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July 29, 2026
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The 2025-26 NHL season is off to an exciting start, with teams making strategic trades to bolster rosters for immediate success or future growth. Since July 1, 2025, the trade market has been buzzing, with notable deals reshaping lineups across the league. From defensemen changing teams to young prospects finding new homes, these moves signal bold strategies as clubs prepare for a competitive season. Here’s a breakdown of the key trades, their impact, and what they mean for the teams involved, based on official transactions reported by NHL.com and other sources.
The Carolina Hurricanes made a splash by acquiring defenseman K’Andre Miller from the New York Rangers in a blockbuster deal. In exchange, the Rangers received defenseman Scott Morrow, a conditional 2026 or 2027 first-round pick (top-10 protected, the better of Carolina’s or Dallas’ pick), and a 2026 second-round pick. Miller, 25, signed an eight-year, $60 million contract ($7.5 million AAV) with Carolina, filling a gap left by departing veterans Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns. With 132 points (36 goals, 96 assists), 504 blocks, and 661 hits in 368 career games, Miller brings size, skating, and two-way play to Carolina’s blueline, potentially slotting into a top-pair role. For the Rangers, the trade freed up cap space to sign top free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, while Morrow, a 22-year-old prospect with six points in 14 NHL games last season, offers future potential. This trade sets Carolina up for a strong defensive season while giving New York flexibility and youth.
The San Jose Sharks bolstered their goaltending by acquiring Alex Nedeljkovic from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2028 third-round pick. Nedeljkovic, 29, posted a 3.12 GAA and .894 SV% in 38 games last season with Pittsburgh, where defensive struggles impacted his numbers. Now paired with Yaroslav Askarov in San Jose, Nedeljkovic has a chance to compete for the starting role on a rebuilding team. The Sharks, aiming to shift their goaltending direction, gain a veteran presence to stabilize their crease, while Pittsburgh sheds Nedeljkovic’s $2.5 million cap hit in the final year of his contract, gaining draft capital for future moves. This trade reflects San Jose’s focus on immediate goaltending depth and Pittsburgh’s cap management strategy.
The New Jersey Devils acquired forward Thomas Bordeleau from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Shane Bowers. Bordeleau, 23, a 2020 second-round pick, has shown promise with 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in 27 NHL games last season, offering offensive upside for New Jersey’s depth scoring. Bowers, 25, a 2017 first-round pick by Ottawa, has struggled to find a consistent NHL role, recording 17 points in 65 AHL games with Utica last season. For the Devils, Bordeleau adds youth and potential to their forward group, while the Sharks gain a reclamation project in Bowers, who may benefit from a fresh start in their rebuilding system. This low-risk swap prioritizes potential for both teams.
The Edmonton Oilers acquired forward Isaac Howard, the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward Sam O’Reilly. Howard, a 2022 first-round pick (No. 31), tallied 26 goals and 52 points in 37 NCAA games with Michigan State, earning a three-year entry-level contract with Edmonton. At 21, he’s NHL-ready and could slot into a top-six role alongside stars like Connor McDavid. O’Reilly, a 2024 first-round pick (No. 32), had 28 goals and 71 points in 62 OHL games with London, returning to the Knights for 2025-26. The Oilers gain an offensive spark for their playoff push, while Tampa Bay invests in O’Reilly’s long-term potential, aligning with their prospect-heavy strategy.
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2028 second-round pick from the Dallas Stars for defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok. Dumba, 30, brings physicality with 70 hits and 60 penalty minutes last season, despite a modest 10 points in 76 games. His veteran presence bolsters Pittsburgh’s blueline, which had an excess of left-handed defensemen. Kolyachonok, 24, recorded seven points in 35 games split between Pittsburgh and Utah, offering Dallas a younger, budget-friendly option at $775,000. This trade strengthens Pittsburgh’s defensive depth for a playoff push while Dallas gains cap flexibility and youth.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Henry Thrun from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Ryan Reaves. Thrun, 24, a 2022 third-round pick, has shown steady development, posting 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 51 games with San Jose last season. His puck-moving ability adds depth to Toronto’s blueline, addressing a need for young, mobile defenders. Reaves, 38, brings physicality but limited offensive output, with 4 points in 49 games last season. For the Sharks, Reaves provides veteran leadership for their young roster. This trade balances Toronto’s defensive future with San Jose’s focus on culture and grit.
These early trades highlight diverse strategies: Carolina and Pittsburgh bolster their rosters for immediate contention, Edmonton adds a high-upside prospect, New Jersey and San Jose swap young talent, and Toronto and the Rangers balance present needs with future assets. With the 2025-26 trade deadline set for March 7, 2026, teams are already positioning themselves for success. Expect more moves as clubs refine their lineups, with cap space, draft picks, and prospects driving the market. Stay tuned for updates as the NHL season unfolds.
Source: article by nhl.com, published May 29, 2025.
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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer
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