The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are already making significant moves. The Colorado Avalanche stunned the league by trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, who are betting on their acquisition despite no contract extension in place. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have been reshaping their roster, trading captain Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko, while reacquiring J.T. Miller. The Chicago Blackhawks responded to Seth Jones' trade demand by acquiring goaltender Spencer Knight from the Florida Panthers, focusing on building for the future. Even the Boston Bruins are beginning their retool with a trade for Trent Frederic.

NHL executives suggest that the summer may hold even more surprises with projected salary cap increases leading to a sellers' market. In the coming days, teams are expected to make moves, particularly concerning players like Rantanen and Sidney Crosby, whose futures remain uncertain. Carolina might flip Rantanen if they sense he won't sign long-term, while Crosby seems committed to helping the Penguins through their transition. Brad Marchand's future is also in limbo as he enters free agency. The Tampa Bay Lightning have the potential to make an unexpected splash, and the landscape of the East remains wide open.

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, several teams are evaluating their playoff hopes and potential trades. The Boston Bruins made a critical move, trading center Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers, recognizing their slim chances for a postseason berth. With injuries to key players and a need for future assets, they may also consider trading Justin Brazeau while retaining star Brad Marchand for a competitive retool.

The New York Islanders, currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, must face reality and move veteran players like Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holding onto these assets risks losing them for nothing in free agency, while the Seattle Kraken, underperforming this season, should trade pending UFAs Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev to focus on long-term strategies. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues should consider dealing captain Brayden Schenn to maximize value and build for future competitiveness.

The Edmonton Oilers bolstered their forward lineup by trading defenseman Max Wanner and draft picks to the Boston Bruins for Trent Frederic, Max Jones, and rights to Petr Hauser. Jones has shown potential in the AHL with 13 goals and 8 assists in 38 games this season, adding some NHL experience with 7 games played for the Bruins. His career stats reflect a solid performance with 62 points across 265 NHL games. Wanner, meanwhile, had modest contributions in his second AHL season. This trade may signify the Oilers' aim to enhance their offensive depth and create a more balanced roster as they focus on playoff contention.

The Edmonton Oilers have fortified their lineup by acquiring forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins, marking their first significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline. In exchange, Edmonton surrendered a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and prospect Max Wanner, while the Bruins retained half of Frederic's $2.3 million salary. This trade signifies Boston's initial sell-off as they chase a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, especially with their captain, Brad Marchand, dealing with injury and limited contract status.

For Edmonton, the addition of Frederic, who brings physicality and depth to their forward unit, aims to complement stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This strategic acquisition comes after the Oilers' near-miss in the previous season's Stanley Cup Final, and Frederic is expected to provide the toughness needed for another deep playoff run. Along with Frederic, the Oilers also welcomed Max Jones in the deal, further enhancing their roster depth as they prepare for the postseason.

In a significant move, the Boston Bruins traded Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers as part of a three-team trade involving the New Jersey Devils. The Bruins initially sent Frederic to New Jersey in exchange for unsigned forward Petr Hauser while retaining 50% of Frederic's salary. New Jersey then dealt Frederic to Edmonton for forward Shane Lachance, also retaining 50% of his salary.

Frederic, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, recorded 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 57 games this season. He is in the final year of a two-year, $4.6 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent following this season. The Oilers, currently second in the Pacific Division, aim to bolster their roster with this acquisition.