As the hockey world shifts its focus to the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, preparations for the offseason are ramping up. The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles from June 27 to 28, and with the conclusion of the playoffs later this month, teams will begin strategizing to enhance their rosters. Although the trade market has been relatively quiet since the March 8 trade deadline, a resurgence of activity is anticipated leading up to and including draft weekend. Trade rumors have started to circulate, encompassing notable NHL players.

Among those currently drawing attention are Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, both of whom appeared in the previous May NHL Trade Block Big Board. Meanwhile, players such as Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators and JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres have recently emerged in trade discussions. Seven players from the May list have been removed as rumors involving them have significantly decreased, including Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko of Vancouver, Mike Zibanejad of the New York Rangers, Joonas Korpisalo of Boston, Matias Maccelli of Utah, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee of the New York Islanders. Following this, Kreider, Karlsson, Marchessault, and Peterka are among the 15 key players being closely monitored on the June NHL Trade Block Big Board.

In the previous offseason, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets with hopes of boosting their offensive capabilities. Despite a knee injury sidelining him for the initial two months of the season, Laine managed to score 20 goals and accumulate 33 points in 52 games, serving as a significant power-play asset. However, his performance waned toward the end of the season and during the playoffs, where he participated in only two games before sustaining a broken finger. On May 2, Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette expressed that Laine had reached a turning point with the Canadiens and suggested a potential trade. Hickey argued that Laine did not align well with Montreal's fast-paced gameplay. Conversely, Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes defended Laine's contributions, asserting that the team would not have reached the playoffs without his assistance. As Laine serves the final season of his contract, which holds an average annual value of $8.7 million and includes a 10-team no-trade list, it is purportedly improbable that he will be traded unless the Canadiens seek to release salary cap space for future transactions.

The New York Rangers emerged as one of the most active teams in the NHL trade market during the regular season, with General Manager Chris Drury continuously adjusting the roster. It is anticipated that Drury's eagerness to part with veterans who no longer fit his long-term vision will persist into the offseason, and he may also consider trading younger players. In December, the Rangers sent winger Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen. Previously, on May 6, Mollie Walker of the New York Post indicated that Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick of the 2020 Draft, could also be traded. Despite signing a seven-year contract extension in October after a breakout 57-point season, Lafrenière saw his production dip to 45 points in the most recent campaign. While the Rangers may prefer to retain Lafrenière to assess his performance under new head coach Mike Sullivan, possibilities of a trade this summer remain open.

At the 2024 March trade deadline, a surprising move saw the Pittsburgh Penguins transfer Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. Longtime linemate of team captain Sidney Crosby, Guentzel's departure sparked speculation regarding the potential availability of another one of Crosby's long-term partners, Bryan Rust. On May 29, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported that teams were probing the Penguins for Rust's availability as his no-movement clause is set to expire on July 1. Rust, 33, has maintained consistent offensive numbers, recording over 20 goals and 40 points in every season since 2019-20, culminating in a career-high 31 goals and 65 points this season. While Yohe expressed skepticism regarding a potential trade due to Rust's important role, especially as an alternate captain, coupled with concerns he works well with younger talent, the Penguins' rebuilding phase might prompt them to consider moves that would inject youthful energy into their lineup.

Following the St. Louis Blues' early playoff exit to the Winnipeg Jets, Jeremy Rutherford from The Athletic suggested that the franchise must contemplate Jordan Kyrou's role moving forward. The 27-year-old winger, who secured 36 goals this year and amassed a total of 70 points, is entering a pivotal phase as his no-trade clause takes effect on July 1. Despite praise for his regular season performance, it was noted that Kyrou managed only three goals in seven playoff games while failing to establish a consistent scoring presence throughout. His scoring ability and speed could attract considerable attention in the trade market; however, the Blues may find it challenging to replace those qualities if they choose to part with him. While a trade seems unlikely, the approaching deadline of his no-trade clause makes him a player to keep an eye on as the trade landscape develops in June.

Drafted 31st overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022, Isaac Howard has emerged as a prominent name following an impressive collegiate career at Michigan State, culminating in his receipt of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top NCAA men’s hockey player. Despite expectations for a bright future with the Lightning, the 21-year-old left winger has expressed doubts about remaining in Tampa Bay. General Manager Julien BriseBois remarked on May 2 that an entry-level contract with Howard appears unlikely, though he might continue negotiations with Howard's agent to secure an agreement. With time on his side, given that Howard won't reach unrestricted free agency until August 2026, his situation could place him as a trade candidate if negotiations remain unresolved. Teams aiming to bolster their prospect pool might seek out Howard, especially those in the midst of a rebuilding process.

General Manager Daniel Brière of the Philadelphia Flyers faces challenges surrounding the center position, which has proven to be the weakest point on their roster. Aging veteran Sean Couturier, alongside the inconsistent Noah Cates, presently serve as their top two centers. On May 21, William James from Philly Hockey Now speculated that Owen Tippett's inclusion in trade discussions could address this pressing issue. The 26-year-old winger has shown scoring consistency, netting 20 or more goals in the last three seasons, and has a contract extending through 2031-32 at an average annual value of $6.3 million. Although moving Tippett would be a difficult decision for the Flyers, the team possesses depth at center that positions him as a candidate to potentially procure a quality top-two center. With promising players such as Matvei Michkov, coupled with the situation of Travis Konecny's full no-movement clause and the recent re-signing of Tyson Foerster, Tippett's versatility could attract interest from teams seeking to strengthen their top-six forward group.

