The Big Show

The Hockey News Big Show is here with former longtime NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk to preview the 2025-26 NHL season for each team in the Pacific Division. But first, they have big news to discuss on the contract front. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Devan Dubnyk discussed in this episode: 0:59: Connor McDavid signed a two-year contract extension with the Oilers worth $12.5 million annually. Thoughts? 5:19: What must happen in Edmonton for McDavid to sign a long-term contract after that? 7:30: The Oilers also re-signed Jake Walman for seven years at $7 million annually. Do we like this deal? 8:56: What are some other expectations for the Oilers? 11:40: Where do you slot the Vegas Golden Knights into the Pacific Division? 14:43: With an aging roster, what do we make of the Los Angeles Kings? Is this their last hurrah? 19:20: Was last year an anomaly for the Vancouver Canucks? Can they make a real push for a wild-card spot? 22:15: What will Dustin Wolf's season look like with the Calgary Flames? Will it become harder for him this year? 24:48: Is there any reason to believe the Flames wouldn’t be in a race for a playoff spot? 27:15: In Anaheim, will we see Ducks forwards Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish reach the next stage of their evolution? 30:00: The San Jose Sharks finished last in the last two years, but they had some positive vibes last year with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and other youngsters in the lineup. Should the outlook be as positive if they finish last again? 35:00: Ryan went to Mullett Arena for Gavin McKenna’s Penn State debut, and he shares what he saw. 38:11: Should the Seattle Kraken blow it up and go for Gavin McKenna, or is a shot at a playoff berth more important for the market? 41:17: Which rookies will stay for just nine games, and who will be there all year in the Pacific Division? 45:00: Which team and player are under the most pressure this season? 46:30: Name one player who is pretty significant to his team who could be traded before Thanksgiving. 48:16: John Tortorella returns to ESPN as an analyst: favorite ‘Torts’ moment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss the NHL pre-season and preview the campaign ahead. Stay tuned for Friday’s episode of The Wraparound, which will preview each team in the Pacific and Metropolitan Divisions Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 00:50: Reacting to Kirill Kaprizov signing an eight-year, $136-million contract with the Minnesota Wild 04:20: The New Jersey Devils signed Luke Hughes to a seven-year deal with a $9-million cap hit. 07:00: What does Aleksander Barkov’s injury do to the Florida Panthers’ three-peat hopes? 10:50: What are the Toronto Maple Leafs’ expectations in their first season since losing Mitch Marner and Brendan Shanahan? 14:45: How long can the Tampa Bay Lightning remain a legit Stanley Cup contender? 17:10: What has to happen for the Ottawa Senators to jump from fringe playoff team to legit contender? 20:40: What do the Montreal Canadiens need to break through and make noise in the Atlantic Division race and the playoffs? 23:00: What's more likely in Detroit: the Red Wings break through and make a playoff run or more of the same and we see drastic moves? 26:10: After losing another young player, JJ Peterka, what are the general expectations for the Buffalo Sabres? 28:20: Do the Boston Bruins have what it takes to get back to the playoffs, or is this a team with an impending rebuild? 31:15: Do the Winnipeg Jets need to trust the process and hope to break through, or are there changes that need to be made? 33:30: What do the Dallas Stars need to do to get through the Western Conference final? 35:20: Are the Colorado Avalanche still legit Stanley Cup contenders going into their first full year post-Mikko Rantanen? 37:40: What other moves do the Minnesota Wild need to make to move into a more competitive position after securing Kaprizov? 39:50: What are the expectations for the St. Louis Blues going into the first full season with Jim Montgomery? 41:00: What are realistic expectations for the Utah Mammoth going into Year 2? 42:10: What are the expectations for the Nashville Predators, given the age of some of their players? 44:00: What has to happen in Chicago for Connor Bedard to reach his full potential? 45:40: Which NHL rookies will stay for just nine games into the regular season, and which rookies will be around for longer? 46:45: Who are the top five Stanley Cup contenders from the Atlantic and Central Divisions? 47:30: How many points will Gavin McKenna record this season at Penn State? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss the NHL pre-season and preview the campaign ahead. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 01:00: Can William Nylander take a jump and join the 50-goal club? 04:30: Thoughts on Joseph Woll's leave of absence from the Toronto Maple Leafs 07:00: What player has a lot to prove in the pre-season? 10:15: Who can jump into the superstar category this season? 14:40: Which playoff team has the worst depth at forward? 17:40: Which playoff team has the worst defensive depth? 20:50: What team should be on trade watch early in the season? 24:40: What team needs a big season from their goaltender? 28:10: Which team is on fire sale watch early in the season? 35:20: Which division has the best prospects? 40:00: Fighting during the pre-season: yay or nay? 42:00: Predicting the first coach fired 43:00: Reacting to Nikita Zadorov’s Irish exit goal celebration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show discusses pressing NHL topics as training camps kick off. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 01:30: What is Kirill Kaprizov looking for since he reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Minnesota Wild? 05:15: What teams could potentially trade for Kaprizov if the WIld think they can’t re-sign him? 08:20: Is J.T. Miller the right choice as captain of the New York Rangers? 12:00: Will any team sign Carter Hart? 15:00: Which player missing the start of the season is the biggest blow to their team? 18:50: Who will take the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-line right winger role? 21:20: What other players should the Maple Leafs target? 23:40: What is Leafs prospect Easton Cowan’s ceiling? 28:15: What are the expectations for Alex Ovechkin as he turns 40 this season? 31:30: What’s the most intriguing team going into training camp? 34:50: Which captain-less team will name a captain first, and who will it be? 37:20: Which opening-day matchup are you most excited to watch? 38:50: What’s your favorite outdoor venue? What stadium would you like to see host an NHL specialty game? 42:00: What’s your favorite example of a player ending their career by returning to their longtime squad? 43:20: If the NHL changed the playoff format so more teams would make it, would Buffalo make the cut? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show discusses some of the biggest topics going on in the NHL and beyond right now, with Ryan Kennedy reporting from the player media tour in Las Vegas. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 1:20: What is Quinn Hughes saying about Jack Hughes mentioning he wants to play with his older brother? 6:50: What did Ryan hear from Sidney Crosby? Are there any potential trade destinations if Crosby does eventually decide to look elsewhere? 12:00: What was Crosby saying about Macklin Celebrini? What is Celebrini’s potential to get on the Olympic team? 14:00: How much does Celebrini going to the World Championship affect his chances of making the Olympic squad? 16:05: Victor Hedman gave a cheeky quote about the Florida Panthers at the tour. What are the chances the Tampa Bay Lightning upset the Panthers this year? 20:00: Linus Ullmark called for video review from the goaltender’s view regarding goalie interference. Do you agree or disagree? 24:00: What can the Nashville Predators do to bounce back this season? 27:20: Do we like Cale Makar's idea for a new defensive award? 30:30: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly gave updates on the new CBA. 35:40: What’s your favorite NHL player media tour interview of all-time? 38:10: Is Dustin Wolf’s new seven-year contract extension a boom or a bust? 40:30: Aleksander Barkov and tennis star Bianca Andreescu are part-owners of a pro pickleball team. What other athlete duos would you like to see co-own a sports team? 42:25: Thoughts on the CHL not issuing passes to college hockey coaches to get into buildings? 43:35: Glow in the dark jerseys: yay or nay? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show once again brought on longtime NHL netminder Devan Dubnyk, founder of Dubnyk Development. