Puck Pursuit: Recent Episodes
theScore.com
Puck Pursuit is theScore’s podcast dedicated to hockey. John Matisz hosts illuminating interviews with individuals who made a lasting impact on hockey; people navigating the sport today; and those prepared to shape its future. Guests include players, coaches, instructors, executives, journalists, and more. Each episode features a meaningful conversation fans simply can’t miss.
TSN's Bob McKenzie joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - How semi-retirement is treating the legendary reporter - Advice for others looking to reach the top of their field - Why he leans on the ancient philosophy of Stoicism - 2021 world juniors: gold medal favorites, players to watch - The inspiration behind "Everyday Hockey Heroes, Volume II" ... and more
Sportsnet's Ken Reid joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - How the hockey world has handled COVID-19 so far - The idea of an all-Canadian division for 2020-21 - Marketing the game through its best personalities - Being a hockey romantic and hockey card collector ... and more!
Rick Westhead, the investigative journalist and senior correspondent for TSN, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Westhead's new book, "Finding Murph, How Joe Murphy Went From Winning a Championship to Living Homeless in the Bush" - Gaps in the NHL's reporting on player health - Problems with hockey culture, hockey media - Overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs in the NHL ... and more
Toronto Marlies forward Rich Clune joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - How he managed to hit 10 years of sobriety - Starring in the film "Hi, My Name Is Dicky" - Pros/cons of going public with private matters - Fighting fading away from hockey in 2020 - Being "of service" to young Leafs stars ... and more
Ex-NHLer and former Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - NHL free agency: Taylor Hall, the goalie carousel, and the Maple Leafs - Kypreos' first NHL contract and playing for "arrogant" Mike Keenan - Winning the Stanley Cup with legendary Rangers captain Mark Messier - Kypreos' tenure at Sportsnet and the release of his new book, "Undrafted" ... and more
Harnarayan Singh, host and play-by-play commentator for Sportsnet and Hockey Night Punjabi, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Debriefing the 2020 Stanley Cup Final - Humble beginnings as a broadcaster - Don Cherry 'you people' incident, firing - His new book "One Game at a Time" ... and more
Sami Jo Small, the former longtime goalie for Canada's national women's hockey team, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Fallout from new book, The Role I Played - Future of women's professional hockey - How she dealt with old-school coaches - Living through the Canada-USA rivalry ... and more
Paul Bissonnette, the former NHL forward and current Spittin' Chiclets co-host, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Anton Khudobin's incredible run of success for Dallas - How Bissonnette would fare inside NHL playoff bubble - NHLers showing more personality now than ever before - The rise of Spittin' Chiclets podcast, long-term plans ... and more
Travis Yost, hockey writer for TSN.ca, joins the show to discuss a variety of Stanley Cup Final-related topics, including: - Stylistic matchup of Tampa vs. Dallas - X-factors for both teams - Conn Smythe front runners - Series predictions ... and more
Nathan Gerbe, Columbus Blue Jackets forward and a veteran of 400 NHL games, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Life inside the "luxury prison" that was the Toronto bubble - The importance of mental toughness inside/outside sport - How two years in Switzerland turned around his career - Why he leans into the "shortest NHL skater ever" label - Respect and admiration for friendly rival Zdeno Chara ... and more
Gino Reda, longtime television host/anchor at TSN, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - His start at TSN in 1988 and the Ben Johnson scandal - Best stories involving semi-retired insider Bob McKenzie - How the llama skit on 2015 trade deadline day came to be - Coming-out parties for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Miro Heiskanen - Why Wayne Gretzky has been his favorite athlete to cover ... and more
