NHL Trade Talk Recap: Bruins, Red Wings, Lightning & Oilers

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (November 5, 2026), some big names are making headlines today. That starts with the Bruins, who are rolling and still chasing Dylan Larkin, though he’s sticking to his 10-team list and Boston isn’t on it. Over in Tampa, Andrei Vasilevskiy’s agent says he’s extremely happy with the Lightning. But with Kucherov headed for the exit, it’s fair to wonder how safe he really is. And in Edmonton, Mike Babcock says he’s more impressed by Connor McDavid’s defensive habits than his points, even as McDavid chases his best offensive year ever.

Bruins Want Larkin, Larkin Says “Nah” (For Now)

The Bruins are rolling, sitting atop the Atlantic and still chasing Red Wings center Dylan Larkin to make their team even better. The problem is, Larkin’s list is still the same 10 teams, and Boston’s not on it, even though Friedman and Dreger say they’d love a spot.

Detroit’s still shopping him, but any deal needs Larkin’s okay. So for now, it’s Bruins want him, he doesn’t want them, and we’ll see if that changes the longer he sits.

Bruins Get Bad News While Trying to Get on Dylan Larkin’s Trade List

Vasilevskiy Is Happy in Tampa, But Is He Safe?

Vasilevskiy’s agent says Kucherov’s mess doesn’t touch him, and Andrei is “extremely happy” and wants to play 1,000 games for the Lightning. They share an agent, but Milstein says he keeps each client’s situation separate.

Still, Tampa let Stamkos walk and now Kucherov’s headed for free agency, so one sour negotiation could change things. And if it does, Vasilevskiy is easily the top goalie on the market and would have no trouble landing somewhere else.

Kucherov vs. Lightning: What the Feud Could Mean for Andrei Vasilevskiy

Babcock Isn’t Wowed by McDavid’s Points, He Loves the Other Stuff

Babcock says he’s less impressed by McDavid’s wild offensive numbers and more into the little things, like backchecking, hitting the forecheck in the right spots, and playing solid defence. Basically, the stuff the media doesn’t care about is what the coach cares about most.

The wild part is McDavid’s bought in and is still on pace for his best offensive year ever. Babcock doesn’t want to handcuff him, just make him a more well-rounded player, and it’s already working a few weeks in.

Oilers’ Babcock Drops a Great Soundbite About Connor McDavid

Recent Posts:

Two Healthy Goalies, One Less Worry: Great News for the Flames
7 Teams That Should Do Everything They Can to Land Kucherov
Has the Oilers’ Tristan Jarry Become Too Valuable to Trade?
8 Teams That Should Seriously Consider a Kucherov Trade