Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Rangers

NHL Trade Talk Recap Jan. 2: Canucks lose Demko, Leafs pitching for Toews, Oilers forward chatter, and Rangers plans.

by
Jim Parsons
January 2, 2025

In another NHL Trade Talk Recap (Jan. 2), the Vancouver Canucks may have lost Thatcher Demko to another injury. He left the game versus the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night and did not return. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs were among three teams listed to be interested in Jonathan Toews, who may or may not consider returning to the NHL this season. Finally, the Edmonton Oilers might have shown their hand with Jeff Skinner and also see one of their earlier-season additions as a trade deadline move come early.

Top NHL Trade Talk Recap Story:

Canucks Lose Demko… Again

Goaltender Thatcher Demko “will not return to tonight’s game,” writes the Vancouver Canucks RR department in a statement released during the game Thursday. After a collision with teammate Noah Juulsen, Demko landed on his tailbone and left the game midway through the second period. Canucks fans are hoping this isn’t serious.

Meanwhile, there are also updates on the Canucks potentially listening to offers on J.T Miller and Elias Pettersson, with the drama getting to a point the team might feel the need to move one of them.

Read the Rest of the Recap Here:

The Maple Leafs Among 3 Teams in on Toews

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported during Thursday’s Sports on Prime Canada show that three teams are interested in Jonathan Toews. Those three teams are the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche.

Is Toews thinking about making a comeback this season? Or is this something that could wait until next year?

Read More Here

Oilers Not Going to Give Skinner a Chance, Like Kapanen’s Game

Ryan Rishaug of the Got Yer’ Back podcast labeled Kasperi Kapanen as a forward the Edmonton Oilers may have already found that could be seen as an early trade deadline addition. Rishaug said Kapanen has earned his way into his spot on the team and if Edmonton were to have gone out and acquired a player like him for a fifth-round pick at the deadline, the Oilers would be fairly happy.

This was on the same show where co-hosts Rob Brown and Jason Strudwick claimed Jeff Skinner will not get better opportunities in the top six, especially when Evander Kane comes back. As such, Skinner is likely to be traded.

Read the Rest of the NHL Trade Talk Recap Post Here:

Rangers Set To Make a Move?

The New York Rangers are gearing up to do something, report several sources. David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period on a recent episode of The Latest: “But we’ve been hearing over the last few days, since the holiday freeze lifted, that the New York Rangers continue to explore the trade market and different types of moves that they could potentially make.”

What Do the Rangers Have In the Works?

Canada Eliminated by Czechia at the World Juniors

Team Canada is out of the World Junior Championships, losing 4-3 to Team Czechia with seconds remaining in the third period. This is the second straight tournament where Canada lost in the Quarterfinal.

It was not a good showing for Team Canada and the coaching staff is under serious scrutiny for the way this year’s team was selected and coached.

Read More About Team Canada’s Loss