As the NHL's 2025 trade deadline approaches, teams weigh their decisions on whether to acquire or offload players in hopes of securing a playoff spot. However, not all trades yield the expected results. The deals from last season highlight the risks involved, as some teams paid steep prices for underwhelming performances.

The Vancouver Canucks' acquisition of Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames was particularly costly, involving multiple assets including a first-round pick. Lindholm's lackluster regular season and his subsequent departure to the Boston Bruins left Canucks fans questioning the move. In contrast, the Flames capitalized on the deal, selecting promising talent Matvei Gridin with Vancouver's draft pick.

Similarly, Sean Monahan's tenure with the Winnipeg Jets proved disappointing. Though initially appearing to be a great fit, he was unable to produce in the playoffs, leading to a costly first-round pick heading to Montreal without any return. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights' trade for Anthony Mantha saw him fail to impact the postseason, leading to a quick exit against the Dallas Stars.

On the flip side, some teams, like the Carolina Hurricanes, benefited from smart acquisitions that paid off in playoff scoring. The lessons learned from these trade deadline moves could significantly influence strategies as the deadline looms once more.