NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Maple Leafs & Senators Angry

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 7, 2026), we share a quick rundown of three interesting hockey storylines. The Oilers are considering spreading their offence and shaking up their power play, which has some people wondering whether Patrik Laine could fit. The Maple Leafs made a huge coaching move by hiring Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson as an associate coach as part of a wider staff shake-up. Finally, the Senators are keeping Claude Giroux around on another one-year, bonus-heavy deal. It’s a win-win for leadership and flexibility while the team tries to keep building toward real playoff runs.

Oilers Want Spread-Offence Power Play—Could Laine Fit?

Mike Babcock comes in with the idea that spreading Edmonton’s offence out could mean mixing up the second-unit power play. Instead of everything relying on McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard, having another talented group could be a real bonus.

That leads to an interesting name: Patrik Laine. It feels like a long shot, especially with his history with Babcock, but Laine has reportedly spoken positively about Babcock since his removal. And the investigation details were never fully public. If both sides really want a “fresh start,” Laine could be a cheap second power-play weapon. That said, 5-on-5 play might be in question, and his role would likely be pretty specific.

Oilers Could Right a Wrong and Unlock Second Power Play Unit with Unsigned UFA

Maple Leafs Bring in Daniel Alfredsson as Associate Coach

The Maple Leafs have hired Daniel Alfredsson as an associate coach, with expectations that he will become associate head coach. Toronto also added John Gruden and Brad Werenka, while Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde won’t be back next season.

It’s a pretty interesting move because Alfie and the Sundin-era Maple Leafs go way back with huge “Leafs vs. Sens” history. Friedman basically called it weird to see the legendary Senators’ captain join an arch-rival, but the Maple Leafs say his leadership and hockey experience will be a big part of the coaching staff. One thing is for sure: the Senators don’t seem happy he went to an arch-rival.

Shocking Twist: Maple Leafs Add 3 Coaches, Including Senators Icon

Senators lock in Claude Giroux for another year

The Senators have signed Claude Giroux to a one-year deal worth around $2 million in base salary. There’s also up to $3 million more available through performance bonuses. Negotiations reportedly picked up steam over the last day, and the whole thing looks like a solid “keep him in Ottawa” outcome.

Giroux’s staying put because Ottawa finally has real momentum, plus he brings leadership and steady two-way play for a young core built around Stützle, Chabot, Sanderson, and others. For the Senators, it’s a low-risk contract structure that maintains veteran influence in the room while providing more flexibility to continue improving.

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