As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs progress, discussions surrounding offseason strategies for teams no longer competing for the championship are intensifying. The recent elimination of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Stanley Cup race has sparked speculation that Mitch Marner may become a significant figure in the upcoming free-agent market. Should he enter the market on July 1, various possible destinations have emerged.

In addition to the free-agent chatter, ongoing rumors are surfacing concerning potential trades this offseason. A player attracting considerable interest is Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, whose talents could captivate several teams in the league. With the NHL Draft approaching on June 27-28, conversations are flourishing regarding which prospects may be selected in the first round, while some franchises remain open to trading their first-round picks for suitable offers.

According to recent reports, the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks may be willing to part with their first-round selections in the upcoming draft. On May 20, The Athletic's Eric Stephens indicated that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier is open to moving his pick if a player capable of providing immediate assistance to the roster is available in return. Other teams, such as the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals, are also exploring similar options. On May 22, SI.com's Nick Horwat noted that Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell expressed that his club's two first-round picks, including the 14th overall pick and the Minnesota Wild's first-rounder, which is at 20th overall, are negotiable for the right offer. Furthermore, Capitals General Manager Chris Patrick has indicated readiness to entertain offers for his 27th overall pick. These developments lead to buyer-seller dynamics for the four clubs, hinting they might listen to offers but may not necessarily move their picks unless the right player is involved.

The Utah Mammoth have been actively reconstructing their roster since Bill Armstrong became the general manager in 2020. Young talent emerging under his leadership includes Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Josh Doan, JJ Moser, and Conor Geekie. Last summer, Armstrong notably made a significant trade to enhance his team. On June 29 of the previous year, he traded Moser, Geekie, and two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. Despite avoiding major free-agent signings, Armstrong might look to alter that approach this summer. With a projected salary cap space of $21.2 million and 20 players signed, he is well-positioned to make a noteworthy impact in the unrestricted free-agent pool. Speculation has merged around possible pursuits of Mitch Marner should he become accessible on July 1, alongside potential interest in Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser as a viable target.

After a promising past season that saw the Mammoth finish with 89 points—their highest since the 2013-14 season—they narrowly missed playoff qualification. Acquiring a star player like Marner or Boeser through free agency or trade could be the vital piece needed to transform them into a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers, having faced challenges in their rebuilding efforts, ended last in the Eastern Conference, prompting significant changes. Following the dismissal of head coach John Tortorella in March, Rick Tocchet has taken the reins as the new head coach. General Manager Daniel Brière may be contemplating strategic roster adjustments this offseason. Reports suggest that players such as defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, goaltender Ivan Fedotov, or winger Owen Tippett may be considered for trades. Of these, Tippett's potential stands out; despite a slight dip in production, he finished his third consecutive season with at least 20 goals and 40 points.

Tippett, now in the first year of an eight-year contract averaging $6.2 million annually, possesses a no-trade clause that will not take effect until the 2026-27 season, providing Brière the opportunity to assess Tippett's market value this summer. Furthermore, with the Flyers' current center depth concerns and an abundance of top-six forwards, Tippett could be a pivotal asset for acquiring a second-line center. On the other hand, Byram, who was acquired by the Buffalo Sabres from the Colorado Avalanche just before the March 2024 trade deadline, has quickly made a name for himself on the blue line, achieving a career-high 38 points this season. However, recent reports, including one from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, reveal that the Sabres are exploring the possibility of trading the 23-year-old blueliner.

As Byram is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, he is finishing a two-year contract that has an average annual value of $3.9 million. There are speculations that due to a history of injuries, his performance this season may lead him to seek a contract exceeding $7 million annually. On May 1, Lance Lysowski from The Buffalo News noted that the Sabres may consider trading Byram, possibly in exchange for a veteran right-shot defenseman to partner with burgeoning talents such as Owen Power. The focus for the Sabres, however, will likely revolve around retaining forwards like JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, and Ryan McLeod.

The organizational needs for the Sabres have adapted since Byram's arrival, presenting him as a desirable option for teams with cap space looking for left-side blue-line assistance. Since the 2018-19 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have relied on star forwards including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner. Nevertheless, the team's lack of playoff advancement—evidenced by only two series victories—has led to increased calls for a reevaluation of the team's 'Core Four.' The upcoming free agency period could present an opportunity for such changes, especially with both Tavares and Marner eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

During the Leafs' end-of-season media availability, Tavares expressed optimism about returning, whilst Marner voiced a more tentative perspective, indicating he would take time with family to deliberate his future. Should Marner enter free agency, he would undoubtedly emerge as the marquee name available, likely commanding an annual salary exceeding $13 million over a long-term contract. Various sources, including Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon, identify several 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 the Washington Capitals. Additionally, Sean O'Leary from The Score includes Buffalo and Detroit as further possible destinations for the skilled winger.

Given the circumstances, a shift in environment may benefit Marner following the scrutiny endured during the Leafs' playoff shortcomings. League insiders speculate that Carolina could emerge as a favored destination if Marner seeks to join a contending team with available cap space. The Hurricanes had previously considered a trade proposal involving Mikko Rantanen in exchange for Marner at the deadline before ultimately shipping Rantanen to the Dallas Stars.