NHL Trade Talk Recap: Senators, Oilers, Canadiens, Sabres & Red Wings

Today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (October 27, 2026) shares that Brady Tkachuk’s first-ever return to Ottawa produced a chirp that was much tamer than fans expected. Trent Frederic is back in Edmonton’s lineup but barely playing, which isn’t a great sign for a guy on a long deal. And Montreal and Buffalo are reportedly circling Dylan Larkin, even though neither team is on his trade list. 

Andlauer Reveals What Tkachuk Chirped at the Senators’ Bench After His Goal

Senators owner Michael Andlauer revealed on the Coming In Hot podcast what Brady Tkachuk said toward the Ottawa bench after scoring in his return: “Some things never change, eh boys?” The goal gave Florida an early 1-0 lead in Tkachuk’s first game back at Canadian Tire Centre, and the line turned out to be a lot tamer than fans probably imagined.

Ottawa had the last laugh, though, scoring five unanswered goals in a 5-1 win over the Panthers. The two teams meet again January 18, 2027, so expect plenty of storylines, and Tkachuk probably won’t forget the lopsided loss.

Brady Tkachuk’s Message to Senators Bench After Scoring in Ottawa Finally Revealed

Trent Frederic Is Back in the Lineup, but Barely Playing for Babcock

After being a healthy scratch against Toronto, Trent Frederic said Babcock’s message was simple. Play harder and be harder on the puck. Babcock praised his fight with Utah’s Jack McBain but said the team expects certain things from him and that he’s been told them as clearly as possible. Frederic said he knows he’ll get it going and called the situation frustrating but fair.

He returned to the lineup Monday against Detroit but played just 7:14, the lowest among Edmonton’s forwards. With Zach Hyman hurt, Colton Dach is expected to move up. And Ike Howard should get more time, which leaves Frederic with limited minutes to make an impact. He has eight points in 86 games since the trade and five years left on his deal, and now two coaches in a row have kept him on a short leash.

Oilers Have Put Forward Trent Frederic on Early Notice

Canadiens and Sabres Reportedly Interested in Larkin, but Neither Is on His Trade List

Chris Johnston reports that Montreal and Buffalo are both interested in Dylan Larkin. But neither team is on the list of 10 clubs he’s said he’d waive his no-trade clause for. Johnston says Larkin may have to expand that list to get Detroit the right mix of assets back, and he’d be surprised if Larkin weren’t moved at some point this season. Larkin has scored 30 goals in five straight seasons, which makes him an obvious target for teams that need a center.

Meanwhile, things are uncomfortable in Detroit, with Larkin fielding trade questions all fall and getting booed at Little Caesars Arena. Johnston says he still wants out, so the longer this drags on, the more impatient everyone will get. The more teams Larkin approves, the stronger Detroit’s hand in negotiations.

Canadiens and Sabres Want Dylan Larkin. Is a Trade Twist Coming?

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