NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Maple Leafs & Oilers Have No Room

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (August 5, 2026), we’re looking at three recaps that are about teams trying to solve (or dodge) roster questions the smart way. The Canadiens may be getting a “good problem” in net with Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler both looking legit. Would the Maple Leafs sign a fresh kind of bottom-six spark if SDA joins the team? And the Oilers probably won’t overdo PTO tryouts this summer because the shortened evaluation window makes it harder to learn much from short stints.

Dobes and Fowler: Montreal Might Have a Goalie “Problem” Brewing

For years, the Canadiens were basically hunting for the next goalie hope, and Jakub Dobes finally looked like he could be that guy—especially after a standout postseason. But the wild part is what happens behind him: Jacob Fowler is starting to look like someone worth paying attention to.

Fowler’s not trying to kick down Dobes’ door (and Montreal doesn’t even need to rush a starter decision). Still, his early work suggests there’s real talent there, and if he keeps building, Montreal could end up with two young goalies it actually has to choose between—in a good way.

Canadiens May Have a Good Goaltending Problem

Would SDA to Toronto Add a Different Kind of Bottom-Six Spark?

Rumours suggest that Semyon Der-Arguchintsev (SDA) wants back with the Maple Leafs. He’s coming over with actual pro time in the KHL. And at 25, he looks a lot more like the real version of a player—not just the “next prospect” story.

The big question is whether he brings something Toronto doesn’t already have. That’s extra creativity and offence from the lower lines, not just another guy competing for minutes. If he comes over with a prove-it mindset, he could be a bonus gear for the bottom six—if not, it’s just not something they need to force.

The Forgotten Forward Who Could Give the Leafs Something New?

Could the Oilers do PTOs This Summer? Probably Not

The Oilers could take a swing at unsigned free agents on tryouts (PTOs) since it’s basically low-risk for them. If the player looks good, they sign; if not, no big loss. And names like Patrik Laine, Michael Bunting, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Evander Kane definitely make people imagine an Oilers camp invite.

But this summer’s schedule is tighter. There are fewer exhibition games, and tougher vet playing requirements mean there may not be much time for PTO looks. So even if it sounds fun, the smarter bet is the Oilers mainly evaluating prospects and moving fast instead of doing a lot of tryouts.

Oiler Fans Look to PTOs, But Scribe Has Disappointing News

Recent Posts:

Red Wings Take Big Step Toward Hiring a GM, Name Interim Manager with Catch
Oilers Fans May Want to Remember What Happened Before
Montreal’s Cap Wizardry Has Them Poised for a Blockbuster
Why Haven’t the Maple Leafs Signed a $20M D-Man for Pennies on the Dollar?