Today, March 5, 2025, the NHL trade market heated up as teams made key moves just days before the March 7 deadline. With the playoff push in full swing, here’s a rundown of the trades that went down, ranked from most impactful to least.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning
Acquire Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from Seattle Kraken
The Lightning made a blockbuster splash, landing forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Kraken for Mikey Eyssimont, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick. Gourde, a two-time Cup winner with Tampa, returns with a cap hit of just $1.291 million (thanks to Seattle and Detroit retaining salary), while Bjorkstrand brings consistent 20-goal scoring with a year left at $5.4 million. This trade signals Tampa’s all-in approach, bolstering their depth for another Cup run. For Seattle, the haul of picks aids their retooling efforts as they slide out of contention.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins Trade
Michael Bunting and a 2026 4th-Round Pick to Nashville Predators for Luke Schenn and Tommy Novak
Pittsburgh swung a significant deal, sending forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Nashville for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Bunting, with 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 games this season, brings scoring punch to the Predators’ lineup as they retool. In return, the Penguins get Schenn, a rugged, Cup-winning defenseman ($2.75 million cap hit, pending UFA), to shore up their blue line, and Novak, a versatile forward with upside (though currently injured). This trade boosts Pittsburgh’s playoff grit while giving Nashville a younger asset and a pick.
3. Minnesota Wild
Acquire Gustav Nyquist from Nashville Predators
The Wild snagged forward Gustav Nyquist from the Predators for a 2026 second-round pick. Nyquist, a pending UFA, brings veteran scoring to Minnesota’s playoff push. Nashville, out of the playoff picture, continues shedding veterans for assets. This move strengthens Minnesota’s top-nine forward group without breaking the bank, making it a solid depth play.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
Trade Vincent Desharnais to San Jose Sharks
Pittsburgh sent defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the Sharks for a 2028 fifth-round pick. Desharnais, who had no points in 10 games with the Penguins this season, adds size (6’7”) and depth to San Jose’s blue line. For Pittsburgh, this clears roster space and a small cap hit ($2 million), likely facilitating the Schenn acquisition. It’s a minor tweak, but strategic for both the rebuilding Sharks and playoff-hopeful Penguins.
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