Oilers, Flames & Jets Rumour

This edition (June 23, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three recaps. Together, they all hint that the big offseason conversations are getting more serious. For the Oilers, Mike Babcock’s meeting with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman feels extra meaningful because Hyman has already been coached by him before and brings proof of how that kind of system can work with star-level leadership. The Flames went right for a high-upside defence piece by trading for Simon Nemec in a blockbuster. They showed they’re willing to spend futures now to chase long-term contention. And with the Jets, Connor Hellebuyck trade talk is picking up steam. But a deal-breaker makes the whole thing a lot more complicated.

Hyman’s the Key Piece in the Babcock Talk

Mike Babcock said his meeting with the Edmonton Oilers leadership group—Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman—was really productive. He basically framed it like this is the direction the team wants to go. He’s willing to stick with that commitment.

Hyman might be the most important name in the whole thing. He’s the one guy who’s been coached by Babcock before, and not in some random, forgettable way. Babcock valued his grit and work—especially the puck-digging—and Hyman’s game rose quickly in that era. So when Babcock is talking to McDavid and Draisaitl, Hyman isn’t guessing about the message. He’s already lived it, and that could make the whole conversation feel more real to the leadership group.

The Oilers Player Who Makes the Babcock Hire More Interesting

Flames Nab Simon Nemec With a Big Trade

The Flames just made a major move on defence. They traded for former second-overall pick Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils. Elliotte Friedman reports Calgary sent Yegor Tsyplakov, the Rangers’ 2026 second-round pick, Vegas’ 2027 first-round pick, Colorado’s 2028 first-round pick (all top-10 protected), and prospect Etienne Morin to New Jersey for Nemec.

Nemec is only 22, but he’s already been viewed as one of the best defensive prospects around. He’s a great skater, has offensive instincts, and has real top-pairing upside. Calgary clearly thinks the gamble is worth it. They think Nemec can become the kind of difference-maker that helps them build toward the long run. For New Jersey, they get a haul of future value, while also getting forward depth back with Tsyplakov.

Flames Acquire Simon Nemec in Blockbuster Deal With Devils

Hellebuyck Rumours Are Getting Real—But One Name Makes It Complicated

Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg is starting to feel less certain, and the trade chatter is getting louder. Pierre LeBrun basically said Hellebuyck is “very much open to a change,” with teams like the Florida Panthers showing real interest.

The catch is Anton Lundell. If Lundell can’t be part of any deal, a Hellebuyck trade to Florida sounds almost impossible, because Winnipeg would want a strong return. Other teams have been mentioned too—like Carolina, Detroit, and Buffalo—but it still doesn’t sound like anything is set in stone. That said, the timing feels like it could heat up fast, possibly even before the NHL draft.

Panthers Take Big Return Option Off the Table for Hellebuyck, Who Else Is In?

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