Canadian Teams Daily Rumours: Senators, Flames & Oilers

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Canadian Teams Daily Rumours: Senators, Flames & Oilers

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Wilson Stillman | Last updated May 2, 2026 12:24 AM ET

This edition of Canadian Teams Daily Rumours includes three rumours you’ll want to bookmark: Ottawa might be on the fence about Drake Batherson. Calgary could try to draft both Ruck twins, and insiders say the Oilers are planning to get bold this summer. Here’s the news on each.

Senators Rumour: Would Ottawa Consider Moving Batherson?

People are split hard on Drake Batherson. It’s either “keep him at all costs” or “get rid of him,” no chill in between. He was one of the few Ottawa guys who actually produced in the playoffs and finished with 71 points, which makes the “sell” crowd think twice. The flip side is his streaky play and some not-great off-puck decisions that drive the critics nuts.

Batherson’s a UFA next summer (2027), so Ottawa can’t drag this out forever. Batherson is still on a team-friendly deal for one more year, which might complicate things. Do the Senators cash in on that value now, or bet on him becoming more consistent? If he posts another 70-point year, he’s going to want real money and term — likely well north of $8M if he keeps trending up.

So do the Senators pay up and hope the inconsistency evens out, or start shopping him now to grab assets for a re-tool? Realistically, his trade value should bring back a mid- to high-draft pick plus a prospect or two, maybe more if a buyer thinks they can smooth out the rough edges.

Flames Rumour: Would Calgary Try to Draft Both Ruck Brothers?

With all the picks Calgary has, could the Flames nab both Liam and Markus Ruck from nearby Medicine Hat? Twins, hometown vibes, built-in chemistry. The Osoyoos brothers have basically played together forever. Liam’s a right-shot winger who exploded this year (45 goals, 104 points). Markus, a lefty listed as a centre but mostly wing, piled up 108 points and finished right beside him in the WHL scoring race.

Neither is likely to be top-early-1st-round, but there could be interest in the mid-second round. If one gets chosen in the late 20s, the phones start ringing. Flames own Vegas’ pick (probably in the 20s) plus a pile of second-rounders. That gives Calgary the chance to swing for both if they want. It wouldn’t be cheap, but grabbing two high-upside brothers who already click? Totally the kind of gamble a team looking for chemistry and local buzz might take.

Oilers Rumour: Insider Says Edmonton Gets “Bold” This Offseason

NHL insider David Pagnotta told The Sheet the Oilers are likely to swing for something big this summer after bowing out in Game 6 to the Ducks. With McDavid’s two-year extension kicking in July, the clock’s ticking and the pressure’s real.

Apparently, McDavid and Draisaitl will meet with management to lay out what they think is missing to win it all. Pagnotta says management basically asked the summer to make moves. The translation is that the Oilers are expected to be aggressive in the trade/free-agent market. Connor stays, but this summer could be make-or-break for his long-term future in Edmonton.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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