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Dubnyk discussed in this episode: 01:00: Why hasn't RFA Luke Hughes signed yet? 05:30: How much does the threat of losing both Hughes brothers affect the New Jersey Devils? 06:50: How likely is it that RFA Mason McTavish plays somewhere other than the Anaheim Ducks? 09:00: How much of a rush is Anaheim in to re-sign McTavish? 11:20: What should we expect from Jonathan Toews in his return year? 14:20: What will the health situation look like for Toews? 16:20: Who is affected the most after the NHL fixed the playoff LTIR loophole? 20:30: How much did that cap loophole bother you? 22:30: What are your thoughts on the end of the NHL dress code? 25:20: Which guys will make the most of the end of the dress code? 27:20: Dubnyk discusses the latest news on Mitch Marner’s exit from Toronto 29:20: What’s it like playing in a big market when things are not going well? 34:30: Zach Parise is one of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 inductees 38:40: Who will sign an extension first: Connor McDavid or Kirill Kaprizov? 39:45: What is your favorite summer activity to do during the off-season? 42:50: NHL rookie tournaments: yay or nay? 44:50 How cool is it to see a non-traditional country winning in international hockey? 46:30 What team do you associate Jaromir Jagr with the most, besides the Pittsburgh Penguins? 47:45: Who’s the best backup goalie in the NHL? Watch the full Episode here Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to discuss more big NHL and hockey topics on The Big Show. Here's what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 0:00: Is it only a matter of time before Connor McDavid re-signs in Edmonton? 08:50: Who will be the biggest star in the NHL 10 years from now? 12:20: Which NHL team has the best in-arena experience? 17:15: Which second-year coach is on the hot seat? 21:45: Which newly hired coach will have the most success? 28:30: Will Alex Ovechkin break Gordie Howe's age-40 goals record? 29:50: Will the Washington Capitals be able to replicate their success from last season? 33:00: Which of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ biggest assets is most likely to be dealt? 36:50: Which throwback jersey would you most want to see return? 37:45: Which player do you expect to fall off this upcoming season? 38:50: Who is one player not enough people are hyping up going into next season? 41:00: Should the NHL start the season earlier or end the season earlier when it goes to 84 games? 42:30: Picking Team Canada’s 13th forward for the 2026 Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show has a special guest on this summer episode: longtime NHL netminder Devan Dubnyk, who launched Dubnyk Development. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Dubnyk discussed in this episode: 1:19: Why did Dubnyk start Dubnyk Development? 6:12: Looking back, what are some of the most important bench marks in your career getting to the NHL ? 17:38: How important was Sean Burke (and the role of a "mentor") for Dubnyk midway through his career, when confidence may have been waning? 23:17: Why is the mental side to being a goalie more difficult than the mental side of other positions? 25:49: Which goalies in the NHL does he admire for their ability to process the highs/lows and stay consistent? 29:38: Thoughts on Stuart Skinner and the fact that Edmonton change the goaltending in the off-season? 37:30: How much time did Dubnyk spend on puckhandling during his playing days? 41:44: Which goalie do you want in a do-or-die Game 7? 44:21: Favorite goalie mask? 47:04: Who’s your favorite or the best goalie of all-time? 49:00: Who will win the Vezina Trophy this year? 50:18: Dustin Wolf or Joseph Woll: who would you pick to start a franchise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show breaks down recent NHL and hockey news as well as some other big topics as the off-season continues. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 00:57: Rating Happy Gilmore 2 3:40: Aug. 13 was supposed to be Johnny Gaudreau's 32nd birthday. What was Drew Shore’s favorite memory of him? 8:30: The Montreal Canadiens made arguably the biggest splash of the summer. What do you make of their off-season? 10:38: What is the challenge for Montreal being in the Atlantic Division? 12:22: The Florida Panthers re-signed all their big free agents. Nate Schmidt left, but Jeff Petry filled his spot. Are they better, worse or the same as last year? 18:58: What qualifies a player as a rat or a pest in the NHL nowadays? 21:25: Who is the best pest in the NHL today? 23:39: Did Drew Shore have any run-ins with pests during his career? 24:31: What are the rats like off the ice? 25:31: Who will be the next rat in the NHL? 26:46: Has there ever been a player like Brad Marchand who broke into the NHL and was a depth player for a long time before turning into a star? 28:27: Why does Team USA not send the USA Hockey National Team Development Program players to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup ? 30:27: How do scouts guess if a kid will grow in height? 34:07: Gerard Gallant's was introduced as KHL Shanghai’s newest coach in a Mortal Kombat style of video. Yay or nay? 37:13: EA Sports' NHL 26 "X-Factors" were revamped. Which NHL player best matches each one? We start with Quick Release: get shots off lightning quick with an extra-fast shot release. 37:48: Elite Edges: Shake off opponents with explosive edge work with increased acceleration and agility. 38:28: One T: Become the ultimate threat with increased one-timer shot power and accuracy. 39:04: Backhand Beauty: Catch opposing players and goalies off guard with increased backhand shot power and accuracy. 39:43: Send It: Spring your teammates by enhancing that pass receiver with a temporary boost of acceleration. 40:51: Tape to Tape: Feather saucer passes and make snappy passes in and out of vision with increased pass power and accuracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 1:56: What value they could bring to a team and what the price tag should be: Jack Roslovic. 4:54: Can we see Max Pacioretty back on the Montreal Canadiens? 6:35: Is it surprising that Ilya Samsonov hasn’t been snatched up by another team yet? 10:13: Drew, what's it like trying to find a new team via free agency? 15:48: Is Matthew Tkachuk becoming the face of the league and replacing Auston Matthews as the most recognizable U.S.-born player after being selected as the EA Sports NHL26 cover athlete? Should the NHL lean into marketing the game on Tkachuk's brand of ferocity? 22:37: Did Detroit do enough this summer to finally take the step and grab a playoff spot? Is John Gibson still a No.1 goalie? 26:02: Is Vancouver due for a rebound? 30:42: Olympics rankings: Which country has the best forward corps, defense, and goaltending? 38:35: Is Canada back to being the favorite for the 2026 world juniors? 40:56: Matthew Schaefer or the field: who is winning the Calder Trophy? 42:24: William Nylander or Auston Matthews: who will finish with more goals next season? 43:27: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has partnered with Russian tech company Yande to produce a movie, series, or documentary about his life. What other player (past or present) deserves the movie treatment? 45:10: A bear chased the Kraken troll mascot "Buoy" and forward John Hayden out of an Alaska river during a recent video promo. Is this a sign that the Boston Bruins will have a better record than Seattle this year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Hockey News Big Show, where the theme for this off-season episode is early projections and predictions for the 2026 men's hockey Olympic tournament. Here's what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 0:00: Will Team Canada make any significant adjustments to its Olympic roster? 5:36: Is Jordan Binnington still Team Canada’s top goaltending option? 08:30: Which nation has the best chance of upsetting Canada at the Olympics? 10:45: Should Team USA still be considered a favorite at the Olympics? 15:50: Is Connor Hellebuyck still Team USA’s No. 1 goaltender? 19:00: Who will be Team USA’s toughest opponent in group play? 22:20: Will Team Finland or Team Sweden end up being a more dangerous team at the Olympics? 25:30: Will Erik Karlsson make Team Sweden’s Olympic squad? 27:45: Can Juuse Saros still be Finland’s top goalie? 30:15: Predicting the medallists for the 2026 Olympics 31:30: Will the host nation of Italy end up scoring over or under 3.5 goals in group play? 33:05: Who finishes the tournament with more points: Leon Draisaitl or David Pastrnak? 