NHL Trade Rumblings Heating Up as December Begins: Canucks, Oilers, and Blues in the Spotlight
With the calendar flipping to December, the NHL season is shifting into high gear. The standings are starting to take shape, and front offices around the league are feeling the pressure to make moves-either to solidify a playoff push or to shake things up before it’s too late.
Three teams in particular are drawing plenty of attention: the Vancouver Canucks, the Edmonton Oilers, and the St. Louis Blues.
Each has its own set of challenges, and each could be a major player on the trade market in the coming weeks.
Vancouver’s Trade Deck: Who’s First Out the Door?
The Canucks have made it clear-they’re open for business. But that doesn’t mean they’re about to blow the whole thing up. Core players like Quinn Hughes remain central to the team’s identity, and while his name floats around in conversation, any serious talk about his future feels like something for another day-though that day may be approaching sooner than expected.
As for players with no-movement clauses-Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Tyler Myers, and Marcus Pettersson-they’re likely staying put, at least for now. Those clauses aren’t being waived without serious consideration, and there’s no indication that’s imminent.
That narrows the focus to a few more realistic trade chips. Kiefer Sherwood, a pending unrestricted free agent, is generating the most buzz right now. He’s the name most often mentioned in league circles, and if Vancouver makes a move soon, he’s the odds-on favorite to be the first out.
Veteran forwards Conor Garland and Evander Kane are also in the mix. Garland has been a trade candidate dating back to last season, and while there’s still some interest, nothing has materialized yet. As for Kane, interest around the league has been lukewarm, at best.
As always, the next few weeks of games will play a big role in determining just how aggressive the Canucks get. A hot streak could cool the trade talk.
A slump? That could accelerate things in a hurry.
Oilers’ Goaltending Conundrum: No Easy Fix in Sight
Goaltending continues to be the elephant in the room for Edmonton. The Oilers’ search for a reliable upgrade over Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has been one of the league’s most discussed storylines. But despite the noise, it’s starting to sound like a major move between the pipes might not come until the offseason.
Names like Jordan Binnington and Tristan Jarry were floated last week, and for a moment, it looked like Edmonton might be on the verge of a splash. But according to Elliotte Friedman, that chatter may have been overblown. For now, the Oilers might be forced to ride it out with what they have.
That doesn’t mean the door is closed completely. A potential blockbuster for Juuse Saros could be revisited this summer, and that’s a name worth keeping an eye on. But for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations-and a fanbase that’s already seen too many promising seasons fall short-waiting might not be the most popular option.
St. Louis Blues: Doug Armstrong Ready to Shake Things Up
If there’s one GM in the league who’s never afraid to make a bold move, it’s Doug Armstrong. And with the Blues off to another slow start, the pressure is mounting in St. Louis.
Armstrong has a reputation for being proactive, and it sounds like just about everyone on the roster is in play. Jordan Binnington’s name has come up frequently, and given the goaltending market, he could be a key piece if the Blues decide to pivot toward a retool.
But he’s far from the only one. Veterans like Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, along with young star Jordan Kyrou, have all surfaced in trade talks. That’s not to say they’re being shopped, but in a season where things haven’t clicked, Armstrong is clearly weighing his options.
There’s still time for the Blues to find their rhythm, and Armstrong may give his group a bit more runway. But make no mistake-the leash is short.
If things don’t turn around soon, St. Louis could be the first team to make a major move.
What’s Next?
With December underway, the NHL trade market is starting to simmer. The Canucks are weighing their options, the Oilers are stuck in goalie limbo, and the Blues are on the verge of a potential shakeup.
It’s not quite deadline season yet, but the groundwork is being laid. And if the next few weeks don’t go according to plan for these teams, we could see some major dominoes fall sooner rather than later.