Podcasts about nhl draft

The guys keep their conversation about Dylan Larkin potentially returning to the team with Steve Yzerman out of the picture going.

The guys get the people in on the final conversation of the day, whose reactions are pretty interesting.

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, welche Traditionen machen die NHL so besonders? In dieser Folge nehmen wir euch mit auf eine Reise durch die gesamte Liga und sprechen über die einzigartigen Rituale der Teams und ihrer Fans. Von den legendären Octopus-Würfen in Detroit über den Ratten in Florida, den Storm Surge der Carolina Hurricanes bis hin zu den zahlreichen Fangesängen, Torhupen und besonderen Playoff-Bräuchen – wir schauen uns an, was jedes NHL-Team einzigartig macht. Außerdem sprechen wir darüber, wie diese Traditionen entstanden sind, welche Geschichten dahinterstecken und warum sie für Spieler und Fans bis heute eine so große Bedeutung haben. Eine Folge für alle NHL-Fans – egal ob ... 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.

  Hallo Hockeyfreunde, welche Traditionen machen die NHL so besonders? In dieser Folge nehmen wir euch mit auf eine Reise durch die gesamte Liga und sprechen über die einzigartigen Rituale der Teams und ihrer Fans. Von den legendären Octopus-Würfen in Detroit über den Ratten in Florida, den Storm Surge der Carolina Hurricanes bis hin zu den zahlreichen Fangesängen, Torhupen und besonderen Playoff-Bräuchen – wir schauen uns an, was jedes NHL-Team einzigartig macht. Außerdem sprechen wir darüber, wie diese Traditionen entstanden sind, welche Geschichten dahinterstecken und warum sie für Spieler und Fans bis heute eine so große Bedeutung haben. Eine Folge für alle NHL-Fans – egal ob ... 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.

It's another offseason edition of Oilersnation Everyday as Liam Horrobin steps into the host's chair while Tyler Yaremchuk enjoys some well-deserved vacation time. Joining Liam throughout today's show is Oilersnation contributor Michael Menzies.With the NHL calendar settling into the quieter days of August, the boys will catch you up on the latest news and storylines from around the league while checking in on anything new surrounding the Edmonton Oilers as the countdown to training camp continues.Later in the show, Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis joins Liam and Michael to discuss the latest from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup taking place in Edmonton. With some of the world's top draft-eligible talent on display, Steven will share his biggest takeaways from the tournament so far, highlight a few players who have impressed, and discuss which prospects could be climbing draft boards ahead of next year's NHL Draft.They'll also dive into another edition of The First Question, where Nation Citizens can weigh in live with their thoughts on one of the biggest talking points of the day.Later in the show, Liam brings back another edition of Liam's Board, highlighting a few interesting storylines from around the hockey world before wrapping things up with his favourite daily betting plays courtesy of bet365.

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 – 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.

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.

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 – 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 – 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 – 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.

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.

Welcome back to another league-wide edition of GS Off Ice with Jesse Montano and Mark Robinson!   The guys are back for another episode chatting about all the latest news in the NHL. Earlier today it was officially announced that Macklin Celebrini signed a 5 year, $94 million extension with the San Jose Sharks. The 2024 1st overall pick in the NHL Draft has already taken a massive step in his young NHL career. He posted 45 goals and 115 points, and led the Sharks to just four points shy of a playoff spot in his impressive campaign. Is this a good number to sign the young, talented forward? Or will it cause cap issues for San Jose in the future?   The Nashville Predators have been heavy on the trade block this summer after making a major front office switch in hiring Chris MacFarland as the GM and President of Hockey Ops. What do the Predators need to do to make the jump back into the postseason next year?  

Spring Cleaning – San Jose SharksThe San Jose Sharks took one of the NHL's biggest steps forward during the 2025-26 season, narrowly missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs after exceeding nearly every preseason expectation. Fueled by the emergence of superstar Macklin Celebrini and a growing collection of young talent, the Sharks became one of the league's most exciting offensive teams. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down San Jose's rapid progress, the defensive issues that still need attention, and why General Manager Mike Grier may have one of the brightest futures in the NHL.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Sharks are eliminated on April 13 after making an unexpected push toward the playoffs. Neil and Vic revisit their preseason expectations, when both believed San Jose was still another year away from serious contention despite an active offseason by General Manager Mike Grier.[00:00:35] Macklin Celebrini emerges as the driving force behind the Sharks' remarkable improvement. The young superstar explodes from 63 points as a rookie to 115 points in his second NHL season while improving his plus-minus from minus-31 to plus-eight.[00:01:00] Will Smith continues his development with 58 points despite playing fewer games than the previous season. Michael Misa also shows tremendous promise, while Kiefer Sherwood earns a five-year contract extension after arriving from Vancouver.[00:01:20] Veterans Tyler Toffoli, William Eklund, and Alexander Wennberg provide stability alongside the Sharks' young core, helping San Jose become a far more competitive team throughout the season.[00:01:45] Neil admits no one could have predicted Celebrini's meteoric rise, which included becoming an important contributor for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics. His development dramatically accelerates San Jose's rebuild.[00:02:00] Additional young forwards Pavel Regenda, Igor Chernyshov, and Michael Misa each contribute offensively, giving the Sharks an even deeper pipeline of emerging talent expected to improve in the coming years.[00:02:20] Team-wide improvements are significant. San Jose finishes 34 points better in the standings, improves its goal differential from minus-105 to minus-41, and scores 41 more goals than it did the previous season.[00:02:50] While the offense flourishes, major defensive concerns remain. The Sharks improve their power play to the middle of the NHL rankings, but the goals-against average and penalty kill remain among the league's weakest.[00:03:20] Neil credits the offensive explosion almost entirely to Celebrini's impact while emphasizing that Ryan Warsofsky's next challenge is transforming the Sharks into a stronger defensive hockey club.[00:03:45] Looking ahead, Mike Grier enters the 2026 NHL Draft with eight selections, including two first-round picks—one acquired from Edmonton in the Jake Walman trade—and two fourth-round selections accumulated through previous deals.[00:04:30] The discussion reviews the complicated series of trades that reshaped San Jose's draft capital, illustrating how Grier has continued collecting assets while rebuilding the organization.[00:05:00] The Sharks project to have minimal cap space before the July 1 reset, largely because they absorbed Carey Price's contract from Montreal to help reach the NHL salary floor while acquiring additional assets in return.[00:05:30] Neil explains why rebuilding teams often take on long-term contracts from other organizations, using available cap space to collect draft picks and prospects while remaining compliant with league salary requirements.[00:06:00] Logan Couture's retirement, Marc-Edouard Vlasic's buyout, Martin Jones' buyout, and retained salary from the Erik Karlsson and Tomáš Hertl trades continue to affect San Jose's salary structure, though much of that financial picture improves after July 1.[00:06:45] A large portion of the Sharks' defense enters free agency. Ryan Reaves, Pavel Regenda, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, Mario Ferraro, and Vincent Desharnais headline the unrestricted free agent class, making defense Mike Grier's top offseason priority.[00:07:20] Restricted free agents Colin Graf, Philipp Kurashev, Zack Ostapchuk, and defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin also require new contracts. Neil expects Mukhamadullin to continue developing into an important piece of San Jose's blue line.[00:07:50] Neil also looks ahead to the following offseason, when Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith become restricted free agents. Celebrini is expected to command a franchise-changing contract, with Smith likely following shortly afterward.[00:08:10] Comparing the pair to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton, Neil believes Celebrini and Smith represent the foundation of San Jose's next era. With elite young talent already in place, the Sharks now turn their focus toward building a defense capable of supporting what could become one of the NHL's most dynamic teams.

