Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Canadiens, Jets & Sharks’ Hellebuyck Interest

McDavid, Xhekaj, and Hellebuyck headline today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap as big questions emerge around roles, rumours, and possible moves.

by
Old Prof
July 13, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 13, 2026), the focus is on three developing stories around the league. Will players be moved, or will their numbers/roles change during the season? First, can Mike Babcock’s tighter, more defensive style actually slow down the Oilers’ Connor McDavid’s point total? Then, Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj is getting trade calls, but the Canadiens don’t sound like they’re panicking. Finally, it looks like the Sharks might be sneaking into the Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck trade picture—making Buffalo feel less like the clear favourite.

NHL Trade Talk Recap Mar 4 — NHL Trade Talk Recap July 13

McDavid Still Rules — But Could His Points Dip?

McDavid is obviously still going to score, but the real question here is whether Mike Babcock’s more structured style could trim his biggest “peak” point totals. The idea is that in a tighter, more two-way system, McDavid might get a little less freedom. He might not be able to hunt the absolute best offensive looks, especially at five-on-five where he has traditionally produced some of his biggest offensive numbers.

Even if the numbers aren’t quite the same “wow” level, it’s not like anyone expects him to have a bad year. Plus, extra games in the season can help. The prediction from the interview is somewhere in the low-to-mid 130s, with 135 being the realistic high end.

Why Mike Babcock Will Slow Down Connor McDavid’s Scoring

Canadiens and the Arber Xhekaj Trade Rumours

Montreal might be getting calls on Arber Xhekaj, the big, physical defenseman who’s built to protect teammates. He’s exactly the kind of player teams always want to at least check on. Even if there’s no sign the Canadiens are trying to move him right now, the phones seem to be ringing.

Jeff Gorton said Montreal is in normal contract discussions with Xhekaj and that he hasn’t filed for salary arbitration. That suggests there isn’t an immediate concern about the situation becoming difficult. Still, if the right deal shows up, GM Kent Hughes isn’t scared to pull the trigger.

Teams Are Calling the Canadiens About This Physical Defenseman

Kent Hughes Arber Xhekaj trade Canadiens

Sharks Suddenly Enter the Connor Hellebuyck Trade Picture

For a while, everyone figured the Buffalo Sabres were the main destination in the Connor Hellebuyck trade rumours. But a new report says the San Jose Sharks could be making a real push too, especially after signing goalie Eric Comrie.

The argument is that Comrie has a history with Hellebuyck. Comrie has been described as Hellebuyck’s “personal security blanket” from their time together in Winnipeg. So, reuniting could make San Jose much more appealing. It’s still unclear when (or where) Hellebuyck gets traded, but the Sharks are suddenly looking like a contender. If they can sort out their goalie situation, who knows what might happen?

A Surprise Team Just Entered the Connor Hellebuyck Sweepstakes