As the NHL's conference finals approach, with the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers all advancing, the focus shifts to the eight teams that were eliminated from postseason contention. Each of these franchises has faced formidable opponents on their journey, and the offseason provides an opportunity for reflection and strategy. What can these eliminated teams do to reshape their rosters and enhance their competitive chances for deeper playoff runs in the future?

Trades are often key to the team-building process in the NHL. The Vancouver Canucks, for instance, may consider exploring market options, though it is unlikely they would trade star player Elias Pettersson. The Canucks have expressed public support for Pettersson, but internal confidence appears shaky. A fresh start elsewhere, particularly with the Colorado Avalanche, may appeal to him. Colorado's aggressive approach in past trade dealings indicates they may pursue a significant addition. Pettersson could elevate their roster, offering a second potent center behind Nathan MacKinnon, which the Avalanche appear to need. The trade discussion could include Martin Necas, recently acquired in a deal involving Mikko Rantanen.

Another team in need of offensive enhancement is the Los Angeles Kings after their recent first-round playoff defeat to the Edmonton Oilers. With their goal-scoring ranking 14th in the league during the regular season, potential trade targets might include Rickard Rakell, who has displayed creativity on the ice and boasted a 35-goal season. Though the Kings might face asset loss to acquire him, the financial terms of his contract make Rakell an appealing option. The Pittsburgh Penguins, having patiently navigated trade talks surrounding Rakell, may find themselves interested in younger assets from the Kings, such as Alex Turcotte, as the team looks to retool.

The Minnesota Wild, having moved past significant burdens from the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts, are now positioned to build a more competitive roster around star player Kirill Kaprizov. Acquiring additional scoring depth will be crucial for the Wild to keep pace in a tough Central Division, and they could consider Anders Lee from the New York Islanders as an upgrade. Though Lee's $7 million contract is notable, his consistency as a 25-goal scorer paired with experience could provide valuable depth, especially on a power play that was ranked 20th last season.

The Montreal Canadiens experienced a positive turn in their rebuild with a surprising playoff appearance, showcasing young talents lifting expectations for the future. They now seek to complement their emerging core, and a trade for Rossi could be a viable strategy. At 24 years old, Rossi could solidify their second-line center spot, an identified offseason need. With an impressive tally of 24 goals and 60 points last season, his potential can further elevate the Canadiens' offensive structure. Given their nine draft picks in the opening four rounds of the upcoming draft, they possess sufficient trade capital to pursue significant transactions.

The New Jersey Devils made strides this season, but a short playoff run has underscored their ongoing need for offensive reinforcement beyond current player limitations. Jared McCann's name has emerged in trade discussions, and his versatility across the lineup and scoring ability could significantly benefit the Devils. The Seattle Kraken, still establishing their franchise identity, may use McCann as a trade chip to acquire pieces that ensure a more balanced roster. The Devils have young players who could be appealing to the Kraken, positioning them for a beneficial deal.

Another franchise facing contract considerations is the Ottawa Senators, who have several players on defense with lucrative contracts already in place. While adding another substantial contract may appear counterproductive, the Senators could explore acquiring Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers to bolster their defense. Having improved his game in recent seasons, Ristolainen's presence could solidify a playoff-ready blue line. This leads to considerations for the Flyers, who might leverage Ristolainen's trade value amid salary cap constraints, making him an attractive target for various contenders.

The St. Louis Blues must also contemplate their roster decisions, particularly regarding captain Brayden Schenn. Despite recent success, the Blues face salary cap challenges and must weigh the balance between maintaining productive leadership and addressing future needs. Trading Schenn could release necessary cap space while opening opportunities for younger, emerging talents within the organization. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Lightning might find interest in acquiring a player like Matias Maccelli, whose past productivity suggests he could thrive in a new environment. His affordable contract makes him a viable candidate for the Lightning, who need fresh talent to blend with their established core.

Significant changes may loom for the Toronto Maple Leafs after another postseason setback, casting doubt on the future of key players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares. If one or both players depart, Toronto might turn to Chris Kreider as a potential replacement. His previous playoff success could be a perfect match for a franchise in search of a rebound, despite potential concerns related to age and previous performance. Learning from this offseason will be essential for the Maple Leafs in redefining their core while remaining competitive in the unpredictable playoff structure.

For the Vegas Golden Knights, a focus on re-signing superstar center Jack Eichel will take precedence. Given the potential for salary cap limitations, a trade that balances roster needs while creating future space for Eichel's re-signing could be beneficial. Exploring a deal involving one of their surplus centers could yield a scoring winger, helping to enhance the overall lineup.

Lastly, the Washington Capitals capitalized on a remarkable season, showcasing the importance of smart trades and roster improvements. Even with a successful regular-season record, an opportunity exists to upgrade their roster further, particularly the third-line center position. Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the New York Islanders may prove to be the solution, provided the Islanders are open to division trades. His strong defensive presence and offensive contributions could provide the Capitals additional depth, aiding their continued competitive window as future seasons unfold.