NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Wild & McDavid’s Huge Oilers’ Payday?

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 19, 2026), we’re trying to make sense of this offseason. These three storylines are basically the same kind of thing in different uniforms. Three teams making big bets, and the ripples showing up fast. Roslovic going to the Maple Leafs isn’t just “another signing.” There’s real history with Auston Matthews that could make the top six click quicker.

The Wild swung hard for Dylan Larkin, but with Trocheck gone and Detroit’s front office resetting, the Wild’s plan might’ve backfired. And with the Oilers, Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet drama may have helped push the whole market upward. That means McDavid’s next contract could get even more ridiculous (even if the CBA limits the term).

Roslovic to the Leafs: It’s Not Just a Signing, There’s Real History

If you heard Jack Roslovic signed with Toronto and thought “cool, another Leafs move,” the story’s actually way better than that. Roslovic and Auston Matthews go way back—they were teammates in the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2013–14 and 2014–15, and again with the U-17 and U-18 teams. So it’s not random chemistry, it’s familiarity built over years of hockey together.

And when Roslovic signed, he sounded legitimately excited—like genuinely “stoked.” He’s talked about knowing Matthews’ game and personality, and even how impressed he was watching Matthews battle through tough moments early on. If you’re a Leafs fan, the takeaway is simple: this could help the top six click faster, because Roslovic already understands how Matthews thinks and plays—and he brings speed, versatility, and that secondary scoring you want around a superstar.

Could Jack Roslovic Unlock a Better Version of Auston Matthews?

Wild all-in on Larkin… and now they might end up with nothing

The Wild this summer went all-in on getting Dylan Larkin. Detroit’s captain asked for a trade, Minnesota put him on the list of where they wanted to land him, and GM Bill Guerin basically stalled other plans to try and make it happen—even while deals elsewhere were getting done.

The risky part? It meant Minnesota walked away from Vincent Trocheck, who would’ve filled two real holes for them. Trocheck ended up in Utah instead, and Minnesota’s “fallback” plan at center is basically thinner now. And to make it worse, Steve Yzerman’s reset in Detroit changed the whole Larkin situation.

So, Minnesota might miss out twice—first on Trocheck and now on Larkin—which leaves them with fewer good options at a top-six center than they had earlier this summer. There’s still a world where things work out if the new Red Wings setup changes what they value, and if Larkin’s interest stays real. But right now, it’s a lot more complicated than it was in June.

Minnesota Bet Its Offseason on Dylan Larkin, and Now Might Miss Twice

Carlsson’s offer sheet might’ve set up McDavid’s next “holy wow” contract

The Leo Carlsson offer sheet drama didn’t just cost Anaheim a ton to match—it kind of changed what everyone thinks the market is willing to pay. It also lines up with how Connor Bedard’s deal got huge money right after. And now McDavid’s just sitting there watching the ceiling keep getting reset.

On Spittin’ Chiclets, they started basically guessing what McDavid might land on next, and the numbers are wild. Ryan Whitney tossed out that McDavid “should be” around $23 million a year, and Paul Bissonnette went even higher with $25 million per season (which would’ve made him the first $200M NHL contract… except that’s no longer possible because the new CBA kills eight-year terms). Still, even with a 7-year limit, a $23–$25M AAV would smash every existing record by a mile.

The other reason it’s believable is timing: McDavid’s currently on that two-year, $25 million extension, so his next big negotiation window lines up for July 1, 2027—when the cap should be climbing again, and other stars keep resetting expectations.

Spittin’ Chiclets: McDavid’s Next Deal Could Shatter Every NHL Record

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