Calgary Flames

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Blackhawks & Flames Moving Frost?

The Maple Leafs still regret the Darryl Sittler trade, while Connor Bedard wants Patrick Kane back and the Flames weigh Morgan Frost options.

by
Old Prof
July 20, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 20, 2026), we’re revisiting a Maple Leafs trade that still makes fans wince. That was the January 1982 trade that sent Darryl Sittler away for a return that never came close to matching his impact. At the same time, the Blackhawks are potentially looking at a different kind of shake-up. Connor Bedard is publicly pitching Patrick Kane to return to Chicago, arguing that it would instantly boost both the team and the energy around it. And in Calgary, it’s more about patience. The Flames keep hearing trade interest in center Morgan Frost but don’t seem ready to decide whether to act now or wait for the right moment.

NHL Trade Talk Recap Jan 4 — NHL Trade Talk Recap July 20

Maple Leafs Still Wince at the Darryl Sittler Trade

In January 1982, Toronto traded Darryl Sittler. He was an all-time Maple Leafs icon and the franchise’s leading scorer for many years. Sittler went to the Philadelphia Flyers for Rich Costello, Peter Ihnacak, and a second-round pick, a return that never came close to replacing what Toronto lost.

The bigger story, though, is that the team behind the scenes was a mess. With ugly front-office fights and leadership breakdowns under Harold Ballard and GM Punch Imlach, the trade ended up looking less like smart hockey and more like personal conflict. It’s still remembered as one of Toronto’s worst moves.

Darryl Sittler’s Lasting Maple Leafs Legacy Is the Horrible Trade

Bedard Presses Kane to Come Back to Chicago

Connor Bedard publicly pitched Patrick Kane on the idea of returning to the Chicago Blackhawks. With Kane able to choose where he signs as a free agent, the rumour mill has it that Chicago or the Buffalo Sabres are the main contenders. Bedard clearly hopes it’s the Hawks.

If Kane returns to Chicago, Bedard thinks it would bring instant energy for the team and fans. It would also make the team better. The article also argues the pairing just fits creatively, with Kane’s improvisation and playmaking alongside Bedard’s elite vision.

Bedard Makes Pitch to Patrick Kane to Return to Blackhawks

Connor Bedard Blackhawks Team Canada — Connor Bedard Blackhawks

Flames Still Listening on Morgan Frost

The Calgary Flames are still getting trade interest in center Morgan Frost as the summer rolls on. But it’s not clear if they’ll pull the trigger now or hold out until the deadline.

Frost just had a career year with 43 points and improved his work in the faceoff circle. He’s in the final season of his deal, so Calgary sees real value. Multiple teams are interested, though nothing looks close.

Timing Critical as Flames Have Morgan Frost’s Name Out There in Trade Talks