December 2024 proved to be a significant month for NHL trades, with eight deals completed during this period. Noteworthy movements included the New York Rangers' decision to trade Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on December 6, and player Kaapo Kakko's subsequent move to the Seattle Kraken on December 18. Additionally, the Ducks traded defenseman Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues on December 14. The Nashville Predators also got involved, sending defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens on December 18. The most prominent trade involved a multiplayer exchange between the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks, where the Avalanche sent goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, forward Nikolai Kovalenko, and two draft picks to the Sharks in exchange for Mackenzie Blackwood, forward Givani Smith, and a draft pick.

Among the players on the NHL trade radar for December were Trouba and Blackwood, who found themselves on Moneyline's December 2024 NHL Trade Targets Big Board. Four players from this list, including Rangers' winger Chris Kreider and Columbus Blue Jackets' defenseman Ivan Provorov, remain potential trade candidates as the trade window in January approaches. Some players who were on the December board did not make it to January, such as Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson, who was sidetracked by a lower-body injury, and speculation around Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen waned. Despite being mentioned, Minnesota Wild General Manager Bill Guerin clarified that he is not shopping forward Marco Rossi. Nonetheless, 15 trade candidates are still worth monitoring ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

Sam Bennett, a key player for the Florida Panthers during their recent Stanley Cup run, has accrued attention as a potential trade candidate as he prepares to become an unrestricted free agent in July. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos ranked Bennett among intriguing trade possibilities, citing a '50-50 chance' he could be traded by the March 7 deadline if negotiations for a new contract stall. The Calgary Flames have also been brought into the conversation, with speculation about Bennett returning to the team where he spent the first six seasons of his career. In contrast, Moneyline previously suggested on December 18 that the Panthers would likely prefer to retain Bennett for another Cup run this season, though his contract situation remains crucial to monitor.

Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames has been a subject of trade speculation since the 2024 NHL Draft. Despite Kadri's insistence that he loves playing in Calgary, voices around the league, including the Toronto Maple Leafs as a potential landing spot, have continued to circulate. However, Moneyline believes the likelihood of a trade back to Toronto remains low due to Kadri's no-movement clause, although the option of waiving it could arise should the Flames shift into a selling posture as the trade deadline approaches.

Ryan Lindgren of the New York Rangers also emerged as a trade candidate following the departure of Trouba. Lindgren, under a one-year, $4.5 million contract, struggles this season but serves as a reputable defensive pairing with Adam Fox. Reporting from The Athletic indicated that Lindgren's availability was communicated by Rangers General Manager Chris Drury as early as November, and despite his pivotal role on the team, his subpar performance could hinder his trade value. Still, Lindgren remains attractive to playoff contenders looking to bolster their defensive lineup.

Trent Frederic of the Boston Bruins, noted for his size and aggressive playstyle, is another player garnering trade interest as the Bruins navigate their early struggles this season. Frederic's $2.3 million cap hit and impending free agency in July attract attention, as teams in need of physical forwards keep him in mind. Although there have been signs of declining productivity from Frederic, which may impact his trade value, he could still be retained for a playoff push if the Bruins decide against moving him before the deadline.

Despite a solid performance in December placing the Montreal Canadiens within contention for a wild-card berth, there is speculation regarding their potential willingness to sell key assets. Players like defenseman David Savard and center Jake Evans are prominent names, although Mike Matheson's name has also cropped up despite him having a year left on his contract. The acquisition of Alexandre Carrier may signal preparations for potential trades, as Matheson's skill set could attract interest from teams seeking depth on defense.

The trade of Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks stands out as a significant transaction this season. There are opinions suggesting that Trouba could very well be moved again prior to the March 7 deadline, with multiple analysts speculating on the Ducks flipping him to a playoff contender. Contentions linger regarding whether the Ducks may consider retaining a portion of Trouba's $8 million annual average value should they decide to trade him, creating further intrigue around his role with the team as the deadline approaches.

The Buffalo Sabres experienced a challenging stretch that jeopardized their playoff ambitions, leading to increased speculation about potential trades. Reports regarding Dylan Cozens surfaced, capturing the interest of several teams after the Sabres received inquiries about the young forward. Signed through 2029-30, Cozens’ fluctuating performance raises questions about his future, and general manager Kevyn Adams has yet to show intent in offloading him despite the prevailing rumors. The Sabres will remain a focal point in trade discussions if they cannot improve their standing.

Goaltender John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks continues to appear in trade discussions as teams explore options leading up to the deadline. His contract, which runs through 2026-27, places him in a complicated position within trade talks. Although some reports have emerged indicating that teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes have expressed interest, the Ducks' asking price for Gibson remains a point of contention. Retaining part of his salary could make him more appealing for potential suitors hesitating over his current cap hit.

After a challenging start to the season, Taylor Hall of the Chicago Blackhawks has started to find his form, recording significant points since late November. As he inches closer to unrestricted free agency, Hall has become a notable trade target if the Blackhawks decide to move in a different direction. Analysts observed his recent resurgence, particularly noting his performance against tough opponents, and suggested that Hall could appeal to contenders in need of offensive reinforcements.

The New York Rangers have actively engaged in the trade market, evident from their dealings earlier in December. However, uncertainty looms over whether they will make further changes as they navigate towards a likely sell mode, especially with Chris Kreider now sitting at the top of the trade targets list. Despite earlier reports of Kreider's availability, recent opinions indicate that interest has waned due to a combination of injury and declining production. Nonetheless, Kreider's contract could still provide the Rangers with valuable return capabilities should they choose to pursue trades.

The St. Louis Blues made a notable trade when they acquired Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks for minor-leaguer Jeremie Biakabutuka and a draft pick, aiming to enhance their depleted blue line. The implications of this trade extend beyond Fowler, as general manager Doug Armstrong is reportedly examining the possibility of moving Brandon Saad. Though Saad has had a less than stellar season, his history as a proven scorer and qualifications for a trade could prompt interest from other teams as the deadline nears.

Amidst all the trade speculations, reports emerged concerning the dynamics within the Vancouver Canucks regarding forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. The organization continues to assert its desire to retain both players; however, the uncertainty surrounding their contracts and performance adds complexity to the situation. Discussions within the organization suggest that they are evaluating the overall direction as the trade market heats up during January.

Ivan Provorov, a pivotal figure for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has consistently appeared in trade discussions due to his $6.8 million average annual contract. With his future in Columbus uncertain, teams are eyeing him as a potential addition to their rosters before the trade deadline. However, speculation about Provorov’s future remains tempered by the ongoing negotiations for an extension, as his representative has indicated a willingness to remain with the Blue Jackets.

Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders emerged as another potential trade candidate following the team's poor performances this season. Having dropped off the radar in trade discussions through earlier months, the renewed struggles of the Islanders have sparked speculation about whether Nelson could be moved. As he approaches unrestricted free agency, discussions surrounding his and other connected players' futures continue to gain traction as several clubs monitor their availability.