NHL Trade Talk Recap: Rangers, Jets, Mammoth, Penguins, Maple Leafs & Red Wings

Today’s NHL Trade Talk roundup (October 20, 2026) features a possible three-team goalie domino, with Karel Vejmelka heading to the Rangers and Connor Hellebuyck landing in Utah. The Penguins also have a scary moment to report, as Ben Kindel is in stable condition after a medical episode on the team flight home. And in Toronto, fans are debating whether they’d really give up Easton Cowan to land Simon Edvinsson from Detroit.

Is a Vejmelka-to-Rangers, Hellebuyck-to-Utah Domino Effect Brewing?

A report from Stephen Valiquette says Karel Vejmelka’s name keeps coming up with the Rangers. And if he lands in New York, Connor Hellebuyck would go to Utah to fill the void. He said that’s the scenario he’s hearing more than any other involving New York. Vejmelka makes $4.75 million for this season and the next three, which makes for a tight fit with more than $15 million in goal once Shesterkin is back, but Valiquette didn’t think it was impossible. He called Vejmelka a “game eater” who could be a strong 1B option.

The talk comes as Dylan Garand is being overplayed, with his sixth straight start and just 10 career NHL games. The Rangers’ team defence has helped so far, but it’s fair to wonder how long that will last. The deal would need to work for all three teams, and the big question is whether Hellebuyck is open to going to Utah.

Rangers, Mammoth, and Jets Working on 3-Team Trade Involving Hellebuyck?

Penguins’ Ben Kindel in Stable Condition After Medical Scare on Team Flight

After Monday’s 5-4 loss to Utah, the Penguins say forward Ben Kindel is conscious, alert and in stable condition following a medical episode on the team’s flight home. The plane turned back to Salt Lake City shortly after takeoff. The team doctor and medical staff attended to him right away, and an ambulance took him to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.

The Penguins haven’t said what caused it or when he might be discharged, and they asked for privacy for him and his family. Kindel is a 2025 first-round pick who has played all nine games this season, and the Utah Mammoth were among the teams sending well wishes for a speedy recovery.

Penguins Plane Returns to Utah After Medical Episode Involving Ben Kindel

Would You Trade Easton Cowan for Simon Edvinsson?

With Simon Edvinsson reportedly seeking a trade out of Detroit, Toronto faces a tough question. Would you give up Easton Cowan to get him? Elliotte Friedman reported that the Maple Leafs weren’t willing to move Cowan. But Nick Alberga says Edvinsson is the kind of young defenceman worth discussing, since he fits the timeline of a team trying to go from good to great. Alberga also cautioned that the Maple Leafs shouldn’t chase the season if they aren’t contenders, and he doesn’t think they’re one piece away.

One mock trade has Detroit getting Cowan, Dakota Joshua, a 2027 first and a 2029 second for Edvinsson, who would slot in next to Darren Raddysh on the top pair. Reaction has been mixed. Some fans say Edvinsson is one of the few players they’d trade Cowan for. Others are saying the package undersells what Cowan can become. Both players will need new contracts soon, which adds another wrinkle.

Insider Says No-Go on Cowan, But Do Maple Leafs Consider Trading Him for Simon Edvinsson?

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