This edition (June 27, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three recaps with three different storylines all popping off around draft weekend. The Canucks came away with two picks that basically spell out “upside winger” plus “two-way centre foundation.” The Maple Leafs decided to move Brandon Carlo for two late third-round picks. It was partly because he didn’t fully work out and partly because of the cap and flexibility. Then, over with the Oilers, Darnell Nurse trade talks hit a wall after day one, and now it sounds like both the team and Nurse are running out of time. The options are shrinking fast as free agency gets closer.
Canucks Draft Two Guys With Very Different Missions
The Vancouver Canucks ended up with two first-round picks that basically tell you what they’re trying to build. At 24th overall, they took Adam Novotny, a winger with legit offensive tools and the kind of “he could be a star, if it all clicks” energy. Then, at third overall, they grabbed Caleb Malhotra, a two-way centre meant to bring structure, reliability, and an identity down the middle.
Put together, it looks like Vancouver is trying to thread a needle. They took one swing on upside while also locking in a foundation piece they can trust for years. Novotny is the “maybe he turns into a power scoring threat” bet. While Malhotra is the “this gives us stability and better matchups right away” pick. It’s about building a team that can hold up when games get tight.
What the Canucks Were Really Building on Draft Night
Maple Leafs Trading Carlo for Two Late Thirds
The Maple Leafs are reportedly sending defenseman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues, with Elliotte Friedman confirming the return as two third-round picks (#73 and #76 in the 2026 draft). Carlo spent only about a year and a half in Toronto, and it didn’t work out as they had hoped. The main issues were his speed (and some injuries).
After Toronto reshaped the blue line this offseason, it sounded like Carlo wasn’t in the long-term picture. So moving him for picks makes sense, even if it also feels like a rough outcome compared to what Toronto gave up to get him. The Maple Leafs also pick up some cap space from the deal, and the Blues have been busy on draft weekend, including another trade that brought in Mason McTavish.
Maple Leafs Trade Brandon Carlo To St. Louis Blues for Two Picks
Nurse Trade Talks Hit a Wall After Draft Day 1
Trade talks for Darnell Nurse have basically stalled out after the first day of the NHL Draft. Edmonton was quiet on day one, and rumours of Nurse to teams like the Flyers or Penguins didn’t go anywhere. TSN insider Darren Dreger says Oilers GM Stan Bowman has already exhausted talks with the teams on Nurse’s list. Now the pressure is on Nurse to expand where he’ll go—or things could drag into free agency.
If Nurse doesn’t broaden his list soon, Edmonton’s leverage gets weaker fast. Nurse asked for a trade earlier this month because the Oilers want to move his $9.25 million cap hit. But Edmonton won’t force it with a bad deal or eat a ton of salary retention. With the Oilers still needing to sort out goaltending, defence, and forward depth, it’s looking like either Nurse opens the door to new teams (like the Ducks) or he may end up staying in Edmonton for at least another year.
Darnell Nurse Trade Talks Stalled — Expansion of List Now a Must
Today’s Posts:
Steve Yzerman Speaks Out Amid Dylan Larkin Trade Talk
Hurricanes Trade for John Carlson, But With an Expensive and Risky Catch
Did a Red Wings Star Hint at Joining the Maple Leafs and Gavin McKenna?
Chase by Flyers for Game-Changing D-Man Complicates Nurse Trade Talks
Insider Believes the Maple Leafs Could Appeal to Zach Werenski
New Wrinkle Added to Jason Robertson Trade Talks, Stars Pushing New Agenda
A Different Kind of First Overall Pick Lands in Toronto
Kings Forcing Drew Doughty Into Brutal Decision, Trade Coming?
True Cost of a Werenski Trade: 3 Frontrunners Already Emerging
Trouble in Columbus? Marchenko Now Second Key Star Looking for Trade
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