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Brad Schlossman (Grand Forks Herald) and Jayson Hajdu (College Hockey Inc.) return for another year of NCAA Division I men's hockey chit-chat. First, they discuss some of the newsiest news since the NHL Draft episode, including the new college hockey talent landscape, head coaching hires, Tom Serratore's retirement announcement, the proposal to expand roster limits from 26 to 28, NCAA rules changes, and more. Then, they go around the country to preview every conference and the independent scene. Grand Forks Herald 2026-27 preseason college hockey top 20: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/the-heralds-2026-27-preseason-college-hockey-top-20 Grand Forks Herald preseason Hobey Baker Award candidates: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/10-preseason-hobey-baker-award-candidates Follow Brad Schlossman on X (@SchlossmanGF) and Bluesky (@schlossmangf.bsky.social) Follow the Grand Forks Herald on X (@GFHerald) Follow College Hockey Inc. on X (@collegehockey), Bluesky (@collegehockey), Threads (@collegehockeyinc) and Instagram (@collegehockeyinc) Email the show at info@collegehockeyinc.com!
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
What really happens inside an NHL draft room when a team is on the clock?Seattle Kraken VP of Hockey Operations and Assistant GM Ryan Jankowski joins the Sound Of Hockey Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about scouting, drafting, and building the Kraken's prospect pipeline.Jankowski takes us behind the scenes of an NHL Draft selection, including how teams narrow down their options as a pick approaches and who ultimately makes the call. He also shares his perspective on Shane Wright from the 2022 NHL Draft, what he's seen from Wright's development since then, and why Kraken fans should be excited about Chase Reid.Plus, Jankowski discusses:
Did the Penguins just find ANOTHER stud goaltending prospect? Check out our latest episodes
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
The old dividing line between Major Junior and NCAA hockey is disappearing.Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Robert Morris head coach Derek Schooley examine the CHL's growing impact on college hockey—from a record-setting NHL Draft to a rapidly expanding recruiting pool of Major Junior players.A record 19 current or committed NCAA players were selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, with 110 chosen overall. But the larger story is how the new CHL-to-NCAA pathway is changing recruiting, roster construction and player development throughout the sport.The discussion then turns to four prominent coaching changes:• Brett Larson takes over at Minnesota• Nick Oliver succeeds Larson at St. Cloud State• Rob Rassey follows Ted Donato at Harvard• Eric Rud begins a new chapter at Alaska AnchorageWhich programs are best positioned for immediate success—and which new coach faces the most difficult transition?Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts
Hallo Hockeyfreunde, Cutter Gauthier bleibt in Anaheim! Doch was bedeutet das für die Zukunft des jungen Stürmers? Und könnte mit Patrik Laine bald noch ein weiterer Top-Spieler nach Orange County kommen? In dieser Folge des Anaheim Ducks Blogs sprechen wir über die aktuellen Entwicklungen rund um die Ducks, den Rookie Faceoff und den Stand der Dinge vor der neuen NHL-Saison.
Timo Meier ist zu Gast im SPORTCAST SCHWEIZ und spricht mit Host Fabio Nay über die prägendsten Momente seiner Karriere. Er erzählt von seinem Weg in die NHL, seinem ersten Tor gegen die Montreal Canadiens und dem Gefühl, sich als Schweizer Eishockeyspieler in Nordamerika durchzusetzen. Auch über schwierige Zeiten spricht Meier offen – etwa über das Pfeiffersche Drüsenfieber nach dem NHL-Draft, das ihn zwang, lange komplett zu pausieren. Eine belastende Phase, in der er nur zuschauen und sich erholen konnte. Daneben gibt er persönliche Einblicke in sein Leben abseits des Eises, seine Sommer in der Schweiz, seinen Alltag in Amerika und seine grosse Leidenschaft für den FC St. Gallen. Eine Folge über NHL, Eishockey, Rückschläge, Heimat und den Traum vom Erfolg auf höchstem Niveau. Jetzt reinhören!
Summer Coolers – New York IslandersThe New York Islanders enter 2026-27 looking remarkably similar to the team that missed the playoffs last season—with one major exception: longtime captain Anders Lee is gone. After finishing sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 91 points, the Islanders turn to Peter DeBoer behind the bench. Neil Smith and Vic Morren question whether DeBoer can squeeze more out of a roster that made few significant offseason additions. Ilya Sorokin remains an elite foundation in goal, Matthew Schaefer looks like a future superstar, and several promising prospects are coming, but is there enough improvement to get the Islanders back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Islanders finish with 91 points and sixth place in the Metropolitan Division, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season.[00:00:20] Peter DeBoer takes over behind the bench after replacing Patrick Roy with four games remaining last season.[00:00:35] Some team statistics improve, particularly the penalty kill, which makes an impressive jump from 31st to 10th overall.[00:00:50] The power play remains a major weakness, improving only slightly from 31st to 30th.[00:01:00] The Islanders make no offseason trade acquisitions. Tony DeAngelo re-signs for two years at $4.5 million, while Matias Maccelli arrives from Toronto.[00:01:15] Vitek Vanecek signs a one-year deal after playing in Utah, providing insurance given the uncertainty surrounding Semyon Varlamov.[00:01:30] The biggest departure is captain Anders Lee, who leaves for Utah. Backup goaltender David Rittich also departs for New Jersey.[00:01:45] Vic's assessment is straightforward: this looks like essentially the same Islanders team as last season, except now it has lost its captain.[00:02:00] Neil agrees. Looking at the roster on paper, he cannot identify an area where the Islanders have significantly improved.[00:02:15] One major reason for optimism is Matthew Schaefer, who is coming off a terrific rookie season and appears to have a brilliant future.[00:02:30] Goaltending should remain a strength as long as Sorokin stays healthy. Neil still considers him one of the NHL's best.[00:02:45] Varlamov remains a major question after being out of the lineup for roughly a year and a half, making Vanecek an important depth signing.[00:03:00] The Islanders do have promising young talent coming. Cole Eiserman scored 18 goals in 32 games at Boston University last season.[00:03:15] Victor Eklund is another intriguing prospect and gives the Islanders another potential offensive piece for the future.[00:03:30] K'Shawn Aitcheson, selected 17th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is another young player who could eventually push for an opportunity.[00:03:45] But Neil separates the future from the present. The question is what New York will be in 2026-27, and his expectation is that the Islanders may look very similar to what they were in 2025-26.[00:04:00] The conversation turns to leadership. With Anders Lee gone and Schaefer emerging as a potential franchise player, should the young defenseman already receive the captaincy?[00:04:15] Neil says no. Being the team's best or most talented player does not automatically mean someone should wear the “C.”[00:04:30] Lee himself is an example. He earned the captaincy through leadership rather than simply being the Islanders' most talented player.[00:04:45] Neil believes Bo Horvat is the more logical choice. Horvat has established leadership qualities and previously served as captain of the Vancouver Canucks.[00:05:00] Schaefer's opportunity to become captain may eventually arrive, but Neil believes that responsibility should come later in his career.The Islanders still have Sorokin, a potential star in Schaefer, and some promising prospects. But for 2026-27, Neil and Vic see the same fundamental problem: where did this team actually get better? Unless DeBoer can manufacture a major improvement from essentially the same roster, another fight just to reach the playoffs appears likely.
Summer Coolers – Dallas StarsThe Dallas Stars remain one of the NHL's strongest regular-season teams, but another painful playoff exit raises an increasingly uncomfortable question: is their Stanley Cup window beginning to close? Dallas finished second in the Central Division, second in the Western Conference, and third overall before blowing a 2-1 series lead and losing to Minnesota in six games. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine Glen Gulutzan's remarkable impact on the power play, the difficult moves required to keep Jason Robertson, Jamie Benn's shrinking championship window, and why Robertson's contract situation could become the defining storyline for the future of the Stars.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Dallas finishes second in the Central Division, second in the Western Conference, and third overall, putting the Stars in another excellent position entering the Stanley Cup Playoffs.[00:00:20] Despite their regular-season success, the Stars are eliminated by the Minnesota Wild in six games during the opening round.[00:00:40] Dallas holds a 2-1 series advantage and appears positioned to take control of Game 4, leading with only 5:20 remaining before Minnesota ties the game and eventually wins in overtime.[00:01:00] The loss becomes even more frustrating when placed alongside Dallas' recent playoff history. The Stars had reached—and lost in—the Western Conference Final in each of the previous three seasons.[00:01:20] Vic notes that no matter how well positioned Dallas appears each spring, something continually seems to go wrong before the Stars can finish the job.[00:01:40] Neil believes Stars fans are understandably becoming impatient. Dallas has consistently been good enough to contend, but the franchise has repeatedly fallen short of reaching its ultimate goal.[00:02:00] One of the biggest positives from the season is the impact of Glen Gulutzan, who returned for his second stint in Dallas after serving as an assistant and power-play specialist with the Edmonton Oilers.[00:02:20] Gulutzan's influence produces a dramatic transformation with the man advantage. Dallas jumps from 16th on the power play in 2024-25 to second in the NHL at 28 percent.[00:02:40] Neil credits Gulutzan with bringing effective power-play concepts from Edmonton and turning what had been an average Dallas unit into one of the NHL's most dangerous.[00:03:00] The Stars are equally impressive defensively, finishing second in the league at 2.66 goals against per game.[00:03:20] Jake Oettinger remains the foundation in goal, with Casey DeSmith providing support behind him and helping Dallas maintain one of the league's best defensive records.[00:03:40] Unlike several other contenders, Dallas experiences relatively little offseason roster movement, but one trade becomes necessary because of the salary cap.[00:04:00] Maverick Bourque and Ilya Lyubushkin are traded to Nashville for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round selection.[00:04:20] The move is largely about creating enough financial flexibility for Dallas to retain restricted free agent Jason Robertson.[00:04:40] Robertson signs a one-year contract worth $12 million, keeping the Stars' premier goal scorer in Dallas for another season—but setting up an enormous decision when he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027.[00:05:00] Captain Jamie Benn also returns, signing a one-year deal worth $850,000 with the opportunity to earn more than $1 million in additional bonuses.[00:05:20] Vic believes the lack of major roster changes puts even more pressure on the current group. Dallas has been close repeatedly, but the opportunity to win with this particular core may be running out.[00:05:40] Neil agrees that Benn is clearly on the clock. The longtime captain has experienced years of playoff contention in Dallas, but there are fewer opportunities remaining for him to lead this version of the Stars to a championship.[00:06:00] Robertson's future may be an even bigger concern for General Manager Jim Nill. Dallas must determine what it will take to retain its best goal scorer beyond the upcoming season.[00:06:20] Neil also views the loss of Bourque as unfortunate because the young forward was beginning to come into his own just as Dallas was forced to move him.[00:06:40] Bourque and Lyubushkin become meaningful additions for Nashville, illustrating the difficult choices championship-caliber teams sometimes have to make to remain under the salary cap.[00:07:00] Neil and Vic agree that the championship window is beginning to close on the current iteration of the Dallas Stars. The talent remains, but the pressure to finally convert regular-season success into a Stanley Cup run continues to increase.[00:07:20] Dallas does have younger players who could begin contributing, including forward Emil Hemming, the 29th overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.[00:07:40] Hemming produced 63 points in 46 games with Barrie of the OHL last season, making him one of the organization's prospects to watch as Dallas attempts to transition younger talent into its veteran lineup.[00:08:00] Defenseman Trey Taylor is another prospect worth monitoring as the Stars look for internal options capable of helping extend their competitive window.[00:08:20] Dallas enters 2026-27 still capable of competing with the NHL's best teams. But after four consecutive disappointing playoff endings, the central question is no longer whether the Stars are good enough—it is how many more chances this core will have to finally win the Stanley Cup.
