Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers & Sharks #1 Player?

he Maple Leafs search for answers, Macklin Celebrini’s rise, and Jack Campbell’s Oilers gamble headline today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap.

by
Old Prof
July 22, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 22, 2026), we’re taking a quick look at three posts that are basically about the same kind of question. Is the league moving toward a better version of itself? Or is it just repeating the old story? Toronto fans are wrestling with whether the “runway” idea behind the Maple Leafs’ plan is real and actually built to unlock their core for playoff hockey. At the same time, the league’s also looking ahead to who could replace the old “best player in the world” crown.

Some analysts wonder whether Macklin Celebrini could take over sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, in Edmonton, it’s a more painful reminder that even when teams make the “right” kind of goalie move on paper, the results can still fall apart. And in Edmonton, it’s a more painful reminder that even when teams make the “right” kind of goalie move on paper, the results can still fall apart. Jack Campbell’s Oilers run ended up doing just that.

NHL Trade Talk Recap Oct. 30 — NHL Trade Talk Recap July 22

Why the Maple Leafs’ New “Runway” Could Matter

I get why some Maple Leafs fans are cynical right now. “Rebuild on the fly” feels like a polite way of saying they’re basically tweaking the whole thing again, and after years of frustration it’s tempting to roll your eyes at “hope” for another season.

But the better way to look at it is that the Maple Leafs are trying to keep their core and finally give it a structure that fits how those guys actually play. If it clicks, they don’t just look different. They could start to feel built for real playoff hockey, not just regular-season stretches.

Maple Leafs “Rebuild on the Fly” Gets a New Runway

Can Macklin Celebrini Be the Next No. 1?

Connor McDavid has pretty much owned the “best player in the world” spot for years. But as he enters his 12th NHL season and turns 30 in January, people are starting to look at who could knock him off.

TSN analyst Bryan Hayes thinks Macklin Celebrini could actually be that guy. He said there’s a real chance he’s the league’s best player as soon as next season if he keeps building. Celebrini had a ridiculous second NHL season, and the only reason it might take a minute is that McDavid still looks unstoppable.

Analyst Believes There Could Be a New Best Player in the World Next Year

Jack Campbell’s Oilers Gamble (Retrospective)

Jack Campbell is officially retired now. So it’s a good time to look back at that Oilers goalie decision from nearly four years ago when they signed him to a five-year, $25 million deal. Edmonton needed stability in net after Mike Smith’s run ended, and they were basically choosing between Campbell and Darcy Kuemper—two very different bets.

In hindsight, Campbell’s time with the Oilers didn’t pan out the way they hoped. His numbers never recovered, and his performance fell well below expectations. Kuemper ended up doing better elsewhere. The wild part is how close the contracts were, but the results weren’t. Edmonton’s left with dead cap space while Campbell rides off into retirement.

In Hindsight: The Oilers’ Goalie Signing That Made Sense — Until It Didn’t