NHL Trade Talk Recap

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Blue Jackets, Canadiens & Oilers Waiting

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Marchenko uncertainty, the truth about the Subban-Weber trade, and why Tarasenko could intrigue the Oilers.

by
Old Prof
July 26, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 26, 2026), we’re covering three different stories all about how NHL teams might pivot when the “big” plan doesn’t line up. For the Blue Jackets, Marchenko trade speculation is getting less certain, so people are already eyeing Voronkov as a backup. Then there’s the Canadiens situation, where the Subban-for-Weber swap looked brutal at first but aged into something that actually made sense. And finally, Tarasenko’s free agency has turned into an “if the price drops, the Oilers should pounce” kind of storyline for fans.

Marchenko Rumours Got Murky—So Who’s the Backup Plan?

Kirill Marchenko has been getting nonstop trade buzz because he’s a big, skilled winger with upside you don’t see every day. The rumour was the Blue Jackets were moving him because he might not sign long-term. If that’s true, teams would be willing to pay for him. But lately, the “imminent” part has become more of a maybe, prompting people to look for other targets.

If Marchenko gets too expensive or Columbus pivots, Dmitri Voronkov is the name that pops up. He’s younger, plays a huge “in front of the net” role, and scores a ton of goals around the net, especially on tips and rebounds. He’s also massive at 6-foot-5 and 234 pounds and could fit as a more affordable Plan B. However, he may be a bit slower than Marchenko. Marchenko is the dream, but if Columbus doesn’t cash out the way everyone expected, Voronkov could be the realistic fallback.

Marchenko Is the Hype — But Another Winger Might Be the Steal

How That Weber for Subban Trade Actually Made Sense

If you were into the Canadiens in 2016, that P.K. Subban for Shea Weber trade felt huge and kind of wrong. Subban was pure energy. He was fun, flashy, the whole package. Weber was quieter, old-school, and steady.

But Weber didn’t just fill a spot. He became a real core piece and eventually the captain. Injuries later piled up (and the “what if” never fully disappears), but looking back, Montreal didn’t get cheated. They made the move they needed.

The Canadiens Subban Trade? Years Later, the Truth Is Different

Tarasenko Still Unsigned; Why Oilers Fans Want That

Free agency’s been open for weeks, and Vladimir Tarasenko is still just out there. Not because he’s washed up. He had a solid 23-goal season. But teams don’t seem in a rush to lock him up. For the Oilers, that’s basically the dream: get him cheaper because he’s “unwanted” and the price drops.

The logic is pretty simple. His stats are respectable, and he fits well with Edmonton’s top skill guys. He would be a great addition on lines and power plays that need a legit shooter. The catch is the price. Edmonton doesn’t want to overpay. But if he ends up taking a short, team-friendly deal (like people are projecting), it could be a pretty low-risk, real-reward kind of pickup.

The Unwanted UFA?: Why Discount Forward Makes Too Much Sense for the Oilers