Trade Chaos This Week: NHL & NFL’s Biggest Shockers

The sports world was going nuts this past weekend as both the NHL and NFL witnessed a flurry of high-profile trades, reshaping team rosters and sparking a lot of debate on social media. The 2025 trade season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with franchises making bold moves to position themselves for success.

NHL Trade Deadline: Blockbusters and Surprises

Mikko Rantanen's Journey to Dallas

[Hurricanes trade Mikko Rantanen to Dallas Stars / Photo: ClutchPoints]

In a stunning sequence of events, elite winger Mikko Rantanen found himself on the move not once, but twice within a span of six weeks. Initially traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes, Rantanen's journey culminated with a blockbuster deal sending him to the Dallas Stars. The Stars secured him with an eight-year, $96 million contract extension, signaling their intent to hoist the Cup this season.

Brad Marchand Joins the Florida Panthers

[Brad Marchand was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers in shocking trade deadline move / Photo: Lynn Sladky]

Probably the most shocking move came just after the trade deadline, as the Boston Bruins parted ways with their long-time captain, Brad Marchand. The veteran winger was traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a conditional 2027 second-round pick, with Boston retaining 50% of his salary. This move not only bolsters the Panthers' offense but also adds a gritty, experienced presence to their lineup. Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennet, and Brad Marchand on the same team? Should be very interesting.

Toronto Maple Leafs Bolster Defense with Brandon Carlo

[Brandon Carlo gets traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Boston Bruins and seemed to fit in right away / Photo: ClutchPoints]

The Toronto Maple Leafs addressed their defensive needs by acquiring right-shot defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Bruins. In return, Boston received prospect Fraser Minten, a conditional 2026 first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick, with the Bruins retaining 15% of Carlo's salary. This strategic move aims to solidify Toronto's blue line as they gear up for a deep playoff run. It already looks like the two fit in pretty well on Saturday, playing against the Colorado Avalanche, even though the Leafs lost 7-4.

Dylan Cozens Heads to Ottawa

[Dylan Cozens was traded to the Ottawa Senators from the Buffalo Sabres / Photo: Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP]

The Ottawa Senators made a significant acquisition by trading for center Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres. In exchange, the Sabres received forward Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker. Cozens, a 24-year-old right-shot center, brings size and skill to the Senators, who are aiming to enhance their playoff prospects.

NFL Weekend Trades: Star Players on the Move

DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers

[DK Metcalf was sent to the Pittsburgh Steelers from the Seattle Seahawks / Photo: AthlonSports]

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines by acquiring Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers sent a 2025 second-round draft pick to Seattle and secured Metcalf with a five-year, $150 million contract extension—the largest in franchise history. This move pairs Metcalf with emerging star George Pickens, creating a formidable receiving duo in the AFC North.

Davante Adams Signs with the Los Angeles Rams

[Davante Adams gets traded to the Los Angeles Rams from the New York Jets / Photo: ClutchPoints]

In a major free agency signing, wide receiver Davante Adams agreed to a two-year, $46 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Adams, a three-time All-Pro, brings elite playmaking abilities to the Rams' offense, filling the void left by Cooper Kupp's departure. His addition is expected to rejuvenate the Rams' aerial attack and provide quarterback Matthew Stafford with a premier target.

Geno Smith Traded to the Las Vegas Raiders

[Geno Smith gets traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders / Photo: Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune]

The Seattle Seahawks continued their roster overhaul by trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. In return, Seattle received the No. 92 overall pick in the upcoming draft. This move provides the Raiders with a veteran presence under center and adds depth to their quarterback room ahead of the new season.

Sources:

Here is a numbered list of the citations used in the blog post:

1. Sportsnet – "Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: We All Benefit from Non-Stop Day of Deals" https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/trade-deadline-winners-and-losers-we-all-benefit-from-non-stop-day-of-deals/

2. Sportsnet – "Most Shocking Deals from 2025 NHL Trade Deadline" https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/most-shocking-deals-from-2025-nhl-trade-deadline/

ESPN – "NFL Offseason Free Agency Moves: Geno Smith, DK Metcalf Trades, Josh Allen, Myles Garrett Contracts"

 https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/44184850/nfl-offseason-free-agency-moves-geno-smith-dk-metcalf-trades-josh-allen-myles-garrett-contracts