As the calendar turns to June, the hockey community is focused on the Stanley Cup Final rematch featuring the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. With the conclusion of the playoffs this month, the offseason activities in the NHL begin to escalate, notably including the 2025 NHL Draft scheduled to take place in Los Angeles from June 27 to 28. The trade market has experienced a period of calm since the March 8 trade deadline, but it is anticipated to reactivate as teams start preparations to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season and beyond.

Trade rumors have surged as the postseason advanced, with media speculation surrounding several prominent NHL players. Among those frequently discussed are Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, both of whom were previously highlighted in Moneyline's May NHL Trade Block Big Board. Other players, such as Jonathan Marchessault from the Nashville Predators and JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres, have recently emerged in the trade conversation. Notably, seven players from the May list, including Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, Mike Zibanejad of the New York Rangers, and others, have been removed from the current speculation list due to minimal engagement in rumors throughout May. This article examines Kreider, Karlsson, Marchessault, and Peterka, who are among the notable players under observation on the June NHL Trade Block Big Board.

The Montreal Canadiens' acquisition of Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets last August aimed to bolster their offensive capabilities. Although the winger began the season recovering from a knee injury, he managed to score 20 goals and accumulate 33 points in 52 games, exhibiting his prowess as a power-play asset. However, Laine's performance declined as the season progressed, leading to concerns about his role within Montreal's fast-paced style of play. On May 2, Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette emphasized that Laine’s fit with the Canadiens was in doubt, suggesting a potential trade. Despite a defense of Laine from Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, who stated the team would not have reached the playoffs without him, Laine will be entering the final season of his contract, valued at an average annual rate of $8.7 million, which includes a no-trade clause involving ten teams. While it appears unlikely that he will be moved, his status warrants monitoring as the Canadiens look to manage their cap space for future transactions.

During the regular season, the New York Rangers were active participants in the trade market under general manager Chris Drury, who has been working to reshape his roster. As the offseason approaches, Drury's efforts likely will continue, particularly focusing on trading veterans who no longer align with the team’s long-term strategy. Notable moves include trading forward Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen. On May 6, speculation surfaced regarding the potential availability of Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick in the 2020 Draft, who recently signed a seven-year contract extension. Although Lafrenière appeared set for a breakout following a 57-point season last year, his production slipped to 45 points this past season. It seems the Rangers will retain him for evaluation under the new head coach Mike Sullivan, yet his future remains uncertain as Drury continues his roster reevaluation.

At the 2024 trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins made headlines by trading Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. This notable move has led to speculation about another potential trade involving Bryan Rust, a long-time linemate of team captain Sidney Crosby. On May 29, it was reported that teams had reached out to the Penguins to discuss Rust's availability, particularly as his no-movement clause expires on July 1. Rust, now 33 years old, has consistently performed well alongside Crosby, surpassing 20 goals and 40 points in each season since 2019-20, culminating in a career-high of 31 goals and 65 points this season. While there is skepticism regarding a potential trade due to Rust's valued role and leadership as an alternate captain, the Penguins' rebuilding phase could lead them to consider trade proposals that incorporate younger talent.

Following the St. Louis Blues' first-round elimination by the Winnipeg Jets, uncertainty looms over Jordan Kyrou's placement within the team's future. Kyrou, a 27-year-old winger who led the Blues with 36 goals this past season, faces a crucial moment as his no-trade clause comes into effect on July 1. Despite praise for his regular-season achievements, concerns linger about his playoff performance, where he managed only three goals in seven games. Analysts have raised questions regarding his fit within the club's vision, especially with the impending transition under 'GM-in-waiting' Alex Steen. While Kyrou's scoring ability is likely to attract interest on the trade market, identifying a suitable replacement for his offensive contributions could prove challenging.

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a notable selection in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft by taking Isaac Howard. As a talented offensive winger from Michigan State, Howard achieved recognition by winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top NCAA men’s hockey player. However, recent comments from Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois suggest that it is unlikely the young winger will sign an entry-level contract with the team. While discussions continue with Howard’s agent, the prospect of trade seems feasible if the parties cannot reach a suitable agreement, especially since Howard will not be an unrestricted free agent until August 2026. His offensive talents may attract attention from teams seeking to enhance their prospect pools, particularly among franchises currently in a rebuilding phase.

A significant challenge facing the Philadelphia Flyers' general manager Daniel Brière is addressing the lack of depth at the center position heading into the summer. The current top-two center roles are occupied by aging Sean Couturier and inconsistent Noah Cates. Among potential strategies, William James of Philly Hockey Now proposed leveraging Owen Tippett, a 26-year-old winger who has recorded 20-plus goals in each of the last three seasons, as a trade asset to obtain a top-two center. Tippett’s contract extends through the 2031-32 season at an average annual value of $6.3 million, making him a compelling candidate despite the difficulty of parting ways with a promising player. Maintaining other young talents like Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny, coupled with recent signings, positions Tippett as a likely front-runner for trade discussions aimed at filling the team's center void.