34:10: Which defensemen finishes with more points: Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes? 36:00: What should Team Canada's goal song be? 37:20: What should be the mascot for the upcoming Olympic Games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show discussed the top players in the NHL right now, as ranked in THN’s Top 100 Players issue, and other topics as the off-season continues. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 01:00: Why was Nathan Mackinon No. 1 on the list? 04:00: Thoughts on Cale Makar’s spot on the list? 06:00: What were the criteria for the top 10 of the list? 07:40: How much did championships play a factor? 09:00: Which player in the top 10 who hasn't won the Stanley Cup will win it first? 13:00: Which players who weren’t on the list could jump onto it in the future? 16:30: Who could potentially fall out of the list? 19:00: Who are some young players who could soon join the list? 20:40: Who will be the most improved players? 23:50: Which rookie will make the list first? 26:15: Looking toward the season ahead, which teams could exceed expectations and or disappoint? 30:15: Are the Toronto Maple Leafs worse on paper? 33:00: Which team are you most excited to watch going into next season? 36:30: Did the Tampa Bay Lightning need to do more? 38:45: Should the Florida Panthers still be considered Cup favourites? 40:45: Where does the Tkachuk-Huberdeau deal rank in terms of blockbuster trades? 43:30: Kappo Kakko signed a three-year contract. Yay or nay on the cap hit and term? 44:40: How stoked are you for Adam Fox appearing in an ad for The Naked Gun reboot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to answer your questions in a mailbag episode as the NHL off-season continues. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 01:20: Will Toronto Maple Leafs fans miss Mitch Marner more than they think? 02:26: Is there anything left for Leafs GM Brad Treliving to do? 05:15: What will Marner's reception be on his return to Toronto? 07:15: Which team will be the biggest surprise next season? 10:00: Will the Pittsburgh Penguins finish last this season? 13:50: Do you think the Sabres will still trade Bo Byram? 16:59: What do you think Connor Bedard's next contract will look like? 20:57: Biggest sleeper team? 23:40: If Arturs Silovs had played better at the beginning of last season, would he still be in the Canucks organization? 26:45: Why did Brian Burke cut Mike Babcock loose after he took the Ducks to the finals? 30:25: How many players from the 2025 draft will start this season in the NHL? 33:30: How many different graphic tees does Ryan Kennedy own? 36:30: Should Stan Fischler be in the Hockey Hall of Fame? 38:00: Will Gavin McKenna win a Frozen Four title? 40:25: Which would you prefer: a heat wave or extreme cold? 41:45: Yay or nay: Nintendo Switch 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the biggest topics as the NHL off-season is well underway. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 01:30: Are hockey’s enforcers the same off the ice as on the ice? 04:00: Gavin McKenna commits to Penn State. What does it mean for the junior hockey and NCAA landscape? For Drew, what was it like playing college hockey? 06:55: Does college hockey benefit players more than major junior? 09:00: Is the NCAA more difficult than the WHL? 11:30: The Edmonton Oilers traded Sam O’Reilly to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Isaac Howard. Thoughts? 14:30: Where do we see Howard playing? Is it OK when young players call their shots and refuse to sign with the team that drafted them? Why didn't Howard want to play for the Lightning? 16:40: What was Drew’s experience like in rookie and development camps? 18:30: Are there any surprises from the NHL’s summer development camps? 21:00: Summer training: what are the early summer routines like? How long after a season ended should someone start to train? What’s the diet like? What kind of gym work happens? 23:00: Would Drew be on the ice constantly in the off-season? 25:30: How much did Drew’s diet change in the off-season? 28:40: How many players from the 2025 draft could go straight to the NHL? 32:45: What makes you able to tell if players are ready for the NHL level right away? 35:00: Who's the best UFA still on the market? 40:00: In honor of the Nittany Lions signing McKenna, what's your favorite NCAA mascot name? 42:00: What's the best summer food? 42:55: Yay or nay: kids playing organized hockey in the summer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the biggest topics after the beginning of NHL free agency. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 1:16: Reacting to Mitch Marner explaining why the Vegas Golden Knights were a good fit for him 4:03: Marner and his wife reportedly talked to Vegas players at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Is this all becoming harder to digest for Toronto Maple Leafs fans? 5:55: Are the Leafs better than they were at the end of the season? What else do they need? 9:33: Who will get Mitch Marner's alternate captaincy on the Leafs next season? 10:40: What was the most confusing move of the first day of NHL free agency? 13:15: How do the Montreal Canadiens shape up now? 17:25: The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings faced each other for the fourth straight time in the first round this past post-season. Now after July 1, on paper, how has this matchup changed? 22:00: What team improved the most from each conference? 26:16: What team is having the biggest regrets? 31:54: Are the Boston Bruins on the right track? 36:54: Which team on paper looks like it's embracing the "Miserable for McKenna" campaign? 37:29: Are the Ducks, Canucks and Rangers playoff teams on paper? 39:48: Did the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers get better or worse? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the biggest topics heading into the NHL draft and free agency. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 01:06: Mitch Marner – what are we hearing? Where is he going? 02:13: In the rumor mill, are the Vegas Golden Knights looking to move Tomas Hertl? If so, where could he land? Could they be making room for Marner? 05:43: Aside from Connor McDavid, which other NHL player eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1 will be worth following this summer? 08:15: Rasmus Andersson and the Calgary Flames have no extension in place after next season, so if the team looks to trade the 28-year-old, who should be target him? 11:28: Could the Edmonton Oilers target either John Gibson or Thatcher Demko to address their goaltending? 15:30: Top RFAs: among the players most likely to be qualified, who's the most likely to switch teams this summer, whether by a trade or offer sheet? 18:46: Which team do we expect to make the biggest splash in free agency this year? 21:45: Why is Matthew Schaefer the top draft prospect? 25:05: What does Michael Misa bring to the table? 27:11: Could Porter Martone be the next great power forward? 29:58: Who benefited the most from the Florida Panthers winning the Cup the way they did? 33:08: Give us your first-round sleeper in the draft. 35:48: Draft comparables: who's the best comparable for James Hagens? 39:18: Reacting to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2025 class 42:25: How would you describe the quality of this draft? 43:22: How many players from this draft will actually play in the NHL next season? 44:08: Of the top 10 players in the 2019 draft, only three are still with the team that selected them (J. Hughes, Seider, Turcotte). Is this a good or bad thing? 45:53: Name one player you think will stay where he is and one who will go. 47:09: The St. Louis Blues announced their new jerseys. Yay or nay? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to break down the Stanley Cup final and look at some big topics around the NHL and beyond, with longtime coach Bruce Boudreau giving his expert insight. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Bruce Boudreau discussed in this episode: 1:13: The Oilers made NHL history in the Stanley Cup final by winning a game after trailing 3-0. How does a win like this change things for Edmonton? 5:23: Was the second period more Florida’s fault or all Edmonton’s doing to get back in the game? 6:52: What does Boudreau make of the officiating? 9:45: Stuart Skinner was pulled after the first period, Pickard went in and shut the door. Were you surprised at all by the goalie pull after the first? And is Pickard the Game 5 starter? 14:34: If you're coaching Florida, what are you saying after that game? How are you ensuring your team is ready to bounce back for a quick turnaround for Game 5? What about Edmonton? 17:11: Do you think Florida is best suited to be unfazed by blowing a 3-0 lead? 20:48: What has stood out to Boudreau in this series, good or bad? 25:36: The last Cup final that had more overtime games was Toronto and Montreal in 1951, when all five games required OT. Will this series match that? 28:01: Predictions for Game 5? 