The Dallas Stars, currently facing a tight salary cap situation with less than $5 million available and six players needing contracts, are exploring options to offload salary. Key players like Matt Dumba, who has one year remaining on his $3.75 million deal but was a healthy scratch during the playoffs, could be potential buyout candidates. Mason Marchment, with a $4.5 million cap hit, may also be moved if the Stars wish to retain free agents Mikael Granlund and Matt Duchene. However, trading Jason Robertson, fresh off a season with 35 goals and 80 points, poses challenges due to his upcoming RFA status and significant cap hit of $7.75 million.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are on the hunt for a top-six forward and a right-handed defenseman, with sources indicating they may consider Drake Batherson. Despite Batherson's strong statistics, his inconsistency has raised concerns within the organization, making him a trade candidate to free up space for RFA Fabian Zetterlund. The Senators are also eyeing top-scoring forwards in free agency, although such players often come at a premium price, complicating their search.