The NHL is now advancing to the conference finals, featuring the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers. Each of these teams is accustomed to this stage of the playoffs and has succeeded in overcoming formidable opponents along the way. Consequently, the focus shifts to the teams that have been eliminated, as they enter the offseason with the objective of restructuring for future success. This article explores potential trade ideas for the eight franchises that have exited the playoffs, providing constructive suggestions rather than rumors or imminent deals.

Starting with the Vancouver Canucks, the possibility of trading Elias Pettersson warrants discussion. Although moving Pettersson might not be likely, especially after the organization made a significant decision by offloading J.T. Miller, there is an opportunity for a fresh start, potentially for both Pettersson and the team. The Colorado Avalanche, known for their aggressive trading history, may find value in an addition like Pettersson to bolster their center depth behind Nathan MacKinnon. A trade proposal might begin with Martin Necas, acquired in a previous trade with the Hurricanes, and could develop from there.

Next, the Los Angeles Kings, after their fourth consecutive first-round exit against the Oilers, require an upgrade in goal-scoring. Acquiring Rickard Rakell, who recently tallied 35 goals and is signed to a reasonable $5 million per season, could significantly enhance their offensive capabilities. The Penguins, who have demonstrated patience in trade discussions involving Rakell, may show interest in younger assets that the Kings could provide, such as Alex Turcotte, in a potential trade.

The Minnesota Wild are poised for growth now that they have navigated the financial impacts of the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts. To support their star player, Kirill Kaprizov, the Wild need to add scoring depth, making Anders Lee of the Islanders a compelling trade target. Despite being in his early 30s and carrying a $7 million salary cap hit, Lee remains a consistent 25-goal scorer and could serve as a valuable net-front presence for a team aiming to improve its power play, which finished 20th in the league during the regular season.

The Montreal Canadiens, having seen their rebuild accelerated by a surprising playoff run, now need to complement their ascending young core. A trade for Rossi, who would fill their No. 2 center position and add skill, could be advantageous. His strong performance of 24 goals and 60 points last season indicates untapped potential, making him an ideal candidate for the Canadiens to pursue as they prepare for the coming seasons. With substantial draft capital, Montreal is well-equipped to make a significant move if they choose to go after him.

Following their disappointing first-round exit, the New Jersey Devils face the reality that more offensive support is necessary, especially considering Jack Hughes' ongoing injury concerns. Jared McCann could be an intriguing target, given his flexibility across the lineup and goal-scoring ability. Although he has recently been on the trade market, acquiring him could provide the depth the Devils need to enhance their chances moving forward. Seattle's expansion franchise may find trading McCann advantageous as they continue to build their team.

The Ottawa Senators have a strong group of defensive contracts but require an upgrade on the right side of their top four. Rasmus Ristolainen, perhaps viewed initially as a polarizing acquisition, has improved his game and could become a useful addition to a playoff roster. The rising salary cap and limited depth in quality defense options could present an opportunity for the Senators to enhance their blueline by exploring the market for Ristolainen.

In St. Louis, the potential trade of captain Brayden Schenn should be reconsidered. As the Blues face salary cap constraints and the need for roster flexibility, moving Schenn could be prudent, especially with his full no-trade clause transitioning to a modified clause. While he remains a productive player, the club may benefit from preemptively addressing his long-term viability before his production naturally declines.

The Tampa Bay Lightning would benefit from acquiring offensive talent to bolster their lineup. A trade for Matyas Maccelli, who has shown playmaking prowess, could reinvigorate the Lightning's roster. As he continues to grow into his role and is still affordable under the salary cap, Tampa Bay may find that this is the ideal time for him to thrive in a new environment.

Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs must consider significant changes after another postseason disappointment. With key players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares approaching free agency, new lineup strategies may emerge. Chris Kreider could be one viable option to fill potential gaps left by departing forwards. Although Kreider's recent performance was underwhelming, his playoff experience and capabilities could appeal to a Maple Leafs team searching for a veteran presence to stabilize the roster.

For the Vegas Golden Knights, the primary offseason goal is to secure superstar center Jack Eichel with a long-term contract. As they navigate this process, it may also be prudent to find scoring help on the wing. The abundance of center depth makes it possible to trade a player like William Karlsson or Nicolas Roy to address the scoring imbalance on the roster while simultaneously creating cap flexibility for Eichel's new deal.

The Washington Capitals achieved a remarkable turnaround during the 2024-25 season, transitioning from a fringe playoff participant to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. To build on this success, enhancing their third-line center position would be critical, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the Islanders could fit the bill, provided he is available for intra-division trade. As Pageau's $5 million salary is manageable within the Capitals' budget, acquiring him could be a strategic move to further bolster their roster heading into next season.

The Winnipeg Jets, having secured the Presidents' Trophy yet faltering in the playoffs, must address weaknesses in their lineup. Upgrading the second-line center position is essential, and Ryan O'Reilly could be a strong candidate. Though acquiring him involves trade complexities within the division, his affordability and ability to perform at a high level would make him an attractive asset for a contending team seeking depth.