Rachel Doerrie, writer, podcast host, and former analyst for the New Jersey Devils, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Draft lottery: Lafreniere vs. Byfield, Rangers' smart rebuild - Qualifying round: Biggest surprise, biggest disappointment - Maple Leafs: Next steps for Dubas, giving Tortorella credit - Round of 16: Bruins' hole, Trotz-Isles, Pettersson's impact ... and more
Bill Hanson, registered psychologist and professor at Concordia University of Edmonton, joins the show to discuss a variety of postseason-related topics, including: - Potential mental health challenges within NHL bubbles - Psychological effects of playing in empty arenas - Importance of sleep to physical and mental health - What it really means to be "mentally tough" ... and more
Matt Larkin, senior writer for The Hockey News, joins the show to discuss a variety of postseason-related topics, including: - Dress code in bubble, type of hockey to expect - Oilers heavily favored, but don't count out Hawks? - Will Jets-Flames turn into a throwback series? - Why the Canucks shouldn't take the Wild lightly - Predators-Coyotes could be defensive showdown ... and more
Luke Fox, NHL writer for Sportsnet, joins the show to discuss a variety of postseason-related topics, including: - Thoughts and observations on Phase 3 of NHL plan - Who wins battle of playing styles in TOR vs. CBJ? - Why the Rangers could be a dark horse in restart - Storylines to watch from East round robin games ... and more
Hockey Hall of Fame goalie Ken Dryden - who's also an author, a lawyer, and, formerly, a politician - joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Ken's thoughts on COVID-19, NHL's return-to-play plan - Why Scotty Bowman has lived a hockey life like no other - Getting into Bowman's mind for his 2019 book, "Scotty" - Breaking down the case for penalizing all hits to the head - Reaction to his thought-provoking book, "Game Change" ... and more
Dave Bolland, a former NHL forward who won two Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - What he's been up to since retiring last year - Mental toll of being on LTIR to end NHL career - Rivalry with the Sedin twins, Canucks fans - Former teammates Hossa, Byfuglien, Toews - Hanging out with A-list actor Vince Vaughn ... and more
Scott Wheeler, an NHL draft and prospects writer for The Athletic, joins the show to discuss a variety of draft-related topics, including: - The all-around brilliance of Ottawa 67's forward Marco Rossi - Why the Erie Otters' Jamie Drysdale is the draft's best D-man - The curious case of sharp-shooting Swede Noel Gunler - Best skating, best hockey sense, best defending in class ... and more
Former NHLer Guy Carbonneau (Canadiens, Blues, Stars) and John LeClair (Canadiens, Flyers, Penguins) - who were recently hired to coach in the new 3ICE hockey league - join the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - What people should expect from 3ICE next summer - How ex-NHLers plan on coaching a 3-on-3 pro team - Carbonneau on Montreal vs. Pittsburgh play-in series - LeClair on why the Legion of Doom was so successful ... and more
ESPN hockey prospects writer Chris Peters joins the show to discuss a variety of NHL draft-related topics, including: - Full scouting report on top prospect Alexis Lafreniere - Is Quinton Byfield a lock to go second overall? - Tim Stutzle and German hockey's "sweet spot" - Rest of Chris' top-10 prospects for 2020 draft ... and more
Akil Thomas, L.A. Kings forward prospect and Canadian world junior championship hero, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Perspective on George Floyd's death and associated protests - Experiences with racism as a black hockey player - How his life changed after scoring gold medal-winning goal - Starting Zale Apparel clothing line and Soul On Ice podcast - Plans for offseason and next season, when he should turn pro ... and more
Michael Traikos, national hockey writer for Postmedia, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Takeaways from Gary Bettman's press conference - Hurdles ahead in the NHL's return-to-play plan - Are expanded playoff formats a long-term fit? - Early thoughts on qualification-round matchups - Jack Eichel's end-of-season media availability ... and more
Riley Cote, a former NHL forward, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Using cannabis to heal old injuries - Stigma around psilocybin mushrooms - Daily mindset of an NHL enforcer - Having no regrets about career - Relevance of fighting in 2020 ... and more