30:53: Thoughts on the Chris Kreider trade, and what else should the New York Rangers be looking to do? 33:17: Should Mitch Marner go to the New York Rangers? 38:14: Jonathan Toews gears up to make his NHL return, so where do we see him landing? 42:08: Connor Hellebuyck wins Hart Trophy as MVP. Do we agree with this? 43:45: Who is more clutch: Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid? 45:23: This is the best Stanley Cup final since when? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to break down the Stanley Cup final and look at some big topics around the NHL and beyond. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:37: Ryan was at Game 3 of the Cup final and breaks down how things unfolded after the game. 3:01: Was this Edmonton's worst game of the series so far? 4:22: Has the Oilers’ depth disappeared? 5:55: Connor McDavid said post-game he thinks their best has yet to come in the Cup final. Do you agree? 6:15: Was it a gutless move to have the Panthers’ top line out for the power play near the end as the game got chippy? 7:29: There were 140 combined penalty minutes in Game 3. Are we seeing too many calls? 10:18: After many guys were tossed from the game throughout the final frame, rate the hate between these two teams. 14:12: What’s the concern level about Stuart Skinner’s performance? Who starts Game 4? 16:08: Who is more likely to be on Florida next year: Sam Bennett or Brad Marchand? 21:15: Max Pacioretty is leaning toward returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to The Athletic. What's the best use of him in the lineup? 23:51: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman calls Paul Bissonnette's concern about Florida's lack of state tax "ridiculous." Agree or disagree? 29:02: T.J. Oshie announced his retirement on Monday. Could he be a U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer? 30:39: NCAA colleges will soon be able to pay student athletes directly after settling three lawsuits. How will this affect Div. I hockey? Should the CHL do more to compensate players? 36:25: How could the CHL benefit from some of its players heading to the NCAA? 38:26: DJ Khaled was part of the Panthers’ pre-game hype. Name another celebrity you want to see involved in the final. 40:09: Who’s the most surprising player in the Cup final so far? 41:23: Who is the bigger "rat" between Brad Marchand and Corey Perry? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to look around the Stanley Cup final and beyond with former NHL player Drew Shore giving his take. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 1:02: How important is it that the Edmonton Oilers’ stars keep up this level of play? 3:34: What is it like watching Connor McDavid make his passes look so easy? 4:22: Was the Florida Panthers’ first goal the right call, or should it have been goalie interference? 6:50: Are the Edmonton Oilers a more physical team than people give them credit for? 9:50: Do the Oilers need Zach Hyman with the way everyone else is producing? 11:12: If you are Paul Maurice, how do you limit McDavid and Draisaitl in Game 2? 12:49: Will we see Vezina-level Sergei Bobrovsky in this series? 14:20: Does Stuart Skinner deserve more respect for reaching back-to-back finals? 16:40: Sean Monahan wins the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, and Johnny Gaudreau”s widow, Meredith, presented him the trophy. How deserving is he of this trophy? 18:45: Will the NHL do something about the tax imbalance the league is facing? 22:40: With Muse being the next coach for Pittsburgh, are the Penguins aiming toward a tank? 25:52: The Boston Bruins hired the first German head coach in the NHL with Marco Sturm. How does this affect the team’s future? 28:03: The NHL combine is this week. What was Drew Shore’s best and worst event at the combine? 31:51: Will the Calgary Flames get better or worse next season? 32:38: If Edmonton wins the final, who does McDavid pass the Cup to first? 33:21: Will Jeff Skinner see any ice time in the final? 34:49: Was the Colorado Avalanche re-signing Brock Nelson a good move or an overpay? 34:48: Is Pink Pony Club a pass or fail win song? What is the best victory song you've heard? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to look around the NHL playoffs and beyond with former NHL player and coach Bruce Boudreau providing some unique insight. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Katie Gaus and Bruce Boudreau discussed in this episode: 1:10: What are the Florida Panthers' greatest strengths? 5:08: What are the Edmonton Oilers' greatest strengths? 10:22: What areas of the Panthers’ game could be considered a weakness? Is there a particular area of Florida's game that Edmonton should focus on exploiting? 14:42: What matchups should Florida look at to attempt to control the Oilers' star players? 20:09: Is there any advantage the Oilers might have gained from last year's Game 7 Stanley Cup final loss? 26:19: Predicting the Stanley Cup final and how many games it will take 29:24: We saw what happened in Dallas with Peter DeBoer's goalie pull decision. How much coaching comes into play throughout a series? 34:41: Adam Foote is a first-time NHL coach in Vancouver. What are the challenges of going from being an assistant or associate coach to a head coach? 39:00: Where will Mitch Marner end up? 40:28: As a coach, what superstition did you have? 43:40: Why did Bruce Boudreau volunteer to serve minor penalties with the Maple Leafs as a player? 44:39: Boudreau was a part of the “Plumber Line” on the Maple Leafs. Where does that rank among favorite line names ever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to look around the NHL playoffs and beyond with former NHL player Drew Shore providing some unique insight. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 1:38: Are the Florida Panthers a dynasty team? 3:44: Is this Panthers squad more impressive than the Tampa Bay Lightning team that went to three straight Cup finals? 4:52: If you’re one of the 31 other NHL teams, what are you taking away from Florida? Will we see other teams getting bigger and heavier? 7:10: How should Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky move on from losing in the Eastern Conference final again? Was this year a success or failure? 9:48: How big of a loss is it to Edmonton to be without Zach Hyman? Who will take Hyman’s minutes? 12:58: Do the Stars need more from Mikko Rantanen in these do-or-die games? 15:44: What would a 100-percent healthy Matthew Tkachuk look like? 18:00: If you were Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving, what moves would you make this summer? 20:21: Whose futures are in doubt in Toronto's Core Four? 23:46: Is it a good or bad thing that Craig Berube will have more to do with the decision-making on the Leafs? 28:18: Are the Stars too loyal to Jamie Benn? Should they re-sign him? 29:47: What is Mathieu Darche's biggest challenge as New York Islanders GM? 32:15: How do players stay healthy and energized as they go further into the playoffs? What’s the balance of practice versus rest? 35:09: What kind of team bonding activities are there during the playoffs? 38:22: Predicting the Memorial Cup semifinal and final 40:40: Mitch Marner or Sam Bennett: who should be the main target in free agency? 41:34: Have Corey Perry and Brad Marchand changed how we should view veteran free agents? 43:09: Paul Maurice told Brind'Amour and Berube that coaches don't belong in the handshake line. Agree or disagree? 44:34: The Panthers didn't touch the Prince of Wales Trophy (again). Are you superstitious? Craziest superstition? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to look around the NHL playoffs and beyond with former NHL player Drew Shore providing some unique insight. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 1:03: What do we think about Brendan Shanahan finding a potential new job so quickly? 2:57: Can the Shanaplan work for the New York Islanders if he leaves Toronto? 3:47: How much blame does Shanahan deserve for what happened in Toronto? 4:36: Who is truly to blame for the Maple Leafs’ lack of success: GMs, coaches, players or Shanahan? 6:15: How do you handle the off-season if you are Leafs GM Brad Treliving? 11:53 How likely is it for the Winnipeg Jets to get Nikolaj Ehlers signed in the off-season? 12:54: Is Brock Boeser a must-get guy in free agency, and where will he end up? 14:36: Will some of the big pending free agents switch teams? 17:48: If you are the Edmonton Oilers, how do you look at the Game 1 implosion, and will this haunt them in what will be a long series? 18:55: Did Matt Duchene embellish a high-sticking penalty? 