As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs progress, discussions surrounding offseason strategies for teams not vying for the trophy have intensified. The recent elimination of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Stanley Cup race has positioned Mitch Marner as a potential centerpiece in this summer's free-agent market. Speculation is rife regarding possible destinations for Marner should he enter the market on July 1, as teams consider their own needs and strategies going forward.

Amid the backdrop of the NHL draft scheduled for June 27-28, interest is also growing concerning which prospects might be selected in the first round. Some clubs could entertain the idea of trading their first-round picks for the right return. Recent rumors suggest that the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks may be open to moving their first-round selections. On May 20, Eric Stephens from The Athletic reported that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier is receptive to moving his pick if it secures a player capable of contributing immediately to the roster. Additionally, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals have been mentioned as teams that may also consider moving their picks for suitable offers.

In terms of specific rumors, on May 22, Nick Horwat from SI.com reported that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell indicated his club's two first-round picks, including the 14th overall selection and the 20th overall from the Minnesota Wild, are available for the right proposition. Concurrently, Sammi Silber from The Hockey News noted that Capitals GM Chris Patrick is also receptive to offers for his pick, which is currently the 27th overall. The question remains whether any of these teams will indeed move their picks, as doing so would likely require a compelling trade proposal, particularly one that includes a player who can make an immediate impact on their roster.

The Utah Mammoth have been in the midst of a comprehensive rebuild since Bill Armstrong assumed the role of General Manager in 2020. The acquisition of promising young talents such as Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Josh Doan has marked a significant step in this process. Last summer, Armstrong demonstrated a willingness to make pivotal moves in the trade market by dealing prospects and draft picks to enhance his team’s competitiveness. Now, with a projected salary-cap space of $21.2 million and 20 active roster players under contract, the Mammoth appear poised to make an aggressive move during the upcoming free agency period. Discussions within the media have suggested that the Mammoth could pursue Marner, should he be available, while others believe Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could also be a key target.

Following a disappointing season in which they narrowly missed the playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves facing challenges in their rebuilding efforts. The Flyers finished last in the Eastern Conference, leading to a coaching change with Rick Tocchet replacing John Tortorella. General Manager Daniel Brière may explore various roster moves to bolster the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. Hockey analysts have indicated that key players such as defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, goaltender Ivan Fedotov, and winger Owen Tippett could be chips in potential trades, with Tippett being a particularly intriguing option given his consistent scoring performance over the past few seasons.

The Buffalo Sabres recently acquired defenseman Bowen Byram from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for center Casey Mittelstadt. Byram quickly established himself as a vital part of the Sabres' blue line, finishing the season with a career-high 38 points. However, reports indicate that the Sabres are currently evaluating Byram's trade value, especially as he is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1. Despite some historical injury concerns, Byram's strong season may position him to seek a significant contract moving forward. Speculation suggests that the Sabres might consider moving Byram to strengthen other areas of their roster, particularly with an eye toward securing a veteran right-shot defenseman.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have consistently been in the spotlight due to their star-studded roster, featuring prominent players such as Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner. Despite notable individual performances, the team's struggle to achieve playoff success has led to increased calls for a reevaluation of their 'Core Four.' As Marner and Tavares become unrestricted free agents on July 1, there is much debate over their futures with the team. Marner's recent comments indicate he will take time to deliberate on his options, while Tavares expresses optimism about remaining in Toronto. If Marner enters free agency, he is expected to command a hefty salary, possibly exceeding $13 million annually, with various teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Carolina Hurricanes, emerging as potential suitors.

Overall, as the playoff picture becomes clearer and teams begin to solidify their offseason strategies, the upcoming months promise to be dynamic and fascinating for the NHL landscape. Decisions made in the weeks ahead will undoubtedly shape the future paths of teams and players alike.