The 2024-25 NHL regular season is currently at its halfway mark, and the trade market is already buzzing with activity. A total of twenty deals have been executed, with notable players such as Jacob Trouba, Cam Fowler, and Mackenzie Blackwood changing teams. Additionally, promising young talents like Kaapo Kakko and David Jiříček have also found themselves in new environments. As the March 7 trade deadline approaches, it is anticipated that trade activity will intensify further. Many of these moves will likely involve players on expiring contracts who have fallen out of favor with their current rosters, and there could be a renewed opportunity for players seeking to rebound following struggles with their former teams.

The New York Rangers' unexpected downfall from Presidents' Trophy winners in the 2023-24 season to a position near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings has prompted significant trades already. Jacob Trouba was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on December 6, followed by Kaapo Kakko's departure to the Seattle Kraken on December 18. Kakko's exit came after he expressed dissatisfaction with his role on the Rangers, which included being a healthy scratch for a game against the St. Louis Blues on December 15. Zac Jones, a defenseman on the Rangers, also voiced frustration over being kept out of the lineup, stating he felt he was 'rotting away.' With eight points in 26 games and a modest average of 16:42 ice time, Jones has struggled this season, much like many of his teammates on the Rangers. The smaller breakdown of his numbers, however, showcases his ability as a good skater who can effectively play both defensive positions. Reports indicate that the Rangers have permitted Jones to communicate with other teams regarding a potential trade.

Nicholas Robertson, who was previously at the center of trade speculation after requesting to be moved last summer, has signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 23-year-old winger has had a limited role as a checking-line forward this season, maintaining a quiet profile regarding his position and future with the team. As he approaches restricted free agency with arbitration rights on July 1, he may find leverage in negotiations. Currently, he has managed to score seven goals and accumulate 11 points in 38 games, which may not enable him to seek a lucrative deal or a more prominent role on the Maple Leafs' roster. Although he is the younger brother of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, Nicholas has yet to find the same level of success. His role in a checking-line capacity has impacted his production, which could motivate teams looking for affordable scoring depth to consider giving him an opportunity for increased ice time elsewhere.

Amidst the turmoil within the Vancouver Canucks, primary forwards Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller have drawn significant attention due to rumored discord between them. This focus has, in many respects, overshadowed the struggles of winger Nils Höglander, who has had a disappointing season thus far. After achieving a career-best 24 goals and 36 points in the 2023-24 season, Höglander has only scored two goals and recorded eight points in 38 games this year. With his current deployment mostly on the checking line and three games as a healthy scratch since mid-December, the Canucks may look to leverage Höglander in trade discussions, particularly in exchange for defensive help ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. Höglander is currently under contract with a cap hit of $1.1 million and has recently signed a three-year extension with an average annual value of $3 million, which may deter some teams from pursuing him due to concerns over his performance and potential fit.

Joel Farabee appeared poised to break through in the NHL after a career-best performance of 22 goals and 50 points in the 2023-24 season. However, the 24-year-old winger has encountered difficulties this year, tallying just six goals and 16 points in 43 games. Speculation surrounding Farabee's trade value emerged at the end of last season, landing him on various trade blocks. Concerns regarding his role on the team have been exacerbated by coach John Tortorella’s tendency to move him up and down the lineup, resulting in a checking-line role. After being a healthy scratch for a game against the Anaheim Ducks on January 11, Tortorella emphasized his commitment to the winger's development, viewing the scratch as a potential wake-up call. Nevertheless, rival general managers may also recognize the benefits of a trade in helping Farabee reach his potential. Currently, Farabee is in the third year of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5 million, and prospective trading clubs may inquire about the Flyers retaining a portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.

John Gibson, the 31-year-old goaltender of the Anaheim Ducks, continues to be a frequent subject in trade discussions. His contract, which extends through the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $6.4 million and includes a 10-team no-trade list, presents challenges for any potential trade. Gibson has faced difficulties on the ice in recent years, with his performance suffering as he backstops a rebuilding team. However, with Lukáš Dostál emerging as the Ducks' long-term goalie solution, management may be more inclined to retain a portion of Gibson's salary in order to facilitate a trade. Reports, including insights from TSN's Pierre LeBrun, indicate that the Carolina Hurricanes have had discussions with the Ducks about acquiring Gibson. As the March 7 trade deadline approaches, the long-standing situation could find resolution, allowing both Gibson and the Ducks to proceed beyond this ongoing distraction. Dostál is deserving of more playing time as the starting goalie, while Gibson deserves another opportunity to showcase his abilities on a more competitive roster.