NHL Trade Talk Recap: Senators, Oilers & Huge Financial News?

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap for September 24, 2026, there’s a little bit of everything. A quiet depth move in net, a trade watch that’s been simmering for months, and major news about where the league’s finances are headed.

Ottawa Grabs a Depth Goalie After Losing One on Waivers

Ottawa grabbed goaltender Jonas Johansson from Tampa Bay for future considerations, nothing flashy, just a cheap little depth move. His numbers won’t blow anyone away: a .884 save percentage in 25 games last year, but he’s bounced around the league enough to have real NHL experience, with stops in Buffalo, Colorado, Florida, and Tampa. He’s already cleared waivers too, so there’s no red tape holding this one up.

The timing makes this one easy to explain. Ottawa just lost goaltender Leevi Meriläinen on waivers to Vancouver, leaving a real hole in their depth chart. Johansson steps right into that gap as a low-risk replacement, the kind of move that won’t make headlines but keeps the crease covered heading into the season.

Senators Acquire Goaltender Jonas Johansson from Lightning

The Oilers Are “Drooling” Over Kirby Dach, And It’s Not for the Reason You’d Think

Kirby Dach is fighting for his roster spot in Montreal right now. While everyone assumed Edmonton’s interest was about reuniting him with his brother Colton on their hometown team, insider Frank Seravalli says that’s actually not the real story. The real reason is Stan Bowman, who drafted Dach third overall back in Chicago and clearly still believes injuries are the only thing that’s kept him from being a much better player. Both Edmonton and Calgary have reportedly been waiting out Montreal, hoping the Habs’ high asking price eventually softens.

Montreal’s not expected to just give him away. But there are real signs the relationship might be cooling. The Canadiens made a pointed move this summer, turning his qualifying offer into a two-way deal. That’s an unusual negotiating tactic for a legit NHL player and basically sent a message that he wants to lower his price. Dach himself insists he’s not feeling extra pressure and is just focused on the fundamentals. But with Edmonton reportedly eager to make a move whenever the opportunity comes, whether that’s this season, at the deadline, or in free agency, this is definitely a situation worth watching.

Insider: Oilers “Drooling” Over Opportunity to Acquire Canadiens Forward

The Salary Cap Is About to Explode: Here’s What That Means for Everyone

The NHL salary cap is about to take a massive leap. According to Elliotte Friedman, the cap’s projected to jump from $104 million this season all the way to $127.5 million by 2028-29, a $23 million increase in just three years. That kind of jump is basically unprecedented, and it’s largely being driven by the league’s booming revenue, which Gary Bettman pegged at around $8.1 billion for this coming season alone.

So what does this actually mean league-wide? For the big-spending teams, and those already locked into huge deals with young stars like Anaheim, San Jose, and Colorado with Carlsson, Celebrini, and Makar, it’s basically a relief valve opening. Suddenly they’ve got way more room to breathe than expected. It’s huge for Edmonton too, since McDavid’s contract is up after 2027-28, putting him in position to negotiate his next deal just as the salary cap could be dramatically higher.

Meanwhile, smaller-market teams already struggling to reach the cap floor face an even tougher road ahead. Bottom line: expect more massive contracts like those we saw this summer, and get ready for some genuinely jaw-dropping numbers coming down the pipe.

NHL Salary Cap Set for Record-Breaking Jump by 2028-29: Now What?

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