offer.

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!