NHL Trades We Need to See In the New Year (Part.2)

Welcome back to part two of the NHL trades that we need to see in 2025. With the calendar flipping to 2025 in less than 24 hours and the Holiday roster freeze lifted, the NHL rumor mill has been heating up, with more trade speculation daily. As of January 7, it’ll be three months until the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. So, here are a few NHL trades that we need to see in the new year.

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Trent Frederic to St. Louis

It would be natural to have Trent Frederic with the St. Louis Blues, not just by playing style but more because of his local ties to St. Louis. With this grit and hard-nosed style, he does fit the mold for what the Blues are about. He can play center and wing, and his physicality would add depth for the team down the stretch. Frederic grew up in the area and understands the city’s love for hockey, so he can bring the hometown pride on a nightly basis.

Boston Bruins: Radek Faska, 2025 2nd-round pick & 2026 5th Round Pick (PIT)

St. Louis Blues: Trent Frederic

Brock Nelson to Dallas

The New York Islanders trading Brock Nelson to the Dallas Stars makes a ton of sense. He can provide the scoring depth that they need for a deep playoff push. Additionally, the ability to play both center and wing allows Dallas to balance its top six while putting pressure on their young stars. If they move Tyler Seguin to LTIR, the Stars have the cap space to take on Nelson’s entire $6 million cap hit. However, they could offer another draft pick for the Islanders to retain 25%. The fit is there, plus his experience in the playoffs can hopefully help the Stars win the Stanley Cup.

New York Islanders: Emil Hemming, 2025 1st Round Pick, 2026 3rd Round Pick

Dallas Stars: Brock Nelson (25% retained)

Taylor Hall to Edmonton

Taylor Hall would fit with the Edmonton Oilers. He has the ability to play alongside the team’s stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He would bring experience and playmaking to the top-six forward group of the Oilers, adding much-needed secondary scoring. The added storylines of a reunion with the team that drafted him first overall in 2010 gives Hall a chance to play on a team in pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The familiarity and drive to win may be exactly what he needs to get the Edmonton Oilers over the hump for playoff success this season.

Chicago Blackhawks: Jayden Grubbe, 2026 1st Round Pick, 2027 5th Round Pick

Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall (50% retained)

Frank Vatrano to Boston

Frank Vatrano would fit in perfectly with the Boston Bruins. He brings in much-needed goal-scoring and versatility to their team. The Bruins could use his knack for finding the back of the net to bolster their depth scoring, especially in tight playoff races. It would also be a return to his roots for Vatrano, born in Massachusetts, making things even more special for him.

Anaheim Ducks: Brett Harrison, 2026 2nd Round Pick & 2027 4th round pick

Boston Bruins: Frank Vatrano (50% retained)

Next: NHL Trades We Need to See In the New Year