NHL Trade Block Big Board: June Insights

As the NHL season approaches the offseason, attention is increasingly focused on the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. After the conclusion of the playoffs, franchises will shift gears to prepare for the offseason, which includes the anticipated 2025 NHL Draft set to take place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28. Following a relatively quiet trade market since the March 8 trade deadline, activity is expected to pick up dramatically as teams strategize to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season and beyond. Much of this anticipated movement may occur in the days leading up to and during draft weekend.

As the postseason progresses, trade rumors have begun to circulate, involving several prominent NHL players. Notable names such as Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins have resurfaced in discussions, echoing their prior appearances on the May NHL Trade Block Big Board. Meanwhile, fresh additions to the rumor mill include Jonathan Marchessault, who recently transitioned to the Nashville Predators, and JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres. Seven players from the prior month—including Vancouver's Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko, Mike Zibanejad of the New York Rangers, Joonas Korpisalo of the Boston Bruins, Matias Maccelli of the Utah Aces, and the New York Islanders’ Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee—have been removed from the list due to a notable reduction in trade chatter throughout May. An examination of why Kreider, Karlsson, Marchessault, and Peterka remain key points of focus in June reveals the shifting dynamics of the NHL trade landscape.

Last August, the Montréal Canadiens welcomed Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets in hopes that he would enhance their offensive arsenal. However, despite a knee injury that sidelined him for the first two months of the season, Laine was able to score 20 goals and accumulate 33 points in 52 games, mainly as a power-play specialist. Unfortunately, his performance declined toward the end of the regular season and during the playoffs, limiting his postseason appearances to two games due to a broken finger. On May 2, Pat Hickey from The Montréal Gazette noted that Laine may be at a pivotal moment with the Canadiens, advocating for a potential trade as he appears to be misaligned with the team’s fast-paced playing style. A few days later, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes defended Laine's contributions, indicating that their playoff berth would not have been possible without him. With Laine entering the final year of his contract, which has an annual average value of $8.7 million and includes a 10-team no-trade list, it seems unlikely he will be moved at this stage. However, his situation should be monitored, especially if the Canadiens look to free up cap space for additional roster moves.

The New York Rangers have been actively reshaping their roster under general manager Chris Drury, who has focused on moving out veterans who no longer align with the team's long-term goals. One of the earlier trades involved sending winger Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick from the 2019 NHL Draft, to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen. On May 6, Mollie Walker of the New York Post implied that Drury might consider shopping Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick from the 2020 draft, who signed a seven-year contract extension in October. Despite expectations for a breakout season following a productive 57-point campaign the previous year, Lafrenière's production dipped to 45 points this season. While the Rangers are likely to hold onto him to assess his performance under new head coach Mike Sullivan, a trade remains a possibility if the right circumstances arise.

In a surprising move at the 2024 March trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes, raising speculation about the future of another long-time linemate of Sidney Crosby. On May 29, The Athletic's Josh Yohe reported that teams have reached out to the Penguins regarding Bryan Rust's availability, noting that his no-movement clause will expire on July 1. Rust, who has thrived alongside Crosby, has consistently surpassed 20 goals and 40 points every season since 2019-20. He concluded the most recent season with career-best numbers of 31 goals and 65 points, carrying an average annual cap hit of $5.13 million through 2027-28. While Yohe expressed skepticism that Rust will be traded due to his significance as Crosby's partner and alternate captain, the Penguins’ ongoing rebuilding phase may prompt management to consider offers that enhance their youthful talent pool.

Following the St. Louis Blues' first-round exit at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets, The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford indicated the team faces a dilemma regarding Jordan Kyrou's role within their plans, especially with his no-trade clause set to commence on July 1. Kyrou led the Blues in scoring with 36 goals this season and placed second with 70 points. Despite his regular-season achievements, he struggled in the playoffs, posting only three goals across seven games while even on goals scored. Rutherford raised questions about whether Kyrou aligns with the franchise’s future vision, particularly under general manager-in-waiting Alex Steen. While Kyrou's scoring and speed may attract considerable interest in the trade market, finding a suitable replacement could pose challenges. Although moving him may appear unlikely, the impending no-trade clause deadline can make him a player worth watching throughout the June trade period.

Isaac Howard, selected 31st overall in the first round of the 2022 NHL draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, has showcased offensive prowess at Michigan State, even winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as this year's top NCAA men's hockey player. Despite these achievements suggesting a promising future with the Lightning, Howard does not envision continuing his career with the organization. On May 2, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois noted the opportunity for Howard to sign an entry-level deal appears remote, indicating ongoing discussions with his agent. While there is ample time before Howard becomes an unrestricted free agent in August 2026, he could nonetheless find himself on the trade block if a resolution remains elusive. His offensive skills could draw attention from teams seeking to enhance their prospect pools, especially among franchises in a rebuilding phase.

The Philadelphia Flyers are confronted with significant roster challenges, particularly concerning depth at the center position, where aging Sean Couturier and inconsistent Noah Cates currently anchor their top-two spots. On May 21, William James from Philly Hockey Now proposed trade options involving Owen Tippett, a speedy 26-year-old winger who has consistently recorded over 20 goals for the past three seasons. With a contract extending until 2031-32 at an average annual value of $6.3 million, trading Tippett could prove contentious but might be necessary to secure a top-two center given the Flyers' center depth. General manager Daniel Brière has ruled out moving promising prospect Matvei Michkov, while Travis Konecny's full no-movement clause and newly signed Tyson Foerster complicate matters further. Tippett's versatility and powerful shot make him an attractive option for teams seeking to boost their offensive depth.

