Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Maple Leafs & the Oilers’ Fall

Lane Hutson’s ranking has Canadiens fans talking, while Morgan Rielly and Oilers management still have plenty to prove.

by
Old Prof
August 20, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (August 20, 2026), we share three big NHL storylines. Canadiens fans aren’t happy with where Lane Hutson landed in the under-23 rankings. Maple Leafs fans are wondering whether Morgan Rielly can prove he belongs in Toronto. And Oilers management still has plenty to prove after a better offseason didn’t completely erase past mistakes.

NHL recap April 24 — NHL recap August 20, 2026

Canadiens Fans Aren’t Happy With Lane Hutson’s Ranking

The Canadiens had three players ranked in the top 11 among under-23 players, which is great news. But fans are frustrated that Lane Hutson was ranked 11th and placed in a tier with “top-of-the-lineup” players rather than future stars.

Hutson was one of the NHL’s best offensive defensemen last season and finished with an impressive plus-36 rating. Montreal may have a great young core, but many fans believe Hutson should rank ahead of both Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov.

One Big “Bubble” Problem With Lane Hutson and a New Under-23 Rankings

Morgan Rielly Is Staying — But Should Leafs Fans Be Worried?

Morgan Rielly says he’s heading into the season feeling nervous, excited, and motivated. Honestly, that’s probably how most Leafs fans feel about him sticking around. After months of trade rumours, Rielly made it clear that Toronto is still home and he expects to be back.

The Leafs still need him to handle big minutes, but there are questions about whether he can live up to his contract. Rielly says he had a strong offseason and is ready to prove people wrong. If he struggles, a trade could still happen at the deadline.

Did Morgan Rielly Say What Maple Leafs Fans Are Thinking?

Oilers Management Still Has a Lot to Prove

Oilers fans still aren’t fully sold on Stan Bowman and the front office. Old mistakes, like losing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, trading for Tristan Jarry, and giving Trent Frederic a big extension, are still fresh in people’s minds. Even after a better offseason, Edmonton’s management ranking dropped from 21st to 27th.

There are some positive signs, though. Fans are starting to feel better about new coach Mike Babcock, and Bowman did improve the goalies, blue line, and salary-cap situation. But the Oilers need to win, especially after last season’s early playoff exit. A deep playoff run—or even a Stanley Cup—would go a long way toward changing everyone’s mind.

Oilers Fans Haven’t Forgotten GM’s Biggest Mistake, New Poll Shows