Spring Cleaning – St. Louis BluesThe St. Louis Blues entered the 2025-26 season expecting to build on their surprising late-season surge under Jim Montgomery, but instead fell well short of a playoff berth. Offensive regression, inconsistent goaltending, and prolonged losing streaks prevented the Blues from challenging for a Wild Card position. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine what went wrong, the transition from Doug Armstrong to Alex Steen in the front office, and how St. Louis can use an impressive collection of draft picks to begin its next chapter.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Blues are eliminated from playoff contention on April 11 after entering the season with realistic hopes of earning a Wild Card berth. Following their strong finish in 2024-25 under Jim Montgomery, expectations were considerably higher than the previous year.[00:00:30] St. Louis never finds sustained consistency. Losing streaks of 1-6-2 and 1-8-1 derail the season, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the schedule and making it difficult to recover in a competitive Western Conference.[00:00:50] Offensive production falls well below expectations. The Blues fail to produce a single 25-goal scorer, while injuries contribute to declines from Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, leaving the offense without a consistent finishing touch.[00:01:10] Goaltending also becomes a concern. Jordan Binnington struggles throughout much of the season, forcing Jim Montgomery to rely more heavily on Joel Hofer down the stretch as St. Louis searches for answers in net.[00:01:30] Neil explains that the Blues never truly challenged the Utah Mammoth for the final playoff position despite preseason expectations that the two clubs would battle throughout the year. Instead, Utah clearly separated itself while St. Louis remained near the bottom of the standings.[00:01:45] Attention turns to the future as Alex Steen prepares to officially replace longtime General Manager Doug Armstrong on July 1. After spending two years preparing for the role, Steen now inherits responsibility for reshaping the franchise.[00:02:00] The Blues possess one of the strongest collections of draft assets in the league, entering the 2026 NHL Draft with 12 selections, including three first-round picks and three third-round picks acquired through previous trades.[00:02:30] Although St. Louis lacks a second-round selection, the organization also owns multiple fourth- and fifth-round picks, giving Alex Steen significant flexibility to either build through the draft or pursue trades.[00:02:45] Salary-cap flexibility remains limited, with the Blues projected to have only about $1.84 million in available space before the July 1 reset. That leaves little room for major free-agent additions.[00:03:00] Oscar Sundqvist headlines the unrestricted free agent class, while restricted free agents Jonathan Berggren, Matt Kessel, and Dylan Holloway become much higher priorities for the organization.[00:03:20] Neil points to Holloway as one of the club's most important offseason decisions after arriving via offer sheet. While another offer sheet remains possible in theory, Neil believes St. Louis will make retaining the young forward a top priority.[00:03:40] Looking at the roster from a broader perspective, Neil questions whether the Blues are close enough to contend or whether a more significant rebuild is necessary. He believes simply making minor adjustments may not be enough to return to the playoffs.[00:04:00] Jordan Binnington becomes one potential trade candidate. Neil wonders whether another organization would be interested in acquiring the Stanley Cup-winning goaltender, whose international success may still make him attractive despite an inconsistent NHL season.[00:04:30] Alex Steen now faces difficult decisions about which veterans remain part of the organization's future. Moving established players could accelerate the transition to a younger core while creating additional salary-cap flexibility.[00:04:50] Despite holding a wealth of draft picks, Neil cautions against trading too many of them away. Those selections represent one of the franchise's greatest long-term assets and must be used wisely to strengthen the organization.[00:05:00] The episode concludes with Neil emphasizing that modern NHL general managers must treat draft picks as both future players and valuable trade currency. For Alex Steen, successfully balancing those two approaches will determine how quickly the St. Louis Blues can return to playoff contention.

Created By: Yariv Wolok & Vasili Gianarakos Guest: Colby CohenMusic By: Jay Lubes Website: https://www.flyersnittygritty.com SportSpyder: https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news?eid=2340 

Spring Cleaning – Pittsburgh PenguinsThe Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2025-26 season with low expectations, an unproven head coach, and widespread speculation that the franchise might finally begin dismantling its aging core. Instead, rookie head coach Dan Muse engineered one of the NHL's biggest surprises, guiding Pittsburgh to a second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division before a first-round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Neil Smith and Vic Morren revisit how badly they underestimated the Penguins, the remarkable resurgence of Erik Karlsson, and the difficult offseason decisions now facing General Manager Kyle Dubas.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Penguins finish second in the Metropolitan Division before being eliminated by Philadelphia in the opening round. Neil and Vic revisit the extremely low expectations surrounding Pittsburgh entering the season under first-year head coach Dan Muse.[00:00:40] Questions existed about whether Sidney Crosby would remain with the team through the trade deadline, whether Erik Karlsson would be dealt, and whether the collection of veteran depth additions could keep Pittsburgh competitive.[00:01:00] Dan Muse exceeds every expectation and quickly gets the roster to buy into his system. Pittsburgh becomes a more difficult, responsible, and consistent team than it had been the previous season.[00:01:20] Erik Karlsson's transformation becomes one of Muse's greatest accomplishments. After a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, Karlsson plays responsibly at both ends of the ice and reestablishes himself as a major contributor.[00:01:45] Neil and Vic admit they completely misjudged the Penguins during their preseason analysis. Muse becomes a Jack Adams Award finalist after leading a team expected to miss the playoffs to one of the strongest records in the Metropolitan Division.[00:02:00] Pittsburgh improves dramatically on offense, increasing its goal total from 243 to 293. The club's goal differential rises by 75 goals, moving from minus-50 to plus-25.[00:02:20] The Penguins receive scoring throughout the lineup, with 12 players reaching double digits in goals and five surpassing 20. Anthony Mantha delivers a career-best season after signing a one-year contract.[00:02:45] Yegor Chinakhov scores 21 goals after arriving from Columbus, while Justin Brazeau, Connor Dewar, Tommy Novak, and Noel Acciari all contribute career-best or near-career-best production.[00:03:00] Karlsson improves from 53 points and a minus-24 rating to 66 points and a plus-eight. Rookie Ben Kindel also makes an immediate impact with 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games.[00:03:30] The coaching comparison becomes impossible to ignore. Mike Sullivan leaves Pittsburgh for the New York Rangers, while Muse departs the Rangers' staff and immediately delivers a far more successful season with the Penguins.[00:04:00] Pittsburgh also makes major defensive progress. Its goals-against average drops from 3.46 to 3.09, supported by improved structure and a productive overhaul in goal.[00:04:20] The trade sending Tristan Jarry to Edmonton for Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak becomes one of the season's most successful moves. Pittsburgh escapes Jarry's long-term contract while adding a more dependable starting goaltender.[00:04:45] Kulak is later moved to Colorado for Samuel Girard, giving the Penguins another useful defenseman. Artūrs Šilovs also provides reliable goaltending depth behind Skinner.[00:05:30] Neil explains why the season felt almost like a championship for Pittsburgh when compared to the expectations entering the year. Nearly every major move worked, and several veterans delivered unexpected career seasons.[00:06:00] The offseason presents a complicated challenge for Kyle Dubas. Pittsburgh enters the 2026 NHL Draft with five selections, including two second-round picks, but no choices in the fourth, fifth, or seventh rounds.[00:06:30] The Penguins project to have approximately $10.2 million in salary-cap space before the July 1 reset. Their unrestricted free agents include Evgeni Malkin, Kevin Hayes, Anthony Mantha, Noel Acciari, Connor Dewar, Connor Clifton, Ryan Shea, Ilya Solovyov, and Stuart Skinner.[00:07:00] Restricted free agents Yegor Chinakhov and Artūrs Šilovs also need new contracts. Neil expects a busy summer with the possibility of significant turnover if Dubas cannot retain several of the players who helped drive this year's success.[00:07:20] Malkin wants to return, and Crosby has publicly expressed support for keeping his longtime teammate. Mantha's career year creates a more difficult decision because another team may offer him a larger contract in free agency.[00:08:00] The Penguins' unique challenge is that they are still building around one of the NHL's oldest cores. Malkin turns 40, Crosby turns 39, Kris Letang is already 39, Erik Karlsson turns 36, and Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are also well into their 30s.[00:08:40] Neil and Vic compare Pittsburgh's position to the previous season's Washington Capitals. Washington received career years from multiple veterans before injuries and regression caused the team to miss the playoffs one year later.[00:09:00] The Penguins could face the same danger if their older stars decline and the supporting players cannot repeat their career seasons. Pittsburgh must continue adding younger talent rather than assuming this year's formula will work again.[00:09:30] Dan Muse receives enormous credit for creating belief, accountability, and structure throughout the lineup. His ability to get the players to buy into his approach becomes the defining reason behind Pittsburgh's unexpected success.[00:10:00] The episode concludes with Neil and Vic admitting their preseason prediction was completely wrong. The Penguins earn an A-plus for the season, but sustaining that success will require a smart, aggressive, and carefully managed offseason.

