NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Senators, Canucks & Oilers

Today’s NHL Trade Talk roundup (October 18, 2026) has a bit of everything. Is Connor Hellebuyck learning that Winnipeg can live without him for much longer than he expected? Goalies from Canadian teams are off to a strong start, with Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark leading the way and Vancouver’s waiver pickup, Leevi Meriläinen, making the Canucks look smart. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid is off to a start nobody has seen in more than three decades. Coach Mike Babcock is impressed by how he’s doing it. And with all three storylines, there’s a lot to get into. Let’s get right to it.