Writers Bloc

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi close out the morning by welcoming on Ty Dunne from GoLongTD.com! The guys get Ty's thoughts on if the Buffalo Bills are serious Super Bowl contenders, the emergence of the New England Patriots and Drake Maye, if Maye is the MVP favourite and how worried Bills Fans should be about the Pats. They then tee-up the Thursday nighter on deck between the Lions and Cowboys. After the break the guys are joined by Maple Leaf Hot Stove writer, Anthony Petrelli (26:34) to discuss the Leafs road trip thus far, what their playoff chances look like, the goaltending situation and Scott Laughton's role in the forward group. The guys close out the day with their Canadian Sports Moment of the day! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi open the second hour by discussing the reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted a trade this summer. They examine whether the Raptors were true contenders for him and how their assets compare to the rest of the NBA. They then shift to the Lakers' visit to Toronto tonight and note how LeBron James' arrival feels less significant than ever, potentially signaling the twilight of his era. Gunning also recaps his time at the Sportsnet Classic 3-on-3. After the break, they're joined by Nick Kypreos, Real Kyper & Bourne co-host, who shares his impressions of the Leafs' road trip, goaltending tandem, and Dennis Hildeby's expected workload. The boys also dive into the state of the power play, Auston Matthews' play since returning from injury, and the ongoing issues with Olympic ice and stadium plans in Italy, including the possibility that NHL players may not participate this winter.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi open Thursday's show by looking ahead to the Maple Leafs' road-trip finale against the Hurricanes. The boys frame tonight's clash as a clear benchmark for where the team stands, and discuss which parts of the organization (front office, coaching staff, or players) have had the most pressure lifted during this stretch. They then shift to concerns about the Olympic rink in Italy and the possibility that NHL players might not participate in the upcoming Games. After the break, Brent and Daniele react to news that Kyle Tucker visited the Blue Jays' facilities, considering what it might mean for Toronto's chances of signing him. They question whether both Bo Bichette and Tucker could realistically both be added long-term, and how missing out on Tucker would shape perceptions of the Jays' offseason.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli close out Wednesday morning by welcoming on play-by-play announcer of the Toronto Raptors Eric Smith to discuss his takeaways from the Raps win over the Portland Trailblazers, both positive and negative, plus the impact Scottie Barnes, missing RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram's recent struggles and where Gradey Dick fits. The guys then talk about Eric's book and what the reception to it has been like. Brent and Sho then turn their attention to the Toronto Maple Leafs and their win over the Florida Panthers and if it can galvanize the team going forward. After the break Sho Alli is joined by Sportsnet Blue Jays reporter Shi Davidi! (24:22) They get into a conversation on Cody Ponce signing with the Jays, what fans can expect from him and its impact on the rotation, the rest of free agency and the Jays' offseason. Sho closes out the morning with your Canadian Sports moment! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli open the second hour by alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs GM and friend of the show! They break down Toronto's win over Florida last night, assess whether the Leafs are truly back, and evaluate the team's play when healthy. The trio also discuss Joseph Woll's workload, Auston Matthews' resurgence, the defence corps returning to form, and Toronto's playoff outlook. Later, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi (25:25) stops by to discuss what Blue Jays fans can expect from Cody Ponce. Jon shares how his KBO performance could translate to the Majors and Ponce's fit in Toronto's rotation, before forecasting some other offseason moves, potential trades, and the shape of the remaining free agent market. This hour wraps up with thoughts on the Olympic ice situation in Italy for 2026 Winter Games.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli kick off Wednesday morning by recapping the Maple Leafs' 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. They highlight how this win renewed some hope for the season, Joseph Woll's strong performance, Troy Stecher's impressive play, and the team's ongoing power-play struggles. The boys listen back to Craig Berube's post-game comments and assess Auston Matthews' recent stretch as a potential return to form. They also break down the Raptors' win over the Portland Trail Blazers, noting the team's inconsistencies, shifting expectations, and the impact of Scottie Barnes' offensive surge on the team's ceiling. Ben and Sho close the hour by discussing the Blue Jays signing KBO MVP Cody Ponce, what his addition means for the coming season, how it affects the bullpen makeup, and the increased likelihood of a trade.