Spring Cleaning – Philadelphia FlyersThe Philadelphia Flyers made a surprising return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, finishing third in the Metropolitan Division and reaching the postseason for the first time since the 2020 bubble. After defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, Philadelphia was swept by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine Rick Tocchet's impact, the late-season surge that changed the Flyers' trajectory, and the offseason decisions facing Danny Brière and Keith Jones as the organization attempts to build on a major step forward.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Flyers complete a surprise playoff run after finishing third in the Metropolitan Division. Philadelphia defeats Pittsburgh in the opening round before Carolina ends the season with a four-game sweep.[00:00:40] Neil and Vic revisit the modest expectations surrounding the Flyers entering the season. While few predicted a playoff berth, Neil believed Philadelphia could remain in the Wild Card race if Rick Tocchet could get the roster to overachieve.[00:01:20] The Flyers' young foundation already included Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Noah Cates, Jamie Drysdale, and Cam York. Veterans Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim provided leadership, while Trevor Zegras, Christian Dvorak, and Dan Vladař were added during the offseason.[00:02:00] Tocchet receives significant credit for producing immediate results. Zegras finds new life after leaving Anaheim, while Vladař stabilizes a goaltending position that has troubled the Flyers for years.[00:02:40] Owen Tippett's injury after the first round becomes a major loss against Carolina. Neil reflects on how Tippett developed into an important return from the trade that sent longtime captain Claude Giroux to Florida.[00:03:15] On February 26, the Flyers sit four games above .500 and eight points outside the final Wild Card position. Philadelphia responds with an 18-6-1 finish, including multiple five-game winning streaks, to force its way into the playoffs.[00:04:00] The late-season surge reveals a clear identity. The Flyers become difficult to play against in every zone, applying pressure on the forecheck, maintaining tighter defensive gaps, and fully embracing Tocchet's demanding system.[00:04:30] Neil compares the team's style to the traditional Philadelphia identity of physical, relentless hockey. Opponents once again understand that playing the Flyers will require a difficult, exhausting night.[00:05:00] Philadelphia's first-round victory over Pittsburgh becomes a defining achievement. The Flyers eliminate a Penguins team led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson before running into a deeper and more experienced Carolina club.[00:05:30] Dan Vladař emerges as the clear number-one goaltender, with Samuel Ersson serving as the backup. Ivan Fedotov is traded to Columbus before the season, ending another uncertain chapter in Philadelphia's ongoing search for stability in net.[00:06:00] Rasmus Ristolainen misses much of the first half while recovering from triceps surgery. The Flyers also receive a major late-season boost from Porter Martone, who produces 10 points in his first nine NHL games.[00:06:30] Despite the team's progress, the power play remains the NHL's worst for another season. The relationship between Tocchet and Matvei Michkov also becomes a concern after the young forward is scratched twice during the playoffs.[00:07:00] Neil questions how Philadelphia handled Michkov's arrival, arguing that the organization presented him as a franchise savior before he had earned that status. Both John Tortorella and Tocchet have since challenged his defensive play and willingness to follow the team's structure.[00:08:00] Michkov remains one year away from restricted free agency. Neil believes the Flyers are unlikely to trade him immediately, but his future could become uncertain if his relationship with the coaching staff does not improve before his next contract.[00:08:30] Philadelphia still lacks a true game-breaking scorer and goes a second consecutive season without a 30-goal player. However, the organization's prospect pipeline includes Martone, Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, Nikita Grebenkin, Jett Luchanko, and Oliver Bonk.[00:09:00] The Flyers enter the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections and no picks in the fourth or fifth rounds. They project to have more than $7 million in cap space before the July 1 reset.[00:09:30] Unrestricted free agents include Carl Grundström, Rodrigo Ābols, Luke Glendening, and Noah Juulsen. Restricted free agents include Zegras, Grebenkin, Drysdale, Emil Andrae, and Ersson.[00:10:00] Neil identifies Zegras and Drysdale as the two most important players to re-sign. The organization must also continue adding young talent through the draft and determine which depth veterans still fit Tocchet's system.[00:10:30] With available cap space and a suddenly more attractive competitive environment, Neil expects the Flyers to pursue at least one meaningful free agent who can improve the current roster without compromising the long-term plan.[00:11:00] The episode concludes with optimism surrounding Philadelphia's direction. The Flyers now possess a defined identity, a respected head coach, a reliable starting goaltender, and an improving young core that has made the franchise an appealing destination once again.

Isaiah and Dan welcome Scott Wheeler, who covers the NHL Draft and prospects nationally for The Athletic, to discuss how the young players and prospects on the Flyers' roster are shaping the team's timeline for success. The panel reviews Scott's latest articles from a Flyers perspective and considers whether the team's recent playoff run—including its first-round victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins—has changed his concerns about its direction. Scott's 2023 redraft sparks a lively discussion about the Flyers' scouting successes. The panel also explores whether a prospect's league-wide market value should factor into the best-player-available (BPA) calculation, given that prospects can serve as trade currency as much as future roster players. The topic stems from the team's unsuccessful attempts to improve its NHL roster at the draft in June. The conversation concludes with a look at the new contracts for Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, which give the Flyers flexibility—an apparent theme following their unsuccessful offer sheet for Leo Carlsson. The panel also discusses the possibility of acquiring Arber Xhekaj, Rick Tocchet's placement in The Hockey News' coaching rankings, the WJSS and more! Scott's latest articles : Top 100 drafted NHL prospects ranking: McKenna, Stenberg, Martone lead summer 2026 list - The Athletic https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7416272/2026/07/15/nhl-goalie-prospects-ranking-2026/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7433581/2026/07/23/nhl-draft-2023-redraft-bedard-carlsson/     Photo credit: AI-generated with ChatGPT   Amazon Link for Behn Wilson's 'Gloves Off' : https://www.amazon.com/Gloves-Off-Mostly-Stories-Hockey/dp/1544551258   Catch the Puckcast livestream on YouTube, X and Facebook, crafted for Flyers Faithful. Like, subscribe, and join the conversation! #NHL #Flyers   Follow the show on social media X and Bluesky: @oandbpuck GETTR: @oandbpuckcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@obpuckcast4794?si=hNETQYvbte8vPvG8   Subscribe to our show on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Tune In, Deezer, Amazon Audible+ (5 star ratings on Apple are always appreciated

Spring Cleaning – Ottawa SenatorsThe Ottawa Senators returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Eastern Conference Wild Card, but their postseason stay ended quickly with a four-game sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes. Even so, Ottawa made measurable progress during the 2025-26 season, improving significantly on offense while overcoming injuries to several of its most important players. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Senators' scoring growth, defensive and goaltending concerns, and the increasingly important decisions surrounding Claude Giroux and captain Brady Tkachuk.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Senators qualify for the playoffs as the second Wild Card before being swept by Carolina in the opening round. Neil and Vic revisit the biggest question entering the season: whether Ottawa could generate enough offense after failing to produce a 30-goal scorer the previous year.[00:00:35] Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson both surpass 30 goals, while Dylan Cozens finishes with 28. Ottawa scores 278 goals as a team, an improvement of 35, and raises its goal differential from plus-nine to plus-32.[00:01:00] Neil discusses the continued development of Ottawa's young core. Stützle, Batherson, and several other key players are entering the prime years of their careers, giving the Senators hope that their best talent can mature together.[00:01:20] Special teams remain a major concern. The penalty kill drops from 19th to 29th overall and ranks 31st on the road, creating a weakness that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome against stronger opponents.[00:01:45] Ottawa's goaltending produces an unusual statistical profile. The Senators rank near the middle of the league in goals-against average but near the bottom in save percentage, suggesting the club limits shots but struggles to stop enough of the dangerous chances that get through.[00:02:00] Linus Ullmark misses time on personal leave, Levi Merzlikins fails to match his previous performance, and James Reimer is added later in the season to stabilize the backup position.[00:02:20] Injuries create even greater problems on defense. Brady Tkachuk suffers a thumb injury early in the season, while Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, Nick Jensen, Tyler Kleven, and other defensemen miss significant time.[00:03:00] Neil explains how the repeated absences of Sanderson, Chabot, Jensen, and Kleven damaged Ottawa's defensive structure. With several regulars unavailable at the same time, the Senators struggled to protect their goaltenders and maintain consistency.[00:03:30] Despite improved scoring, Ottawa cannot break through against Carolina. The Senators compete hard but lack the depth and execution necessary to challenge one of the NHL's elite teams.[00:04:00] The discussion shifts to the offseason. Ottawa enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven picks, including three selections in the third round, but has no second-round or seventh-round pick.[00:04:45] The Senators project to have approximately $2.34 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. Their unrestricted free agents include Claude Giroux, Lars Eller, Nick Cousins, Nick Jensen, Dennis Gilbert, Lassi Thomson, and James Reimer.[00:05:15] Restricted free agents Stephen Halliday, Jordan Spence, and Levi Merzlikins also require new contracts. Neil expects General Manager Steve Staios to prioritize Spence and address the defense and goaltending before making decisions on veteran forwards.[00:05:45] Claude Giroux's future becomes another major storyline. The veteran has taken a hometown discount to remain in Ottawa, and Neil believes Giroux may prefer to finish his career with the Senators, although management must determine whether he still fits the club's direction.[00:06:30] Attention then turns to Brady Tkachuk, who has two years remaining on his contract at $8.2 million annually. Trade speculation continues despite Tkachuk publicly denying that he wants to leave Ottawa.[00:07:00] Neil explains why the rumors will not disappear until Tkachuk signs another contract. As the captain approaches the final year of his deal, Ottawa must continue evaluating the market and understand what other teams might offer for its most valuable player.[00:08:00] Tkachuk's value extends far beyond his production. He is the face of the franchise, an emotional leader, and one of the NHL's most intimidating and competitive captains.[00:09:00] The episode concludes with Neil emphasizing that Steve Staios cannot remove any possibility from consideration. Ottawa has a strong young foundation, but improving the penalty kill, stabilizing the goaltending, resolving the defensive depth, and securing Tkachuk's future will determine whether the Senators can take another step next season.

