Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers & Canadiens Will Pay

Maple Leafs need a puck-moving D-man, Nurse trade talk heats up in Edmonton, and Canadiens eye Hischier if he becomes available.

by
Old Prof
June 6, 2026

This edition (June 6, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three quick offseason notes. The Maple Leafs’ real issue isn’t up front—it’s on the blue line. The Oilers’ Darnell Nurse may finally be open to trade discussions. And the Canadiens would be aggressive suitors if Nico Hischier becomes available.

Maple Leafs Need a Puck-Moving Defenceman

The season looked rough, but it wasn’t a total collapse. Losing Mitch Marner and running Craig Berube’s system skewed things. With a new coach coming and Chayka/Sundin steering moves, the team could clean up the mess. A top pick (hello, Gavin McKenna) helps the forward group. But don’t expect that alone to fix the real problem.

That real problem is the blue line. Rielly had a down season, and Toronto needs mobility and a puck‑mover more than another veteran band‑aid. Targets range from pricey UFAs like Darren Raddysh to trades for the likes of Dougie Hamilton (or the pipe‑dream of Colton Parayko waiving his no‑trade). But whatever they do should prioritize a legit top‑pair, puck‑moving defenseman over chasing another stopgap.

What Should the Maple Leafs Prioritize Most This Offseason?

Nurse Open to Listening — Trade Talk Heating Up

Word is Darnell Nurse might actually be willing to listen to offers, even if he’d rather stay in Edmonton. And that could speed up the Oilers’ plan to move him this offseason. He still owns a full NMC, so nothing’s done. But if he’s truly open to the right fit, teams with cap space and a need for veteran defencemen will start circling.

The problem is the contract: $9.25M through 2027-28 isn’t easy to hide. And Nurse’s play has dipped, so the market’s thin. Edmonton still needs to avoid panic deals. They’ll want a decent return without telegraphing desperation the moment word leaks that he’s willing to go.

Report: Darnell Nurse Open to Trade from Oilers as Deal Now Likely

Darnell Nurse Oilers shrug — Darnell Nurse, of the Oilers, seems willing to consider moving.

The Canadiens Would Go All‑In for Hischier

If Nico Hischier hits the market, expect Montreal to jump in hard. Pierre LeBrun calls him a “left‑handed Nick Suzuki,” and the fit apparently couldn’t be cleaner. Kent Hughes has been dialling everyone; the Habs just missed out on Matthew Knies and have been sniffing around other forwards, so don’t be surprised if they’re willing to overpay to land a center like Hischier.

He’s got a 10‑team no‑trade clause, so he’d have a say, and Montreal would likely be ready to offer both a heavy trade package and a big extension to lock him in. Plenty of teams could use him. But for the Habs — coming off a deep run and packed with young talent — he’d slot right in and immediately boost their top‑6 and faceoff game.

Canadiens Willing to Pay “Real Price” for Devils Nico Hischier