Brent Sopel, former NHL defenseman, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Becoming a dyslexia/dysgraphia advocate - Finding sobriety after retiring from hockey - Changing style of play late in NHL career - Memories from Chicago's 2010 Cup win - Assessment of current Blackhawks team ... and more
Wendel Clark, former NHL star forward, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Conquer COVID-19 initiative, living in isolation - Being drafted first overall in 1985 NHL Draft - 1993 Leafs playoff run and losing to Gretzky - Current Leafs: Andersen, RIelly, Matthews ... and more
Mike Johnson, ex-NHL forward and current analyst for NHL Network, TSN, NBC, and SiriusXM, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Going straight from college to Maple Leafs' lineup - Highlights from Toronto's 1998-99 playoff run - Montreal teammate Alexei Kovalev's endearing side - Being coached by Wayne Gretzky in Phoenix - Mindset as a broadcaster, importance of being honest ... and more
Travis Yost, a hockey writer for TSN, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Return-to-play scenarios for the NHL - Mark Scheifele's Jack Eichel Hart Trophy pick - Alternative awards: Sophomore of the Year - Alternative awards: Best Duo - Alternative awards: Most Improved Player ... and more
Todd Woodcroft, former Winnipeg Jets assistant coach and new University of Vermont head coach, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Why Todd left the NHL/Jets for NCAA/UVM - Short- and long-term challenges for UVM - Lessons learned from old boss Paul Maurice - What ex-Jet Dustin Byfuglien meant to Winnipeg - Patrik Laine's underrated strength, physicality ... and more
Sean O'Leary and Josh Wegman of theScore join today's show to compete in a lighthearted game of NHL trivia. Categories include individual awards, Stanley Cup winners, nicknames, and miscellaneous.
Kyle Raftis, general manager of the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Junior hockey perspective on COVID-19 crisis - Art of recruiting Americans to northern Ontario - Lessons from six seasons as an OHL GM - Taking over for Kyle Dubas, working with Sheldon Keefe - Developing future NHLers, such as Morgan Frost (Flyers), Rasmus Sandin (Maple Leafs), Barrett Hayton (Coyotes), Conor Timmins (Avalanche) ... and more
Danny Briere, former star NHL forward and current VP of operations for the ECHL Maine Mainers, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Danny's wife Misha working on the COVID-19 frontlines - Danny's interest in the business side of pro hockey - Going to the 2010 Stanley Cup final with the Flyers - Living with teammates Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier - Co-captaining those dominant mid-2000s Sabres teams ... and much more
Todd Humphrey, senior vice president of digital and fan experience for the still-to-named Seattle NHL franchise, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - How COVID-19 is affecting Todd's job and the Seattle organization - Appropriate time to unveil the team's logo, name, and colors - How Seattle plans on revolutionizing sports fan experience - Working alongside GM Ron Francis, owner Jerry Bruckheimer - Junior and minor pro playing career, how Todd ended up in Seattle ... and more
Sean Tierney, the man behind ChartingHockey.ca and the director of hockey analytics for the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Simulating the rest of the NHL season using mathematical models - Playoff pushes for the Canucks, Rangers, and Blue Jackets - Hellebuyck and the Vezina, Matthews and the Rocket Richard - Duties and challenges for a junior-level hockey analytics director ... and more
Jonathan Willis, staff writer for The Athletic, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Latest on the NHL and COVID-19 - Potential return to play scenarios - Leon Draisaitl's Hart Trophy case - The case against using plus-minus ... and more
Todd Radom, a longtime graphic designer in the sports industry, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of branding-related topics, including: - Taking sports team logo from rough idea to finished product - Influence of nostalgia on sports branding and merchandise - Name, logo, and color ideas for Seattle's NHL franchise - General do's and don'ts of sports logo and uniform design - Islanders' 'Fisherman'; Sabres' 'Buffalo Slug'; Mighty Ducks' 'Wild Wing' ... and more
