Three potential blockbuster trades that could rock NHL offseason

Trade scenario 1: Hughes family reunion

Vancouver receives: Forward Dawson Mercer, right defenseman Simon Nemec, left defenseman Seamus Casey and 2025 second-round pick
New Jersey receives: Left defenseman Quinn Hughes

Comparison | June 2023: Winnipeg traded center Pierre-Luc Dubois to Los Angeles for a 2024 second-round and forwards Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari.

Rationale: Vancouver is likely going to do everything in its power to keep Hughes satisfied in one of the most passionate hockey markets on the planet. However, Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford announced Hughes' interest in playing with his brothers, Luke and Jack of the New Jersey Devils, to the entire hockey world, so Vancouver should rip off the Band-Aid. 

Mercer has been a mixed bag, but at least he would add young scoring depth. Nemec, the 2022 second overall pick, is an upside swing. Casey, a highly touted prospect, likely has no path into the Devils lineup if the third Hughes brother comes to town.

Trade scenario 2: Alexis Lafreniere's fresh start

New York Rangers receive: Forward JJ Peterka, 2025 first-round pick (ninth overall)
Buffalo Sabres receive: Winger Alexis Lafreniere, 2025 first-round pick (12th overall)

Comparison 1 | March 2024: Colorado traded left defenseman Bowen Byram to Buffalo for center Casey Mittelstadt at the 2024 trade deadline.
Comparison 2 | January 2021: Winnipeg traded winger Patrik Laine and forward Jack Roslovic for center Pierre-Luc Dubois and a 2022 third-round pick. 

Rationale: Lafreniere, a first overall pick in 2020, was highly thought of in his draft year, but he's had an inconsistent start. The ups were highlighted in 2024 by his 14 points in 16 playoff games as the Rangers fell in the Eastern Conference Finals to eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. The lows include regular-season inconsistency, particularly down the stretch in 2025. Peterka, conversely, has shown serious offensive upside after a breakout 68-point campaign. 

For Buffalo, the allure is Lafreniere's different skillset compared to the rest of their young talent pool. He's also under contract for the next seven years at a reasonable number ($7.45M per year). Peterka, meanwhile, needs a new contract. There's a little bit of risk for everyone here — probably more for the Rangers. The inclusion of the draft pick swap gets the Rangers into range to take one of the better centers in the NHL Draft.

Trade scenario 3: Chicago cashes in

Chicago Blackhawks receive: Winger Jonathan Marchessault and a 2026 third-round pick
Nashville Predators receive: Forward Lukas Reichel and a 2025 first-round pick (originally Toronto's)

Comparison | March 2025: Florida traded a conditional first-round pick in either 2026 or 2027 and goaltender Spencer Knight to Chicago for right defenseman Seth Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Rationale: Most indications suggest the Blackhawks are done being a league bottom-feeder. They want to build a winner around Connor Bedard and this core of prospects that is incredibly deep on the blue line. Chicago is also young down the middle and very well could be poised to add another young center at the top of the 2025 NHL Draft, where they pick third. 

Reichel, 23, has seen his playing time cut for the second straight season, down to a measly 11 minutes, 55 seconds per game. He needs a fresh start, and the Hawks could use a veteran winger with Stanley Cup pedigree to insulate their young centers.