NHL Conference Finals and Offseason Trade Considerations for Eliminated Teams

The NHL conference finals have arrived, featuring the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers. These teams have established themselves as playoff regulars, having navigated through formidable opponents on their way to this stage. With eight teams now eliminated from contention, attention shifts to what these franchises can do during the offseason to enhance their chances for future success.

Trades play a critical role in the team-building process, and exploring possible trade scenarios can provide insights into potential moves. Here are some suggestions for one potential trade for each of the eight teams that exited the postseason. It is essential to clarify that these suggestions do not represent actual trade rumors or discussions but rather serve as hypothetical ideas for teams looking to improve.

The Vancouver Canucks may not be inclined to trade Elias Pettersson, given his potential and the team's previous decisions surrounding key players. However, recent developments indicate a loss of confidence within the organization. A fresh start in Colorado might appeal to Pettersson, especially since the Avalanche have demonstrated a willingness to be aggressive in pursuing talent. A potential trade could involve Martin Necas, previously acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes, as a starting point in such discussions. This move could provide Colorado with a dominant center behind Nathan MacKinnon, fulfilling a critical need for the franchise.

The Los Angeles Kings, after facing a disappointing fourth consecutive first-round exit against the Edmonton Oilers, find themselves in need of bolstering their scoring capabilities. Signing a player like Rickard Rakell, who recently had a 35-goal season and is locked into a reasonable contract at $5 million annually, would address this concern effectively. For the Kings, Rakell represents a value that might not be available in free agency, while the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are managing Rakell's contract, could find younger players like Alex Turcotte enticing in return.

After enduring challenging seasons with the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the Minnesota Wild are finally positioned to enhance their roster around superstar Kirill Kaprizov. To keep pace within the competitive Central Division, adding scoring depth is essential. Islanders forward Anders Lee could be a target due to his experience and consistent offensive production. Despite being in his mid-30s and carrying a $7 million cap hit, Lee has scored at least 25 goals in recent seasons, making him a valuable asset to complement Minnesota's lineup.

The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed a surprising playoff appearance, indicating the potential for a more stable future. To support their developing core, exploring a trade for Marco Rossi might be beneficial. With Rossi being just 24 years old heading into the 2024-25 season and coming off a productive year, he could effectively fill the No. 2 center position for the Canadiens. Given the Wild's changing roster dynamics and Rossi's restricted free agent status, Montreal might possess the necessary draft capital to facilitate a trade.

The New Jersey Devils returned to the playoffs this season but suffered an early exit at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes. With key injuries to players like Jack Hughes, the Devils' core requires additional offensive support. Jared McCann, who stands out for his scoring ability and versatility on the ice, could fulfill that need. The Seattle Kraken, still developing as an expansion team, could be interested in young assets like Simon Nemec from the Devils, paving the way for a beneficial trade for both parties.

The Ottawa Senators find themselves with significant defensive contracts but may still seek an upgrade on the right side of their top four. Rasmus Ristolainen, despite previous criticisms of his performance, has improved over recent seasons and could contribute as a second-pairing option. The Senators might explore this possibility, especially as teams across the league are increasingly interested in bolstering their defensive depth amid a rising salary cap.

The St. Louis Blues are at a crossroads, managing a tight salary cap situation while also aiming to enhance their roster. Considering the age and contract of captain Brayden Schenn, moving him might be prudent while a market still exists for his services. The Blues must weigh the impact of Schenn's potential departure against the need for more flexibility in the offseason.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, aiming for roster rejuvenation, may find value in pursuing Matias Maccelli, who has shown promise early in his career. While Maccelli's production dipped last season, he remains an affordable option with potential upside. For Tampa Bay, acquiring Maccelli could inject youthful energy into an aging lineup and serve as a strategic move to revitalize their offensive capabilities.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the urgency for impactful changes is paramount after another disappointing postseason. With key players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares entering unrestricted free agency, significant adjustments may be essential to maintain competitiveness. Chris Kreider could be a potential acquisition despite his underwhelming performance last season. His playoff experience and prior success could make him an appealing option for Toronto's front office.

For the Vegas Golden Knights, securing star center Jack Eichel to a long-term contract is of utmost priority. With the need to balance their roster and create salary cap flexibility, a trade involving players like William Karlsson might provide potential solutions. Addressing the winger position could be vital for the Knights as they look to shore up their lineup ahead of Eichel’s new deal.

The Washington Capitals experienced a remarkable turnaround this past season, but further improvements are necessary, particularly at the third-line center position. New York Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau could represent a strategic fit, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. With the Islanders undergoing a transition, Pageau might be available for the Capitals to bolster their lineup and enhance their championship aspirations.

Lastly, the Winnipeg Jets, after a strong regular season and a second-round exit, must tackle weaknesses in their roster. Acquiring Ryan O'Reilly as a second-line center could prove advantageous. O'Reilly's relatively affordable contract and proven skill set, even as he ages, could provide the Jets with the depth necessary to compete in the Western Conference.