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close out Tuesday morning by welcoming NHL insider Frank Seravalli on to talk about how the NHL trade market is shaping up,  how active the Leafs will be in it and what's going on with Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz. The guys then turn their attention to the rest of the league taking a look at Jordan Binnington's trade market and what the lowly Nashville Predators may do before then getting into Frank's ongoing beef with Michael Buble. After the break, Co-host of Leafs Talk, and producer of real Kyper & Bourne Sam McKee  joins the guys! (26:23) They discuss Sam's expectations for tonight's Leafs Panthers matchup, his conflicted view on the Leafs' season,  how to root for them right now and what needs to change to turn their season around. The guys close out the morning with talk about who should start in net for team Canada at the Olympics. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the second hour by previewing tonight's Maple Leafs vs. Panthers game. They get into Brad Marchand's rapport with the Toronto media and examine whether the Leafs may have missed their contention window amid Florida's mounting injuries. They discuss Auston Matthews' evolution, the importance of key players going forward, and whether the Leafs' health-science approach or simple injury-proneness is contributing to their lineup issues. After the break, Sportsnet NHL analyst Jason Bukala (27:00) joins to share his observations on the Leafs' current play, other teams' adjustments, Matthews' development, and any changes in Toronto's defensive-zone coverage. He also weighs in on Team Canada's Olympic goaltending picture and breaks down his latest draft rankings, where Keaton Verhoeff sits ahead of Gavin McKenna, and what their NCAA seasons and the upcoming World Juniors could indicate.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open Tuesday's show with thoughts on Brad Marchand's comments about the Toronto Maple Leafs season thus far. The boys dive into tonight's matchup with the Panthers and outline the stakes of Toronto's growing rivalry with the Panthers, including what to make of Florida's shaky start. They then shift to David Montgomery's remarks about Jordan Binnington and what they might mean for Team Canada. After the break, they discuss Pete DeBoer's statement about the Olympic ice dimensions in Milan and potential implications for Team Canada. Ben and Brent close the hour with a look at the Pete Fairbanks rumours circulating in Toronto and discuss whether he could help fix the Blue Jays' bullpen.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up Monday morning by welcoming on Sportsnet NHL host David Amber to discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs' weird season and if they can be a playoff team. The trio then discuss Auston Matthews' current form, how Dakota Joshua can impact the team and Easton Cowan's impressive play.  After the break the guys are joined by former NHL goaltender Devan Dubnyk (26:18) to get some of his thoughts about the early season stories around the NHL, the current goaltending situations of the Leafs and Oilers, Sergei Bobrovsky, and what Canada's net will look like at the Olympics. Ben and Brent close out Monday morning with your Crown Canadian Moment of the day!   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the second hour by examining Auston Matthews' weekend on the ice. The guys note a possible decline in his puck touches compared to past seasons and consider how a shift from elite status to merely top-ten form could impact the Leafs' future, especially amid the team's insistence that his play isn't related to previous injuries. They then discuss Elliotte Friedman's report that the Leafs blocked footage from the All or Nothing Amazon Prime documentary involving William Nylander, raising concerns about whether the organization has been too lenient with him and how damaging the unseen footage might have been. Later, Trey Wingo (24:12) of the Straight Facts Homie podcast contributor to talk about the razor-thin margins in the league this year and the heightened excitement created by league-wide parity. They also break down the Chiefs' struggles, the uncertain identity of the Bills, the heavy pressure facing Buffalo and Baltimore, the Steelers' shaky outlook and Mike Tomlin's future, the NFC North amid the Lions' issues, the Bears' surprising performance, and Trey's perspective on the Lane Kiffin situation.