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
Summer Coolers – Buffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres finally broke through. After a 14-season playoff drought, Buffalo finished first in the Atlantic Division, second in the Eastern Conference, and fourth overall before defeating Boston in the opening round and taking Montreal to overtime in Game 7. Now the expectations change. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Sabres can build on their breakthrough season despite losing Alex Tuch, how their revamped defense could make them even stronger, and why goaltending may still separate Buffalo from the NHL's true Stanley Cup contenders.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Buffalo finishes first in the Atlantic and second in the Eastern Conference, ending a 14-season playoff drought by qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2011.[00:00:25] The Sabres defeat the Boston Bruins in six games before their season ends with an overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the second round.[00:00:45] Nearly every major team metric moves in the right direction. Buffalo improves offensively, defensively, on the power play, and on the penalty kill during Lindy Ruff's second season back with the organization.[00:01:00] With the playoff drought finally over, Neil explains that the expectations in Buffalo have completely changed. Simply improving is no longer enough—the fan base will expect another playoff appearance and a place among the Atlantic Division's top teams.[00:01:25] The biggest offseason departure is Alex Tuch. The unrestricted free agent is moved to Washington in a sign-and-trade that brings David Kämpf and a 2026 third-round selection back to Buffalo.[00:01:50] Buffalo also makes a significant change on defense, trading Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks for Louis Crevier and first- and second-round selections in the 2026 NHL Draft.[00:02:10] Vic likes the addition of Crevier, who showed that he could be a serviceable NHL defenseman even while playing for a struggling Chicago team.[00:02:25] The Sabres further reshape the blue line by acquiring Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks and signing him as a restricted free agent.[00:02:45] Zach Benson's emergence, particularly during the postseason, gives Buffalo another reason for optimism, while more will be expected from Peyton Krebs.[00:03:00] Even after losing Tuch, Vic believes the Sabres have enough talent to challenge for another 100-point season and remain near the top of the Atlantic Division.[00:03:20] Neil agrees that Tuch is a significant loss but wonders whether the forward's previous season may ultimately prove to have been a career year. His performance in Washington will provide the next test.[00:03:40] Neil remains skeptical about Byram developing into the player his contract and expectations suggest he can become, making Buffalo's decision to move him easier to understand.[00:04:00] Buffalo still possesses high-end talent led by Tage Thompson, and Neil believes the Sabres should remain firmly in the battle for the top of the Atlantic.[00:04:20] Rasmus Dahlin's postseason performance reinforces his status as an elite NHL defenseman, while Owen Power gives Buffalo another major piece on the back end.[00:04:40] The larger concern is in goal. Devon Levi is traded to Edmonton for a 2028 third-round pick, leaving Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Colten Ellis, and Alex Lyon as Buffalo's primary options.[00:05:00] Vic believes that goaltending group may be sufficient to produce another strong regular season but questions whether it is good enough to win a Stanley Cup.[00:05:20] Neil agrees that Buffalo does not currently possess championship-level goaltending, but he also does not view the Sabres as a true Stanley Cup contender yet. He sees them as a dangerous Atlantic Division team still trying to reach the NHL's elite tier.[00:05:40] Additional defensive changes include Michael Kesselring being traded to San Jose and Luke Schenn leaving after his brief stint with Buffalo.[00:06:00] Young forwards Konsta Helenius and Noah Östlund could become increasingly important after showing flashes late in the regular season and during the playoffs.[00:06:20] Vic believes increased contributions from Buffalo's younger forwards could help compensate for Tuch's departure, but Neil cautions that replacing him will require more than one player.[00:06:40] Tuch contributed in numerous situations and was one of Buffalo's most important regular-season players. Neil expects Ruff to replace that production by committee rather than relying on a single forward.[00:07:00] The conversation turns to Tuch's disappointing postseason and whether those struggles influenced Buffalo's willingness to let him leave despite his connections to Western New York and history as a Sabres fan.[00:07:20] Ultimately, Neil believes the financial commitment was simply too large. With Washington prepared to give Tuch an eight-year, $84 million contract, Buffalo was not ready to make that kind of long-term investment.[00:07:40] The Sabres enter 2026-27 with something they have not carried in years: expectations. The defense may be stronger, the young talent continues to develop, and Buffalo should remain an Atlantic contender—but replacing Tuch and proving the goaltending can hold up will determine just how high this team can climb.
Summer Coolers – Calgary FlamesThe Calgary Flames have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for four consecutive seasons and five of the last six, but with Scotia Place scheduled to open in 2027-28, the pressure is growing to get the franchise moving in the right direction. Calgary made significant changes to its blue line by acquiring Simon Nemec, Maxim Tsyplakov, and Jake Middleton, while young players like Zayne Parekh and Samuel Honzek represent hope for the future. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Flames have enough to improve, why Jonathan Huberdeau and Matt Coronato face pivotal seasons, and the difficult position head coach Ryan Huska could find himself in if Calgary misses the playoffs again.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Calgary finishes seventh in the Pacific Division and misses the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season—and for the fifth time in six years.[00:00:20] The underlying results offer little encouragement as the Flames decline offensively, defensively, and on the power play. Management responds with a more active offseason.[00:00:40] Calgary acquires defenseman Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 second-round selection and first-round picks in 2027 and 2028.[00:01:00] The Flames also acquire defenseman Jake Middleton from Minnesota as part of a deal involving multiple draft picks, Blake Coleman, and Olli Määttä.[00:01:20] With Scotia Place scheduled to open for the 2027-28 season, Craig Conroy and Don Maloney face increasing pressure to have the franchise trending upward before entering its new home.[00:01:40] Vic believes Calgary should improve this season, but much depends on players such as Matt Coronato and Jonathan Huberdeau producing at a higher level.[00:02:00] Huberdeau remains a particular concern after failing to reproduce the level of offensive production he delivered during his years with the Florida Panthers.[00:02:20] Strong seasons from Calgary's established players could also make the organization more attractive to future free agents as the opening of Scotia Place approaches. Without progress, the Flames risk entering their new building with a stagnant team.[00:02:40] Neil likes the Nemec acquisition and explains the structure of the New Jersey trade, suggesting that taking on Tsyplakov was effectively part of the price Calgary had to pay to acquire Nemec.[00:03:00] Middleton brings size and experience to the blue line after playing effectively for Minnesota when healthy and in the lineup.[00:03:20] Despite those defensive additions, Neil still does not believe Calgary possesses enough talent to become a playoff team this season.[00:03:40] Neil recognizes that the Flames are attempting a slower build and also face some of the financial challenges that come with operating a Canadian franchise, but he would not pick Calgary as one of the Pacific Division's playoff teams.[00:04:00] Calgary makes relatively modest additions through unrestricted free agency, bringing in defensemen Andreas Englund from Nashville and Michael Benning from Florida.[00:04:20] Forward Ben Jones also joins the Flames on a one-year contract after playing in the Minnesota organization.[00:04:40] Several useful players depart. Ryan Lomberg, described as a spark plug for Calgary, signs with the Columbus Blue Jackets.[00:05:00] Victor Olofsson leaves for Vegas, Justin Kirkland joins Minnesota, John Beecher signs with Florida, and Dillon Dubé moves to St. Louis.[00:05:20] The Flames will need more from their young talent, beginning with defenseman Zayne Parekh, the ninth overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.[00:05:40] Parekh appeared in 37 games last season and experienced a significant NHL learning curve. Vic expects him to be considerably more comfortable during his second extended opportunity.[00:06:00] Samuel Honzek, the 16th overall pick in 2023, is another young player Calgary hopes can make a larger impact after showing promise before suffering a season-ending injury in November.[00:06:20] Honzek's injury came following a collision with captain Mikael Backlund, prematurely ending an opportunity for the young forward to establish himself.[00:06:40] Neil and Vic discuss the extremely narrow margin separating NHL teams trying to take the next step from those that can quickly fall further down the standings.[00:07:00] That uncertainty puts Ryan Huska in a difficult position as he enters his fourth season behind Calgary's bench.[00:07:20] Neil explains the unforgiving reality facing NHL coaches: sometimes a coach can be given a roster that is unlikely to make the playoffs and still lose his job when the team inevitably falls short.[00:07:40] The key question becomes what Conroy and Maloney realistically expect from Huska with the roster they have assembled. Neil believes Maloney understands the situation and likely recognizes Calgary's limitations.[00:08:00] The episode concludes with cautious optimism about some of Calgary's young pieces and defensive additions, but Neil remains unconvinced that the Flames have enough talent to end their playoff drought this season.
