Breaking down the defensive market ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline

We are just three days away from the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, and speculation and rumors are running rampant.

Among the potential targets, a few notable defenseman could be on the move before the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Friday.

Adding more depth on the back end is something that any playoff contender would be interested in doing. Whether it be someone who is a defensive defenseman, a capable asset at both 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill, or a player who can make an impact on the offensive end of the rink, there are plenty of reasons general managers are willing to give up and spend money on a rearguard in order to make their team just a little bit better.

The top blueliner that might be moved, according to Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli, is Buffalo Sabres defender Bowen Byram. The young man that was dealt to the Sabres from the Colorado Avalanche last season for Casey Mittlestadt could be a useful asset for a team looking for someone with some versatility.

On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss the bigger defensive names that might be sought after in the coming days.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Is it fair to assume…prices going to be sky-high?

Frank Seravalli: I think the important part of this defense market conversation is that it’s relative quality. I think you’re looking at guys who can be impact pieces. I’m not convinced we’re going to see Byram on the move…I’d be calling [the Seattle Kraken] about Jamie Oleksiak and trying to figure out, “Hey, this is a guy with size that can defend. The contract’s reasonable. He’s not a rental.”

Tyler: To find the first true rental on your [trade board]- defenseman five and six are [Connor] Murphy and [Rasmus] Ristolainen, both with term. You have to go to Brian Dumoulin and Ryan Suter to get to the first batch of true rentals team members.

Frank: Suter might not move. He sort of hinted at the idea that he would be willing to re-sign in St. Louis. He’s actually been really good this year given what he signed for and where he’s at in his career.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…