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the week by reviewing the Toronto Maple Leafs up-and-down weekend. The guys gauge the disappointment of Friday's loss to Washington against the satisfaction of Saturday's win, noting the unusual nature of a less dominant 7–2 victory over Pittsburgh. They highlight emerging positives, including Dennis Hildeby's strong play, the potential for giving Joseph Woll more rest, Max Domi's fit in the lineup, and effective defensive pairings despite injuries. After the break, they shift to the Toronto Raptors' losses to Charlotte and New York, evaluating what the results reveal about the team's status as an Eastern Conference contender, their scoring concerns when Brandon Ingram struggles, and how the group measures up to preseason expectations. They wrap up the hour with NFL talk, touching on perceptions of the 49ers, the boundaries of trash talk, the legitimacy of the Panthers, and Max Brosmer's rough performance.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi close out the week by welcoming on hockey news site manager Michael Traikos! The guys get Michael's thoughts on the Leafs season so far. The sustainability of Joseph Woll and relying on good goaltending for wins and powerplay changes. The trio then dive into a conversation around Brad Treliving, Craig Berube's performances and what can be improved going forward. After the break Ben and Daniele are joined by Amazon Monday Night Hockey, and MLB network host Adnan Virk! (22:48) Adnan offers his opinion on the Dylan Cease signing, and its impact on the Jays rotation, what's next for the Jays, and the rest of the AL East, in this offseason. The group then close out with their thoughts on Anthony Rendon retiring and if we will ever see a contract as bad as his in the history of sports?   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi kick off the second hour of Friday with NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis. They discuss key takeaways from the Chiefs-Cowboys game, the implications for the Chiefs' playoff chances, and if the Cowboys can make it. They also delve into Dak Prescott's performance, the AFC North outlook, Joe Burrow's return, and concerns about Lamar Jackson. After the break, the conversation shifts to the Toronto Maple Leafs' road trip—will it define their season? Can they rely on Joseph Woll, and what do they need from the power play? They also touch on the Raptors' playoff prospects and Brandon Ingram's integration into the lineup (27:35).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi kick off Friday discussing the Thanksgiving NFL slate. Are the Chiefs in playoff trouble? What could they have done differently against the Cowboys? Is Patrick Mahomes ever out of the picture? How significant is Quinnen Williams for the Cowboys' defense, and do they have a shot at the playoffs? They also ponder Lamar Jackson's regression—scheme-related or injury-related? Will Dan Campbell's fourth-down decisions backfire, and could the Lions miss the playoffs? Are the Packers any good? Later, they welcome former MLB pitcher and VSiN host Jensen Lewis (28:46) to discuss the Blue Jays' acquisition of Dylan Cease. What can fans expect from him this season? Can the Jays help him improve his strike consistency? Has Toronto's reputation changed among free agents, and how will ABS affect catchers in framing pitches?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close out Thursday morning by welcoming on Sportsnet Raptors reporter Michael Grange! Michael touches on the Raptors' performance last night, how he sees the Brandon Ingram Trade now, and what the most unsustainable part of this run is and if they are a legitimate contender in the Eastern conference. The trio then dive into Scottie Barnes' play and if we can expect them to be more active in the trade market. Ben and Brent then preview the American thanksgiving NFL slate that we have on store today. Later, Ben and Brent are joined by the Co-Host of Jays Talk Plus and the Raptors show Blake Murphy! (27:05) Blake offers his opinion on the Dylan Cease signing and what Jays fans can expect from him after a down year, the effects of working with Alejandro Kirk and if the Jays have the best rotation in baseball before finishing up with a look at what the Jays may do next. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome former Leafs GM and FAN 590 contributor Gord Stellick for insights on the Leafs' recent win. They discuss Joseph Woll's reliability before Stolarz returns, the impact of Auston Matthews, and Easton Cowan's development in the NHL versus the AHL. Then, Sportsnet Blue Jays insider Shi Davidi (25:58) joins to talk about the Blue Jays' major offseason signing, its implications for their rotation, and the future of players like Scherzer, Bassit, and Bo Bichette. Ben and Brent wrap up with their thoughts on the Blue Jays' trajectory.