Top NHL Trade Rumors Following 2025 Stanley Cup Bracket Final

The Florida Panthers claimed their second Stanley Cup in as many years, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of last year's finals.

In the wake of the conclusion of the playoffs, the eyes of the NHL turn toward the off-season and the potential trades that teams hope will land them where the Panthers have been the last two seasons: atop the hockey world.

Who are the players making headlines, potentially headed to new teams through front office deals? Find out with the latest rumors from trusted insiders.

Buffalo Active in the Trade Market

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The Fourth Period reported that the Buffalo Sabres are expected to be active at the trade deadline, with right winger JJ Peterka being the team's prized asset and several teams interested in making a deal for him.

Chicago, Columbus, Vancouver, Tampa, and the New York Rangers are all teams expected to make run at the 23-year-old, and it is not surprising as to why.

In 77 games in the 2024-25 season, he averaged just over 18 minutes of ice time and tallied 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists).

He has seemingly endless energy, is a strong two-way player, and wins pick battles. He is an asset to any of the prospective trade teams and could very quickly evolve into a star with more opportunity and a good supporting cast.

A team like the Lightning or Rangers, both contenders in a crowded Eastern Conference that has plenty of potent offenses, could benefit exponentially from making a deal that would bring him on board.

The Fourth Period's report noted that Buffalo wants immediate help and players in return. Given their status as basement dwellers in the East of late, it is no wonder they would want players who can come in and have an effect immediately.

They should be able to finesse something out of one of the aforementioned teams but ultimately may regret letting a player with Peterka's talent and potential get away.

Pittsburgh Leads Sellers in Trade Market

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Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is about to become a very popular man over the next few weeks as The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported that the team is expected to be the top seller in the off-season trade market.

He wrote, "Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell and Ryan Graves are all up for grabs for the right price, and the Penguins may also be willing to take on a contract or two given their cap space."

The team is headed toward a youth movement and has already leaked that they will not re-sign Evgeni Malkin at the conclusion of next season, per The Athletic's Josh Yohe, so it is not particularly surprising that they would be looking to trade away any of the aforementioned players, all of whom are over the age of 30.

Rakell, Rust, and Karlsson were second, third, and fourth in points for the team last season, behind only the great Sidney Crosby. Still, the team is very much committed to its youth movement, looking to the future somewhat at the expense of the present in what can only be described as a complete rebuild.

Pagnotta expects one player to have greater interest than the others.

"Rust, to me, is most intriguing. His full no-movement clause expires June 30, end-of-day. He does not own any no-trade protection in the final three-years of his contract," he said before adding that any contending team should want him on their roster.

The report does not name any team specifically, but Rust scored 31 goals and added 34 assists this season, and a team looking for depth at the right wing position, should consider bringing him on board.

Karlsson, a former Norris Trophy winner at the end of the 2022-23 season, should also attract attention from playoff contenders looking to bolster the back end.

Dallas Listening to Offers for Jason Robertson

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Pagnotta also reported that, "Dallas will continue to entertain calls on Jason Robertson, but the goal is to sign him to a long-term extension."

Robertson was a 35-goal, 45-assist player in 2024-25 and added six points in 11 games during the postseason for the Stars, so it is not surprising to see why the Western Conference star would be receiving calls about a potential trade and why they would want to sign him to a long-term deal.

Robertson possesses a great shot and is one of the most talented young playmakers on the team. At just 25 years old, he has plenty of time and potential to develop into a legitimate top-tier star for Dallas and the team likely is not willing to let him walk without a hefty haul in return.

A team like the New York Rangers, in need of a quality left wing, is a one to watch here.