Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs GM Interview, Canucks Draft, McDavid Talks Celebrini

NHL stars take centre stage for this edition of NHL Trade Talk Recap, both future current and even front office stars take the headlines.

by
Ethan Braund
April 10, 2026

Stars of today—and stars of the future—dominated the conversation around the NHL on Thursday. With current players making headlines through their comments, attention also turned to how an upcoming draft could shape a team’s new direction. Meanwhile, two organizations appear to have identified leading candidates in their respective GM searches.

Connor McDavid’s comments about Macklin Celebrini have prompted questions about the future of number 97. Our second story explores how the Canucks face one of their biggest questions yet: Ivar Stenberg or Gavin McKenna? Our third and final story revolves around a future GM in Sunny Mehta, who was recently given permission to interview with New Jersey and Toronto.

McDavid and Celebrini Teaming Up?

Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini went head-to-head on Wednesday night, and following the game, the Oilers star had some interesting comments. A hat trick and a five-point game from the Oilers’ star player led to a win over the Sharks.

Following the game, McDavid would obviously be asked about his Canadian compatriot. Especially after how they looked together during their time with Team Canada at the Olympics. Celebrini even acknowledged there was nothing they could do to stop his Olympic teammate after the game. That leads us to McDavids’ comments, which sparked some wild theories.

He obviously praised the young star’s talent and work ethic. One part of the quote that had people talking was: “Definitely prefer him on my left side than going against him,” said McDavid. This created a bit of a stir among analysts and fans, who have interpreted it as the future Team Canada linemates teaming up in the NHL soon. But currently, he is still an Oiler and has a playoff run to think about. So hockey fans will have to wait until 2028 to see the two stars team up once again.

Connor McDavid Didn’t Hold Back His Thoughts on Macklin Celebrini

Canucks Have a Huge Decision to Make

The Canucks are firmly in last place right now and have the best odds at the first overall pick. But with great opportunity comes an even greater decision. The first step for the Canucks is to win the lottery and get that first overall pick. If that comes to fruition, they can start on the hard part: deciding between two great players.

Ivar Stenberg or Gavin McKenna, that is the biggest question many teams will be asking themselves up until the first overall pick is decided. Both players are talented left wingers who any team would love to have. But the hard part is choosing between them.

Sweden’s Stenberg has logged minutes for Frölunda in the SHL, which means he has been playing against men for the past year. That is very important for a player looking to transition from the draft to the NHL. His skating ability and quick first step really are the skills that put him on the map.

On the other hand, and probably the better-known prospect, especially for Canadians, is Gavin McKenna. He has been playing with Penn State of the NCAA for the past year, where he tallied 51 points in 35 games. He has a very high hockey IQ and likes to control the attack. Both of these players are likely to make a team very happy, and it all comes down to fit for the Canucks. Do they have an NHL-ready great skater or a very high upside and high-ceiling player? The bright side is that it is not a question we have to answer, and we can simply sit back and enjoy the show.

Skill vs IQ: The Canucks’ Toughest Draft Choice in Years

Toronto and New Jersey are Looking Sunny

It may be sunny in a town near you, Sunny Mehta that is. The Florida Panther assistant GM is getting lots of looks for GM jobs this summer. Most recently, the Panthers have agreed to let Mehta interview with both the New Jersey Devils and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Per Pierre LeBrun, both teams have been granted permission to speak with the Mehta. LeBrun writes in a recent article for The Athletic that there is interest in Mehta, “whose name has been all the rage of late, especially in the Toronto market.” Mehta, who is currently the head of analytics for the defending Stanley Cup champions, fits the profile of what the Leafs are looking for. With CEO Keith Pelley stating the team is looking for someone who is data-centric. Mehta, in his current role, would definitely fit the bill for the Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs and Devils Given Permission to Talk to Sunny Mehta for GM Job