NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Oilers, Blackhawks & Bedard’s Draw

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 24, 2026), we’re covering three different storylines. First, in Vancouver, fans are already buying into Caleb Malhotra as the next spark that could take the Canucks to the next level. In Edmonton, it’s still the Oilers “win-now” talk about a potential trade landing Steven Stamkos. And over in Chicago, Patrick Kane’s return is the feel-good kind of story. Does the deal signal that the Blackhawks are trying to make moves for real?

Canucks Fans Are Already Hyped on Caleb Malhotra

Quinn Hughes was the prospect who flipped the Canucks’ future from “maybe” to “okay, this could actually work,” and now Caleb Malhotra is starting to bring that same kind of energy. No one’s saying he’s exactly like Hughes, but the excitement around Malhotra is real. And it’s something Canucks fans haven’t felt in a while.

Vancouver grabbed him third overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, and so far he looks like a prospect who can handle the spotlight thanks to his skill, hockey IQ, and maturity. He’s also got hometown ties. He was born in Victoria and raised in British Columbia. There’s a good chance fans get to see him again at the 2027 World Juniors before he even reaches the NHL.

Canucks Fans As Excited About Caleb Malhotra as Quinn Hughes

Should the Oilers Make a Big Swing for Stamkos?

The Oilers have been trying to squeeze the most out of their Connor McDavid–Leon Draisaitl window, even if it means giving up future pieces. So if the Predators start thinking younger, Steven Stamkos could be the kind of proven scoring threat Edmonton goes after.

In this proposal, Edmonton gets Stamkos with $2 million retained, while Nashville takes on Trent Frederic, Beau Akey, Quinn Hutson, plus a 2028 first and a 2028 third. It’s a huge haul, but it could fit both teams depending on whether Edmonton wants to go all-in now—or Nashville wants to rebuild for the next chapter.

Oilers Trade Proposal Lands Steven Stamkos: Would You Do It?

Kane Takes His Time—and Lands Back in Chicago

Patrick Kane’s Blackhawks comeback wasn’t some quick impulse thing. His agent says Kane deliberately slowed down his decision, picked his moment, and got a clear sense that Chicago’s interest wasn’t just real—it was serious from the jump.

Even with about 10 teams showing interest early on, Kane waited a few days, and Chicago stayed in close contact with Kane and his representatives the whole time. With the $8 million AAV deal and a full no-movement clause, Chicago clearly believes there’s still plenty left in the tank—and they’re betting Kane can help Connor Bedard immediately as Chicago tries to take the next step.

Why Patrick Kane Really Chose to Sign Back With the Blackhawks

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