Summer Coolers – Chicago BlackhawksThe Chicago Blackhawks continue to build around Connor Bedard and a promising collection of young talent, but Neil Smith and Vic Morren see little reason to expect a playoff breakthrough this season. Anton Frondell, Roman Kantserov, Nick Lardis, and Sam Rinzel provide hope for the future, but major questions remain about Chicago's ability to correctly project and develop its prospects. The spotlight is especially bright on Frank Nazar as his seven-year, $6.6 million-per-season contract begins. After six consecutive seasons without playoff hockey, how much longer will Blackhawks fans have to wait?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Neil wastes no time giving his assessment of Chicago's immediate future. While Summer Coolers isn't about predictions, he simply does not see the Blackhawks as a playoff team this season.[00:00:20] There is optimism within Chicago's prospect pipeline, beginning with Anton Frondell, the third overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. He recorded nine points in 12 games with the Blackhawks last season.[00:00:35] Roman Kantserov represents another young forward to watch as Chicago continues attempting to build a sustainable core around Bedard.[00:00:45] Nick Lardis also gains NHL experience, while defenseman Sam Rinzel appears in 54 games and becomes another important part of the organization's youth movement.[00:01:00] The biggest question may surround Frank Nazar. He finishes last season with 15 goals and 41 points in 66 games while posting a minus-21 rating.[00:01:20] Nazar's new seven-year contract at $6.6 million per season now begins, placing considerably more pressure on the young forward to become an impact player.[00:01:40] Neil believes Nazar's production must increase dramatically—and remain there consistently—for the contract to ultimately become worthwhile for Chicago.[00:02:00] The Nazar situation leads into a larger discussion about one of the biggest challenges facing modern NHL general managers: projecting what young players will become before they have fully proven themselves.[00:02:20] Teams increasingly must commit significant money to young players based on future potential rather than established NHL production, making talent evaluation and projection more important than ever.[00:02:40] Neil questions whether General Manager Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks have demonstrated that they can consistently make those projections correctly.[00:03:00] Connor Bedard was an obvious elite prospect as the first overall selection, but evaluating the players around him presents a much more difficult challenge for Chicago's front office.[00:03:20] Neil points to Nazar and Bowen Byram as examples of players whose long-term value will help determine whether Chicago's front office correctly evaluated its future roster.[00:03:40] The Blackhawks also move on from several veterans during the offseason. Andrei Burakovsky is traded to Ottawa for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick.[00:04:00] Sam Lafferty leaves Chicago to sign with the Florida Panthers, while Ilya Mikheyev departs in free agency for the Tampa Bay Lightning.[00:04:20] Those departures leave Chicago continuing to lean heavily on its developing young players rather than adding established veterans capable of accelerating the rebuild.[00:04:40] The Blackhawks have now missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for six consecutive seasons, and even an optimistic assessment suggests the franchise remains years away from legitimate contention.[00:05:00] Vic believes Chicago may still be at least two years away—and potentially three or four—from returning to the postseason based on the organization's current trajectory.[00:05:20] The comparison with San Jose becomes particularly concerning. After both franchises spent several seasons near the bottom of the standings, Neil believes the Sharks have now passed Chicago in their progression toward becoming a playoff team.[00:05:40] Chicago has accumulated young talent, but Neil does not believe the Blackhawks have made enough tangible progress in the standings to suggest the rebuild is nearing completion.[00:06:00] The episode concludes with Neil hoping his assessment is wrong—for both his childhood favorite Blackhawks and head coach Jeff Blashill—but he simply does not see enough improvement yet to believe Chicago is ready for playoff hockey.
In this episode I host Sammy Nelson of Notre Dame Men's Hockey. Sammy played for the USA Development Program, is a highly rated prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft, and will play alongside his brothers Danny and Henry in college.
Hallo Hockeyfreunde, heute reden wir im Ducks Blog über folgende Themen: Die Ducks auf Amazon Prime: Was bedeutet die neue Übertragung für die Fans und wie interessant ist das Prime-Angebot für die kommende NHL-Saison? Ryan Getzlaf unter dem Hallendach: Die Ducks ehren ihre Vereinslegende und hängen sein Jersey unter das Hallendach. Ein längst überfälliger Schritt. Cutter Gauthier – wohin geht die Reise? Die Zukunft des jungen Stürmers sorgt für Diskussionen. Sollte Anaheim ihn tatsächlich traden, welche Teams und welche Gegenleistungen wären für die Ducks interessant? Viel Spaß beim Hören! #AnaheimDucks #NHL #CutterGauthier #RyanGetzlaf #NHLTrade #Hockey #Ducks Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von der Podcastbude.www.podcastbu.de - Full-Service-Podcast-Agentur - Konzeption, Produktion, Vermarktung, Distribution und Hosting.Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
In this episode of the DISHIN® Podcast, we recap NHL Draft week in Buffalo and our city being in the center of the hockey universe, from the energy around town to people stopping by the shop and much more. We also listed off our dream brand collaborations and some of our offseason plans. Lastly, we're hosting our 2nd Annual FREE Community Skate on Sunday, July 12th from 1:30pm-3:30pm at Holiday Twin Rinks. Open invite and free for all ages to attend for anyone that wants to come out!
Die Offseason der Anaheim Ducks bleibt spannend und die nächsten großen Fragen werfen bereits ihre Schatten auf die kommende Saison! In der neuen Folge des Anaheim Ducks Blog sprechen wir über die aktuellen News rund um die Ducks und werfen einen genauen Blick auf die aktuelle Lage des Teams. Wo stehen die Ducks kurz vor dem Training Camp? Wie ist der Kader aktuell aufgestellt und welche offenen Baustellen könnten noch entscheidend werden? Natürlich steht auch Cutter Gauthier im Mittelpunkt: Nach seiner starken Entwicklung und einer überragenden vergangenen Saison stellt sich eine große Frage – wie geht und eventuell wo geht es für Ihn ... Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von der Podcastbude.www.podcastbu.de - Full-Service-Podcast-Agentur - Konzeption, Produktion, Vermarktung, Distribution und Hosting.Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.
In this episode of the Expected Buffalo podcast, I dive into the latest developments surrounding Connor Hellebuyck and his trade request from the Winnipeg Jets. With training camp just a few weeks away, Hellebuyck has publicly acknowledged his desire to be moved, putting pressure on the Jets to act. I discuss the implications of this announcement, including the potential for a trade before camp opens, and reflect on how the Jets' offseason strategy may have led to this situation.I take listeners back to the NHL Draft, where the Sabres had a significant offer on the table involving their fourth overall pick, but ultimately, the deal did not materialize. As we move through the summer, I outline the challenges the Sabres face in acquiring Hellebuyck, including the need for a goaltender with term and the complexities of salary cap management.Throughout the episode, I explore various trade scenarios, potential players involved, and the competition from other teams like San Jose, New Jersey, and Carolina. I emphasize the importance of finding the right package that meets both the Sabres' and Jets' needs while navigating the intricacies of player contracts and no-trade clauses.01:00 - Hellebuyck's Trade Request02:30 - Winnipeg's Dilemma04:00 - Sabres' Interest in Hellebuyck05:30 - Draft Day Offers07:00 - July 1st Trade Talks08:30 - Current Trade Landscape09:30 - Goaltender Needs12:00 - Cap Space Challenges18:00 - Center Position Concerns21:00 - Evaluating Trade Packages24:00 - Competition for Hellebuyck
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
Well looky what the cat dragged in! We got ourselves a little mystery guest for the show! Technical difficulties always making this show top notch! Any who cowboy, the 4 fellas talking this week draft from the worst teams during every NHL season for the last 25 years. Somehow the team might still be great! And YOUGOV never fails to let us down. This time we poll ourselves with it! Hope you all enjoy the Mystery guest, we may consider having him back, if he behaves!
In this episode of Sens Nation, Drake Batherson reportedly wants the maximum eight-year commitment from the Senators, and with the NHL's new CBA rules looming, there's suddenly an important early bird deadline.Steve and Gregg discuss what Batherson could command, the idea of paying him into his late 30s, and whether his desire to make Ottawa his long-term home should put him in the conversation to become the Senators' next captain.Plus, The Hockey News redrafts the 2020 NHL Draft and Jake Sanderson and Tim Stützle go 1-2. What would Ottawa's incredible 2020 draft look like if it were held again today, and in this fictional exercise, who would they now get at 3rd and 5th overall?The guys also debate whether the Senators have enough scoring, they disagree strongly on whether Alexis Lafrenière could be a worthwhile target, and where Ridly Greig and Warren Foegele fit in the lineup.Plus, we answer our first listener voicemail about the timeline for a new Senators arena at LeBreton Flats and discuss Chris Neil's interesting comments about Brady Tkachuk's new role in Florida.Thanks for watching and listening to the Sens Nation Podcast!00:00 Welcome to Sens Nation04:15 Sanderson Goes No. 1 in a 2020 NHL Redraft08:10 Would the Senators Take a Chance on Alexis Lafrenière?13:50 Do the Senators Have Enough Goal Scoring?17:35 Drake Batherson Wants an Eight-Year Deal22:25 Should Batherson Be in the Captaincy Conversation?28:15 Voicemail: When Will the New Senators Arena Actually Open?34:30 Chris Neil on Brady Tkachuk's Role in Florida39:55 How Will Tkachuk Fit With the Panthers?44:05 Is Ridly Greig Overrated?47:15 Could Warren Foegele Get a Shot on the Top Line?49:30 Listener Comments & Wrap-Up
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
Hallo Hockeyfreunde, 10 Fragen, 10 Antworten und jede Menge Ducks-Talk!
Hallo Hockeyfreunde, 10 Fragen, 10 Antworten und jede Menge Ducks-Talk!
The guys get the people in on the final conversation of the day, whose reactions are pretty interesting.
The guys keep their conversation about Dylan Larkin potentially returning to the team with Steve Yzerman out of the picture going.
