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In this episode of the Puck Nation Podcast, we dive into some of the biggest questions surrounding the future of the NHL.
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.
On this episode we are joined by Connor McMichael, who recently was traded to the Blues in exchange for Jordan Kyrou.Download the app today and use promo code STRICK to score SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS in Fantasy Bonus Entries when you play your first FIVE dollar. Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+) in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.npcgamling.org; AZ: 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXT-STEP to 53342; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369)Head to policygenius.com/CAM to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.Right now, Betterwild is offering our listeners up to 40% off your order at betterwild.com/CAMControl Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando (https://shopmando.com/) and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code STRICK at shopmando.com (https://shopmando.com/) #mandopodCheck out our Sponsors!
Hour 3 of BMitch & Finlay features an interview with Martenzie Johnson, the guys debating whether Ovechkin can get to 1,000 goals, and a look into what international destination the NFL may go to next.
The Great Eight is officially back for a historic 22nd season, signing a one-year deal to return to a heavily revamped Washington Capitals squad. We break down what this contract structure looks like and how Ovechkin's role will evolve alongside a newly injected wave of offensive depth.
The Great Eight is officially back for a historic 22nd season, signing a one-year deal to return to a heavily revamped Washington Capitals squad. We break down what this contract structure looks like and how Ovechkin's role will evolve alongside a newly injected wave of offensive depth.
07/06 Hour 1: EB Kept Running Into This Former DC Hooper - 1:00 Alex Ovechkin Is Back For Another Season - 13:00 Folarin Balogun Controversial Red Card Gets Lifted - 31:00
The Great Eight is officially back for a historic 22nd season, signing a one-year deal to return to a heavily revamped Washington Capitals squad. We break down what this contract structure looks like and how Ovechkin's role will evolve alongside a newly injected wave of offensive depth.
The Great Eight is officially back for a historic 22nd season, signing a one-year deal to return to a heavily revamped Washington Capitals squad. We break down what this contract structure looks like and how Ovechkin's role will evolve alongside a newly injected wave of offensive depth.
Send us Fan MailOur Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/HockeyCardsGongshowOn this episode of the Hockey Cards Gongshow podcast we start with Get To Know Your Hockey Hall of Famers, this time looking at the life, hockey career, and hobby market for hockey hall of famer, Gump Worsley (17:34). In the Weekly 7; Ovechkin resigns with the Capitals and will return for a 22nd NHL season, Bedard get's hurt, The Flyers super aggressive offer sheet, Bobrovsky moves on, Demidov extended and what a bonkers offseason means for the hobby (32:02). In hobby news, the June 2026 grading recap from GemRate.com and steep onsite grading prices at the upcoming The National (1:24:55). We preview the upcoming 2025-26 Parkhurst Hockey release (1:34:20). Next we answer your mailbag questions (1:48:28), then finish the show by sharing our recent personal pickups (2:14:58).The Upper Deck Company - https://www.UpperDeck.comGongshow Breaks - https://www.GongshowBreaks.comGongshow Reloaded - https://www.GongshowReloaded.comHockeyChecklists.com - https://www.hockeychecklists.comSlab Sharks Consignment - http://bit.ly/3GUvsxNSlab Sharks is now accepting U.S. submissions!GP Sports Cards - https://gpsportcards.com/Total Sports Cards - https://totalsportcards.comSign up for Card Ladder - https://app.cardladder.com/signup?via=HCGongshoFollow Hockey Cards Gongshow on social mediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hockey_cards_gongshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hockey_cards_gongshowFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HockeyCardsGongshowTwitter - https://twitter.com/HCGongshowThe Hockey Cards Gongshow podcast is a production of Dollar Box Ventures LLC
H3: Guess the Founding Father / Caps play-by-play announcer John Walton discusses how important Ovechkin playing another season is / Ovechkin isn't coming back for a farewell tour, he wants to win
Full Show - Friday 3 July 2026 with Tobi Altizer and Ben Strober in for the Junkies. The guys talk about USMNT and World Cup, the Nationals pitchers being suspended, Ovechkin signing for another year and the Wizards trade options. Guests include Caps play-by-play announcer John Walton and Mark Zuckerman of MASN.
