Hockey Free For All

Hello Hockey Fans Episode 205 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived, there is so much to discuss, this week’s topics include- #1. What trade did Kent Huges need to make? #2. The Montreal Canadiens have everything they need internally? #3. Mason McTavish is not the 2nd line center Montreal needs. #4. Michael Hage is the #2 center for the Montreal Canadiens. #5. Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes are the best Management team in the NHL. #6. Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes are the best Management team that the Montreal Canadiens have had since Sam Pollock. #7. Toronto fires G.M. Brad Treliving #8. The problems in Toronto go far beyond the player roster. #9. The Las Vegas Golden Knights replace Bruce Cassidy with John Tortorella. #10. The Ottawa Senators’ defense is getting crushed by injuries. #12. Kirby Dach is injured again. #13. It’s time to move on from Kirby Dach. #14. The Montreal trades former 2nd round pick, Riley Kidney to Ottawa for center Jake Chiasson and goaltender Hunter Shepard. #15. The Ottawa Senators have signed Penn State Goalie Keven Reider to a 2-year ELC #16. David Reinbacher should remain in Laval for the rest of the 2025/2026 season. #17. Montreal Canadiens Prospects Defenseman Bryce Pickford, Center Michael Hage and Winger Alexander Zharovsky are having lights out seasons. #18. Jakub Dobes is the number one goaltender in Montreal. #19. Is Grant McKenna still the undisputed number one overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft? #20. IHF president Luc Tardif will not seek re-election. #21. Connor McDavid’s comments are right on the mark regarding his organization. #22. Alexander Carrier is out 2 to 4 weeks. #23. Arber Xhekaj is back in the lineup but as a forward? #24. Start Arber Xhekaj on the 4th line for the rest of the season as a forward and let’s see how it plays out? #25. Adam Engstrom called up from Laval to replace Alexander Carrier, not Arber Xhekaj. #26. Could Arber and Florian Xhekaj be 2/3rds of the 4th line in 2026/2027 season. #27. What warning would Gary Bettman possibly issue to the Montreal Canadiens? #28. What’s with comparing Jacob Fowler to Carey Price? #29. How about letting Jacob Fowler start his career before comparing him to anyone? #30. Nick Suzuki is closing in on 100 points. #31. Cole Caufield is closing in on 50 goals. #32. Lane Hutson is closing in on Larry Robinson’s record. #33. Time to move on from Patrick Laine, Zachery Bolduc, Josh Anderson, Kirby Dach, Brendan Gallagher, Phillip Danault, Jake Evans, Joe Veleno, Alexander Carrier and Jayden Struble. #34. 3 NCAA prospects for Montreal sign, TJ Hughes, Hank Cleaves and Isaiah Norlin. #35. Montreal did not commit Grand Larceny with Alexander Zharovsky #36. The Montreal Canadien have signed left defensive prospect Owen Protz to a 3-year entry level contract.

Hello Hockey Fan’s! Another bonus episode for this week has arrived. Episode 204 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast is about Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, and will Connor McDavid finish his career in Edmonton? #1. The state of the current team in Edmonton. #2. Can the Edmonton Oilers as they currently are win the Stanley Cup? #3. If the Edmonton Oilers can win the Stanley Cup before Connor McDavid’s newly signed extension expires, than Connor McDavid likely stays and finishes his career with the Edmonton Oilers. #4. If the Edmonton Oilers do not win a Stanley Cup before Connor McDavid’s newly signed extension expires, it’s highly likely that Connor McDavid will finish his career elsewhere and not with the Edmonton Oilers. #5. There is nothing indicating that Edmonton has the right mix to will a Stanley cup. #6. There are many elements needed to win a Stanley that the Edmonton Oilers do have. #6. There are just as many elements that the Edmonton Oilers do not have, that are needed to win a Stanley Cup. #7. What the Edmonton Oilers actually do have. #8. The components that the Edmonton Oilers do not have and are missing. #9. It doesn’t look like the problem will be resolved, unless there is a significant mindset change within the organization. It’s unlikely that Connor McDavid gets his Stanley Cup or Stanley Cups in Edmonton. #10. It seems very likely and an equal chance that Connor McDavid ends up with either the Los Angels Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars or at a slightly lower likelihood with the Utah Mammoth, which could be more possible than many would think. Don’t underestimate the Utah Mammoth in this situation. The ownership of the Utah Mammoth is a highly motivated group with a tremendous to win and be successful as quickly, as effectively and as consistently as possible. The Ownership and management of the Utah Mammoth have absolutely no problem pulling the trigger on any deal that vaults the franchise into a consistent or top contender at all.

Hello Hockey Fans Episode 203 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast is a bonus episode about what’s going on in Toronto? #1. It’s called lack of organizational stability. #2. It’s called lack of direction. #3. It’s called lack of a plan. #4. It’s called lack of vision. #5. There is a serious ego issue at the ownership level. #6. There is a serious ego issue at the General Manager Position. #6. Just throwing money at it, doesn’t work, just ask the New York Yankee’s. #7. Having a few star players and no supporting cast doesn’t work in nearly any situation. #8. There is no heart on the team. #9. There has been far too many changes at the head coaching position far too often, and it’s been a very long time since a coach in Toronto has even remotely looked comfortable. #10. Toronto is wasting it’s talent that it has and watching its window of opportunity flash by them that will be closed and over with before they know what hit’s them, and then its rebuild time once again for the Toronto Maple Leaf’s. Bet the Toronto Maple Leaf fans will love that!

Welcome to Episode 202 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. This episode about goaltending part of the puzzle. #1. This was saved as the last of the 3 puzzle pieces of the rebuild, because it is the most interesting and bizarre all at the same time. #2. The state of Montreal’s goaltending right now. #3. What has made absolutely no since at all regarding Montreal’s goaltending. #4. Partial or across the board changes in Montreal’s goaltending after the 2025/2026 season. #5. Does any current goaltender in Montreal on the roster in 2026/2027? #6. Montreal has tremendous prospects and depth at the goaltending position, just like they do with defensive prospects and offensive prospects. #7. Look at the prospects the Montreal Canadiens have collected regarding goaltending. They are having excellent seasons at every level. Jacob Fowler in Laval (AHL) who had a lights out career at Boston College and has continued it into the AHL flawlessly. Yevgeni Volokhin playing in the (KHL) and having another consecutive lights out season. Alexis Cournoyer, playing at Cornell University in the (ECAC) and is having a lights out year. Additionally, on top of those prospects the Montreal Canadiens also have in there exist talent pool at the position of goaltending Quentin Miller who has found his home, playing at the University of Denver, one of the top programs, that’s been very successful for the last 10 years plus and is having a fantastic season. They have Emmett Croteau who is a nearly identical carbon copy of Quentin Miller, as Emmett Croteau has found his home playing at Dartmouth College and is having a head turning season as well. That’s 5 options right there and there other just getting their feet wet and under them as well. #8. There is absolutely no reason to look outside of the organization, someone explain what’s been the completely unfounded and pointless panic at this position, that I was going to say has been relentless in the 2025/2026 season, but’s its really been sadly going on since Carey Prices injury and with no valid reason.

Episode 201of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. This episode is all about the offense this week. #1. What is the state of Montreal’s offense currently. #2. The evolution of Montreal’s offense and where it goes after the 2025/2026 season. #3. Who’s no longer there. #4. Who makes it. #5. How each player and the line play on actually compliments the other linemates, and the how’s and why it actually maximizes the effectiveness of each player on the line. #7. What does Montreal’s offense likely end up looking like at the completion and why. #6. Who gets traded or walks away in free Agency. #8. How this will continue to not only shape the current roster on the ice, but how it will create continuous fantastic drafts that will keep the Montreal Canadiens flush with talent, even beyond the foreseeable future.

Hello Hockey Fan’s, Episode 200 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for you. This week’s episode is all about the defense part of the puzzle. #1. What is the state of Montreal’s defense currently. #2. The evolution of Montreal’s defense. #3. Who’s no longer there. #4. Who makes it. #5. How each player and who they are paired with truly compliments, and the how’s and why it actually maximizes the effectiveness of each pairing. #7. What does Montreal’s defense likely end up looking like at the completion and why. #6. Who gets traded. #8. How this will continue to not only shape the current roster on the ice, but will create continuous fantastic drafts that will keep the Montreal Canadiens flush with talent, even beyond the foreseeable future.

Hello hockey fans Episode 199 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast topics has arrived and the topics include- #1. Ivan Demidov loves playing with Juraj Slafkovsky. #2. Why Move Juraj Slafkovsky back to Nick Suzuki’s line? #3. Why not Leave Kirby Dach on the left wing on Suzuki’s line? #4. If Slafkovsky is moved to Suzuki’s line, then replace Juraj Slafkovsky with Alex Newhook on Demidov’s line. #5. If Montreal trades Arber Xhekaj, Montreal better be prepared to include Florian Xhekaj as part of that trade. #6. Montreal has no other physical presence other than Arber Xhekaj. #7. There is no other player in the NHL like Arber Xhekaj. #8. The players that Montreal needs to move on from and trade are obvious. #9. What does Sergei Bobrovsky, Jordan Binnington or Jasper Wallstedt bring or have that Jacob Fowler, Yevgeni Volokhin or Alexis Cournoyer do not? #10. What would Jordan Kyrou actually bring to the Montreal Canadiens that Alexander Zharnovsky won’t bring to Montreal Next season for a lot less money? #11. What would Robert Thomas actually bring to the Montreal Canadiens that Michael Hage won’t bring to Montreal Next season and for far less money and prospects that Robert Thomas will cost the Montreal Canadiens? #12. Jordan Kyrou 8 million plus per season for 5 more years. #13. Robert Thomas 8 million plus per season for 5 more years. #14. Nazem Kadri 7 million per season for 3 more years #15. Nazem Kadri is 35 years and on the back nine! #16. Ryan O’Reilly has the 2025/2026 and the 2026/2027 season remaining on his contract at 4.5 million per season, though a manageable number, is 34 years old? #17. The Montreal Canadiens have more than enough veteran leadership and do not need any more. #18. Wow, really Vinsent Trocheck and his remaining 40 million dollars of contract is a need in Montreal? #19. Jake DeBrusk is a need in Montreal, “are you kidding”? #20. Left wing Mason Marchment fits in Montreal because? #21. St. Louis is asking for Michael Hage, Kaiden Guhle and 4 first round picks. Connor McDavid isn’t worth that compensation. #22. The asking price by all NHL clubs at the 2026 trade deadline is off the chart ridiculous and insanely unrealistic. #21. Montreal doesn’t have enough roster room for all of its own players. #22. Montreal has the least cap space of any team in the NHL. #23. Adam Engstrom can step in and replace Kaiden Guhle Tomorrow. #24. Bryce Pickford is the right-handed defensive pairing for Lane Hutson. #25. Over the summer, Montreal needs to move Kaiden Guhle, Samuel Montembeau, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, Alexander Carrier, Jayden Struble, Samuel Blais and Joe Veleno and promote internal talent that’s waiting and ready. #26. Michael Hage and Alexander Zharnovsky are top 6 players that need roster spots next season.

