The final month of 2024 was a busy one for NHL trades. Eight deals were made in December, with several noteworthy players changing teams

Among the moves were the New York Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks (Dec. 6) and winger Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken (Dec. 18). Speaking of the Ducks, they shipped defenseman Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues (Dec. 14), while the Nashville Predators sent blueliner Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 18.

The biggest move was a multiplayer deal in which the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks swapped starting goaltenders. On Dec. 9, the Avalanche sent Alexandar Georgiev, forward Nikolai Kovalenko, and two draft picks to the Sharks for Mackenzie Blackwood, forward Givani Smith, and a draft pick.

Trouba and Blackwood were among the players on our December 2024 NHL Trade Targets Big Board. Four others from that list, including Rangers winger Chris Kreider and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov, remain among the trade candidates on our January big board.

Several players from our December listing didn't make our January board. Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson was sidelined with a lower-body injury, while speculation over Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen faded through December. Meanwhile, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin said he's not shopping forward Marco Rossi.

Nevertheless, we've got 15 trade candidates worth monitoring through January. Some could be playing with new teams by the March 7 trade deadline.

Do you agree or disagree with our selections? Let us know in the app comments below.

15. Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers

One of the key players in the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup run last year was Sam Bennett. The versatile 28-year-old forward is a gritty two-way player who can skate on all three forward positions. He's also eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July, which recently made him the subject of trade conjecture.

On Dec. 11, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos included Bennett on his list of this season's intriguing trade candidates. He thinks Bennett could test the free-agent market this summer, suggesting there's a "50-50 chance" the Panthers trade him by the March 7 deadline if the two sides aren't close to a new contract.

Five days later, Kypreos' colleague Eric Francis raised the possibility of Bennett returning to the Calgary Flames, where he spent most of the first six seasons of his NHL career until traded to the Panthers on Apr. 12, 2021. He noted the Flames have been in the market for an impact center since trading Elias Lindholm last January to the Vancouver Canucks.

We dismissed the notion of the Panthers trading Bennett on Dec. 18, suggesting they'd prefer to retain him as an "own rental" for another run at the Cup this season. Nevertheless, we're including him on our January list as his contract situation could be worth monitoring.

14. Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames

Trade speculation has dogged Nazem Kadri since the 2024 NHL Draft last June. The rumblings persisted throughout the summer, landing the Calgary Flames center on our September and October NHL Trade Block Big Boards.

Most of the speculation was based on whether the 34-year-old Kadri wanted to be part of the Flames' rebuilding process. He told reporters to "pump the brakes" on the rumors during the opening day of training camp, insisting he loved the city of Calgary and playing for the Flames.

The Kadri rumors died away for a couple of months but returned on Nov. 29 when Sportsnet's Eric Francis didn't rule out the possibility of a trade if the right offer came along. While Francis doesn't expect Kadri to be moved, Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek subsequently suggested a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs would make sense for both clubs.

On Dec. 8, we dismissed the notion of Kadri getting traded back to Toronto where he began his NHL career, pointing out that his no-movement clause gives him complete control over his situation. Nevertheless, we won't rule out the possibility of him waiving his clause if the Flames become sellers at the trade deadline.

13. Ryan Lindgren, New York Rangers

The New York Rangers have already traded a notable defenseman this season, shipping Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6. They might not be done moving blueliners as Ryan Lindgren has surfaced as a trade candidate.

Lindgren, 26, regularly skates alongside Adam Fox as a shutdown rearguard on the Rangers' top defense pairing. He's on a one-year, $4.5 million contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Like most of his teammates, Lindgren is struggling this season. On Dec. 14, The Athletic's Arthur Staple reported the physical defenseman has been available ever since general manager Chris Drury sent his memo of trade candidates around the league in November. Staple claimed Lindgren's slumping performance was affecting his trade value.

Four days later, NHL.com's Dan Rosen suggested Lindgren was playing his final season with the Rangers. He acknowledged his role as a safety net for Fox but pointed out his physical style has taken its toll on himself plus his lack of speed is a concern. Nevertheless, Lindgren could interest contenders seeking more blue-line grit.

12. Trent Frederic, Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins' early-season struggles raise speculation over the future of Trent Frederic. The 6'3" 221-pounder's size, speed, and physical play made him a topic of media trade conjecture in November, earning Frederic the No. 6 spot on our December NHL Trade Targets Board.

Frederic, 26, carries a $2.3 million cap hit this season and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. During November, ESPN's Kevin Weekes and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claimed clubs seeking forwards who play with an edge were interested in the big Bruins winger.

On Dec. 14, Friedman claimed the Bruins continued to receive calls from teams interested in Frederic's availability. However, The Athletic' Fluto Shinzawa reported on Dec. 31 that the recent decline in the big winger's production could adversely affect his trade value.

Teams will remain interested in Frederic despite his recent scoring woes but the Bruins won't get much of a return if his scoring remains down. However, they could retain him for the playoffs even if they don't have him under contract by deadline day. He's a player worth watching in the coming weeks.

11. Mike Matheson, Montréal Canadiens

The Montréal Canadiens' solid performance throughout December and early January put them within striking distance of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Nevertheless, some pundits believe the rebuilding club will become sellers by the trade deadline.