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start Thursday morning celebrating a fantastic night in Toronto sports! They discuss the Blue Jays' signing of Dylan Cease and its impact on the team's reputation and rotation. Is this a game-changer for the Jays, and will they remain active this offseason? After the break, they analyze the Leafs' overtime win against the Blue Jackets, highlighting Joseph Woll's performance and Easton Cowan's emerging role. Were they surprised to see Auston Matthews play? They wrap up by looking at the Raptors' ninth straight win, discussing Brandon Ingram's fit with the team and the significance of winning the NBA Cup (25:25).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close out the morning by welcoming on former Toronto Maple Leaf general manager and NHL legend Brian Burke to assess Brad Treliving's job performance, the impact of missing Auston Matthews and the effect of the Leafs keeping injury information closely guarded. They then get into a potential coaching change and what other areas the team could look to improve and Brian's assessment of the league overall. After the break, the guys are joined by former NHL'er and FanDuel sports network Ohio's Jody Shelley (31:34) to discuss the struggling Blue Jackets and how a road trip could help them, the importance of team bonding and the struggles of underperformance. The trio then discuss the parallels between the Blue Jackets and Leafs  and if Jody is more concerned with the Leafs or the Oilers right now?   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

In the second hour, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss whether being on the road is beneficial for the Leafs as they seek to regain their form. They analyze the team's performance against the Blue Jackets and consider if this road trip could redefine their season. The conversation shifts to Craig Berube's handling of injuries and the media, pondering if a press secretary would help. They also question Berube's job security during this pivotal trip. Later, MLB insider Jon Morosi (24:52) joins to share updates on the Blue Jays' offseason priorities, including Kyle Tucker's potential signing and playing position, Ketel Marte's availability, and Bo Bichette's contract status. Morosi also provides insights into the Blue Jays' pursuit of Tatsuya Imai and other MLB news.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Oilers' disappointing game against the Dallas Stars, exploring whether goaltending is the sole issue and if a major rethink is needed for playoff contention. They ponder Connor McDavid's long-term commitment to the team and compare the Oilers to the current Leafs. The hosts also reflect on Jamie Benn's career milestone and discuss the Blue Jays' potential interest in Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte, as well as the implications of Sonny Gray's trade to the Red Sox for the AL East. They wrap up by addressing Hal Steinbrenner's comments on the Yankees' revenue and the Blue Jays' pursuit of Tatsuya Imai (24:45).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up the morning by welcoming on NHL insider Frank Seravalli! Does Frank think that we see Auston Matthews return soon, and upon his return to the lineup what are reasonable expectations for him carrying this team? Where does Frank think the roster construction went wrong? How far back should we go back to see where it went wrong? Why didn't the Leafs stars take long term deals like the rest of the stars in the league did? If they can't turn it around how does Frank see the Leafs approaching the rest of this season? Will they try to salvage it or will they take a half step back for the team to be better in the future? After the break, Ben and Brent are joined by the co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, Justin Bourne! (25:35) What has Justin made of the slumping Leafs as they are currently constructed? What has gone wrong for them so far this year? Does Justin think they can turn it around? As they get more healthy will they continue to improve? If Craig Berube isn't going to coach them hard then what is the point of him being the coach? Are we seeing anything differently tactically from Berube and Leafs other than trying harder? And do we need to give the Leafs a chance with a healthy roster. Ben and Brent close out the day with their final thoughts on where the Leafs currently sit.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the second hour by discussing the Leafs' optional skate amid recent struggles. They question Craig Berube's coaching approach, especially given the team's performance, and speculate on Auston Matthews' potential return against the Blue Jackets. They also wonder about Anthony Stolarz's injury situation and the Leafs' injury reporting practices. Next, they analyze Adam Foote's comments on analytics and Russia. After the break, Sportsnet Raptors analyst Alvin Williams (26:23) joins to share insights on Brandon Ingram's fit with the team and his leadership potential. They discuss Scottie Barnes' growth, the Raptors' defensive play, and whether they're contenders in the Eastern Conference. Alvin also reflects on what the Raptors might learn from the NBA Cup and assesses Darko's development as a coach.