Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) celebrates with defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) and defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) after scoring against the Dallas Stars during the third period of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) AP

With the NHL offseason fast approaching and Mitch Marner on track to become the best unrestricted free agent available on July 1, speculation around the Toronto Maple Leafs forward’s next team has accelerated.

One writer suggested four players on a rebuilding Western Conference team who the Lakers may be able to target in a potential trade.

The Dallas Stars have their backs against the wall as they take the ice for Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Edmonton Oilers. The Stars have dropped three straight games to Edmonton, including a 4-1 loss in Tuesday’s Game 4 that dropped Dallas into a 3-1 hole.

ESPN host Malika Andrews not only delivered courtside coverage during the Western Conference finals, but she also wowed the audience with her strong fashion game that was hard not to miss.

All of this adds up to the Oilers sitting pretty as -950 favorites to win the Western Conference finals. If you believe that this series is as good as over, the best value on the board would be Leon Draisaitl to win the Conn Smythe at +700 odds.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with Magic Johnson West Conference Finals MVP trophy after defeating

Winning one playoff game requires two-way competency against a formidable opponent. Winning 12 ensures a spot on the biggest stage basketball has to offer. The