Report: Maple Leafs Rejected Oilers' Deadline-Day Trade Offer

Sunday, May 17, 2026 ,

The Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs almost pulled off a huge trade before March's deadline, as The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta has recently shed some light on what went on for trade talks between these two teams.

Pagnotta reports that the Oilers were open to sending Darnell Nurse to the Leafs in exchange for Morgan Rielly and Nic Roy:

Rielly is on his last legs in Toronto, and after a dismal season that saw him scored on more than any other defencemen at 5.v.5 last season, Rielly's expected to be asked for a list of teams he'd approve a trade to. Rielly's signed through the 2030 season at $7.5 million AAV, and does own a full no-movement clause for two more years. Rielly's expected to be traded this summer, with the Oilers, Sharks, Canucks, Flames, and Kraken likely on his approved list of destinations.

As for Roy, he was moved to the Colorado Avalanche for a future first-round pick, and has played a huge part in the Avs' playoff success this spring. Roy's two way game, PK capabilities, and knack for scoring big goals has been a huge factor for the Avalanche this spring, as it appears he was a perfect fit in Colorado's bottom six.

As for Nurse, he likely Rielly, is expected to be moved this summer, as both teams are looking to reshape their core. Nurse holds a $9.25 million cap hit through the 2031 season, and also has a full no movement clause for at least one more season. Considering his contract, the Maple Leafs would be wise to move in a different direction now that John Chayka's running show, and there's a very good chance that's the case. 

Rielly's expected to be moved out by Chayka over the course of the next month, as the new Leafs' GM looks to reshape his core before free agency opens, which means getting off Rielly's overpriced contract.

Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

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