In the middle of our livestream on YouTube, the breaking news hit that Philly has offer sheeted Leo Carlsson, and David Pagnotta's report that Claude Giroux is coming home. Riley Cote and Derek Settlemyre also discuss the Flyers extending Dan Vladar and Tyson Foerster, signing Noel Acciari. Moving along we also break down Mike Babcock being hired, Ovechkin coming back, the big moves the Panthers and Senators have made, Zach Werenski's situation in Columbus, and a ton more!Nasty Knuckles is a Baller Sports Network production, created by co-hosts, Riley Cote and Derek "Nasty" Settlemyre. The show features a mix of interviews, never before heard story-telling, hockey-talk, and maybe some pranks... The guys bring in some of the biggest names in the hockey world for your enjoyment! Make sure to check back every week as the guys release a new episode weekly!►Click here to shop our latest merch: nastyknuckles.com/shop► Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NastyKnuckles► Follow Riley Cote on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rileycote32► Follow Riley Cote on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rileycote32► Follow Derek Settlemyre on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dnastyworld► Follow Derek Settlemyre on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dnastyworld Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi kick off the second hour by reacting to John Chayka's comments about what the Maple Leafs still need to accomplish this off-season. They look into whether Morgan Rielly could be moved, what a potential return might look like, and other roster priorities. They also discuss Alex Ovechkin's return to the Capitals in what could be his final NHL season. The conversation then shifts to Kyle Lowry's one-day contract with the Raptors and the team's decision to retire his No. 7. After the break (26:50), Nick Kypreos of Real Kyper and Bourne joins the show to share his outlook on Rielly's future, Matthew Knies' league-wide value, the Zach Werenski situation, and his plans for the summer. 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.
Barry Svrluga joins the show to share his thoughts on Ovi returning.
Today's episode of BMitch & Finlay features Czabe and BMitch reacting to the USMNT's World Cup win, Ovechkin returning to Washington, and other headlines around sports.
Brodes is FURIOUS with Danny Briere and the Flyers are they expect to take a step back.Wildwood Days: https://www.instagram.com/drinkwildwooddays/Get Your Tickets at TickPick! Code BRODES10 for $10 off purchase of atleast $99: https://www.tickpick.com/ Camden Apothecary - https://camdenapothecary.com/Emilio Cigars: https://cigarsncigars.com/search.php?page=1§ion=product&search_query_adv=Emilio&x=0&y=0 Code: BRODES10 for 10% off your purchase! TickPick - Code BRODES10 for $10 off your purchaseTickPick: https://www.tickpick.com/Green Lawn Fertilizing: Let's make sure your lawn is looking BEAUTIFUL
Hour 1: Alex Ovechkin signs a 1 year deal with the Capitals! / How was the Ovechkin contract structured to avoid a big cap hit this year? / World Cup: USMNT had a big win last night over Bosnia and Herzegovina / Can we please stop acknowledging Brandon Aiyuk?
Send us Fan MailOur Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/HockeyCardsGongshowOn this episode of the Hockey Cards Gongshow podcast we start with Get To Know Your Hockey Hall of Famers, this time looking at the life, hockey career, and hobby market for hockey hall of famer, Bobby Orr (10:16). Next in the Weekly 7; Gavin McKenna goes first overall and we talk the potential hobby impact, did the sharks win the draft?, Capital make moves to lure Ovechkin back, Jason Robertson turned down what?, and Zach Werenski might also be on the move (32:52). In hobby news; Upper Deck releases draft night cards, they go all out for the Space Jam 30th anniversary, and card show be booming (1:13:37). We track the hockey wax prices for recent key releases to see where the market it moving (1:33:07). Next, we answer your hockey cards questions in the Gongshow mailbag (1:45:25), then end the show by sharing our recent personal pickups (2:22:01).The Upper Deck Company - https://www.UpperDeck.comGongshow Breaks - https://www.GongshowBreaks.comGongshow Reloaded - https://www.GongshowReloaded.comHockeyChecklists.com - https://www.hockeychecklists.comSlab Sharks Consignment - http://bit.ly/3GUvsxNSlab Sharks is now accepting U.S. submissions!GP Sports Cards - https://gpsportcards.com/Total Sports Cards - https://totalsportcards.comSign up for Card Ladder - https://app.cardladder.com/signup?via=HCGongshoFollow Hockey Cards Gongshow on social mediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hockey_cards_gongshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hockey_cards_gongshowFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HockeyCardsGongshowTwitter - https://twitter.com/HCGongshowThe Hockey Cards Gongshow podcast is a production of Dollar Box Ventures LLC
Brian McNally joins Ben Standig to discuss whether Alex Ovechkin will return next season, share his thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final and the United States men's national soccer team ahead of the World Cup, debate what the Washington Nationals should do with CJ Abrams, and react to Caitlin Clark being in town to face the Washington Mystics.
Hour 3 1:12 - Brian McNally on Ovechkin's Future, CJ Abrams & Caitlin Clark's D.C. Visit 21:48 - Calls on the Commanders WR Room + Brandon Aiyuk 32:32 - NBA Finals Game 3 Predictions
05/19 Hour 4: EP: Is An Open Marriage The Key To Success - 1:00 Ben Anderson Joins The Junkies - 20:00 Alex Ovechkin's Son Will Be A Superstar - 33:00
Hour 1: 4/21/2026
Did another teammate of Ovechkin endorse him coming back?
