Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Senators & Maple Leafs New Start

The Oilers, Senators and Maple Leafs are making moves now, but each team has a very different plan for what comes next.

by
Old Prof
August 10, 2026

In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (August 9, 2026), we’re looking at three teams that are basically sending the same message in different ways. The Edmonton Oilers want to be ready to pounce at the deadline with the cap space they created. The Ottawa Senators are moving on from Brady Tkachuk and trying to replace that physical edge with a more balanced lineup. And the Toronto Maple Leafs are betting that a fresh start (especially for Auston Matthews) will flip their whole season around.

Oilers Plan to Spend That New Flex—If the Right Trade Pops Up

Edmonton’s basically saying they saved cap space (after the Darnell Nurse trade) and they’re going to use it during the season, not just sit on it. GM Stan Bowman made it clear they’ve been “handcuffed” before, and he wants the Oilers ready to pounce when a mid-season opportunity shows up. The idea is to take a deal only if it’s presented to them. They’re looking especially around that low-$2.5M-ish neighbourhood. That way they can add without having to give much back.

And if you study who might be available, teams that could be selling (like Vancouver, Calgary, Detroit, Seattle, and Pittsburgh) might have the kind of players Edmonton could target. Names floated here include Luke Schenn, Bryan Rust/Rickard Rakell, and—if salary retention/pro-rating is on the table—someone like Jared McCann as a top-six option. Either way, the message is that the Oilers want to be ready to make a call at the deadline.

Oilers Send Clear Trade Deadline Message to Early Sellers

Senators Trade Captain Energy for Skill—Then Add More Grit

Brady Tkachuk moving to Florida was a big deal for Ottawa. But the whole point is that staying for 2026-27 probably came with too much chaos and could’ve messed with his focus. Ottawa lost a captain who was tough, physical, and productive when healthy. Even if his career pace sits around 0.81 points per game, they’ll miss him.

To replace that, Ottawa makes the trade for William Eklund (younger, more offense-y, but not as physical). Then they should also add Eeli Tolvanen. Tolvanen’s basically the “hit-first” kind of player. He gets tons of hits, has solid defensive habits, and could slot in on the third line to keep Ottawa’s style physical while Eklund stays focused on scoring.

Eeli Tolvanen Would Be a Perfect Fit for the Ottawa Senators

Auston Matthews future Maple Leafs — Auston Matthews Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Hope a New Look Gets Auston Matthews Back to Supernova

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going into 2026-27 trying to shake off last year’s rough finish, and they’ve brought in new leadership, new coaching, and a whole new backroom team. They hope to get things moving in the right direction. But it all really comes down to Auston Matthews. If he plays like the guy he’s been (and stays healthy), Toronto’s got a shot.

The big idea is getting Matthews used the right way again. He needs to produce more offence and have fewer defensive chores. That way he can get back to scoring at the level he used to. With a new system, new potential linemates like Gavin McKenna, and upgraded support for his health through Andy O’Brien’s team, the Maple Leafs are betting that Matthews can stay on the ice and hit around that 40+ goal pace. If that happens, the rest will fall into place.

Maple Leafs’ Season May Hinge on One Big Matthews Adjustment