Players eligible to become unrestricted free agents in July, like defenseman David Savard and center Jake Evans, are considered trade candidates. However, Mike Matheson has also come up in recent rumor chatter despite the 30-year-old defenseman having a year remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $4.9 million.

On Dec. 19, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Canadiens' acquisition of defenseman Alexandre Carrier could be a backfill for general manager Kent Hughes if he trades Savard or Matheson. The latter's affordable cap hit and puck-moving abilities would make him an enticing trade option for playoff contenders in the market for blue-line depth.

Three days later, Stu Cowan of The Montréal Gazette dismissed the notion of the Canadiens trading Matheson, pointing out the big minutes he logs on Montreal's inexperienced defense corps. Nevertheless, The Athletic's Allan Mitchell included Matheson on his Dec. 27 list of potential Edmonton Oilers trade targets.

10. Jacob Trouba, Anaheim Ducks

The New York Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks ranks as one of this regular season's biggest and most surprising moves. Some pundits believe the 31-year-old defenseman shouldn't get too comfortable with his new club, suggesting he could be on the move again before the March 7 trade deadline.

Soon after Trouba was traded, Adam Proteau of The Hockey News speculated the Ducks could flip him to a playoff contender before March 7. Sportsnet's Luke Fox shared that view, suggesting the Ducks could retain part of Trouba's $8 million annual average value through 2025-26 to send him to an Eastern Conference contender.

On Dec. 18, Nick Kypreos wrote in his Toronto Star column that the Ducks see Trouba playing more of a role in their future. He claimed they were already looking into signing him to a contract extension when he becomes eligible on July 1.

We don't dismiss the possibility of Trouba staying with the Ducks, noting he still has a 15-team no-trade list. However, they could shop him if he isn't interested in sticking around beyond next season. That extra year on his contract could draw the interest of teams seeking an experienced physical defenseman, especially if the Ducks retain some salary in the deal.

9. Dylan Cozens, Buffalo Sabres

A 13-game winless skid (0-10-3) from Nov. 27 to Dec. 21 could be the death blow to the Buffalo Sabres' fragile hopes of ending their 13-season playoff drought. It also sparked growing media speculation about which players could become trade candidates if general manager Kevyn Adams goes shopping for help.

Dylan Cozens was frequently mentioned in the rumor mill. On Dec. 18, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Sabres received calls about the 23-year-old right-shot center. He's signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.1 million. Cozens is two years removed from a career-best 31-goal, 68-point performance but has struggled this season.

RG.Org's Marco D'Amico cited a source on Dec. 16 claiming the Nashville Predators had contacted the Sabres about Cozens. Five days later, The Hockey News' Sam Carchidi suggested the Philadelphia Flyers pursue Cozens. On Dec. 31, Kent Wilson of the Calgary Sun examined whether Cozens would fit in well with the Flames.

Adams hasn't flinched yet, preferring to add to his roster rather than subtract. However, the rumors about Cozens will persist if the Sabres fail to climb out of the big hole they've dug for themselves in the standings.

8. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Perched at No. 10 on our December list of trade targets, John Gibson has regularly surfaced in NHL trade rumors over the past two seasons. The 31-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender remained the subject of media speculation throughout December. He's signed through 2026-27 with an annual cap hit of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

On Dec. 12, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Carolina Hurricanes had spoken to the Ducks about Gibson. However, LeBrun believes the Ducks' asking price must come down considering the veteran netminder has two years left on his contract.

In a Dec. 26 column for The Athletic, LeBrun suggested the Hurricanes as a destination for Gibson by the trade deadline while his colleague Chris Johnston proposed the Edmonton Oilers. Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal dismissed that idea, claiming Gibson wasn't an upgrade over current Oilers goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

Gibson's annual salary-cap hit could be a sticking point for any team interested in acquiring him. In our December ranking, we noted LeBrun speculated that the Ducks might be willing to retain part of his salary. That might entice clubs leery of his contract to take the gamble.

7. Taylor Hall, Chicago Blackhawks

After missing most of last season due to knee surgery, Taylor Hall had a slow start to this season. However, the 33-year-old Chicago left wing's production improved since Nov. 27, collecting 15 of his 21 points over his last 19 games.

Hall's improvement has him sitting fifth among Chicago's scorers. It's also made him the subject of trade speculation. He's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and could become a prime trade candidate if the rebuilding club becomes a seller before March 7.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post took note of Hall's improvement during Chicago's 2-1 win over the New York Rangers on Dec. 9. Five days later, Brooks suggested the 2018 Hart Memorial Trophy winner could become a popular trade candidate if he continues to rediscover his offensive form.

On Dec. 26, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun suggested Hall could be a good fit with the Colorado Avalanche while Chris Johnston mentioned the Utah Hockey Club. He has a 10-team no-trade clause but he could expand it for an opportunity to play for a contender.

6. Chris Kreider, New York Rangers

The New York Rangers were among the busiest teams in the December trade market, shipping Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. Those moves didn't improve the Blueshirts as they sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Chris Kreider topped our list of December 2024 trade targets. The 33-year-old winger is our No. 1 trade candidate with the Rangers likely in sell mode as their playoff hopes fade.

