NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Jets & Ducks’ Big Snub

The September 23, 2026 NHL Trade Talk recap highlights major league storylines, including speculation connecting Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov to the Montreal Canadiens. With Montreal projected to hold approximately $30 million in salary cap space heading into next season, analyst Jeff Marek floated the possibility of Montreal targeting Kucherov, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Elsewhere, Edmonton Oilers legend Mark Messier expressed strong criticism regarding the team's hiring of head coach Mike Babcock. Messier voiced concern that Oilers players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman heavily influenced the hiring decision, arguing it blurs crucial boundaries between players and front-office management.