The NHL's conference finals are set, featuring the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers. Each of these teams has become a familiar presence during the playoffs, having navigated through formidable opponents on their journey. In light of the recent eliminations, attention now shifts to the offseason, prompting a discussion about potential strategies for the eight teams that fell short. Trades could play a pivotal role in reshaping these rosters as franchises aim for deeper postseason runs in the future.

Starting with the Vancouver Canucks, speculation abounds regarding the future of center Elias Pettersson. While a trade seems unlikely given Pettersson's potential and the team's recent decision to move J.T. Miller, the involvement of Jim Rutherford in the front office introduces an element of unpredictability. Despite public assurances, there appears to be waning confidence in Pettersson from the team's hierarchy. A fresh start may benefit him, and the Colorado Avalanche could offer an ideal landing spot. The Avalanche, eager to enhance their offensive depth behind Nathan MacKinnon, may find Pettersson an appealing target, especially with Martin Necas potentially being a starting piece in such negotiations.

Shifting attention to the Los Angeles Kings, who faced disappointment after another first-round exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, there is a pressing need for offensive reinforcements. The Kings struggled with goal-scoring, ranking 14th in the league during the regular season. A trade for Rickard Rakell, coming off a 35-goal season and signed at a reasonable $5 million commitment, could provide the offensive boost they require. Although acquiring Rakell may necessitate significant assets, his cost-effectiveness could prove invaluable, particularly if the Kings aim to elevate their playoff performance. The Pittsburgh Penguins, cognizant of their trade flexibility, could be receptive to younger players from the Kings, such as Alex Turcotte.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are positioned to capitalize on the buyout of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, paving the way for roster enhancements that support star Kirill Kaprizov. One possible target is Anders Lee of the New York Islanders, who, despite his advancing age, remains a consistent goal-scorer with a $7 million cap hit. Lee’s presence could bolster the Wild's offense, particularly in power-play situations where they ranked 20th this season. Complementing Kaprizov with a player like Lee might address their scoring depth concerns moving forward.

The Montreal Canadiens, who surprised many with a playoff appearance, now seek to augment their young talent pool. A trade for Marco Rossi would be a strategic move, considering his age and recent productive season. Rossi fits well within the Canadiens' current core, including Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. With nine higher-round draft picks available, Montreal has the necessary resources to pursue this move without compromising their long-term vision. This proactive approach is essential for the Canadiens as they aim to build on their recent successes.

For the New Jersey Devils, returning to the playoffs was a positive step, although they were quickly eliminated by the Hurricanes. The Devils need additional offensive talent to support their existing roster, particularly in light of Jack Hughes’ injury history. Jared McCann, known for his flexibility and scoring capabilities, emerges as a potential trade target, offering depth and versatility that the Devils could use. Seattle's ongoing roster development and willingness to maneuver means that young prospects from New Jersey, such as Simon Nemec, may entice the Kraken in discussions for McCann.

The Ottawa Senators face the challenge of incorporating another significant contract into their defense, given the salaries of established players like Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot. Rasmus Ristolainen of the Flyers, while originally a polarizing figure, has seen his value rise and may be a strong addition to the Senators’ defensive core. Given the rising salary cap and limited available defensive players on the market, Ottawa might find acquiring Ristolainen a prudent decision.

Among the teams potentially exploring trades is the St. Louis Blues, who possess captain Brayden Schenn. Potential trade talks resurfaced prior to the deadline; while nothing materialized then, it may warrant exploration this offseason. With financial pressures looming from salary cap restrictions and upcoming player extensions, moving Schenn may provide flexibility and future opportunities for the Blues. His modified no-trade clause could facilitate a strategic move that benefits both the player and the organization.

In Arizona, the Lightning may find opportunity in acquiring forward Matias Maccelli, who has displayed promise early in his career but faced setbacks recently. Tampa Bay could benefit from his youthful energy and potential, especially as they look to revitalize their roster. Maccelli holds considerable value as an affordable player who can skate well and contribute offensively, indicating that a change in scenery could unlock his full potential.

Following yet another postseason struggle, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a crossroads. Key players, including Mitch Marner and John Tavares, face pivotal contract decisions this offseason, leaving the Leafs needing to reevaluate their core. Should they lose one or both of the players in free agency, Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers could emerge as an attractive option for Toronto. Despite a lukewarm season, Kreider’s experience and playoff success might align well with the Maple Leafs' objectives.

Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights face the immediate necessity of securing a long-term extension for superstar center Jack Eichel. As the franchise looks to maintain its competitive edge, creative roster moves may become essential for both optimizing salary cap space and addressing the team’s needs on the wing. This could involve trading depth players such as William Karlsson or Nicolas Roy to acquire scoring help, thus balancing their lineup and ensuring they meet Eichel's contract demands in the impending future.

The Washington Capitals, who enjoyed an impressive rise this past season, achieved the top seed in the Eastern Conference but still short of deep playoff runs. With Alex Ovechkin preparing for another season, strengthening the third-line center position could enhance their depth. Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the New York Islanders presents an intriguing option. Although the Islanders may be reticent to trade within the division, Pageau’s defensive skill set and offensive capabilities add considerable value, addressing a necessary area for the Capitals as they look to maintain their window of contention.

The Winnipeg Jets, despite their strong regular season, failed to advance past the second round in the playoffs. Recognizing the need for a second-line center upgrade, Ryan O'Reilly could be an ideal candidate. With his affordable contract and solid contributions as a two-way player, O'Reilly’s addition may help address the Jets' shortcomings post-playoffs. While inter-division trades can be challenging, the overall situation for the Nashville Predators may present a compelling scenario for both teams moving forward.