NHL offseason trade board: An early look at the summer's top targets, from Kreider to Rossi to Ehlers

New York Times

29-05-2025

The NHL offseason is about to kick into high gear.
With June on the horizon, many teams have already gone through pro scouting meetings or are in the midst of conducting them. Next week, they'll all travel to Buffalo for the NHL Scouting Combine — an important event where general managers and agents start laying the groundwork for the player movement to come this summer.
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At a time when the salary cap ceiling is taking a significant jump to $95.5 million, the conditions are ripe for upheaval.
Flexibility is returning to the league's financial system, and teams have more needs collectively than the free-agent list offers solutions.
So there's every reason to expect a fertile trade market.
With that in mind, here's an early look at the names in play entering the summer.
Team: New York Rangers
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 22 goals, 30 points, 68 games
Age: 34
Contract: $6.5 million AAV through 2027; 15-team no-trade list
A fresh start seems in order here. The Rangers started shuttling veterans this season, including former captain Jacob Trouba, and general manager Chris Drury mentioned Kreider's availability in a memo circulated to his peers in November. While Kreider is coming off his lowest goal-scoring season in eight years, with 0.32 goals per game, his cap hit is moderate on a contract that runs through 2026-27. Kreider remains a strong skater who sits in the 90th percentile in speed bursts over 22 miles per hour, according to NHL Edge data. He maintains some say in the process courtesy of a 15-team no-trade clause.
Team: Minnesota Wild
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 24 goals, 60 points, 82 games
Age: 23
Contract: RFA coming off three-year, $2.59 million deal
Enormously skilled but on the lighter side at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, there is still some debate about what Rossi can be as an NHL player. It's pretty clear where the Wild are leaning after they gave him just 11 minutes of ice time per game in the playoffs following a 60-point regular season. Now it's decision time with Rossi hitting restricted free agency and seeking a long-term contract. Minnesota has shopped Rossi before and appears unlikely to give him the kind of money a second-line center typically commands, so he's available to be had.
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Team: Buffalo Sabres
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 7 goals, 38 points, 82 games
Age: 23
Contract: RFA coming off two-year, $7.7 million deal
The Sabres have a glut of defensemen on the left side, and the 23-year-old needs a new contract coming off his healthiest and most productive NHL season. That's why Buffalo has been gauging the trade market on the RFA. Byram is an elite skater who can log big minutes and still has his best years ahead of him, making him an intriguing option for teams looking for a blue-line upgrade.
Team: Calgary Flames
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 11 goals, 31 points, 81 games
Age: 28
Contract: $4.55 million AAV through 2026; six-team no-trade list
One year out from unrestricted free agency, the right-shot defenseman is expected to draw a crowd if he doesn't sign an extension with the Flames when he's eligible this summer. Andersson is an all-around defender who excels at winning puck battles and can jump into the attack. He brings highly valued off-ice intangibles, too, and recently wore the 'C' for Sweden on home ice at the World Championship. While there are some minor concerns — such as his foot speed and an ugly minus-38 rating this season — Andersson is a major asset for Calgary to peddle.
Team: Anaheim Ducks
Position: Goalie
2024-25 stats: 11-11-2, .911 save percentage, 2.77 GAA
Age: 31
Contract: $6.4 million AAV through 2027; 10-team no-trade list
The pickings are slim in the free-agent goaltending market and Gibson is coming off a bounce-back performance. While he may have relinquished the Ducks' No. 1 job to Lukáš Dostál, the veteran finished with a .911 save percentage and an impressive 15.3 goals saved above expected, according to MoneyPuck. Multiple teams have kicked tires on Gibson in recent years, with no trade materializing, but his contract looks more movable than ever with just two seasons remaining and the cap on the rise.
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Team: New York Rangers
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 7 goals, 27 points, 74 games
Age: 25
Contract: RFA coming off two-year, $3.872 million deal
A confluence of factors has made Miller's future a little bit murky in New York. For starters, he's due a qualifying offer north of $4.6 million this summer and is eligible to hit unrestricted free agency as soon as 2026. Basically, this is a time when the Rangers would typically be looking to make a big investment in a 23-year-old player. However, the team has to be mindful of the salary cap, and Miller's game showed some real cracks this season with defensive lapses and a dip in production contributing to the struggles the Rangers' blue line endured. Still, he would be a prime trade asset due to his age, skating ability and elite physical tools.
Team: Buffalo Sabres
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 27 goals, 68 points, 77 games
Age: 23
Contract: RFA coming off three-year, $2.775 million deal
Another restricted free agent due for a hefty pay raise, there'd be strong trade value for the Sabres to mine if they moved off a winger who's twice crested 25 goals and finished the season tied for second on the team with 68 points. While Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams told reporters in March that Peterka is one of the team's 'core young guys,' it's not clear that he's willing to make that kind of commitment to the organization. Peterka is a candidate for an offer sheet if he's not traded before July 1.
The Canadiens currently own a pair of picks smack dab in the middle of the first round, and it won't be surprising if they don't end up using both of the Nos. 16 and 17 selections on June 27 in Los Angeles. Montreal has an array of prospects already in the pipeline and is open to moving a pick if it can be used to acquire a more immediate need for the current roster. Another center would be ideal.
Team: Nashville Predators
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 21 goals, 56 points, 78 games
Age: 34
Contract: $5.5 million AAV through 2029
What a difference a year makes. The Predators swung a mighty bat last July 1, landing Marchessault plus Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei off the open market, and they already find themselves facing another roster renovation. The 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner can still put the puck in the net and boasts a resume that includes 102 career playoff games. What's more, his cap hit should become even more palatable as it ages.
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Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 11 goals, 53 points, 82 games
