Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers, & Canadiens Hang On

Maple Leafs, Oilers, and Canadiens face key questions: Raddysh’s future, Jarry’s role, and Xhekaj trade talks headline NHL chatter.

by
Old Prof
July 30, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 30, 2026), we’re looking at the posts about Canadian teams. The Maple Leafs’ Darren Raddysh has a big, long-term question hanging over him. Can he actually grow into a steady NHL defender without the decline that derails so many late-breakout bets? Meanwhile, the Oilers’ goaltending picture for 2026–27 isn’t as straightforward as it looks on paper: Tristan Jarry may be the most obvious candidate to start, but the team will still demand performance and could keep the job race fluid under a new coaching setup. And in Montreal, Arber Xhekaj remains a lingering trade talking point. Other teams have checked in, but the Canadiens are seemingly content (and Xhekaj hopeful) to make things work. The situation feels more like careful negotiation than a forced exit.

Raddysh’s Big Question: Can He Grow Without Crashing?

Toronto fans are understandably nervous about Darren Raddysh. A huge long-term deal means there’s a lot of pressure, and hockey history is full of guys who look like they finally figured it out. Then teams adjusted and the hype cools off fast. That can be especially true when the player was older when they had their breakout.

But the good news is this doesn’t have to be that story. Late bloomers don’t usually learn defence overnight. They often get everything lined up (confidence, usage, role, and experience). A perfect example is Mark Giordano, who won the Norris at 35 and later played for the Kraken and the Maple Leafs. “He was elite because he could be trusted with the toughest responsibilities of being a defenceman, even if he was never the flashiest player. If Raddysh keeps making smart reads, cuts down the panic, and keeps the decision-making sharp, Toronto could end up with a steady blue-liner instead of a quick hype moment.

Concerns About Darren Raddysh Breakout Might Be Silly

Jarry Might Not Be Edmonton’s “Starter by Default”

Allan Mitchell thinks Tristan Jarry is the most likely starter for the Oilers in 2026-27. He was supposed to be the fix; he was playing well before getting hurt; and he’s paid to be a starter. But at the end of the day, the Oilers don’t care what happened on paper. If they don’t fully trust Jarry as their starter, he has to earn it back. In fact, he probably won’t get a ton of leash at the start.

With a new head coach, Mike Babcock running the show, it’s not going to be “loyalty to the old plan.” Babcock has history with a proven winner in Frederik Andersen, and he’ll likely feel comfortable leaning on him while Jarry tries to find his game. Plus, Bowman already said the Jarry trade didn’t go how they wanted. If a move pops up, Edmonton won’t hesitate. And yeah, Devon Levi is part of the future picture too, so this race could keep flipping all season.

Early Rumour About Oilers Goaltending Battle Not Entirely Accurate

Tristan Jarry Oilers practice — Tristan Jarry Oilers

Xhekaj Trade Chatter, But Montreal Sounds Like It Wants to Keep Him

Arber Xhekaj is still unsigned with the Canadiens. That fact has other GMs checking what it would take to pry him loose. David Pagnotta says a few teams have asked around, but Montreal hasn’t found a package that’s worth it. More importantly, they don’t seem like they’re trying to move him.

At the same time, Xhekaj isn’t looking to bolt. His agent says he loves Montreal, the fans, and the city. Everyone’s trying to make it work. The catch is that it’s a business, and both Xhekaj and Jayden Struble want bigger roles. Now it’s basically ongoing talks, not a panic situation. Outside teams like the Flyers are still in the mix, but until Montreal decides it has to move him, things will likely stay in limbo.

Multiple Teams Want Xhekaj — Montreal Holding Firm on Trade Stance