Feb 4, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome (16) prepares to shoot against the Dallas Stars during the second period of a hockey game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

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NHL Trade Deadline 2025: Could Ryan Strome Be a Surprising Trade Piece?

Amid the Ducks' rebuild and Strome’s strong season, speculation grows about his future ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, set for noon PST on Friday, March 7. However, this year’s deadline might lack its usual drama, as many major trades have already gone down earlier in the season. Players like Mikko Rantanen, Martin Necas, JT Miller, and Marcus Pettersson have already been dealt with and are settling into their roles with their new teams.

The early flurry of activity has thinned out the usual lists of trade targets circulating in the media. Still, Anaheim Ducks stars John Gibson and Brian Dumoulin remain regular fixtures on most of these lists. It’s no surprise—given the Ducks’ position in the standings and their cap situation, these two players are prime candidates for potential moves.

Gibson, who has voiced a desire to play for a contending team, has been outstanding this season with Vezina-caliber performances across 54 games. Meanwhile, Dumoulin, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, offers a reliable defensive presence and, with salary retention, would be a cost-effective pickup for any team needing blue-line depth at just over $1.5 million against the cap.

Article:

In a bit of a surprise on his latest "Trade Board" list, @reporterchris featured Ducks forward Ryan Strome

What are the chances Strome (who's been wearing an "A" since the Fowler trade) is actually moved?⤵️@TheHockeyNews | #FlyTogether https://t.co/IJuSSUX8Mf
— Patrick Present (@PatrickCPresent) February 11, 2025

Interestingly, another Ducks player, Ryan Strome, has recently entered the trade conversation. In his February 7 “NHL Trade Board” article, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston placed Strome at number 28 out of 32 top targets ahead of the deadline. This inclusion has raised some eyebrows, considering Strome’s current situation with Anaheim.

Strome joined the Ducks in the summer of 2022 as one of GM Pat Verbeek’s first major free-agent signings. He’s now in the third year of a five-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million, and notably, his contract doesn’t include any trade protection. This season, Strome is on track for his best offensive output since joining Anaheim, posting 30 points (7 goals, 23 assists) in 54 games. This follows back-to-back 41-point seasons in his first two years with the team.

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As Anaheim’s first-line center, Strome has been pivotal, often playing between Troy Terry and Frank Vatrano. Head coach Greg Cronin frequently matches Strome’s line against opposing top lines during home games, showing trust in his defensive reliability. He’s also taken on leadership responsibilities, wearing an “A” as alternate captain since Cam Fowler’s departure in December. These factors, combined with his locker-room presence and the team’s upward trajectory in their rebuild, make a trade seem unlikely.

That said, GM Pat Verbeek’s philosophy leaves the door open. When discussing untouchable players, Verbeek has been known to invoke the adage, “Even Wayne Gretzky was traded.” By that logic, Strome could be available if a team is willing to pay a high price.

For teams interested, Strome offers plenty of value. He’s a versatile playmaker who could bring offensive depth to a team’s middle six. He’s also been incredibly durable throughout his 12-year career, missing significant time only once (13 games in 2016-17). This season, he’s shown an improved defensive effort while continuing to excel in playmaking, especially from below the goal line, where his vision and passing can dismantle defensive structures.

Though not the fastest skater, Strome’s hockey IQ and ability to connect plays make him a valuable asset. A trade involving him would be shocking, especially given Anaheim’s recent progress. Still, as playoff races heat up, desperate teams may make bold moves—and Strome could find himself at the center of one.

Image Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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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!