The 2025 NHL trade deadline has come to an end, and Stanley Cup contenders in both conferences are loaded up in an arms race. Some of the deals made over the last week will determine which team lifts the Cup in a few months.

While it got off to a slow start, this year’s trade deadline didn’t lack drama by the end. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche took turns making one big move after another as they geared up for what could be a high-stakes first-round matchup.

In the East, the Atlantic Division cemented itself as a gauntlet. The Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning bolstered already impressive lineups. The team that comes out of that side of the playoff bracket will have earned its spot in the conference final and then some.

Looking back at recent Stanley Cup winners, it becomes clear that aggressiveness has been rewarded. The Panthers, Golden Knights, and Avalanche all made bold moves that resulted in championships. The teams mentioned in this list could very well keep that trend rolling in 2025.

Let’s look at the five most impactful acquisitions of the 2025 NHL trade deadline.

1. Mikko Rantanen | RW | Dallas Stars
   Former team: Carolina Hurricanes
   The rich just keep getting richer. Prior to the acquisition of Rantanen, the Stars already had eight players with at least 15 goals. That number is now up to nine, and Rantanen is one of the best goal-scorers in the NHL over the last few seasons.

2. Brock Nelson | C | Colorado Avalanche
   Former team: New York Islanders
   The Avalanche conducted their annual search for a second-line center, and they found the top option on the trade market in Nelson.

3. Brad Marchand | LW | Florida Panthers
   Former team: Boston Bruins
   Marchand brings a lot of tenacity and skill to the Panthers.

4. Seth Jones | D | Florida Panthers
   Former team: Chicago Blackhawks
   Jones can be a real difference-maker with better teammates.

5. Yanni Gourde | C | Tampa Bay Lightning
   Former team: Seattle Kraken
   Gourde has more than earned his reputation as an elite defensive forward.