NHL Trade Deadline Heats Up with Major Moves and Strategic Acquisitions
Teams across the league are reshaping rosters ahead of Friday's deadline, with blockbuster trades and playoff aspirations driving activity.
- The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche, but his long-term future with the team remains uncertain as contract discussions continue.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning bolstered their forward depth by trading for Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde, signaling a push to remain in Stanley Cup contention.
- The Florida Panthers addressed defensive and goaltending needs by acquiring Seth Jones and Vitek Vanecek, leveraging cap space created by Matthew Tkachuk's injury.
- The Edmonton Oilers added physicality with the acquisition of Trent Frederic in a three-team trade, aiming to replicate last season's deep playoff run despite injuries to key players.
- The New York Rangers remain active in reshaping their roster, trading for J.T. Miller and Ryan Lindgren while offloading players like Kaapo Kakko and Jacob Trouba earlier in the season.