22:10: Is Stuart Skinner good enough to contend with the Stars' offense? 24:19: How do the Carolina Hurricanes bounce back after a Game 1 loss? 27:34: Does Logan Stankoven need to step up for Carolina, and does Matthew Tkachuk need to show up for Florida? 28:35: Which of the four teams left in the playoffs has the most pressure to win a Cup this year? 31:12 How important is it for Porter Martone joining Team Canada at the World Championship for his development? Does it increase his draft stock? 33:21: Is Frank Nazar putting himself on the map with his play at the Worlds? How excited should Blackhawks fans be? 35:06 How important is it for Macklin Celebrini to be playing with Sidney Crosby, and does he sneak his way onto the Olympic roster? 37:19: Will Jake Oettinger be the starting goalie for the U.S. in the 2026 Olympics? 38:30: We've only really seen one true fight in the playoffs this far. Are we missing this aspect from the playoffs this year? 40:29: The Boston Bruins officially get a first-rounder in the Brad Marchand trade now that Florida is in the conference final. Was the deal worth it for Boston now? 42:16: What's the best food city left in the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to look around the NHL playoffs and beyond with former NHL player Drew Shore providing some unique insight. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Shore discussed in this episode: 1:03: After the Florida Panthers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 5, how do the Leafs go about forcing a Game 7? 3:15: How do you block out a booing home crowd as a player? 4:44: If the Maple Leafs lose this series, does something drastic have to happen to the Core Four? 7:51: Would you make any changes to the Leafs' lineup in Game 6? 8:16: As a player, do you know when a series is all but over? 9:43: Is this Panthers team better than last year's Cup-winning squad? 11:47: How important is it for the Edmonton Oilers to have scoring depth and not rely on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for all offense? 14:02: Should a team in win-now mode use more third- and fourth-round draft picks in trades? 16:34: Is there an alternate universe where the Maple Leafs have Mikko Rantanen? 17:31: Does Andrei Svechnikov still go second overall in the 2018 NHL draft, and how is his play this playoffs? 20:20: Is Carolina's recent play too much for Washington to handle? 21:10: Hypothetically, who wins in the Eastern Conference final between Carolina and Florida? 22:16: Have you ever seen a goalie or skater be so different on the road versus at home, as is the case with Connor Hellebuyck right now? 23:08: How much does Miro Heiskanen impact Dallas' chances of winning the Cup? 24:48: Did the Vancouver Canucks make the right move by hiring Adam Foote? 28:25: Is Rick Tocchet a good fit for the Philadelphia Flyers? 31:17: Agree or disagree: will Jonathan Toews land with an NHL team, and if so, which one? 35:36: Should being a Long Island native influence the Islanders' decision to select James Hagens with the No. 1 pick? 39:07: Evan Bouchard or Matthew Knies, if you are a GM, who do you offer a contract to and why? 41:38: Would you rather have Florida's Finnish players or Dallas’ Finnish Mafia? 42:46: Who's to blame for the Leafs this playoffs: Auston Matthews or Mitch Marner? 43:43: Will a Canadian team win the Cup this year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to look around the NHL playoffs and beyond, with help from a special guest. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and ex-NHL player Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 0:55: Does Sunrise, Fla., get enough credit for how good of a city and Florida Panthers home crowd it is to play? 1:31: How important are line matchups between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Panthers going to be now that the series is headed to Florida, where Paul Maurice will have the last change? 3:06: Which line should Florida match up against Auston Matthews or William Nylander's line, as the top line? 6:05: Will the Florida Panthers try to slow play down and win with low-scoring games? 7:06: The Mikko Rantanen Show was on full display again. Have we ever seen one player take over like this before? 9:42: How will the Winnipeg Jets stop Rantanen? 10:26: Is Jim Nill the best GM in the Modern Era? 14:28: The Carolina Hurricanes is up 1-0 against the Washington Capitals, but can you see this series going to six or seven games? 16:14: What is it like being coached by Rod Brind'Amour? 17:30: Is there something about Carolina's style of hockey that doesn’t translate into the playoffs? 18:36: Sebastian Aho has the type of slight build that shouldn't work in the playoffs. What makes him so effective as a competitor? 20:46: Will goaltending be Edmonton's Achilles heel, or is it good enough? 24:15: Alex Pietrangelo and Pavel Dorofeyev of Vegas were absent from practice. How big would these losses be? 27:56: World Championship: which players have the most to gain/lose? 32:27: Why has James Hagens dropped so far in the rankings heading into the NHL draft? 34:47: Joel Quenneville is reportedly joining the Anaheim Ducks. Is he the right coach for this team? 36:55: Kraken/Golden Knights/Mammoth: which recent new team has the best name? 37:35: Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel: Regular seasons aside, who has been the better playoff performer? 39:12: Home teams aren’t performing very well in the second round of the playoffs, so is home-ice advantage real? 40:25: Who is your early Conn Smythe pick? Anyone else besides Rantanen? 41:02: Would the Avalanche have been better off with Rantanen or depth? 42:30: What's your current pump-up song? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to not only discuss the closing stages of the first round but some of the other biggest topics in the NHL. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Katie Gaus discussed in this episode: 0:47: Game 6 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators is Thursday night. Are the Leafs still "fine," or could they blow another series lead again? 3:30: How much pressure is on the Maple Leafs in Game 6, and do you expect any lineup changes? 6:06: Even if the Maple Leafs do win the series, have they changed your mind about them being a "contender?" 9:30: The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will meet in the second round. Thoughts on this series? 13:28: In Game 5 between the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights, there was a league review for a kicking motion, which gave Vegas time to watch the goal, and when it was determined there was no kick, Vegas challenged for offside, and the goal was overturned. Many online comments suggest that this is ruining hockey. Do you agree? 16:43: Most surprising series so far? 20:11: First-round MVP candidates so far? 22:07: Player that's been the biggest surprise in the first round, for good or bad reasons? 25:19: The NHL’s coaching carousel is spinning like crazy, with so many open jobs. Where do we see Rick Tocchet and Mike Sullivan landing? Could more coaches lose their jobs? 29:15: The NHL’s Hart Trophy finalists are Leon Draisaitl, Connor Hellebuyck and Nikita Kucherov. Thoughts on no Nathan Mackinnon? Who will win it? 33:16: Taylor Hall signed a three-year contract extension worth $3.167 million annually. Do we like it? 34:25: Utah Hockey Club’s YouTube channel briefly showed "@UtahMammoth" as the handle... sounds like this is it? Yay or nay? 36:58: Who do you want to see win the NHL draft lottery? Who actually wins it? 39:59: Patrik Laine enters the final year of his contract next season. Do the Habs re-sign him over the summer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a special guest for a special playoff edition of The Hockey News Big Show. Longtime NHL coach Bruce Boudreau joins Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos to discuss what's going on in the Stanley Cup playoffs, what's happening with the non-playoff squads and some of Boudreau's stories, including his time with the Vancouver Canucks. Here's what they discussed in this episode: 0:00: Which goaltender should start for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 versus the Los Angeles Kings? 8:14: Has Matthew Knies’ play unlocked a new level of offense for the Toronto Maple Leafs on the power play? 14:58: Have the Washington Capitals proven to be a true Stanley Cup contender? 20:19: With their roster now fully healthy, do the Florida Panthers have the scariest offense in the East? 24:49: Are the Winnipeg Jets proving they don’t need Connor Hellebuyck to play at a top-tier level to be a Stanley Cup contender? 28:36: Breaking down Gabriel Landeskog’s return to the Colorado Avalanche's lineup. 