In today’s (May 15) Canadian Daily Rumours roundup, I’m looking at three rumours happening around Canadian clubs: the Oilers owner reportedly pushed hard to fire Knoblauch as the team demands instant results. The Senators are busy hunting a big right-shot defenseman to pair with Sanderson and Chabot. And, in Vancouver, new GM Ryan Johnson warned that no veteran is untouchable if a trade helps them get younger and grab picks.
Oilers Rumour: Katz Pushed for Knoblauch’s Exit, Says Elliotte Friedman
Word is the owner was a major driver behind Kris Knoblauch getting canned — Elliotte Friedman says Daryl Katz was furious with how the season ended and made it crystal clear he wanted big changes. Friedman also notes the clock ticking on McDavid’s contract, and there’s huge pressure to win now, which has pushed the owner to demand a shakeup.
Katz’s reputation as a demanding owner isn’t new — under him, the Oilers have cycled through plenty of coaches — so this move fits the pattern: blame the results, reset the staff, and hunt for someone who can deliver immediately rather than slowly rebuild.
Senators Rumour: Ottawa Hunting a Big Right-Handed D-Man
Ottawa’s offseason priority? Get a big right-shot defenseman who can eat minutes — Bruce Garrioch says that was their main ask, and they even pushed for guys like Colton Parayko and Rasmus Ristolainen at the deadline. Parayko said no to a move then, and Philly might be reluctant to part with Ristolainen after their playoff run, but both could resurface as summer targets if circumstances change.
Bottom line: the Sens need a right-shot partner to balance Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot, and they’re clearly willing to chase veterans who can stabilize big minutes and bring some physicality. Expect them to keep hunting until they fill that hole.
Canucks Rumour: GM Johnson Says Nobody’s Safe from Trade
New GM Ryan Johnson made it clear Vancouver’s ready to shake things up. They want to get younger and stockpile picks, and if a veteran trade or big move fits the plan, they won’t blink. He basically said “nothing’s off the table” as long as it lines up with the team’s long-term vision.
So don’t be surprised if familiar faces start getting floated this summer — the focus is rebuilding depth and prospects, not protecting vets for sentiment’s sake. If the Canucks see a deal that helps them inch forward the right way, they’ll pull the trigger.
Related: Canadian Daily Rumours: Jets, Canadiens, Senators & Skinner
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