Spring Cleaning – New York RangersThe New York Rangers entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations under first-year head coach Mike Sullivan, but even a Wild Card berth proved well beyond their reach. A season defined by offensive struggles, major trades, and an aggressive roster teardown ended with the Rangers eliminated on March 25. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the dismantling of a team that reached the Eastern Conference Final only two years earlier, the young players receiving late-season opportunities, and the long rebuild now facing General Manager Chris Drury.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Rangers are eliminated from playoff contention on March 25 after entering the season as a possible Wild Card team. Neil and Vic revisit their preseason belief that New York would need to overachieve under Mike Sullivan to remain in the playoff race.[00:00:40] Neil's preseason warning to “bring a program” proves accurate as the roster becomes increasingly unrecognizable. By the final weeks, the Rangers are relying heavily on Hartford call-ups, college signings, and inexperienced players auditioning for future roles.[00:01:00] New York's offensive problems surface immediately. The Rangers are shut out by Pittsburgh on opening night and fail to score in each of their first three home games before finally breaking through in their fourth appearance at Madison Square Garden.[00:01:30] The dismantling continues after the offseason departures of K'Andre Miller and Chris Kreider. Artemi Panarin is later traded to the Los Angeles Kings, further removing proven scoring from a team already struggling to generate offense.[00:02:00] Neil explains that the returns for those veteran players may eventually benefit the organization through prospects and draft picks, but they provide almost no immediate help during the 2025-26 season.[00:02:20] The Rangers eventually discover a productive late-season line featuring Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gabe Perreault. Zibanejad delivers a strong bounce-back season, Lafrenière improves, and Perreault emerges as one of the organization's more promising young forwards.[00:02:45] Other prospects receive extended opportunities, including Noah Laba, Adam Sýkora, Drew Fortescue, and goaltender Dylan Garand. Their improved play provides some optimism, but Neil cautions against overvaluing performances after the team has already been eliminated.[00:03:00] Neil calls the late-season surge a mirage. With no playoff pressure and young players desperate to prove themselves, the final games resemble preseason auditions more than meaningful evidence of what the Rangers will become next year.[00:03:30] Attention turns to the unrestricted free agents, including Jonny Brodzinski, Conor Sheary, and veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick, who may retire after the season.[00:03:50] Restricted free agents Braden Schneider, Vincent Iorio, and Dylan Garand represent more important decisions for Chris Drury as the organization begins identifying which younger players belong in the next version of the team.[00:04:00] The Rangers enter the 2026 NHL Draft with 11 selections, including two first-round picks and four third-round picks. One of those first-rounders came from Carolina in the K'Andre Miller trade.[00:04:25] Despite the large number of selections, Neil believes the rebuild will take considerable time. The Rangers possess some useful pieces, but their prospect pipeline lacks enough elite talent to make them a likely playoff contender next season.[00:04:45] Neil identifies the draft as the organization's most important path forward. Drury must maximize those selections while continuing to explore trades involving veterans who can bring back younger players or additional assets.[00:05:00] Igor Shesterkin remains the most important building block and gives the Rangers an elite foundation in goal. From there, management must determine how many current veterans still fit the club's long-term timeline.[00:05:20] Mika Zibanejad remains a highly respected player, but his age creates questions about whether he should be part of a multi-year rebuild. Neil also argues that Lafrenière has not developed into the franchise-altering player expected from a first-overall pick.[00:05:45] The episode concludes with cautious evaluations of Perreault, Sýkora, Laba, and Garand. Each player showed promise, but Neil emphasizes that the pressure-free final weeks cannot be treated as proof that the Rangers are ready to contend again.

Spring Cleaning – New York IslandersThe New York Islanders narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs after remaining in the postseason race almost the entire 2025-26 season. While the year ultimately ended in disappointment, the emergence of first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, a resurgent Ilya Sorokin, and a brighter organizational outlook gave Islanders fans reasons for optimism. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the turning point that derailed the season, the coaching change from Patrick Roy to Peter DeBoer, and the offseason challenges facing General Manager Mathieu Darche.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Islanders are eliminated from playoff contention on April 12 after spending much of the season battling for a Metropolitan Division playoff spot. Neil and Vic revisit the preseason expectations, which focused less on immediate success and more on building a stronger future through young talent and organizational growth.[00:00:45] Despite trading Noah Dobson to Montreal in exchange for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks, the Islanders emerge with a brighter long-term outlook. Neil credits the remarkable rookie season of first-overall selection Matthew Schaefer as one of the biggest surprises in the entire NHL.[00:01:00] The discussion highlights several major positives from the season. Schaefer immediately establishes himself as a future superstar, Ilya Sorokin returns to Vezina Trophy form, and Bo Horvat delivers one of the best goal-scoring seasons of his career while helping stabilize the Islanders' offense.[00:02:00] Schaefer's rookie campaign exceeds every expectation, tying Brian Leetch's long-standing rookie record for goals by a defenseman with 23. Despite Dobson's departure, New York's blue line remains productive thanks largely to Schaefer's immediate impact in all situations.[00:02:30] Injuries to Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov challenge the roster throughout the season, while the special teams produce mixed results. The penalty kill climbs dramatically from 31st to 10th in the NHL, but the power play improves only slightly, moving from 31st to 30th despite an abundance of offensive talent.[00:03:00] The defining moment of the Islanders' season arrives on March 30 against Pittsburgh. Holding a 3-1 lead and on the power play, New York surrenders a shorthanded goal to Rickard Rakell. Neil and Vic describe that play as the turning point that completely changed the trajectory of the season.[00:04:00] Following the collapse against the Penguins, the Islanders lose seven of their final eight games. Patrick Roy is dismissed with four games remaining, and Peter DeBoer is brought in to begin preparing the organization for the future after another disappointing finish.[00:05:00] Looking ahead, New York enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections after previous trades involving Josh Bailey's contract and the acquisition of Carson Soucy. The Islanders also project to be approximately $3.8 million over the salary cap before offseason adjustments.[00:05:45] The goaltending situation becomes another major storyline. Semyon Varlamov returns to action late in the season with Bridgeport after missing the entire NHL campaign, raising hopes that he can once again form a dependable tandem with Sorokin if his health cooperates.[00:06:30] Neil believes the Islanders will likely add another experienced goaltender regardless of Varlamov's status to protect against further injuries. Finding reliable depth in net will remain one of Mathieu Darche's offseason priorities.[00:06:45] Captain Anders Lee headlines the unrestricted free agent class alongside Carson Soucy, Tony DeAngelo, and David Rittich. Neil expects Lee to remain with the organization, potentially on a team-friendly contract, while several of the other veterans could be replaced during the offseason.[00:07:30] Restricted free agents Max Chabanov, Mark Gatcomb, and Adam Boqvist also require new contracts as Darche continues reshaping the roster around its younger core.[00:08:00] The episode concludes with Neil and Vic projecting the Islanders as a bubble playoff team once again next season. With Matthew Schaefer continuing to develop, Sorokin back at an elite level, and Peter DeBoer behind the bench, New York's future appears brighter, but additional offensive production—particularly from Mathew Barzal—will be necessary to become a legitimate playoff contender.

Summer Coolers – New Jersey DevilsThe New Jersey Devils entered the 2025-26 season expecting to challenge the Carolina Hurricanes for the Metropolitan Division title. Instead, injuries, inconsistent goaltending, declining production from key players, and growing organizational instability resulted in a deeply disappointing season. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why New Jersey's once-dangerous transition game has become easier to defend, the front-office changes coming after Tom Fitzgerald's dismissal, and whether Sheldon Keefe will remain behind the bench.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Devils are eliminated from playoff contention on April 7 after beginning the season with championship-level expectations. Despite adding Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, New Jersey fails to emerge as the serious Metropolitan Division challenger many expected.[00:00:40] Neil reviews the problems that quickly derailed the season, including Jacob Markstrom's subpar play and Jack Hughes missing significant time after accidentally cutting his finger at a restaurant. The Devils once again prove to be a dramatically different team without Hughes in the lineup.[00:01:00] Ondřej Palát struggles to produce before being traded to the New York Islanders. His departure becomes another sign that the roster assembled to contend was not performing at the level expected by management.[00:01:15] Sheldon Keefe's handling of several difficult situations comes under examination. The head coach benches Dougie Hamilton despite his $9 million salary and later leaves Markstrom in net during a lopsided defeat, creating questions about his decision-making and relationships with veteran players.[00:01:40] General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is dismissed by the end of the season, leaving New Jersey searching for both a new GM and a new president. Keefe's future also becomes uncertain as the organization prepares for a potentially significant leadership overhaul.[00:02:00] The Devils receive disappointing offensive production from several core players. Jesper Bratt's totals decline, Nico Hischier scores fewer goals, and Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer fail to deliver the consistent secondary scoring New Jersey needs.[00:02:20] Neil and Vic revisit the transition game that made the Devils one of the NHL's most exciting teams several seasons earlier. Opponents have adjusted, but New Jersey has failed to develop the heavier forecheck or more physical style needed to create space and make that transition attack effective again.[00:02:45] Neil argues that the issue goes beyond coaching strategy. The Devils may not currently possess enough size, strength, and physicality within the roster to successfully make the tactical changes required.[00:03:00] The offseason begins with major uncertainty at the top of the organization. The incoming president and general manager must quickly determine the direction of the franchise and decide whether Keefe remains the right coach to lead the next phase.[00:03:15] New Jersey enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections. The Devils previously traded their third-round pick to the Islanders in the Palát deal and sent their seventh-round selection to Seattle in the trade for Daniel Sprong.[00:03:30] Evgenii Dadonov, Zack MacEwen, and defenseman Dennis Cholowski headline the unrestricted free agent class. After Dadonov's disappointing season, the organization appears likely to move on from several veteran depth pieces.[00:03:40] Restricted free agents Arseni Gritsyuk, Paul Cotter, and Šimon Nemec represent more important decisions. Gritsyuk emerges as one of the few bright spots during his rookie season, while Cotter provides useful energy and physicality.[00:04:00] Neil believes the current version of the Devils is not a guaranteed playoff team entering 2026-27. While he does not directly call for Keefe's dismissal, he expects the new management group may choose its own coach to bring renewed energy and a different approach.[00:04:20] The episode concludes with the recognition that major work lies ahead. New Jersey still possesses high-end talent, but the next leadership group must address the team's identity, physical makeup, goaltending, and declining offensive production before the Devils can return to contention.