K'Andre Miller, who previously showcased a career-best 43-point performance, has seen a regression in play that raises questions surrounding his future with the New York Rangers. Due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, Miller is concluding a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.9 million. Despite recent struggles, it is possible Miller could command over $6 million annually on a long-term deal. On May 29, The Hockey News' Remy Mastey referenced Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman’s report, indicating that the Rangers are exploring trade options for Miller. While there is no definitive assurance that Miller will be traded, this examination of his value aligns with GM Chris Drury's intention to reevaluate the roster composition, potentially leading to moves that align better with long-term objectives.

As the Calgary Flames aim to retool their roster, there is an emphasis on extending Rasmus Andersson's contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next July. Serving as an alternate captain and a top-two defenseman, Andersson's contribution positions him for a substantial raise from his current average annual value of $4.6 million. Highly regarded by the Calgary fanbase, Andersson has emerged as a potentially attractive trade target should the Flames fail to secure an extension. General Manager Chris Conroy was previously criticized for trading Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm during the 2023-24 season when he could not negotiate contract extensions. Various sources indicate teams such as the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dallas Stars may seek to acquire Andersson. However, there are conflicting reports, with Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco suggesting that the Ottawa Senators are on Andersson's no-trade list, complicating potential trade discussions.

Brayden Schenn, captain of the St. Louis Blues, emerged as a point of interest leading up to the March 8 trade deadline, although the team expressed no intention to trade the 33-year-old two-way center. Unable to waive his no-movement clause, Schenn was a focal point on the April Offseason Trade Target Big Board, with speculation regarding whether the Blues might revisit the topic of a trade. As Schenn reaches the age of 34 next season, his current contract features three additional years at an average annual value of $6.5 million, and he will transition his NMC to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. The Blues might be hesitant to entertain offers for Schenn; however, teams seeking centers might revisit his availability during the offseason, potentially presenting opportunities for significant engagements.

Following his remarkable development as a reliable scorer, JJ Peterka has become a significant player for the Buffalo Sabres. Now 23, he concluded the year ranked second on the Sabres roster in scoring, achieving a career-high 68 points. As he concludes an entry-level contract without arbitration rights this summer, rumors surrounding Peterka's potential as a trade target have gained traction. Some reports indicate that offers were made for Peterka prior to the trade deadline, but Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams deemed him a core asset and rejected all inquiries. Nevertheless, should negotiations over a new contract stall, the Sabres might find themselves discussing potential trades, particularly given their substantial cap space of over $23 million.

The Nashville Predators made significant strides in the previous year's free agency, acquiring forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, along with defenseman Brady Skjei. However, these additions failed to enhance the roster, as the Predators finished the season in 28th place overall. According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, Marchessault has expressed a desire for a trade this offseason. After a successful season with the Vegas Golden Knights where he netted a career-high 42 goals, his production fell to just 21 with the Predators. Marchessault is signed for four years at an average annual value of $5.5 million. Speculation suggests he could be a good fit for the Montreal Canadiens, yet their interest remains uncertain as previous offers were minimal. Furthermore, Vegas Hockey Now has hinted at the possibility of a reunion between Marchessault and the Golden Knights, although his contract complicates that scenario. Other teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, have also been mentioned as potential destinations.

Erik Karlsson, who topped the May Trade Block Big Board, remains a key trade candidate as June approaches. The 35-year-old defenseman was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023, with hopes that he could contribute to a postseason rebound. However, it is evident that Karlsson's match with the Penguins, who are in a rebuilding phase, is tenuous. With two years remaining on his contract, his high average annual value of $11.5 million presents challenges for Pittsburgh's salary cap. Despite his shortcomings defensively, teams seeking veteran puck-moving talent may be drawn to Karlsson's skillset. Reports indicate that the Toronto Maple Leafs could benefit from Karlsson's experience, particularly as they search for a power-play quarterback.

Carrying the distinction of topping the May Trade Block Big Board, Chris Kreider found himself frequently mentioned in trade discussions throughout the season. The 34-year-old winger from the New York Rangers continues to be viewed as a potential piece that could be moved as the Rangers seek to reshape their roster. General Manager Chris Drury has labeled Kreider as a part of a memo detailing available players, which generated interest despite the dampening impact of recurring injuries. Kreider’s significant experience and goal-scoring abilities present an attractive option for teams seeking offensive reinforcement. Speculations suggest that Kreider could be involved in a cost-cutting trade to create salary cap flexibility, with two remaining years on his contract at an average annual value of $6.5 million.

Marco Rossi, a 23-year-old center completing his entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, has shown potential after a career-best season with 60 points but has been juxtaposed with trade speculations. Despite the hope pinned on him, he has experienced dips in production that raise questions regarding his place in the franchise’s future. Following Minnesota's playoff exit, sources linked to the organization, including Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, have indicated that the Wild may be open to either re-signing Rossi or trading him to acquire a more consistent top-six forward. Interest from teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Seattle Kraken has surfaced as they consider Rossi's skill set valuable enough to entice a trade.

Bowen Byram, who was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche, recently recorded a career best with 38 points while playing for the Buffalo Sabres. Now 23, he is on the verge of becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights set to commence on July 1. Given his progress this season, Byram is likely to seek a considerable raise from his current average annual value of $3.9 million. Additionally, speculation has arisen that the Sabres may prioritize signing forwards Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka, and Ryan McLeod ahead of Byram, potentially placing him on the trade block. If this occurs, Byram could serve as part of a trade designed to bring in a reliable scoring forward or an experienced right-shot defenseman to complement young left-shot defenseman Owen Power.