NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Canadiens & Maple Leafs Big Change

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (August 17, 2026), we share three recaps covering three different angles on hockey news. First, the Oilers’ Connor McDavid keeps proving he’s basically on another planet. As a result, EA Sports is finally giving him a 99 in NHL 27. Then it flips to the Canadiens, where the “odd man out” in goal is probably Sam Montembeault because of how Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler fit. And with the Maple Leafs, Morgan Rielly’s “trade watch” might be more real than people think, with the team potentially trying a new, more creative role for him before deciding to move him.

McDavid’s Superpowers Keep Getting Proved—On Ice and in NHL 27

Connor McDavid has basically been the NHL’s main headline for years, and the recap hits that hard. He controls pace, splits defenders, and creates plays that feel unfair. Edmonton’s 2015 draft lottery win really was a franchise blessing, because McDavid has turned that “maybe” into constant must-watch dominance. That’s especially true with back-to-back Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.

The interesting part is how many records he keeps piling up, like shattering Wayne Gretzky’s playoff assist record with 32 helpers and racking up big point totals even deep into the playoffs. EA Sports took the acknowledgement from “real life” and dropped it into the video game world: NHL 27 is giving McDavid the first-ever 99 overall rating in franchise history. This is basically the sports universe finally agreeing on what everyone’s already seen: McDavid has been a 99-level player for a long time.

McDavid’s Greatest Feat Yet: The Superstar Who Changed Hockey Now Changes the Game Itself

The Habs’ Goalie Odd Man Out? It’s Probably Montembeault

It sounds like Jakub Dobes is the goalie Montreal is sticking with as the No. 1. And Jacob Fowler is the backup plan. That makes sense because Dobes was the pick they leaned on in the postseason, and Montreal likely wants to keep their goalie pipeline moving in the right direction.

But the reason Sam Montembeault becomes the odd man out is the waiver situation. Fowler is exempt, and that gives Montreal options. However, Montembeault isn’t in the same spot. If they send him down or cut him, there’s a real chance another team claims him. So instead of risking losing him for nothing, the Habs probably run the safer setup again. Dobes as the starter, Fowler as the backup, and Montembeault sitting as the third option (or getting traded later if they decide they’re done building around him).

The Canadiens May Have Already Made Their Goalie Decision

Rielly’s Trade Watch Might Be Early—Toronto Could Try a New Role First

Morgan Rielly is the Maple Leafs’ longest-tenured guy. But that doesn’t automatically mean he’s safe. With Raddysh coming in and Rielly’s defence still being a knock, he could lose power-play responsibility and end up with a smaller, more sheltered role. That might mean he’d be one of the first names Toronto could trade if they need to make a move.

That’s why the recap suggests Toronto might try a creative workaround instead of just shopping him right away. The idea is to use Rielly more offensively in certain situations and even as a winger in spots. That would be similar to how Byfuglien was used in Chicago/Winnipeg. It would keep his passing and PP/offensive value while reducing the defensive load. If it works, he stays longer; if not, a trade becomes much more likely.

How The Toronto Maple Leafs Could Extend Morgan Rielly’s Tenure

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