NHL Trade Talk Recap

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Devils, Canadiens, Sharks & Maple Leafs

Across the NHL, trade talk is heating up on Markström, Montreal’s retool, and a potential Rielly-to-San Jose shift.

by
Old Prof
June 13, 2026

This edition (June 13, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes recaps from a busy offseason brewing across the NHL. The Devils are checking the market on Jacob Markström. The Canadiens face a fork-in-the-road choice after a surprise Stanley Cup run. And the Sharks may shift their sights from the Oilers’ Darnell Nurse to the Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly as they hunt for veteran stability on the blue line.

NHL Trade Talk Recap Mar. 5 — NHL Trade Talk Recap June 13

Devils Shopping Markström? Just Kicking Tires for Now

Word is New Jersey’s poking around on Jacob Markström after a rough 2025-26. It’s not a done deal, just testing the market. He had a shaky year (3.07 GAA, .883 SV%), carries a $6M cap hit for two more seasons, and has a 20-team no-trade list. So any move would be tricky.

Still, Markström’s a proven veteran and some contenders (Carolina, Colorado, Pittsburgh, even Edmonton) might kick the tires if they want short-term stability in net. For now, the Devils are likely just doing homework. But once a team starts asking about its starter, rumours tend to roll.

Jacob Markstrom Trade Rumours Begin as Devils Gauge Interest

Keep the Band Together — Smart Push, Not a Fire Sale

Montreal’s not rebuilding. They just had a 106-point season and a run to the ECF, so messing with the roster would be madness. They should sign the RFAs, keep the young core rolling, and don’t trade away the future just to chase one year.

Do a sensible one-player upgrade (true 2C or right-shot D), add gritty depth wingers, and keep the picks and prospects developing. It’s the best chance to stay competitive now without wrecking your cap or draft pipeline.

Canadiens Off-Season Blueprint: Spend Smart, Don’t Move Core

Jakub Dobes Canadiens emotional — Jakub Dobes proved to be a strong Canadiens goalie.

Rielly to the Sharks? Suddenly It Makes Sense

If San Jose can’t land Darnell Nurse because he prefers the East, Morgan Rielly suddenly becomes a much more realistic target. And, he would be a smart one. The Sharks have cap room, assets, and a real need for a steady, veteran presence on the blue line, and Rielly’s minutes-and-offence game would fit that bill.

Toronto might not demand a haul if their main goal is cap relief, and the pressure on Rielly would ease in San Jose compared with Toronto. The big question: would Rielly even be willing to go? But with Nurse off the table, the Sharks aren’t wasting any time chasing alternatives.

Rielly-to-Sharks Talk Picks Up Steam as Oilers Trade Option Fades