As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs progress, speculation is intensifying regarding the offseason strategies of teams that have been eliminated from the championship chase. The Toronto Maple Leafs' recent exit from the Stanley Cup race has sparked discussions about Mitch Marner, who could emerge as the most sought-after name in this summer's free-agent market. Speculation has begun to swirl around potential destinations for Marner should he decide to enter free agency on July 1.

Additionally, rumors regarding various players potentially on the move this offseason are gaining traction. Notably, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has garnered attention for his skills, which could attract interest from multiple teams around the league. With the NHL draft approaching on June 27-28, the market is heating up, as some teams may consider trading their first-round picks if the offer is substantial. Reports indicate that both the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks might be open to moving their first-round selections in this year's draft. As reported by Eric Stephens of The Athletic on May 20, Sharks general manager Mike Grier is receptive to trade offers that could yield a player capable of providing immediate assistance to the team's roster. This willingness to trade is not limited to the Sharks, as recent updates suggest that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals may also be considering the same option. An article by Nick Horwat of SI.com on May 22 noted that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell indicated his club's two first-round picks are available for the right price, comprising the 14th overall pick and the 20th overall pick, obtained from the Minnesota Wild. Moreover, Capitals GM Chris Patrick expressed a willingness to discuss offers for his 27th overall selection, stating the importance of remaining open to all opportunities.

In terms of potential trades, four clubs appear open to listening to offers for their picks, though that does not guarantee a transaction will occur. A proposal that includes a player who could contribute to their roster immediately may entice at least one of these teams. The Utah Mammoth have been in the process of rebuilding their team since the conclusion of their final years in Arizona, with Bill Armstrong taking over as general manager in 2020. Promising young players including Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Josh Doan, JJ Moser, and Conor Geekie have emerged from Armstrong's collection of prospects. Last summer, Armstrong demonstrated his readiness to make significant moves in the trade market to enhance his lineup, as evidenced by a notable deal on June 29, when he sent Moser, Geekie, and two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. While Armstrong has refrained from making major signings in the free-agent market, that could change in the upcoming offseason, particularly with a projected salary-cap space of $21.2 million and 20 players under contract. The team is well-positioned to make a noteworthy acquisition in the unrestricted free-agent pool. Quentin Carney from The Hockey News speculated whether the Mammoth might pursue Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Mitch Marner if he becomes available on July 1, while Spencer Lazary suggested Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could also be a potential target.

The Mammoth had a commendable season, accumulating 89 points, their highest total since the 2013-14 season, yet they fell short of the playoffs by a mere eight points. Securing a high-profile player such as Marner or Boeser in free agency or through trade could provide the missing piece necessary for the team to develop into a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers, who narrowly missed the postseason, faced a setback in their rebuilding efforts by finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. John Tortorella was dismissed from his position as head coach in March, with Rick Tocchet appointed as his successor on May 14. General manager Daniel Brière may focus on roster adjustments during the offseason. William James of Philly Hockey Now speculated that this may involve trading defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, goaltender Ivan Fedotov, or winger Owen Tippett as valuable assets. Tippett, in particular, is notable, as he reached the 20-goal and 40-point milestones for the third consecutive season and finished fifth on the Flyers' scoring list despite a slight decline in production. As he completes the first year of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $6.2 million, his no-trade clause does not take effect until the 2026-27 season, providing Brière the opportunity to assess his market value this summer.

The Flyers face a depth issue at center while having an excess of top-six wingers. Tippett, being in his prime and offering salary-cap certainty, could thrive on a deeper roster, making him an attractive trade asset to acquire a second-line center. In a significant move, the Buffalo Sabres acquired defenseman Bowen Byram from the Colorado Avalanche prior to the March 2024 trade deadline, sending center Casey Mittelstadt in the opposite direction. Byram quickly established himself as a valuable component of the Sabres' defense, achieving a career-high of 38 points this past season. However, he may soon find himself on the trading block once again. As reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on May 21, the Sabres have begun monitoring Byram's value within the trade market. Expected to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, Byram is finishing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.9 million. Despite a track record of injuries, his performance this season may lead him to seek a contract exceeding $7 million annually. Speculation arose from Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News that the Sabres could explore trading Byram, potentially in exchange for a veteran right-shot defenseman to complement their young defensemen, including Owen Power. Furthermore, he indicated that the Sabres' priority could shift towards signing forwards like JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, and Ryan McLeod.

The needs of the Sabres have evolved since acquiring Byram. He may command a strong return from teams with available cap space aiming to acquire a left-side defenseman with well-rounded skills. Since 2018-19, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been spearheaded by their star forwards: Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner. However, their limited success in the playoffs, with only two series victories, has led to growing calls for a reconfiguration of the team's core. The impending free agency could facilitate this alteration, as both Tavares and Marner are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. During the Leafs' end-of-season media availability, Tavares expressed optimism about returning, while Marner offered a more ambiguous response, indicating he would take time with his family to deliberate his future. If Marner opts for free agency, he would undoubtedly emerge as the most prominent name available. His market value could be quite high, with expectations of a contract starting at no less than $13 million annually for a long-term agreement. Ryan Dixon of Moneyline has identified potential suitors for Marner, including the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals. Additionally, Sean O'Leary of The Score named Buffalo and Detroit as possible destinations for the 28-year-old winger.

Given the current circumstances, a change of scenery for Marner may prove beneficial following the criticism he faced regarding the Leafs' disappointing playoff exit. Carolina appears to be a favored destination should he wish to align with a contender while maintaining cap flexibility, as they had previously extended a trade proposal featuring Mikko Rantanen to Toronto in exchange for Marner before ultimately moving Rantanen to the Dallas Stars. The offseason promises to bring significant activity as teams position themselves for both the upcoming draft and free agency.