The NHL rumor mill is spinning rapidly as teams gear up for the offseason. With free agency opening on July 1st, several high-profile players are at the center of trade discussions, including those involving the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs appears to be over, with reports suggesting he will not return to the team next season. Insider Andy Strickland has reported that Marner will be playing for a new team in 2025-26. Elliotte Friedman has added that if Marner leaves Toronto, he expects the forward to sign with a Western Conference team, with the Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, and Los Angeles Kings mentioned as potential destinations. The Carolina Hurricanes are also expected to make a "massive swing" at Marner if he becomes available, potentially offering him over $14 million per year.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are also engaged in contract talks with captain John Tavares. While both sides are reportedly committed to working out a deal, it may not be easy, especially considering that Tavares is aging and has only one year left on his current deal, but his production this past season – 35 goals in the regular season and another five in the playoffs – suggests he still has value. Friedman has suggested that the Anaheim Ducks could be a landing spot for Tavares if he and the Leafs part ways.
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are facing a pivotal offseason after missing the playoffs. While the team appears committed to keeping Elias Pettersson, insiders suggest that the Canucks would only trade Pettersson if it addresses their need at center. Pettersson's no-movement clause begins on July 1.
Canucks insiders Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal have identified Jason Robertson, Marco Rossi, and Trevor Zegras as potential trade targets for Vancouver, with all three rumored to be available. Furthermore, a major trade proposal has emerged that would send Canucks captain Quinn Hughes to the New Jersey Devils, uniting him with his brothers Jack and Luke. In exchange, the Canucks would receive Dougie Hamilton, Simon Nemec, Dawson Mercer, and two first-round picks. The Canucks are reportedly hoping to sign Hughes to a long-term extension.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are facing some difficult decisions due to salary cap constraints. The recent signing of Brock Nelson has put pressure on general manager Chris MacFarland to make cost-cutting moves, potentially leading to the buyout of Miles Wood and a trade of Ross Colton. There is speculation that the Avs could trade Martin Necas, as the 26-year-old winger is reportedly unhappy in Colorado.
Jonathan Toews is also open to signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche possess a skilled and speedy team, and the veteran center would offer them another potential option for their penalty kill.
Tampa Bay Lightning
After an early playoff exit, the Tampa Bay Lightning are expected to make moves to improve their blueline. They have been linked to a notable defenseman from the San Jose Sharks. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has named the Lightning as one of the top expected suitors for Jonathan Toews, and the Lightning should be looking to improve their forward depth this off-season after their quick playoff exit. The veteran center would offer them another potential option for their penalty kill.
As the offseason progresses, expect more rumors and potential trades to surface as teams position themselves for the upcoming season.