David Carle, head coach of the University of Denver men's hockey team, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - How the Denver Pioneers men's team is handling the coronavirus threat - Having his playing career cut short at 18 due to a heart condition - Getting the coaching itch, finding a way to climb the ladder quickly - Latest on mentor and ex-Dallas Stars coach Jim Montgomery - Denver stars Bobby Brink (Flyers), Ian Mitchell (Blackhawks) ... and more
YouTube hockey sensation Andrew 'Nasher' Telfer joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Typical day in the life of a hockey YouTuber - How he built his channel to 400,000 subscribers - Growth of esports, Tik Tok, other platforms - How he became an official Bauer athlete - Blue Jackets' rollercoaster 2019-20 season ... and more
Josh Smith, founder of ScoutingTheRefs.com, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - David Ayres and emergency backups - Regular season vs. playoff officiating - Should Chara get special treatment? - Kane ripping Department of Player Safety - Most obvious changes to NHL rulebook ... and more
Mike Knuble, ex-NHL forward and current assistant coach of the Red Wings' AHL team, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Transitioning from being NHL player to being AHL coach - Old pal Alex Ovechkin chasing Wayne Gretzky's record - Development of prospects Filip Zadina, Moritz Seider - Working under former Wings teammate Steve Yzerman ... and more
Curt Fraser, former NHL player/coach and head coach of the KHL's Kunlun Red Star, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Coronavirus' affect on KHL season - Growth of hockey and NHL in China - Coaching alongside Alexei Kovalev - Memories of a young Ilya Kovalchuk ... and more
Scout Mark Edwards, founder of HockeyProspect.com, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of draft-related topics, including: - Wayne Simmonds and HockeyProspect.com's origin story - Mark's scouting philosophies and 3-to-9 grading scale - First overall in the 2020 NHL draft: Lafreniere or Byfield - Stutzle, Perfetti, Askarov, and other high-end prospects ... and more
Former NHL forward Daniel Carcillo joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Treating anxiety/depression with psychedelics - Ex-teammate Steve Montador's last days - The neurodegenerative disease called CTE - Hockey's recent coaching abuse scandal ... and more
Former NHL goalie and Vegas Golden Knights TV analyst Mike MeKenna joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - That one time the team bus caught on fire - If we should be labelling goalies "weird" - The lost art of the poke check - Golden Knights' recent coaching change - Watching Marc-Andre Fleury up close ... and more
Sportsnet senior writer Chris Johnston joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Grind of being a 24/7 journalist - Strangest story he's ever covered - Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup hopes - Trade deadline buyers/sellers ... and more
Kori Cheverie, the trailblazing Ryerson University men's hockey coach, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of coaching-related topics, including: - Introduction to hockey as Nova Scotia kid - Making history at U Sports men's level - Benefits of diversifying coaching staffs - State of coaching, personal goals in 2020 ... and more
Note: This episode was recorded before Jeremy Roenick's 'unacceptable' remarks and subsequent suspension
NBC Sports president Sam Flood joins this week's show to discuss a variety of broadcasting-related topics, including:- - Origins of the Inside The Glass analyst role - What some people have wrong about Pierre McGuire - 2020 Winter Classic, dream future outdoor-game site - What hockey broadcasts might look like in 2030 ... and more
Sportlogiq CEO and former Olympic figure skater Craig Buntin joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Transitioning from figure skating to business - Sportlogiq founding story and Mark Cuban - Player/puck tracking and hockey analytics - Practical applications of Sportlogiq data ... and more
NBC analyst and former NHLer Patrick Sharp joins this week's show to discuss a variety of decade-closing topics, including: - 2009-10 Blackhawks, team of the decade - Passing of the torch between Crosby, McDavid - Uniqueness of ex-teammate Dustin Byfuglien - Price, other goalies who defined the 2010s ... and more