33:50: After signing an extension with the New York Rangers, what should Chris Drury’s off-season plan be? 39:15: Who should take home the Jack Adams Award this year? 41:01: Will Alex Ovechkin retire from hockey before the age of 50? 43:30: Who’s the best goal-scorer that Boudreau ever played with and against? 45:03: Which first-round series is most likely to have an upset? 47:34: Should Jim Rutherford have discussed Quinn Hughes’ contract talks publicly? 49:27: Updated Stanley Cup picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to preview the first round of the NHL’s 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Steve Warne discussed in this episode: 0:57: Will the Battle of Ontario have over or under three fights in this series? 3:01: Do the Ottawa Senators hope they can suck the Toronto Maple Leafs into playing a physical style of game? 3:55: What will playoff Brady Tkachuk look like? 5:45: Who will be the Maple Leafs’ X-factor for them? 7:40: How much of a load will Jake Sanderson face against Toronto's top line? 8:55: Predictions for the Leafs and Sens series 10:34: Do the youngsters in Montreal have enough in them to run the table against the Washington Capitals? 13:59: Prediction for the Canadiens and Capitals series 15:18: In the Battle of Florida, Vasilevskiy and Bobrosky have both been known to turn it on in the playoffs. Will this series turn into a goalie duel? 17:21: Will the physical aspect of Florida match up to the skill of Tampa? 18:45 Predictions for the Panthers and Lightning series 21:04: Predictions for the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils series 21:49: Are there any similarities you see between this year's St. Louis Blues team and the 2019 team that won the Cup? 24:21: Does Jordan Binnington have the edge over Connor Hellebuyck? 25:34: Prediction for the Jets and Blues series 26:43: How do injuries affect the Dallas Stars? 28:52: Will Mikko Rantanen be the X-factor for Dallas while facing his old team? 30:39: How do you see this series between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Minnesota Wild shaking out? 32:13: Are there any similarities you see between this year's Vegas team and the team that won the Cup? 33:38: Predictions for the Knights and Wild 34:02: Are injuries still a big issue for the Edmonton Oilers? 35:03: How will the goaltending matchup look between the Oilers and Los Angeles Kings? 37:08: Predictions for the Kings and Oilers series 37:20: Who do you see in the Stanley Cup final? 40:06: Which player will lead the playoffs in scoring? 41:14: Since the 2014-15 season, only three of the Stanley Cup winners have been from the Western Conference. Will this year's winner be coming from the East or West? 42:16: Which team will go on a Cinderella run? 43:44: Who is an unlikely playoff hero? 44:36: Which Cup "favorite" will go out earliest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 3:01: The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are locked in for a first-round matchup. Here’s what to expect and the series prediction. 7:48: The Winnipeg Jets clinched the Presidents' Trophy as the regular-season champions. Since 1986, only eight of the 37 Presidents' Trophy winners have won the Stanley Cup. Do you believe in the curse? 11:01: What has impressed you most about Winnipeg's season, and more importantly, can they continue it in the playoffs? 13:55: For the first time in NHL history, the Bruins, Penguins and Rangers have all missed the playoffs. Which team will make it back into the playoffs? What moves do they need to make to get there? 17:14: This year's Stanley Cup playoffs could likely feature five of the seven Canadian teams. It would be the first time five Canadian teams have made it since 2017. Is this the year since 1993 we see the Stanley Cup brought back to Canada? 21:08: Which team has a better chance of winning the Cup between Toronto and Winnipeg? 21:59: We've got a few new faces making it into the playoffs this year. Which player who has never been in the playoffs are you most excited to see get their first taste of playoff hockey? 24:12: Which player is a bigger loss for their team heading into the playoffs: Mattias Ekholm for the Oilers or Oliver Bjorkstrand for the Lightning? 28:07: Reports out of Boston indicate that no changes are expected in the Bruins’ front office, so it looks like Don Sweeney and Cam Neely are here to stay. Is this good or bad for Boston? Could we see any other team making changes at the top and firing a GM? 32:19: Ivan Demidov had an impressive NHL debut, with one goal and one assist. Could he be the next Guy Lafleur? 34:52: Logan Couture is not expected to continue his NHL playing career. He played 15 years, all for the San Jose Sharks. Where does he rank among all-time Sharks greats? 36:37: The NHLPA Player Poll was released today – 630 players were asked to name the league's most complete player. Sidney Crosby finished slightly ahead of Aleksander Barkov. Agree or disagree? 39:29: What’s your favorite NHL Stanley Cup playoff tradition? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re nearly one week away from the NHL playoffs, and The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss some of the biggest topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and guest co-host Steve Warne discussed in this episode: 1:03: We have our first Stanley Cup playoff series officially locked in. The Carolina Hurricanes will host the New Jersey Devils. What will we see in this series? 3:31: Will the Hurricanes and Devils have high-scoring battles? 4:56: Predicting the winner of the Hurricanes-Devils series 6:30: The Minnesota Wild got Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek back from injury. How do their returns change Minnesota’s playoff outlook? 10:13: The Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers are once again almost a lock to battle it out in the first round. This would be the fourth-straight year they meet in Round 1. How could this time be different? 13:00: Steve updates his top eight Stanley Cup contenders list. 14:40: Micheal explains his changes to his Cup contenders list and why. 16:59: How does a team balance resting players and making sure they are ready to go for Game 1 of the playoffs? 19:26: What should we know about Ivan Demidov and his game as he joins the Montreal Canadiens? What kind of boost could this give Montreal? 23:34: Brock Boeser said it’s unlikely he’ll re-sign with the Vancouver Canucks. Where could he end up? 26:20: Should Boeser be worried about looking for a higher salary or getting more trem? 28:10: Which team likely to miss the playoffs this year will take an even bigger step backward next season? 31:00: In their rookie seasons, Connor Bedard had 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games, while Macklin Celebrini has 24 goals and 62 points in 66 games and counting. Who would you take? 33:46: The Philadelphia Flyers have won four of five games since firing John Tortorella. Michkov has eight points in five games, and Foerster has seven points, with both getting more ice time. In hindsight, did the Flyers make the right decision to fire their coach with less than a month left? 36:49: Patrick Roy put in 21-year-old AHL goalie Tristan Lennox with the team down 6-1, then pulled him after allowing a goal on two shots in the 9-2 loss. Did this bother you? Is Roy on thin ice after this move? 40:25: The NCAA national championship game is Saturday. Who is your pick to win between Western Michigan and Boston University? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back for another week of discussing some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and guest co-host Steve Warne discussed in this episode: 1:04: Now that Alex Ovechkin broke the NHL all-time goals record, what's next for him? How will he add to his greatness? 6:28: Will Ovechkin’s new record ever be broken? 9:50: Where does Ovechkin rank on the NHL's "greatest players ever" list? 11:36: The Ottawa Senators are now just two points behind the Florida Panthers for third place in the Atlantic Division. Could the Senators snag that spot? 14:20: On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed what is being called the "Sunshine State Conspiracy" against Toronto. Do we think this "conspiracy" of the Panthers trying to get the first wild-card spot to face the Toronto Maple Leafs is real? 18:07: Both conferences’ second wild-card teams, the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens, have at least a four-point lead over the teams chasing them to get in. Can any team in the chase actually catch up, or is the playoff picture getting clearer? 22:53: Which trade acquisition who didn't hit the ground running with their new team is due for a hot streak? 