Two years ago, K’Andre Miller showcased a career-best performance with 43 points, positioning himself as a top-two, two-way defenseman. However, somewhat of a regression in play has cast uncertainty around the 25-year-old blueliner's future with the New York Rangers. As Miller approaches restricted free agency with arbitration rights on July 1, this raises the stakes for negotiations, especially as he completes a contract with an average annual value of $3.9 million. Although he might command over $6 million annually on a long-term deal, his struggles have led to increased trade speculation. Analysts, including Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, report that the Rangers are exploring the market to assess Miller's trade value; if a suitable return is identified, he could be considered for a move as part of Drury's ongoing efforts to reshape the roster.

In Calgary, the Flames are preparing for a pivotal extension welcome for Rasmus Andersson, whose contract status will need immediate attention as he qualifies for unrestricted free agency next July. Given his significant role as an alternate captain and a top-two defenseman, Andersson is likely to demand a notable increase from his current average annual value of $4.6 million. Positioned at No. 7 on the May Trade Block Big Board, the Flames’ general manager Chris Conroy will likely want to avert a repeat of last season's trade circumstances involving Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm. If contract negotiations falter, Andersson may enter the trade discussion, with multiple clubs, including the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs, listed as potential landing spots for the blueliner.

Brayden Schenn, the captain of the St. Louis Blues, found himself in trade rumors leading up to the March 8 deadline. Despite interest from various franchises, the Blues ultimately decided against seeking offers for the 33-year-old center, who was not inclined to waive his no-movement clause. On May 6, discussion of Schenn's potential availability resurfaced as the Blues navigate their offseason strategy. With three years remaining on his contract at an average annual value of $6.5 million, there remains reluctance within the Blues' management regarding his trade. However, teams on the lookout for centermen may explore Schenn’s name if they are unable to secure a suitable fit in free agency.

JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres has developed into a solid offensive contributor, finishing the season with 68 points, which placed him second among Sabres players. The 23-year-old is concluding an entry-level contract and thus lacks arbitration rights this summer. Despite being considered a core player by general manager Kevyn Adams, rumors persist regarding Peterka's potential availability for trade, particularly as the offseason approaches and teams are eager to secure his offensive skills. With ample cap space at over $23 million, the Sabres could opt to exercise their ability to match any offer sheets that may arise but might still be persuaded to consider trade options, especially if contract discussions become contentious.

The Nashville Predators made significant moves during the previous summer’s free-agent frenzy, acquiring forwards Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and defenseman Brady Skjei. However, this strategy failed to elevate the Predators, culminating in a disappointing 28th overall finish and exclusion from playoff contention. As of May 27, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported that Marchessault may be open to a trade this summer after experiencing a decline in production from a career-high 42 goals to just 21 with Nashville. Featuring a contract that carries an average annual value of $5.5 million over the next four years, considerations surrounding a potential move for Marchessault depend heavily on team interest and financial circumstances. Speculation suggests that the Montreal Canadiens could be a fitting destination for the veteran; however, other suitors, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, may also express interest in acquiring his services.

Erik Karlsson, the 35-year-old defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, continues to generate trade talks heading into June. Considered one of the top candidates for movement at the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, Karlsson's time with the Penguins was initially marked by high expectations following his acquisition in August 2023. However, as the Penguins transition into a rebuilding phase, Karlsson no longer fits their plans. With two years remaining on his contract and an average annual value of $11.5 million, the Penguins may seek to retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a trade. Despite concerns related to Karlsson's defensive capabilities, his well-regarded puck-moving talent may attract interest from teams in search of strategic improvements on the blue line.

Chris Kreider, the 34-year-old winger for the New York Rangers, remains a frequent name in trade discussions, reflecting on a competitive market landscape as the offseason unfolds. Kreider's position as a substantial asset was highlighted through a league-wide notice from Rangers general manager Chris Drury, who is aiming to revamp his roster for the upcoming season. While injuries hampered Kreider's performance this season, impacting trade interest, his proven goal-scoring ability could appeal to teams seeking offensive reinforcement. Having two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a no-trade clause, assembling a suitable trade scenario will require careful negotiation to align preferences and cap space with interested parties.

Finally, Marco Rossi has emerged as a promising player for the Minnesota Wild after concluding his entry-level contract. The 23-year-old center demonstrated potential with a career-high performance and subsequently surfaced in trade considerations amid uncertainties about his future role with the team. Following their first-round playoff exit, speculation abounds regarding his fit within the organization and whether the Wild may look to trade him for a more established top-six forward. Interest from several clubs, including the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, further complicates the picture as the Wild potentially weigh the options for capitalizing on Rossi's growing value.