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Guest: Behn Wilson Buy Behn's Book Gloves Off: https://a.co/d/05Jrb8iE Music By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340
JD ponders the Blue Jays strategy as the trade deadline and what he thinks the team should be prioritize. Gavin McKenna, Toronto Maple Leafs No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, joins (6:00) JD to chat about John Chayaka's trip to the Yukon, what it's like being the number one overall pick coming from a small community, and how his summer in Toronto has been. After the break (17:00), JD is joined by Jared Carrabis, co-host of the Baseball is Dead podcast, to chat about how the Red Sox turnaround was salt in the wound for Jays fans, how the Jays have ended up where they are, which team has the most pressure at the deadline, and where Tarik Skubal will end up. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Spring Cleaning – Washington CapitalsThe Washington Capitals entered the 2025-26 season expecting some regression after nearly winning the Presidents' Trophy the year before. That concern proved justified as declining production, injuries, weaker special teams, and uncertainty surrounding Alex Ovechkin's future left Washington outside the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why the Capitals could not recreate the magic of their previous season and the major fork in the road facing General Manager Chris Patrick this summer.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Capitals are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13 after entering the season with expectations of taking a step backward from their Eastern Conference-leading 2024-25 campaign.[00:00:25] Neil and Vic revisit Washington's late-season decline from the previous year. The Capitals were 32 games above .500 on March 23, 2025, but finished the regular season 4-7-1 as the pursuit of Alex Ovechkin's scoring record became the team's central focus.[00:00:55] Washington still won the Eastern Conference and defeated Montreal in five games, but looked noticeably slower than Carolina during its second-round playoff elimination.[00:01:15] Eight Capitals players produced career seasons in 2024-25, making it difficult to expect the same level of performance one year later.[00:01:35] Neil believes the attention surrounding Ovechkin's record chase disrupted the team's rhythm. Once the record was secured, Washington never fully regained the form it displayed earlier in the season.[00:02:00] A quiet offseason provides little reinforcement, and the Capitals pace toward only 90 points through their first 72 games before finishing the season with an 8-2-0 run.[00:02:20] Several important players experience major declines in production. Dylan Strome falls from 82 points to 58, while Aliaksei Protas drops from 66 points to 52.[00:02:45] Connor McMichael also regresses, falling from 26 goals and 57 points to 14 goals and 46 points. Neil and Vic discuss how only a few additional goals could have changed several close games and kept Washington in the playoff race.[00:03:00] Pierre-Luc Dubois becomes one of the team's most significant losses. After playing all 82 games and producing career highs with 46 assists and 66 points the previous season, Dubois is limited to only 29 games.[00:03:30] Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun, and Logan Thompson remain dependable, while Ryan Leonard takes an encouraging step with 20 goals and 45 points.[00:03:50] Justin Sourdif contributes 15 goals and 35 points after arriving from Florida, while Aliaksei Protas' younger brother, Ilya Protas, positions himself for a full-time role next season.[00:04:10] Washington's special teams also regress. The power play falls from 14th to 25th, while the penalty kill drops from fourth to 15th.[00:04:35] Neil explains that even moderate declines become costly in a league where so many games are decided by one goal.[00:04:55] The Capitals also remain one of the NHL's older teams, and the unified effort that produced so many career seasons in 2024-25 does not carry over.[00:05:10] Alex Ovechkin's future becomes the defining offseason question. He has not yet decided whether he will return for another season or retire.[00:05:30] General Manager Chris Patrick enters the 2026 NHL Draft with five selections, including two first-round picks.[00:05:50] Washington owns its original first-round selection and Anaheim's pick acquired in the John Carlson trade.[00:06:05] The Capitals do not own a second-round pick after the Justin Sourdif trade, a third-round pick following the Jakob Chychrun deal, or a sixth-round selection after acquiring David Kämpf.[00:06:25] Washington projects to have approximately $4.4 million in cap space, leaving Patrick with limited flexibility before additional offseason moves.[00:06:45] Unrestricted free agents include Ovechkin, Brandon Duhaime, David Kämpf, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Timothy Liljegren.[00:07:00] Restricted free agents Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre also require new contracts as management evaluates which younger players belong in the next version of the team.[00:07:20] Neil believes ownership and management must first learn Ovechkin's intentions before deciding whether to retool or begin a more significant rebuild.[00:07:40] If Ovechkin returns, Washington is unlikely to dismantle the roster around him. The organization may instead attempt one more playoff push during the final chapter of his career.[00:08:00] If Ovechkin retires, the Capitals could accept several difficult seasons in order to acquire higher draft picks and inject more youth into the lineup.[00:08:20] Vic argues that Washington still possesses enough useful pieces to avoid tearing the roster down completely. A retool may be more appropriate than a total rebuild.[00:08:40] Neil compares the possible approach with Pittsburgh's successful strategy of adding several complementary veterans around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.[00:09:00] The episode concludes with Washington standing at a clear organizational crossroads. Every major offseason decision—from free agency to roster construction—will depend on whether Ovechkin chooses to return for one more season.
Spring Cleaning – Vegas Golden KnightsThe Vegas Golden Knights captured the Pacific Division title and returned to the Stanley Cup Final, but the biggest story of their offseason wasn't their playoff run—it was the stunning decision to part ways with head coach John Tortorella just 48 hours after losing to the Carolina Hurricanes. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down one of the NHL's most fascinating organizations, examining Vegas' win-now philosophy, looming salary-cap challenges, lack of draft capital, and what comes next for Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Golden Knights finish first in the Pacific Division with 95 points before defeating Utah and Anaheim, sweeping Colorado, and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final, where they fall to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games. Just two days later, Vegas shocks the hockey world by moving on from head coach John Tortorella.[00:00:35] Neil reacts to the surprising coaching change. Although the organization publicly praises Tortorella's work, the announcement does not suggest the separation was mutual, leaving many questions about what happened behind the scenes.[00:01:00] Unlike most Spring Cleaning episodes, Neil and Vic shift away from evaluating expectations and immediately focus on the uncertainty surrounding the franchise because the coaching situation overshadows everything else.[00:01:30] Vegas underachieves during the regular season despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Pavel Dorofeyev, and captain Mark Stone. Bruce Cassidy is replaced late in the year before Tortorella guides the team to a 7-0-1 finish and a deep playoff run.[00:02:15] While the Golden Knights fail to reach the 100-point mark many expected, their run to the Stanley Cup Final ultimately fulfills the organization's championship expectations.[00:02:45] The discussion turns to Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee. Rather than analyzing player statistics, Neil focuses on the difficult roster decisions awaiting one of the NHL's most aggressive front offices.[00:03:15] Vegas has mortgaged much of its future in pursuit of championships. The organization owns no first-round selections until 2028 and only 14 total draft picks over the next three drafts.[00:03:45] The Golden Knights are projected to become the NHL's oldest team when free agency begins, carrying an average roster age of 31.2 years.[00:04:10] Vegas enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only four selections and no first-round pick after acquiring Noah Hanifin. The club also forfeits its second-round selection following an organizational media violation during the playoffs and no longer owns its fourth-round pick after acquiring Anthony Mantha.[00:04:50] Salary-cap flexibility is limited, with approximately $4.6 million in projected space. However, the Golden Knights could gain nearly $9 million more if Alex Pietrangelo remains on long-term injured reserve.[00:05:20] Neil explains the long-term risk of Vegas' aggressive "win-now" strategy. Every contender eventually pays the price for trading away future assets, just as the Rangers did several years after winning the Stanley Cup in 1994.[00:05:50] Even with Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and young sniper Pavel Dorofeyev leading the offense, Neil stresses that three elite players alone cannot sustain a championship-caliber roster without continually replenishing talent.[00:06:20] Vegas' unrestricted free agents include Riley Smith, Cole Smith, Colton Sissons, Brandon Saad, Rasmus Andersson, Ben Hutton, Jeremy Lauzon, and Dylan Coghlan. Neil believes Andersson deserves another opportunity after an underwhelming but steady postseason.[00:07:10] Riley Smith and Jeremy Lauzon are also viewed as valuable pieces worth retaining if possible, while Vegas continues evaluating its veteran depth.[00:07:35] Restricted free agent Pavel Dorofeyev becomes the organization's top priority. Reports suggest he could receive a significant offer sheet, potentially forcing Vegas into one of the offseason's biggest contract negotiations.[00:08:10] Neil does not believe the Golden Knights will allow another team to steal Dorofeyev. Based on Vegas' history, he expects McCrimmon to match almost any offer necessary to keep one of the organization's young offensive stars.[00:08:45] Vic raises the possibility of accepting four first-round picks if Dorofeyev receives an offer sheet exceeding the highest compensation threshold. Neil rejects the idea, believing Vegas will continue operating aggressively rather than beginning a rebuild.[00:09:30] With the salary cap increasing significantly over the next two seasons, Neil expects Vegas to navigate the current financial squeeze before continuing its familiar strategy of chasing championships every year.[00:10:00] The search for a new head coach becomes the organization's biggest immediate priority. Henderson AHL coach Ryan Craig has been mentioned, but Neil questions whether Vegas would suddenly change philosophies after consistently hiring experienced NHL coaches.[00:10:40] Neil believes Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee will once again pursue a proven veteran capable of managing expectations, pushing an experienced roster, and keeping the Golden Knights among the NHL's elite. Winning immediately—not developing for the future—remains the Vegas Golden Knights' identity.
