IT IS DONE: Will The Islanders, Sharks, Blackhawks, Mammoth Or Predators Trade Their Top-Five NHL ….. view more

IT IS DONE: Will the Islanders, Sharks, Blackhawks, Mammoth, or Predators Trade Their Top-Five NHL Draft Picks?

As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, several teams are contemplating bold moves involving their top-five picks. The New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Utah Mammoth, and Nashville Predators are all in positions where trading their high draft selections could reshape their futures. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s situation and potential trade scenarios.

 New York Islanders: Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri in Trade Talks

The Islanders are reportedly considering trading veteran forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Nelson, who has been linked to teams like Minnesota, Dallas, and Boston, could fetch valuable assets in return. Palmieri, despite having a 16-team no-trade list, remains a potential trade candidate. General Manager Lou Lamoriello’s recent comments suggest that while he’s not actively seeking trades, he remains open to opportunities that could benefit the team

San Jose Sharks: Rebuilding Phase and Potential Trades

The Sharks are in the midst of a rebuild and have already made moves to shed veteran players. Defenseman Mario Ferraro, with one year remaining on his contract, has been a subject of trade rumors. Teams like Colorado, Tampa Bay, and Ottawa are reportedly interested in bolstering their defensive corps .

Chicago Blackhawks: Aggressive Draft Strategy

The Blackhawks have a history of making bold moves during the draft. Recent reports suggest they might attempt to acquire the No. 1 overall pick to select top prospect Michael Misa . Additionally, the team has been active in trade discussions, recently sending defenseman Victor Söderström to the Boston Bruins in exchange for prospect Ryan Mast and a 2027 draft pick .

Utah Mammoth: Evaluating the No. 4 Pick

The Utah Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, have the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. With a young core already in place, the team is considering all options, including trading the pick for a superstar or using it to draft a top prospect. However, recent reports indicate that the Mammoth are not expected to pursue high-profile players during the upcoming free agency period, focusing instead on building sustainable, long-term success .

Nashville Predators: Potential Sellers at the Trade Deadline

The Predators, after a disappointing season, are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. Veteran forward Gustav Nyquist was recently held out of a game against the Islanders for trade-related reasons, signaling the team’s intent to move him. Other players like Ryan O’Reilly and Colton Sissons could also be on the move as the Predators look to rebuild

Conclusion

As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, these teams are evaluating their options regarding their top-five picks. Whether they choose to trade these selections for immediate help or use them to build for the future will significantly impact their trajectories in the coming seasons