Frankly Speaking - with Frank Seravalli

On this episode, Frank travels to Calgary to catch up with Jonathan Huberdeau, GM Craig Conroy, head coach Ryan Huska and newly named captain Mikael Backlund.Frankly Speaking is presented by Betway. If you’re gonna place a bet, Bet on Betway.Please play responsibly. Ontario Only! Must be 19 years of age or older.Audio Credits: Bally Sports, Calgary Flames, CBS, NHL Network, Sorry, I'm Sad (podcast) & The Nation NetworkThe episode was produced and hosted by Frank Seravalli, recorded by RJ Graham, and mixed by Amil Delic.This podcast is hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank is on the road travelling through Western Canada visiting several NHL teams. His first stop is Vancouver! He had a chance to sit down with Thatcher Demko (14:30), Ian Cole (2:00) & head coach Rick Tocchet (21:05). Music Credit: The 3rd Street Band - PondThe episode was produced and recorded by Frank Seravalli, and mixed by Amil Delic.This podcast is hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is no walking on eggshells for new Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy, promoted to the position on Tuesday after 14 years in their front office. He knows everyone. Now it's time to get to work. And after an underwhelming season, there is plenty on Conroy's to-do list with seven UFAs, young players to convince to stay in the fold and an all-important coaching hire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three days after Keith Jones was installed as the Philadelphia Flyers' new president of hockey operations, 'Jonesy' joined Frank to talk the future of the franchise. A rebuild is coming, there will be more pain for Flyers fans. They're also trying something that is unprecedented in hockey: giving coach John Tortorella a seat at the table in the decision-making process. How will it all work? Who has final say? Why jump into working for a team now? Tune in to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The bitter taste of playoff disappointment still lingers in the mouth of Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, a few days removed from a first-round exit at the hands of the Dallas Stars. But should this season still be considered a success? The Wild nearly won a division title with more than $13 million in dead cap space. Guerin speaks of team building, the long-term plan and where the Wild are heading next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Culture is one of the biggest buzz words in pro sports. Where does culture come from? How is it fostered? How do you change it? Oftentimes, when building out a young team, culture can determine development rate. We spoke to Sabres GM Kevyn Adams about the team he's assembled in Buffalo, where they've been, where they're going next, and how they can continue developing to break the longest active playoff drought in pro sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's it like to coach a rebuilding roster that realistically has little chance to win every night? That's the reality for six to eight NHL head coaches every season, and the reality for Dallas Eakins, who learned last week he would not be returning to the Anaheim Ducks bench. Eakins has spent a lifetime in the game and he spoke about the power of neutral thinking and building a 'Win Today' mindset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes Connor Bedard tick? John Paddock is a hockey lifer, who has seen and experienced just about everything over 50 years in the hockey world. He has been an NHL GM and head coach, played and coached against generational talents, and now shepherded No. 1 overall pick Bedard through all three years of junior hockey in Regina. He explains why Bedard is special, offers a realistic expectation for his NHL impact next season, and gives insight on how Bedard has managed the pressure of being the next prodigy and a one-man COVID relief fund for the WHL circuit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Briere was appointed Interim GM of the Philadelphia Flyers on March 10. The former Flyers forward has a unique view of the game from multiple angles - as a smaller, highly-skilled player who had to grind out his spot in the NHL, then as a minor league GM, before transitioning to the Flyers' front office over the last couple years. We'll get his insight on where the Flyers might be heading next if he's the man in charge, plus the influence John Tortorella will have on the decision-making process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 25 years in the chair, David Poile's decision to step down as Nashville Predators GM sent shockwaves through the NHL earlier this month. He is the longest-serving GM in NHL history, the only man with more than 3,000 games and 1,500 wins, and has been in the chair consecutively for 39 years. Why now? We asked Poile that question, about his decision to bypass the Maple Leafs and build the Preds from the ground up, about his hunger to get his name on the Stanley Cup after nearly 40 years, and why Barry Trotz is the right man to follow his legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James van Riemsdyk was one of the biggest names to not move at the NHL's 2023 trade deadline. We'll ask him about that, and the surprise of unpacking his suitcase, but as he closes in on free agency for the second time in his career, you will learn what makes 'JVR' a true student of the game - from preparation to recovery to study habits on the ice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Frank Seravalli connected with prominent agent Allan Walsh, co-managing director of Octagon Hockey, for insight into the NHL's trade deadline period from an agent's point of view. Walsh shared some stories about surprising trades, teams flexing muscles to move players, and the flow of information to keep his players apprised of the latest during one of the most stressful times of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Seravalli sat down with Carolina Hurricanes majority owner Tom Dundon for an exclusive interview about hosting a Stadium Series game in Raleigh, the team's mindset heading into the deadline, and how life's been as the owner of an NHL team. The Stadium Series was a major success for the Hurricanes both on and off the ice. Frank got Tom's opinion on how the fan base has grown and what's allowed that growth to take place. They also talked about how the team might handle the upcoming trade deadline. The Canes are one of the top teams in the East but haven't traditionally been aggressive at the deadline. Could that change this time around? Dundon seems to think so. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nazem Kadri sat down with Frank Seravalli during All-Star weekend for a conversation about being a Stanley Cup Champion and life in his new home north of the border. Kadri gave some insight into the hardest parts about winning a Stanley Cup and also how those lessons could help him now in his first season with the Calgary Flames. He also talked about being the first Muslim NHLer to win the Stanley Cup and take the trophy to a Mosque. That led into a conversation about some of the charity work that Nazem is involved in and he talked about why he enjoys working in the community. From there, they focused more on this season with the Flames and what the team needs to do to get into the playoffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode three of Frankly Speaking, Frank Seravalli sits down with Josh Morrissey at NHL All-Star weekend to talk about the defenseman's strong start to the season, which has given him the nickname 'Josh Norris-sey'. Josh talked about what's changed in his game and how new Head Coach Rick Bowness has not only sparked his game, but also changed the team's mindset. The Jets are having a great bounceback season but it didn't seem like this kind of turnaround could happen. Josh spoke about the culture in the room and other things that have contributed to this turnaround. Frank also asked him about the idea of one day potentially being named Captain of the team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode two of Frankly Speaking, Frank Seravalli sits down in person with Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers. Of course, they talked a little bit of hockey as Zach is one of the few NHLers to play with both Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid. They also talked about his career season and how he's adjusted to life in Edmonton. Frank also picked his brain about a lot of things outside of hockey. Zach has written three children books and has plans for a fourth. He talked about that process and how he got involved in the writing business. He also owns a gaming company and talked about where that passion comes from. Zach also gave some insight into the NHLPA selection committee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode one of Frankly Speaking, Frank Seravalli was joined by Los Angeles Kings Head Coach Todd McLellan. He spoke about what a day in the life of an NHL Head Coach is like and the day-to-day that goes into the role. He also talked about different people he leans on both around the league and outside of the sport when he's in need of support. Todd is also in a unique spot now working with a General Manager in Rob Blake who he also coached back when he was with the San Jose Sharks. Frank also got his take on some hot-button issues like iPads on the bench and other things. Todd was also open about how he handles the young players on his roster, like Quentin Byfield and Gabe Viliardi, and the impact of having kids in their twenties and how they help him out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Seravalli has built up his media career by always wanting to know more than just what's on the surface level and now he's bringing that approach to the world of podcasting. Every week, Frank will be joined by someone from around the hockey world who will share their story. No set questions, no time frame, just an honest conversation about life, the sport, and whatever else comes up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.