Episode 198 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Topics #1. If Montreal wants to win the Stanley Cup again in the foreseeable future, they better not even consider trading Arber Xhekaj. #2. There absolutely no physicality on the Montreal Canadiens roster other than Arber Xhekaj. #3. The only other 2 physical prospects that the Montreal Canadiens have within their entire organization at any level are Florian Xhekaj and Owen Protz. #4. The Montreal Canadiens show consider this very carefully if they even consider trading Arber Xhekaj. Not only who is going to protect the Lane Hutson’s, Cole Caufield’s, Nick Suzuki’s, Alexander Texier’s, Ivan Demindov’s, Alexander Zharovsky’s and Alex Newhook’s. #5. Montreal trades Arber Xhekaj, both the organizations management, its fan base, NHL league personnel and others around the league and the sport better get ready to see Lane Hutson, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Alexander Texier, Ivan Demindov, Alexander Zharovsky and Alex Newhook spending a lot of time on the long term injury list like Carey Price and everyone knows what happened to his career and how it came to an end. #6. Arber Xhekaj is the sole reason other teams do take runs at afore mentioned players. #7. Noah Dobson doesn’t, Mike Matheson doesn’t, Kaiden Guhle, Alexander Carrier and Jayden Struble do not have Arber Xhekaj’s physical element in their games. #8. Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher have not been able to stay consistently healthy to date. #9. Adam Engstrom, Bryce Pickford or Bogdan Konyushkov are not going to bring that physical element either. #10. Only defensive prospect Owen Protz at 6’ 02 210 lbs and Forward prospect Florian Xhekaj at 6’ 04 and 205lbs bring the level of physicality to and with their games that Arber Xhekaj does. That 2 prospects in the entire organization, that’s not a lot. #11. Samuel Montembeau has looked lost since day one of the 2025/2026 training camp. #12. Fortunately, Jakub Dobes’s game has returned to October 2025 form at the same time that Montembeau’s game has vaporized. #13. Do you call up Jacob Fowler, or do you let him get a massive amount of starts and minutes in Laval? #14. Is Kaapo Kahkonen the answer to the backup goalie sport to spell Jakub Dobes when he needs a game off? #15. If Montreal decides to acquire a backup goalie, they should engage in no trade that costs them more than prospect Riley Kidney, Sammy Blais or Josiah Didier. Nothing more. It’s a band aid trade for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season and nothing more.

Hello Hockey Fans, Episode 197 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived, this weeks topics include- #1. It’s bizarre that so many are off guard, not just by Juraj Slafkovsky’s development and emergence as a player, but his performance in the 2026 Olympics. #2. Montreal Canadiens Management, Scouting Department and Player Development Departments did their job, and are exceptional at what they do. #3. Juraj Slafkovsky has 4 years of tremendous development under his belt and is still only 21 years of age. He was both given the proper amount of time to hone his skills, grow into his frame and was paired with linemates that would bring out and enhance his game and skill set. #4. Juraj Slafkovsky is a cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens just like Nick Susuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidon, Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky are. #5. It has to sting a lot for all of the those who has ever given up on Juraj Slafkovsky, or wanted to include him in some zero common sense trade, that would have netted a substandard lower-level talent. #6. The Montreal Canadiens do need Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues. #7. Jordan Kyrou carries with him a very bloated contract that surely the St. Louis Blues would love to get out from under. #8. Jordan Kyrou has underperformed and has not lived up to the value of his contract. #9. The Montreal Canadiens have the least amount of cap space of any club in the NHL! #10. What would Montreal trade Kirby Dach, Jayden Struble and throw in a valuable first round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft for an underperforming, overpaid player? #11, When health, Kirby Dach is far more valuable to the Montreal Canadiens than Jordan Kyrou. #12. Kirby Dach has chemistry with Suzuki and Caufield and completes that line, the exact same way Slafkovsky completed the Demidov and Kapanen line. #13. The players that should be on the trade list at the 2025/2026 trade deadline are Patrik Laine, Samuel Montembeau, Josh Anderson, Zach Bolduc, Joe Veleno, Jayden Struble, Alexander Carrier, Phillip Danault ”though they won’t” and Brendan Gallagher “although no one will want that contract. #14. Where does Alex Newhook fit in when he returns. He’s made a case to be the 3rd line defacto center. He was playing extremely well, when he got injured. #15. Montreal likely won’t trade Phillip Danault and probably are not yet willing to or considering trading Zach Bolduc. #16. If Alex Newhook is not the 3rd line center does he play left wing on a line with Phillip Danaut at center and Zach Bolduc on the right wing?

Hello Hockey Fans. Episode 196 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast arrived for you to catch up on what’s happening in the hockey world. Episode 196 is going to be a rapid fire episode. #1. How refreshing to see at least a few other people talk about how destructive it would be to the Montreal Canadiens to speed up the window and trade aways a significant amount of what they have built in players, prospects and future draft capital to acquire other players from other clubs, that are not better than what they already have, who are underperforming and would carry bloated contract with them. #2. Does the combinations of Brendan Gallagher, Phillip Danault and Josh Anderson the create the perfect 3rd line as it’s being referred to as? #3. Nice to see Oliver Kapanen is finally getting his game, production, presence and consistent play, as well as the impact that he has given too the team every single game in the 2025/2026 season recognized! #4. Oliver Kapanen has more than adequately filled this season as the number 2 center and has been better than anything the Montreal Canadiens could have traded for and brought in. #5. Keep your attention focused on Michael Hage at the University of Michigan. #6. Don’t lose track of Alaxander Zharonovsky, just because he’s playing in the KHL. He is every bit the real deal. #7. What’s with the continued trade insanity. Kirby Dach is back, Patrik Laine still hasn’t returned, and Alex Newhook still hasn’t returned and there is not room for all 3 of them, let alone other acquired players. #8. Trade Laine and Dach and load up future draft capital, not other clubs players #9. Lots of teams expressing interest in Laine? #10. The 2025/2026 season is truly a defining season for both Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher for the now and the future.

Hello Hockey Fans. Episode 195 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived, this week’s topics include #1. How does a trade for Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild even make remote sense for the Montreal Canadiens, when they already have Jacob Fowler who other than playing in a few more NHL games are nearly identical. #2. Trading for something you already have makes no since in any way one looks at it. #3. For the first time since the Sam Pollock administration the Montreal Canadiens have reestablished and understand the importance of and implementation of prospect/player development and scouting accuracy. #4. Jakub Dobes has clearly established himself as the number one goaltender in Montreal. #5. It’s not surprising at all that Kaapo Kahkonen is looking at international opportunities past the 2025/2026 as the Montreal Canadiens have a plethora of goaltending prospects beyond Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes. #6. Montreal Canadiens do need to acquire St. Louis Blues Forwards Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. It’s highly unlikely the St. Louis Blues will want Patrik Laine, Bredan Gallagher or Josh Anderson. #9. The Montreal Canadiens have the least amount of cap space in the entire NHL. #10. The Montreal Canadiens have run out of roster spots. #11. The Montreal Canadiens already have to many players for the number of roster spots that are available on an NHL roster. #12. So, to all of those that seem to want to acquire every player possible, where do Michael Hage, Alexander Zharanovsky, Adam Engstrom or Jacob Fowler, just to name a few, fit in? #13. There is no player in the entire NHL that Montreal Acquire that would be more valuable to Montreal Canadiens than their own prospects that they are draft and developing will be. #14. Of course, everyone wants to make trades with or are calling the Montreal Canadiens, because they know how good Montreal’s prospects are and they want them. #15. Whose development are you going to sacrifice and destroy? Michael Hage, Alexander Zharanovsky, Adam Engstrom, Bryce Pickford, L.J. Mooney, Owen Protz, David Reinbacher or one of the many others, that are ready to slot in? #16. The top 3 centers for the Montreal Canadiens are set number one, Nick Suzuki, Number 2 Micheal Hage/Oliver Kapanen and number 3 Oliver Kapanen/Michael Hage. Those are in place and decided. #17. Oliver Kapanen is leading all rookies in goals scored. #18. Ivan Demidov is leading all rookies in assists and total points #19. It’s time to trade Patrik Laine, no more chances. #20. Josh Anderson, Brendan Gallagher, Jake Evans, Alexander Carrier, Jayden Struble, Samual Montembeau, Kirby Dach, Joe Veleno and Patrik Laine all need to be moved before or at the trade deadline. It won’t happen, one can only hope that any many that can will be.

Hello Hockey Fans, Episode 194 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived. The topics include- #1. When the unexpected happens, it’s why you don’t trade prospects and it happens a lot more often than people think. #2. Examples of the unexpected are Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher. #3. The most games that Kaiden Guhle has played in any season to date is 70 games. Every other season he’s played in has been 40 some games, that’s a major problem. #4. David Reinbacher was not my choice to select at the number 5 selection/position overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. His injuries concerned me then. #5. Matvie Mitchkov was not my choice to select at the number 5 selection/position overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Matvie Mitchkov has been little more than a headcase to this point. #6. My choice would have been and remains today, the selection of Ryan Leonard RW out of Boston College with the number 5 selection in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. #7. At this point, it’s a struggle to see Kaiden Guhle or David Reinbacher in the long-term starting 6, on Montreal’s defense. Even though when healthy, Kaiden Guhle is solid and even though David Reinbacher looked really good in that first training camp with Lane Hutson, their injuries are far bigger concerns. #8. The reality of the eventual long-term top 6 defensemen for the Montreal Canadiens really looks like Lane Hutson paired with Bryce Pickford. Noah Dobson paired with Adam Engstrom and if anything was to happen to or with Noah Dobson, Mike Mathenson would be the logical choice in this pairing and Arber Xhekaj paired with Owen Protz #9. It remains to be seen or determined if Bogdan Konyushkov comes over from Russia, he may want to stay, TBD. #10. With all the defensive talent that the Montreal Canadiens have in their organization, Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher, Alexander Carrier and Jayden Struble could easily be the odd men out and the ones that get traded. #11. The desire to acquire every possible player has to stop. There are only 20 spots on an NHL roster. 2 Goaltenders, 6 defensemen and 12 forwards or 2 Goaltenders, 7 defensemen and 11forwards. You can have 3 in the stands in reserve, but they cannot dress or play in addition to the starting 20. #12. The young players and all of the organizational prospects that the Montreal Canadiens have within their organization are better than any player they could acquire within any trade. #13. Thankfully, Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes oversee the Montreal Canadiens. It’s their skills, experience, knowledge and drafting that has built the Montreal Canadiens into a very enviable NHL Club.

Hello hockey fans, Episode 193 of the hockey free for all podcast has arrived and this week and there is no shortage of topics to discuss, they include- #1. The Montreal Canadiens do even remotely need to acquire Alexis Lafrenière, his substandard work ethic, his bloated contract or his lack of production. #2. Alexis Lafrenière is not even worth trading Joshua Roy straight up one for one. #3. Thankfully, the Montreal Canadiens have returned goalie Jacob Fowler to the Laval Rockets. #4. Montreal has also returned Owen Beck to the Laval Rockets. #5. There is absolutely nothing wrong with or missing from Juraj Slafkovsky’s game! #6. Not only should the Montreal Canadiens not trade Juraj Slafkovsky, but I also wouldn’t trade him straight up for Connor McDavid. Hear why! #7. The prejudgment and poor judgement of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, Oliver Kapanen, Aber Xhekaj and many others clearly shows extremely poor insight. #8. Oliver Kapanen has done an exceptional job! #9. Adam Engstrom, Michael Hage, Owen Protz, Alexander Zharanovski, Bryce Pickford, Jacob Fowler, L.J. Mooney, David Reinbacher and Bogdan Konyushkov have not arrived full time or at all yet? #10. Dach is back. Let’s see how long he can stay healthy! #11. Alexander Texiers has been the best acquisition by far! #12. Other than a hot start, Zack Bolduc has and continues to contribute nothing! #13. The Zack Bolduc for Logan Mailloux trade has been a wash to this point. #14. If Logan Mailloux’s skill set and game comes together. The St. Louis Blues win this trade hands down, no question asked. #15. If the Montreal Canadiens are active at the trade deadline, the focus is on unloading, Patrik Laine, Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, Brenden Gallagher, Samuel Blais, Zack Bolduc, Kirby Dach, the recently acquired Phillip Danault “who has yet to make any significant contributions”, Joe Veleno, Jayden Struble and Samuel Montembeau. #16. The only prospects that should be moved are Fillip Mesar, Riley Kidney, Joshua, Ty Smilanic and perhaps Owen Beck. #17. Explain this one, there is now a rumor that the Montreal Canadiens should acquire 6’ 06 center Michael McCarron. Someone give me the 6-year old answer here, so I can somehow understand this one. #18. What would Michael McCarron bring to the Montreal Canadiens? Would it be (A) some type of amazing talent and abilities within his career that’s been somehow missed or not seen by anyone and everyone to this moment? Would it be (B) Some amazing talent or skill that Michael McCarron possess that the Montreal Canadiens must have, and can’t continue to exist without? Or would it be (C) and the very likely reason of the amazing amount, that clearly don’t realize that there are only 20 available spots on every hockey roster to occupy? Which is it?

