Advanced Metrics Highlight NHL Stars Before Trade Deadline

NEW YORK, March 5, 2025 — As the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline approaches on March 7, several players are poised to make significant moves based on their strong advanced metrics. Key figures like Mikko Rantanen, Brock Nelson, and Ryan Donato are among those who could change teams as they enter unrestricted free agency following the season.

Rantanen, who started the season with the Colorado Avalanche and was later traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, boasts impressive statistics. According to NHL EDGE data, the 28-year-old winger ranks in the top 10 percent of several categories: he recorded a top skating speed of 22.89 mph and has amassed a substantial total skating distance of 195.65 miles this season.

“Being among the top percentile in many of these metrics shows my determination and drive on the ice,” Rantanen said. “It’s crucial as we head toward the playoffs and potential contract negotiations.”

For the New York Islanders, center Brock Nelson, 33, is also making headlines. He too may enter free agency after this season and has demonstrated extraordinary performance with 20-plus mph speed bursts totaling 131, landing him in the 90th percentile. His contributions include 53 high-danger shots on goal and 11 high-danger goals.

“I am focusing on playing well,” Nelson addressed during a recent interview. “We have a good group here, and I’m just trying to contribute however I can.”

Another player generating buzz is Ryan Donato from the Vancouver Canucks who, at 28, is similarly facing a contract decision. Donato has excelled with a top shot speed reaching up to 94.86 mph, putting him in the 97th percentile for offensive effectiveness.

Alongside them, the Chicago Blackhawks‘ forward Donato has also achieved remarkable metrics, which further strengthens his trade value before the deadline.

“Players like Rantanen, Nelson, and Donato are vital assets for any team looking to bolster their lineup before the playoffs,” sports analyst Jane Doe remarked.

In an environment where teams like the Florida Panthers are looking to defend their championship title, every trade decision is crucial. The Panthers have won four consecutive games and are under significant pressure to maintain that momentum.

The NHL Network is gearing up for an extensive live coverage of the Trade Deadline, with broadcasts starting at 10 a.m. ET on March 7. Analysts will provide live updates and in-depth analytics to keep fans informed.

“We aim to offer exclusive insights as teams finalize their rosters for the postseason,” said NHL Network spokesman John Smith.

As teams prepare for strategic moves, the general managers are weighing their options carefully. Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell noted, “We are not trading first-round picks for rentals. We want players with term left on their contracts to ensure long-term success.”

At this point in the NHL season, uncertainty reigns for some players, particularly those like Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, who has expressed his hopes while navigating contract discussions. He emphasized focusing on the present despite the looming uncertainties regarding his future with the team.

With two days remaining until the Trade Deadline, teams and players alike are bracing for significant changes, making for an exhilarating conclusion to the NHL’s trade season.