Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Canucks & Oilers’ Babcock Impact

Three NHL storylines are heating up fast: Hellebuyck trade buzz, Vancouver’s big decision, and Babcock’s Oilers impact.

by
Old Prof
June 24, 2026

This edition (June 24, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three recaps that all point to the same big theme. The NHL offseason is getting chaotic fast, and teams are starting to make real moves instead of just talking. With the Jets, Hellebuyck rumours are picking up because the Panthers are still lurking, and the Sabres could be a sneaky trade suitor. In Vancouver, the Canucks can’t afford to “wait it out” because the trade market is active and buyers might be willing to pay a premium if Elias Pettersson becomes available. And with the Oilers, the Babcock story adds a different angle: if his coaching style really clicks with the leadership group (and there’s a built-in “Hyman effect”), then the team could get a genuine boost from within, not just from trades.

NHL Trade Recap Jan 10 — NHL Trade Recap June 24

Hellebuyck Trade Talk Is Heating Up—Florida Still Creeping, Buffalo Sneaky

Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg is starting to feel a lot less locked in, and that’s pulling contenders into the conversation. Reports say the Panthers are still circling him even after their big offseason splash. There’s supposedly “some traction” behind those talks. Other teams checking in include the Maple Leafs and the Sabres, which basically tells you the Jets aren’t getting silence. They’re getting phone calls.

Florida makes sense because they’re chasing a long-term goalie answer while staying in “win-now” mode, especially with Bobrovsky’s situation in the air. But Buffalo is the sneaky one. They’ve been looking at upgrades, and they’ve got a bunch of assets (including that fresh fourth-overall pick). They could potentially give Winnipeg a stronger long-term package. Meanwhile, Edmonton is always worth watching in the background. Teams like the Oilers don’t usually miss a chance to upgrade in goal, even if a Hellebuyck deal would take a serious cap-and-asset effort.

Connor Hellebuyck Trade Rumours Heating Up as Panthers Circle Back

Connor Hellebuyck: NHL Trade Talk — Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck might be on the move.

Canucks Shouldn’t “Wait It Out” in This Trade Chaos

Right now, the NHL trade market feels kind of frantic. Cap space is getting spent, odd deals are happening, and teams are taking risks they’d never take in a calmer offseason. For the Canucks, that’s actually a rare window. The Sedins and the Canucks’ management group keep saying “build through the draft” and move slowly. But, this is a moment where sitting on your hands could mean you miss the best chance to cash in.

The big name is Elias Pettersson. But the catch is his no-movement clause. Pettersson can essentially control his destination. But the upside is that Vancouver may be able to get a monster futures haul if they can convince him that a fresh start makes sense. Contenders are circling, and teams are suddenly willing to pay in picks and prospects. Beyond him, other forwards like Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk are getting mentioned, and deals involving guys like Filip Hronek could even be possible if Vancouver decides it’s the right time to rework the roster. This market is loud, and sellers might be more flexible than usual. Vancouver can’t just “wait and see.” They need to make calls and push the right trades.

The NHL Trade Market Is On Fire — And the Canucks Can’t Just Watch

Babcock’s “Hyman Effect” Could Spill Over in Edmonton

Mike Babcock hasn’t exactly been a bystander in his coaching career. He’s helped players get untracked before. And the whole thing feels a little full-circle because Zach Hyman already went through Babcock’s system with the Maple Leafs. Back then, Hyman was still developing, and Babcock pushed him while reinforcing the habits that would eventually become hallmarks of his game. The result was that Hyman turned into the high-character, reliable guy Edmonton fans see now.

So the question is whether Babcock can create that same ripple effect with this Oilers roster. Best-case scenario, guys like Matt Savoie (more consistency and smarter defensive reads), Trent Frederic (better attention to detail, a harder compete level, and perhaps bigger minutes), Jake Walman (more consistent two-way play), and Josh Samanski (growing into a dependable middle-six role) could all level up under the structure and accountability Babcock’s known for. Just to be clear, Babcock comes with a warning label for a reason. But if the leadership group buys in (especially with Hyman in the room) and Babcock sticks to coaching and professionalism, Edmonton could take real steps forward.

These Oilers Players Could Benefit from Babcock’s Tough Love