NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Oilers & Red Wings Yzerman’s Gone

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 15, 2026), we look at three major NHL stories today. The Jets locked up Cole Perfetti on a long-term deal (with a little risk attached). The Oilers are all-in on a goalie rebuild, and Devon Levi is the most interesting piece. And the Red Wings just shifted Steve Yzerman into an advisor role as they start hunting for a new GM.

Jets Lock Up Cole Perfetti

Winnipeg just signed Cole Perfetti to a five-year, $30 million deal with a $6 million cap hit. That keeps him locked in through 2030-31 and avoids salary arbitration. It’s a pretty fair agreement, but it’s also basically a bet. If he plays really well, the Jets could be paying more later. But if he doesn’t, it’ll feel like they paid a lot for “potential” for now.

The timing matters because his last season was rough. He dealt with a high ankle sprain, came back a bit early, and finished with 32 points while missing 14 games. This contract makes it seem as though the Jets are trusting Perfetti’s previous production. He did put up a 50-point breakout season. They have to be hoping the next one is the real one.

Jets Take Risk with Cole Perfetti, Locking Him Up on a 5-Year Deal

Oilers’ Goaltending Makeover: Levi Is the Big Intrigue

The Oilers basically went all-in on changing their goalie situation. Over the past year, they brought in Tristan Jarry. Then this summer they added Devon Levi and Frederik Andersen. So the mix is now part veteran stability and part “let’s see what happens” upside with Levi.

The standout name in this recap is Levi. Prospect analyst Scott Wheeler is bullish on him, saying he still has the exact skills smaller goalies need. He has good edge control, quick shuffles, good hands, strong reads, tracking through traffic, and a gritty mindset. Levi’s latest AHL numbers were solid too (23-20-9, 2.83 GAA, .904 save percentage, and four shutouts. The Oilers see it as a smart gamble, especially because having both Jarry and Andersen around should help Levi settle in and feel less pressure right away.

Prospect Analyst High on Devon Levi, Expects Breakout in Edmonton

Yzerman Steps Aside in Detroit

Detroit just announced Steve Yzerman is stepping away as GM and moving into a senior advisor role. He’ll still help during the transition and remain on the search committee to find the next person to run the hockey side.

The timing is interesting because it comes not long after Dylan Larkin reportedly requested a trade following another late-season collapse. Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff are already being mentioned as possible replacements. Detroit could also go external since several other GM jobs opened this offseason.

Yzerman Out as Red Wings GM; Search for Successor Begins

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