As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs progress, speculation surrounds the offseason strategies for teams that are no longer in contention for the championship. The recent elimination of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the playoff race has intensified discussions regarding the future of star forward Mitch Marner, who could emerge as the most significant name in this summer's free-agent market. As the July 1 free agency date approaches, speculation about Marner's potential destinations is on the rise.

Additionally, there is ongoing chatter regarding potential trades, particularly involving Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, whose skill set may attract various teams throughout the league. With the NHL draft set for June 27-28, interest is building around which prospects could be selected in the first round. Some organizations are rumored to be open to trading their first-round picks if the right offer comes along, including the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks. On May 20, Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier is amenable to trading his pick if it can acquire a player who would make an immediate impact on the roster. This sentiment has also been echoed in reports regarding the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals, who are exploring similar trade options for their respective selections.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, holding two first-round choices—the 14th overall pick and the 20th overall pick from the Minnesota Wild—are reportedly open to offers. General Manager Don Waddell confirmed to Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers that both picks are available for the right trade. Concurrently, Chris Patrick, GM of the Capitals, expressed a willingness to listen to offers for Washington's 27th overall pick. As an analysis suggests, teams like the Canucks, Sharks, Blue Jackets, and Capitals may be open to discussions, but significant trades will predominantly hinge on the potential returns, particularly players that could deliver immediate contributions.

The Utah Mammoth, who have been reconstituting their roster since their final seasons in Arizona under General Manager Bill Armstrong, are also expected to be active this offseason. Notable talents like Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Josh Doan, JJ Moser, and Conor Geekie have emerged from their prospect pool. Last summer, Armstrong was proactive, trading Moser and Geekie along with two draft picks to acquire defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now with a projected salary cap space of $21.2 million and 20 players under contract, Armstrong has substantial flexibility to delve into the free-agent market. Speculation is mounting around whether the Mammoth might express interest in acquiring Mitch Marner if he indeed becomes available.

Furthermore, reports from The Hockey News suggest that Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could also be a target for the Mammoth. After achieving an impressive 89 points last season—their best record since 2013-14—the Mammoth are determined to secure a playoff spot and view the addition of high-profile players like Marner or Boeser as a crucial step toward that goal. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers, who finished last in the Eastern Conference, are in the midst of a rebuild following the dismissal of head coach John Tortorella. New head coach Rick Tocchet, hired on May 14, will be looking for changes in the roster. General Manager Daniel Brière appears to be eyeing potential trades and may consider leveraging players like Rasmus Ristolainen, goaltender Ivan Fedotov, or winger Owen Tippett as trade assets.

In assessing these players, Tippett presents a notable option with his consistent performance—achieving 20 goals and 40 points for the third consecutive season. He ranks among the top scorers on the Flyers and, notably, is in the first year of an eight-year contract averaging $6.2 million annually. His no-trade clause does not activate until the 2026-27 season, providing Brière an opportunity to evaluate his trade value in the upcoming offseason and potentially enhancing the options for acquiring a second-line center, addressing the Flyers’ depth concerns at the center position.

On the front of the Sabres, Bowen Byram, whom they acquired from the Colorado Avalanche before the March 2024 trade deadline in exchange for center Casey Mittelstadt, is making headlines. Having completed the season with a career-high of 38 points, Byram's future may also be in question as the Sabres are assessing his trade value. He will become a restricted free agent on July 1, and speculation indicates that he might seek a substantial contract, potentially exceeding $7 million annually, despite a history of injuries. The Sabres may explore trades, possibly seeking a veteran right-shot defenseman who complements young talents like Owen Power, while attending to contract negotiations with key forwards such as JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, and Ryan McLeod.

As the offseason progresses, the Toronto Maple Leafs will continue to face scrutiny regarding their 'Core Four' players—Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner—especially given their limited success in the playoffs, achieving only two series victories. With both Tavares and Marner set to enter unrestricted free agency on July 1, their futures are hanging in the balance. Tavares appears optimistic about his return, while Marner indicated he would spend time discussing his options with family. If Marner enters free agency, he could be the most sought-after player, with expected demands starting at around $13 million annually for a long-term deal. Speculation links him to multiple 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 as potential suitors. Some analysts assert that a change of scenery could benefit Marner, particularly as he absorbs blame for the Leafs' recent playoff shortcomings. Carolina might emerge as a leading contender, should Marner seek a playoff-oriented opportunity backed by sufficient salary cap space.