Hello hockey fans, Episode 192 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived. This week’s topics include. #1. Gerard Gallant has stepped away from coaching in the KHL after consulting with doctors regarding as illness he has been dealing with. #2. The Columbus Blue Jackets have parted ways with head coach Dean Evanson and have replaced him with Rick Bowness. #3. The kid line really? Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen and Juraj Slafkovsky are not a kid line. Stop insulting players. They are a young thriving and gelling line, that has chemistry and are professional hockey players whose games are evolving together on a line. #4. Am I seriously seeing people start to predict that Oliver Kapanen should be or will be a 5-to-7-million-dollar player on his next contract? How ignorant are people? 3 to 3.5 million maybe. 27 points in 46 games does not even remotely equate to Oliver Kapanen making 5 to 7 million dollars in his next contract. Not even close. What rock do these people hide or live under. #5. The bottom 6 forwards of Montreal’s Roster is really nothing to write home about or to be excited about and is the area of focus. Not more veteran presence or the ignorant relentless screaming for a second line center that the team clearly does not need and currently has a very capable player in Oliver Kapanen who is more than adequately filling that role and position for the team. #6. Now that Kaiden Guhle has returned, let’s see how long Kaiden Guhle can stay healthy? #7. With Kaiden Guhle’s never ending injuries, where do the Montreal Canadien’s go from here with Kaiden Guhle? #8. Can Kaiden Guhle still be relied on with his injury history? #9. Can Kaiden Guhle still be considered a cornerstone player and rebuild piece of the franchise with his injury history? #10. Kirby Dach has returned to active status, what is his role and future with the team? #11. Had Kirby Dach not suffered relentless and repeated serious injuries, he could have easily been the team second line center as he is extremely talented when healthy! #12. At this point, Kirby Dach can only be considered a roster depth player at best. #13. It’s highly unlikely that Kirby Dach continuous to be part of the Montreal Canadiens after his current contract expires, it’s far too risky and unreliable of a situation for the organization.

Hello Hockey Fan’s Episode 191 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has for your enjoyment. The topics this week include- #1. Alexander Texier has been a solid acquisition, has gelled with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield like he has been playing on a line with them for years and is lighting it up. #2. No kidding Patrik Laine’s injury will require the full amount of time initially stated to recover from his injury. #3. Hopefully, Patrik Laine returns with enough time before the 2025/2026 trade deadline approaches, so that he can play and be showcased and Montreal can acquire a late first draft pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft for him. #4. Yea, Phillip Danault has 3 assists in 7 games with the Montreal Canadiens #5. Let’s take a moment and acknowledge Juraj Slafkovsky, his game, his growth, his production, his development and where he is at. #6. The best thing for Juraj Slafkovsky was the move to Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanens line. #7. Who comes out or gets sent to Laval when Kaiden Guhle comes back? #8. Mike Matheson, Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson, Arber Xhakaj and Adam Engstrom are and should be all locks. So, Who comes out? Alexandre Carrier? Jayden Struble? #9. Where’s Kirby Dach fit in. The top 2 lines are set. Line #1 Center Nick Suzuki, Winger Cole Caufield and winger Alexander Texier. Line #2. Right Wing Ivan Demidov, Center Oliver Kapanen and Left Winger Juraj Slafkovsky. #10. At best it’s line 3 or 4 for Kirby Dach #11. Glenn Hall has passed away at 94 years of age. What an amazing goaltender and out of all of the amazing things he accomplished, the one that stands out to me and leaves one speechless is his 502 consecutive starts. That is just incredible and leaves one without words. Just an unbelievable goaltender and career. #12. For what possible reason does the Montreal Canadiens need to acquire forward Blake Coleman from the Calgary Flames for. Unless its straight up for Joshua Roy, keep him. #13. Wave 2 of Montreal’s elite A-level prospects are on their way, stop sabotaging their opportunity, career and the long-term success of the Montreal Canadiens Organization to acquire has-beens who are overpaid, underproductive and are clearly on the back 9 of their careers. #14. Does anyone else think Canada made an enormous mistake and really blew it by not adding right-handed defenseman Bryce Pickford to their team’s defense? Ouch!

Hi Hockey Fans, Episode 190 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived, topics include- #1. I have seen nothing from Phillip Danault as yet. #2. How does the acquisition of Phillip Danault actually help the Montreal Canadiens? #3. The Montreal Canadiens paid a steep price. A likely top 9 pick in the 2nd round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and for what. #4. Phillip Danault adds another bloated contract. #5. Phillip Danault adds another underperforming and overpaid veteran to a team that had no such use or need for such a player. #6. The L.A. Kings won the Phillip Danault trade hands down. #7. There does not even seem to be any value in Phillip Danault being able to teach or pass along anything to any center on the NHL roster. The Laval AHL roster or to any prospect within Montreal’s pipeline. #8. There still remains significant screaming and whining to acquire a 2nd line center, even after the acquisition of Phillip Danault? #9. Why is there so much incompetence and underappreciation for Olivier Kapanen? #10. Oliver Kapanen has done far more than asked or was expected to do. #11. The Montreal Canadiens do not need to acquire anymore has been players who’s careers are clearly nearing there conclusion. #12. Yet to arrive A-Level prospects include, Michael Hage, Alexander Zharanovsky, Bryce Pickford, Bogden Koshukov, L.J. Mooney, not to mention Adam Engstrom, David Reinbacher, Florian Xhekaj, Sam Harris and Owen Protz. #13. Take a look at the top 9 producing players on the Montreal Canadiens roster and get a much-needed reality check. #14. Of the injured, Alex Newhook is the player missed. #15 Adam Engstrom would have made any other NHL clubs roster right out of training camp. It took an injury to Kaiden Guhle, for him to get called up from Laval and given his shot. #16. Adam Engstrom has replaced Kaiden Guhle. #17. Adam Engstrom has surpassed Alexander Carrier and Jayden Struble. #18. Does anyone even know about Owen Protz, Bryce Pickford, Bogden Konyushkov or David Reinbacher and do not forget about Carlos Handel, Rasmus Bergqvist or William Trudeau. #19. Michael Hage, Alexander Zharovsky, L.J. Mooney or Sam Harris, not to mention Florian Xhekaj, Tyler Thorpe and Luke Tuch likely all arrive in 2026/2027! #20. Well people can stop whining, as Nick Suzuki has been named to Canada’s 2026 Olympic Roster. #21. But hold on, Oliver Kapanen, you remember, the guy that has done a far more than adequate job as the Montreal Canadiens number 2 center, has been named to Finland’s 2026 Olympic Roster. #22. Michael Hage, L.J. Mooney, Aatos Koivu and Calos Handel are all playing in the 2026 World Junior tournament. #23. Smartly, the Montreal Canadiens have signed right defensive prospect Bryce Pickford to a 3-year entry level deal, who is lighting it up in the WHL.

Hello hockey fans, episode 189 of the Hockey of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for the holiday, topics include- #1. All of the individuals that have been relentlessly screaming how Montreal has to make a trade, you got your wish. Its on you, when it doesn’t work, and sets the team back. #2. Montreal has reacquired center Phillip Danault for the Los Angeles Kings who is now 32 versus 28 when he left as a free agent. #3. Phillip Danault has a whopping 5 assists in 30 games this season, that’s exciting. #4. Phillip Danault brings with him yet another bloated 5.5-million-dollar contract to that gats added to the team’s payroll. How awesome is that? #5. Montreal paid to high of a price by trading the 2nd round pick that they acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets the Patrik Laine trade, which will likely be a top 39 pick in the 2026 draft. #6. Montreal will miss out on a very good prospect in the very deep 2026 draft for an unproductive rental, ouch. #7. At most, Montreal should have traded Joshua Roy straight up for Phillip Danault. #8. Phillip Danault better be slotted in as the 3rd line center and not disrupt Oliver Kapanen’s development and team contribution in any way. #9. Phillip Danault will not keep pace and will disrupt Ivan Demidovs and Juraj Slafkovsky’s games if he is slotted in as the #2 center. #10. If Phillip Danault is slotted in as the #2 center, everyone can forget about Ivan Demidov winning the rookie of the year. #11. If Phillip Danault is slotted in as the #2 center, The coaching staff will successfully destroy Kapanen’s game and confidence by demoting him to the 3rd center slot. #12. Suzuki is the undisputed center #13. Oliver Kapanen is the undisputed #2 center for the team in the 2025/2026 season. #14. Oliver Kapanen will shift to the #3 center, when Michael Hage comes in and take the #2 center from day one of training camp in 2026/2027. #15. Owen beck has earned a roster spot at the very minimum as the 4th center, and now that won’t happen with the Phillip Danault trade. So, Owen Beck gets truly screwed in this deal. #16. With injuries, Phillip Danault greatest impact is if he is slotted in as the number #3 center, reuniting him with Brendan Gallagher as his right wing and Josh Anderson as his left #17. My greatest concern regarding this acquisition is how it affects center prospect Michael Hage’s development and opportunity. #18. Michael has done, and is doing everything absolutely right and will have nothing else to do, learn or achieve, unless he chooses to complete his degree before joining the NHL. #!9. Want proof of my concerns regarding the Phillip Danault trade? Adam Engstrom is currently stating his case, proving himself and pushing through, for a roster spot that is packed with talented prospects, and the discussions have only centered around the NHL and Laval prospects. #20. Keep an eye on and do not forget these prospects- Bryce Pickford from the WHL, Owen Protz from the OHL or Bogdan Konyushkov from the KHL, Alexander Zharovsky KHL, Michael Hage Big-10 (as apparently most have no idea how ready he is), L.J. Mooney Big-10, Hayden Paupenekis WHL or Sam Harris Big-10. #21. The Buffalo Sabres fire General Manager Kevyn Adams and his assistant G.M. #22. The Buffalo Sabres appoint Jarmo Kekalainen as their new G.M. #23. Jarmo Kekalainen names former Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin who had been serving as a senior advisor with the Los Angelas Kings for the past 5 years as his Associate General Manager and top advisor. #24. Marc Bergevin knows how to find talent. #25. Remember it was Marc Bergevin who drafted Cole Caufield, Kaiden Guhle, Oliver Kapanen, Jayden Struble, Jakub Dobes, Alexander Romanov and Mikhail Sergachev. #26. It was Marc Bergevin who signed Arber Xhekaj as a walk on #27. The Buffalo Sabres could become very scary with these changes.