Spring Cleaning – Nashville PredatorsThe Nashville Predators entered the 2025-26 season with limited expectations after their expensive veteran roster collapsed the year before. Although Nashville recovered from another poor start and remained in the Western Conference playoff race until the final weeks, a late-season stumble ultimately ended its postseason hopes. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Predators' uneven progress, the encouraging production from several core players, and the major organizational decisions ahead as Nashville prepares to transition from Barry Trotz to a new general manager.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Nashville Predators are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13 after entering the season with relatively low expectations. Neil and Vic revisit the disappointing 2024-25 campaign that followed the high-profile additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.[00:00:45] Neil explains why Nashville made few major changes during the summer of 2025. Barry Trotz appeared committed to allowing the veteran roster another opportunity while continuing to rebuild the organization's prospect pool and future assets.[00:01:00] The Predators begin the season 6-12-4, leading to growing pressure on head coach Andrew Brunette. After an 8-3 home loss to Florida, questions emerge about Brunette's future and whether veterans such as Stamkos or Ryan O'Reilly could be traded.[00:01:30] Nashville responds with a strong 28-16-5 stretch over its next 49 games. A five-game winning streak culminates with a victory over San Jose on March 24, giving the Predators a three-point lead over Los Angeles for the final Western Conference Wild Card position.[00:02:00] The playoff push falls apart during the final weeks as Nashville finishes 4-6-1 over its last 11 games. Neil and Vic discuss how the Predators remained competitive with Los Angeles but ultimately surrendered the final postseason spot to the Kings.[00:03:00] Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg each reach the 40-goal mark, while Ryan O'Reilly improves from 53 to 74 points. Luke Evangelista finishes fourth on the team with 56 points, and rookie Matthew Wood contributes 17 goals during an encouraging first NHL season.[00:03:30] The panel also examines several disappointing performances. Jonathan Marchessault falls from 56 points to 31, while Fedor Svechkov records only 17 points for the second consecutive season despite appearing in 18 more games.[00:04:00] Attention turns to Nashville's front-office uncertainty. Barry Trotz has not yet been replaced as general manager, although several candidates have been connected to the position, including former New Jersey Devils executive Tom Fitzgerald.[00:04:30] Neil expects the Predators to have a new general manager in place before the 2026 NHL Draft. That executive will inherit significant flexibility and the opportunity to establish a new direction for the organization.[00:05:00] Nashville enters the draft with 12 selections, tied for the most in the NHL. The Predators own multiple picks in the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds, giving the incoming management team an unusually large collection of assets to use or trade.[00:05:30] The Predators project to have approximately $7.2 million in salary cap space. Their unrestricted free agents include Eric Haula and Tyson Jost, while defenseman Justin Barron is the organization's most significant restricted free agent.[00:06:00] Most of Nashville's veteran core remains under contract beyond next season, including captain Roman Josi. That stability gives the next general manager an opportunity to keep the roster largely intact while adding younger and more productive supporting pieces.[00:06:30] The episode concludes with Neil stressing that Nashville can no longer rely almost entirely on Stamkos and Forsberg to carry the offense. The Predators must develop more young players and create greater scoring depth if they expect to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Spring Cleaning – Montreal CanadiensThe Montreal Canadiens continued one of the NHL's most impressive rebuilds during the 2025-26 season, finishing third in the Atlantic Division with 106 points before advancing to the Eastern Conference Final. Powered by the emergence of several young stars and significant growth throughout the roster, Montreal exceeded preseason expectations and established itself as one of the league's rising contenders. Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the Canadiens' remarkable progression, their evolving goaltending situation, and the important roster decisions awaiting Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton this offseason.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Canadiens finish third in the Atlantic Division with 106 points before defeating Tampa Bay and Buffalo in consecutive seven-game playoff series. Although Carolina ends Montreal's postseason run in the Eastern Conference Final, Neil and Vic agree the season represents another major step forward for one of the NHL's youngest teams.[00:00:45] Expectations entering the season centered on simply returning to the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Instead, Montreal surpasses those expectations as several young players elevate their games and transform the Canadiens into a legitimate contender.[00:01:30] Cole Caufield headlines the breakout performances with a spectacular 51-goal season. Montreal improves by 15 points in the standings, scores 38 more goals than the previous year, and finishes tied for the fifth-highest point total in the NHL.[00:02:00] The Canadiens' special teams take mixed steps forward, while the goaltending situation undergoes a dramatic shift. Sam Montembeault struggles after entering the season as the starter, allowing Jakub Dobes to seize the number-one role during Montreal's impressive playoff run.[00:03:00] Neil discusses the changing landscape of NHL goaltending, where many teams now rotate capable netminders rather than relying on one established superstar. Montreal becomes another example of how confidence and momentum can dramatically reshape a team's crease during a single season.[00:04:30] The conversation turns to Jakub Dobes' future. While Jacob Fowler continues developing within the organization, Neil believes Dobes possesses the competitiveness and edge necessary to remain Montreal's starter after an outstanding postseason performance.[00:06:00] Montreal's young core continues to impress. Cole Caufield reaches 51 goals, Nick Suzuki records his first 100-point season, Juraj Slafkovský enjoys a career year, and rookie Ivan Demidov leads all first-year players in scoring one season after Lane Hutson accomplished the same feat.[00:07:00] Neil and Vic highlight the Canadiens' growing depth with contributions from Alex Newhook, Jake Evans, Kirby Dach, Josh Anderson, Zach Bolduc, Phillip Danault, and Alexander Texier. On defense, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier provide a strong foundation despite questions surrounding Dobson's new contract value.[00:08:30] Marty St. Louis receives praise for his continued development as an NHL head coach. After arriving in Montreal with virtually no professional coaching experience, St. Louis has guided the Canadiens through one of the league's most successful rebuilds.[00:09:00] Looking ahead, Montreal enters the offseason with eight selections in the 2026 NHL Draft and approximately $11 million in projected salary cap space. Brendan Gallagher's reported desire for a trade could create additional financial flexibility if a deal can be completed.[00:10:00] Neil reflects on Gallagher's outstanding career in Montreal, praising his leadership and passion while acknowledging that a change of scenery may benefit both player and organization at this stage of his career.[00:11:00] Patrick Laine's disappointing tenure in Montreal is revisited after another injury-filled season. Neil explains why he questioned the acquisition from the beginning and believes Laine's inability to consistently impact the game beyond goal scoring has once again prevented him from becoming a long-term solution.[00:13:00] The episode concludes with Montreal's remaining contract decisions, including restricted free agents Kirby Dach, Zach Bolduc, Joe Veleno, and Arber Xhekaj. Neil expects Xhekaj's toughness and physical presence to keep him in Montreal as the Canadiens continue building toward sustained Stanley Cup contention.

Spring Cleaning – Los Angeles KingsThe Los Angeles Kings reached the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Western Conference Wild Card but were quickly swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the opening round. While making the postseason appeared to be a positive step, a closer examination revealed a team with significant flaws that barely survived the regular season. Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the coaching turmoil, declining offensive production, and major rebuilding challenge now facing General Manager Ken Holland as he attempts to return one of the NHL's marquee franchises to true contender status.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Kings qualify for the playoffs as the second Wild Card before being swept by Colorado in four games. Neil and Vic discuss the expectations entering the season after Ken Holland's veteran-heavy offseason additions, including Corey Perry, Joel Armia, Cody Ceci, and Brian Dumoulin, raised questions about the age and direction of the roster.[00:01:00] Neil reflects on Ken Holland's third NHL general manager position, explaining why Los Angeles represents the greatest challenge of his career after successful runs in Detroit and Edmonton. Unlike those situations, Holland inherits a roster with significant holes rather than an established championship core.[00:01:45] The discussion turns to the coaching carousel. Jim Hiller begins the season under heavy scrutiny after questionable playoff decisions the previous year before being dismissed on March 1. Interim coach D.J. Smith finishes the season, but Neil believes Holland will likely hire his own permanent bench boss this offseason.[00:03:00] Despite losing Kevin Fiala for the season after the Olympics and changing coaches late in the year, the Kings somehow rally to earn a playoff berth. Neil and Vic describe the finish as "smoke and mirrors," helped as much by Nashville and San Jose fading as by Los Angeles improving its own play.[00:04:00] The panel examines some alarming team statistics. The Kings finish with one of the NHL's worst home winning percentages, rank near the bottom of the league on both the power play and penalty kill, score the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL, and struggle mightily in overtime and shootout games.[00:05:00] Offensive regression becomes another major concern. Adrian Kempe remains productive, but Quinton Byfield, Andrei Kuzmenko, Alex Turcotte, and Alex Laferrière all fail to provide the secondary scoring needed to support the club's top players throughout the season.[00:06:00] Neil suggests the Kings may have actually benefited more from missing the playoffs than being swept in the opening round, as a higher draft position could have accelerated the rebuilding process. Instead, Los Angeles exits early without significantly improving its long-term outlook.[00:06:30] The retirement of longtime captain Anže Kopitar creates another major offseason challenge. Neil and Vic discuss potential successors, including Drew Doughty and Adrian Kempe, while emphasizing the enormous leadership void left by one of the greatest players in franchise history.[00:07:00] Looking ahead, the Kings enter the 2026 NHL Draft with nine selections, including two second-round picks and two sixth-round picks. The organization also projects to have approximately $3.6 million in salary cap space before the league's July cap increase.[00:07:45] Los Angeles' unrestricted free agents include Andrei Kuzmenko, Scott Laughton, Mathieu Joseph, Jeff Malott, Jacob Moverare, and goaltender Phoenix Copley. Neil believes Scott Laughton is the veteran most likely to return because of the style of game Ken Holland values.[00:08:15] Restricted free agent Brandt Clarke headlines the organization's contract negotiations. Neil questions whether the young defenseman will command more money than the Kings are willing to pay and suggests Holland could consider moving him if the right trade package becomes available.[00:09:00] The episode concludes with the enormous task awaiting Ken Holland. Between hiring a permanent head coach, replacing Kopitar's leadership, improving special teams, increasing offensive production, and reshaping the roster, the Kings face one of the busiest and most important offseasons in the NHL.