Did TJ Oshie on a podcast tip off that Ovechkin is coming back for one more season?
Alex Ovechkin dominates the convo as Grant & Danny ponder what happens with Ovechkin's contract if he returns.
Hour 4: April 20th, 2026
Hour 3: April 20th, 2026
04/17 Hour 1: Happy Friday From The Sports Junkies - 1:00 Top Storylines Around The Sports World - 14:00 Reacting To Alex Ovechkin's Positive Comments - 35:00
They Said It is a quick back and forth on what was said yesterday in the sports world. Today we hear yet another "update" on AJ brown. Don Sweeney on the success of this Bruins team and Ovechkin on his future.
Hour 2 - Road Show season is upon us! Greg announces all of the locations for Road Show season. They said it hears from Don Sweeney, Ovechkin and another AJ Brown report.
04/16 Hour 4: What If Alex Ovechkin Signed With Another Team - 1:00 Entertainment Page Goes Off The Rails - 22:00 Open Line Thursday - 31:00
Dan and Monse in for C&R as they discuss the devastating loss suffered by the Clippers to the Warriors in their play-in game Wednesday night. Dan and Monse weigh in on the NBA and NBAPA making an exception for Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham on post-season honors. Plus, the NHL says goodbye to Ovechkin, or not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser discuss the NBA play-in and Alex Ovechkin. Plus, Jeff Passan joins the show to break down the latest in the MLB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
04/14 Hour 2: Is Tonight Alex Ovechkin's Last Game - 1:00 Calls On Alex Ovechkin's NHL Future - 14:00 7-Eleven Is Closing Almost 700 Stores - 31:00
On this episode of The Chris Johnston show, Julian McKenzie and Chris Johnston go over a variety of topics including: (00:00) All 16 playoff teams have been set (12:45) Detroit now have the longest playoff drought after season collapse (19:00) Ovechkin waves off Penguins after potential last time playing Crosby (26:45) Update on Leafs GM/President search (30:00) What will happen with Craig Berube? (35:00) Agent poll (40:45) Rory McIlroy wins Masters back to back (45:00) Ask CJ Watch all episodes of The Chris Johnston Show here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEifwZnM5KxOFlm0lQjkEheLw Buy CJ Show merch: https://sdpnshop.ca/collections/cj-show Follow us on Instagram: @reporterchris @jkamckenzie and @sdpnsports Follow us on X: @reporterchris @jkamckenzie @sdpnsports Reach out to https://www.sdpn.ca/sales to connect with our sales team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today's episode of BMitch & Finlay features a Masters recap and discussion about Alexander Ovechkin's possible retirement.
Hour 1 of BMitch & Finlay features the guys reacting to a fun Sunday at the Masters, Alexander Ovechkin's final home game of the season, and the end of the NBA regular season.
Hour 1: 4/10/2026
04/09 Hour 1: Update On Alex Ovechkin's Potential Retirement - 1:00 Top Storylines Around The Sports World - 13:00 Junkies 2026 Masters Pool - 32:00
04/08 Hour 3: Are NFL Teams Sleep On Diego Pavia - 1:00 Entertainment Page - 16:00 Why Don't We Know If Alex Ovechkin Is Retiring - 33:00
Joe Beninati joins the show to discuss the Capitals season and the possibility of Alex Ovechkin retiring.
Short show due to Nats baseball. Grant & Danny discuss Alex Ovechkin's lack of decision on his retirement, which is delayed till the summer. Also, Dane Brugler hops on to talk NFL Draft.
First segment has a ton of great topics, with the big focus on Ovechkin's announcement.
Hour 1: 4/8/26 Seg 1: Anthony Davis' Comments, Ovechkin Announcement Seg 2: NFL Quarterback prospects Seg 3: More on Ovechkin
04/07 Hour 4: Entertainment Page - 1:00 Will Alex Ovechkin Retire After This Season - 18:00 Calls On Alex Ovechkin's Potential Retirement - 31:00
Major topic of the show: How will Alex Ovechkin's exit from the NHL/DC go down, if it even does happen this year.
It's not being talked about once, but the end of Ovechkin might be in just a few days. Will he retire?
It's been one year since Ovechkin's famous goal. What do you love about it still. Do you have any regrets?
03/23 Hour 2: Junkies Bracket Pool Standings - 1:00 Team USA Dominated The NFL In Flag Football - 17:00 Alex Ovechkin Makes More History - 30:00