As June approaches, the hockey community is keenly focused on the Stanley Cup Final rematch featuring the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. Following the conclusion of the playoffs, which will wrap up later this month, attention will shift to the offseason activities, including the NHL draft scheduled for June 27-28 in Los Angeles. While the trade market has remained relatively quiet since the trade deadline on March 8, it is expected to regain momentum as teams prepare to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season and beyond. Much of this activity will occur in the lead-up to the draft weekend, with trade rumors intensifying as the postseason unfolds. Players previously reported as trade candidates, including Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, continue to generate discussion, along with newer names such as Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators and JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres. Notably, seven players from the previous month’s trade block list, including Elias Pettersson, Thatcher Demko, Mike Zibanejad, Joonas Korpisalo, Matias Maccelli, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee of the New York Islanders, have seen their situations quiet down and thus have been removed from consideration.

Among the players being monitored in June, Chris Kreider stands out due to his ongoing involvement in trade talks. The 34-year-old winger, despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, has been a bright spot for the Rangers. His experience and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive option for teams seeking offensive power. General Manager Chris Drury's willingness to retool the roster could lead to Kreider being moved in a cost-cutting deal to create cap space for other acquisitions. Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson, now with the Pittsburgh Penguins, remains on the trade radar. The three-time Norris Trophy winner was acquired last August with expectations of bolstering the Penguins’ playoff chances. However, with the team entering a rebuilding phase, Karlsson's substantial cap hit and declining performance have raised questions about his future with the franchise. Several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, may express interest if the Penguins are amenable to retaining a portion of his salary.

On the other hand, Jonathan Marchessault's situation has also drawn attention. The former Golden Knights star saw his production decline significantly after joining the Nashville Predators, leading to speculation about a potential trade this summer. Additionally, JJ Peterka has emerged as a promising asset for the Buffalo Sabres, finishing the season with a career-high 68 points. Despite being viewed as a core player by General Manager Kevyn Adams, the possibility of a trade might arise if contract negotiations become contentious. Other players worth monitoring include Jordan Kyrou, whose performance in the postseason will influence his future with the St. Louis Blues, and K'Andre Miller of the New York Rangers, who has faced a decline in form but continues to hold value.

These ongoing discussions and speculations highlight the dynamic nature of the NHL trade market as teams prepare for significant transactions during the offseason, particularly with the upcoming draft on the horizon. The interest in these players reflects their individual performances and their potential impact on roster construction as teams seek to balance competitiveness with fiscal responsibility.