Buy or Sell Mitch Marner and the Latest 2025 NHL Draft, Trade and Free-Agency Rumors

As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs continue, speculation is growing over the offseason plans for the teams no longer in the hunt for the trophy.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' recent elimination from the Stanley Cup race could lead to Mitch Marner becoming the biggest name in this summer's free-agent market. And there's considerable speculation over his destination if he goes to market on July 1.

Meanwhile, rumors continue to churn about which players could be on the move in this summer's trade market. Some of that speculation concerns Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, whose skills could draw plenty of attention around the league.

With the NHL draft (June 27-28) on the horizon, there is growing interest over which prospects could be chosen in the first round, but some clubs could be open to trading their first-round picks for the right price.

Follow along as we examine the most notable rumors of the past week to determine those worth buying or selling.

Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals Could Trade 1st-Rounders

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Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell

We've cited rumors suggesting the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks could be willing to move their first-round picks in this year's draft.

On May 20, The Athletic's Eric Stephens reported Sharks GM Mike Grier was open to moving his pick if the return fetched a player who can immediately help his roster.

The Canucks and Sharks aren't the only teams open to that possibility. Recent reports indicated the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals could also entertain that option.

On May 22, SI.com's Nick Horwat cited Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell telling Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers that his club's two first-rounders are on the table for the right offer. He holds the 14th overall pick plus the Minnesota Wild's first rounder, which is 20th overall.

Meanwhile, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reported Capitals GM Chris Patrick is also willing to listen to offers for his pick, which sits 27th overall. "I think you have to be open to all options," he said.

Buy or Sell: Buy

These four clubs may be willing to listen to offers, but that doesn't mean they'll move their picks. However, a trade pitch that includes a player who can slot into their roster for next season and provide an immediate boost could tempt at least one of them to consider it.

Utah Mammoth Could Make Big Splash In This Summer's UFA Pool

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Utah GM Bill Armstrong

The Utah Mammoth have been rebuilding their roster since their final years in Arizona, when Bill Armstrong took over as general manager in 2020.

Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Josh Doan, JJ Moser and Conor Geekie were among the promising youngsters to emerge from his stockpile of prospects.

Last summer, Armstrong demonstrated his willingness to make a big move in the trade market to improve his roster. On June 29 last year, he packaged Moser and Geekie and two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Armstrong has avoided any major signings in the free-agent market, but that could change this summer. With a projected salary-cap space of $21.2 million and 20 active roster players (including his core players) under contract, he has the room to make a big splash in the unrestricted free-agent pool.

Quentin Carney of The Hockey News wondered whether the Mammoth would pursue Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner if he becomes available on July 1. His colleague, Spencer Lazary, suggested Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could be a viable UFA target.

Buy or Sell: Buy

The Mammoth had their best season (89 points) since reaching the same figure in 2013-14, but they missed the playoffs by eight points. Adding a star player like Marner or Boeser via free agency (or a trade) could be the final piece that turns them into a playoff contender.

Could Philadelphia Flyers Trade Owen Tippett?

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After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Philadelphia Flyers suffered a setback in their rebuild, finishing last in the Eastern Conference. John Tortorella was relieved of his duties as head coach in March, with Rick Tocchet hired on May 14 as his replacement.

Flyers general manager Daniel Brière could turn his sights toward some roster moves during the offseason. William James of Philly Hockey Now suggested that could include using defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, goaltender Ivan Fedotov or winger Owen Tippett as trade chips.

The most interesting of this trio is Tippett. His production slipped a bit, but the 26-year-old winger still reached the 20-goal, 40-point plateaus for the third straight season. He also finished fifth among Flyers scorers this season.

Tippett is completing the first season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $6.2 million. His no-trade clause doesn't begin until the 2026-27 season, allowing Briere to gauge his value in this summer's trade market.

Buy or Sell: Buy

James points out that the Flyers lack depth in center and carry a surplus of top-six wingers. Tippett is in his playing prime, comes with salary-cap certainty, and could flourish on a deeper roster. He could be their best trade bait to acquire a second-line center.

Buffalo Sabres Shopping Bowen Byram

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The Buffalo Sabres acquired defenseman Bowen Byram before the March 2024 trade deadline from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for center Casey Mittelstadt. He quickly established himself as a solid addition to their blue-line corps, finishing this season with a career-best 38 points.

However, he could find himself on the move again. On May 21, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Sabres were gauging the 23-year-old blueliner's value in the trade market.

Byram is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He's completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.9 million. Despite a history of injuries, his performance this season could see him seeking upward of $7 million annually on his next deal.

On May 1, Lance Lysowki of The Buffalo News speculated the Sabres could peddle the left-shot Byram, perhaps for a veteran right-shot defenseman to pair with young blueliners Owen Power. He also claimed their priority would be signing forwards like JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch, and Ryan McLeod.

Buy or Sell: Buy

The Sabres' needs have changed since acquiring Byram. He should fetch a solid return from clubs with cap space, seeking a defenseman with all-around skill on the left side of their blue line.

Toronto Maple Leafs Winger Mitch Marner Could Test the Free Agent Market

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Since 2018-19, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been led by star forwards Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Mitch Marner. However, their lack of playoff success (only two series wins) has prompted a growing chorus for a shakeup of the team's "Core Four."

Free agency could bring that change with Tavares and Marner eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. During the Leafs' end-of-season media availability, Tavares was optimistic about returning, but Marner was noncommittal, saying he would take time with his family to discuss his future.

Marner would become the biggest name available if he goes to free agency. He would also be an expensive signing, costing at least $13 million annually on a long-term deal.

Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon listed Los Angeles, Anaheim, Utah, Vegas, Pittsburgh, New York Islanders, Colorado, Chicago, Carolina and Washington as potential suitors for Marner. Sean O'Leary of The Score included Buffalo and Detroit among his list of destinations for the 28-year-old winger.

Buy or Sell: Buy

Marner needs a change of scenery after being the scapegoat for the Leafs' poor playoff performance. Carolina could be the favorite if he wants to join a contender with cap space. It offered Mikko Rantanen to the Leafs straight up for Marner at the trade deadline before shipping Rantanen to Dallas.

Regular-season stats and standings via NHL.com. Salary info via PuckPedia.