Detroit Red Wings

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Red Wings, Oilers & Maple Leafs Rejection

Patrick Kane weighs his future, Mike Babcock gets cleared, and the Maple Leafs passed on Bruce Cassidy. Why?

by
Old Prof
June 18, 2026

This edition (June 18, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes what’s happening around the NHL right now. Patrick Kane is weighing whether to stick with Detroit or test free agency as the Red Wings’ future gets messy. The NHL has cleared Mike Babcock to coach, with the Oilers the likely suitor. And the Maple Leafs oddly skipped a chance to even interview Bruce Cassidy after Vegas gave them permission.

NHL Trade Talk Recap Jan. 25 — NHL Trade Talk Recap June 18

Is Patrick Kane Staying in Detroit — or Testing the Market?

Kane’s clearly open to another season, and Detroit wants him back, but he’s mulling his options. Dylan Larkin is asking for a trade, and the Red Wings’ rebuild is feeling shakier than some expected. At 37, Kane’s thinking about chasing one more Cup versus just sticking around for comfort, and that uncertainty could push him to explore the market.

If he leaves, teams will bite. He’s still producing (57 points in 67 games) and likely wants a short-term, modest deal similar to last year’s $3M cap hit with bonuses. Buffalo gets mentioned as a hometown fit if they have room, but for now, the safe bet is he’s weighing his chances to win more than anything else.

Red Wings Want Him Back, But Patrick Kane Has Other Plans

NHL Clears Mike Babcock — Oilers Likely Next

The NHL says its review into Mike Babcock’s Columbus tenure found no basis to restrict his employment, and Elliotte Friedman reports he’s likely cleared to return. The Edmonton Oilers are the expected landing spot. The league wrapped interviews and checks quickly after the Stanley Cup Final, saying even under the least favourable reading, there’s no current reason to bar him.

There were extra allegations beyond the cellphone incident that prompted the review, but sources had already suggested the league would likely allow him to work; Friedman didn’t expect the probe to drag on. With the investigation apparently closed as of June 18, it looks like Edmonton may move to hire him. That is a decision that’ll still stir debate given his history.

The NHL Has Cleared Mike Babcock to Return as a Coach

Mike Babcock Oilers hire — Mike Babcock could be the Oilers’ next hire.

Leafs Passed on Talking to Bruce Cassidy — Weird Move

Turns out Vegas only let Bruce Cassidy talk to one team during the playoffs. That team was Toronto, but the Maple Leafs never even took the meeting and instead went with Jim Hiller. Strange choice given Cassidy was one of the bigger names available and getting that interview would’ve been low-risk info-gathering.

Now Cassidy’s stuck with fewer options unless Vegas reopens the door, and you have to wonder who dropped the ball. Was it Vegas for being stingy, Cassidy for not having an out, or Toronto for passing on the chance to learn more?

Maple Leafs Got Green Light to Interview Cassidy—Next Move Was Shocking