Trade Watch: Kadri and 3 Other NHL Forwards to Keep an Eye On

‘Tis the season! No, not the holiday season, but the start of the NHL trade season. We are less than three months away from the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, and the talk is heating up, especially regarding forwards.

Earlier this week, we saw the New York Rangers move their captain as a way to shake up their roster. There were Brady Tkachuk and Dylan Larkin rumors that were proven to be false. It is moving into the time in the NHL season where every day, we have more and more rumors to talk about. With that, let’s look at the four forwards who will most likely be traded this season.

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4. Frank Vatrano – Anaheim Ducks

First up, Frank Vatrano from the Anaheim Ducks. This may be a hard trade to make now that his childhood best friend (Trouba) is now a part of the organization. Regardless, a player with his skill set will be highly coveted. He is a pure goalscorer; he loves to shoot the puck into the net. That is what 99% of contending teams look for at the deadline to add depth to their roster. The Ducks are not in a position to retain his services unless they work out an extension before March 7. If not, then he will likely be on the move this season.

Prediction of Teams Interested: EDM, FLA, NYR, WSH & VGK

3. Kaapo Kakko – New York Rangers

Kaapo Kakko needs to be traded. He has struggled since he joined the New York Rangers organization; the fit just never was truly there. He needs to go to a team that will give him more ice time and let him play. This could completely change his career; he will probably become more confident as a player and unlock his potential. As for the Rangers, they need to shake things up; the GM knows it, the players know it, and so do the fans. Kakko should be one of the players on the top of that trade list. 

Prediction of Teams Interested: CHI, VAN, MTL & SJ

2. Brock Nelson – New York Islanders

What is going on with teams based in New York this season? The Buffalo Sabres are awful, and the Rangers and the New York Islanders need to shake things up badly. Brock Nelson is expected to be one of those players. Frankly, he should be. The Islanders need to stop giving aging veterans a big contract and start building up their young talent. Nelson’s time on the island should be coming to an end, and they should ensure the return changes the dynamic of their organization. 

Prediction of Teams Interested: TOR, CAR, EDM & BOS

1. Nazem Kadri – Calgary Flames

Lastly, Nazem Kadri will be the most sought-after forward on the trade market. He brings exactly what is needed for a playoff team. He’s physical, he chirps, he brings energy, and he has a ring, which means experience. The Calgary Flames are heading into an on-the-fly retool, and since they won’t be able to move the Jonathan Huberdeau contract, Kadri will be one of their biggest trade chips. Whatever team gets him will need to pay a pretty penny to acquire his services. However, some could argue that they would be willing to take less so they don’t have to retain his cap hit.

Prediction of Teams Interested: TOR, WSH, COL & WPG

Next: The Calgary Flames: What Is This Team, Anyway?