As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs progress, discussions regarding offseason strategies for the teams no longer vying for the championship are intensifying. The recent elimination of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Stanley Cup race has generated considerable speculation surrounding Mitch Marner, who could emerge as one of the most sought-after names in the upcoming free-agent market. If he enters the market on July 1, numerous predictions have surfaced regarding potential landing spots for Marner.

In addition to the focus on free agency, the trade market is abuzz with rumors about various players potentially on the move this summer. One player drawing attention is Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, whose impressive skill set may attract interest from several teams across the league. With the NHL draft approaching on June 27-28, there is also heightened interest surrounding which young prospects may be selected in the first round. Some teams might even consider trading their first-round picks for a compelling offer. Recent reports from Moneyline suggest that the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks are among those willing to entertain options involving their first-round selections. A report from The Athletic's Eric Stephens on May 20 indicated that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier is open to moving his draft pick if it results in acquiring a player who can provide immediate assistance to his roster. The Canucks and Sharks are not alone in this consideration, as reports have surfaced indicating that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals might also explore trading their first-round picks. On May 22, SI.com's Nick Horwat cited Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell, who mentioned in an interview that his team’s two first-round picks are available for the right offer. He holds the 14th overall pick along with the Minnesota Wild's first-round pick, which is the 20th overall. Meanwhile, Sammi Silber from The Hockey News reported that Capitals GM Chris Patrick is similarly open to offers for his 27th overall pick, emphasizing the need to remain open to all possibilities.

While these four franchises may be willing to listen to offers, it does not guarantee that they will move their picks. Nonetheless, a trade proposal involving a player who can effectively integrate into their roster and provide an immediate boost could encourage at least one of these teams to consider a deal. The Utah Mammoth have been undergoing a rebuilding process since their last seasons in Arizona, when Bill Armstrong took over as general manager in 2020. Among the promising young talents that emerged from his prospect pool are Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Josh Doan, JJ Moser, and Conor Geekie. Armstrong showcased his willingness to pursue significant trades to enhance his squad last summer, most notably on June 29, when he traded Moser and Geekie along with two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. Although Armstrong has refrained from making substantial signings in free agency, the impending offseason may see changes. With projected salary-cap space of $21.2 million and 20 active roster players under contract, including core players, the Mammoth have the potential for significant additions in the unrestricted free-agent market. As Quentin Carney of The Hockey News speculated, the Mammoth's potential pursuit of Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner could become a focal point if he becomes available on July 1. Additionally, Spencer Lazary suggested that Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could be a worthwhile UFA target.

The Mammoth's recent season marked their best performance since achieving 89 points in the 2013-14 season, although they ultimately missed out on playoff contention by eight points. The acquisition of a star player like Marner or Boeser, whether through free agency or trade, could prove pivotal in transforming them into a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers, having narrowly missed the playoffs last season, encountered challenges in their rebuilding effort, finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Following the dismissal of John Tortorella as head coach in March, Rick Tocchet was appointed as his successor on May 14. Flyers General Manager Daniel Brière may seek to make roster adjustments this offseason. William James from Philly Hockey Now proposed that this could involve utilizing defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, goaltender Ivan Fedotov, or winger Owen Tippett as trade assets. Among these options, Tippett stands out as particularly intriguing. Despite a slight decline in production, the 26-year-old winger has consistently reached the 20-goal and 40-point milestones for three consecutive seasons and finished as the fifth-highest scorer for the Flyers this year. Tippett is currently in the first season of an eight-year contract with a salary cap hit of $6.2 million, and his no-trade clause will not commence until the 2026-27 season, providing Brière the opportunity to assess his value in this summer’s trade discussions.

Addressing team needs is essential, and the Flyers currently face some depth issues at center while holding an excess of top-six wingers. Tippett's status as a player in his prime, coupled with financial predictability, enhances his appeal while offering the Flyers a prime trade asset capable of facilitating the acquisition of a second-line center. The Buffalo Sabres made a notable trade deadline acquisition when they brought in defenseman Bowen Byram from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Casey Mittelstadt. Byram quickly established himself as a valuable addition, wrapping up the season with a career-high 38 points. Yet, he may find himself on the move again this offseason. On May 21, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Sabres were assessing Byram's value in the trade market. The 23-year-old defenseman is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, concluding a two-year contract valued at an average annual of $3.9 million. Despite a track record of injuries, his impressive performance this season could position him to seek an annual salary exceeding $7 million in his next contract. On May 1, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News speculated that the Sabres might consider trading the left-shot Byram, potentially in exchange for a veteran right-shot defenseman to pair with their young blue-liners, such as Owen Power. Furthermore, securing contracts with forwards like JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, and Ryan McLeod remains a priority.

Since acquiring Byram, the needs within the Sabres organization have shifted. He is likely to yield a substantial return for clubs with available cap space looking for a defenseman with well-rounded skills on the left side. Since the 2018-19 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been led by star forwards Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner. However, their limited success in the playoffs, highlighted by only two series victories, has led to growing calls for a reevaluation of the team’s core group. The upcoming free agency period may present an opportunity for this change, particularly 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 remained less certain, indicating he would take the time to communicate with his family regarding his future. In the event that Marner opts for free agency, he would undoubtedly be the most prominent name available, poised to command a substantial deal worth at least $13 million annually over the long term. Names such as Los Angeles, Anaheim, Utah, Vegas, Pittsburgh, New York Islanders, Colorado, Chicago, Carolina, and Washington have been mentioned as possible destinations for Marner, according to Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet. Sean O'Leary from The Score further included Buffalo and Detroit as potential landing spots for the 28-year-old winger. Given Marner's recent challenges, including being singled out for the team’s playoff shortcomings, a change of scenery could be beneficial for him. Carolina may emerge as a frontrunner if he seeks to join a competitive team with ample cap space, having previously offered Mikko Rantanen directly to the Leafs in a trade proposal before Rantanen was subsequently traded to Dallas.