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NHL Trade Talk Recap: Sabres, Canucks, Oilers, Canadiens

NHL Trade Talk Recap Dec. 16: Sabres no panic, Leafs seeking center, Canucks Pettersson trade? Oilers seeking d-man, Habs roster needs

by
Old Prof
December 16, 2024

In another NHL Trade Talk Recap (Dec. 16), trade rumors surround the Buffalo Sabres as owner Terry Pegula and GM Kevyn Adams expressed confidence in the current roster despite a 10-game losing streak. While names like Alex Tuch seem untouchable, pending UFAs like Jason Zucker and Dylan Cozens could be on the move if the team chooses to sell.

The Oilers are reportedly looking to upgrade in two areas. Could they look at a trade targeting defense and center depth with the same team in the same deal? The Oilers also lost a wild game to the Florida Panthers in a Stanley Cup Final rematch.

There was buzz about a possible Elias Pettersson trade stirred up by a trusted insider.

Finally, the Canadiens and Flames focus on filling key roster needs, while the Bruins face contract challenges with Trent Frederic that could spark trade movement. Across the NHL, teams are gearing up for pivotal roster adjustments before the trade deadline.

NHL Trade Talk Recap Dec 16 — NHL Trade Talk Recap Dec. 16

Top NHL Trade Talk Recap: Sabres Reject Trade Panic Amid Losing Streak

Despite a 10-game skid, the Buffalo Sabres’ leadership is standing firm. They’re placing faith in the current roster while signaling they won’t pursue major trades to spark a turnaround. Is believing in the current roster a show of trust—or a risky bet that could sink the Sabres?

Read the Rest of the Trade Talk Recap Post Here:

Canadiens’ Rebuild Continues Amid Trade Rumors and Future Plans

Despite hopes for playoff contention, the Montreal Canadiens remain in rebuild mode. Management is expected to trade key players like David Savard and Christian Dvorak while eyeing a top-four right-handed defenseman for the future. Will the Canadiens’ trade deadline moves set the stage for a playoff push next season—or signal more rebuilding ahead?

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Oilers Loser Barnburner to Panthers, Eyeing Defense and Depth Center

The Edmonton Oilers are exploring trade options to bolster their blue line and add a depth center, potentially targeting teams like the Sharks or Canadiens for a dual upgrade ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Can the Oilers pull off a blockbuster trade that fills two critical roster needs—or will cap space force them to choose just one?

Read More Than the Recap Here:

Meanwhile, the Oilers played the Florida Panthers in a Stanley Cup Final rematch and it didn’t go as expected. Zach Hyman took a shot in the face, Evan Bouchard and Stuart Skinner had bad nights, and the Oilers lost 6-5.

Should the Canucks Consider Trading Elias Pettersson?

Speculation around trading Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson has sparked fierce debate, with fans split between seeing him as indispensable or as trade bait for a much-needed roster overhaul. Would moving Pettersson be the bold shakeup the Canucks need—or a decision they’d regret for years to come?