Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks
NHL Trade Talk Recap Jan. 4: Canucks trade talks, Oilers seek d-man, Maple Leafs’ Knies has a big night, and Bedard frustrated.
In another NHL Trade Talk Recap (Jan. 4), the talk about Vancouver Canucks trades is heating up, with insiders suggesting they’re considering three options for Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. What would be the return, and is this a fractured relationship between two players that can’t be repaired?
The Edmonton Oilers are always on the lookout for a defenseman but is a writer’s like to the New York Rangers even remotely accurate? Meanwhile, did the Oilers miss out on the red-hot Cam Fowler?
Connor Bedard’s impressive play amidst the Blackhawks’ struggles continues. It’s been tough for the young star to play on a rebuilding team. Mark Messier says he knows why the Rangers are falling apart. Finally, which NHL coaches are on the hot seat?

Top NHL Trade Talk Recap Story:
Canucks’ Trade Drama: Is the Future of Pettersson and Miller in Doubt?
Elliotte Friedman revealed in his Saturday Headlines report that the Canucks are seriously considering trades for both Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, with multiple options on the table, including moving on from both players. With the Canucks weighing all options, how will this drama end?
Read More About the Canucks Issues Here:
Connor Bedard: Thriving Amidst Frustration in Chicago’s Rebuild
Despite his individual success, Connor Bedard’s early NHL career with the struggling Blackhawks has been a test of patience, growth, and emerging leadership. Can Bedard turn his success into a foundation for future greatness in Chicago, or will the weight of losing hold him back?
Read More About This Great Young Player Here:
Matthew Knies Gets First Hat Trick in 5-Point Game for Maple Leafs
It was a wild game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins on Saturday, with Matthew Knies stealing the show. He had three goals and five points in a winning effort. Auston Matthews also returned to the team and produced.
Read the Rest of the Recap Here
Did the Edmonton Oilers Miss the Boat on Cam Fowler?
While the Oilers were potentially eyeing Cam Fowler as a defensive upgrade, his trade to the Blues raises the question of whether Edmonton missed a valuable opportunity. Did the Oilers make a mistake by not pursuing Fowler, or is their focus on other defensive needs more pressing in the long run?
And, is there any truth at all to speculation that the Oilers and the Rangers could be trade fits? One writer speculated that Adam Fox could be on the move if the Rangers go for a total teardown and want to move him prior to his no-movement clause kicking in next season.
Mark Messier Calls Out “Fractured Core” of the Rangers
Mark Messier’s blunt assessment of the Rangers’ struggles points to deeper issues within the team, suggesting that fractured relationships, not just poor play, are holding them back. Can the Rangers overcome their internal fractures and regain the trust needed to contend, or is their path to success more complicated than we thought?
Read Messier’s Assessment Here:
More NHL Trade Talk Recap Jan. 4 Recent Posts
- Pettersson, Miller Trade Update: Insider Says 3 Options on Table
- Writer Oddly Links Oilers to Rangers’ Star Defenseman in Trade
- Who Says No to Trade: Vancouver Canucks or New York Rangers?
- Former Captain Knows Why the Rangers Are Falling Apart
- Should We Believe the Maple Leafs Easton Cowan Trade Rumors?
- Did the Oilers Miss Out on a Blues’ Home Run Blue Line Trade?
- Former Maple Leafs Goalie Finds Fresh Start in Finland
- Oilers Josh Brown Call-Up Raises Questions About Possible Injury
- Bedard’s Balancing Frustration and Growth Amid Blackhawks’ Struggles
- 3 NHL Head Coaches on the Hot Seat This Season
- Are Cultural Dynamics at Play in Canucks’ Pettersson & Miller Rift?
- NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Draisaitl Extends Point Streak, Habs & Canucks
- Draisaitl Clutch in Oilers’ 3-2 Win Over Ducks
Related: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Canucks, and a Trade

Kael
January 5, 2025 at 12:19 pm
The oilers didn’t miss out on anything, despite your wish that they did. Fowler is not at all the type of dman the Oilers need.
Jim
January 5, 2025 at 1:55 pm
Why would I wish anyone miss out on anything? Fowler may not be a fit, but that was stated in the post. Odd reaction.