5 Best NHL Trades for 2025: Mikko Rantanen, Trevor Zevras and More

Some big NHL trades have already happened in 2025. As the draft in Los Angeles gets closer on June 27 and 28, teams are working fast to make changes. One of the biggest trades this year is Trevor Zegras leaving the Anaheim Ducks.

Here are the top five trades of the year and what they mean for the teams.

1. Trevor Zegras Joins Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers picked 24-year-old Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras on June 23. Ryan Poehling and a fourth-round selection in 2026 were received by Anaheim in exchange. Nine overall in 2019, Zegras played five seasons with the Ducks. In 268 games, he registered 119 assists and 67 goals. In 2022, he was also appointed to the NHL All-Rookie Team and surpassed 60 points two years running.

2. Brock Nelson Traded to Colorado Avalanche

On March 6 the New York Islanders sent veteran centre Brock Nelson (33), along with prospect William Dufour, to the Colorado Avalanche.In exchange, the Islanders got Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a 2026 first-round pick, and a conditional third-rounder. Nelson had 20 goals and 43 points in 61 games this season. In early June, he signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Avalanche.

3. Mikko Rantanen to Carolina Hurricanes (then to Dallas Stars)

On January 24 Mikko Rantanen (28) was moved from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team swap also involving Taylor Hall and Martin Necas.

Then on March 7, he was flipped to the Dallas Stars, with Dallas sending Logan Stankoven and multiple draft picks. Rantanen came into the season with 25 goals and 64 points in 49 games for Colorado.

4. Andre Burakovsky to Chicago Blackhawks

On June 21 Andre Burakovsky was dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks by the Seattle Kraken. In return, Seattle picked up forward Joe Veleno.Also Read: Chicago Blackhawks Trying To Steal No. 1 Pick In Michael Misa Draft Bombshell

5. Mason Marchment to Seattle Kraken

Also on June 22 the Kraken acquired forward Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars. Dallas received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick.These five trades show how NHL teams are getting ready fast ahead of the draft. Every player on this list could make a big difference in the coming season.