Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers & Blue Jackets Gamble

Today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs’ new-look roster, McDavid’s next contract, and Jet Greaves’ arbitration battle headline the news.

by
Old Prof
July 21, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 21, 2026), we’re taking a quick look at three NHL storylines. The Maple Leafs are hoping their Chayka-era roster tweaks will finally make them much better this season. Improved defence and the addition of Sergei Bobrovsky could make the team much better. In Edmonton, the Oilers’ McDavid money talk has people wondering what the superstar will ask for next. However, one analyst says he’ll prioritize winning over maxing out. And over in Columbus, Jet Greaves is heading to arbitration against the Blue Jackets because they can’t agree on his salary. There’s a huge gap, setting up a likely middle-ground “bridge” deal.

Maple Leafs Could Be Way Better This Season

Toronto might actually be in a better spot than it was last season, thanks to the new leadership group under GM John Chayka. The Maple Leafs made a bunch of roster tweaks that look like “fix what didn’t work” moves. There’s more quality, depth, and a cleaner fit overall, which can show up quickly.

The biggest potential improvements are on defence and in goal. If the back end is more structured (and it sounds like it is) and Sergei Bobrovsky bounces back even a little, the whole team could click. Add some growth from the team’s younger players, and the Leafs could improve significantly.

Why the 2026 Maple Leafs Could Be Better Than Anyone Expects

Connor McDavid Next Payday?

Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard just set the tone with huge extensions. So now everyone’s wondering what Connor McDavid will get when his deal comes up. Analysts on Spittin’ Chiclets even threw out wild numbers like $23M and $25M per year.

But Edmonton analyst Jason Gregor thinks McDavid won’t just chase the biggest payday. Instead, he’s laser-focused on winning a Stanley Cup. If he hasn’t won by the time his next contract is in play, he’s more likely to keep it team-friendly (like he did with that $12.5M AAV extension) and prioritise building a winner.

Analyst Isn’t Buying The Latest Connor McDavid Contract Rumour

Greaves vs. Blue Jackets: Arbitration Day Looms

Jet Greaves and the Columbus Blue Jackets are headed to arbitration this Thursday because they can’t agree on his salary. Greaves wants a $7.5M cap hit, while Columbus has him at $2.8M, which is a huge gap that either gets settled late or decided by a third-party ruling.

Greaves had a genuine breakout season with a .908 save percentage and a 2.80 GAA. But it’s also coming off a small sample size compared to what a $7.5M deal is betting on. Columbus also has two other unsigned RFAs to deal with, so they’re trying to manage cap space wisely. If this goes to a one-year bridge, analysts expect $4.5M to $5.5M.

Jet Greaves and Blue Jackets Head to Arbitration With a Massive Gap