As June approaches, attention in the hockey community shifts towards the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. Following the conclusion of the playoffs, NHL teams will begin their offseason operations, including the much-anticipated 2025 NHL Draft scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28. While the trade market has been relatively quiet since the March 8 trade deadline, activity is expected to surge as teams aim to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season and beyond, particularly around draft weekend. Trade rumors are starting to escalate, encompassing various noteworthy players.

Among the players attracting speculation are Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who were earlier cited in Moneyline's May NHL Trade Block Big Board. Meanwhile, Jonathan Marchessault from the Nashville Predators and JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres have recently emerged as candidates in the rumor mill. Other players previously featured on the May list, including Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko, New York Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad, and Boston's Joonas Korpisalo, have seen diminished speculation, leading to their exclusion from the current discussions.

The offseason trade landscape is witnessing a mix of established stars and promising youngsters on the block. For instance, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets last August, anticipating an immediate offensive boost. However, after posting 20 goals and 33 points across 52 games, his postseason performance faltered, leading some to speculate on his future with the team. According to Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette, Laine's fit within the Canadiens' system may not be ideal, provoking discussions on a potential trade to relieve salary cap constraints. On the other hand, the New York Rangers' GM Chris Drury has been actively restructuring the team's roster.

The Rangers have been willing to part with veterans not aligning with their long-term vision, raising questions about the potential availability of young talents like Alexis Lafrenière. Drafted first overall in 2020, Lafrenière has experienced fluctuations in productivity; however, Drury is likely to retain Lafrenière for now as they assess his development under new head coach Mike Sullivan. In contrast, the Pittsburgh Penguins' recent trading of Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes prompts speculation about fellow teammate Bryan Rust's availability. Although Rust has a strong bond with Sidney Crosby and carries a notable contract, the Penguins' rebuilding efforts could open the door for potential discussions surrounding his future with the franchise.

The St. Louis Blues' elimination from playoff contention has led to questions regarding Jordan Kyrou's fit within the team's future plans. With a no-trade clause set to commence on July 1, Kyrou's exceptional regular-season performance competes with concerns over his playoff effectiveness. Amid potential pressure from general manager Alex Steen regarding roster construction, the prospect of trading Kyrou looms as a possibility, given his impressive scoring and speed.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, who selected Isaac Howard in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft, may face a decisive moment regarding the skilled winger’s future. Despite his accolades in collegiate hockey, GM Julien BriseBois mentioned the challenges in securing an entry-level contract with Howard. If this situation remains unresolved, the Lightning could resort to placing Howard on the trade block, potentially drawing interest from teams looking to bolster their prospect pipelines.

The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a bind as they must address a glaring deficiency in their center position this offseason. With Sean Couturier's age and Noah Cates’ inconsistency presenting challenges, speculations surrounding Owen Tippett as a trade asset have emerged. Given Tippett's reliable offensive output over the past few seasons, coupled with his contractual stability, he stands as a candidate to fetch a top-tier center potentially crucial for Philadelphia's aspirations.

In the realm of defense, K'Andre Miller's inconsistent play has some questioning whether the New York Rangers might explore trade opportunities for the 25-year-old restricted free agent. Following a notably strong 2022-23 season, Miller's regression fuels speculation regarding his long-term role in the organization. Evaluating trade discussions for Miller could either result in a beneficial return or signal a shift in the Rangers' overall strategy as they continue roster development.

Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames is another player to keep an eye on as he approaches unrestricted free agency eligibility next July. Should the Flames fail to secure a contract extension, his potential availability increases as they seek to negotiate rebuilding efforts while managing salary constraints. Similarly, Brayden Schenn's situation in St. Louis invites intrigue as teams seeking a veteran center could inquire about his availability this July. Despite his no-movement clause, market interest may fluctuate depending on various external factors.

As for the Buffalo Sabres, JJ Peterka has emerged as a notable player amidst ongoing trade discussions, following a breakout season that saw him record 68 points. Although Sabres GM Kevyn Adams previously dismissed offers for his young forward, speculation persists around Peterka's standing amid worries about potential contract difficulties. Similarly, the Nashville Predators' acquisition of high-profile players has underperformed, raising questions about Marchessault's longevity in the lineup; reports suggest he may seek opportunities elsewhere, potentially through a trade to reinvigorate his career.

Lastly, Erik Karlsson's status remains a point of focus as the offseason progresses. The Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman, acquired to restore the team’s competitive edge, may not align with the rebuild under way. With teams increasingly targeting experienced puck-moving defenders, Karlsson’s potential market may expand, especially if the Penguins consider retaining some salary in trade discussions. The upcoming NHL Draft and combined offseason decisions will significantly shape the league's competitive landscape as teams pursue their desired franchise frameworks.