Maple Leafs, Canucks & Oilers’ Depth?

In today’s (May 24) Canadian Daily Rumours roundup, I’m looking at three rumours from Canada’s teams. Are the Maple Leafs considering targeted offer sheets for mid‑tier RFAs like Perfetti, Schneider, or Dach to grab cheap, controllable upside? Might the Canucks’ new front office swing big for Devils’ RHD Šimon Nemec as they speed up a rebuild? And could the Oilers look for a low‑drama summer by re‑signing useful, cost‑effective pieces like Kapanen or Dickinson? Would they likely move on from aging, longer‑term vets such as Henrique or Murphy, to keep cap flexibility?

Maple Leafs Rumour: RFA Offer Sheets Could Target Perfetti, Schneider, or Dach

Rumour has it Toronto might actually use offer sheets this summer; not the top-dollar sweepstakes, but smart, targeted moves. With teams that can sign UFAs/RFAs under about $1.58M without compensation or reach into the $2.39M–$4.78M band using their 2027 second-rounder. Realistic targets are middle-tier RFAs who could be had for a pick: Cole Perfetti, Braden Schneider or Kirby Dach. None of those would break the bank compared to the elite tier, but they’d add young, controllable pieces the Maple Leafs badly need.

It’s pragmatic thinking from John Chayka: you can’t outspend everyone, so nudge the market instead. Perfetti brings skill and playmaking upside, Schneider is a mobile right-shot defenseman, and Dach would be a gamble on size and secondary scoring upside. Landing any of them for the cost of a second-round pick would be a steal if they click. And if the team can’t get first-rounders back from rivals, this is the kind of clever middle ground that actually moves the needle.

Canucks Rumour: Are They Eyeing Šimon Nemec?

Vancouver’s reboot could get loud this summer. And one name popping up in the trade chatter is Devils’ right-shot defenseman, Šimon Nemec. He’s a young, mobile defenseman who’s about to hit RFA status and has reportedly asked for a change of scenery. After a brutal 2025-26 season, the Canucks need impact help on the back end, and Nemec fits the profile: size, upside, and relatively affordable team control.

Of course, New Jersey might not be eager to move a former No. 2 pick. And any deal would cost Vancouver assets. But if the new front office is looking to accelerate a rebuild, don’t be shocked if Nemec’s name comes up in serious conversations. If the Canucks want to speed things up, swinging for a young, high-upside defender like him makes sense.

Simon Nemec Devils trade

Oilers’ Rumour: Who’s Coming Back, and Who’s Probably Done

Rumour has it that the Oilers’ summer won’t be a fireworks show but a slow cleanup job. Edmonton needs to tweak the roster with smart, cheap moves instead of one massive splash. Guys like Kasperi Kapanen and Jason Dickinson feel like two players they’ll try to keep around: cheap speed, penalty-kill value, and fits that actually solve real roster holes without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t expect the Oilers to keep guys with heavy baggage. Henrique and Murphy bring experience, but their age and injury histories make long-term deals risky for a team watching the cap. Edmonton’s more likely to chase short-term fixes that don’t hamstring them later.

Related: Canadian Daily Rumours: Maple Leafs, Jets & Oilers’ Coach?