As June approaches, the hockey community is focused on the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. Following the conclusion of the playoffs at the end of the month, teams will shift their attention to the offseason, marked by significant events such as the 2025 NHL Draft taking place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28. While the trade market has remained relatively quiet since the March 8 trade deadline, expect it to become active again as organizations strive to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season and beyond, particularly surrounding the draft weekend.

In recent weeks, trade rumors have intensified as the postseason unfolds, with several prominent NHL players generating media speculation. Figures like Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins have been featured in previous discussions. Newer names making headlines include Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators and JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres. Notably, seven players from May's trade list, including Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko from Vancouver, Mike Zibanejad from the Rangers, and others, have faded from rumors due to their limited appearances on the market. This article will explore why Kreider, Karlsson, Marchessault, and Peterka are among the 15 noteworthy players tracked in Moneyline's June NHL Trade Block Big Board.

Patrik Laine's acquisition by the Montréal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets last August raised hopes for an offensive boost. Despite a knee injury sidelining him for the initial two months of the season, the 28-year-old winger contributed 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games as a power-play specialist. However, Laine's effectiveness dwindled as the season progressed, and a broken finger limited his participation to just two playoff games. Pat Hickey of The Montréal Gazette recently noted that Laine appears at a crossroads with the Canadiens, suggesting a potential trade could be beneficial due to his incompatibility with the team's fast-paced style. Conversely, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has defended Laine, asserting the team wouldn't have reached the playoffs without his contributions. Laine is in the final year of a contract valued at an average annual salary of $8.7 million, with a 10-team no-trade list complicating potential movement.

The New York Rangers, under the guidance of general manager Chris Drury, were notably active in the trade market during the regular season and are expected to continue reshaping the roster during the offseason. Drury is inclined to offload veterans who no longer fit into his long-term strategy, and he does not shy away from considering trades involving younger players as well. In December, he traded winger Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick from the 2019 NHL Draft, to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen. Furthermore, Mollie Walker from the New York Post reported that Drury has not dismissed the possibility of shopping Alexis Lafrenière, drafted first overall in 2020, who, despite a seven-year contract extension signed in October, registered a decrease in production this season with only 45 points, down from the previous year's 57 points. It is anticipated the Rangers will retain him to gauge his performance under new head coach Mike Sullivan, though Lafrenière could still be a candidate for trade consideration during the summer.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made headlines at the 2024 March trade deadline by sending Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes, a surprising move given Guentzel's close association with team captain Sidney Crosby. This has led to speculation about Bryan Rust, another long-time Crosby linemate, potentially landing on the trade block. Recent reports from Josh Yohe of The Athletic indicated that teams are inquiring about Rust ahead of his no-movement clause expiration on July 1. The 33-year-old winger has performed consistently, hitting over 20 goals and 40 points in each season since 2019-20, and he achieved a career-high 31 goals and 65 points last season. Despite his on-ice contributions and leadership role as an alternate captain, as well as his effectiveness with younger teammates, the Penguins are in a rebuilding phase and could entertain offers that bring in younger assets.

After the St. Louis Blues faced first-round elimination against the Winnipeg Jets, analyst Jeremy Rutherford from The Athletic mentioned that the organization is at a crossroads regarding Jordan Kyrou's role moving forward, especially with his no-trade clause set to commence on July 1. With 36 goals, Kyrou led the Blues this season and totaled 70 points. While praising his performance during the regular season, Rutherford noted that Kyrou struggled in the playoffs, scoring only three goals in seven games and performance issues that raised questions about his fit under the team's future vision. Although it seems unlikely that the Blues would trade him, the impending deadline on his no-trade clause makes him a player to monitor during the June trade market.

The Tampa Bay Lightning face a potentially challenging negotiation with Isaac Howard, their first-round pick (31st overall) from the 2022 NHL Draft. While Howard earned accolades as the Hobey Baker Memorial Award recipient for the top NCAA men's hockey player, he has expressed uncertainty regarding his future with the Lightning. General manager Julien BriseBois mentioned the possibility of difficulty in signing an entry-level contract. Though discussions may continue with Howard's agent, if no agreement is reached, the Lightning could consider placing him on the trade block, attracting interest from teams seeking to enhance their prospect pool.

The Philadelphia Flyers are confronted with a pressing roster issue, specifically a lack of depth at center, with Sean Couturier's aging status and Noah Cates' inconsistent performance as the top-two centers. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now suggested that the Flyers could leverage Owen Tippett as a trade chip to address this concern. The 26-year-old winger has demonstrated consistent scoring, tallying over 20 goals in each of the last three seasons, and is under contract through 2031-32 at an average annual value of $6.3 million. While trading Tippett would present challenges, the Flyers' surplus of center depth makes him a candidate to pursue a top-tier center.

