The 2025 NHL trade deadline closed with minimal activity from several teams on the playoff bubble, leaving fans questioning management strategies as the regular season winds down. Sports bettors now analyze these teams with renewed interest, as top betting sites let hockey fans wager securely without submitting documents. At the same time, they predict which bubble teams might sneak into playoff positions.
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings supporters express particular frustration after General Manager Steve Yzerman made only one move: acquiring goaltender Petr Mrazek and center Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Joe Veleno. With Detroit stumbling to a 2-8-0 record in their last ten games, the team now sits behind four others in the Eastern Conference wildcard race. Unless the Red Wings mount a remarkable comeback, this passive approach might prove catastrophic for their playoff hopes.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus stands as one of the most inspirational stories this season. The Blue Jackets overcame the tragic loss of star Johnny Gaudreau, plus coaching and management changes, to secure a wild card position in the East. Yet their sole addition of center Luke Kunin from San Jose disappoints many observers. General Manager Don Waddell opted against more substantial improvements despite millions in available cap space. This decision might haunt the organization if they narrowly miss the postseason.
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild continues its late-season slide, posting a 5-4-1 record in their previous ten contests. This mediocre stretch dropped them from a top-three Central Division position into the first Western Conference wildcard spot. GM Bill Guerin added only Justin Brazeau from Boston, which was hardly a significant acquisition. While cap constraints existed, other teams in similar situations found ways to make meaningful deals. Minnesota fans deserve more than watching their team back into a playoff berth.
St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong puzzled observers by keeping veterans Brayden Schenn and Colton Parayko despite interest from other clubs. The Blues made zero deadline moves while just one point behind Calgary for the final Western Conference wildcard position. Vancouver also stands between St. Louis and that spot. The Blues risk finishing in the dreaded middle ground—missing both the playoffs and a high draft pick—a perfect recipe for organizational stagnation.
Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club continues its traditional position outside the playoff picture. GM Bill Armstrong made no meaningful transactions apart from shedding Shea Weber’s contract. Utah remained passive despite ample cap space to facilitate deals or improve their roster. A few points separate them from a wild card position, but the odds favor another disappointing finish and a long off-season of regret.
As the regular season concludes, these five franchises face scrutiny from their fan bases. Management inactivity at the deadline might prove costly for this season and potentially impact future campaigns. The next few weeks will reveal whether these conservative approaches pay off or leave organizations wondering what might have been with more aggressive deadline strategies.