Spring Cleaning – Minnesota WildThe Minnesota Wild took an important step forward during the 2025-26 season, finishing third in the Central Division and winning their first playoff series in 11 years. After defeating the Dallas Stars in six games, Minnesota's run ended against the Colorado Avalanche in the second round as several major injuries weakened the lineup. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the impact of the Quinn Hughes trade, the emergence of Jesper Wallstedt, and the offseason decisions facing General Manager Bill Guerin as the Wild attempt to move from playoff team to legitimate Stanley Cup contender.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Wild finish third in the Central Division before defeating Dallas in the opening round and falling to Colorado in five games. Neil and Vic discuss how injuries to Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, and Zach Bogosian significantly affected Minnesota's chances against the Avalanche.[00:00:45] Minnesota's elimination includes a painful collapse in Game 5 after surrendering a late two-goal lead. Despite the disappointment, Neil believes the season represented meaningful progress for an organization that had not advanced beyond the first round in more than a decade.[00:01:00] The panel revisits the modest expectations surrounding the Wild entering the season. A quiet 2025 offseason featured the acquisition of Vladimir Tarasenko and the signing of Nico Sturm, while the organization continued carrying a reduced salary-cap penalty from the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts.[00:02:00] Kirill Kaprizov's massive contract extension becomes one of the season's defining stories. His new deal begins next season at $17 million annually, placing him among the highest-paid players in NHL history and increasing the pressure on Minnesota to build a championship-level roster around him.[00:02:30] The December acquisition of Quinn Hughes dramatically changes the Wild's outlook. Neil describes Hughes as one of the NHL's elite defensemen and credits his arrival with helping transform Minnesota from a potential Wild Card team into one of the Central Division's strongest clubs.[00:03:00] After beginning the season 3-6-3, the Wild respond with a 10-0-2 run in November that includes seven consecutive victories. Additional winning streaks throughout the season solidify their place alongside Colorado and Dallas near the top of the division.[00:04:00] Neil and Vic also examine Winnipeg's unexpected decline and how it created an opening for Minnesota. While the Jets were expected to remain one of the Central's dominant teams, their regression allowed the Wild to move firmly into the division's top three.[00:04:30] Minnesota's statistical improvement is reviewed. The Wild score 44 more goals than the previous season, improve their goal differential from minus-11 to plus-32, climb to second on the power play, and move from 30th to 13th in penalty killing.[00:05:00] Rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt emerges as one of the NHL's best young players, finishing second in the league in save percentage while recording four shutouts. Kirill Kaprizov scores 45 goals, Matt Boldy adds 42, and Brock Faber reaches career highs with 15 goals and 51 points.[00:06:00] The discussion highlights Minnesota's impressive young foundation. Wallstedt, Kaprizov, Boldy, Faber, and Hughes give the Wild elite talent at every major position and provide legitimate reasons to believe the club can remain among the NHL's top teams for years.[00:07:00] Bill Guerin enters the offseason with only five selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. Minnesota does not own a first-round pick after the Hughes trade, has no second-round selection following the Gustav Nyquist deal, and also lacks a seventh-round pick.[00:07:45] The Wild have limited projected cap space and an aging unrestricted free agent class. Nick Foligno, Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson, Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael McCarron, Robby Fabbri, Jeff Petry, and Zach Bogosian are all eligible to reach the open market.[00:08:30] Neil identifies Zuccarello and McCarron as two veterans Minnesota should strongly consider retaining. Zuccarello remains an important offensive contributor despite his age, while McCarron adds size, toughness, and valuable depth down the middle.[00:09:00] Restricted free agents Bobby Brink and Damon Hunt also require new contracts. Meanwhile, Filip Gustavsson's offseason hip surgery creates another goaltending storyline after Wallstedt overtook him as Minnesota's primary option during the playoffs.[00:10:00] The episode concludes with optimism surrounding the Wild's future. Unlike previous seasons when simply making the playoffs was the goal, Minnesota now possesses the talent and foundation to expect postseason qualification and focus on how high it can climb in the standings.

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 

Justin Bieber Biography Flash a weekly Biography. Justin Bieber has had a whirlwind few days that mark a genuine new chapter in his public and professional life. Coming off years of limited touring after his Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis and 2022 tour halt, the Canadian star has stepped back into true global spotlight via the FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show, which The Mirror describes as his major return to stadium-scale performance, co‑headlining alongside icons like Madonna, Shakira and BTS in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aimed at expanding education and football access for kids worldwide. The choice of a purpose‑driven, globally televised event gives this moment real long‑term biographical weight as the point where Bieber repositions himself as both legacy act and philanthropic headliner. Vogue reports that for this inaugural FIFA halftime show he leaned into understated authenticity, performing in shredded layered polo from his own brand SKYLRK, long jorts, and an acoustic guitar, a look that quietly underscores his pivot from teen idol to laid‑back, self‑styled artist‑entrepreneur. That entrepreneur side is amplified by recent coverage from Best Magazine and others about DOMO, described as the first speaker from his SKYLRK line, launched in a tightly controlled drop at Target's Soho location for one day only, signaling Bieber's growing focus on design‑driven consumer tech as a business pillar beyond music. Around the same World Cup weekend, Page Six reports that Justin and Hailey Bieber hosted an exclusive World Cup after‑party at The Two New hotel and members' club in New York, where he jumped behind the DJ booth, ripped off his shirt and blasted his track Yukon while the room sang along in unison, reinforcing the sense that Yukon and his recent Coachella‑linked album “Swag Life From Coachella (Weekend2)” are central to his current musical era. Just Jared and Fanatics‑focused outlets add that days earlier he made a surprise shirtless appearance at Fanatics Fest 2026 at the Javits Center, performing Yukon and then diving into golf, hockey shots and basketball challenges, before heading to Buffalo to announce the first overall pick at the NHL Draft, something Headlines Orbit notes he called a childhood‑dream moment tied to his lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fandom. On the personal and social‑media front, a detailed breakdown from Kevin Van Paassen's blog highlights Bieber's latest Instagram photo carousel: no caption, a shot of Hailey and their son Jack at home, plus a clear studio mixing board image, matching his recent habit of quiet, once‑a‑month photo dumps instead of big announcements. While this strongly suggests new music in progress, there has been no official project reveal yet, so any album timelines remain speculative rather than confirmed. Various net‑worth digests such as Ifann and Plisio continue to peg his wealth in the $300 million range, built on catalog sales to Hipgnosis and touring history, but those are broad estimates rather than audited figures. Thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update on Justin Bieber. Search the term Biography Flash for more great biographies. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production. Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Spring Cleaning – Florida PanthersThe Florida Panthers entered the 2025-26 season chasing history, attempting to become just the fifth franchise in NHL history to win three consecutive Stanley Cups. Instead, injuries ravaged the defending champions from the opening days of training camp, ultimately ending their playoff streak before it truly began. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how health derailed Florida's pursuit of a three-peat, the difficult roster decisions now facing General Manager Bill Zito, and why the Panthers may still be well-positioned to rebound if they can get healthy next season.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Florida Panthers are eliminated from playoff contention on April 4, ending their bid for a third consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Neil and Vic discuss the enormous expectations surrounding the defending champions after another aggressive offseason by General Manager Bill Zito.[00:00:45] Florida successfully re-signs key contributors including Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, Tomas Nosek, and Mackie Samoskevich, giving the organization confidence that another championship run was within reach. Looking back at their preseason predictions, Neil recalls identifying one factor above all others that could derail the Panthers' season—health.[00:01:00] Injuries quickly overwhelm the defending champions. Neil explains how years of deep playoff runs and an aging veteran core finally begin to take their toll, with Sergei Bobrovsky, Brad Marchand, and several other veterans battling injuries throughout the season.[00:01:45] The discussion reviews Florida's overwhelming injury problems, beginning with Aleksander Barkov's knee injury during training camp and Matthew Tkachuk missing nearly half the season. By year's end, the Panthers are among the NHL leaders in man-games lost, with at least nine players unavailable for the remainder of the season.[00:02:30] Neil emphasizes that championship-caliber teams cannot simply replace elite players with depth pieces and expect the same results. The Panthers' remarkable run of three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances finally catches up with them as the accumulated physical toll proves impossible to overcome.[00:03:00] Looking ahead, the panel examines Florida's limited draft capital after years of aggressive trades. The Panthers enter the 2026 NHL Draft without a first-round pick following the Seth Jones trade and will also be without a first-round selection in 2027 after acquiring Brad Marchand from Boston.[00:03:45] Neil praises Bill Zito's work as one of the NHL's premier general managers and expresses confidence that Florida's front office will find creative ways to replenish the roster despite having fewer premium draft assets than most organizations.[00:04:00] The Panthers' unrestricted free agent class is reviewed, led by goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov, along with forwards A.J. Greer, Vinny Hinostroza, Tomas Nosek, Luke Kunin, and Noah Gregor. The discussion centers on which veterans Florida should prioritize retaining as it reshapes its roster.[00:04:45] Neil explains that Bill Zito's first priority will be resolving the goaltending situation before addressing the remainder of the roster. With several important contract decisions looming, Florida begins its offseason earlier than expected after three consecutive years of playing deep into June.[00:05:00] The episode concludes with optimism for the Panthers' future. While the pursuit of a historic three-peat ultimately fell short, Neil believes Florida's championship core remains capable of contending again if the club can return to full health and successfully navigate another challenging offseason.

