NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Sabres, Maple Leafs & Canucks

This edition (June 28, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three stories and a few offseason dominoes that are starting to fall. The Jets and Sabres were apparently close to a Connor Hellebuyck trade, but it fell apart, leaving both sides to reset and explore other angles. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski trade talk is heating up, with the Maple Leafs suddenly getting word that he may be open to Toronto as a destination. If that holds, it could set up a major push from the Leafs. On top of that, the Canucks left the draft with a pretty clear plan: adding upside on the wing with Adam Novotny and building a steadier foundation down the middle with Caleb Malhotra.

Hellebuyck to the Sabres? Trade talks almost happened, then crashed

The Winnipeg Jets were apparently close to a deal with the Buffalo Sabres for Connor Hellebuyck. Reports even suggested he may have been willing to waive his no-trade clause. Most versions of the deal included the No. 4 overall pick, goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and another roster piece, often reported as Jack Quinn. But the talks ultimately fell through.

Now the complication: that No. 4 pick is already gone, after Buffalo used it to select Daxon Rudolph. The Jets don’t appear to be in panic mode. If the right deal doesn’t materialize, they can roll into next season with Hellebuyck while keeping the trade market open. Other teams, including the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes, could re-enter the mix.

Connor Hellebuyck Approved a Failed Jets Draft Deal with Sabres — What Now?

Werenski trade buzz: Maple Leafs might be the real target

If Zach Werenski gets traded, it sounds like a ton of teams will instantly throw big offers at the Columbus Blue Jackets. These include the Stars, Hurricanes, Flyers, Sharks, and even the Maple Leafs. One interesting angle: Pierre LeBrun suggested the Maple Leafs are the one Canadian team Werenski might actually consider.

Russ Cohen also floated the idea that Philadelphia isn’t a realistic landing spot, suggesting Werenski’s preference could lean toward Toronto and a chance to play with Auston Matthews. If that connection is real, it becomes a major storyline for the Maple Leafs. Any deal would likely come at a significant cost, potentially involving young assets like Matthew Knies.

Maple Leafs Skyrocket Up List in Werenski Trade Discussion

Canucks Draft Move: Tools Up Wing, Foundation at Center

The Vancouver Canucks walked out of the 2026 NHL Draft with two picks that reflect two different priorities. At 24th overall, they took a swing on winger Adam Novotny, a player with real offensive tools and significant upside, even if his game still sits in that “could become more” range. Then at third overall, they committed to structure by selecting Caleb Malhotra, a two-way centre built more for reliability and identity than flash.

Together, it signals a balanced approach. Novotny brings potential scoring punch on the wing, while Malhotra projects as a stabilizing presence down the middle. It’s upside plus security. As always with draft classes, the real verdict will come with development time.

What the Canucks Need to Learn About Team Building

Today’s Posts

What’s Going On in the NHL Trade Universe?
Tarasenko Dispute Raises Tampering Questions as Wild Deny Permission Claims
Growing Push for Oilers to Reunite With Familiar Face Given Babcock’s Plans
Hurricanes Make Surprising Kotkaniemi Decision Amidst Buyout Window Closing
Why the Oilers Should at Least Pick Up the Phone on Drew Doughty
4 Years: Brady Tkachuk’s Secret Wasn’t Being Hidden From Senators
Golden Knights Explain Dorofeyev Trade, Now How Do They Replace Him?