As the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs move forward, discussions are intensifying regarding the offseason strategies of teams that are no longer in contention for the coveted trophy. The recent exit of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the playoff race may position forward Mitch Marner as the most prominent name in this summer's free-agent market, raising questions about his potential destination if he opts to enter free agency on July 1. Concurrently, speculation abounds concerning which players might shift teams as part of the upcoming trade market.

Among the players being discussed is Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, whose skill set is likely to attract significant interest from various teams across the league. With the NHL Draft approaching, scheduled for June 27-28, attention is also shifting towards the prospects expected to be drafted in the first round. Additionally, some franchises may consider trading their first-round picks if the conditions are favorable. Recent rumors suggest that both the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks are open to moving their first-round selections in this year's draft. On May 20, Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier was prepared to listen to offers regarding the pick if it would yield an immediate contributor for his team. Recent reports have likewise indicated that the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals might also be willing to explore similar options, with Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirming the availability of his club's two first-rounders for the right package. The Blue Jackets currently hold the 14th overall pick along with the 20th overall pick, which they acquired from the Minnesota Wild, while Capitals GM Chris Patrick has expressed a willingness to entertain offers for his 27th overall pick.

While these four teams are open to discussions regarding their picks, the likelihood of a trade depends on the attractiveness of potential offers. A proposal that includes a player capable of filling an immediate role in their lineup could persuade at least one of these teams to consider a trade. The Utah Mammoth have been in a rebuilding phase since the latter part of their tenure in Arizona, particularly under General Manager Bill Armstrong, who has made significant strides in accumulating talent since his appointment in 2020. Young players such as Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Josh Doan, JJ Moser, and Conor Geekie have emerged from a robust prospect pool. Last summer, Armstrong demonstrated his readiness to make bold moves by trading Moser and Geekie along with two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. Although Armstrong has refrained from significant free-agent signings in recent years, he may change course this offseason with an anticipated salary-cap space of $21.2 million and 20 active roster players, including key components, under contract. This financial flexibility positions the Mammoth to make notable acquisitions in the unrestricted free-agent market, with analysts speculating they may pursue Mitch Marner should he become available on July 1. Additionally, speculation exists around the possibility of targeting Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser as a viable free-agent option.

Despite missing the playoffs by a narrow margin last season, the Mammoth recorded their best performance with 89 points since the 2013-14 season. The addition of a high-profile player such as Marner or Boeser through free agency or trade could potentially elevate the team into playoff contention. The Philadelphia Flyers, following a disappointing last-place finish in the Eastern Conference, are also undergoing significant changes. Head Coach John Tortorella was dismissed in March, with Rick Tocchet stepping in as his replacement on May 14. Flyers General Manager Daniel Brière appears poised to make roster adjustments this offseason, with William James of Philly Hockey Now noting that players such as defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, goaltender Ivan Fedotov, and winger Owen Tippett could be trade candidates. Tippett, in particular, is of interest as he consistently reached the 20-goal and 40-point thresholds for the third consecutive season. Currently in the first year of an eight-year contract with a $6.2 million average annual value, Tippett's no-trade clause becomes active in the 2026-27 season, allowing Brière to explore his market value during this offseason.

The urgency for the Flyers to bolster their center depth is clear, particularly as they possess an abundance of top-six wingers. Tippett, now in his playing prime and under contract, presents a valuable opportunity for the Flyers to leverage in acquiring a second-line center. The Buffalo Sabres acquired defenseman Bowen Byram from the Colorado Avalanche prior to the March 2024 trade deadline in exchange for center Casey Mittelstadt. Byram quickly proved to be a pivotal addition to the Sabres' defensive lineup, achieving a career-high 38 points this season. Nevertheless, recent reports have indicated that the Sabres are assessing the 23-year-old blueliner's trade value, as highlighted by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on May 21. As Byram prepares to enter restricted free agency with arbitration rights on July 1, he is finishing a two-year contract worth an avowed $3.9 million per year. Given his injury history, his strong performance this season may position him to seek a contract in the range of $7 million annually.

While speculation suggests the Sabres could consider moving Byram, it appears they might be in the market for a veteran right-shot defenseman to complement their young blueliners, such as Owen Power. The organization's priority remains on securing forwards like JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, and Ryan McLeod. Within this context, it appears the Sabres’ needs have evolved since acquiring Byram, as teams seeking a skilled left-shot defenseman should be keenly interested in making a solid offer for his services. Since the 2018-19 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have relied on their star forwards—Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner. However, the team's limited playoff success, recording only two series victories, has created increasing calls for a shake-up of the so-called 'Core Four.' With both Tavares and Marner set to enter unrestricted free agency on July 1, change may be on the horizon. During the end-of-season media availability session, Tavares expressed optimism about returning, while Marner remained noncommittal, stating he would take time to discuss his future with family. If Marner opts for free agency, he may emerge as the most highly sought-after asset, likely commanding an annual salary of at least $13 million for a long-term deal. Various analysts have speculated that he may draw interest from several teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals. Additionally, Buffalo and Detroit have been identified as potential landing spots for the 28-year-old winger.

In light of his recent struggles, Marner may benefit from a change of scenery, particularly given the pressure he faced as a focal point for the Leafs' underwhelming playoff performances. Based on current discussions, the Carolina Hurricanes could potentially be viewed as a frontrunner for his services if he seeks to join a contending team with available salary cap space, especially considering they had previously offered a trade for Mikko Rantanen in exchange for Marner just before the trade deadline.