NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Blues, Lightning & Blackhawks

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (November 8, 2026), everyone starts looking for that one move that transforms a franchise. First, we break down why Erik Johnson’s call for the Oilers to trade for Jordan Binnington is getting shut down by fans who point to Edmonton’s solid netminding and Binnington’s rough start. Next, we look at Andrei Vasilevskiy silencing relocation rumours by declaring his intent to retire in Tampa Bay. This comes as the organization navigates high-stakes contract drama with its superstars. Finally, we dive into the Chicago Blackhawks entering full scramble mode after a brutal 9-2 loss, dangling draft picks and roster players early to salvage the season.

Erik Johnson Wants the Oilers to Chase Binnington, and Fans Say He’s Way Off

During Saturday Headlines, Erik Johnson said the Oilers should do everything they can to land Jordan Binnington from St. Louis, or Juuse Saros from Nashville if not him. Fans pushed back hard. Binnington has a 4.27 goals-against average and an .851 save percentage in five games, has lost the starting job to Joel Hofer, and Saros has a full no-move clause and a $7.74 million contract.

Edmonton’s goalies are also playing fine. Devon Levi returned with a calm 4-2 win over Vancouver, Tristan Jarry has been better than last year, and Frederik Andersen is working his way back. The Oilers have no reason to rush, so this one looks like a swing and a miss, though the article does say Johnson was good on the panel otherwise.

Suggested Goalie Trade for Oilers Big Swing and Miss by New Analyst [Opinion]

Vasilevskiy Wants to Stay in Tampa, Even With the Kucherov Drama

Andrei Vasilevskiy says he’s watching the Nikita Kucherov situation closely and was surprised to hear about the breakdown in communication, though he doesn’t know all the details and hopes both sides figure it out. As for himself, he says his goal is to stay in Tampa, and retiring there would be his second biggest accomplishment after the Stanley Cup. He even joked he doesn’t know if he’s worth $25 million, so his next contract probably won’t be as high.

Vasilevskiy has one more season on his deal after this one and could be the biggest goalie on the market by far, so teams would throw big money at him. He says it means a lot to play your whole career for one organization, but the article points out the Lightning have a history of botching this, having disrespected Steven Stamkos and now Kucherov. They still have time to mess it up.

Vasilevskiy Has Big Contract Number in Mind as He Talks Deal with Lightning

The Blackhawks Are in Full Scramble Mode and Shopping Picks and Players

Elliotte Friedman reports Chicago has suddenly become very active, offering the Florida and Edmonton first- and second-round picks in negotiations, with Jordan Greenway and Teuvo Teravainen “out there.” Teams have also asked about their prospects and players who can play center. The urgency makes sense after a 9-2 loss to Carolina left them 4-13-1, with a 1-8-1 record in their last 10 and a 76-39 goals-against deficit in year four of the Connor Bedard era.

The team held a players-only meeting after the loss, with Wyatt Kaiser saying the room was getting the frustration out and trying to figure out how to get better. The idea seems to be to act as buyers early and take another run before things get so bad that they have to sell. There’s still time, but they’re behind and now is the time to make a move.

Blackhawks Scrambling, Active in Trade Market to Save Season

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