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Tuesday by recapping the Raptors' 8th straight victory over the Cavaliers. They discuss Brandon Ingram's ranking among all-time Raptors scorers and whether he changes the team's potential in the Eastern Conference. They also ponder Scottie Barnes' development and if Sandro Mamukelashvili, or "Mamu," is becoming a fan favourite. Afterward, the duo reflects on Don Mattingly's comments about game strategy in the World Series and how it resonates with Blue Jays fans, wrapping up with a reaction to a controversial call from a Creighton Blue Jays announcer (27:23).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of the morning by welcoming on Sportsnet.ca Leafs reporter Luke Fox! What are Lukes takeaways from the disappointing loss on Saturday. Is Luke panicked about the season at all? Can we wait until they get healthy until we really render a judgment about them? Can we count on Auston Matthews to find his old form or this who is who he is going to be? What is the best direction for this team? Does the front office have a plan? Taking a half step back or doubling down on this core and add to it? In general, is this core of Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares going to be good enough a year from now to get them over the hump? The guys are then joined by Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox! (23:58) What has Damien made of this team so far? Did the front office make it worse? What is Brad Treliving building here, and what is the plan? How does the front office make this team better? And what do they do next? Ben and Brent close out the morning offering there final thoughts on the state of the Leafs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 

In the second hour, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Leafs' loss to the Montreal Canadiens, leaving them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Are the playoffs still a possibility for the Leafs, or is the Eastern Conference's weakness their only hope? They contemplate the team's direction and what the front office should consider moving forward. Trey Wingo (24:52) from the ‘Straight Facts Homie' Podcast joins to analyze NFL Week 12. Do the Chiefs regain momentum after beating the Colts? Where do the Bills and Ravens stand? What are the Vikings' plans for JJ McCarthery? Are the Rams the top team in the NFL, and should Matthew Stafford be MVP frontrunner? Concerns about the Eagles and Trey's thoughts on Shedeur Sanders' debut are also covered. Ben and Brent wrap up with their final insights on the week.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the week by discussing the Toronto Maple Leafs' disappointing loss to the Montreal Canadiens. They analyze what went wrong, the potential impact on the season, and Auston Matthews' return. Is the contention window closing for Toronto? Should the front office trade assets to salvage the season? They also ponder Easton Cowan's development and reliance on Joseph Woll. After the break, they shift focus to the successful Raptors. Have expectations changed for the team? Should they prioritize the NBA Cup? They wrap up with a fun story about Karl-Anthony Towns selling a Yoshinobu Yamamoto rookie card (27:16).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi wrap up the week with Maple Leaf Hotstove writer Anthony Petrielli. They discuss the Maple Leafs' recent three-game point streak, Scott Laughton's return, the team's injury reporting practices, and John Tavares' early-season reliance. Later, NHL insider Frank Seravalli (23:43) joins to share insights from the Brad Treliving press conference, potential transactions, player value, and the impact of close standings leading to the trade deadline. Brent and Daniele then share their thoughts on the Leafs' weekend performance.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi welcome NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis in the second hour. They discuss the Bills' recent performance and concerns moving forward. What can they do to boost their receiving game? Are the Texans a playoff threat with CJ Stroud back? The conversation shifts to the week 12 matchups, focusing on the significance of the Chiefs vs. Colts game. Do the Colts need a win to prove their legitimacy? If the Chiefs lose, could it signal the end of their AFC run? What to expect from Bryce Young after his breakout week? Also, how crucial is the Ravens' game against the Jets for their AFC North standing? After the break, Brent and Daniele examine Auston Matthews' morning skate participation and the league's transparency issue. They wrap up with Jason Kelce's insights on team dynamics (28:57).