Anaheim Ducks

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Ducks, Oilers & Maple Leafs Blueliner?

McTavish trade buzz, Cassidy linked to Edmonton, and Leafs eye Raddysh in a busy NHL rumour snapshot.

by
Old Prof
May 17, 2026

This edition (May 17, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three quick recaps. Will the Ducks’ McTavish be trade bait after a rough season? Cassidy’s name is out there for the Oilers’ coaching job, but nothing’s set. And the Maple Leafs are rumoured to be after Darren Raddysh as a defence upgrade.

NHL Trade Talk Recap Feb. 23 — NHL Trade Talk Recap May 17

Could Mason McTavish Be on the Move Again?

Mason McTavish is a regular in trade chatter. Last year’s holdout hurt his production (just 41 points), so Anaheim could be tempted to move him for assets. He’s young and could bounce back, but right now he’s viewed as a high-upside center with some risk attached.

Teams that could make sense: Boston needs center help and could pair him with Fraser Minten down the middle. Minnesota lacked center depth in the playoffs and might take a flier on a center, depending on what other options are available. And Detroit won’t solve its No.1 center problem, but he would give them more middle depth and trade leverage. If Anaheim wants assets, McTavish could draw interest from a few desperate clubs.

Ducks: 3 Potential Trade Destinations for Mason McTavish

Mason McTavish offer sheet — Mason McTavish could be on the move.

Is Bruce Cassidy Headed to Edmonton?

Since Vegas moved on from Bruce Cassidy, everyone’s been connecting his name to the Oilers. Now, with Kris Knoblauch gone, it makes sense he’s the front-runner. Edmonton asked Vegas if they could talk to him. Insiders like Bob Stauffer say he fits the profile Edmonton wants — experienced, structured, and capable of fixing the PK — but nothing is locked in yet.

Cassidy’s got the resume and the appeal of coaching Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but the Kings and the Maple Leafs are interested, too. If Edmonton can’t get him, other vets like Peter Laviolette, Craig Berube or John Tortorella are on the board. It’s messy, loud, and not finished.

No Guarantee Oilers Land Bruce Cassidy as Next HC

Maple Leafs Eye Darren Raddysh to Fix Their Blue Line

The Maple Leafs defence looked shaky all year, and Raddysh keeps coming up as a guy who could actually fix some problems. He has a big shot, is a good puck mover, runs a PP, is fresh off a 70-point season, and is about to hit free agency.

That said, he’s 30, and the Maple Leafs already have a ton of veteran D. So it’s a bit of a gamble, and Toronto won’t be the only team interested. If new GM John Chayka can’t swing a trade, Raddysh could be a solid under-the-radar add, but the Maple Leafs will have to outbid some legit competition to get him.

Maple Leafs Among Several Teams Pegged to Target Top Free Agent