Spring Cleaning – Vancouver CanucksThe Vancouver Canucks suffered one of the NHL's sharpest declines, becoming the first team eliminated from playoff contention on March 22. Just two years removed from winning the Pacific Division and pushing Edmonton to seven games in the second round, Vancouver has been torn apart by internal conflict, major trades, coaching uncertainty, and poor performance at home. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how the Canucks fell so quickly and why their large collection of draft picks may not produce immediate results.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Canucks become the first NHL team eliminated from playoff contention on March 22. Neil and Vic begin by reviewing the expectations entering the season, the reality of Vancouver's collapse, and the enormous amount of work ahead.[00:00:25] Expectations were already low after Vancouver missed the playoffs in four of the previous five seasons. The lone exception came in 2024, when the Canucks won the Pacific Division and reached the second round.[00:00:50] That successful run created optimism that Vancouver had filled several important roster gaps. However, the organization quickly unraveled during the following seasons.[00:01:05] The highly publicized conflict between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson became one of the franchise's biggest problems. Miller was eventually traded in a deal involving Filip Chytil, but the move failed to stabilize the team.[00:01:30] Vancouver also faced uncertainty surrounding Brock Boeser's contract, Thatcher Demko's health, and Rick Tocchet's future behind the bench.[00:01:50] Tocchet ultimately chose to leave Vancouver despite previously winning the Jack Adams Award with the Canucks. He returned to Philadelphia, where he had been a popular player, raising additional questions about what he saw inside the Vancouver organization.[00:02:15] Boeser publicly indicated he would not re-sign with the Canucks, entered free agency, and then surprisingly returned to Vancouver on a new contract.[00:02:35] Kiefer Sherwood emerged as one of Vancouver's better players before being traded to the San Jose Sharks, removing another productive piece from the lineup.[00:02:55] The Canucks then made their biggest move by trading Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild amid concerns that he would not sign another contract in Vancouver.[00:03:20] Neil acknowledges that Vancouver received a respectable return in the Hughes trade, but emphasizes that no package can fully replace a player of his caliber.[00:03:40] Conor Garland, whose energy and competitiveness represented much of Vancouver's identity, was traded to Columbus and went on to play well for Rick Bowness and the Blue Jackets.[00:04:00] Veteran defenseman Tyler Myers was also moved to the Dallas Stars, leaving Vancouver without several recognizable pieces from its recent playoff team.[00:04:20] The Canucks' disastrous home record further illustrates how far the franchise has fallen. A team that appeared to be building momentum two seasons earlier becomes one of the league's biggest disappointments.[00:04:45] Vancouver's notable unrestricted free agents include Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and Derek Forbort, creating additional decisions for an already depleted roster.[00:05:05] The Canucks do possess a strong collection of draft capital, entering the 2026 NHL Draft with 10 selections.[00:05:25] Vancouver owns two first-round picks, including its original selection and another acquired through the Quinn Hughes trade.[00:05:45] The organization also holds two second-round picks and three sixth-round selections, giving management several opportunities to add young talent.[00:06:05] Neil believes the draft picks provide a possible foundation for improvement three years from now, but they do very little to solve Vancouver's immediate problems next season.[00:06:30] He explains that modern NHL team-building requires much more than simply accumulating picks and waiting for prospects to develop.[00:06:50] Successful organizations must balance drafting with trades, free-agent signings, player development, and creating an environment where established players want to join and remain with the team.[00:07:15] Neil compares the current NHL with his experience in Detroit during the 1980s, when teams could focus more heavily on collecting draft selections and patiently developing players.[00:07:40] Today's general managers must use draft picks as both future players and trade assets while simultaneously finding experienced talent to support the roster.[00:08:00] The episode concludes with a blunt assessment of Vancouver's direction. The Canucks have draft picks, but Neil does not believe the organization is currently drafting, trading, developing, or attracting players well enough to execute a successful rebuild.
Spring Cleaning – Winnipeg JetsThe Winnipeg Jets suffered one of the NHL's most dramatic declines during the 2025-26 season, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs just one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy. After entering the year as one of the expected powers in the Central Division, Winnipeg collapsed under the weight of declining goaltending, a lack of secondary scoring, and an overwhelming dependence on its top line. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine what went wrong, the challenges of building in the Winnipeg market, and the difficult offseason awaiting General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Jets are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13, becoming the second consecutive Presidents' Trophy winner to miss the postseason the following year.[00:00:25] Neil and Vic revisit the preseason expectation that Winnipeg would join Colorado and Dallas among the Central Division's elite teams.[00:00:50] The departures of Nikolaj Ehlers and Mason Appleton weaken the forward group, while questions remain about how much Jonathan Toews can contribute after several years away from the NHL.[00:01:20] Winnipeg also enters the season needing more offense from its third and fourth lines to reduce the burden on Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi.[00:01:45] Toews is viewed as a potential leadership addition for a team believed to be close to Stanley Cup contention, while Connor Hellebuyck returns as the reigning Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy winner.[00:02:00] The Jets' collapse is dramatic. Winnipeg finishes 34 points worse than the previous season, while its goal differential falls from plus-86 to minus-29.[00:02:25] After beginning the season 9-3-0, the Jets go 6-19-5 over their next 30 games, including four regulation losing streaks of at least three games.[00:02:50] An 0-7-4 stretch becomes the clearest sign that Winnipeg's season is spiraling out of control.[00:03:00] Hellebuyck's numbers fall sharply after his MVP season. His record drops from 47-12-3 to 23-23-11, while his goals-against average rises from 2.00 to 2.86 and his save percentage falls from .925 to .895.[00:03:30] Winnipeg becomes overwhelmingly dependent on its top line. Scheifele, Connor, and Vilardi account for 105 of the team's 231 goals, representing more than 45 percent of the offense.[00:04:00] The supporting cast fails to provide enough production. Cole Perfetti, Vladislav Namestnikov, Nino Niederreiter, Adam Lowry, and Alex Iafallo collectively fall from 77 goals to 46.[00:04:25] Free-agent signing Gustav Nyquist produces only one goal and 12 points in 51 games, making his season one of the organization's biggest disappointments.[00:04:45] Neil explains that injuries played a role, but the larger problem was the absence of meaningful secondary scoring throughout the lineup.[00:05:00] The discussion turns to the challenge of attracting free agents to Winnipeg. The weather, Canadian dollar, family considerations, and smaller market all complicate recruitment.[00:05:30] Despite those challenges, players who do join the Jets often speak highly of the organization and the city.[00:05:45] Cheveldayoff enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven selections but no second-round pick after acquiring Luke Schenn from Pittsburgh.[00:06:00] Winnipeg owns two seventh-round picks, including one acquired from Buffalo in the Tanner Pearson trade.[00:06:15] The Jets project to have approximately $3.3 million in cap space before the July 1 reset.[00:06:30] Unrestricted free agents include Nyquist, Toews, Colin Miller, Jacob Bryson, and backup goaltender Eric Comrie.[00:06:50] Restricted free agents Cole Perfetti and Isak Rosén represent more important long-term decisions for the organization.[00:07:00] Neil expects Perfetti to be a priority but questions whether Winnipeg will retain Comrie, Toews, or Nyquist.[00:07:20] Cheveldayoff must find a way to add higher-end support players despite the difficulty of convincing free agents to sign in Winnipeg.[00:07:45] The Jets still possess a strong core that includes Scheifele, Hellebuyck, Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Neal Pionk.[00:08:00] Kyle Connor's new eight-year, $12 million-per-season contract provides another major long-term commitment from one of the franchise's top players.[00:08:20] Neil credits Cheveldayoff for successfully keeping several elite players in Winnipeg despite the market's disadvantages.[00:08:40] The episode concludes with a clear offseason priority: improve the team's depth and secondary scoring so the Jets are no longer dependent on one line and one goaltender to carry them back into the playoffs.
Host Jesse Cohen is joined by several Kings prospects for a pair of interviews, highlighting those who played together as teammates last season. First, Flint Firebirds teammates Jimmy Lombardi and Alex Kostov join the program, after Kostov was selected by the Kings at the 2026 NHL Draft, followed by the title-winning trio of Kristian Epperson, Brendan McMorrow and James Reeder, who won an NCAA championship together at Denver University.
Spring Cleaning – Utah MammothThe Utah Mammoth took a major step forward during the 2025-26 season, qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in only their second year in Salt Lake City. Led by Clayton Keller and an exciting young core, Utah earned the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the franchise's progress, its impressive depth, the areas that still need improvement, and why Utah could soon challenge for a top-three position in its division.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Mammoth qualify for the playoffs as the Western Conference's first Wild Card team. It marks the first postseason appearance for the Arizona-Utah franchise since the 2020 bubble and its first traditional playoff berth since 2012.[00:00:25] Utah gives a strong account of itself in the opening round before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Neil sees the Mammoth as a young, exciting team that has made meaningful progress.[00:00:45] Captain Clayton Keller leads a talented young foundation. After entering the season expected to challenge for a Wild Card berth, Utah does more than simply knock on the door and successfully earns a playoff position.[00:01:00] Vic looks back at the franchise's final season in Arizona, when the team remained competitive through roughly 45 games before news of the relocation contributed to an 0-12-2 collapse.[00:01:25] The move to Salt Lake City provides stability, but Utah remains inconsistent at home. The Mammoth post a .537 winning percentage at the Delta Center, tied for 22nd in the NHL.[00:01:50] Keller is joined by Dylan Guenther, Nick Schmaltz, and Logan Cooley as the centerpiece of the offense. Utah also strengthens the lineup by acquiring J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres.[00:02:10] The defense features Mikhail Sergachev, Ian Cole, John Marino, and Sean Durzi. Utah also signs Nate Schmidt following his Stanley Cup-winning season with the Florida Panthers.[00:02:30] Karel Vejmelka provides dependable goaltending, but Neil believes the Mammoth need another strong option in net with Vitek Vanecek approaching unrestricted free agency.[00:02:50] Statistically, Utah improves by only three standings points from the previous season. However, its goal differential jumps from minus-10 to plus-28, showing a much stronger overall team.[00:03:15] The Mammoth improve from 17th to 12th in goals against, although their goals-against average and save percentage remain similar. Their special teams rankings also decline despite the playoff qualification.[00:03:35] Utah makes an important late-season acquisition by adding defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames, further strengthening an already capable blue line.[00:03:55] Much of Utah's improvement comes from deeper in the lineup. Lawson Crouse matches a career high with 24 goals and finishes with a career-best plus-20 rating.[00:04:15] Michael Carcone scores 16 goals and records a career-high 31 points. Kailer Yamamoto becomes increasingly important late in the year and contributes five points in the playoff series against Vegas.[00:04:35] Kevin Stenlund, Alex Kerfoot, Jack McBain, and Brandon Tanev give André Tourigny four dependable forward lines. That depth allows Utah to remain competitive even when its stars are not producing.[00:04:55] Neil cautions that the Western Conference was weaker than the East, making the playoff path somewhat easier. Utah will need further improvement to guarantee another postseason appearance.[00:05:15] Compared with Nashville, Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim, St. Louis, and Winnipeg, Utah appears to maintain a small but consistent edge throughout the season.[00:05:35] The Mammoth avoid the extended winning and losing streaks that define many other teams. Their consistency from October through April becomes one of their greatest strengths.[00:05:55] General Manager Bill Armstrong enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven selections, including two third-round picks and two fifth-round picks.[00:06:15] Utah does not own a second-round pick after including it in the MacKenzie Weegar trade. The organization also lacks a sixth-round selection following a previous pick swap with Nashville.[00:06:35] The Mammoth project to have approximately $5.5 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. Neil believes Salt Lake City has also become a more attractive destination for NHL players.[00:06:55] Unrestricted free agents include Alex Kerfoot, Kevin Stenlund, Kevin Rooney, Kailer Yamamoto, Ian Cole, Nick DeSimone, and Vitek Vanecek. Barrett Hayton is the team's lone restricted free agent.[00:07:15] Neil identifies Kerfoot as the unrestricted free agent Utah should prioritize retaining. Armstrong must then determine how to replace any veterans who leave during the offseason.[00:07:35] Compared with many teams featured in Spring Cleaning, Utah does not require a major overhaul. The roster already has a strong foundation and primarily needs additional depth and goaltending support.[00:07:55] Neil believes the Mammoth remain a few years away from becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. However, their playoff experience and young core could allow them to challenge for a top-three position in the division as soon as next season.
