2025 NHL Trade Deadline: Eight Buyers To Watch In Final Days

As the clock ticks down to the 2025 NHL trade deadline on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, the noise can feel dizzying.

Certain names and teams dominate the discourse – have you heard enough about Mikko Rantanen yet?

But every team is being discussed in one form or another. And with this year’s playoff race feeling pretty wide open, we’re here to identify which teams are most likely to make a splash this week.

Here are the most likely big buyers in two categories: the Contenders and the Challengers.

The Contenders

These five clubs want to make meaningful playoff runs and have assets in hand that they can use to strengthen their rosters.

Florida Panthers

Now in his fifth season as Panthers GM, Bill Zito has made a habit of swinging for the fences, including some bold trade-deadline deals. They haven’t all worked out, but Zito’s Panthers are a rare example of an NHL team that has made steady progress with no major setbacks under his watch.

Now that he has a Cup, Zito isn’t veering from his game plan. Acquiring Seth Jones was a bold move that could have enormous upside, and Matthew Tkachuk’s injury has opened up cap space that can be used to add more talent as Florida revs up for a run at a repeat.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving did his heavy lifting over the summer, making the Leafs look more like a playoff team with disciplined coaching, a stouter blueline and reliable goaltending. Now, it’s time to go for it despite injuries, and the most obvious position to bolster is at center.

A steady veteran who won’t get rattled under pressure would fit well. But players like that could spur bidding wars in this year’s seller’s market.

Edmonton Oilers

After reaching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final, the Oilers are in a similar position to the Leafs. Their need to upgrade is made even more urgent by disappointing recent play and questions about the chemistry of this year’s group. Last year, GM…