Spring Cleaning – Edmonton OilersThe Edmonton Oilers entered the 2025-26 season with one objective: return to the Stanley Cup Final and finish the job after consecutive championship losses to the Florida Panthers. Instead, Edmonton endured an inconsistent season that ended with a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the roster decisions that left the Oilers without enough depth, the goaltending gamble that backfired, and the enormous offseason facing General Manager Stan Bowman as the organization works to convince Connor McDavid that another championship run remains within reach.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Oilers finish second in the Pacific Division before suffering a shocking first-round playoff elimination against Anaheim. Neil and Vic discuss why anything short of another Stanley Cup Final appearance was considered a disappointment after Edmonton's back-to-back championship appearances.[00:00:45] Edmonton's offseason departures—including Corey Perry, Evander Kane, and Connor Brown—leave the roster noticeably thinner. Combined with Zach Hyman missing the opening 19 games of the season, the Oilers struggle to replace valuable secondary scoring throughout the year.[00:01:30] The panel examines how the emotional and physical toll of consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses affected Edmonton's season. Despite another slow start that initially appeared familiar, the Oilers never found the momentum that had fueled previous playoff runs.[00:02:00] The conversation shifts to one of the season's most controversial moves as Stan Bowman trades Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry. Neil and Vic break down the disappointing results after Jarry struggles badly while Skinner performs better with the Penguins, making the trade one of the NHL's biggest disappointments.[00:03:30] Edmonton's increasing dependence on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl becomes impossible to ignore. The panel reviews how nearly one-third of the club's offense comes from its two superstars while the number of secondary contributors continues to decline, placing enormous pressure on the league's best players.[00:05:00] Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' role is discussed as Neil describes him as an invaluable all-around player rather than an elite offensive producer. The conversation also highlights encouraging development from young forwards Matt Savoie and Vasily Podkolzin while acknowledging the continued lack of consistent secondary scoring.[00:07:00] Attention turns to Stan Bowman's difficult offseason. Questions surround head coach Kris Knoblauch's future, while Connor McDavid's contract extension becomes one of the biggest storylines facing the organization after both McDavid and Draisaitl publicly acknowledged the team took a step backward during the season.[00:09:00] The Oilers enter the offseason over the salary cap with only four selections in the 2026 NHL Draft after several aggressive trades. Neil and Vic review the organization's pending unrestricted free agents, including Adam Henrique, Jason Dickinson, Jack Roslovic, Kasperi Kapanen, Connor Murphy, and goaltender Connor Ingram.[00:11:00] The discussion centers on Edmonton's challenge of attracting quality free agents while uncertainty surrounds Connor McDavid's long-term future. Neil believes the opportunity to play alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remains a major selling point despite questions about the organization's direction.[00:13:00] The episode concludes with a look ahead to 2026-27. Neil warns that unless Edmonton significantly improves its depth and solves its ongoing goaltending concerns, the Oilers risk taking another step backward despite employing two of the greatest players in the world.

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

Spring Cleaning – Detroit Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings entered the 2025-26 season expecting to finally end one of the NHL's longest playoff droughts. Instead, a promising campaign collapsed during the final months, leaving Detroit outside the postseason for a 10th consecutive year. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Red Wings' lack of secondary scoring, another damaging late-season fade, and the mounting pressure on General Manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Todd McLellan to make significant changes this offseason.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Detroit Red Wings are officially eliminated from playoff contention on April 11, extending their postseason drought to 10 consecutive seasons. Neil and Vic discuss the expectations surrounding Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan after a relatively quiet offseason highlighted by the additions of John Gibson and James van Riemsdyk.[00:00:30] Detroit appeared firmly positioned for the playoffs on January 25 with a 32-16-5 record, first place in the Atlantic Division, and a 10-point cushion over the playoff cutline. John Gibson proved to be a successful acquisition, providing the stable goaltending the Red Wings had been missing.[00:01:00] The conversation turns to Detroit's lack of offensive depth. Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider once again carried most of the scoring burden, while the supporting cast failed to provide enough consistent production.[00:01:30] Marco Kasper's regression becomes one example of Detroit's secondary-scoring problems. After recording 37 points the previous season, Kasper falls below 20 points in 2025-26, leaving the Red Wings overly dependent on the same small group of established players.[00:02:00] Neil praises Gibson for solving Detroit's goaltending concerns and credits James van Riemsdyk for contributing effectively in a limited veteran role. However, neither addition was enough to overcome the club's lack of depth throughout the lineup.[00:02:30] Neil and Vic examine Detroit's repeated late-season collapses. Over the past five years, the Red Wings have consistently struggled during March and April, failing to produce the final push necessary to secure a playoff berth.[00:03:00] The pressure surrounding the organization reaches a new level. Detroit's passionate fan base has still never seen a playoff game at Little Caesars Arena, while Steve Yzerman's return to the franchise has yet to produce a postseason appearance.[00:03:15] Neil questions whether major changes may be coming within the organization. Dylan Larkin's leadership is discussed, along with the futures of Todd McLellan and Steve Yzerman after another season in which the Red Wings failed to finish strong.[00:03:45] Detroit's acquisition of Justin Faulk from St. Louis appeared to signal that the organization believed it was ready to compete. Instead, the Red Wings continued leaving valuable points on the table and eventually fell out of the playoff race.[00:04:00] Looking ahead, Detroit enters the offseason with approximately $11.1 million in projected salary cap space but only six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Red Wings no longer own their first- or third-round picks after surrendering them in the Faulk trade.[00:04:30] The panel reviews Detroit's unrestricted free agents, including Patrick Kane, David Perron, James van Riemsdyk, Travis Hamonic, and backup goaltender Cam Talbot. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson headlines the restricted free agent group.[00:05:00] Neil explains why the offseason presents a difficult challenge for Steve Yzerman. Detroit has cap flexibility, but limited premium draft capital and few obvious internal solutions capable of immediately improving its secondary scoring.[00:05:30] The episode concludes with uncertainty surrounding the direction of the franchise. Yzerman has traditionally avoided high-risk moves, but after one of the NHL's most disappointing collapses, Neil believes the Red Wings may finally be forced to make significant changes.