Spring Cleaning – Toronto Maple LeafsThe Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2025-26 season coming off a 108-point, first-place finish, but the loss of Mitch Marner, injuries, internal tension, and disappointing roster decisions sent the franchise in the opposite direction. Toronto missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016, leading to the dismissal of General Manager Brad Treliving and serious questions about Craig Berube's future. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how the Maple Leafs' championship window slammed shut and why fixing the organization may take much longer than one offseason.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Maple Leafs are eliminated from playoff contention on April 2 after entering the season with high expectations following a 108-point campaign and a first-place finish in 2024-25.[00:00:25] The offseason trade of Mitch Marner creates an enormous offensive void. Toronto hopes Matthew Knies, Max Domi, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson can collectively replace Marner's production, but that offense-by-committee approach never develops.[00:00:50] Neil revisits his preseason concerns about the return for Marner and the overall construction of the roster. Even before the season began, he did not believe the Leafs were properly built for a deep playoff run.[00:01:10] Brad Treliving ultimately pays the price for the team's collapse. Neil emphasizes that Marner's value went far beyond his 100-point production because he was also one of Toronto's most dependable defensive forwards.[00:01:35] Auston Matthews' knee injury becomes another devastating setback. The Maple Leafs captain misses the final weeks of the season and faces a lengthy recovery following an injury suffered after leading the United States to Olympic gold.[00:02:00] Internal dysfunction contributes to the disappointing season. Neil points to tension between the coaching staff and management, along with widespread dissatisfaction over the direction of the team.[00:02:20] Craig Berube's coaching also comes under scrutiny. With Toronto missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, questions immediately arise about whether he will return behind the bench.[00:02:40] The difficult relationship between Berube and William Nylander becomes one of the season's recurring storylines, with the two appearing to clash throughout much of the year.[00:03:00] Keith Pelley's role in hockey decisions is heavily criticized. Although Pelley insists he is not making the hockey decisions, Neil believes his public comments suggest otherwise.[00:03:25] Neil describes Pelley's leadership as “Buffoonery 101,” criticizing his statements about finding a data-focused general manager while simultaneously presenting opinions about the quality of Toronto's core.[00:03:50] Since taking control, Pelley has dismissed Brendan Shanahan, moved on from the Raptors' leadership, and remained highly visible as the Leafs' hockey operation deteriorated.[00:04:10] The next general manager inherits a deeply complicated situation. Toronto owns only six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft and has no picks in either of the first two rounds.[00:04:30] The Maple Leafs add an extra third-round selection through the Scott Laughton trade with Los Angeles and acquire another pick from Colorado in the Nicolas Roy deal.[00:04:50] Neil points out that the practical return from the Mitch Marner situation amounts to a fifth-round draft pick, a result he considers a major failure by the organization.[00:05:10] Toronto previously surrendered first-round picks in trades involving Laughton and Nikita Grebenkin, leaving the franchise with very little high-end draft capital returning in the other direction.[00:05:30] Many of the acquired selections do not arrive until 2027. If Colorado remains a contender, its pick will likely fall near the bottom of the round, while the picks Toronto traded away could become more valuable if the Leafs continue to struggle.[00:05:55] Neil expresses sympathy for Maple Leafs fans who have endured decades of disappointment. He believes the situation may become even more difficult before the franchise begins to recover.[00:06:15] Calle Järnkrok and Troy Stecher headline Toronto's unrestricted free agents, while Nick Robertson and Matias Maccelli are the notable restricted free agents requiring new contracts.[00:06:35] The episode concludes with a bleak assessment of Toronto's future. What once appeared to be one of the NHL's strongest championship windows now looks completely closed.[00:06:50] Neil does not simply believe the window is closing—he believes it has been slammed shut. The Maple Leafs now face a difficult organizational reset involving the front office, coaching staff, roster construction, and long-term direction.
Spring Cleaning – Seattle KrakenThe Seattle Kraken entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations and once again fell short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite an encouraging start and stretches of strong play, extended losing streaks, inconsistent offense, and limited development from several young forwards kept Seattle stuck in the middle of the Western Conference. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the front-office transition from Ron Francis to Jason Botterill, the organization's revolving door behind the bench, and why the Kraken may still be several years away from becoming a true contender.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Kraken are eliminated from playoff contention on April 11 after missing the postseason for the fourth time in their first five NHL seasons. Seattle's only playoff appearance remains its surprising second-year run to Game 7 of the second round.[00:00:25] Lane Lambert completes his first season behind the Seattle bench after replacing Dan Bylsma. The Kraken entered the year hoping offseason additions could provide more stability and help the club move closer to a Wild Card position.[00:00:45] Mason Marchment, Ryan Lindgren, and Frederik Gaudreau were among the veterans added to strengthen the roster, although Marchment was later traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets.[00:01:00] Seattle begins the season with an encouraging 11-5-5 record. The goaltending tandem of Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord also performs better than expected and gives the team a chance to compete early.[00:01:20] The positive start quickly disappears during a damaging 1-9-1 stretch between mid-November and mid-December. Although Seattle responds with an 8-0-2 run, the club never finds lasting consistency.[00:01:40] The Kraken suffer at least three consecutive regulation losses on six separate occasions. Those repeated slides prevent the team from building momentum or remaining firmly involved in the playoff race.[00:02:00] Scoring remains one of Seattle's biggest weaknesses. The Kraken finish among the NHL's lowest-scoring teams and fail to receive the expected growth from several important forwards.[00:02:20] Jared McCann has not replicated the 40-goal season he produced in 2022-23. Matty Beniers appears to have settled into the range of a 50-point player rather than developing into a dominant first-line center.[00:02:40] Shane Wright also continues to fall short of expectations attached to his high draft position. His limited progress becomes another major concern for an organization that needs its young players to drive the next stage of growth.[00:03:00] The conversation turns to Seattle's leadership transition. Ron Francis, the franchise's original general manager, is departing after previously moving into the role of team president.[00:03:20] Jason Botterill now assumes complete control of hockey operations. Neil questions the organization's direction and notes that Botterill's previous tenure as general manager of the Buffalo Sabres produced mixed results.[00:03:45] Seattle's constant coaching changes also come under scrutiny. The franchise has moved from Dave Hakstol to Dan Bylsma and now Lane Lambert, yet no coach has been able to create sustained success.[00:04:10] The Kraken's lone breakthrough came during their second season, when they defeated the defending champion Colorado Avalanche before pushing the Dallas Stars to seven games in the second round.[00:04:30] Botterill enters the 2026 NHL Draft with eight selections, including two first-round picks. Seattle owns its original selection and the pick acquired from Tampa Bay in the Oliver Bjorkstrand trade.[00:04:50] The Kraken also hold multiple selections in the fourth and seventh rounds, giving the organization additional opportunities to strengthen a prospect system that must produce more impact players.[00:05:10] Seattle projects to have approximately $4.3 million in cap space. That provides some flexibility, but likely not enough to completely reshape the roster through free agency.[00:05:30] Unrestricted free agents include Jaden Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen, trade-deadline acquisition Bobby McMann, and original Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak.[00:05:55] Vic does not expect Seattle to be significantly better next season. The Kraken may not be a bottom-tier team, but the roster currently appears trapped between rebuilding and legitimate playoff contention.[00:06:20] Neil believes Seattle will remain around the Wild Card conversation, but major offseason work is required to move the organization higher in the standings.[00:06:40] The episode concludes with uncertainty surrounding the Kraken's immediate future. With a new decision-maker, another head coach, limited scoring, and several unresolved roster questions, Seattle must establish a clear organizational direction before it can become a consistent playoff team.