Canadian Hockey League president Dan MacKenzie joins this week's show to discuss a variety of junior hockey topics, including: - Why MacKenzie left the NBA for the CHL - Lessons from David Stern and Adam Silver - CHL's role in helping shape hockey culture - Player compensation, class-action lawsuits ... and more
Brock McGillis, the first openly gay pro hockey player, joins the show to discuss a variety of timely topics, including: - Is a Me Too-type movement taking shape in hockey? - Hockey workplace culture vs. real-world workplace culture - When will we see the first openly gay NHLer? - What life's been like since coming out in 2016 ... and more
Former NHLer and NBC analyst Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Getting traded in 1990 during his son's birth - Being a Hockey Fights Cancer ambassador - Connections to Chicago, identifying as a Hawk - Feeling cathartic, deciding to write a book ... and more
Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Signing extension with Arizona, sticking to the plan - Rick Tocchet's pedigree as an NHL head coach - Upcoming Ivey Sports Leadership Conference - Advice to those with ambitions as big as his ... and more
Former NHL forward Nail Yakupov joins the show to discuss a wide range of topics: - Failing to meet lofty first-overall expectations - Why Ralph Krueger is such a good NHL coach - Pavel Datsyuk's unrivalled competitive streak - Evolution of the Kontinental Hockey League ... and more
Ex-NHL defenseman Bryan Berard joins the show to discuss a wide range of topics: - Playing in the NHL with one working eye - Growing up with goalie Brian Boucher - Testing positive for steroids, owning it - Being betrayed by his financial adviser ... and more
Longtime hockey executive and lawyer Trevor Whiffen joins the show to discuss a wide range of topics: - Scotty Bowman and the NHL Coaches' Association - Brian Burke and the PrimeTime conference - Don Cherry and the Mississauga IceDogs - Hunter brothers and the London Knights ... and more
Ex-NHL tough guy Stu Grimson joins the show to discuss a wide range of topics: - Stu's new book, "The Grim Reaper" - Beginnings as a professional hockey fighter - Hiding injuries from teammates, opponents - Living in fear of future health problems - Modern fighting and the appeal of Tom Wilson ... and more
Ex-NHL winger Mike Cammalleri joins the show to discuss a wide range of topics: - Motivations behind CBD-infused sports drink - Origins of BioSteel, a popular supplements co. - Why 5'9" forwards can thrive in today's NHL - Story behind mid-game trade from MTL to CGY - Playing with Giordano, Iginla, Kopitar, McDavid ... and more
Sean Fitz-Gerald of The Athletic joins the show to discuss the state of amateur hockey: - Sean's new book, "Before the Lights Go Out" - Ever-growing industry around young players - Cassie Campbell-Pascall's stand as a parent - Climate change's impact on hockey romanticism ... and more
Former NHL winger Devin Setoguchi joins the show to discuss a variety of topics: - Triumphs and setbacks of post-playing life - Advice for those suffering from mental illness - Fondest memories of NHL career, Joe Thornton - Takeaways from stints in Switzerland, Germany ... and more
In this episode, NHL news editors Josh Wegman and Sean O'Leary join John to discuss a variety of free agency-related topics, including: - Canadiens table subpar offer sheet - Leafs-Avs a perfect hockey trade - Panarin a home run for Rangers - Stars bulk up with Pavelski, others - What's going on with the Wild?
In this episode, Travis Yost of TSN joins John to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Will someone sign an offer sheet? - San Jose's salary cap crunch - Market hot for Matt Duchene - Corey Perry's value in 2019 - Zuccarello a real UFA wild card
In this episode, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic joins John to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Takeaways from Blues' Cup win - Jack Hughes versus Kaapo Kakko - First-round prospect tiers - Potential draft "sleepers" - Destinations for top goalies
Gus Katsaros of McKeen's Hockey and Rotoworld joins John to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Sens name DJ Smith bench boss - Kessel-to-Minnesota trade rumors - Stanley Cup Final x-factors - Bruins will win if... - Blues will win if...
