The 2025 NHL Draft is drawing near, bringing fresh optimism for teams while fueling speculation around possible trades, especially involving key players like Jason Robertson. With the NHL salary cap rising, general managers seem poised to be more aggressive in pursuing deals this summer, which could reshape rosters as teams look to adjust their strategies heading into the new season.
Trade discussions have been fueled not only by the rising salary cap but also by a free agency class that many consider underwhelming. This combination creates fertile ground for blockbuster trades in the days leading up to the draft. Names such as Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars and Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild have been particularly prominent in recent trade rumors.
Dallas Stars Face Difficult Choice with Jason Robertson
Despite Jason Robertson’s status as one of the NHL’s premier young goal scorers, his future in Dallas remains uncertain as the Stars approach the 2025 NHL Draft. Robertson’s name has been linked to trade speculation since Dallas’ deep playoff run ended in the Western Conference Final. The 25-year-old left wing has been a prolific scorer, ranking 14th in goals since the 2021-22 season with 151 tallies to his name.
Robertson is currently in the final year of his contract, earning $7.75 million in 2024-25, but his value is set to climb significantly when he becomes a restricted free agent in 2026. Dallas is close to the salary cap limit with only 18 players on their active roster, which may force general managers to consider trading Robertson if the team cannot find alternative means to fit his upcoming pay raise under the cap.
Given his age and production, Robertson is expected to attract strong offers from other teams looking to add a high-impact scorer. The Stars will likely explore every possible scenario to retain him, but if no workable cap solution emerges, trading Robertson during draft weekend appears increasingly plausible.
Marco Rossi’s Future with the Minnesota Wild Up in the Air
Like Robertson, young center Marco Rossi is stirring considerable trade chatter ahead of the draft. Rossi, 23, just completed a 60-point season and stands as a restricted free agent. With his desire for a substantial salary increase, Minnesota may hesitate to meet his contract expectations, especially given the scarcity of elite centers available via free agency.
Drafted ninth overall in 2020, Rossi has demonstrated he can be a reliable top-six forward with 100 combined goals and assists over the past two seasons. Yet his relatively small stature at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds raises questions among some teams about his potential as a full-time first-line center. Still, a new deal in the vicinity of $7 million annually would be reasonable within the context of the increasing salary cap.
Calgary Flames’ Rasmus Andersson Could Be Traded if Extension Isn’t Reached
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson is entering the final year of his contract and looks likely to be moved if Calgary Flames do not finalize an extension. Even as a one-year rental, Andersson presents attractive value to contenders seeking to bolster their top-four defense options. Throughout his tenure with Calgary, Andersson has played a shutdown role while chipping in offensively, though his recent stats have declined since the coaching change from Darryl Sutter to Ryan Huska.
While Andersson’s effectiveness at five-on-five has waned, the overall team performance has also dragged, which may impact how potential trade partners evaluate him. Still, when placed in the right system, Andersson has proven capable of being a well-rounded two-way defenseman, making him a sought-after rental option.
New York Rangers Weigh Options for K’Andre Miller After Disappointing Season
K’Andre Miller’s name has surfaced frequently as a potential trade candidate for the New York Rangers, especially following a disappointing 2024-25 season. At 25 years old, the defenseman is a restricted free agent amid significant roster changes by the Rangers, increasing the likelihood of his departure.
Tall and mobile at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Miller offers qualities that NHL teams covet in modern defenders. However, his on-ice metrics, including expected goals at five-on-five, have been below expectations over all five of his seasons with New York. Despite this, Miller’s youth means he still has potential to develop further in the right setting, and observing the return the Rangers can obtain for him, as well as his next contract, will be key storylines to follow.
Jonathan Marchessault Seeks Fresh Start After Struggling in Nashville
Veteran right wing Jonathan Marchessault’s first year with the Nashville Predators has been widely regarded as underwhelming, with 21 goals and 35 assists in 78 games marking his poorest output since 2016-17. At 34 years old and with four years remaining on a $5.5 million contract, Marchessault may be open to a new opportunity, and Nashville could be receptive to moving him.
Despite this down year, Marchessault’s recent history is far from irrelevant—he scored 42 goals for the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023-24 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023. His no-movement clause gives him significant control over any potential trade destination, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation.
John Gibson’s Renewed Value Could Lead to Trade Opportunity for Anaheim Ducks
Goaltender John Gibson revived his performance during the 2024-25 season after a downward trend, sharing duties with rising star Lukas Dostal and delivering strong results in limited action. This resurgence makes it an opportune moment for the Anaheim Ducks to consider trading him while his value is solid.
Gibson has two years remaining on his contract at $6.4 million per season. Last year, he posted a .912 save percentage and outperformed expectations, showing flashes of the elite form that defined his prime between 2015 and 2019. Teams seeking a reliable and moderately priced upgrade in net, such as Edmonton, could be interested in acquiring Gibson.
Toronto Maple Leafs May Trade Morgan Rielly to Manage Cap Space
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to face a salary cap puzzle despite having $25 million of space on the books. With star players Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies all requiring new contracts this summer, salary constraints are tighter than they seem. This dynamic is driving speculation that the Leafs might trade veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly to free up roster flexibility.
Now 31, Rielly’s production and impact at five-on-five have diminished, though he remains capable of performing in a top-four role. The remaining five years on his $7.5 million annual contract could be difficult for a new team to absorb, and whether he would waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade remains to be seen.
Pittsburgh Penguins Likely to Move Erik Karlsson Amid Contract and Performance Concerns
Erik Karlsson’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins has not met expectations, making a trade before the 2025-26 season a probable outcome. Teams in search of an offensive-minded defenseman could be interested, although the Penguins may need to retain a portion of Karlsson’s substantial $11.5 million cap hit to complete a deal.
Known primarily for his offensive skill rather than defensive reliability, Karlsson has still produced 109 points combined over the past two seasons. Pittsburgh’s positive expected goals for rate at five-on-five during his ice time suggests Karlsson can still influence play offensively, but his large cap hit limits his appeal.
Trade Activity May Define Team Trajectories as Draft Nears
With the 2025 NHL Draft just days away, the flurry of Jason Robertson NHL trade rumors and similar speculation around other key players reflects the intense roster maneuvering underway. Teams aiming to position themselves for success—whether through rebuilding, contending, or managing salary cap pressures—will be watching draft weekend carefully for opportunities to reshape their lineups.
How the Dallas Stars handle Robertson’s uncertain future could set the tone for the trade market. Meanwhile, clubs like the Minnesota Wild, Calgary Flames, and New York Rangers face critical decisions on whether to extend or move young talent. Veterans such as Jonathan Marchessault, John Gibson, Morgan Rielly, and Erik Karlsson add further intrigue to the upcoming period.
Ultimately, these trade developments ahead of the draft hold the potential to significantly alter team dynamics and competitive balance heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.