NHL Trade Talk Recap: Avalanche, Flames & Jets Dismantling?

Today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (August 28, 2026) is packed with big storylines. Cale Makar made history by signing a massive new deal with the Colorado Avalanche, the Calgary Flames showed why their prospect pool is getting so much attention, and Mark Scheifele was linked to the Montreal Canadiens. Here’s a quick look at everything happening around the league.

Makar Makes NHL History

Cale Makar has officially made history. He just signed an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with Colorado, which works out to $20.4 million a season — the first time any player in NHL history has hit that $20 million-a-year mark. The Avalanche also got it done before the September 16 deadline, when the NHL’s new CBA rules would have taken eight-year extensions off the table.

Coming off yet another excellent season at 27, Makar racked up 20 goals and 59 assists for 79 points across 75 games. Add in his sixth straight Norris Trophy finalist selection, close to 25 minutes of ice time a night, and a team-leading 118 blocked shots, and you’ve got a guy who’s basically doing everything for Colorado.

Avalanche and Cale Makar Sign the Biggest Deal In NHL History

Calgary’s Prospect Pool Is Looking Really Good

Zayne Parekh is the big name in Calgary’s prospect pool, and for good reason. The first-round defenseman is fast, skilled, and has the potential to become a top-pairing player who runs the power play. But Calgary’s rebuild isn’t all on him, with Cole Reschny, Matvei Gridin, and late-round standout Ethan Wyttenbach also bringing plenty of promise.

The Flames don’t need every prospect to become a superstar. If a few of these players turn into reliable NHLers, Calgary could build a young, affordable core for the future. Parekh may be the headliner, but the group’s depth could be what really makes this rebuild work.

The Flames’ Prospect Pool Is Starting to Look Really Good

Could Mark Scheifele Be Headed to Montreal?

Connor Hellebuyck has asked the Winnipeg Jets for a trade, and the team is now working on finding a deal. Once he’s moved, teams will probably start calling about other Jets stars too. Especially Mark Scheifele—as some speculation has already suggested. The Canadiens could be one team to watch, since adding him would give them another elite center to play alongside Nick Suzuki.

Scheifele just put together a massive season, scoring 36 goals and 103 points. At $8.5 million, that contract actually looks like a bargain for a player of his level. Montreal’s already got a young, talented core. Scheifele could be exactly the piece that pushes them from good to a real Cup contender. The catch is the price tag would be steep. A deal could require a first-round pick plus a handful of solid prospects.

If Hellebuyck Is Traded, Might Canadiens Come After Jets’ Other Big Star?

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