In this episode, Anthony Petrielli of Maple Leafs Hot Stove and theScore's Josh Wegman join John to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Looking back on Leafs post-season - Handicapping huge Leafs offseason - Is Krueger the right guy for Sabres? - Why Bruins are exhausting Canes
In this episode, Scott Cullen of The Athletic/NHL.com and theScore's Sean O'Leary join John to discuss a variety of topics, including: - Ken Holland's to-do list as Oilers GM - Will Lundqvist end his career in NYC? - Previewing St. Louis vs. San Jose - Previewing Carolina vs. Boston
John's joined by Score colleagues Josh Wegman to Sean O'Leary to discuss the early stages of the post-season's second round. Topics include: - Carolina's buy-in under Brind'Amour - The emergence of Dallas' Roope Hintz - Cale Makar's first five NHL games - Early Conn Smythe favorites
Matthew Coller of ESPN and Dylan Liptrap of DHG Sports Agency join John to discuss the second round of the NHL playoffs, and the player agent business. Topics include: - Good times keep rolling for Avalanche - Why pressure is on the Stars, Sharks - Can anybody stop the mighty Bruins? - Hockey agent's yearly, daily duties - How agents find prospective clients
Justin Bourne of The Athletic and Josh Wegman of theScore join John to discuss the early stages of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Topics include: - Debriefing Blue Jackets' sweep of Lightning - How the Islanders beat the Penguins in 4 - Early-series thoughts on Maple Leafs-Bruins - Cale Makar and the new-age defenseman
Matt Larkin of The Hockey News joins John to preview the Eastern Conference side of the NHL's playoff bracket. Topics include: - The fit for Joel Quenneville in South Florida - Can Columbus steal a game from Tampa? - Bruins will have hands full with Leafs forwards - Caps-Canes: Well-oiled machine vs. nice story - Isles might surprise hockey world, Pens
In this episode, ESPN's Emily Kaplan and Bowen Byram of the WHL's Vancouver Giants join John to discuss a variety of topics, including: - What it will take for Stars-over-Preds upset - Can Jets find their stride before it's too late? - Avs about to have week to remember - Major goaltending concerns in San Jose - Byram's self scouting report - Byram's prep for the NHL draft
Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon joins John to hand out end-of-season awards. Trophies discussed: - Art Ross (most points), Rocket Richard (most goals) - Calder (most proficient rookie) - Hart (most valuable player) - Jack Adams (coach of the year) - Lady Byng (most gentlemanly player) - Masterton (best example of perseverance) - Norris (best all-around defenseman) - Selke (best defensive forward) - Vezina (best goalie)
John's joined by Kent Wilson of The Athletic to chat all things Calgary Flames, and the Western Conference. Topics include: - How Calgary stacks up in crowded West - Flames' preferred first-round opponent - The Mike Smith-David Rittich conundrum - Ranking Flames F, D, G among playoff teams
John's joined by Jonathan Willis, staff writer for The Athletic, to bounce around the league as the regular season winds down. Topics include: - Which team(s) should scare the juggernaut Lightning? - Load management, bad PR, and the Edmonton Oilers - Mark Stone and other smart trade deadline deals - Surprises, insights from the recent NHLPA Player Poll
John's joined by Score colleagues Hannah Stuart and Nick Faris to discuss the 2019 NHL draft, as well as the AHL Senators. Topics include: - Kaapo Kakko over Jack Hughes as top 2019 prospect? - Rising stocks: Alex Turcotte and Cole Caufield - Huge year for USA Hockey National Team Program - Red-hot AHL Belleville provides glimmer of hope
John's joined by Luke Fox of Sportsnet and Joshua Clipperton of the Canadian Press. Topics include: - Handicapping playoff races in East, West - Awards watch: Jack Adams, Vezina, Norris - How Tampa should approach stretch drive - Will Sharks' Erik Karlsson test free agency? - Takeaways from GM meetings in Florida
John's joined by Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic to discuss two struggling NHL franchises, the Senators and Oilers. Topics include: - Odd timing/delivery of Boucher firing in Ottawa - Tumultuous year in Oilers land coming to close - Ken Hitchcock, Keith Gretzky report cards - Might McDavid force his way out of Edmonton? - Players Oiler fans should be excited about
John's joined by Gus Katsaros of McKeen's Hockey, and Graeme Nichols of The Athletic Ottawa to recap Monday's NHL trade deadline. Topics include: - Stone to Vegas: VGK perspective - Granlund, Hayes, Montour, Nyquist trades - Blue Jackets going all-in on 2018-19 - Stone to Vegas: OTT perspective - Any silver lining in Senators rebuild?
