Canadian Daily Rumours: Maple Leafs, Jets & Oilers’ Coach?

In today’s (May 22) Canadian Daily Rumours roundup, I’m looking at three rumours circulating around Canadian clubs. Will the Maple Leafs GM John Chayka pick the flashy forward or gamble on a defence-first future? Would the Jets make a bold Hellebuyck-for-Power reset? And, why is Chris Pronger pitching Pete Laviolette as the Oilers’ next steady hand as coach?

Here’s what insiders are saying and why each choice could totally reshape a team’s timeline.

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Maple Leafs Rumour: Chayka Could Gamble with a Defence-First No. 1

Howard Berger believes that, if Chayka picks Gavin McKenna (the crowd favourite), the Maple Leafs will look great in the regular season. Lots of flashy offence, highlight reels, and all that. But they’ll probably flame out in the playoffs like before. Fans will love the instant choice, but it won’t solve the long-term holes that stop deep runs.

Now Berger wonders that, if Chayka takes Carson Carels instead, there would be chaos at first. But that move might build a real timeline to contention. Carels gives you a foundation on the blue line. With the right roster construction around him the right roster construction around him, Toronto could be a legit Cup threat by the time he’s 22. It’s the smarter, less sexy path, and if it works, Chayka and Sundin look like geniuses while the loud, immediate gratification crowd eats crow.

Jets Rumour: Could Winnipeg Trade Hellebuyck to the Sabres?

The Jets had a brutal follow-up to their Presidents’ Trophy year. They finished 35-35-12, and a ton of questions were asked. Connor Hellebuyck’s numbers took a hit too: 23-23-11 with an .895 SV% after his Hart-calibre year. He’s still under contract through 2030-31. But, when your Vezina winner looks off, you have to wonder whether a new locker room might flip the script for him and the team.

Jeff Marek tossed out the idea of sending Hellebuyck to Buffalo for Owen Power plus pieces. It’ll upset some fans, but it’s the kind of tough call teams make when they need to reset. The Jets need to either commit to fixing Hellebuyck in Winnipeg or cash in to reshape the blue line and start fresh.

Oilers Rumour: Pronger Says Pete Laviolette Would Be a Solid Fit

Chris Pronger was on Oilers Now, saying Edmonton needs someone new behind the bench, and he thinks Pete Laviolette fits the bill. He’s been around. Pronger knows him from their Flyers days and trusts he can calm a locker room full of big personalities and get them back on track.

Pronger admitted Laviolette’s got flaws. He’s not exactly flashy, and his recent results have been hit-or-miss. But he thinks the upside beats that. Laviolette knows how to handle big egos, install structure, and actually get players to buy in. If Edmonton wants a steady hand to tame a veteran group and push them further in the playoffs, Pronger says he’s a legit option.

Related: Canadian Daily Rumours: Jets, Oilers & Maple Leafs Blame Game