Hi hockey fans. episode 188 of the Hockey Free For All has arrived. Topics include- #1. Stop! The Montreal Canadiens do not need Phillip Danault. Phillip Danault is not the answer at all #2. The Montreal Canadiens do not need a 2nd line center. Oliver Kapanen has done just fine. #3. Alex Newhook is the only true loss to the Montreal Canadiens of all their injuries. None of the others were playing well at any point this season. #4. The Montreal Canadiens have plenty of veterans and leadership with Mike Matheson, Josh Anderson, Brendan Gallagher, Jake Evans and Alexander Carrier. #5. Jacob Fowler is not the savior for the Montreal Canadiens goaltending issues. #6. Hat’s off to Montreal’s management sending Samual Montembeau to Laval. Montembeau’s game hasn’t just disappeared, he has no game at all right now to speak of. #7. Jacob Fowler has not looked good in goal other than in the Pittsburgh Penguins game. #8. Jacob Fowler deserved a taste of the NHL, based on his performance in Laval, that’s what he got and the timing of the call up was ideal for the Montreal Canadiens. #9. It’s time to send Jacob Fowler back to Laval for his proper development, so that he can actually be that next outstanding long-term goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens. #10. Jakub Dobes should be the starting goaltender in Montreal. #11. Jakub Dobes and his game is coming back to life. He has had more good games than bad games recently, such as the games against Toronto, Edmonton & Chicago. #12. The idea that’s floating around, that Samual Montembeau should be brought back up from Laval and made the starter. That Jacob Fowler should remain in Montreal and just sit behind Montembeau rather than play a lot of games in Laval and properly develope, and that Jakub Dobes should be traded for a 2nd line center, has to go down and is the absolutely dumbest idea of all times. #13. How does such a trade make the Montreal Canadiens better, or even remotely improve their chances of making the playoffs now? #15. The Buffalo Sabres have fired general manager Kevyn Adams. #16. Bu The Buffalo Sabres have replaced Kevyn Adams with Jarmo Kekalainen. #17. Best of luck to Jarmo Kekalainen in Buffalo, he is going to need it. There are a lot control issues and power struggles in Buffalo he will have to deal with and navigate #18. There’s been far too many G.M. and Coaching changes in Buffalo. #19. The Vancouver Canuck have Traded defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild for Cener Marco Rossi, Defensman Zeev Buium, Forward Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first round pick. #20. If the Minnesota Wild do not sign Quinn Hughes past this season, Minnesota got smoked in this trade. #21. Zeev Buium will be a better NHL defenseman than Quinn Hughes

Hello hockey fans, episode 187 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived, this week’s topics include- #1. Jakub Dobes turned in a lights out performance against the Toronto Maple Leaf’s and promptly returned to looking lost. #2. Samual Montembeau, had a good game and then like Jakub Dobes looks lost. #3. Alexander Zharovsky is lighting it up in the KHL. #4. If Alexander Zharovsky does come over before the season concludes, there should be absolutely no pressure from any media outlet placed upon him. #5. The real excitement is the 2nd line that Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky will form in the 2026/2027 season, and still there should be zero pressure placed on them. Let them play and evolve into the stars that they all can be. #6. Think about that 2nd line with a 1st line of Captain Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky. Wow, what a top 6! #7. On what planet does acquiring right winger Jordan Kyrou and goaltender Jordan Binnington from the St. Louis Blue make even remote sense to anyone with any understanding of the game or the organization? #8. Jordan Kyrou is only in the 3rd year of an 8-year contract that pays him $8,125.00 dollars per season. Why would I want to take on that contract. #9. Juraj Slafkovsky makes a million less than Jordan Kyrou and has contributed and performed far better. #10. Jordan Kyrou is 27 years old, which kind of works, but Jordan Binnington is 32 years old and having no better of a season than Samual Montembeau is having. How does this help the goaltending? #11. The Zack Bolduc for Logan Mailloux trade with the St. Louis Blues may turn out to be a dead even trade in the end, requiring both of these players to move onto or be traded again to other teams to truly reach their potential and reach their full potential. #12. The Alexandre Texier pick up looks good. #13. Alexandre Texier is ready to, can and has contributed more than offensive prospects who have been called up from Laval this season. #14. Right-handed defensive prospect Bryce Pickford of the Medicine Hat Tigers had a hat trick and is playing lights out hockey. #15. Bryce Pickford has already equaled his 20-goal output of last season in 48-games in 28-games this season. #16. David Reinbacher has turned a big corner. #17. Will David Reinbacher, be the defenseman paired with Lane Hutson, or will it be Bryce Pickford, there are strong arguments for both. #18. Not to be forgotten is Bogdan Konyushkov, who is flying under the radar in the KHL and has a very deceptive offensive game, is an outstanding skater and who plays a complete game with a nasty edge to it. #19. Bogdan Konyushkov could also be an excellent pairing partner for Lane Hutson? #20. The Montreal Canadiens have a plethora of talent of the left side of the defense in Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, Adam Engstrom, Owen Protz, Jayden Struble and William Trudeau. #21. But no one should underestimate the talent on the right side of the defense as it boasts Noah Dobson, Alexander Carrier, Bryce Pickford, Bogdan Konyushkov and David Reinbacher. That’s over 2 starting top 6 defensive groups. No other organization even comes close. #22. The next group of top-level incoming talent includes Michael Hage, Alexander Zharovsky, Bryce Pickford, Owen Protz, L.J. Mooney Bogdan Konyushkov and Jacob Fowler. #23. Is Nick Suzuki the odds-on favorite to win the Frank Silk Trophey this year? #24. Is Ivan Demidov the odds-on favorite to win the Calder Trophy this year. #25. Does Oliver Kapanen deserve Calder Trophy consideration? #26. Jakub Dobes could have been considered a legit contender for the Calder Trophy if his entire season had played out like the month of October did.

Hello Hockey Fan’s. Episode 186 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for you to take a listen to, topics include- #1. Mike Matheson signed a 5-year 30 million contract. #2. Time to trade Alexander Carrier. #3. Joe Veleno is not a solution. #4. Jake Evans is having a bad year. #5. Joshua Roy needs a new address. #6. Jared Davidson could be part of a solid 4th line. #7. Owen Beck is not tracking to be an NHL player. #8. Jayden Struble is not an 82-game player, he is a role player. #9 The top 9 players on the Montreal Canadiens roster right now are, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Oliver Kapanen, Juraj Slafkovsky and Alex Newhook. #10. Josh Anderson contribution to the team is better than it has been at any other time. #11. Brendan Gallagher looks flat, and his injuries have taken their toll. #12. Zack Bolduc needs consistency a.s.a.p. in his game. #13. Adam Engstrom is definitely an NHL defenseman, but needs to spend the 2025/2026 season in Laval, not in Montreal. #14. The Colorado Avalanche did not just defeat the Montreal Canadiens; they dismantled and destroyed the Montreal Canadiens. That was not even a game. #15. Artturi Lehkonen has fit in tremendously well with the Colorado Avalanche. #16. Should Patrik be traded to the Colorado Avalanche? #17. The time has arrived to call up Kaapo Kahkonen. #18. The Montreal Canadiens really need the entire line of Tyler Thorpe, Florian Xhekaj and Luke Tuch as the team’s 3rd line, not just Florian Xhekaj. #19. The Montreal Canadiens need a new 4th line of Josh Anderson, Jared Davidson and Lucas Condotta. #20. I am obviously missing something about Andrie Markov. #21. Speaking of defensemen, it’s with tremendous hope that David Reinbacher has turned a corner, has put all of his injuries behind him, and is finally ready to show everyone his true abilities. #22. One wonders if the significant improvement of Juraj Slafkovsky’s play, since being moved to the 2nd line, is directly related to the fact that he is now playing on an all European line alongside Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen, and he feels far more comfortable, allowing his to play his own game and make a far greater impact on the team? #23. Michael Hage is having an exceptional season at University of Michigan, and it has to be tremendously exciting to the entire organization.

Hello Hockey Fans, Episode 185 of the hockey free for all podcast has arrived, topics include- #1. Well look at what happens when the Montreal Finally called up Florian Xhekaj. It’s called sandpaper and intimidation. #2. The Edmonton Oiler severely lack goaltending and sandpaper. #3. Grit and sandpaper is exactly what the Florida Panther have up and down their lineup and is why the Florida Panthers have won the last 2 Stanly Cups and been in 3 Stanley Cups in the last 4 years. #4. 9-years and counting, no Stanley Cups for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. #5. Imagine what a line of Florian Xhekaj centering Tyler Thorpe on his right side and Luke Tuch on his left side could provide the Montreal Canadiens with! #6. What is with the incompetence being written, the Montreal Canadiens actually called up Adam Engstrom to showcase him to other teams. #7. I would trade Mike Matheson, Alexander Carrier or Jayden Struble in a heartbeat before I even consider or think of trading Adam Engstrom. #8. Matheson will be 32, Carrier is 29, Guhle’s health is a serious issue and makes him undependable and Struble is the ideal role player but is not a regular 82 game top 6 guy. #9. Adam Engstrom has more value than all 4 of those defensemen combined. Have people lost their ever-loving minds? #10. Speaking of Mike Matheson for a moment, although he is unquestionably part of the top pairing on defense with Noah Dobson in the 2025/2026 season, Matheson is not even remotely worth 9 million per season for his next contract. #11. Who in their right mind signs a 32-year-old to a multiyear contract at 9 million per season. #12. Ya. Let’s create a new round of significantly bloated dead weight contracts to dig out from under. That’s a great idea. #13. The Montreal Canadiens already have 5 of their top 6 forwards and the 2 remaining top 6 forwards are coming in 2026/2027, Center Michael out of the University of Michigan drafted 21st overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and by Alexander Zharovsky drafted 34th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft out of Ufa Tolpar in Russia. #14. The significant need is sandpaper, grit and in your face players and that is 6’ 04 Florian Xhekaj, 6’ 04 Arber Xhekaj, 6’ 02 Owen Protz, 6’ 02 Luke Tuch, 6’ 05 Tyler Thorpe, Sam Harris and Bogdan Konyushkov and the 6’ 05 215 lb plus center Hayden Paupenekis. #15. The starting 6 defensemen in Montreal has more questions than anyone thinks. #16. Alexandre Texier who is in his mid-twenties, has some skill, was a good signing at 1-million dollars for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season. He’s a versatile player that can play all 3 forward positions.

Hello Hockey Fans, out there. Episode 184 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived. This week’s topics include- #1. If you really want to know where you stand, this is an opportunity for Montreal learn from. #2. This is an opportunity for Montreal to grow from. #3. This is an opportunity for Montreal as an organization and roster to truly understand its internal depth, talent and readiness of its prospects. #4. This is not the time to panic or to make a knee jerk for the Montreal Canadiens. #5. Jordan Kyrou is not what the Montreal Canadiens need. He doesn't fit in. He will destroy the development of and take earned roster spots away from internal prospects and talents. #6. Call up Adam Angstrom and pair him with Lane Hutson for the 2025/2026 season. #7. Bring up Jared Davidson as a permanently replacing jake Evans. #8. Bring up the entire line of right winger Tyler Thorpe, center Florian Xhekaj and left wing Luke Tuch and make them the teams 3rd line moving forward, so that Montreal finally has physicality, grit and sandpaper players in their lineup that additionally have tremendous size, attitude and a wolf pack mentality #9. Kaiden Guhle, Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook are all out for 4 months. #10. Kirby Dach is supposedly out 4 to 6 weeks. I’ll be shocked if Kirby Dach returns to the lineup before Presidents Day in January of 2026. #11. Alex Newhook is the only actual loss of the 4 players currently out. No one else was producing or contributing. #12. Call up Kaapo Kahkonen and name him the team’s number 1 starting goaltender. #13. Samual Montembeau and Jakub Dobes can rotate and play back up to Kaapo Kahkonen until their games return. Whichever one is not the games back up, they can sit in the press box. #14. What has happened to Zack Bolducs games? #15. Every team has injuries, but a total team collapse is not acceptable. Suck it up, buttercup. #16. There is a need for a total roster reset in Montreal with a starting with the pairing of First defensive pairing R.D. Noah Dobson/L.D. Mike Matheson Second defensive pairing R.D. Adam Engstrom/L.D. Lane Hutson Third defensive pairing R.D Alexander Carrier or Jayden Struble/ L.D. Arber Xhekaj. Offensive Line #1 is RW-Ivan Demidon, C-Nick Suzuki and LW-Cole Caufield Offensive Line #2 is RW-Zack Bolduc, C-Oliver Kapanen and LW Juraj Slafvlkovsky. Offensive Line #3 RW-Tyler Thorpe, C- Florian Xhekaj and LW Luke Tuch Offensive Line #4. RW-Brendan Gallagher RW, C- Jared Davidson and LW Josh Andersson Starting goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen and rotate the back up. #17. Other than Alex Newhook, as the injured players return, start trading them, along with David Reibacher, Owen beck, Filip Mesar, Joshua Roy, Vinzenz Rohrer and Riley Kidney for continued draft capital to obtain A-level plus talent.