John's joined by former NHL forward Mike 'Suitcase' Sillinger, who was traded a record nine times over a 17-year career. Topics include: - Pros and cons of being on the move - How family members deal with trades - The post-trade locker room routine - Favorite, most-talented teammates - Oilers job, future plans in hockey
John's joined by Jeremy Roenick, NBC Sports analyst and former NHL star, and Steve Dangle, professional YouTuber and Sportsnet blogger, to discuss a variety of topics: - Panarin, Bobrovsky situations in Columbus - Stone, Duchene, Dzingel situations in Ottawa - How to turn a harmless hobby into a career - Why you should never take yourself too seriously
John's joined by Scott Cullen and Ian Tulloch, both of The Athletic, to discuss a variety of topics: - Why the Ducks fired Randy Carlyle - The Elias Pettersson effect in Vancouver - How the Oilers should approach trade deadline - What's gone right, wrong in Coyotes rebuild
John's joined by Eric Engels of Sportsnet and the Boston Globe's Matt Porter to discuss a variety of topics: - GM Marc Bergevin's revival in Montreal - Bounce backs galore: Domi, Drouin, Price - Kotkaniemi tracking towards 1C status - Should Boston break up their top line? - Covering Zdeno Chara day to day
John's joined by Sami Hoffren, NHL correspondent for Finnish publications Ilta-Sanomat and Urheilulehti, to discuss the rise of Finnish hockey. Topics include: - Why Finland is peaking in 2019 - Rantanen vs. Aho: Who's better? - Selanne still in tier of his own - National team's changing mentality
In this episode, John's joined by two guests - Matthew Coller of ESPN, and former NHL forward Cody Hodgson. Topics of discussion include: - Possible Artemi Panarin-CBJ split - Toronto's acquisition of Jake Muzzin - Coller's recent Fun Index article - Hodgson's malignant hyperthermia - Hodgson on Steven Stamkos, Ryan Miller
John's joined by Brock McGillis, the first pro hockey player to come out as gay, and Rachel Doerrie, a former analyst for the New Jersey Devils, to talk about a variety of topics, namely: - Homophobia in hockey, and Brock's story of coming out - Diversity in hockey, and Rachel's story of climbing the ranks - The importance of mental health education/support (January 30th is #BellLetsTalk and February is Hockey is for Everyone month.)
John's joined by Scott Cullen of The Athletic and NHL.com to discuss a variety of topics ahead of all-star weekend and trade season: - Picking participants for the skills competition - Western Conference buyers/sellers - Eastern Conference buyers/sellers
John is joined by Gus Katsaros of McKeen's Hockey and theScore's Josh Wegman to discuss a variety of topics: - Can Flames' high-end talent offset holes? - How Vegas should approach trade season - Maple Leafs' problems beyond Gardiner - Looking back on Rick Nash's fine career - Fantasy bye-week advice, risers/fallers
John is joined by ESPN Senior NHL Writer Greg Wyshynski to discuss award frontrunners at the midway point of the 2018-19 NHL season. Hart, Calder, Norris, Vezina, Jack Adams, Selke, Lady Byng.
John's joined by Ryan Stimson of The Athletic to discuss a variety of topics: - Is the NHL all-star selection process too restrictive? - Sizing up the Sabres' (largely successful) first half - Dialling back expectations for Casey Mittelstadt - 'Q' and the Sabres: A hypothetical perfect fit? - Tape to Space: Redefining Modern Hockey Tactics
John is joined by ESPN prospect writer Chris Peters and former OHL scout Jonathan Kyriacou to preview the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship. Topics of discussion include: - Is Canada the clear-cut favorite to win gold? - What to expect from the incredible Hughes brothers - Why you shouldn't count out the Czechs - Scouting reports on Canada's top players - How scouts view the world juniors tournament
John is joined by Canadian Press hockey writer Josh Clipperton. The duo gets into the holiday duo by handing out Christmas gifts to 10 NHL teams. Discussion about the state of the Canadiens, Rangers, Senators, Maple Leafs, Golden Knights ... and others.
