NHL Trade Talk Recap: Dach’s Error, Leafs’ GM & McDavid’s Health

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap, Kirby Dach has been getting roasted online after Game 2. Still, his teammates are defending him, and people are debating whether benching him would be fair or just a knee-jerk reaction.

---

Next up, Jonas Siegel argues the Maple Leafs should go “big-game” hunting for top front-office talent even if it means poaching from other teams. Finally, the Oilers update is good news. McDavid’s fine for Game 3, but Henrique’s out, and Dickinson might be a late call.

Give Kirby a Break — He’s One Player, Not the Problem

This one got out of hand quickly. Dach turned off his Instagram after Game 2 because fans took a bad overtime play way too far. True, he had a couple rough moments — an icing and a missed assignment that led to the Lightning’s winner — but blowing up a guy online until he deletes his account isn’t smart.

Some fans want Martin St. Louis to bench him for Game 3 and roll with vets like Gallagher or depth guys like Veleno. That might make sense if his play doesn’t improve, but right now it feels like a knee-jerk reaction—especially with the player clearly struggling. Inside the locker room, the team’s got his back, and honestly, maybe the smartest call is to rally around him — not pile on.

Canadiens Face Tough Call on Kirby Dach as Criticism Boils Over

Go Big or Go Home — Steal the Best Front-Office Brains

Jonas Siegel says if Toronto’s looking for a new GM or president, they should aggressively pursue top executives and not be shy about chasing the best in the league. Sounds bold, but also smart: grab proven winners and maybe someone fixes this whole Leafs mess.

Of course, it’s not simple. Owners might not let people go, and top execs might not want to jump ship for a team in chaos, even with big contracts. Still, Toronto has cash and the chance to turn an Original Six franchise into a champ — that could lure someone who wants the glory (and the challenge) of finally getting the Leafs over the finish line.

Scribe Says Maple Leafs Should Make ‘Full-Court Press’ for Best NHL Has to Offer

McDavid’s Cool — Other Guys Still Uncertain

Quick recap: Knoblauch says Connor McDavid’s fine for Game 3 — that ankle roll looked scary, but it’s not expected to keep him out. Folks have noticed he hasn’t been his usual dominant self this series, but the team insists it’s not an injury thing.

On the downside, Adam Henrique is definitely out for the road trip, so they’re short a vet. Jason Dickinson is travelling and could be a game-time call — he was close last game, so there’s a decent chance he suits up and helps steady the middle. Oilers need to snag a win in Anaheim and get the series back under control.

Oilers Offer Injury Updates on McDavid and Other Key Players

More Stories:

Crosby and Flyers Fan Have Classic Exchange After Penguins Captain Caught Red-Handed
Growing Talk Around John Chayka as Maple Leafs GM, Frontrunner Now “Out”
2 Positives & 2 Negatives in Oilers’ 6-4 Loss to the Ducks
Yzerman Not Ruling Out “Major Shakeup” for Red Wings
Oilers Have a Big Decision to Make on Adam Henrique
Oilers Keeping Close Eye on Connor McDavid Situation