Welcome to Episode 183 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Hockey fans. This week’s episode topics include- #1. Might be time to move on from Kaiden Guhle, maybe Anaheim, San Jose or Vancouver? #2. The games of Kaiden Guhle and Jayden Struble are not the same, there is an enormous difference. #3. Kaiden Guhle is a 1st or 2nd pair, 82 game, 23 plus minute player if and when healthy. #4. Jayden Struble is a 3rd pairing 12 to 14 minute per night player. #5. Montreal has 4 starting centers who are equal to what any other NHL club has and can ice. With that said, I would replace 2 of them, but with internal talent, that’s better than anything around the league. #6. There isn’t another player in the entire league than Nick Suzuki. #7. The number 2 center is Oliver Kapanen who has done everything asked of him and more. #8. Kirkby Dach sits at the number 3 center position. Replace him with Florian Xhekaj or Jared Davidson #9. Brendan Gallagher and Zack Bolduc are propping up Kirby Dach. #10. Florian Xhekaj will protect Brendan Gallagher look no one ever has in his entire career #11. Florian Xhekaj will provide Zack Bolduc space. #12. Or Drop Jared Davidson between Brendan Gallgher and Zack Bolduc. #13. Jake Evans is not having a good 2025/2026 season in many ways. #14. If it’s decided Florian Xhekaj needs more time in Laval, which he does not, then Jared Davidson is the answer between Bredan Gallagher and Zack Bolduc, then the simple move is to replace Jake Evans with Owen Beck. #15. Joe Veleno certainly is not the answer. #16. If you want to add an entire new line, then call up Tyler Thorpe at right wing, Florian Xhekaj at center and Luke Tuch at left wing. #17. That doesn’t even include Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky. Much will change in 2026/2027 anyway. #18. The top 6 of the offensive for a decade will be Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield Ivan Demidov, Alexander Zharovsky, Michael Hage and Juraj Slafkovsky. #19. The long-term top 6 defensively will be Noah Dobson, Bryce Pickford, Adam Engstrom, Lane Hutson, Arber Xhekaj and Owen Protz. #20. Here is the actual concerns Kaiden Guhle 4 months, Patrick Laine 4 months or more, Kirby Dach not the same player he was when acquired, now Alex Newhook is out 4 months. #21. This is why you do not trade draft capital, assets or existing prospects. #22. What Montreal Canadien prospects likely won’t make it. #23. What Montreal Canadien prospects will make it. #24. Montreal Canadiens prospects to keep an eye on and not lose track of.

Episode 182 of the Hockey free For All Podcast. Let’s call this episode the Center and ripple effect episode as that will be the primary discussion. But before I start, a slight detour first. #1. Why is anyone surprised by the Montreal Canadiens hot start and how they are playing? #2. The Montreal Canadiens have extremely solid, if not the best management in the entire NHL and the perfect head coach. #3. The Montreal Canadiens have drafted better than anyone else has for years now. #4. The Montreal Canadiens have the top prospect pool. #5. The Montreal Canadiens have the top player development department and staff. #6. Seriously, why does anyone think that the Montreal Canadiens need Steven Stamkos? 35 years old and 8 million per season and is not even remote producing to or at that level. #7. I wouldn’t trade Patrik Laine, straight up for Steven Stamkos. Patrik Laines 8.7 million contract and annual cap hit expires at the completion of the 2025/2026 season. Steven Stamkos’s contract still has 3 more years at 8-million per season. Montreal gains nothing with this player. #8. Really, Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flame. He’s 34 years old and carries with him 5 more years at 7 million per season. Montreal gets nothing in this acquisition that they do not already have. #9. Ryan O’Reily from Nashville. Someone explain how this makes any sense or any kind. He brings absolutely nothing that Jake Evans does not already bring to the organization. #9. Bo Horvat, again why? He brings 6 years remaining of an 8 year contract that has an annual cap hit of 8.5 million dollars per season that runs through the 20230/2031 season. How many have failed finance 101 #10. The only one that might make some kind of sense. Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues. He’s 27. But it not only stunt the development of prospect Michael Hage, it would destroy his career and no one is even remotely worth that. #11. The Montreal Canadiens have their 4 long term center within the Organization. Number one, their captain Nick Suzuki, Number 2. With many, many skills that cannot be taught that a player either possesses or does not possess Michael Hage at the University of Michigan. At number 3. Oliver Kapanen, and number 4 Jerad Davidson. #12.Because of Jeff Gorton, Kent Huges and an absolutely amazing scouting department headed by Martin LaPointe and Nik Bobrov that brings in tremendous talent consistently for Adam Nicholas and Scott Pellerin the Director and Assistant Director of Hockey Development, the Montreal Canadiens are set up for long term success.

Episode 181, the Halloween edition of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. The topics in this edition include- #1. Why do the Canadiens need to replace Patrik Laine. He has done nothing! #2. Patrik Laine has not even remotely produced for the team in any way. #3. There is nothing to replace regarding Patrik Line. #4. Why would the Montreal Canadiens even remotely want Jaden Schwartz from Seattle and along with his 27 million plus contract, for what purpose. #5. Next question on this topic. Why would the Montreal Canadiens give away a prospect from their talent pool to Seattle, when they can obtain far more from another club, for that prospect? #6. On that same topic, again I ask, why would the Montreal Canadiens give away a 2nd round draft pick in the 2026 that they initially acquired from the Columbus Blue jackets, when they initially acquired Patrik Laine to the Seattle Kraken, for a player that they do not need, rather than drafting another gem with that pick and add it to their prospect pool. #7. The Montreal Canadiens have more than enough internal prospects to fill Patrik Laines injury. They do not need to acquire anyone from any other NHL club, the dead wait/bad contract that will come with it. #8. And while I at it, the Montreal Canadiens do not need and have no need for of any kind for Nazem Kadri. Not to mention the awesome 49 million contract that Nazem Kadri carries with him. #9. The Montreal Canadiens do not need Sidney Crosby. He would cost far too much, that would upset the team chemistry. It would upset the lines and tear apart who plays with who. It would disrupt the locker room. It’s not good. Las Vegas, Dallas, Colorado or Tampa, are better fits. #10. Speaking of trade bait, Kaiden Guhle and David Reibacher might need to go, because of injuries. Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, Joe Veleno, Joshua Roy, Owen Beck, Filip Mesar and Vinzenz Rohrer are not looking like long-term pieces to the puzzle and may need to go. The greater value of these players may be draft currency. #11. Is anyone extremely excited that the Canadiens could have Alexander Zharovsky in their line up by the trade deadline this season. It would be extremely exciting to see Ivan Demidov and Alexander Zharovsky play on the same line. #12. The Utah Hockey Club has signed Logan Cooley to an 8-year extension worth a total of 80-million dollars, with an annual cap hit of 10-million dollars per season. #13. Really! It’s the opening month of the NHL. Meaning its October. How are their people actually asking at this point can Cole Caufield win the Rocket Richard Trophey. What is wrong with these people. This is not even a viable question until the end of February of any season.

Hello hockey fans, welcome to episode 180 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, this weeks topics include- #1. Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook look great. #2. Oliver Kapanen has already replaced Kirby Dachs. #3. The Injuries continue for Kirby Dach. #4. Is the 2025/206 season it for Kirby Dach with the Canadiens? #5. Patrik Laine has even looked go on the 4th line. #6. Patrik Laine is way over paid #7. It’s no surprise if Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine are both traded at the 2025/2026 trade deadline. #8. Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine are taken up roster spots that other prospects deserve. #9. Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach are not worth 12 million plus of team payroll. #10. Just imagine Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky on the2nd line with Ivan Demidov in the 2026/2027 season. #11. Is Jayden Struble better than Kaiden Guhle? #12. Kaiden Guhle’s injuries continue! #13. It may be best for both if Kaiden Guhle is traded. #14. Adam Engstrom is a key prospect. #15. Adam Engstrom is knocking on the door hard. #16. Adam Engstrom looks like a definite part of the long-term top 6 on the Montreal Canadiens defense. #17. Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson look every bit, a solid defensive pairing. #18. Keep Mike Matheson. Montreal Needs him and he’s perfect for Noah Dobson. #19. Hat’s off to Kent Hughes acquisition of Noah Dobson, as it looks like Noah Dobson, not David Reinbacker or Logan Mailloux is the top right-handed defenseman. #20. It now seems far more likely that David Reinbacker will be a trade chip. His continuous injuries raise far too many questions just like Kaiden Guhle’s do. #21. Kaiden Guhle had a relatively injury free junior career and has so far had an injury filled NHL career? #22. Jayden Struble has injury issues and concerns while playing at Northeastern University, yet has no injuries in the AHL or the NHL? #23. The dark horse right defensive top prospect is Bryce Pickens, who I think is Lane Hutson’s defensive partner, maybe as early as game 1 of the 2026/2027 season. #24. Owen Protz was a steel in the 4th round of the 2024 NHL entry draft and will also be part of the top 6 in Montreal for a long time. #25. There is no goaltending controversy. Stop trying to create or cause chaos! #26. Samual Montembeau knows his game is not where he wants it. #27. Samual Montembeau is a solid NHL goaltender #28. Jakub Dobes is playing Light out Hockey. #29. Jakub Dobes was a steel of a selection in the 5th round of the 2020 NHL entry draft with the 136th pick overall. #30. But if there was a trade of either Montembeau or Dobes. I hope they keep Dobes now, just like I wanted Montreal keep Jaroslav Halak over Carey Price.

Welcome to Episode 179 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast hockey fans, this week’s Topics include- #1. The Montreal Canadiens sign defenseman Lane Hutson to an 8-year 70.8 million dollar contract with an annual cap hit of 8.85 million dollars per season. #2. The Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes to new 5-year contracts and promotion. #4. Surprise! Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson are a perfect pair, no kidding. #5. Think Edmonton Oilers of the 80’s regarding the Pairing of Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson. #6. Neither Noah Dobson nor Mike Matheson will ever be compared to or confused with being big physical defensive defensemen. Not their game style or skill set. #7. Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson are gifted offensive defensemen and very fluid skaters. #8. Oh look, there are those who just can’t stand a good thing and be happy for the Montreal Canadiens solid start to the 2025/2026 season! #9. It’s only 5 games in, out of 82, go get a 2nd job to fill your free time. #10. Fortunately, the Montreal Canadiens are the definition of professionalism, Character, maturity, ethics, integrity and most importantly owned and ran by individuals that are brilliant deep thinking, non-reactionary, calculating, tactical people. #11. The Montreal Canadiens are just fine in goal. #12. On the day that Jakub Dobes was drafted in the 5th round of the 2020 draft out of Ohio State I said that the Montreal Canadiens have found themselves a diamond. #13. Ever hear that old saying “history repeats itself” ya, that is exactly what you have here. Should they have kept Caret Price or Jaroslav Halak? #14. Who do the Montreal Canadiens this time? Samual Montembeau or Jakub Dobes. #15. My Choices were and remain to this day Jaroslav Halak and Jakub Dobes. #16 So 5th round draft picks don’t matter, never develop into key players? Montreal Canadiens 5th round selections in NHL entry draft selections. 2024, RW Tyler Thorpe, 2023 LW Sam Harris & Goaltender Yevgeni Volokhin, 2022 C. Jared Davidson. 2021 RW Joshua Roy. In the 2020 NHL entry Draft Goaltender Jakub Dobes and in the 2010 NHL entry draft right winger, heart and soul, as well as leave it all on the ice every game player RW Brendan Gallagher, interesting! #17. Jakub Dobes is a legit number one NHL goaltender. #18. Henrik Lundqvist was a 7th round draft pick in the 2000 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers, did he matter? Was he a relevant player for the N.Y. Rangers? HUUUUUUUU MMMMM. #19. Goalies from other countries deal far better with outlet behaviors of North America, with the sole exception being U.S. grown goalies Playing in Canada are also unaffected. #20. Besides Samual Montembeau and Jakub Dobes, don’t forget about Jacob Fowler, Yevgeni Volokhin, Mikus Vecvanags, Arseny Radkov or Alexis Cournoyer.