On Dec. 14, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claimed the Rangers were open for business in the trade market, citing earlier reports indicating Kreider was available. The winger was reportedly on a list of trade candidates circulated by Blueshirts general manager Chris Drury.

Meanwhile, Arthur Staple of The Athletic indicated that Kreider wasn't drawing much interest in the trade market. He pointed to the winger's low production and the two years remaining on his contract. On Dec. 23, Staple noted Kreider had been hampered by a back injury, which could affect his trade value.

Kreider was a healthy scratch from the Rangers' 5-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 23. The New York Post's Larry Brooks reported that was a coaching decision rather than a prelude to a trade. Brooks believes the two years left on the winger's contract could make him a valuable trade chip that fetches the Rangers a meaningful asset.

5. Brandon Saad, St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues made a significant move on Dec. 14, acquiring defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks for minor-leaguer Jeremie Biakabutuka and a draft pick. The 33-year-old Fowler filled the void on their blue line left by sidelined rearguards Torey Krug and Nick Leddy.

That might not be the only move Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has in store for his club. Following the Fowler deal, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Blues were trying to move Brandon Saad. The 32-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million.

A seven-time 20-plus goal scorer, Saad won two Stanley Cups with Chicago earlier in his career. He's struggled to score this season with seven goals and 13 points in 35 games.

Saad has a no-trade clause but Friedman believes he could waive it for the right opportunity. On Dec. 28, Friedman said Saad's future with the Blues continues to be worth monitoring entering 2025.

4 & 3: J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks

Reports emerged during December's NHL holiday roster freeze claiming a rift had developed between Vancouver Canucks forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. Both players attempted to downplay the situation but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claimed it had been going on for some time, adding the team wanted the two to settle their difference.

The story faded over Christmas but was rekindled during Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin's year-end interview with Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. He believed Pettersson could become a top center but felt he needed to mature and become more accountable when things went wrong. Allvin also didn't dismiss the possibility of a trade.

On Jan.3, Friedman said the Canucks spoke with other teams about Miller and Pettersson but felt they wanted to retain both players. He thinks the New York Rangers would be interested but wouldn't want to part with defenseman Braden Schneider.

The following day, Friedman claimed the Canucks were "definitely" examining the trade market for Pettersson and Miller, suggesting they could trade one, both or neither. He dismissed rumors of a deal sending Miller to the Rangers for center Mika Zibanejad and defenseman K'Andre Miller, citing Zibanejad's no-movement clause.

Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province considers it unlikely the Canucks will move Pettersson or Miller. Both carry expensive contracts and Miller has a full no-movement clause. Nevertheless, the recent speculation amid the Canucks' recent struggles makes both players worth monitoring throughout January.

2. Ivan Provorov, Columbus Blue Jackets

Ivan Provorov was the top player on our November 2024 NHL Trade Block Big Board and was No. 2 on our December Trade Targets Board. The 27-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman carries an average annual value of $6.8 million, of which the Blue Jackets carry $4.8 million and the Los Angeles Kings carry the remainder.

The 6'1", 213-pound Provorov is a skillful puck-moving defenseman who would draw lots of interest if he becomes available before the March 7 trade deadline. He's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and could become a trade candidate if he and the Blue Jackets fail to sign a contract extension.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Dec. 17 that it wasn't a certainty that Provorov would get traded. His agent suggested his client was interested in re-signing with the Blue Jackets, indicating Provorov and his family love Columbus. His younger brother has committed to attending Ohio State University, though that isn't expected to sway Provorov's decision.

Nine days later, LeBrun speculated in The Athletic that the two sides might not reach an agreement on a new contract. He felt the Blue Jackets would probably trade Provorov, suggesting the Colorado Avalanche as a destination. His colleague Chris Johnston proposed the Tampa Bay Lightning.

1. Brock Nelson, New York Islanders

Topping our September NHL Trade Block Big Board, Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders slipped to No. 3 on our October board. He didn't appear on our subsequent boards as the trade speculation about the 33-year-old center dried up through October and November.

However, the Islanders' struggles through the first half of this season had them sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. That's renewed speculation that Nelson, eligible for UFA status on July 1, could be shopped by the March 7 trade deadline.

On Dec. 16, Ethan Sears of the New York Post suggested it would "amount to malpractice" if the Isles held on to Nelson and fellow UFA Kyle Palmieri if they face another early playoff exit. On Dec. 27, NYI Hockey Now's Russ Macias felt Nelson would be moved if the Isles were out of contention by the trade deadline.

Nelson's cap hit is $6 million, but most of that will be paid out by the Isles by the trade deadline. He carries a 16-team no-trade list, which could hamper management's efforts to find a trade partner willing to send them a suitable return.

Nevertheless, Nelson will draw plenty of interest if the Isles make him available by March 7. He's coming off three 30-plus goal seasons and has several years of postseason experience.

Stats and standings (as of Jan. 6, 2025) via NHL.com. Salary information via PuckPedia. Line combinations via Daily Faceoff.