26:27: Tage Thompson is up to 43 goals this season, the third most in the NHL. Is he the best value contract in the NHL? Are his prime years being wasted in Buffalo? Would they ever consider trading him? 31:36: Anthony Stolarz is 5-0-0 in his last 5 starts with a .944 save percentage. Is the Leafs’ Game 1 starter debate over? 33:33: Which Canadian forward who got snubbed at the 4 Nations Face-Off should be on the Olympic team? 34:40: Lane Hutson is feeling like a lock for the Calder. Should he also be getting some serious consideration for the Norris? 37:30: When asked about his message to his team following their 5-1 loss to the Lightning, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said, "I don't have a message right now. I don't go into the locker room after the game." Is it weird for the coach not to go in the dressing room after a game? 40:06: Ovechkin's first posts since breaking the NHL all-time goals record both expressed his love for longtime teammate Nicklas Backstrom. Are they the best bro-mance in hockey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss more of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and guest co-host Steve Warne discussed in this episode: 0:46: We have a new top eight Cup contenders list to dive into this week, as Steve Warne fills in for Ryan Kennedy. Let's kick off with his list and his defense of his choices. 2:26: Michael defends his latest Cup contenders list. 4:08: Steve doesn't have the Toronto Maple Leafs on his Cup contenders list, but Michael does. Steve explains his reasoning behind the decision. 5:29: Is there a team that didn’t make the Cup contenders list but could have if it had an easier path in the playoffs? 9:22: Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green says captain Brady Tkachuk is out "day-to-day" with an upper body injury. He's missed two games so far, so how concerned should Senators fans be? 12:43: Maple Leafs center Scott Laughton has had just two points and a minus-5 rating, the worst on the team since trading for him. How has he played during this stretch? Is he a fit for the Leafs? 16:12: Which trade deadline acquisition has had the best impact with their new team? 19:15: The NHL and Rogers Communications agreed to a 12-year deal worth $7.7 billion. Thoughts on this massive deal? 24:09: Will the St. Louis Blues finish in the first wild-card spot in the West ahead of the Minnesota Wild? Is it over for the Calgary Flames? 28:48: Patrick Roy ripped Anthony Duclair following the New York Islanders’ sixth straight loss on Tuesday night. Was Roy out of line with his comments? Are the Isles' struggles more player problems or coaching problems? 32:47: Which building will be the toughest to win a playoff game in? 34:59: Jalen Chatfield pulled a UFC move to throw Connor McMichael to the ice during a fight. Chatfield received no discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Agree or disagree with the decision? 37:56: Cale Makar became the first D-man since Mike Green to score 30 goals. Who will be the next defenseman to achieve this lofty goal? 40:33: Ovechkin is three goals away from breaking Gretzky's all-time goals record. He has two games to break the record and tie Gretzky in the number of games needed. Can he do it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for The Hockey News Big Show, where we explore some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and guest co-host Steve Warne discussed in this episode: 1:07: The Ottawa Senators hold a decent lead on the Eastern wild-card standings. What has allowed this group to nearly seal a spot in the post-season? 4:08: Are there any similarities between this year's Senators and the 2017 team that made it to the Eastern Conference final? 7:24: We could see the Battle of Ontario in the first round if the Toronto Maple Leafs earn the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Who wins it? 10:32: Are the Montreal Canadiens running out of steam? Which team looks likeliest to get the second wild-card spot? 13:38: Leon Draisaitl is up to 51 goals this season. There are now just two active players with four or more 50-plus-goal seasons. Could Draisaitl be a better goal-scorer than Auston Matthews? 16:43: Where do we think Brad Marchand could end up next season? 19:44: Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog was seen this week working on special teams with one of the power-play units. Will he return for the playoffs? If so, what kind of impact would his comeback have on the Avalanche? 23:50: Which team has the most pressure to win in the first round of the playoffs? 27:19: The Seattle Kraken and the Nashville Predators are the newest teams to be "officially eliminated" from the playoffs. What moves would you like each team to make this off-season? 30:08: Only four players from the Senators’ last playoff appearance are still active in the NHL. Can you name them? 31:19: College hockey studs Jimmy Snuggerud (STL) and Ryan Leonard (WSH) are both expected to make their NHL debut Tuesday night. Who do we think will make a bigger impact as an NHL player? 32:59: The New York Rangers' bus reportedly hit San Jose rookie Macklin Celebrini's car. What is a bigger bummer: losing in a blowout to the Rangers or having your car hit? 35:01: The NCAA Hockey Frozen Four is officially set. Denver is back to defend its title and will face Western Michigan. Penn State continues its Cinderella run and will take on Boston University. Who are your picks to win it? 37:10: Gavin McKenna has nine points in just two playoff games. If he was draft-eligible this year, would he go first overall? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kickstart the weekend with The Hockey News Big Show, where we explore some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:36: The Philadelphia Flyers fired coach John Tortorella. What do we think of Tortorella’s comments on Tuesday and the subsequent decision by the Flyers to move on? 6:20: Who do we think should be the next coach in Philadelphia, and will Tortorella end up coaching elsewhere by next season? 8:14: The St. Louis Blues are on an eight-game winning streak. What has stood out about St. Louis during this run, and should teams be genuinely concerned about meeting them in the first round? 11:10: Brad Marchand is slated to make his debut with the Florida Panthers on Friday against Utah Hockey Club. Do we like Marchand on the second line with Sam Bennett? 13:14: When Matthew Tkachuk returns to the Panthers’ lineup, who becomes a healthy scratch? 14:58: Alex Ovechkin is now just six goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. Do general sports fans realize this is going on? Is the NHL doing enough to promote this Great Chase? 19:11: Day 1 of the NCAA men’s hockey national championship is in the books. These eliminations mean we have many players who could turn pro now that their seasons are done, but one of the biggest names to watch is MSU goalie Trey Augustine. Do we think Augustine will sign to go pro or return for his junior season at MSU? 20:51: What other prospects are you keeping an eye on now that their seasons are over? 23:17: We return to our weekly look at Ryan and Michael’s top eight Stanley Cup contenders. Starting with Ryan's list, which squad moved the most on his list and why? 24:55: Michael shares which team moved the most on his top eight Cup front-runners list and why. 29:10: What series in the Western Conference will be the toughest? 30:35: True or false: do we think Matvei Michkov is secretly happy Tortorella is fired? 32:52: Without looking, who has a better save percentage for the Dallas Stars: Jake Oettinger or Casey DeSmith? 34:22: Which fan base should be more concerned about their team next season: Boston or Detroit? 36:22: Is Kadri the Calgary Flames' best-ever free-agent signing? 37:55: Sidney Crosby is the first player in NHL history to record 20 point-per-game seasons. Will anyone currently playing in the NHL ever beat this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new week of The Hockey News Big Show, where we explore some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:59: The battle for first in the Atlantic Division is tight. Which team needs first place the most? 3:19: Would Matthew Tkachuk actually want to play against his brother, Brady Tkachuk, if the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators meet in the first round? 4:19: Which team do you think will ultimately earn the top spot in the Atlantic division? 