In another NHL Trade Talk Recap (Jan. 8), the Oilers had another trade in place before landing Mattias Ekholm. However, they ultimately decided he better fit their defensive needs. Ekholm’s leadership and solid two-way play made him the top choice for the Oilers’ blue line.
With the 2024-25 season underway, NHL Trade Talk has updated its top 20 trade bait board. Big names like Patrick Kane and Jacob Chychrun remain hot topics as teams gear up for potential moves ahead of the trade deadline. The Canucks have reportedly nixed trade discussions involving Mika Zibanejad with the Rangers. Vancouver’s management is said to be focused on other priorities, leaving many to wonder how they’ll approach future trade opportunities.
Top NHL Trade Talk Recap Story:
Could the Blackhawks Trade Taylor Hall?
If the Chicago Blackhawks make a trade, it looks like Taylor Hall might be on the move. Although Hall has struggled recently, he does have playoff experience and has put up some postseason numbers. He’s been a former NHL MVP. He can still score and could benefit many playoff-bound teams. If Hall were traded, then it probably wouldn’t cost another team very much—perhaps a third-rounder. If the Blackhawks trade Hall, who might want him?
Read More About the Blackhawks’ Plans Here:
Would the Oilers Be Interested in Mathieu Olivier?
At least one analyst suggests that the Edmonton Oilers are the least physical team in the NHL. Could they benefit from a player like Matthew Oliver? If so, who would get less playing time? Would Olivier add the toughness and a bit of scoring punch the Oilers need during playoff hockey?
Rangers and Canucks Talking Trade, But Who and How Hard?
The speculation is that there seems to be a lot of trade rumblings between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers. Certainly, JT Miller is involved from the Canucks side. But who might come from the Rangers? How much of all this is simply blue-skying? Is there any fire causing the billowing smoke?
Read More About the Canucks/Rangers Speculation Here:
More NHL Trade Talk Recap Jan. 8 Recent Posts
Related: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers & Canucks
