NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Mammoth, Maple Leafs & Red Wings

Today’s NHL Trade Talk roundup (October 19, 2026) features three stories that could develop quickly. Elliotte Friedman thinks Utah could be where the Hellebuyck saga finally ends, with a chain reaction through the Rangers’ goalie situation. Toronto is reportedly chasing Flames defenceman Zach Whitecloud, but the question is whether a second-pairing D is enough. And John Buccigross says a Dylan Larkin trade is coming within 10 days, though for now that’s one analyst’s read and not a confirmed report.

Friedman Thinks Utah Could Be Where the Hellebuyck Saga Ends

Elliotte Friedman says the Utah Mammoth are determined to land Connor Hellebuyck, and he points out that when they want someone, it usually works out (he used Vincent Trocheck as the example). One way it could happen is a chain reaction: Karel Vejmelka goes to the Rangers to fill the hole left by Igor Shesterkin’s injury, which opens a spot in Utah for Hellebuyck. Buffalo is still in the picture too, and Friedman says Hellebuyck is willing to go there.

There’s also a loose deadline, since his suspension ends Friday. Friedman believes the Jets could pay him to stay home if they can’t complete a trade by Friday. Scouts reportedly have questions about his current form after his absence. Friday could answer a lot of those questions.

Insider Names the Determined Team He Expects to Land Hellebuyck

Maple Leafs Reportedly Chasing Whitecloud, but Would a Second-Pairing D Be Enough?

Howard Berger calls it a “loud whisper” that Toronto is trying to land Flames defenceman Zach Whitecloud. He says it might not take a big return. Whitecloud is a 29-year-old right-shot defender with size, Cup experience and a $2.75 million cap hit through 2027-28, which makes him appealing. Elliotte Friedman also said the Maple Leafs would pay a premium asset for a true difference-maker on the blue line, though he later clarified that Easton Cowan isn’t being shopped.

The catch is that Whitecloud is a dependable second-pairing defender, not the elite puck-mover Friedman described. A fair price might be a second-round pick plus a mid-level prospect. Calgary has no reason to rush with multiple teams interested. A deal looks plausible, but the real question is whether the Maple Leafs can get it done without giving up one of their best young assets.

Maple Leafs Linked to Zach Whitecloud as Trade Rumours Intensify

ESPN’s John Buccigross Says a Larkin Trade Is Coming Within 10 Days

On the Frankly Hockey podcast, John Buccigross said he expects a Detroit trade within seven to 10 days. When asked if he meant Dylan Larkin, he said, “That’s coming.” Elliotte Friedman added that the Red Wings may be wondering how long they want to risk Larkin getting hurt, and that the Hellebuyck situation has probably created some urgency. Larkin’s trade request went public back on June 4, so this has dragged on a long time.

Minnesota has been linked to Larkin, while Montreal has also surfaced in the speculation. However, reports indicate the Canadiens weren’t on his original list of approved destinations. So a move there would require clarification on whether he’s willing to waive his trade protection.

ESPN Analyst Claims To Have Big News on Dylan Larkin Trade

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