Welcome to Episode 178 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. The regular season has arrived. This week’s topics include- #1. Left winger Michael Pezzetta leaves the Montreal Canadiens, signs with the Toronto Maple Leaf’s, and still ends up in the AHL. #2. The Toronto Maple Leaf’s have signed former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau. #3. The Toronto Maples have also signed forward Sammy Blais who was placed on waivers by the Montreal Canadiens at the conclusion of the 2025/2026 pre-season training camp. #4. Sammy Blais played for current Maple Leaf’s head coach Craig Berube, when Craig Berube was the head coach in St. Louis Blues. #5. Connor McDavid has signed an extremely interesting new 2-year contract. #6. Connor McDavid clearly holds all of the cards at the end of his new 2-year extension. #7. How about Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher and Patrik Laine to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Sidney Crosby straight up. Or add forwards Riley Kidney and Joshua Roy for 2 additional 3rd draft picks from the Pittsburgh Penguins, but absolutely nothing else from Montreal. #8. I am surprised that Oliver Kapanen was the prospect out of all the prospects was the one that made the Hab’s roster. But he was absolutely the proper center for Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook, and it’s an excellent and talented line. #9. The Line of Brendan Gallagher, Kirby Dach and Zack Bolduc has been both solid and impressive. #10 Juraj Slafkovsky is looking great with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. #12. Samual Montembeau did not look ready in Toronto. Jokub Dobes looked in mid-season form in Detroit. #14. Noah Dobson didn’t look ready in Toronto but was solid in Detroit. #15. Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson should be paired together all season long. #16. Lane Hutson should be paired with Adam Engstrom. #17. Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble should be paired together for the entire season. #18. Ryan Lenard was and would have been my pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Welcome to Episode 177 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. Topics include- #1. Alex Newhook and Oliver Kapanen are not only having excellent training camps, but have formed a line with is having a solid training camps, but have formed a line with Ivan Demidov that immediately has chemistry, with a great combination of skill. #2. Florian Xhekaj continues to show his value and why he needs to be part of the roster. Florian Xhekaj brings a sandpaper and grit element to the roster that no one has since Chris Nilan did. #3. Kaiden Guhle’s frequency and variety of injuries continue and that has to be extremely concerning to the organization. #4. I said from the moment the Noah Dobson trade was announced, I didn’t like the trade. He’s a defensive liability and he is proving my point in training camp. The Canadiens’ coaching staff has a lot of work to do with Noah Dobson #5. Noah Dobson doesn’t use his size or weight in his game; he is a perimeter defenseman. #6. David Reinbacher’s injuries are mounting up and affecting every season and his development. This has to be extremely concerning to the Montreal Canadiens Management. #7. In the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, I also would have drafted David Reinbacher and not drafted Matvie Michkov. Matvie Michkov is a headcase and extremely self-impressed. But my choice then and to this very day would have been Ryan Leonard from Boston College. #8. Can anyone else imagine a right-wing line of Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Ryan Leonard and Tyler Thorpe for the Montreal Canadiens. Wow! #9. In 2 seasons, will Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher or Noah Dobson even still be with the Montreal Canadiens? #10. I didn’t like the trade of Logan Mailloux for Zac Bolduc. Zac Bolduc better be the real deal, right out of the gate and never look back. #11. Think about the defenseman that the Montreal Canadiens have traded away. Wow! #12. This is exactly why you don’t trade Adam Engstrom, Jayden Struble or William Trudeau, and you don’t rush to move Mike Matheson. #13, In 2 seasons’ from now could the starting 6 defensemen for the Montreal Canadiens be Lane Hutson paired with Bryce Pickford, Adam Engstrom paired with Arber Xhekaj, Owen Protz paired with Carlos Handel with Rasmus Bergqvist as the seventh defensive option? It’s a real possibility. #14. Jayden Struble’s value and position on the team has certainly increased. #15. Kirill Kaprizov is not even remotely worth his new 8-year 136-million contract. #16 The Minnesota Wild could have cleaned up trading Kirill Kaprizov. #17. Luke Hughes of the New Jersey devils is not remotely worth 63 million dollars over 7 years. #18. Someone please explain and somehow rationalize the 8 years, at 9-million per season contract that has been handed to defenseman Jackson LaCombe by the Anaheim Ducks.

Hello Hockey fans out there. Episode 176 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for your hockey fix. Take a listen, this episode’s topics include- #1. What is with the continued insanity about acquiring Sidney Crosby? #2. Why would anyone strip a club of its roster talent, organizational prospects and future draft picks to acquire a 38-year-old that won’t even be there that long? #3. The same insanity also exists regarding Mason McTavish? #4. Mason McTavish has proven absolutely nothing to date at the NHL level. Someone please explain how this even makes sense! #5. Montreal has 10 organizational centers beyond Nike Suzuki, who is without question the club’s number #1 center and captain. 5 of them are #2 center quality and that doesn’t even include Michael Hage. #6. The injuries to Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle and now David Reinbacher are the quint essential proof as to why an organization does trade their talent and depth away. #7. Fortunately, the Montreal Canadiens can still Mike Mathenson, Arber Xhekaj, Lane Hutson, Jayden Struble, Alexander Carrier and Adam Engstrom, which is a better top 6 defensive group than most other clubs have. #8. Florian Xhekaj is having an outstanding training camp and is proving his worth and there for him to be on the opening day NHL roster. #9. Owen Beck is having an outstanding training camp, showing his value in all area’s of the ice and game. #10. Oliver Kapanen has had a solid training camp and shown immediate chemistry with Ivan Demidov and Patrik Laine #11. Joshua Roy’s star is dimming very quickly. #12. Everyone should be extremely excited about a future line of Florian Xhekaj, Tyler Thorpe and Luke Tuch. That line will add an element a value to Montreal’s roster that they have not had in decades. #13. Montreal’s organizational goaltending depth looks outstanding.

Episode 175 of the hockey free for all podcast has arrived for your enjoyment and to get your hockey fix. The episodes topics include- #1. Kirill Kaprizov is not even remotely worth 16-million dollars. #2. Kirill Kaprizov is not worth more than Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid or Alexander Ovechkin. #3. A Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson defensive pairing offensively is exciting but defensively is very concerning. #4. Noah Dobson should be paired with Kaiden Guhle. #5. Lane Hutson should be paired with David Reinbacher. #6. Arber Xhekaj should be paired with either Adam Engstrom or Jayden Struble. #7. Mike Matheson and Alexander Carrier should be leveraged and moved, to continue to stockpile draft assets to keep the team stuffed full of talent #8. Juraj Slafkovsky’s has improved every season. He’s only 21, leave him alone and let him grow and blossom. #9. Kirby is ready to go according to Management and the coaching staff. #10. This is a make-or-break season for Kirby Dach. Prove your worth and actual skill set or your out! #11. This is a make-or-break season for Patrik Laine. Prove your worth and actual skill set or your out! #12. If Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine do not put up the numbers in the 2025/2026 especially if they have Ivan Demidov on their line, they are out. #13. Ivan Demidov is a far better player than Patrik Laine is. #14. Ivan Demidov is a far better player than Kirill Kaprizov is. #15, How anyone even suggest trading Ivan Demidov for Kirill Kaprizov or any other player in the entire NHL? #16. Ivan Demidov’s shills are off the chart. #17. Ivan Demidov has the abilities and skills that will allow his to surpass, most goals by, most assists by and most career total points by a Canadiens player by the end of his career. #18. Why would the Montreal Canadiens acquire Pavel Zacha from the Boston Bruins when they have Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen, Florian Xhekaj, Vinzenz Rohrer “who by the way is having an excellent training camp” Jared Davidson who is a very strong dark horse candidate, Sean Farrell as well as the Newly Acquired Zach Bulduc at center depth, and that does not even include Nick Suzuki, Jake Evans or Joe Veleno. That is a massive group of talent in the waiting. #19. Owen Beck is having an outstanding training camp. #20. Noah Dobson’s and Zach Bolduc’s training camps better be light’s out. #21. Joshua Roy’s training camp not going well. Looks like a change of scenery might be beneficial. #22. Why is Adam Engstrom even being mentioned in anything trade related. Is it just ignorance? #23 I hope Geoff Molson signs both Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes to new 10-year contracts.

Hello hockey fans, episode 174 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, the goaltending episode has arrived for your hockey fix and to get you to training camp. Topics include- #1. Carey Price to the San Jose Sharks along with a 5th round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft has been traded to the San Jose Sharks and in return the Montreal Canadiens received 22-yaer old right-handed defenseman Gannon Laroque who was the 4th round pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. #2. The Montreal Canadiens have gone from being nearly 6-million dollars over the cap to 4.75-million dollars under the cap, and no they do not need to spend it! #3. Congratulations to the Montreal Canadiens Management for continuing to unload stifling contracts within the organization that are purely dead weight. #4. No NHL club has done a better job at scouting and drafting than the Montreal Canadiens for the last 6 straight years. #5. Here’s to the Montreal Canadiens staying their course and sticking to their plan and ignoring outside ignorance. #6. Let’s make moves and discissions that hand cuff and leave no flexibility, opportunities and that cash straps and organization. That sounds like a stupendous idea! #7. Ken Dryden has passed. The sport of hockey has lost the greatest goalie ever. But the world has lost and even greater Human Being that touched so many lives far beyond the sport of hockey. #8. Ken Dryden was not a generational player. Ken Dryden was a transcendent player that not only changed and redefined the position he played, but every life he touched. #9. Ken Dryden won 76 of 80 games he played at Cornell University. Won the Conn Smyth Trophy only playing in 6 games on a team of stars with an extremely high expectations, before winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in his first full season the following year. 5 Vezina Trophies, 6 Stanley Cups, all in 8 seasons! #10. There will never be another Ken Dryden. Ken Dryden was truly the definition of Integrity, ethics, honor, commitment and follow-through in everything he did. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Ken Dryden has left far too early and the impact that he made will be missed on every conceivable level.

Hello hockey fans, as August is now in the rereview mirror, and September has arrived, so has Episode 173 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. Topics include- #1. Saku Koivu was an awesome player, but best and most beloved captain of all time? #2. Is Saku Koivu the best Captain and most beloved of recent times? Ok, that’s a valid discussion. #3. Has everyone forgotten about John Beliveau? #4. Is Carey Prices contract the contract that the Montreal Canadiens really needs to get out from under and trade? #5. Other than reaching the bottom limit of a team cap, what else does acquiring Carey Prices contract do for the acquiring team. #6. The last year of Carrey Price’s contract can be easily buried in LTIR. #7. Instead of trading Carey Prices contract and possibly having to throw in a draft pick or prospect of any kind, how about trading Patrik Laine and his contract to the Anaheim Duck, enticing Anaheim with the possibility of what Patrik Laine and Leo Carlsson might be able to do and look like on the same line? #8. How about the Montreal Canadiens trade Patrik Laine to the Anaheim Duck for Center Nathan Gauncher, who is 6’ 03, 222lbs, is 21-years old, and was the 22nd pick overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and oh by the way is also a RIGHT HANDED Shot and a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft from Anaheim, why not make this trade? 8.7 million comes off Montreal’s cap, Montreal doesn’t have to throw in anything else, and Laine is 27-years old. #9. Moving Laine’s contract is far more advantageous for Montreal. Relieves cap space and net’s Montreal a need asset in the minds of many. #10. Patrik Laine is not the perfect pairing partner for Ivan Demidov. Doesn’t anyone remember the me, me, me and disingenuous behavior and remarks made by Patrik Laine when Ivan Demidov first arrived? Laine was extremely jealous of Demidov immediately! #11. Aggressively look to move Gallaghers and Anderson’s contracts at the 2026 trade deadline, which is going to be tuff to do without a specific need that another club has. #12. Hat’s off to the NHL for putting in place cap compliancy that carries into and throughout the playoffs and Stanley Cup finals as well. It’s been long overdue, as there has been extremely questionable ethics, integrity professionalism by many.

