NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Sabres, Oilers, Lightning, Flames

In another NHL Trade Talk Recap (Dec. 17), the Vancouver Canucks dominated NHL trade discussions today, with multiple reports suggesting they’re exploring early trade talks. Kiefer Sherwood’s contributions continue to impress, and a potential Canucks-Sabres trade was described as a career-defining decision for both teams’ GMs.

The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning were linked in a surprising revisitation of 2019 trade talks involving Leon Draisaitl and Nikita Kucherov. Connor McDavid‘s health update following a collision with teammate Darnell Nurse also made headlines, as did a possible Oilers-Canucks trade that could address key roster needs.

Elsewhere, the New York Rangers faced scrutiny after Kaapo Kakko criticized the team over his benching, sparking trade speculation. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs handled roster adjustments, including Fraser Minten’s reassignment and goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury. The Calgary Flames secured defenseman Brayden Pachal with a two-year contract extension.

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Top NHL Trade Talk Recap Story:

Trade Shockwave: Could the Canucks Really Move Elias Pettersson?

Elliotte Friedman stunned the hockey world with a bold trade proposal involving Elias Pettersson. Could the Canucks and Sabres pull off a blockbuster deal that reshapes both franchises? Would trading Elias Pettersson be a genius move—or a franchise-altering mistake the Canucks can’t afford to make?

Read More About the Sabres and Canucks Here:

Would Vincent Desharnais Make Sense for the Oilers?

Vincent Desharnais’ struggles with the Canucks have sparked trade rumors—could a return to the Oilers be the reset his career needs? Would the Oilers be wise to bring back Desharnais—or is his best hockey already behind him?

Perhaps the ship has sailed on Desharnais and the Oilers. That said, what if the Canucks are willing to take a loss in a trade to move him?

Read the Rest of the Trade Talk Recap Here:

The Blockbuster That Almost Happened: Kucherov for Draisaitl?

In 2019, the Lightning and Oilers reportedly discussed a stunning trade involving superstars Nikita Kucherov and Leon Draisaitl—changing NHL history forever. Would swapping Kucherov for Draisaitl have reshaped the NHL—or left both teams regretting the deal?

Read the Post Here:

Sabres Collapse as Patrik Laine’s Hat Trick Exposes Special Teams Woes

After being challenged by their owner and GM to find answers within the locker room, the Buffalo Sabres allowed Patrik Laine to score a power-play hat trick, deepening their losing streak. Are the Sabres out of answers—or just one major trade away from saving their season?

Read More About the Sabres Problems:

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Other NHL Trade Talk Recap Dec. 17 Stories

• NHL Insiders Say Canucks Aim to Get Ahead with Early Trade Talks
• More Sabres Problems as Patrik Laine Has Power-Play Hat Trick
• Reimagining Oilers and Lightning After a Draisaitl-Kucherov Trade
• Kiefer Sherwood’s Impact on Canucks Goes Beyond His Hat Trick
• McDavid Injury Update After Run-in With Nurse at Oilers Practice
• Insider: Oilers, Lightning Discussed 2019 Draisaitl-Kucherov Trade
• Kaapo Kakko Slams Rangers Over Scapegoat Benching, Calls Out Coach
• Provorov Not Eyeing Trade from Blue Jackets, But Something Else
• 3 Paths Forward for the Struggling New York Rangers
• A Trade Between the Canucks and Oilers That Makes Sense
• Leafs’ Minten Reassigned to AHL Toronto Marlies — But Not for Long
• Maple Leafs Get Bad News on Stolarz Injury, Requires Procedure
• Flames Extend Defenseman Brayden Pachal with Two-Year Deal
• Who Says No: Canucks and Sabres Trade Could End GM Careers
• NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for December 17
• Holiday Wish List: What the Canucks Need Most This Season
• 3 Potential Landing Spots in Blues’ Brandon Saad Trade
• 4 Potential Landing Spots for Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko
• NHL Insider Clarifies Trade Talk Between Canucks and Sabres

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