Spring Cleaning – Dallas StarsThe Dallas Stars entered the 2025-26 season with Stanley Cup expectations after three consecutive trips to the Western Conference Final and four straight 100-point seasons. Instead, Dallas suffered another painful postseason disappointment, falling to the Minnesota Wild in six games during the opening round. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Stars' dramatic swings in performance, the devastating injuries that depleted their lineup, and the difficult decisions awaiting General Manager Jim Nill as he attempts to extend the championship window of one of the NHL's most talented—but increasingly veteran—teams.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Dallas Stars finish second in the Central Division before losing to Minnesota in six games during the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Neil and Vic discuss the consistently high expectations surrounding a team that has averaged more than 107 points over the last five full seasons.[00:01:00] The conversation turns to Dallas' repeated playoff disappointments after three consecutive trips to the Western Conference Final. Glen Gulutzan returned for his second stint behind the Stars' bench, following a long line of respected coaches who were also unable to lead the organization back to the Stanley Cup Final.[00:01:45] Neil explains how the strength of the Central Division and the NHL's current playoff format creates an extremely difficult opening-round matchup for any team finishing second or third. Dallas knew for months that Minnesota would likely be its opponent, but still could not find a way through one of the league's deepest teams.[00:02:00] Vic reviews the Stars' wildly inconsistent regular season. Dallas followed a 14-1-2 stretch with a 2-6-4 slide, then produced a 14-0-1 run that included 10 consecutive victories before struggling again late in the year. The panel discusses why the Stars can look unbeatable at their best and completely vulnerable when their game disappears.[00:03:00] Dallas' recent playoff history is placed under the microscope. The Stars surrendered a 2-1 series lead against Edmonton in 2024, struggled offensively against the Oilers again in 2025, and then lost another 2-1 series advantage against Minnesota after allowing a late lead to slip away in Game 4.[00:04:00] Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston each score 45 goals, but the offense drops sharply after the two young stars. Mikko Rantanen is revealed to have suffered a torn MCL during the Olympics, limiting his effectiveness after returning for the final 10 games of the regular season.[00:05:00] The Stars' extensive injury list is examined. Tyler Seguin suffers a season-ending torn ACL, Roope Hintz tears his hamstring shortly after returning from the Olympics, while Miro Heiskanen, Radek Faksa, Michael Bunting, and Nils Lundkvist also deal with significant injuries during the playoff push.[00:06:00] Neil and Vic debate how much the injuries contributed to the first-round exit. While every playoff team deals with health issues, Dallas lost several high-impact players whose absence significantly reduced the club's offensive depth and ability to compete with Minnesota.[00:07:00] Attention shifts to the offseason facing three-time General Manager of the Year Jim Nill. Dallas owns only five selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, with no picks in the first or third rounds after aggressively trading future assets to acquire veteran help.[00:07:45] The Stars enter the offseason above the projected salary cap before the July reset. Their unrestricted free agents include captain Jamie Benn, Michael Bunting, Adam Erne, Nathan Bastian, Alex Petrovic, and Kyle Capobianco.[00:08:00] Jason Robertson headlines Dallas' restricted free agent class after another elite goal-scoring season. Neil describes Robertson as one of the NHL's premier natural finishers and expects his next contract to become one of the largest and most important negotiations of Jim Nill's tenure.[00:09:00] The discussion turns to the aging portion of the Stars' core. While Robertson and Johnston remain young franchise pillars, longtime veterans Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin are approaching the final stages of their careers, forcing Dallas to consider when and how to begin retooling the roster.[00:10:00] The episode concludes with a difficult question surrounding Jamie Benn's future. Neil praises Benn's leadership, toughness, and lasting impact as captain, but acknowledges that Jim Nill must eventually decide whether to continue with the veteran core or transition the team toward a new generation of leadership.

Coming Down the Pipe... [0:00] - The intro montage for Season 21 of The Pipeline Show [1:14] - Guy begins the show with a list of player signings in the WHL, a few trades and a thought on all of the players chosen during the 2026 NHL Draft that have signed their Entry Level Contracts and the common thread linking most of them together. [15:45] - Guy is joined by the General Manager for the Moncton Wildcats, Taylor MacDougall, to talk about the team's desire to host the 2028 Memorial Cup and the success of the Cats over his two years on the job. [49:31] - Cami Kepke is the Manager, Community Engagement & Content for the Western Hockey League. What exactly does that mean and what does she do for the WHL? We also discuss the path that she has taken through school and work to get to where she is today.

The Colorado Avalanche entered the 2025-26 season with one goal—winning the Stanley Cup. After capturing the Presidents' Trophy with an NHL-best 121 points, Colorado appeared destined for another championship run before suffering a stunning sweep at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how one of the league's most talented rosters fell short, the playoff disappearance of several superstar players, and the difficult offseason facing General Manager Chris MacFarland as the Avalanche attempt to capitalize on what remains of their championship window. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Avalanche finish atop the NHL standings with the Presidents' Trophy before sweeping Los Angeles and defeating Minnesota in five games, only to be swept themselves by Vegas in the Western Conference Final. Neil and Vic revisit the preseason expectation that anything short of a Stanley Cup would be considered a disappointment. [00:01:00] Colorado's dominant regular season is reviewed, including a remarkable 31-2-7 start, two separate 10-game winning streaks, the league's best home and road records, and elite performances at both ends of the ice. The panel also discusses the surprising weakness of an all-star power play that somehow finished near the bottom of the NHL despite its immense talent. [00:03:00] The discussion turns to Colorado's star-studded roster. Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, Martin Nečas records his first 100-point season, Brock Nelson scores 30 goals once again, and Cale Makar remains among the league's elite defensemen before the stars unexpectedly go quiet during the conference final against Vegas. [00:04:00] Neil and Vic examine the collapse against the Golden Knights as Colorado's biggest offensive weapons—including MacKinnon, Nečas, Makar, and Nelson—struggle simultaneously. They compare the Avalanche's postseason exit to recent playoff disappointments by other Stanley Cup contenders whose stars failed to produce at the most critical time. [00:05:00] Colorado's goaltending situation is debated following another successful regular season from Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. Neil questions whether the Avalanche's goaltending matched the elite talent in front of them, while acknowledging that history has shown teams can still win championships with solid—but not necessarily superstar—goaltending. [00:07:00] Attention shifts to Chris MacFarland's offseason challenges. The Avalanche enter the 2026 NHL Draft with eight selections but will not make their first pick until the fourth round after aggressively trading premium draft capital in recent seasons to strengthen a championship-caliber roster. [00:09:00] Neil explains the difficult reality of managing a veteran contender with limited draft assets after pushing nearly every chip to the center of the table. Vic outlines how Colorado accumulated additional selections later in the draft while reviewing the transactions that cost the Avalanche their early-round picks. [00:10:00] The panel reviews Colorado's pending free agents, including Joel Kiviranta, Brent Burns, Brett Kulak, Jack Ahcan, Nick Blankenburg, restricted free agent Jack Drury, and Zakhar Bardakov. Neil identifies Drury as the organization's top contract priority after his strong two-way season. [00:11:30] The episode concludes with a discussion about Colorado's championship window. Neil believes the Avalanche remain the NHL's most talented team and cautions against overreacting to one disappointing playoff series. With Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and the core still intact, he estimates Colorado has another two to three years to capture another Stanley Cup, provided the organization makes smart decisions without disrupting an elite roster.

The Columbus Blue Jackets once again fell just short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season, extending their postseason drought to six consecutive years. After a dramatic midseason coaching change sparked one of the NHL's best second-half turnarounds, Columbus appeared poised to finally break through before another late-season collapse dashed those hopes. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why the Blue Jackets continue to struggle in pressure situations, the emergence of several young stars, and the important decisions awaiting General Manager Don Waddell this offseason.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Blue Jackets are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13 after another season that began with modest expectations. Neil and Vic discuss how Columbus entered the year as a playoff bubble team following an emotional 2024-25 campaign and why sustaining that momentum proved difficult.[00:00:45] Columbus struggles through the first half of the season before General Manager Don Waddell makes a coaching change on January 12, replacing Dean Evason with veteran bench boss Rick Bowness. The move immediately energizes the Blue Jackets as they surge back into the playoff race.[00:01:00] Despite their remarkable turnaround, the Blue Jackets once again falter when the stakes are highest. A disastrous 2-8-1 stretch over their final 11 games erases their playoff position, highlighted by a disappointing season-ending loss to Washington that prompts Rick Bowness to publicly question his team's competitiveness and commitment.[00:02:00] Neil explains that Columbus' biggest problem isn't talent—it's finishing. Whether protecting leads during games or holding onto playoff positioning in the standings, the Blue Jackets repeatedly fail to close the deal, continuing a troubling pattern that has followed the organization over the past two seasons.[00:03:00] The discussion turns to the club's promising core. Zach Werenski anchors the defense while Kirill Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, Sean Monahan, Charlie Coyle, Cole Sillinger, Boone Jenner, and emerging goaltender Jet Greaves provide optimism that the talent necessary to compete is already in place.[00:04:00] Neil and Vic examine Rick Bowness' future after he signs a one-year extension. Following his emotional criticism of the team at season's end, the veteran coach returns determined to change the culture and help Columbus finally overcome its inability to finish important games.[00:05:00] Looking ahead to the offseason, the Blue Jackets enter the 2026 NHL Draft with all seven of their original selections intact and approximately $8.75 million in projected salary cap space, giving Don Waddell flexibility to strengthen the roster.[00:05:45] The panel reviews Columbus' unrestricted free agents, including captain Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, Danton Heinen, Erik Brännström, and Brendan Smith. Neil identifies Jenner, Coyle, and Marchment as important veterans the organization should strongly consider retaining.[00:06:30] Columbus' restricted free agent class features several key pieces of the franchise's future, including Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, Igor Zamula, and new number-one goaltender Jet Greaves. Fantilli's next contract is expected to become one of the organization's highest offseason priorities.[00:07:00] The episode concludes with cautious optimism for the Blue Jackets. With an improving young core, a respected veteran coach returning behind the bench, salary cap flexibility, and a full complement of draft picks, Neil believes Columbus has the pieces to become a playoff team—provided they finally learn how to finish games and seize the opportunities in front of them.

Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive share their thoughts on all six selections made by the Florida Panthers at the 2026 NHL Draft. Plus, the duo also discusses which prospects stood out during the recent development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex.

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.