The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place on June 27-28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will draw significant attention, especially regarding the prospects selected in the first round. Matthew Schaefer is widely anticipated to be chosen first overall by the New York Islanders. Additionally, the draft is expected to feature some trade activity, primarily involving teams exchanging picks. However, it is also possible that a few established NHL players could be on the move, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.

Among the notable players frequently mentioned in trade rumors throughout the regular season are Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, both of whom could potentially change teams during the draft. This article will explore five players who are likely to attract attention in trade discussions, beginning with Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild. Rossi is coming off his best NHL season, finishing second among Wild scorers with a career-high 60 points. His performance this year provides him with validation as he approaches restricted free agency this summer. Despite his impressive statistics, Rossi encountered difficulties in the latter part of the season, leading to a demotion to fourth-line duties. As speculation about his future in Minnesota surfaces, rival teams might express interest in acquiring him, although the lack of arbitration rights on Rossi's part could allow the Wild to negotiate a manageable short-term bridge deal if they choose to retain him.

The Buffalo Sabres made a significant transaction earlier this year, trading center Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Bowen Byram. This move proved advantageous for the Sabres, as Byram recorded a career-best 38 points during his first full 82-game season. Nevertheless, Byram's stay in Buffalo might be temporary due to his status as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, following a two-year contract valued at an average annual salary of $3.9 million. Current speculation suggests he could command a sizable contract, compelling the Sabres to consider trading him to save cap space, potentially reallocating those savings to sign forwards JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, and Ryan McLeod. Byram's young, talented profile may make him an appealing acquisition for teams looking for a skilled defenseman, with a preference from the Sabres for a player-for-player trade given their substantial pool of prospects and draft picks.

The St. Louis Blues' late-season momentum secured them a playoff berth, where they faced the Winnipeg Jets in a hard-fought first-round series that extended to seven games before their elimination. Despite their commendable effort, there are indications that Blues captain Brayden Schenn may still be a trade candidate. Postseason analysis has revealed ongoing speculation regarding Schenn, who chose not to waive his no-movement clause prior to the March trade deadline, indicating a desire to remain with the franchise. He is under contract for three more years, carrying an annual cap hit of $6.5 million, and come July 1, his no-movement clause will transition to a 15-team no-trade list, potentially allowing the Blues to explore trade options should they determine he no longer aligns with their long-term plans. If interest in Schenn materializes, the Blues' management might request him to indicate preferred trade destinations leading up to the draft, particularly from contending teams seeking a seasoned two-way center with leadership capabilities.

Chris Kreider's position as a trade candidate has kept the New York Rangers left winger at the forefront of speculation this season. He has frequently appeared among offseason trade targets and topped the May Trade Block Big Board. Kreider was highlighted in a league-wide memo of available players circulated by Rangers general manager Chris Drury last November. However, due to an injury-riddled season, he did not attract any offers despite reaching the 20-goal mark for the tenth time with a total of 22 goals. If Kreider returns to full health, teams in search of an experienced scoring winger could take interest, particularly given the two years remaining on his contract, which includes a 15-team no-trade list and an annual cap hit of $6.5 million that may be seen as manageable under an increasing salary cap. As one of the more active general managers this past season, Drury is expected to continue making adjustments to the roster, possibly including Kreider during the draft weekend.

On August 6, 2023, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson in a major three-team trade involving the San Jose Sharks. This three-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner was brought in to restore the Penguins' stature as perennial playoff contenders. However, two seasons later, uncertainty surrounds the 34-year-old, who has not found consistency within the rebuilding Penguins roster. Despite his expensive contract and a no-movement clause that extends through the 2026-27 season, trade speculation surrounding Karlsson has persisted, with various pundits suggesting the Penguins might contemplate his departure during the offseason. Although his value may not be as high as it was two years ago when he achieved a career-best 101-point season, the possibility remains that Pittsburgh could consider trading the Swedish defenseman during the draft, potentially willing to retain part of his $10 million annual cap hit to enable a deal that would alleviate some salary cap pressure and open a roster position for a younger defenseman.