NHL Trade Deadline Player Rankings: Top Targets for 2024-25 Deadline

With it now being December, trade talks around the NHL are increasing. Due to this, we should start seeing more moves occur as we continue to get closer to the 2025 NHL trade deadline.

As a result, here’s the latest top 10 trade candidates for the 2024-25 season now. 

NHL Trade Deadline Player Rankings

1. Ivan Provorov – Blue Jackets 

Ivan Provorov is already generating a lot of trade interest early on in the season. With the Blue Jackets rebuilding and Provorov being in the final year of his deal, he will be a valuable trade chip for Columbus. Teams in need of a top-four defenseman who provides both offense and solid defense will be calling. 

2. Chris Kreider – Rangers

The Rangers are ready to shake up their roster. Chris Kreider is one notable player who is available on their roster, and he will generate a lot of interest. This is because he is a proven top-six winger who not only scores a lot but also plays a heavy game.

3. Jacob Trouba – Rangers 

Jacob Trouba is another big-name player on the Rangers who has been made available. The right-shot defenseman should draw interest, as he is a hard-hitting top-four defenseman who kills penalties. 

4. Brock Nelson – Islanders 

It has been a brutal season for the Islanders, and the expectation is that they will be sellers. Because of this, Brock Nelson is starting to create a lot of chatter in the rumor mill. He is a consistent 30-goal and 60-point threat, so he will be a popular target for teams looking for a top-six center. 

5. Mikael Granlund – Sharks 

Mikael Granlund is another big trade candidate as we get closer to the deadline. The Sharks are rebuilding, and Granlund is having himself an excellent season. Because of this, he is their most valuable trade chip right now and will garner interest from clubs needing another top-six forward. 

6. Trevor Zegras – Ducks 

The Ducks listened to offers for star forward Trevor Zegras this past season, and it carried over to the summer. The Ducks have several young forwards with great upside in their system, so Zegras could be made expendable if it means adding a star defenseman.

7. John Gibson – Ducks 

John Gibson is the top goalie on the trade market right now. The veteran netminder has had a great start to the season and is looking more like the elite goaltender he was earlier in his career. Thus, there will be interest in him this campaign, and the Colorado Avalanche are a clear team to watch.

8. Rasmus Ristolainen – Flyers

Rasmus Ristolainen is once again starting to create buzz in the rumor mill. It is understandable, as teams are always on the hunt for big, hard-hitting defensemen for their right side. In addition, the Flyers are rebuilding and could trade Ristolainen for the right price.

9. David Savard – Canadiens 

Canadiens defenseman David Savard was a popular player in the rumor mill leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline but stayed put. However, when noting that the Canadiens are rebuilding and Savard is entering the final year of his deal, he undoubtedly is a player to watch in trade talks yet again. Some clubs who have been connected to him in the past include the Oilers, Avalanche, and Stars.

10. Kaapo Kakko – Rangers 

Kaapo Kakko is another Rangers forward who has been made available. He has been in the rumor mill before, and it is clear that he could benefit from a change of scenery at this juncture. With Kakko being a young forward with good upside, both playoff and rebuilding clubs could be interested in him. 

Who’s the Top NHL Trade Candidate for the 2024-25 Season? 

Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov is currently the top trade candidate in the NHL. The left-shot defenseman is starting to generate a lot of interest and is in the final year of his deal. Thus, the rebuilding Blue Jackets are expected to move him before the deadline.