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franchesci begin Friday's episode by discussing the Leafs' 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. They consider Coach Craig Berube's optimism despite the team's injuries, evaluate Joseph Woll's performance, and debate Easton Cowan's suitability for the top line. They also touch on Scott Laughton's return and its impact on the lineup, and criticize the Leafs' injury reporting. After the break, they analyze the Buffalo Bills' tough loss to the Houston Texans and the blame for the AFC East slip. Lastly, they discuss the Toronto Raptors' surprising start and whether it's sustainable (31:51).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Eric Smith by discussing the scorching-hot Toronto Raptors, who just recorded their fifth consecutive win against the 76ers. They explore whether the Raptors have finally identified their core and identity, and take an in-depth look at players like Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley. Later, Adnan Virk (24:33) joins the conversation to talk about the MLB offseason so far, discuss if the Jays are poised for a significant move, and delve into the major sweepstakes surrounding Kyle Tucker.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben and Brent open the second hour with thoughts on the Maple Leafs' matchup against the Blue Jackets tonight. They discuss the concern of over-working Joseph Woll while Anthony Stolarz is on the shelf, as well as the Oilers' ongoing issues in goal. Later, the boys chat about the PGA Tour's plan to start the season after the Super Bowl, and imagine how much better the golf world would be if LIV Golf didn't exist. Rick Nash (24:00), two-time Olympic Gold medalist and President of Hockey Operations in Columbus, checks in ahead of tonight's trip to Toronto. Rick looks into the parity within the Eastern Conference, balancing Olympic excitement and regular season intensity, and John Tavares' ageless play, before taking a trip down memory lane.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open Thursday's show by celebrating the Toronto Raptors win over the 76ers to move into second place in the Eastern Conference. They highlight the team's strong play, improved ball movement under coach Darko Rajaković, and the impact of Brandon Ingram alongside standout performances from Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. The boys also discuss the likelihood of Ingram's availability throughout the season and the broader issue of load management in the NBA. After the break, they chat about the Blue Jays' chances to sign Kyle Tucker after reports that the Dodgers will not aggressively pursue the slugger. Ben and Brent close by assessing what reasonable expectations should be for the Jays this offseason.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

In the final hour, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Sportsnet NHL analyst Jason Bukala to discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs' recent performance and the impact of John Tavares. They explore whether the team's less thrilling style indicates positive progress, the effects of injuries on Craig Berube's depth decisions, and insights on the Leafs' bottom six. They also touch on Brad Treliving's comments about the team. After the break, Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst Shi Davidi (26:35) joins to share key takeaways from the GM meetings, discuss the Jays' market opportunities, Ricky Tiedemann's role next season, and Bo Bichette's future in Toronto. The segment concludes with the Crown Canadian moment of the day.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben and Brent begin the second hour alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs General Manager and friend of the show! Gord discusses what the Leafs can build on from last night's win, how it compares to recent losses, William Nylander's impact, Joseph Woll's importance, and the state of the team's power play. After the break (30:10), the conversation shifts to Brad Treliving's press conference, reflecting on his “vanilla” characterization of the team, his comments on Auston Matthews' long-term health, and the idea of sacrificing future assets to salvage this season.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open Wednesday's show by recapping the Leafs' much-needed win over the Blues. They highlight strong performances from John Tavares, William Nylander, and Joseph Woll, and examine how injuries are testing the team's depth and shaping Craig Berube's decisions. They also discuss the team's struggling power play and the looming goaltending decisions once Anthony Stolarz returns. The conversation then shifts to the Blue Jays, including Ricky Tiedemann's addition to the 40-man roster and what it signals for his future. Ben and Brent wrap up this hour with thoughts on Bo Bichette declining his qualifying offer amid reported interest from Boston and other contenders.