Get the latest updates on NHL trades as teams gear up for the playoff push, including key acquisitions, contract extensions, and trade rumors.
Feb 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA;Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (4) celebrates a goal against the Utah Hockey Club with the bench during the first period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, teams are making bold moves to strengthen their rosters for a deep playoff run or stockpile assets for the future. This season has already seen some blockbuster trades.
The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams across the league are making significant moves to strengthen their rosters for the playoff push. From long-term contract extensions to blockbuster trades, front offices are busy reshaping their lineups in pursuit of championship aspirations. This week saw the Columbus Blue Jackets locking in Mathieu Olivier with a six-year extension, while the Edmonton Oilers made a major splash by acquiring Trent Frederic in a three-team deal. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens secured Jake Evans with a four-year extension, and the Florida Panthers bolstered their defense with the addition of Seth Jones. With the deadline looming, the trade market remains active, and more high-stakes deals could be on the horizon, and the action continues to pick up. So let us have a look at the recent trades.
Mathieu Olivier signs six-year, $18 million deal with Blue Jackets
Mathieu Olivier has secured his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a six-year, $18 million contract extension on Wednesday. The deal carries a $3 million average annual value and will keep him with the team through the 2030-31 season.
The 28-year-old forward was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer but has proven his value with 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) in 61 games this season. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Nashville Predators in 2019, Olivier has since carved out a solid NHL career, tallying 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) in 229 regular-season games between Nashville and Columbus.
While he has yet to register a point in his five Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, his physical presence and depth scoring have made him a valuable asset.
Olivier arrived in Columbus via trade on June 30, 2022, when the Blue Jackets acquired him from the Predators in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Now, with his long-term future secured, he looks to continue making an impact for Columbus in the seasons ahead.
Bruins Trade Frederic to Oilers in Three-Team Deal
The Edmonton Oilers made a key move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins in a three-team trade that also involved the New Jersey Devils. The deal was structured in multiple steps, with Boston first sending Frederic to New Jersey in exchange for unsigned forward Petr Hauser while retaining 50% of Frederic’s salary. The Devils then flipped Frederic to Edmonton, receiving unsigned forward Shane Lachance in return while also retaining another 50% of Frederic’s remaining salary. To complete the trade, Boston later dealt Hauser and forward Max Jones to Edmonton in exchange for defenseman Maximus Wanner, a 2025 second-round pick (previously owned by the St. Louis Blues), and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Frederic is in the final season of a two-year, $4.6 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The physical forward has tallied 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 57 games this season but has missed recent games due to an upper-body injury. A former first-round pick (No. 29 in the 2016 NHL Draft), Frederic has been a reliable depth player throughout his career, recording 109 points in 337 NHL games while adding five points in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. With the Oilers looking to solidify their forward group for a deep postseason run, his physicality and versatility could provide valuable depth.
Canadiens Lock In Jake Evans with Four-Year Extension
The Montreal Canadiens have officially secured center Jake Evans with a four-year contract extension, removing him from trade discussions. The deal is valued at $11.4 million, carrying an annual cap hit of $2.85 million.
While the extension solidifies Evans’ place in the lineup, it does not include any trade protection, leaving the team with flexibility in the future.
Oilers Acquire Trent Frederic in Key Trade Move
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Edmonton Oilers have made a significant trade move, acquiring forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins in a three-team deal that also includes the New Jersey Devils. In addition to Frederic, winger Max Jones is also heading from Boston to Edmonton, as reported by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.
As part of the transaction, the Devils will retain 50% of Frederic’s salary after the Bruins’ initial retention, effectively reducing his cap hit for Edmonton from $2.3 million to just $575K. In return, New Jersey has acquired the rights to left-wing prospect Shane Lachance from the Oilers, while also sending the signing rights to right-winger Petr Hauser to Edmonton to finalize their role in the deal. This strategic move strengthens the Oilers’ depth as they gear up for the playoff push.
Seth Jones Heads to Florida in a Blockbuster Deal
One of the biggest trades came on Saturday, when the Florida Panthers landed defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks. In exchange, Chicago received young goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
As part of the deal, Florida also acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft, while Chicago agreed to retain 26% of Jones’ salary. Jones, who is in the third year of an eight-year, $76 million contract, had previously expressed frustration with the Blackhawks’ struggles and was open to waiving his no-movement clause.
The 30-year-old defenseman, originally drafted 4th overall in 2013, brings significant experience, with 432 points (97 goals, 335 assists) in 839 regular-season games. This season, he contributed 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists) in 42 games with Chicago. His addition to Florida’s blue line provides a major boost as they push for a deep playoff run.
Avalanche & Wild Shake Things Up
The Colorado Avalanche continued their aggressive approach by acquiring Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey from the New York Rangers. Shortly after, the Minnesota Wild responded by bringing in forward Gustav Nyquist, a pending free agent.
With the deadline nearing, more trades are expected as teams finalize their rosters. Will contenders make last-minute moves to solidify their championship hopes? Stay tuned as the NHL trade frenzy unfolds!
Image Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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