NHL Trade Deadline: Teams Gear Up for Push in Playoffs

FAIR LAWN, N.J. — As the NHL trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m. ET today, teams across the league are finalizing deals in hopes of strengthening their rosters for a playoff push or reorganizing for the future. This year’s trade deadline has seen notable moves, and analysts predict a flurry of activity as the deadline nears.

The New Jersey Devils have completed a trade to acquire center Cody Glass from the Pittsburgh Penguins, as reported by Sportsnet‘s Elliotte Friedman. The Devils are addressing a shortage at center, needing depth after losing Jack Hughes for the season. Glass, who notched 15 points in 51 games this season, aims to fill that gap. In his best season two years ago, he totaled 35 points with the Nashville Predators.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are making their presence felt today by trading for goalie Petr Mrazek and forward Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for center Joe Veleno. This move seems to be a precursor to a more significant deal, as the Red Wings have struggled lately, losing four consecutive games. Coach Derek Lalonde suggested the trade reflects team adjustments rather than a shift towards becoming sellers.

In another significant transaction, the Boston Bruins are parting ways with forward Charlie Coyle, sending him to the Colorado Avalanche while acquiring Casey Mittelstadt in the return. Additionally, the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to add forward Luke Kunin from the San Jose Sharks. Both teams are making tactical shifts to enhance their playoff probabilities.

The Vegas Golden Knights continue to be a focal point as they have a history of making late moves. Analysts are watching closely, especially since they made a blockbuster trade at the last moment last season.

Regarding individual players, forward Brock Boeser was spotted practicing with the Vancouver Canucks, suggesting he might stay with the team as they fight for a playoff spot, contrary to speculation he could be dealt. His presence suggests the Canucks are weighing immediate playoff chances against long-term strategies.

Perhaps the most anticipated news revolves around Mikko Rantanen, who is reportedly on the verge of being traded to the Dallas Stars. Rantanen is expected to sign an eight-year, $96 million contract, signaling a major commitment from Dallas. In return, the Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly set to receive forward Logan Stankoven and two first-round draft picks.

Another notable deal is Scott Laughton moving from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional first-round pick in 2026. Laughton’s addition is vital for the Maple Leafs, providing them with a robust third-line center to complement their top scorers.

The Winnipeg Jets acquired defenseman Luke Schenn from the Penguins for draft picks, along with forward Brandon Tanev from the Seattle Kraken, bolstering their roster for a playoff push.

The Buffalo Sabres made headlines with recent moves, including a potential trade of Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. With Cozens struggling this season, he could benefit from a change of scenery as both teams navigate strategic shifts.

As clubs wheel and deal in the final hours before the deadline, Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios expressed confidence in his team’s depth and competitive potential while acknowledging the looming decision concerning their first-round pick due to previous NHL findings. This situation complicated their approach but doesn’t deter them from seeking impactful trades.

With trade discussions intensifying, players like Kyle Palmieri of the Islanders and Ryan O’Reilly of the Predators remain topics of interest. Both are pending unrestricted free agents whose futures might hinge on today’s final decisions.

As the clock ticks down, excitement builds around potential trades that could alter the playoff landscape significantly. Fans and analysts alike are left to speculate which big-name players might change jerseys by the end of the day.