John is joined by ESPN's Dimitri Filipovic. Topics of discussion include: - The Sabres, of all teams, are the best story in hockey - Lightning in tier of their own atop the NHL - What is Hakstol's leash in Philly under new GM? - Should we expect a run by the Penguins? - Why you should never bet against Ovechkin
John is joined by ESPN's Emily Kaplan and theScore's Josh Wegman. Topics of discussion include: - Takeaways from Seattle expansion announcement - Still to come: Hiring GM/coach, choosing nickname - Spiralling Blackhawks falling behind in modern NHL - Should Jeremy Colliton be blamed for any of this? - Under-the-radar fliers in fantasy hockey
John is joined by TSN's Travis Yost and Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post. Topics of discussion include: - The Jeff Skinner and David Pastrnak goal explosions - Erik Karlsson, the Senators, and the Sharks - Life in Washington in the post-Trotz era - Should the Capitals consider resting Alex Ovechkin? - The curious case of Tom Wilson
John is joined by Chris Johnston of Sportsnet and ESPN Insider's Matthew Coller. Topics include: - Clock now ticking on Blues GM Doug Armstrong? - Ken Hitchcock could be the answer in Edmonton - Handing out quarter-way NHL awards - Something special seems to be brewing in Buffalo - What to make of the Minnesota Wild's hot start
John is joined by hockey writers Sean McIndoe (aka Down Goes Brown of The Athletic) and Mike Zeisberger (NHL.com). Topics include: - Possible endings to the Nylander-Leafs standoff - Complications of the NHL's hopeful European expansion - GM meeting: The ongoing goalie equipment debate - Stories from "The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL"
Dave Tippett of the Seattle NHL group, as well as hockey historian Mike Commito join John for a pair of segments. Topics of discussion include: - Shaping the identity of Seattle's imminent NHL team - Timeline for hiring Seattle's GM, other staffers - What is 57-year-old Dave Tippett's long-term plan? - The awkwardness of Gary Bettman's Hall call - Looking at the HHOF's potential 2019 class - Favorite stories from Hockey 365
Postmedia national hockey writer Michael Traikos and NHLer Cory Conacher join John for a pair of segments. First, Michael discusses his October disappointments and surprises. Then, Cory sheds light on his path to the Tampa Bay Lightning, his favourite coaches, and Julien BriseBois.
Prospect writer Hannah Stuart and fantasy hockey expert Josh Wegman join John for a pair of segments. First, Hannah discusses her early ranking of the 2019 NHL draft's top 10 prospects. Then, Josh provides his list of early-season fantasy risers and fallers.
Trevor Georgie, the 29-year-old president/GM of the Saint John Sea Dogs, joins John to talk about his career path, how to lead, and where hockey is headed. Topics of discussion include:
- Becoming the country's youngest junior hockey exec
- What a typical day looks like for Trevor Georgie
- Trading captain and Red Wings pick Joe Veleno
- How analytics fits into the Sea Dogs' program
- Ongoing debate over popular video game Fortnite
Jonathan Willis of The Athletic joins John to play a game of 'real or mirage,' hitting on matters across the NHL. Topics of discussion include:
- Is 90 points a reasonable goal for the McDavid-led Oilers?
- Are the 'Canes legit or is their early-season success a mirage?
- Which top PP unit would you take - Leafs, Capitals or Sharks?
- Did we overrate the Sabres or will they finally right the ship?
- What would you do if you were Gary Bettman for a day?
Gus Katsaros of McKeen's Hockey joins John to craft an early-season viewing guide centered around unique traits. Topics of discussion include: - Why is Elias Pettersson so effective? - A rebuttal to the Auston Matthews hype - How teams can limit Nathan MacKinnon - Full scouting report on John Klingberg - What's Evgeny Kuznetsov's ceiling? ... and more
NBC's Adam Gretz joins John for the second half of Puck Pursuit's two-part preview series. Topics of discussion include: - Nashville and another crack at the Cup - The Jets' enviable roster and timeline - The Blackhawks are toast ... right? - Can the Ducks survive these injuries? - Cautious optimism in Coyotes land ... and more
TSN's Travis Yost joins John for Puck Pursuit's debut episode. Topics of discussion include: - Does Tampa have company atop the Atlantic? - Over/under Mitch Marner point total - Are the Rangers really that bad? - The unpredictability of the Capitals - Columbus' complicated all-in year