Spring Cleaning – Tampa Bay LightningThe Tampa Bay Lightning remain one of the NHL's model organizations, but another first-round playoff exit raises serious questions about whether their championship window is beginning to close. After finishing second in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay lost a tightly contested seven-game series to the Montreal Canadiens, marking a fourth consecutive opening-round elimination. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Lightning's regular-season excellence, postseason scoring problems, major injury challenges, and the difficult decisions awaiting General Manager Julien BriseBois.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Lightning finish second in the Atlantic Division before losing to Montreal in seven games during the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It becomes Tampa Bay's fourth straight first-round defeat since reaching the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.[00:00:30] Despite the playoff disappointment, Neil emphasizes the extraordinary consistency of the organization. Since winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup in 2021, the Lightning have averaged more than 102 standings points per season.[00:01:00] Jon Cooper continues to get strong results regardless of injuries or roster limitations. Even when key players are unavailable, Cooper consistently finds combinations that allow Tampa Bay to remain competitive.[00:01:30] Nikita Kucherov delivers another elite regular season, recording his fourth consecutive 100-point campaign and the sixth of his career. His production keeps Tampa Bay among the NHL's most dangerous offensive teams.[00:01:50] Jake Guentzel reaches the 30-goal mark for the sixth time in his career while setting a personal best with 88 points. Brandon Hagel also produces a career season with 36 goals and a plus-34 rating.[00:02:10] Defenseman Darren Raddysh provides one of the season's biggest surprises, finishing with 22 goals, 48 assists, and 70 points while posting a plus-21 rating. His breakout season positions him for a significant contract as an unrestricted free agent.[00:02:30] Brayden Point experiences a major decline in goal production. After previously scoring 51, 46, and 42 goals, he finishes with only 18 while missing 19 games due to injury.[00:02:50] Injuries become a defining part of Tampa Bay's season, with the club losing 339 man-games. Victor Hedman appears in only 33 games because of injuries and a leave of absence to focus on his mental health.[00:03:10] Ryan McDonagh, Emil Lilleberg, and Erik Cernak also miss significant time, often leaving the Lightning without multiple regular defensemen simultaneously.[00:03:30] Neil believes Cooper deserves serious consideration for his first Jack Adams Award. He compares Cooper's candidacy with Dan Muse in Pittsburgh and Lindy Ruff in Buffalo.[00:04:00] While the regular-season product remains excellent, the Lightning's postseason results reveal a troubling trend. Tampa Bay has now failed to advance beyond the first round in four consecutive seasons.[00:04:25] Tampa Bay scores only 15 goals during its seven-game series against Montreal. Because nearly every game remains within one goal, a single additional offensive play could have changed the outcome.[00:04:45] Brandon Hagel leads the Lightning with six playoff goals, but the rest of the offense struggles. Jake Guentzel and Dominic James finish with two goals each, while Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov score only once apiece.[00:05:05] Kucherov's postseason production becomes a major concern. Despite his regular-season brilliance, he has scored only two goals across his last 22 playoff games over four seasons.[00:05:30] Corey Perry and Nick Paul also fail to provide the secondary scoring Tampa Bay needs. Neil believes the Lightning occasionally become too focused on making the perfect play instead of creating simpler scoring opportunities.[00:05:50] Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobeš delivers an outstanding performance in Game 7, helping the Canadiens survive despite Tampa Bay controlling much of the play.[00:06:15] Andrei Vasilevskiy forces the deciding game with a 1-0 shutout in Game 6, although he faces only nine shots. In Game 7, Alex Newhook scores the series-winning goal on a puck that caroms off Vasilevskiy after being played from behind the net.[00:06:45] Attention shifts to Julien BriseBois and the offseason ahead. Tampa Bay owns six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft but does not have a first-round pick after trading it to Seattle in the Oliver Bjorkstrand deal.[00:07:10] The Lightning also lack a fourth-round selection and enter the offseason slightly above the projected salary cap before the July 1 reset.[00:07:30] Unrestricted free agents include Oliver Bjorkstrand, Corey Perry, Mitchell Chaffee, Scott Sabourin, Darren Raddysh, and Declan Carlile. The Lightning have no restricted free agents requiring new contracts.[00:07:50] Several members of the core remain signed through the 2029-30 season, including Guentzel, Point, Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, Cernak, and J.J. Moser.[00:08:10] Nikita Kucherov becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency after the following season. With Kucherov, Point, and Vasilevskiy currently carrying team-high salaries of $9.5 million, BriseBois may soon need to open the vault to retain his superstar.[00:08:35] The Lightning are also becoming one of the NHL's older teams. Neil believes their win-now window remains open, but the organization must acknowledge that its championship core cannot remain at the top forever.[00:09:00] Tampa Bay's limited draft capital and consistently low draft position have weakened the prospect pipeline. That makes it difficult to replace aging veterans with inexpensive young players.[00:09:30] Neil concludes that free agency may be Tampa Bay's most realistic path for supplementing the roster in the immediate future. Until the Lightning rebuild their collection of draft picks and prospects, BriseBois must continue using creative trades and veteran signings to keep the team among the NHL's contenders.
Send us Fan MailThe guys saddle up for one more episode. Topics include:NHL offseason strategy and signingsLAK roster and line-up analysisPlayer contract structures and bonusesTrade market and league-wide player movementDraft coverage and future prospectsThe guest is Josh Libfield, an unexpected star of the NHL Draft in Buffalo. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod
Sometimes a show starts with a little music history…and somehow ends with thousand-dollar bets, hockey trade breakdowns, and everyone developing strong opinions about where billionaires should get married.Welcome back to The Rizzuto Show, the comedy podcast where every conversation somehow goes completely off the rails.Today starts with Global Beatles Day as the crew celebrates one of the biggest moments in music history before arguing over the greatest Beatles songs ever recorded. George fans, Paul fans, John fans...and poor Ringo once again catching strays.Then it's straight into celebrity chaos.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding rumors explode after reports of a mysterious Madison Square Garden event, and somehow this turns into an actual gambling pool inside the studio. Is it the wedding? A rehearsal? A giant distraction? Nobody knows—but several people may owe each other money after Fourth of July weekend.Meanwhile, Kirk Hammett has entered what can only be described as his "Sassy Kirk Era," taking shots at modern pop music while somehow becoming everyone's favorite unexpected media personality. The crew fully embraces the new attitude.Also on today's episode:• Rolling Stones NASCAR vinyls and whether every band eventually becomes sponsored content.• William Shatner considering touring with a heavy metal album...at 95 years old.• Rob Zombie drops new music.• King of the Hill returns.• Stranger Things finale secrets.• James Bond casting debates get surprisingly heated.• A celebration of Global Beatles Day featuring Rolling Stone's Top 10 Beatles songs.The fun doesn't stop there.Chris Kerber joins the show for an extended Blues conversation covering the Jordan Kyrou trade, the Tkachuk family's incredible week, NHL Draft speculation, Jordan Binnington rumors, Curtis Joseph's Hall of Fame case, and where the franchise goes next.It's music, celebrity gossip, sports, ridiculous debates, random nostalgia, and just enough sarcasm to keep everyone awake.Exactly the way mornings should be.Whether you're here for celebrity nonsense, hockey talk, weird news, or just listening to friends argue over things that absolutely do not matter, today's comedy podcast has something for you.So buckle up, place your imaginary bets, defend your favorite Beatle, and enjoy another completely ridiculous morning with Rizz, Moon, Lern, Rafe, and the crew.Thanks for listening to another comedy podcast from The Rizzuto Show.Follow The Rizzuto Show → https://linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → https://1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kevin Nealon stopped by to say Happy 250th Birthday America!Along the way, the gang debates the universal husband instinct of staring at broken appliances until they magically repair themselves, why every emergency service somehow funnels through the same call center, and whether Sherry deserves a raise for patiently answering everyone's increasingly desperate phone calls.Then things take a sharp turn into one of the greatest local stories imaginable.A KFC employee in North County decides company policy can wait after tackling an armed robbery suspect in the parking lot. The crew immediately begins casting Jason Statham as an ex-government operative secretly working the drive-thru window in what instantly becomes the greatest action movie Hollywood still hasn't made.As if that wasn't enough, Lern introduces everyone to a surprisingly emotional Netflix movie that sends the conversation spiraling into the slow death of voicemail culture, while the crew debates which everyday things will disappear as older generations fade out. Landlines? VHS tapes? Random messages that somehow sat in your inbox for three years? Nothing is safe.The crew also tackles one listener's parenting dilemma involving an absolutely terrible kid who has officially worn out his welcome, leading to stories about getting banned from friends' houses growing up, terrifying 90s parents, and why sometimes being the parent means embracing the villain role.Throw in weather panic, broken thermostats, neighborhood legends, retirement community shenanigans, bizarre Florida news, homeowner frustration, nostalgic childhood stories, and enough sarcastic commentary to survive even the hottest week of the year, and you've got another unforgettable episode.Whether you're listening on your morning commute, pretending to work, hiding from your broken AC, or simply looking for your favorite daily comedy show, this episode delivers the laughs, ridiculous conversations, and unexpected tangents you've come to expect.Woody back in St. Louis as the gang relives nearly setting Captain Jim's entire fireworks inventory on fire, accidentally launching explosives toward a trailer packed with even more explosives, and wondering how they somehow got invited back every year.Naturally, that turns into an all-out war over weather apps because apparently your choice between Apple Weather, Google Maps, Waze, and The Weather Channel says everything about your personality. Somewhere during the argument Riz admits he's gaming Waze just to earn imaginary points, Woody questions humanity, and Moon becomes Bing's official spokesperson.Then things somehow get even weirder.The crew debates home ownership versus renting, subscription services invading literally everything, catalytic converter thefts, why landlords secretly deserve medals, and whether calling your landlord to change a light bulb should be considered a crime.From there, the conversation completely derails into horrifying toothbrush habits. Seriously...if your toothbrush looks like it fought in several wars, Lern wants you to know she's apparently one of those people. Dentists everywhere may need a moment after this episode.The laughs keep rolling as Woody shares restaurant recommendations from Pittsburgh, everyone debates St. Louis food loyalties, Rafe discovers Corner 17, and the gang somehow lands on one of the most important questions ever asked:Which restaurant logo would you permanently tattoo on your body for free food for life?Today starts with Global Beatles Day as the crew celebrates one of the biggest moments in music history before arguing over the greatest Beatles songs ever recorded. George fans, Paul fans, John fans...and poor Ringo once again catching strays.Then it's straight into celebrity chaos.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding rumors explode after reports of a mysterious Madison Square Garden event, and somehow this turns into an actual gambling pool inside the studio. Is it the wedding? A rehearsal? A giant distraction? Nobody knows—but several people may owe each other money after Fourth of July weekend.Meanwhile, Kirk Hammett has entered what can only be described as his "Sassy Kirk Era," taking shots at modern pop music while somehow becoming everyone's favorite unexpected media personality. The crew fully embraces the new attitude.Chris Kerber joins the show for an extended Blues conversation covering the Jordan Kyrou trade, the Tkachuk family's incredible week, NHL Draft speculation, Jordan Binnington rumors, Curtis Joseph's Hall of Fame case, and where the franchise goes next.Follow The Rizzuto Show → https://linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → https://1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
RUNDOWN Frustrated by another Mariners series loss, Mitch argues that Dan Wilson's quick hook of Emerson Hancock in Cleveland set off the bullpen dominoes that ultimately cost Seattle the game. He and Hotshot Scott debate whether the manager deserves the blame, discuss why the season isn't lost despite the club slipping under .500, and preview an episode packed with Mariners prospect talk, World Cup excitement, and another edition of Release Date trivia. The Mariners' ugly loss in Cleveland sparks a spirited debate over Dan Wilson's bullpen management, whether Emerson Hancock should have finished the sixth inning, and if Seattle is putting itself in impossible situations with its pitching decisions. Mitch, Brady, and Joe also dissect the confusing six-man rotation strategy, discuss whether Emerson Hancock belongs in the bullpen, evaluate internal reinforcements like Ryan Sloan and Patrick Wisdom, preview the upcoming Angels and Blue Jays series, and make their weekly "Out on a Limb" predictions. MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis joins Mitch to break down another loaded Mariners farm system, offering updates on Colt Emerson's development, Felin Celesten's breakout season, and why Seattle continues to boast one of baseball's deepest prospect pipelines. The conversation also dives into Kade Anderson's rapid rise, Ryan Sloan's ace potential, the upcoming MLB Draft, and how the Mariners could eventually use their prospect depth to chase a World Series. Mitch and Jason Puckett spend another episode doing what they do best—arguing over the Mariners, poking fun at each other's broadcasting habits, and turning small disagreements into entertaining debates. They also dive into Puck's upcoming trip to Spain, the Running of the Bulls, World Cup excitement, and the polarizing reaction to U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark. GUESTS Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot Jim Callis | Senior Writer for MLB Pipeline Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren't / Puck Drop TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Dan Wilson's bullpen decisions, the Mariners' latest collapse, World Cup fever arriving in Seattle, and another entertaining round of Release Date trivia headline the opening segment of Episode 388. 26:50 | Mariners No-Table: Dan Wilson's latest bullpen decisions, the Mariners' muddled pitching plans, growing calls for rotation changes, and another round of "Out on a Limb" predictions fuel this week's Mariners No Table discussion. 1:00:04 | Jim Callis: Callis explains why the Mariners' farm system remains among baseball's best, evaluates Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan's futures, and previews another pivotal MLB Draft for Seattle. 1:21:52 | Jason Puckett: Mitch and Jason Puckett trade playful jabs over the Mariners, preview Puck's Spain adventure, debate the Running of the Bulls, and discuss the golf world's complicated relationship with Wyndham Clark. 1:40:16 | Other Stuff: Justin Bieber at the NHL Draft, Mitch's Justin Bieber karaoke encounter, Phil Mickelson controversy, Buffalo Bills leaving O.J. Simpson off the new stadium Wall of Fame, Bryce Harper and Nationals fans, Wyndham Clark and Baker Mayfield story, Knicks parade trash-can incident, Brandon Roy reinstated at Garfield, Portland Trail Blazers ownership drama, Geno Smith online controversy, get-well wishes for Chris Evert and Lionel Richie, RIPs, Seattle dim sum world-record attempt, USMNT vs. Bosnia. HEADLINES Vanilla Ice Freedom 250 controversy, England roadside diners becoming adult shops, Subway sandwich assault sentencing, Seattle International District dim sum dinner world-record attempt. RIPs Clive Davis, David Clayton-Thomas, Alan Greenspan.
