NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Oilers & No to No-Trade Clauses?

Today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap for October 1, 2026, shares that Gary Bettman believes that no-trade clauses are getting out of hand. It also offers more detail on why Montreal couldn’t quite land Marchenko, even with him wanting in. And a wild “what if” on whether the Oilers could actually pry Hellebuyck away from Winnipeg.

Bettman Thinks No-Trade Clauses Have Gotten a Little Out of Hand

Gary Bettman’s basically saying what a lot of fans have been thinking lately: no-trade clauses have drifted way past what they were originally meant for. His point is these protections were supposed to help players who took team-friendly deals feel secure staying put somewhere long-term. It was not to give guys a tool to demand a trade and dictate exactly where they land. He said the league’s “gotten past the way no-trade clauses were originally intended.” That’s a pretty blunt thing for a commissioner to admit.

He’s not hitting the panic button over one rough summer, but he’s clearly watching the trend closely. Bettman worries this flips the power dynamic too far toward players controlling negotiations, which makes trades harder to complete and isn’t great for teams or fans either. If this keeps happening, don’t be surprised if it becomes a real conversation between the league and the Players’ Association down the road.

Bettman Takes Shot at NHL No-Trade Clauses: Expect the League to Make Changes

Why Montreal Couldn’t Close the Marchenko Deal, Even With Him Wanting In

So here’s the kicker — Marchenko actually wanted to go to Montreal. He was reportedly happy with the idea, and even wanted to play alongside Ivan Demidov, who shares his agent. So Montreal didn’t lose out because the player didn’t want to be there. The real issue was what Columbus needed in return. They wanted a young, NHL-ready player who could step in right away. Montreal just didn’t have that kind of piece, and they weren’t willing to move it without gutting their core.

Toronto did, though. Matthew Knies was exactly the young, cost-controlled, talented player Columbus wanted, and nobody else could match that. Toronto also sweetened things by taking on two contracts, Merzlikins and Wood, which gave them extra leverage. Montreal tried to get creative late, even possibly looping in a third team to make something work, but whatever they put together didn’t come close to matching Knies’ value. End result: a deal Montreal really wanted, but just couldn’t quite put together.

Canadiens Chased Big Name They Could Flip to the Blue Jackets in Marchenko Trade

Should the Oilers Actually Make a Run at Hellebuyck?

Frank Seravalli suggests Connor Hellebuyck might not be as locked into playing in the U.S. as everyone assumed, which has people wondering whether the Oilers could actually make a play for him. The timing lines up too, honestly. Jarry gave up six goals in his season debut, making it 10 times in his 12 games as an Oiler that he’s allowed four or more. Andersen’s return keeps feeling further away. At some point you’ve gotta wonder if Edmonton’s goaltending problem is ever actually getting fixed.

The catch is, Winnipeg holds all the leverage here. Hellebuyck is currently suspended without pay, so Winnipeg isn’t under the same pressure to make a deal immediately. Even if he softens on wanting to stay stateside, Edmonton’s got another problem: they don’t have much to offer back. Winnipeg would probably want a goalie in return; Jarry’s got trade protection, Levi’s unproven, and nothing in Edmonton’s system really helps a Jets team trying to compete right now. Still, with McDavid in his prime and the crease being a problem for years, it might be worth the Oilers at least picking up the phone, even if the odds are long.

Insider: Changing Optics Might Help Oilers Acquire Connor Hellebuyck

Recent Posts:

Jack Hughes Not Amused by Bubble Wrap Joke in Opening-Night Interview
The Oilers’ Goaltending Picture Just Got a Little More Interesting
Quinn Hughes Continues to Frustrate Wild with Leisurely Contract Tactic
Maple Leafs And Matthews Had Priorities; Knies Found Out the Hard Way What They Are
Goalies Are Voodoo — So Why Is Connor Hellebuyck Still on the Market?
Ducks Pay Tristan Luneau $43.2 Million After 14 NHL Games. Massive Overreaction?
Injuries Piling Up for Oilers, Who Lose Another Key Forward
Is the Old Anthony Stolarz Back for the Maple Leafs?
The Oilers Are Already Playing Salary-Cap Jenga
Red Wings’ Larkin Trade Demands Called “Unrealistic” by Rival GM
Simon Edvinsson’s Frustration Is Boiling Over as Detroit Fumbles His Contract
Maple Leafs Have a New Rule, And William Nylander Just Found Out