After experiencing a career-best 43-point season two years ago, K'Andre Miller's performance has regressed. Now facing restricted free agency with arbitration rights this July 1, the 25-year-old defenseman is completing a contract averaging $3.9 million. Following mixed performances this season, Miller has emerged as a topic of trade discussions, as reported by The Hockey News' Remy Mastey, citing Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who remarked that the Rangers are exploring Miller's market value. While no certainty exists around a potential trade, the continual retooling efforts by Rangers general manager Chris Drury signal that Miller could be a candidate for movement should the right opportunity present itself.

Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames is also heading toward a pivotal moment, as he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. Given his status as an alternate captain and a top-two defenseman, the Flames will aim to extend his contract before he potentially tests free agency. If an agreement cannot be reached, general manager Chris Conroy may look to avoid trading Andersson mid-season, a strategy employed previously with Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm. Should Andersson's contract negotiations prove overly challenging, Conroy may choose to entertain trade talks instead. Potential destinations for Andersson include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and even the Montreal Canadiens; however, speculation from Daily Faceoff suggests that he may have listed the latter team in his no-trade options.

Additionally, Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues has initiated trade discussions as the team captain in recent months, having attracted interest from various teams leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Despite not being actively pursued by the Blues, speculation persists that clubs interested in acquiring a center might revisit Schenn's situation in the offseason. On May 6, Jeremy Rutherford raised the question of whether the Blues might discuss a trade for Schenn, who is set to be 34 next season and has three years left on his contract at an average annual value of $6.5 million. While the Blues may be hesitant to part with Schenn, his rising interest from teams requiring center depth may prompt conversation—especially if such teams miss out on free-agent options.

JJ Peterka, entering the offseason as a reliable scorer for the Buffalo Sabres, concluded the recent campaign with a career-best 68 points, solidifying his position as a core player on the team. Currently completing an entry-level deal and lacking arbitration rights, Peterka’s future has captured attention, with The Hockey News' Michael Augello detailing that several teams pursued him prior to the trade deadline; however, general manager Kevyn Adams classified him as a core asset. Speculation surrounding Peterka's trade status has intensified amid concerns over potential offer sheets. While the Sabres possess more than $23 million in cap space to match any offers, they might still consider discussing trade proposals if negotiations with Peterka’s camp become contentious.

In recent years, the Nashville Predators engaged in notable signings during the free-agency period, drafting forwards Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and defenseman Brady Skjei. Regrettably, those acquisitions failed to elevate the Predators, culminating in a disappointing 28th position in the standings. On May 27, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli implied that Marchessault could welcome a trade this summer. The veteran winger’s production diminished from a stellar 42 goals with the Vegas Golden Knights to only 21 goals in Nashville. Marchessault remains under contract for four more years with an average annual value of $5.5 million. Speculation suggests he may find a favorable opportunity with the Montreal Canadiens, a team that previously pursued him last offseason. Other potential trade routes could involve a reunion with the Golden Knights, though financial implications may hinder such discussions. The Toronto Maple Leafs have also appeared as a possible landing spot for Marchessault.

Erik Karlsson, currently among the most prominent trade candidates, retains a position atop Moneyline’s NHL Trade Block Big Board into June. The 35-year-old defenseman, acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023, was expected to deliver significant impact in their postseason pursuits. However, it has become increasingly evident that Karlsson no longer aligns with the Penguins' rebuilding strategy, as they move forward. With two years remaining on his contract, which carries a salary cap hit of $10 million within an overall average of $11.5 million, there remains skepticism regarding his projection in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, teams in search of experienced blue-liners may express interest, particularly if the Penguins find a way to retain part of his salary.

Chris Kreider, sitting atop the NHL Trade Block Big Board, consistently features in trade discussions surrounding the New York Rangers. The 34-year-old forward has showcased his goal-scoring prowess and experience, which could be highly valuable for teams seeking offensive firepower. Although injuries may have dampened interest throughout the season, that could change as the offseason approaches. General manager Chris Drury has indicated Kreider as a part of the leaguewide memo regarding available players. Kreider's contract continues for two additional seasons with an average annual value of $6.5 million and includes a 15-team no-trade list. Even though conditions could complicate any movement, Kreider may work alongside Drury to identify a favorable destination.

In the case of Marco Rossi, who excelled with a career-best 60-point performance last season, the 23-year-old center now faces uncertainty as he completes his entry-level contract. As a restricted free agent lacking arbitration rights, the Minnesota Wild possess leverage to secure a short-term deal. However, Rossi has remained a prominent topic of trade speculation throughout the season, having featured on Moneyline’s NHL Offseason Trade Targets in April and experiencing a decline in performance toward the end of the campaign. Following the Wild's first-round elimination, analysts expressed concerns about Rossi's fit within the future plans, prompting trade discussions to bring in more established top-six forwards. Multiple teams—such as the Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Seattle Kraken—have demonstrated interest in Rossi, raising the likelihood of an appealing offer that the Wild might consider.

Acquired from the Colorado Avalanche last season, Bowen Byram enjoyed an impressive year with the Buffalo Sabres in 2024-25, achieving career-high numbers with 38 points across 82 games and becoming a key defenseman. Byram is on track to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1 and seeks a notable pay raise over his current average annual value of $3.9 million. However, his outstanding performance also positions him as a potential trade candidate. Recent reports have indicated that the Sabres management may prioritize signing forwards Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka, and Ryan McLeod before exploring Byram’s future. Speculation suggests they may entertain trading Byram if they can secure an established veteran right-shot defenseman to partner with young left-shot blueliner Owen Power. Additionally, the Sabres might explore utilizing Byram as trade bait for acquiring a reliable scoring forward.