Hey, hockey fans! The NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be an action-packed, nail-biting cliffhanger, with big-name players potentially on the move. But beyond the trades themselves, it’s all about the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Holy Grail of hockey, and the ultimate crown—the trophy. With the clock ticking down to 3 p.m. ET on Friday, March 4, teams are making crucial decisions, working out who they’re trading and which top talents they’re acquiring.

Before we dive into the hottest trade targets, let’s talk about where you can watch the action unfold. There are multiple ways to catch the trade deadline, but watching it live? We’ve got a list of sure-fire options for you. Buckle up, grab your popcorn and soda, and get ready—it’s going to be a long and thrilling day!

How to Watch the NHL Trade Deadline

Well, if you’re wondering where to tune in, NHL insider Braylon Breeze has already provided the details. He hopped onto X to dish out details about the broadcasting schedule days in advance, giving fans a clear roadmap of where to watch. He wrote: “For those curious, here is ESPN’s NHL Trade Deadline coverage schedule for Friday, March 7th.”

But that’s not all! While you’re watching ESPN’s coverage, don’t forget about NHL Network’s live broadcast. Last year, they delivered an 11-hour live special covering every detail of the trade deadline, and they’re set to do the same this year. Plus, there’s one more platform you don’t want to miss—Sportsnet’s Hockey Central.

Now that you know where to watch, let’s take a look at the biggest names potentially on the move in the 2025 NHL trade deadline.

NHL players to watch in 2025 trade deadlines 

No NHL team is sitting back and waiting for the final 20 or so games to shape their Stanley Cup playoff push. Every second from now until Friday, its going to be a moment of oohs, aahs and ouchs as teams make calculated moves to strengthen their rosters. Starting with the netminders, two big names dominate the list: Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames and veteran John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Adding to curiosity, Ottawa Senators’ goaltender Anton Forsberg is another key name expected to draw attention before the trade window closes.

On the blue line, several defensemen could be on the move. Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets is entering the final season of his $6.75 million contract, making him a prime trade candidate. Others in the mix include David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens, Radko Gudas of the Anaheim Ducks, and Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks.

The most talked-about position in this year’s trade discussions are the forwards. Thats just a broad term, considering that there are many kinds of forwards and depending on the team’s plausible problems, their pick of forward could be the last missing piece of the jigsaw to the trophy. Leading the charge is Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders. Speculation suggests the Edmonton Oilers as his most likely destination, but we’ll have to wait until Friday to see if the deal happens.

Other high-profile forwards on the trade radar include Trent Frederic of the Boston Bruins, Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks. The thrill factor is already skyrocketing as we inch closer to the NHL trade deadline this Friday and the suspense is definitely sure to put hockey fans on an adrenaline overdrive.

Fans, analysts, and teams are buzzing with speculation, last-minute rumors, and potential blockbuster/flop show deals that could shake up the league. Stay tuned—this year’s trade deadline is going to be one to remember, mostly for its drama!