The Stanley Cup Final may still be underway, but for many hockey teams around the league, attention is already starting to shift toward the offseason. The months ahead could bring plenty of roster changes as front offices look to free up cap space, address weaknesses or take a big swing in an effort to become a contender.
Not every player on the move will be a household name, but there are several notable players whose futures remain uncertain. There are unrestricted free agents looking to test the market, restricted free agents facing contract questions, and a few players under contract who could become trade candidates as teams explore their options.
Let’s take a look at seven NHL players who could be on the move this summer.
Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings, C
Just a few weeks ago, the idea of Dylan Larkin leaving Detroit seemed impossible. Now, he may be the biggest prize on the offseason market.
The Red Wings captain made headlines recently by requesting a trade on the heels of another disappointing season in Detroit. The Michigan native has control over the situation thanks to his no-trade clause and has reportedly narrowed his list of preferred destinations to just three teams: the Panthers, the Wild and the Golden Knights.
As a top-line centre and longtime face of the franchise, a Larkin trade would send shockwaves through the league. Even if a deal isn’t guaranteed, his future in Detroit suddenly feels far less certain than it did a month ago.
Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks, LW
The Canucks appear headed for some notable changes this offseason, and that could make Jake DeBrusk one of the more interesting names to watch. Vancouver faces several important roster decisions, leading to speculation that management could explore trading established players in an effort to move the organization forward.
DeBrusk is the type of winger contenders usually like. He can score, brings valuable playoff experience and can fit into a top-six role. The Canucks may ultimately decide to keep him, but if the club is serious about retooling, DeBrusk is a player who could generate plenty of interest around the league.
Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres, RW
Unlike the first two players on this list, Alex Tuch does not need a trade to end up on a new team next season. The veteran winger is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and recent reports suggest he and the Buffalo front office remain far apart in contract negotiations.
Losing Tuch would be a major blow for the Sabres. The 30-year-old is coming off another excellent season, recording 33 goals and 66 points while helping Buffalo reach the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. He has scored at least 30 goals in three of the past four seasons and is widely viewed as one of the top unrestricted free agents available this summer.
Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning, D
Few players did more to boost their value this season than Darren Raddysh. The 30-year-old defenceman enjoyed a breakout campaign, recording 22 goals and 70 points in 73 games, while emerging as one of Tampa Bay’s most important contributors on the blue line.
The Lightning would undoubtedly like to keep him, but that may be easier said than done. Raddysh is set to become an unrestricted free agent after playing the past two seasons on a bargain contract worth less than $1 million annually. Following a career year, he is in line for a significant raise, and there is a real possibility another team could price Tampa Bay out of the conversation.
Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers, C
The Rangers enter the offseason facing plenty of questions, and that has naturally led to speculation about what changes could be coming. With superstar Artemi Panarin having already been shipped out of town earlier this season, Vincent Trocheck is another player whose future could soon become a topic of discussion.
The veteran centre remains a key piece of New York’s lineup, but he would attract considerable interest if the Rangers decide to shake things up. He can score, kill penalties, win faceoffs and handle tough minutes in every situation. If New York chooses to continue reshaping the roster, Trocheck could find himself on the move.
Jacob Trouba, Anaheim Ducks, D
Jacob Trouba’s career looked to be at a crossroads when the Rangers traded him to Anaheim in late 2024. Instead, he revitalized his value, playing a key role on a Ducks team that took a major step forward this season. His strong play has put him in position to become one of the more intriguing unrestricted free agents available.
The veteran defenceman is set to hit free agency, and reports suggest extension talks have not gained much traction. At 32, Trouba still offers leadership, physicality and plenty of experience, making him an appealing option for teams looking to strengthen their blue line before next season.
Boone Jenner, Columbus Blue Jackets, C
Some players spend their entire careers with one organization, and Boone Jenner has come closer than most. The longtime Blue Jackets captain has played more games for Columbus than any player in franchise history, which is why the possibility of him leaving feels so unusual.
Jenner is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after completing a four-year contract extension, and there has been growing speculation about whether he will remain in Columbus or test the open market.
Even at 33, Jenner is the type of player that contenders value. He brings leadership, physicality, versatility and the ability to contribute offensively while handling difficult minutes. With quality centres expected to be in short supply, Jenner could emerge as one of the league’s more sought-after unrestricted free agents.