Hello hockey fans out there, episode 172 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for you hockey fix to get you through the summer months and back into rookie and regular training camps. #1. Stop. Lane Hutson did not get snubbed regarding the 2026 winter Olympics. #2. The team USA roster already has 44 members, that are going to have to be paired down! #3. There are only 20 starting spots, along with 3 to 5 reserve positions. Do the math! #4. A carbon copy of the false and poor journalism when Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki choose to skip country invites to ensure their health and recovery to ensure they would be at 100% and ready int the coming regular season. #5. The Montreal Canadiens do not need to acquire Mason McTavish, as the cost would be astronomical and destroy the organization. The asking price is off the charts stupid that Anaheim is asking for. #6 Acquiring Nazem Kadri makes absolutely no since and sending Juraj Slafkovski, Alex Newhook and a high draft pick for a 34-year-old who is on the back 9 of his career, make an even more incompetent trade. There is no doubt that Calgary would love this trade. It would be pure robbery for the Calgary Flames, and absolute stupidity by the Montreal Canadiens if they were to make it. #7. Wow, really! Jared McCann, why? #8. Let’s see the actual accuracy of the report’s indication that Kirby Dach is behind in his recovery. #9. A group of staring 4 center that has Nick Suzuki at number 1, Alex Newhook at number 2 with Jake Evans and Jared Davidson interchangeably occupying the 3rd and 4th center positions is as good as at least 75% of the rosters in the league. #10. The real problem with any or all of the acquisitions of Mason McTavish, Nazem Kadri or Jared McCann is the asking ransom price the other clubs are asking for, as their true desire is to rape and pillage the Montreal Canadiens, as the Montreal Canadiens have out drafted everyone for serval years and counting. #11. Don’t believe it. Just look at the last several years of 4th and 5th picks alone, and that coming talent and skill set.

Hello hockey fans out there. As summer continues, you can continue to get your hockey fix as Episode 171 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for you, topics this week include- #1. Has summer really gotten that boring, that is there is nothing else to do but compare Guy LaFleur and lane Hutson? Seriously? #2. Two completely different games! #3. Two completely different times #4. Most importantly, one is a forward who won 5 Stanley Cups and played in 6 all star games, to a current player who plays defense and is just starting his career. #5Two gifted players that play un-comparable positions. #6. The Montreal Canadiens send to the Chicago Blackhawks. #7. In Return the Montreal Canadiens receives from the Chicago Blackhawks. #8. This trade makes zero cents, no matter how you look at it, or how you slice it up. #9. Why would the Montreal Canadiens tear apart it’s NHL roster or decimate their existing or inbound prospect talent, with trades like these. #10. One wonders what the level of complete insanity will escalate to, when the contracts of Carey Price, Patrik Laine, Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson are all off the books in Montreal. #11. Extremely little chance of NHL team payrolls and caps even remotely approaching the levels of the NFL, the NBA or major league Baseball. #12. Another proposed trade, that does not even remotely improve the Montreal Canadien s, has the Montreal Canadiens sending Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook and a high draft choice to the Calgary Flames for Nazem Kadri. What? #13. I have no doubt in my mind that the Calgary Flames would love to make that deal. #14. Trades proposals like these make as much sense as the Edmonton Oilers trading Connor McDavid to the Montreal Canadiens for either Micheal Pezzetta, Ty Smilanic or Riley Kidney straight up, or at most all three. #15. Who’s coming up with these trades? A 21-year old, first overall pick, that has improved every season he’s played, that has a frame to be durable in the NHL for 15-years, plus a 24-year old, who is one of the fastest players in the entire NHL, that can shift up and down the lineup as needed, along with a high draft pick, for a declining 34-year old player, who is on the back half of his NHL career, and who carries 6 more years of a very bloated, and excessive contract, that improves the Montreal Canadiens how?

Hello hockey fans, episode 170 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for your summer offseason hockey fix, topics- #1. There are no guarantees of a roster spot in the upcoming Olympics. Every spot has to be earned. Samuel Montembeau will have to earn it. #2. There is no Lane Hutson contract dilemma, stop trying to create chaos and distractions. #3. Andrei Markov was an unexpected 6th round draft pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. #4. Andrei Markov was a good transition game defenseman #5. Andrei Markov was very good at carrying the puck into the opposition end and setting up the power play. #6. Andrei Markov had a solid hard low shot from the point. #7. Stop trying to include Andrei Markov on the same list with Doug Harvey, Tom Johnson, Emile “Butch” Bouchard, Serge Savard, Guy Lapoint, Jacque Laperriere, Larry Robinson, Brian Engblom, Rod Langway, Craig Ludwig or Chris Chelios. Andrei Markov is not on or part of this list. #8. Maybe it’s because of the teams and era that Andrei Markov played on and in? #9. Lane Hutson and other current Montreal Canadien defensemen will leap over Andrei Markov by the completion of their careers. #10. Stop with the ridiculous and unfounded chaos of needing a 2nd line center at any cost. #11. Saku Koivu was an excellent captain! #12. Let Aatos Koivu make his way, find his own game, curve out his own style and most of all, stop with the comparisons of his father. #13. The Montreal Canadiens have had, and continue to have many great captains. #14. How about determining if the health reports on Kirby Dach are actually accurate? #15. Alex Newhook is the go-to answer If Kirby Dach can’t go. Why? Alex Newhook has earned that chance based on the final 20 to 25 games of his performance in the 2024/2025 season. Montreal gave up the 31st and 37th picks to acquire him, it doesn’t rush any prospects and he has the skating speed and distribution skills to keep pace with and get the puck to skilled wingers who can bury it. #16. The Montreal Canadiens as an organization, have impressive center depth. #17. Regarding Marco Rossi and Brad Marchand. Many said Marco Rossi would not make because of his size. Many said Brad Marchand could not make it because of his size. Anyone even remotely recall the comments and remarks of Canadiens Director of Hockey Development Adam Nicholas about Sean Farrell?

Hello Hockey fans. Episode 169 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived, and this is the Jonathan Huberdeau episode. #1.This has to be the most insane trade proposal out of all, that have been rumored all offseason long. This trade has the Montreal Canadiens acquiring the 84-million dollar, 8-year contract, right winger Jonathan Huberdeau who by the way has 6-years remaining on that Albatross of a contract, in return for Josh Anderson, Arber Xhekaj, Owen Beck and a 2nd round draft pick. #2. The Montreal Canadians have been suffocating under the weight of Carey Prices 84-million-dollar contract for years, who’s contract will finally conclude at the completion of the 2025/2026 season. In what rational world would the Montreal Canadiens take on another 84-million-dollar contract with 6-years left, for an aging player, who is a one trick pony and requires specific linemates. #3. Where would the acquisition of Jonathan Huberdeau leave the acquisition of Zack Bolduc? #4. Please stop with the veteran leadership diarrhea, it consistently spews from mouths of the clueless. The Montreal Canadiens have plenty of leadership in Nick Suzuki, Brendan Gallagher and Mike Mathenson, plus Kaiden, Cole Caufield, Samual Montembeau, Arber Xhekaj and Lane Hutson as well as Head Coach Martin St. Louis, General Manager Kent Huges and the leader himself of all hockey operations Mr. Jeff Gorton forms a tremendous group of leadership. #5. I would not send Patrik Laine straight up for Jonathan Huberdeau. #6. I would not trade Joshua Roy straight up for Jonathan Huberdeau.

Hello hockey fans out there, episode 168 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived to address your hockey fix during the summer. This episodes topics include- #1. David Reinbacher better be amazing soon. #2. Tristan Jarry is not the solution or answer or solution to the Edmonton Oilers goaltending issues. #3. What qualifications does David Pastrnak have to call out Juraj Slafkovsky regarding he lacks humility. #4. David Pastrnak should focus on himself, his own game and most importantly come down from the mountain top he apparently thinks he’s on top of. #5. The Montreal Canadiens need to trade Patrik Laine first and foremost. #6. The Montreal Canadiens do not need to acquire Nick and Jason Robertson as depth or defensive players to replace Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia. The Montreal Canadiens have plenty of internal organizational depth. #7. Why can’t a line of Brendan Gallagher, Jake Evans and Josh Anderson replace Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia? #8. The Montreal Canadiens have 10 NHL ready defensemen, what is with the senseless panic over David Savard? #8. Of course, Michael Hage has been very impressive at the Canada Cup this summer, how can anyone actually be surprised is my question? #9. The Montreal Canadiens knew Michael Hage was the steel of the 2024 NHL entry, does anyone actually wonder why the Montreal Canadiens moved up from 24th to 21st to draft him. #10. Michael Hage should not even be traded or included as part of a trade package for Connor McDavid, Sidny Crosby or Cal Makar. #11. Ivan Demidov should hands down win it in 2025/2026, unless he gets injured, providing the Montreal Canadiens with back-to-back rookie of the year players. #12. Ok, Nathan Beaulieu retired, players retire all the time. Why is this viewed as anything outside the norm? He has decided to move on, that’s it. #13. It will indeed be a critical coming year for Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, Patrik Laine and Joe Veleno. #14. The Montreal Canadiens need to let Arber Xhekaj play to his strengths, style and game, rather than trying to change him. The Montreal Canadiens have not had a player like Arber Xhekaj since Chris Nilan. Arber Xhekaj is an extremely rare combination of size physicality with a blend of skating and offensive skills that’s more unusual that the generational talents are.

Hello Hockey Fan’s out there. As we move through the offseason and very hot summer months, take a listen to episode 167 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, to get your hockey fix. This episodes topics include- #1. Carey Price actually has to be officially retired as a player and off of the team roster payroll for 3-years, before he can even be considered for the hockey hall of fame! #2. The NCAA has once again raided the superior Canadien Hockey League in an effort to be considered talented. #3. The decentralized draft format was not only a complete disappointment but is also a slap in the faces of and an insult to the fans of the sport. #4. Pro sports leagues have clearly forgotten that their drafts are all about and are for their fans. The drafts of each sport is the premier event to give backs to the fans of each sport. #4. Pro sports continually screws over the fans and bleeds them dry of money in any and every way possible, the drafts are the premier fan event. #5. Drafts are a moment within a season that leagues cater to the fan’s by showing up in its entirety, along with the prospects at no cost to the fans, so the fan continue following and retain their passion for the game. #6. It’s irrelevant that drafts are inconvenient or expense to a league. Without fan the entity goes away! #7. Montreal’s starting 4 centers will come out of these 5 players. #1 Nick Suzuki, #2 Kirby Dach if he is and can stay healthy. If not, the #2 center will be Alex Newhook. If Dach remains healthy, than Alex Newhook will be the #3 center. If Dach doesn’t remain healthy and Newhook moves up to the #2 center, then the #3 center is the recently acquired Joe Veleno and the #4 center is Jake Evans. #8. Unless Jacob Fowler comes into training camp and gives a lights out Ken Dryden type performance, Samual Montembeau and Jakub Dobes will be the goaltending tandem for the 2025/2026 season. #9. The defense is the part of the Montreal Canadiens roster that is truly the most intriguing as the team prepares for the 2025/2026season.

