NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Jets & Rangers

Today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap for October 11, 2026, has plenty to chew on, starting with Auston Matthews putting up big numbers under Jim Hiller and a question about whether the new coach deserves some credit. Edmonton keeps rolling and dropped a few hints about what’s next. And the Hellebuyck-to-the-Rangers rumour got shut down fast. 

Is Hiller Bringing Out More of Auston Matthews’ Offence?

Auston Matthews already has two four-point games in six games under Jim Hiller, after only one in two seasons under Craig Berube. It’s a small clue worth thinking about, and the opponents (Nashville and Colorado) make it harder to brush off as two easy matchups. The idea is that Hiller works closely with skilled players and may be giving Matthews more room to read the play and use his instincts.

Berube’s style leaned toward structure and a tough, north-south game, which has its own value but might change where and how often a star centre gets the puck. Still, six games is a tiny sample, and things like linemates, ice time and power-play chances matter too. So it’s not a verdict on either coach, just an early sign that a different system might look different on Matthews.

Matthews Is Putting Up Big Numbers Under Jim Hiller, But Why?

Babcock’s Oilers Grind Out a Win in San Jose and Drop a Few Hints

Edmonton is 4-0-1 after a gritty 3-1 win over the Sharks, with Tristan Jarry stopping 19 of 20 shots for his first win of the year. Goals were hard to come by early, but Mattias Ekholm, Alex Formenton and Vasily Podkolzin found the back of the net. Babcock said San Jose gave his team little space, so the Oilers had to earn everything.

He also gave away a bit of his hand. Zach Hyman is on track to return Tuesday, which will help up front, and rookie Owen Michaels may have earned a longer look after winning 10 of 12 faceoffs. Babcock told his team they’re going to get a whole lot better, and with Hyman coming back, this unbeaten-in-regulation start might just be the beginning.

Oilers’ Babcock Drops Hints, Team Trending in the Right Direction

Friedman Shuts Down the Hellebuyck-to-Rangers Talk

With Igor Shesterkin out for the season, the internet quickly matched Connor Hellebuyck with New York, but Elliotte Friedman says don’t expect it. The money is a big problem, since the Rangers would tie up roughly $20 million in two goalies for years. Winnipeg also reportedly wants a goalie plus players who can help now, and the league’s youngest team can only offer prospects and futures.

For now, the Rangers will lean on Dylan Garand, with Spencer Martin called up while Joonas Korpisalo is out another four weeks. Friedman expects them to stay patient, and a short-term veteran seems more likely than a blockbuster. That could even mean 40-year-old Jonathan Quick, now the team’s Director of Goaltending Development, coming out of retirement if they asked.

Will the Rangers Trade for Connor Hellebuyck? “Quick” Fix Makes More Sense

Recent Posts:

• Canucks Goalie Gets Stuck With One of Hockey’s Oddest Losses
• The Maple Leafs Win Was Great, but There’s Still a Big Question