This edition (May 19, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three quick updates on NHL coaching drama and contract talk. The Canucks ripped the band-aid off and fired Adam Foote and his staff after a brutal season. The Sabres are wondering whether Alex Tuch will stick around or chase a bigger payday elsewhere. And Oilers fans are losing it over a possible Craig Berube interview.
Basically, there’s some chaos across the league as teams scramble to reset, retain key pieces, and make the right hire before July hits.
Vancouver’s gone full reset: Adam Foote is out as head coach, and assistants Scott Young, Kevin Dean and Brett McLean are all gone too, per Darren Dreger. After a brutal 25‑49‑8 season, the team was a bottom‑feeder across the board. With Ryan Johnson and the Sedins taking over hockey operations, the club clearly decided tinkering wasn’t enough.
Foote had been promoted from Tocchet’s staff despite limited experience, but the results just weren’t there this season. Names floating as replacements include Craig Berube, Bruce Cassidy and Kris Knoblauch, while Manny Malhotra is fresh off running Abbotsford. He’s the internal candidate to watch if Vancouver wants continuity from someone who already knows the roster.
Canucks Fire Adam Foote as Head Coach
Tough Exit for Tuch — Will Buffalo Be Able to Keep Its Big Winger?
Losing Game 7 in OT to Montreal stings, and now the offseason questions start piling up. One question is Alex Tuch’s future. Buffalo reportedly needs to make an offer he can’t refuse if they want to keep him, but with July 1 coming and a thin UFA market, Tuch’s choice isn’t obvious. Should he take the Sabres’ deal (and maybe a hometown discount), or test what other teams will pay for a 30-goal, physical winger who brings leadership?
A minus-10 rating in the series against Montreal doesn’t help his case, especially if Buffalo’s considering a long, $10M-type contract. Durability and playoff performance matter for that kind of term. Still, teammates like Tage Thompson publicly want him back, and Tuch’s overall value around the league is real. So expect talks, trade whispers, and maybe one tense July 1 before anything’s settled.
Following Sabres Elimination in Playoffs, What Now for Alex Tuch?
Oilers Eye Berube — Fans Freak Out and Threaten to Bail on McDavid
The Oilers getting permission to talk to Craig Berube sent social feeds into meltdown, and not in a good way. After a rough 2025‑26 in Toronto, lots of fans and pundits are flat-out skeptical that Berube’s heavy, old‑school style would click with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Folks point to Toronto’s collapse in possession, power play and defence under him and say, if Edmonton hires Berube, some fans worry the Stanley Cup window could slam shut. McDavid might not stick around for that.
Plenty hope the interview is just a way to show they talked to everyone, so Bruce Cassidy’s price drops, or to mine ideas rather than actually hire Berube. But for now, the noise is real. People are calling the move baffling, warning it clashes with Edmonton’s speed-and-skill identity, and betting this will either be a smokescreen or a self-inflicted catastrophe if it goes any further.
Berube Buzz in Edmonton — And Suddenly McDavid’s Future Feels Uncertain
More Posts:
Canadian Daily Rumours: Flames, Maple Leafs, Canucks & Trade?
A Skill the Maple Leafs Can’t Keep Ignoring in Big Games
Statement from the NHLCA Addresses Bruce Cassidy Drama
The Prospect That Stopped a Major Trade: Why The Trocheck Deal To Wild Never Happened
Insider Reports Sabres and Former Top Prospect Parting Ways
The NHL Makes a Ruling on Golden Knights Sanctions Appeal
More Details Coming Out on the Rocky Nylander–Berube Relationship
Costly Twist?: NHL’s Cassidy Ruling Could Disrupt Oilers’ Plans
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