K'Andre Miller's trajectory appeared promising two years back, with a career-best 43 points suggesting potential as a top-tier two-way defenseman. However, over time, the 25-year-old's form has regressed, leading to speculation regarding his future with the New York Rangers as he approaches restricted free agency with arbitration rights. Miller concludes a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $3.9 million, and despite his struggles, he may command over $6 million annually on a long-term deal. Reports indicate that the Rangers were exploring Miller's trade value, although there is no certainty of a deal materializing. Given Drury's ongoing roster adjustments, Miller could find himself in trade conversations if he can secure a return aligned with the organization's long-term objectives.

The Calgary Flames are set to negotiate a contract extension for Rasmus Andersson, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2024. As a pivotal defenseman and alternate captain, Andersson stands to seek a substantial raise from his current average annual value of $4.6 million. With Andersson already featured on Moneyline's May Trade Block Big Board, general manager Chris Conroy will contemplate possible moves if a contract extension doesn’t materialize. Trade discussions may arise as Conroy aims to avoid a situation akin to last season when he traded key players like Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm. Potential trade targets include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and others, although conflicting reports indicate that the Ottawa Senators may be among the teams on Andersson's no-trade list.

As the St. Louis Blues hunted for a playoff berth, captain Brayden Schenn generated trade buzz leading up to the March deadline. However, the team was not actively shopping the 33-year-old center, and Schenn was reluctant to waive his no-movement clause. Following the season, Rutherford raised questions about the Blues re-engaging with Schenn regarding a trade. With three years left on his contract at an average annual value of $6.5 million, and the complexity surrounding his NMC transitioning to a 15-team no-trade list, some observers believe the Blues might be hesitant to let him go. However, teams seeking center depth could approach the Blues if they exhaust other free-agent options.

JJ Peterka’s emergence as a reliable scorer for the Buffalo Sabres has made him a notable player to watch in offseason trade discussions. Now 23, Peterka concluded the season ranked second among Sabres scorers with a career-high 68 points. Though completing an entry-level contract without arbitration rights, sources have suggested Peterka has garnered attention as a potential trade target. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams rejected offers for Peterka before the trade deadline, emphasizing the winger's status as a core player. Nonetheless, ongoing trade speculation could lead to movement if negotiations turn contentious, despite the Sabres' strong cap position.

Following a lackluster season for the Nashville Predators, who made significant signings last summer, Jonathan Marchessault's name has surfaced in trade conversations. Reports indicate that the 34-year-old may desire a change of scenery following a decline in production from 42 goals the previous year to just 21 with Nashville. Marchessault's contract, with four years remaining at an average annual value of $5.5 million, raises questions regarding feasible trade destinations. Analysts speculate that the Montreal Canadiens might be a favorable fit, while others suggest a potential reunion with the Vegas Golden Knights could be on the horizon. Furthermore, the Toronto Maple Leafs have also identified Marchessault as a possible target due to their need to strengthen their offensive lineup.

Erik Karlsson remains a prominent figure in trade discussions as teams gear up for the offseason. The 35-year-old defenseman, who joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023, has not panned out as expected given the franchise's current rebuilding phase. With two years remaining on his contract, at a significant average annual value of $11.5 million, the Penguins may be motivated to explore trades. Despite concerns regarding his high cap hit and defensive inconsistencies, Karlsson's skill as an experienced puck-mover remains attractive to teams in need of such attributes. Speculation points to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a potential destination, especially if the Penguins can retain a portion of his salary in any agreement.

Chris Kreider, a perennial figure in trade banter, sits atop Moneyline's May Trade Block Big Board. Recognized for his experience and scoring ability, the 34-year-old New York Rangers winger could attract attention from teams seeking to bolster their offensive talent. Although Kreider has secured two years left on his contract valued at an average annual salary of $6.5 million, concerns related to injuries may have diminished trade interest. Even so, analysts continue to suggest that Kreider's capability to contribute key goals could make him an enticing option this offseason. General manager Chris Drury's intentions of reshaping the roster may lead to Kreider's departure in a move designed to create additional salary cap flexibility.

Marco Rossi, coming off his entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild following a career-best 60-point season, is another player capturing attention in trade discussions as he lacks arbitration rights. However, Rossi's performance dipped late in the season, and confusion remains concerning his fit within the Wild's plans. Reports indicate multiple teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Seattle Kraken, have inquired about Rossi's availability as the Wild explores options to improve their roster. If proposed offers are substantial, Minnesota may find it difficult to retain the promising center.

Bowen Byram, acquired from the Colorado Avalanche last season, had a standout year with the Buffalo Sabres, recording 38 points and becoming a crucial player on the blue line. With his restricted free agency approaching, Byram aims for a significant raise above his current average annual value of $3.9 million. However, internal speculation suggests the Sabres might consider trading Byram to secure a right-shot defenseman alongside their rising star Owen Power. While gauging Byram's value in the trade market, the Sabres could leverage existing assets to secure experienced players that will keep the franchise competitive in the upcoming seasons.