NHL Trade Talk Recap: Blackhawks, Oilers & Babcock Hype

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 27, 2026), we’re covering three different NHL stories. All three are about teams trying to get themselves over the hump. One is a former Blackhawks star talking about an emotional “one more season” comeback, and the other is the Oilers making a big coaching push with a veteran coach who players clearly respect.

First, Patrick Kane is basically campaigning for Jonathan Toews to return to Chicago, and Toews gave an “I’m thinking about it” response. Nothing’s confirmed, but still. Then you’ve got the Babcock conversation, where the Tortorella comparisons make it sound like Edmonton wants old-school pressure-tested coaching. And to wrap it up, McDavid sounds excited for the new chapter in Edmonton, even though he’s still missing Darnell Nurse. He, too, is giving Mike Babcock serious praise ahead of the season.

Kane’s Big “Comeback” Push for Toews

Patrick Kane is back in Chicago, and now he’s trying to convince Jonathan Toews to ride one more season with him. On Pardon My Take, Kane said he brought it up—basically pitching a one-year return. Toews gave a response that sounded interested: “I’m thinking about it.”

That said, it’s not exactly a done deal. Toews hasn’t confirmed anything publicly, and the team seems to talk about bringing him back more like an honorary role than a real roster spot. So for now, it’s more “maybe” than “yes.” But Blackhawks fans are definitely going to keep their eyes on every word.

Kane Pitches Toews Return to Blackhawks, Toews With Surprise Response

Babcock and Tortorella: Same “Win Now” Energy

Coaches can be polished or kind of rough around the edges. Still, the goal is the same: no babysitting, just winning. So when McDavid and Hyman talk glowingly about Mike Babcock, it doesn’t feel like it’s only about “liking the coach.” It feels like they’re buying into a very specific kind of pressure-ready, no-nonsense experience.

That’s why John Tortorella’s Golden Knights run comes to mind. Even without him getting rehired, taking Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final screams that a coach can flip the switch when the window is closing. If you add the Babcock/Hyman connection on top of that, it starts to look like Edmonton just wants the kind of veteran structure that gets results. At this stage, there’s no time for comfort.

Tortorella Showed Why Babcock Is the Oilers’ Magic Bullet

McDavid Sounds Excited, But Missing Nurse

Connor McDavid spoke at Zach Hyman’s golf tournament about the upcoming Oilers season. He talked about the new additions, a coaching staff refresh, and the vibe around the team. Even with all the excitement, you could tell it wasn’t easy. He was genuinely upset about Darnell Nurse being traded to San Jose.

McDavid also sounded positive about the bigger reset this summer. He got proper training time and more chances to get healthy and work on things the team hasn’t been able to address during shorter off-seasons. He had nothing but high praise for Mike Babcock, saying it’s a great opportunity for the players and that Babcock brings the kind of experience and preparation the team needs. So it’s on the group to be ready.

McDavid Reflects on Losing Nurse, Embraces Fresh Start for Oilers

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