Stanley Cup contenders are making significant moves well before the NHL trade deadline to bolster their rosters for the upcoming playoffs. The Florida Panthers, currently leading the league, acquired winger Vladimir Tarasenko from Ottawa. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche strengthened their lineup by adding defenseman Sean Walker from Philadelphia and center Casey Mittelstadt from Buffalo in separate trades.
Colorado traded a 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected) and center Ryan Johansen to Philadelphia for Walker, along with a fifth-round pick in 2026. Mittelstadt was acquired in a one-for-one trade that saw defenseman Bowen Byram heading to the Sabres.
Florida sent a fourth-round pick in this year's draft to Ottawa for Tarasenko, with the potential for it to become a 2026 third-rounder if the Panthers win the Stanley Cup this season. Ottawa also received a 2025 third-round pick from Florida, while retaining half of Tarasenko's salary.
Panthers GM Bill Zito expressed excitement about adding Tarasenko to the team, highlighting his offensive prowess and experience. The move follows the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights' acquisition of Anthony Mantha from Washington.
Philadelphia, after taking on Johansen's contract, immediately placed him on waivers as GM Danny Briere indicated a willingness to explore various options ahead of the trade deadline to build for the future.
Extension talks were not ongoing between the Senators and Tarasenko, who had a full no-trade clause. The 32-year-old forward, with 17 goals and 24 assists this season, brings valuable playoff experience to Florida, having won the Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019.
Colorado's acquisitions of Walker and Mittelstadt signal their intent to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff run. The team is also anticipating the return of winger Valeri Nichushkin and potentially captain Gabriel Landeskog for the postseason.
Mittelstadt, 25, is enjoying a standout season with the Sabres, leading the team in scoring. Walker's addition provides the Avalanche with defensive stability as they aim for their second Stanley Cup in three years.
