🏒 Top 10: The Biggest Trades in NHL History

Trades are part of the NHL’s DNA. Some are short-term upgrades, others change the direction of an entire franchise — or even the league itself.
In this article, we take a clear, historical look at the 10 biggest trades in NHL history, ranked by their on-ice impact, economic significance, and long-term consequences.

The No. 1 spot is undisputed. But a blockbuster trade from 2025 has already sparked new debate.

No. 1: Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings (1988)

Trade:
Wayne Gretzky, Mike Krushelnyski, Marty McSorley → LA Kings
Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, 3 draft picks → Edmonton Oilers

Why No. 1?
This trade permanently changed the NHL. Gretzky’s move brought hockey into the U.S. mainstream, especially in California. Without this deal, NHL expansion, television contracts, and the league’s current economic level would be hard to imagine.

➡️ The most influential trade in sports history.

No. 2: Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild (2025)

Trade:
Quinn Hughes → Minnesota Wild
Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, 2026 1st-round pick → Vancouver Canucks

Why so high?
The 2023–24 Norris Trophy winner, Canucks captain, and one of the best two-way defensemen in the world is traded at age 26 — an extremely rare case.

Significance:

• Franchise-defining player changes teams

• Massive return package

• Clear strategic direction for both organizations

➡️ One of the biggest defenseman trades of all time — already historic.

No. 3: Eric Lindros to the Philadelphia Flyers (1992)

Trade:
Eric Lindros → Flyers
Players, prospects & picks → Nordiques

Why it matters:
A historic haul of talent and draft picks. This trade indirectly laid the foundation for the Colorado Avalanche’s future Stanley Cup success.

No. 4: Patrick Roy to the Colorado Avalanche (1995)

Trade:
Patrick Roy, Mike Keane → Avalanche
Jocelyn Thibault et al. → Canadiens

Impact:
Two Stanley Cups, the start of a dynasty, and one of the greatest goaltenders of all time.
A trade that still haunts Montreal today.

No. 5: Jaromír Jágr to the Washington Capitals (2001)

Why significant?
One of the biggest superstars of his era moved for a record-breaking package. Not a major on-ice success, but a major economic milestone.

No. 6: Mark Messier to the New York Rangers (1991)

Result:
Stanley Cup in 1994 — the Rangers’ only championship since 1940.
Messier became an icon, and the trade became legendary.

No. 7: Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks (2005)

Evaluation:
Hart Trophy winner, franchise cornerstone, long-term impact.
Still considered one of the most one-sided trades in NHL history.

No. 8: Phil Esposito to the New York Rangers (1975)

Why relevant?
The NHL’s first true “superstar trade.”
It paved the way for modern blockbuster deals.

No. 9: Martin St. Louis to the New York Rangers (2014)

Short-term impact:
A trade with enormous emotional and on-ice impact — especially in the playoffs.

No. 10: Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers (2022)

Result:
Stanley Cup Final appearance and a new franchise identity.
A textbook example of a modern “win-now” trade.

Conclusion: Why These Trades Still Matter Today

Major trades highlight how risky — and how crucial — roster construction is in the NHL.
The 2025 Hughes trade fits seamlessly into this history and could climb even higher depending on the future success of the Wild or Canucks.

Why Transparency Matters at ABSHockey

Just as major NHL trades create clarity and direction, ABSHockey focuses on transparent decisions — in materials, advice, and service.
Players should know exactly what they’re getting, without complicated marketing language or unnecessary confusion.

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