Several notable players that featured prominently in recent media speculation failed to move at the March 7, 2025, trade deadline.

Here's a brief look at who they were and why they stayed put. 

Brock Boeser, RW, Vancouver Canucks

The Province's Patrick Johnston reports the 28-year-old winger drew only mediocre trade offers. GM Patrik Allvin claimed they were so weak that he would've been chased out of the press conference if he revealed them. 

That's hardly a ringing endorsement for Boeser, who is a year removed from a career-best 40-goal performance. If he tests this summer's free-agent market, it doesn't bode well for his chances of landing a lucrative long-term contract. 

Brayden Schenn, C, St. Louis Blues

Rumors linked Schenn to contenders like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights. However, the 33-year-old center has a full no-trade clause for this season and recently expressed his desire to remain in St. Louis. GM Doug Armstrong declined to comment about any trade talks he may have had regarding his captain. 

Schenn's no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Teams that fail to land quality two-way centers via free agency could call Armstrong in early July. 

Ryan Donato, C, Chicago Blackhawks

Enjoying a career-best 47-point performance in his contract year, Donato was considered among the top trade candidates approaching the deadline. However, the Blackhawks opted to retain the 28-year-old forward. 

Chicago Hockey Now's Greg Boysen indicated GM Kyle Davidson set a high asking price for Donato and stuck to it. He believes a contract extension could be in the works. 

Rickard Rakell, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins

Kelsey Surmacz suggested that Penguins GM Kyle Dubas seemed hesitant to move Rakell. She cited the 31-year-old winger's solid performance this season, his team-friendly contract and his value to the team as it rebuilds on the fly. Following the deadline, Dubas explained his rationale for keeping Rakell, calling him "a big part of our program.” 

Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had no problem with the Penguins retaining Rakell, pointing out they couldn't keep trading away Sidney Crosby's wingers. There was also no certainty that whatever they got in return would pan out. 

Kyle Palmieri, C, New York Islanders

It was assumed that Palmieri was next on the trade block after the Islanders shipped Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche. However, the deadline passed with the 34-year-old winger still with the Isles. 

It soon became clear why, as reports emerged that Palmieri was in talks with management about a contract extension. Stefen Rosner speculated it could be a two or three-year deal worth an AAV between $4-$5 million. 

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