Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL Trade Talk: The Podcast – Ep. 36: Hellebuyck, Larkin, Plus the Blue Jackets, Oilers & Maple Leafs

NHL Trade Talk Podcast – Episode 36: We break down the latest on Hellebuyck, Larkin, Columbus’ drama, and Edmonton/Toronto’s love affair.

by
NHL Trade Talk
September 22, 2026

This week’s NHL Trade Talk: The Podcast has hosts Jim Parsons, Vivek Kalia, and Kyle Ogland checking in on Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin — specifically, what’s shifted in their situations over the past seven days. The trio then turns to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets seem stuck in neutral on the business side, leaving real uncertainty about where things stand with Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli, and Kirill Marchenko. They close out looking at Edmonton and Toronto, where Mike Babcock and Sergei Bobrovsky are currently in good spots — though the hosts question how sustainable that is.

Hellebuyck/Larkin:

Both missed the start of Winnipeg/Detroit training camp this month, and there’s active debate over whether Hellebuyck could fetch a trade package that the Jets can live with. How ugly is this situation going to get for the goalie and how long are the Jets willing to hold off?

Trade pitches are reportedly “terrible,” and Hellebuyck might be open to expanding his trade list to include two Canadian teams.

Meanwhile, Larkin doesn’t look so great coming out of his media avail, with talk now that he didn’t want the trade reques to leak. If he didn’t do it and the Red Wings didn’t do it, who did?

Columbus Drama

The Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski put an end to trade speculation with a joint statement early in July, with Werenski recommitting to Columbus, while attention has turned to signing Adam Fantilli long-term and keeping Kirill Marchenko happy. But other outlets report continued uncertainty — one report described continued questions surrounding Werenski, and fresh reports suggest Marchenko is unlikely to re-sign, so the situation may still be unsettled depending on timing.

What domino has to fall first?

Finally, everyone in Edmonton is happy as the Oilers are 2-0 in preseason, and the players are talking about how great Mike Babcock is, but how long will it last? Meanwhile, is Bobrovsky the new vocal leader in the Maple Leafs locker room?