The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 27-28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Anticipation is building around which prospects will be taken in the first round, with Matthew Schaefer projected to be selected first overall by the New York Islanders. In addition to the excitement surrounding the draft picks, trade activity is also expected, with teams likely to engage in swapping picks. There is speculation regarding the potential movement of established NHL players, which would add an extra layer of intrigue to the event.

Several players have found themselves at the center of trade rumors as the draft approaches. Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn have been frequently mentioned as potential trade candidates. The possibility of these players changing teams during the draft could create significant buzz. Along with Karlsson and Schenn, there are other notable stars who could be on the move. A closer examination of five key players reveals the landscape of potential trades. Marco Rossi, the Minnesota Wild center, has enjoyed his best NHL season to date, finishing second on his team in scoring with a career-high 60 points. While his performance provides a basis for a substantial raise as a restricted free agent this summer, his struggles in the second half of the season and subsequent reassignment to fourth-line duty have raised questions about his future in Minnesota.

The Buffalo Sabres' trade of center Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Bowen Byram worked out well, with Byram showing promise during the 2023-24 season. However, concerns have emerged regarding his future in Buffalo, as he is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and could command a significant salary. Simultaneously, the St. Louis Blues have placed captain Brayden Schenn under scrutiny as a trade candidate following their playoff exit. With three years left on his contract, Schenn's future could hinge on whether he still fits into the Blues' long-term plans. Furthermore, Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers has consistently been mentioned in trade discussions throughout the season. Despite a challenging, injury-plagued campaign, Kreider's experience and scoring ability may attract interest from teams seeking a veteran winger. Lastly, Erik Karlsson faces uncertainty regarding his fit with the Penguins, particularly as the team navigates a rebuilding phase. Although Karlsson's contract is a point of concern, the Penguins may explore options to move him to create cap space. These developments set the stage for an intriguing draft weekend, as teams assess their rosters and make decisions that could shape their futures.