As the NHL season progresses towards its conclusion, attention in the hockey community has turned towards the Stanley Cup Final rematch featuring the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. Following the playoffs, the focus will swiftly shift to offseason activities, including the highly anticipated 2025 NHL Draft set to take place in Los Angeles from June 27 to 28. With the trade market relatively quiet since the March 8 deadline, teams are expected to become more active in trade discussions as they begin planning for the upcoming season. A surge in trade rumors is anticipated, particularly surrounding notable players as teams assess their rosters and potential offseason improvements.

Among the players generating significant interest are Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, both previously featured on the May NHL Trade Block Big Board. Recent rumors also include Jonathan Marchessault from the Nashville Predators and JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres, who have gained attention as potential trade candidates. Seven players from the May list—including Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers, Joonas Korpisalo of the Boston Bruins, Matias Maccelli of the Utah Grizzlies, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee of the New York Islanders—have fallen off due to a lack of sufficient ongoing rumors.

The Montreal Canadiens, after acquiring Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets last August, have seen Laine struggle to integrate into their system, particularly due to a knee injury that limited his play early in the season. Laine's overall production included 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games, but his performance declined during the postseason, where he played just two games before suffering a broken finger. Discussions around Laine’s future have emerged, with Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette suggesting that the Canadiens might consider trading him if they seek to clear cap space for future roster moves. Although general manager Kent Hughes defended Laine, asserting that he was critical for their playoff hopes, the direction the Canadiens choose to take with Laine remains a point of interest heading into the offseason.

The New York Rangers have been actively reshaping their roster under general manager Chris Drury, who is expected to continue this trend throughout the offseason. The organization has focused on trading veterans and re-evaluating the futures of younger players. Kaapo Kakko, picked second overall in the 2019 NHL draft, was previously traded to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, raising questions about Alexis Lafrenière's future. The first overall draft pick in 2020, Lafrenière signed a seven-year extension and was anticipated to break out following a solid 57-point performance the previous season, but his numbers dipped to just 45 points this past year, leading to speculation regarding his status on the trade market.

After the Pittsburgh Penguins traded Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes at the March trade deadline, speculation grew regarding potential trades involving other players from the Penguins. Bryan Rust, a longtime linemate of Sidney Crosby, has become the subject of trade inquiries from other teams, especially since his no-move clause will expire on July 1. Rust has maintained impressive offensive production over the past few seasons, notably scoring 31 goals and achieving 65 points this year. Despite his productivity and leadership role, the Penguins could entertain offers for Rust as they embark on a rebuilding phase.

In the wake of the St. Louis Blues’ playoff exit, the future of Jordan Kyrou has come into question. The 27-year-old winger led the team with 36 goals this season but faced challenges in the playoffs, recording only three goals in seven games. With his no-trade clause set to commence on July 1, questions arise about whether Kyrou fits into the Blues’ vision for the future. There is considerable interest in Kyrou's scoring ability, and while it seems unlikely that the Blues will opt to trade him, the approaching no-trade deadline adds a layer of intrigue to his situation.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s first-round draft choice, Isaac Howard, seems poised for a career change, as general manager Julien BriseBois indicated uncertainty regarding Howard's future with the team. The young winger, who won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, may not sign an entry-level contract with Tampa Bay. While there is ample time for negotiations since he won’t become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could be placed on the trade block if negotiations do not come to fruition.

As the Philadelphia Flyers work to address their center depth, Owen Tippett has emerged as a potential trade asset to assist in obtaining a top-two center to strengthen the lineup. Having scored over 20 goals in each of the last three seasons, Tippett is signed through 2031-32, with an average annual value of $6.3 million, making him an intriguing trade option. General manager Daniel Brière faces a challenging decision with multiple centers in the lineup while attempting to secure a reliable top-line player in return for Tippett.

The trade market interest surrounding K'Andre Miller has intensified as questions arise regarding the 25-year-old defenseman's future with the New York Rangers. After an impressive 43-point season, Miller's regression has generated speculation about potential trades as he approaches restricted free agency. Rangers general manager Chris Drury may decide to explore Miller's market to gauge his value amid the team's ongoing roster adjustments.

As the Calgary Flames prepare to negotiate a contract extension for Rasmus Andersson, who will become an unrestricted free agent next July, there is concern about potentially costly negotiations. The 27-year-old alternate captain is considered a vital piece of the team's plans moving forward. If an extension cannot be achieved, general manager Chris Conroy may need to explore the trade market proactively rather than risk losing Andersson mid-season, as was done with previous players.

Brayden Schenn’s name has surfaced in trade discussions as the St. Louis Blues contemplate their roster's future. Although the 33-year-old center has a no-movement clause, teams might look to inquire about his availability if they are in need of a center following free agency. Despite the Blues currently not pursuing a trade, they could entertain offers for Schenn from suitors seeking veteran leadership and offensive capability.

JJ Peterka has captured attention for his performance with the Buffalo Sabres, finishing with 68 points in his second NHL season. As he approaches restricted free agency, Peterka has surfaced in trade discussions, leading to speculation that the Sabres might consider trading him to avoid potential challenges in securing him long-term. Buffallo's management may be open to moving Peterka for a quality return if negotiations regarding a contract extension stall.

Jonathan Marchessault, coming off a disappointing season with the Nashville Predators, may seek a change of scenery as reports indicate his interest in being traded. Marchessault, having lost some offensive capabilities, could be an appealing target for several teams looking to add experience and scoring prowess. Various franchises, including the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, have been linked to potential interest in acquiring Marchessault, though financial constraints concerning his contract remain a potential hurdle for a trade.

Erik Karlsson remains a highly discussed trade candidate as the offseason approaches. The 35-year-old defenseman, acquired by the Penguins last August, has not been able to align with the team's objectives, especially as they enter a rebuilding phase. With two years remaining on his contract, teams seeking a veteran presence might consider Karlsson, especially if the Penguins are willing to retain some of his substantial cap hit.

Chris Kreider has consistently featured in trade discussions throughout the season as teams inquire about his availability. The Rangers' general manager, Chris Drury, has indicated that Kreider might become part of a cost-cutting move to create necessary salary cap flexibility. Although interest has been tempered by Kreider's injury history, his experience and scoring ability still make him an enticing option for teams looking to enhance their offensive presence.

Marco Rossi continues to develop within the Minnesota Wild organization, finishing with a career-high point total as he prepares to enter restricted free agency. As discussions about his future circulate, the Wild are weighing the potential of signing Rossi to a bridge deal or using him as a valuable trade chip to secure a more established top-six forward to address immediate needs. With various teams reportedly interested in Rossi, the Wild's decision-making could lead to a pivotal moment in the player’s young career.

Bowen Byram made a significant impact during his time with the Buffalo Sabres, notching a personal best in points this past season. As he edges closer to becoming a restricted free agent, the Sabres may decide to gauge the trade market for Byram, particularly if they aim to complement their defensive corps with veteran talent. The 23-year-old's performance this season could heighten his trade value, positioning him as a player of interest for teams in search of reinforcement on the blue line.