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up the morning by speaking with Sportsnet.ca's Luke Fox about the Toronto Maple Leafs. They discuss expectations for Brad Treliving's media availability, the impact of David Kämpf, and the toll of injuries on the team. They also speculate on the return of Auston Matthews and whether the Leafs might have missed their championship window. After the break, former NHL player Cam Janssen (25:50) shares his insights on the Leafs and St. Louis Blues, including concerns about Mitch Marner's absence and Craig Berube's coaching status. Ben and Brent conclude with the Crown Royal Canadian moment.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the second hour discussing the latest Maple Leafs practice news. The sort through the team's lengthy injury list and consider how long the team might be without their star, Auston Matthews. The boys then share their expectations for GM Brad Treliving's upcoming media availability regarding team concerns and timeline updates. After the break, they speak with Sportsnet's Michael Grange (26:05) about the Raptors' start to the season, Brandon Ingram's early impact and fit alongside Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles' integration, the team's growing chemistry, and the present and future strength of the Thunder.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the morning recapping a fantastic Raptors victory over the Charlotte Hornets, highlighting Brandon Ingram's standout performance. They also note Jakob Poeltl's importance to the Raptors' defensive identity and the growing sense of chemistry within the roster. The conversation then shifts to the struggling Clippers, who owe their first-round pick to the Thunder, raising the possibility of an emerging Oklahoma City dynasty. After the break, they address the issues facing several Canadian NHL teams, Ja'Marr Chase's suspension and the excuse he's using to challenge it, along with a surprising rise in spitting incidents around the NFL. Finally, they touch on reports linking the Blue Jays to Edwin Díaz and consider whether the team is poised to spend big and prioritize a star reliever.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour by welcoming Sportsnet NHL analyst Luke Gazdic. They discuss the Leafs' recent game against the Blackhawks, exploring fan disappointment, playoff chances, and the impact of Troy Stecher on the team. They also look ahead at the next two weeks for the Leafs. Next, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski (25:10) joins to share his insights on the Leafs' current state, Auston Matthews' long-term health, and how Eastern Conference parity affects playoff hopes. They touch on league surprises at the quarter mark, including the Ducks, Canadiens, Jack Hughes' injury, and the Lightning's legitimacy. They wrap up with their Crown Canadian moment.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben and Brent start the second of the morning by going over Elliotte Friedman's comments from Hockey Night in Canada about the Maple Leafs' options to save this season. Would it be wise for the team to move future assets in draft pick or prospects in order to improve this year? The boys debate who they would be willing to part with, why the core remains untouchable despite the team's slow start, what Adrian Kempe re-signing in Los Angeles has done for the free agent market, and if Toronto's cap space has become less of an asset than we originally thought. Trey Wingo (25:50), host of the Straight Facts Homie podcast, stops by to recap Week 11 in the NFL! He discusses the Chiefs playoff hopes following their 22-19 loss to the Broncos, the Bills' bounce-back game against the Buccaneers, how the Bears stack up in AFC North, and if we're all sleeping on the Rams right now.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open Monday's show by breaking down the Maple Leafs' disappointing loss to the Blackhawks on Saturday night. They highlight their main takeaways from the 3-2 defeat and any possible positives, before speculating about Craig Berube's job security heading into the holidays. They compare the processes of the Brad Treliving and Kyle Dubas eras, assess Joseph Woll's return, consider whether adding Troy Stecher will help, reflect on the David Kämpf move to Vancouver, and discuss whether these changes amount to little more than rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. After the break, they celebrate the Roughriders' Grey Cup win and react to MGK's halftime performance. They then evaluate the Raptors' strong start at three games above .500 and their potential as an Eastern Conference playoff threat. The hour wraps with a look at the possibility of the Chiefs missing the playoffs.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.