NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Maple Leafs & Senators Ready to Boo

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (July 11, 2026), we share three big storylines that are lining up for next season. They all start with the same theme. Teams are trying to gain control of their situations before it spins out of control. With the Oilers, Frederik Andersen’s one-year deal might be more than just insurance. Because of his connection to Mike Babcock, he could realistically be in line to start as the team’s No. 1 right away. In Toronto, the Maple Leafs aren’t looking for a miracle fix; they need five pretty specific things to go right together. And over in Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk’s return to face the Senators in a Panthers jersey is already shaping up to be a pressure-cooker moment. Fans are clearly fired up and expecting boos for how the trade request played out.

Andersen Might Be the Oilers’ Starter

When Frederik Andersen signed with Edmonton on a one-year deal, the money and term made it sound like he was just insurance. But because he has a close connection to new head coach Mike Babcock, he could end up with a way bigger role right away.

Don’t be shocked if Andersen starts the 2026-27 season as the Oilers’ #1, beating out Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry. Kurt Leavins from The Edmonton Journal even says it’s hard to imagine Andersen not being pencilled in as the starter from the get-go. Babcock talked with him ahead of the signing.

It also kind of makes sense. Andersen probably won’t play a full workload. But if he takes around 35 games, Levi and Jarry can split the rest. That helps with Edmonton’s brutal travel schedule and also covers the reality that injuries happen. And if Babcock’s thinking is “keep everybody fresh while we stay competitive,” this move lines up perfectly.

Andersen Could Have a Surprising Role with Oilers to Start 2026-27 Season

The Maple Leafs Need These 5 Things to Actually Click

After the Maple Leafs’ brutal 78-point season and another missed postseason, the obvious question is how they get back. Jonas Siegel’s breakdown in The Athletic is: don’t look for one miracle. Look for five things to line up at the same time.

It starts with Auston Matthews looking like Auston Matthews again, plus steady goaltending (not perfect, just reliable). Then you need the younger guys to add real value, Jim Hiller to tighten up their defence and control of games, and the veterans to stay healthy long enough for the plan to work.

The Maple Leafs Need These Five Things to Go Right

Ottawa Fans Are Not Ready for Brady Tkachuk’s Return

Brady Tkachuk is coming back to Ottawa next season with the Florida Panthers, and Senators fans probably won’t be happy about it. A lot of people are already saying he’ll get booed and treated as if he’d betrayed the team. That’s especially true for asking out and then moving to an American team.

Tkachuk requested a trade in June and ended up with Florida to play with his brother Matthew, but fans didn’t love how he handled the whole “am I committed to Ottawa?” thing in the media right before it happened. The online reaction has been brutal, with comments focused on loyalty, his style of play, and even his character. So his first return game could end up being one of the loudest and most tense moments of next season.

Senators Fans Have a Message for Brady Tkachuk’s Return

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