NHL Trade Talk Recap: Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs & Blackhawks Kane Signs

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 23, 2026), we’re taking a quick look at three moves around the NHL right now. In Columbus, Jet Greaves is locked in for three more years as the Blue Jackets get their goalie situation more settled. Across the league, Maple Leafs drama is getting another round because Darren Ferris tried to defend Mitch Marner. Except a lot of fans aren’t buying it, and they’re clearly tired of the whole storyline coming back. And in Chicago, Patrick Kane is officially returning to the Blackhawks on a two-year deal. That sets up an exciting (even if delayed) pairing with Connor Bedard once he’s healthy.

Jet Greaves Is Staying in Columbus on Three-Year Deal

Jet Greaves is avoiding arbitration and signing a three-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, reportedly worth $5 million AAV. It was basically a numbers game between what he filed for ($7.5M) and what the team offered ($2.8M), but now he’s locked in and staying put.

This is a big deal because Columbus now has its goalie situation more settled, with Greaves likely stepping into the starter role and teaming up with Elvis Merzlikins. Next up for the Jackets is signing Adam Fantilli (possibly an offer-sheet target) and making sure Cole Sillinger is sorted out before his arbitration hearing next Monday.

Breaking: Jet Greaves is staying in Columbus

Marner Agent Reopens Debate Maple Leafs Fans Want to Leave Behind

When Darren Ferris defended Mitch Marner, he probably figured it would turn into another hockey debate. Instead, a lot of Maple Leafs fans just seemed over it—like, “Why are we still talking about this?” It wasn’t really about contract details. It was the same old Marner story coming back again.

And that’s the thing: trying to “fix” a legacy can reopen the same feelings fans already have. Even if Ferris has his reasons, the more it gets discussed publicly, the harder it is for people to move on. Maybe the best way forward is letting time and a new chapter do the talking, instead of another round of debate.

When Will Darren Ferris Learn Not to Throw Gas on the Fire?

Kane Lands Back in Chicago

Patrick Kane is officially returning to the Blackhawks. He signed a two-year deal worth $16 million (about $8 million AAV) to come back to his old team. Kane just finished a strong season with the Detroit Red Wings, putting up 57 points in 67 games.

The one thing fans will have to wait for is the Kane-Connor Bedard combination. Bedard is recovering from shoulder surgery, so the two stars won’t get a chance to play together right away. But once they do share the ice, it’s going to be one of the most interesting storylines in the NHL. A future Hall of Famer teaming up with the player expected to lead Chicago’s next era? That’s going to be fun to watch.

Breaking: Patrick Kane is Returning to the Chicago Blackhawks

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