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman begin by shining a light on Luke Prokop's upcoming documentary discussing his path as the first openly gay player under an NHL contract. The fellas break down the latest developments regarding Jason Robertson (4:00). They talk about Zach Werenski's future (12:00), and touch on the latest surrounding Dylan Larkin (24:00). Elliotte talks about Vegas trading Pavel Dorofeyev (26:00). He also talks about ongoing trade talks between Winnipeg and Buffalo (30:00). The fellas talk about the Washington Capitals bringing in Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou (34:40). Elliotte lays out the latest with Darnell Nurse (43:30) and Vincent Trocheck (44:54). The guys talk about the Canucks selecting Caleb Malhotra (50:46). The Final Thought focuses on how the NHL fine tuned the second year of the decentralized draft (54:00). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and comments in the Thought Line presented by BetMGM (1:10:12). Listen to all the 32 Thoughts music here. Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail. This podcast was produced and mixed by Cristian Ceniti and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas. 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
Brock and Salk continue analyzing Salk's choices as a hockey dad. Salk compares a Baseball hitting coach to a Soccer goalie in Everything I Need to Know. Gee Scott joins the show to share World Cup stories from all the countries and cultures whose fans are packing the city. Gee Scott has some thoughts on how much money Seahawks QB Sam Darnold deserves to be paid.
Sometimes a show starts with a little music history…and somehow ends with thousand-dollar bets, hockey trade breakdowns, and everyone developing strong opinions about where billionaires should get married.Welcome back to The Rizzuto Show, the comedy podcast where every conversation somehow goes completely off the rails.Today starts with Global Beatles Day as the crew celebrates one of the biggest moments in music history before arguing over the greatest Beatles songs ever recorded. George fans, Paul fans, John fans...and poor Ringo once again catching strays.Then it's straight into celebrity chaos.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding rumors explode after reports of a mysterious Madison Square Garden event, and somehow this turns into an actual gambling pool inside the studio. Is it the wedding? A rehearsal? A giant distraction? Nobody knows—but several people may owe each other money after Fourth of July weekend.Meanwhile, Kirk Hammett has entered what can only be described as his "Sassy Kirk Era," taking shots at modern pop music while somehow becoming everyone's favorite unexpected media personality. The crew fully embraces the new attitude.Also on today's episode:• Rolling Stones NASCAR vinyls and whether every band eventually becomes sponsored content.• William Shatner considering touring with a heavy metal album...at 95 years old.• Rob Zombie drops new music.• King of the Hill returns.• Stranger Things finale secrets.• James Bond casting debates get surprisingly heated.• A celebration of Global Beatles Day featuring Rolling Stone's Top 10 Beatles songs.The fun doesn't stop there.Chris Kerber joins the show for an extended Blues conversation covering the Jordan Kyrou trade, the Tkachuk family's incredible week, NHL Draft speculation, Jordan Binnington rumors, Curtis Joseph's Hall of Fame case, and where the franchise goes next.It's music, celebrity gossip, sports, ridiculous debates, random nostalgia, and just enough sarcasm to keep everyone awake.Exactly the way mornings should be.Whether you're here for celebrity nonsense, hockey talk, weird news, or just listening to friends argue over things that absolutely do not matter, today's comedy podcast has something for you.So buckle up, place your imaginary bets, defend your favorite Beatle, and enjoy another completely ridiculous morning with Rizz, Moon, Lern, Rafe, and the crew.Thanks for listening to another comedy podcast from The Rizzuto Show.Follow The Rizzuto Show → https://linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → https://1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rafe's AC struggles—and every company advertising "24/7 emergency service" suddenly has very different ideas about what "24/7" actually means. After hours of phone calls, troubleshooting that mostly consisted of standing around with hands on hips pretending to understand electrical panels, and enough thermostat resets to qualify for an engineering degree, the crew wonders if homeowner subscriptions have officially replaced common sense.Along the way, the gang debates the universal husband instinct of staring at broken appliances until they magically repair themselves, why every emergency service somehow funnels through the same call center, and whether Sherry deserves a raise for patiently answering everyone's increasingly desperate phone calls.Then things take a sharp turn into one of the greatest local stories imaginable.A KFC employee in North County decides company policy can wait after tackling an armed robbery suspect in the parking lot. The crew immediately begins casting Jason Statham as an ex-government operative secretly working the drive-thru window in what instantly becomes the greatest action movie Hollywood still hasn't made.As if that wasn't enough, Lern introduces everyone to a surprisingly emotional Netflix movie that sends the conversation spiraling into the slow death of voicemail culture, while the crew debates which everyday things will disappear as older generations fade out. Landlines? VHS tapes? Random messages that somehow sat in your inbox for three years? Nothing is safe.The crew also tackles one listener's parenting dilemma involving an absolutely terrible kid who has officially worn out his welcome, leading to stories about getting banned from friends' houses growing up, terrifying 90s parents, and why sometimes being the parent means embracing the villain role.Throw in weather panic, broken thermostats, neighborhood legends, retirement community shenanigans, bizarre Florida news, homeowner frustration, nostalgic childhood stories, and enough sarcastic commentary to survive even the hottest week of the year, and you've got another unforgettable episode.Whether you're listening on your morning commute, pretending to work, hiding from your broken AC, or simply looking for your favorite daily comedy show, this episode delivers the laughs, ridiculous conversations, and unexpected tangents you've come to expect.Woody back in St. Louis as the gang relives nearly setting Captain Jim's entire fireworks inventory on fire, accidentally launching explosives toward a trailer packed with even more explosives, and wondering how they somehow got invited back every year.Naturally, that turns into an all-out war over weather apps because apparently your choice between Apple Weather, Google Maps, Waze, and The Weather Channel says everything about your personality. Somewhere during the argument Riz admits he's gaming Waze just to earn imaginary points, Woody questions humanity, and Moon becomes Bing's official spokesperson.Then things somehow get even weirder.The crew debates home ownership versus renting, subscription services invading literally everything, catalytic converter thefts, why landlords secretly deserve medals, and whether calling your landlord to change a light bulb should be considered a crime.From there, the conversation completely derails into horrifying toothbrush habits. Seriously...if your toothbrush looks like it fought in several wars, Lern wants you to know she's apparently one of those people. Dentists everywhere may need a moment after this episode.The laughs keep rolling as Woody shares restaurant recommendations from Pittsburgh, everyone debates St. Louis food loyalties, Rafe discovers Corner 17, and the gang somehow lands on one of the most important questions ever asked:Which restaurant logo would you permanently tattoo on your body for free food for life?Today starts with Global Beatles Day as the crew celebrates one of the biggest moments in music history before arguing over the greatest Beatles songs ever recorded. George fans, Paul fans, John fans...and poor Ringo once again catching strays.Then it's straight into celebrity chaos.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding rumors explode after reports of a mysterious Madison Square Garden event, and somehow this turns into an actual gambling pool inside the studio. Is it the wedding? A rehearsal? A giant distraction? Nobody knows—but several people may owe each other money after Fourth of July weekend.Meanwhile, Kirk Hammett has entered what can only be described as his "Sassy Kirk Era," taking shots at modern pop music while somehow becoming everyone's favorite unexpected media personality. The crew fully embraces the new attitude.Chris Kerber joins the show for an extended Blues conversation covering the Jordan Kyrou trade, the Tkachuk family's incredible week, NHL Draft speculation, Jordan Binnington rumors, Curtis Joseph's Hall of Fame case, and where the franchise goes next.Follow The Rizzuto Show → https://linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → https://1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.KFC manager robbed at gunpoint, employee tackles suspectSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.