Hello to all the hockey fans, episode 166 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived with a litany of topics to keep you up to date with during these long hot summer months. #1. The Montreal Canadiens do not need Joey Kyrou. #2. Yes, trade Patrik Laine now #3. Montreal signs former first round draft choice, center Joe Veleno, a perfect replacement for Christian Dvorak. #4. No thanks on acquiring Sydney Crosby after the 2026 Olympics, unless Montreal can get him for Kirby Dach and Oliver Kapanen straight up? #5. In what way is Nazem Kadri even remotely the answer to the Number 2 center role in Montreal? He’s in his mid-thirties, he’s slower and he’s on the back nine of his career. #6. Nazem Kadri bring an extremely bloated contract with, which has 4-years remaining on it. #7. Montreal has a plethora of internal options at a far cheaper price for any and all positions. #8. Of course, the Calgary Flames would not only love to unload Nazem Kadri, but even more, the Calgary Flames would love to get their hands on as many of Montreal’s outstanding prospects as possible. #9. Nope Montreal Doesn’t need center Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning and take on that bloated contract either. Nor does Montreal need to make the Tampa Bay lightning a better team by sending them A-prospect talent, that’s used against the Montreal Canadiens for years to come that haunts them relentlessly. #10. Montreal is not facing tremendous trouble in replacing David Savard. His game was clearly in a steep decline since January 1st, 2024. #11. Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia were role players that Montreal has a plethora options to replace them with at a lower cost. #12. Let Jayden Struble go to arbitration and is he’s rewarded an excessive amount, trade him and keep the assets pouring into Montreal #13. It will be extremely interesting to see if the excitement around prospect center Oliver Kapanen translates to the NHL Level. #14. It’s challenging seeing Oliver Kapanen as a 2nd line center in the NHL. #15. I’m far more excited about what Aatos Koivu can do than Oliver Kapanen. #16. Hage is the undisputed 2nd line center for the Montreal Canadiens. Michael Hage #17. Owen Beck is a solid 3rd two-way center to me, that can play it any way you want to. But I think that Florian Xhekaj is the Dark horse in the role of 3rd line center, and it remains to be seen if Vinzenz Rohrer’s style can translate to the NHL’s game? #18. I won’t even be remotely surprised at all if Adam Engstrom makes the Canadiens roster after the completion of training camp.

Hello hockey fans out there. Episode 165 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived. Take a listen and keep up on things happening in the off-season summer months that will affect the coming regular season. #1. Hello! Carey Price can’t be voted in to the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s not officially retired. He needs to be retired for 3 years at a minimum before he is even eligible. #2. What is with the continuous trade insanity in Montreal? #3. The definition of stupidity is? #4. Players will want out of and prospects will reenter drafts if the is no path or roster spots for them in Montreal. #5. Enough Trades in Montreal. Neither the Dobson or the Bolduc trade has made the Montreal Canadiens better. These trades appeased people. They were not hockey trade or for the betterment of the team’s roster. #6 The Montreal Canadiens better hope that the trade of Logan Mailloux doesn’t haunt them for the next 10, 13 or 15 years! #7. At the amount of Money Zack Bolduc is making he better be a minimum of a point per game player, which translates too a minimum of 82, soon to 84 points per season player, and that’s at a minimum. His contract value and yearly payroll impact should have expectations of a 100 point per season level. #8 The soon to arrive prospects that there better be roster spots for in Montreal, starting with the forwards include, Alexander Zharovsky, Hayden Paupanekis, L.J. Mooney, Ivan Demindov, Michael Hage, Tyler Thorpe, Florian Xhekaj, Luke Tuch, Jared Davidson and Sam Harris. On the defensive side, prospects include David Reinbacher, Bryce Pickford, Owen Protz, Bogdan Konyushkov and Adam Engstrom. Anyone of these prospects are better than anyone else, on any other NHL club, that Montreal could obtain. #9. Not fan of Grant McKenna signing with Penn State of the NCAA. I don’t see how, in any way, this prepares Grant McKenna any better for the NHL. #10. The CHL is a far better league and player development system than the NCAA is. #11. NCAA players are ready for the NHL any sooner. #12. NCAA players are not any better developed. #13. NCAA players do transition to the NHL game or its physicality any faster. #14. Hockey is Canada’s sport. Always has been, always will be. Every other country is a guest at the table. Just like Baseball, Basketball and Football are America’s sports, always have been, always will be. Soccer is, always been and always will be Europe’s sport and no one else’s. This has been and always will be the reality for every one of these sports

Hello Hockey Fan’s, out there. The 2024/2025 regular season, playoffs, Stanley Cup Championship, 2025 NHL Entry Draft and Free Agent frenzy may be over, but the topics to discuss continue at a relentless pace. The topics of Episode 164 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast include- #1. Was trading the 16th and 17th picks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, plus NHL roster forward Emil Heineman the right move to acquire Right-Handed Defenseman Noeh Dobson. #2. The highlight of Noeh Dobson’s career in his first 6-years, has been one 70 point season? #3. Noeh Dobson is not a physical defenseman. #4. Mitch Marner goes in a sign and trade with the Las Vegas Golden Knights that net’s the Toronto Maple Center Nicolas Roy #5. The Montreal Canadiens trade goalie Cayden Primeau to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 7th round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. #8. Michael Pezzetta signs a 2-year free agent contract with the Toronto Maple Leaf’s #9. The Edmonton Oilers have lost free agent winger Corry Perry to the Los Angeles Kings. #10. The Montreal Canadiens trade Logan Mailloux in a 1 for 1 deal to the St. Louis Blues for Forward Zack Bolduc. #11. Congratulations to the many people who just couldn’t see or understand how the Montreal Canadiens could draft Logan Mailloux. #12. Better hope trading Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues doesn’t haunt the Montreal Canadiens for the next 13-years. #13. Imagine if Logan Mailloux has a lights out Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens, eliminating them, and holds up the Stanley Cup in a victory lap around the Bell Center in Montreal. #14. No idea what the signings of free agent forward Alex Belzile, defenseman Nate Clurman and forward Samuel Blais for 1-year contracts bring to Montreal other than veteran depth players for the Laval Rockets. #15. One signing that does make sense is the signing of goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen as it provides Jacob Fowler in Laval with a legitimate back with experience. #16. David Savard, Emil Heineman, Christian Dvorak, Michael Pezzetta and Joel Armia are gone. Hopefully it opens up roster spots for internal prospects. #17. Rapheal Harvey Pinard signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins. #18. Fortunately, the Montreal Canadiens still have David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom, 2024 4th round draft pick defenseman Owen Protz and 2025 3rd round draft pick defenseman Bryce Pickford. #19. Left Wing Nikolaj Ehlers has signed with the Carolina Hurricanes. #20. It would be fantastic if the Montreal Canadiens traded Patrik Laine and center/left wing prospect Oliver Kapanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Nikita Artamonov, Bradly Nadeau, Alexander Perevalov and Ryan Suzuki.

Hello Hockey Fan’s. Welcome to Episode 163 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, this week’s topics include- #1. Mitch Marner is not worth a 15 plus million per season contract #2. Conner McDavid is not worth a 20 million per season contract #3. Brad Marchand is not worth an 8-million-dollar contract #4. Sam Bennett is not worth 10 million per season even though his agent is demanding it. #5. If you had a 100-million dollar team cap and you sign one player to a 20-million dollar contract, everyone understands that accounts for 20% of your entire team payroll, which has 20 players on a team. #6. The Dallas Stars have resigned Matt Duchene to a new 4 year 18-million-dollar contract. #7. The Ottawa senators have signed Fabian Zetterlund to a new 3-year contract worth 12.825 million dollars. #8. Thankfully, the Chicago Blackhawks have resigned Ryan Donato to a 4-year 16-million dollar contract. #9 The Philadelphia Flyers add Todd Reirden as an assistant coach and Dylan Crawford as a video coach. #10. Steve Spott joins Marco Sturms staff in Boston . #11. The Philadelphia Flyers acquire Trevor Zegras from the #12. Best of luck to defenseman Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators as he was recently diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). #13. Michael Misa should decline playing for the Chicago Blackhawks if they draft him. #14. After the conclusion of the AHL and NHL playoffs, its extremely who the true prospect talent is. #15. The future starting 6 defensemen should be extremely clear in Montreal, but there are apparently many who do not want the Montreal Canadiens to succeed. #16. Are Kaiden Guhle’s injuries over, not likely. #17. The goaltending team in 2025/2026 for the Montreal Canadiens should be Samual Montembeau and Jakub Dobes without question. #18. Laval Rockets Goaltending team in 2025/2026 will be Jacob Fowler and who. #19. Other than Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky there’s nothing right now. #20. The arrivals of Florian Xhekaj, Tyler Thorp and Luke Tuch will bring physicality, until then, nothing. #21. Carey Price isn’t even retired yet. How could he be voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame? #22. The Montreal Canadiens have made a cataclysmically bad trade for Noeh Dobson, that makes absolutely know since in any way. #23. David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux and Adam Engstrom should be on the phone to their agent telling them, they want out of Montreal. #24. What’s Lane Hutson’s next contract looks like now? #25. No one should be getting paid more than Nick Suzuki or Cole Caufield on the Montreal roster. #26. The Montreal Canadiens have an even softer and less physical defense. #27. The Noeh Dobson trade doesn’t even remotely move the team or the needle forward at all. It actually moves both backwards.

Hello Hockey Fan’s. Episode 162 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast is ready for you, this week’s topics include. #1. Congratulations to the now 2-time and back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions the Florida Panthers. #2. Why is there such insanity cataclysmic stupidity about trading prospect Logan Mailloux? #3. Young talented Right-Handed Defenseman are extremely difficult to find, draft and cultivate. The Montreal Canadiens have found 3 in Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher. #4. For all the trade happy people, trade and move on from Mike Mathenson, Alexander Carrier and Jayden Struble. #5. The biggest issue by far is the zero physicality on the roster other than Arber Xhekaj. Stop trying to trade highly touted A-Level talent and prospects. #6. Group one staring 6 on defense for the Montreal Canadiens is extremely clear. Those 6 should be Lane Hutson/David Reinbacher. Logan Mailloux/Kaiden Guhle and Adam Engstrom/Arber Xhekaj. #7. If Kaiden Guhle’s injuries continue replace him with OWEN PROTZ.. #8. Congratulations to Juraj Slafkovsky as he has been named to the 2026 Slovakian Olympic Team. #9. The really sad part of all the Logan Mailloux trade rumors, is that it being driven by his past history. #10. The Montreal Canadiens do not need Nicolas Hague unless it’s a swap of Michael Pezzetta for Michael Hague. #11. The Montreal Canadiens sign 2022 3rd round pick Left Winger Vinzenz Rohrer to a 3-year entry level contract, will his game and does his game translate to the NHL level? #12. Regarding Celeb Desnoyers, unless the Montreal Canadiens can obtain the 4th overall pick from the Utah Hockey for Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, Mike Matheson, Jayden Struble, all the first refusal signing rights to their free agents or some combination, Utah can keep the pick. #13. Lane Hutson was hands down the de facto choice for rookie of the year. Congratulations! #14. Arber Xhekaj is by far the most valuable player of the Montreal Canadiens. #15. Nick Suzuki deserved heart/MVP and lady Bing trophy votes. #16. Connor Hellebuck was the legit Vezina Trophy Winner, but, he was not the MVP of the League. #17. Chris Kreider traded to the Anaheim Ducks? #18. Congratulations to the Montreal Canadiens ECHL Club the Trois Rivieres Lions who the Kelly Trophy. #19. Why would the Montreal Canadiens trade for Noah Dobson? #20. The best days of Jonathan Marchessault are clearly behind him. Montreal does not need him or his contract. #21. Why and how does acquiring Alexis Lafreniere even make remote since to anyone? #22. Emil Heineman is a primary piece of Montreal’s future. #23. Not seeing Olivier Kapanen’s games translating to the NHL. #24. Mason West would be an excellent 2nd round pick by the Montreal Canadiens. #25. Doesn’t look like Pascal Vincent is going to be poached by another team.