Detroit Red Wings

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Red Wings, Oilers, Senators, Leafs, Canucks

NHL Trade Talk Recap Dec. 26: Red Wings new coach, Oilers linked in trade, Senators pushing, Leafs trade idea, Canucks issues & Habs decision

by
Old Prof
December 26, 2024

In another NHL Trade Talk Recap (Dec. 26), the Detroit Red Wings had to settle a contract issue before they could hire Todd McLellan as head coach, and an insider reports that the Oilers might target a less attractive but experienced cup-winning defenseman in a potential trade. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs and Canadiens are linked in an “exceedingly rare” trade proposal, while Ottawa Senators playoff hopes are in question. Also, could Kaapo Kakko thrive after his trade to the Seattle Kraken?

The Rangers might be unsure about Matt Rempe’s future, and Canucks are grappling with internal drama between Pettersson and Miller. As for Laine, could his injury be more than just physical for the Montreal Canadiens? Keep an eye on Red Wings’ new hires, Predators’ trade targets, and much more with the latest updates on the NHL landscape.

Top NHL Trade Talk Recap Story

Red Wings Hire Todd McLellan as Coach

The Detroit Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde on Thursday and hired experienced coach Todd McLellan. Lalonde was on the hot seat and the Red Wings worked out a deal with the Los Angeles Kings to ensure that the final year of McLellan’s deal was covered before making the change.

Can McLellan get the Red Wings back into playoff contention? Or is this just about the future? The fact that the team made the change mid-season suggests that GM Steve Yzerman still believes that this group can make a run under the right leadership.

Read the Rest of the Recap Here

Top 3 Must-Watch Players at the 2025 World Junior Championship

With the 2025 World Junior Championship set to begin, this year’s tournament promises to showcase exciting young talent, including top prospects like Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Gavin McKenna, and Trey Augustine. Each of these players is poised to impact their respective teams and could be key to their nation’s success. Which rising star will steal the spotlight at this year’s World Junior Championship?

Could John Gibson Be the Missing Piece for the Oilers’ Stanley Cup Push?

Despite not having an immediate need for a goaltender, Chris Johnston suggests the Edmonton Oilers could pursue a trade for John Gibson to provide crucial depth behind Stuart Skinner, especially with the team’s current struggles in save percentage and limited goaltending options beyond Skinner. Is adding John Gibson the key to the Oilers’ Stanley Cup aspirations, or could it complicate their plans?

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Did the Canadiens Make the Right Call by Pulling Laine from the Game?

In our final recap, speculation swirls around the Montreal Canadiens’ decision to pull Patrik Laine from a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after he suffered an “upper-body injury.” Was it a precaution to protect his long-term health amid rising tensions, or a missed opportunity to boost their slim playoff chances? Was pulling Laine the smart play for Montreal, or did they sacrifice a chance at victory for the sake of his future?