Age: 34
Contract: $10 million cap hit through 2027
The fit has never seemed quite right in Pittsburgh for the three-time Norris Trophy winner, who last appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs six years ago. Karlsson will be 35 when next season begins, and it makes sense for him and the retooling Penguins to work together on finding him a new home. Karlsson's $10 million cap hit offers a significant barrier, even if Pittsburgh steps up with some retention. Perhaps there is some hope to be found in his strong performance for Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off over the winter for any team thinking about taking the plunge.
Team: New York Islanders
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 14 goals, 42 points, 79 games
Age: 32
Contract: $5 million AAV through 2026; 16-team no-trade list
Set to enter the final season of his contract, the veteran center is a candidate to find a new home with recently hired Islanders GM Mathieu Darche set to start turning over the team's underperforming roster. Pageau is elite in the faceoff circle and a strong penalty killer who is due just $3.5 million in actual salary next season. He does own a 16-team no-trade clause.
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 15 goals, 22 points, 69 games
Age: 23
Contract: RFA coming off one-year, $875,000 deal
It's 11 months on from his trade request and the 23-year-old forward is still looking for a change of scenery. Robertson once again found himself watching the Leafs' most important games from the press box, dressing for just three of 13 playoff games, and is a restricted free agent holding arbitration rights this summer. Robertson has a wicked release and high work rate, scoring 29 goals across the past two seasons despite seeing limited power-play time.
Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 2 goals, 19 points, 68 games
Age: 32
Contract: $4.4 million AAV through 2026; 10-team no-trade list
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Big, strong and experienced, Murphy posted good defensive results under less-than-favorable conditions with the Blackhawks this season. The right shot comes with an expiring contract that should be fairly easy to move, particularly in light of how well he compares to this summer's free-agent class. This is a time of transition in Chicago so roster flexibility is paramount.
Team: St. Louis Blues
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 18 goals, 50 points, 82 games
Age: 33
Contract: $6.5 million AAV through 2028; full no-trade list becomes 15-team no-trade list on July 1
There was plenty of discussion around Schenn leading up to the trade deadline, but the Blues captain told the team his preference was to stay at that time. Could that change? Schenn's full no-trade clause is set to convert to a 15-team no-trade list this summer, which shifts more leverage to the front office if it chooses to reengage the market on the veteran center. The Blues set a high price on Schenn in talks last season. He remains a productive point producer who brings value at both ends of the ice.
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 31 goals, 65 points, 71 games
Age: 33
Contract: $5.125 million AAV through 2028; no-movement clause expires June 30
The Penguins won't be looking to move a highly dependable, low-maintenance winger with ties to their back-to-back Stanley Cup years. However, with Rust's no-movement clause set to expire on June 30, it's possible — if not likely — that the 33-year-old will be one of their most sought-after assets. Rust is coming off a 31-goal, 65-point season and remains an above-average skater who plays an effective two-way game. An added bonus comes from the fact that the actual money owing over the final three years of his contract is below his already-affordable cap number.
Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
Position: Goalie
2024-25 stats: 26-21-5, .892 save percentage, 3.18 GAA
Age: 31
Contract: $5.4 million through 2027; 10-team no-trade list
Merzlikins has seemingly been on thin ice in Columbus for a couple of years now, with open discussions about a trade dating back at least 16 months. He's consistently struggled to perform up to the level of his contract, which is why colleague Aaron Portzline identified a goaltending overhaul as an organizational priority in Columbus this summer. Amid a muddled goaltending market, Merzlikins is available. He'll also likely be a buyout candidate if a trade doesn't emerge.
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Team: Boston Bruins
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 33 goals, 57 points, 77 games
Age: 26
Contract: RFA coming off two-year, $4 million deal
Geekie finds himself in a prime negotiating position, coming off a 33-goal season and sitting one year away from unrestricted free agency. Cha-ching. While there's every expectation that he and the Bruins will engage in negotiations on a contract extension, a move remains a possibility if they aren't able to find common ground. Geekie turns 27 this summer and Boston already started accumulating future assets with an aggressive sale ahead of the trade deadline.
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 1 goal, 7 points, 19 games
Age: 33
Contract: $2.1 million AAV through 2026
A reliable player who can be trusted across 200 feet, Järnkrok is coming off a season where he struggled to find any kind of rhythm after not being healthy enough to play before March. Still, he's a low-risk bet with a strong track record of consistent play and favorable contract status. Once his $1.325 million bonus is paid on July 1, Järnkrok will be owed just $775,000 in salary next season — making him the equivalent of a league-minimum player.
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
2024-25 stats: 2 goals, 4 points, 7 games
Age: 22
Contract: $875,000 AAV through 2026 (RFA)
The Canadiens' cupboards are overflowing with promising young defensemen, which makes the path to the NHL roster a little crowded. Call it a good problem to have. Mailloux played a big role for the AHL's Laval Rocket this season and got a brief taste of NHL experience with the Habs, scoring twice in seven games. While he's certainly not a player Montreal has to move, the belief is he could be had in the right deal.
Team: Winnipeg Jets
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
2024-25 stats: 24 goals, 63 points, 69 games
Age: 29
Contract: UFA coming off seven-year, $42 million deal
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With Ehlers set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, there may be some desire from a suitor to get a jump on the market if he signals an intention to part ways with the Winnipeg Jets before the end of June. There aren't many pure goal-scorers among this crop of free agents. And even though Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff indicated that he'd like to make Ehlers a 'Jet for life,' the early indications are that he's going to have a difficult time doing so.
Note: Contract terms via PuckPedia.
(Top photos of Marco Rossi and Chris Kreider: Sean M. Haffey and Rich Lam / Getty Images)