6:43: The Blue Jackets announced Monday they activated Sean Monahan and Erik Gubranson off injured reserve. How will their returns affec the Blue Jackets’ playoff push? 9:16: The New York Islanders’ potential game-winning goal was disallowed because of goaltender interference. Was there interference or not? 11:29: Since the 4 Nations Face-Off, the top scorers are Roope Hintz, Sidney Crosby, Nick Suzuki, Robert Thomas and Connor McDavid. Who has been the MVP for their team most during this run? 14:01: McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are unlikely to play in any of the Edmonton Oilers’ three games this week. Can the Oilers prove they are more than a two-man team? 16:43: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle is travelling with the team on their four-game road trip. If Guhle comes in, who should the Canadiens take out? 19:20: The Pittsburgh Penguins' latest hot streak has kept them out of a guaranteed top-five draft pick. Has this "hot streak" actually done more harm than good for the Penguins? 21:56: Which team needs to change coaches? 25:25: Speculation has circulated for a while connecting Gavin McKenna - the consensus No. 1 pick for the 2026 NHL draft - to the University of Michigan. The rumor on the street is that Michigan could be offering something upwards of $100,000 annually for him to join them. How would McKenna making this move reshape the future of junior and college hockey? 30:21: The NCAA men’s hockey tournament begins on Thursday. The top four teams are No. 1 Boston College, No. 2 Michigan State, No. 3 Maine and No. 4 Western Michigan. Is the national champion in this top four? Who is your pick? 32:51: The Washington Capitals re-signed D-man Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year extension worth $9 million per season. Good or bad deal? 34:31: Gavin McKenna closed out his draft-minus-1 season with 129 points in 56 games. Sidney Crosby is the only CHL player to score more in a D-minus-1 season. Could McKenna be the best prospect since Sidney Crosby? 36:42: ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that billionaire Dan Friedkin has gotten into the mix as an ownership option focused on bringing the NHL to Houston. Yay or nay to an NHL team in Houston? 38:53: The referees robbed us all of a goalie fight between Darcy Kuemper and Jeremy Swayman on Sunday. Yes or no: should refs try to stop goalie fights to prevent injuries? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Hockey News Big Show, where we explore some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:54: Michael revisits his top eight Stanley Cup contenders list from last week and explains his new Nos. 5 to 8 teams this week. 2:59: Ryan also goes over the changes in his list from last week. 6:14: Ryan has the Washington Capitals in his top four, while Michael has them in his bottom four. What's the argument for both of your reasoning? 10:51: Who should be the starting goalie for Game 1 of the playoffs for the Toronto Maple Leafs? 14:58: How does the addition of a healthy Evander Kane and Trent Frederic change the complexion of this Oilers team in the playoffs? 18:03: How does Miro Heiskanen potentially missing the first round affect your opinion on the Dallas Stars beating the Colorado Avalanche? 21:20: The New York Islanders are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and are very much in the mix again for the second wild-card spot. Do we buy them as a real threat to earn that spot? 23:54: Who is your front-runner for the Calder Trophy race? 26:35: The Top 10 Hobey Baker nominees were recently released. Who are your picks for the top three finalists for the NCAA’s men’s hockey player of the year? 31:09: March Madness is officially underway. Which NHL team would be the best "Cinderella story" to shock the world and make a run, even if they don’t win the Cup? 33:05: Gary Bettman said the playoff format is not changing. Are you GLAD because you like the current format or SAD because you want the 1 vs. 8 format? 35:19: The New York Rangers released their Centennial logo for next season, and people online aren't super impressed. Yay or nay to the logo? 37:17: Josh Morrissey becomes the top scorer among defensemen in Jets 2.0 history, passing Dustin Byfuglien. Has he been a better blueliner for Winnipeg than Byfuglien? 39:23: Alex Ovechkin is now seven goals away from breaking Gretzky's 894 all-time goals record with 13 games left. Will it take him all 13 games, or will he do it with games to spare? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:59: What's the driving force behind the Ottawa Senators’ success right now? 4:33: Do the Senators have a chance to catch the Toronto Maple Leafs or Tampa Bay Lightning and possibly steal third spot in the Atlantic? 6:13: Is Auston Matthews truly healthy? What if anything is really going on with the Leafs captain, and how concerned should fans be? 9:58: The Carolina Hurricanes are 4-0 since the trade deadline. Why are the Hurricanes rolling, and more importantly, do we believe it can last? 14:12: Sam Bennett is a pending UFA. Is it possible the Leafs could swing keeping Marner and adding Bennett in the off-season? 17:46: NHL GM meetings began on Monday. Which topic is up for discussion or possible rule change are you most interested in? 21:47: The St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Utah Hockey Club are making things very interesting for the final wild-card spot in the west. Which team are you making a case for to snag that last spot? Which team would be the toughest first-round matchup for the Winnipeg Jets? 24:54: Which team in contention for the final spot in the Eastern Conference wild-card race will put up the best or most interesting fight in the first round? 28:33: William Nylander has 38 goals this season with 15 games left. Will he hit 50 goals this season? 30:18: The San Jose Sharks are the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. The Chicago Blackhawks will be next. Which team has more to be optimistic about next season? 32:38: What’s the bigger surprise? Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson scoring four goals in six games or Carolina’s Mark Jankowski getting four goals in his first four games as a Hurricane? 34:15: The PWHL broke the all-time American pro women's hockey attendance record on Sunday night, drawing a crowd of 14,288. It's the second-straight year Detroit has broken the U.S. record. Should Detroit be considered the favorite for an American expansion city? 37:20: A new Happy Gilmore 2 Trailer is out. On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you to see this movie? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show now looks toward the battle for the playoffs in the NHL and beyond with a new segment. Every Friday, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos share their top Stanley Cup contenders in order, defending why they made those choices. The list can change depending on weekly performances, and as we get closer to the playoffs, the clear front-runners will emerge. Here’s everything Katie Gaus, Ryan and Michael discussed in this episode: 1:47: Ryan’s Cup contenders are in order: Florida, Dallas, Colorado, Vegas, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Washington and Toronto. Why? 4:15: Michael’s Cup contenders are Florida, Dallas, Colorado, Toronto, Winnipeg, Tampa Bay, Edmonton and Winnipeg. He explains why. 6:47: Does last season's first-round exit by the Winnipeg Jets prevent Ryan and Michael from putting them higher up on the list? 8:27: How does Miro Heiskanen's injury affect the Dallas Stars’ placement? 10:51: Which division's teams will be the most beat up by the conference finals? 14:42: Which current playoff team is in the most danger of falling down the standings down the stretch? 17:36: What team do you not want to face in the playoffs? 19:39: The Vegas Golden Knights signed Adin Hill to a six-year extension worth $6.25 million. Do we like it? 22:56: Defenseman Dougie Hamilton's regular season is over. Should the New Jersey Devils consider trying to move Hamilton in the off-season based on his injury history? Is it even possible with his cap hit? 26:46: Should Mikko Rantanen get the same "welcome back video tribute" moment other players who won the Cup got when they returned - or are things just too awkward for that now? 31:06: Who will have a bigger playoff impact on their new team: Charlie Coyle or Brad Marchand? 32:41: The NHL is reportedly considering an 84-game schedule and a possible September start. Do we like or dislike this scenario? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is here to review an action-packed NHL trade deadline. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:44: Do post-deadline reports affect Mitch Marner’s chances of remaining in Toronto after this season? If he were to go somewhere else during free agency, which team is a fit? 5:19: Did the Carolina Hurricanes mismanage the Mikko Rantanen situation from the start? Or was this more on Rantanen and his agent? 10:42: Was refusing to compromise on a contract extension for Brad Marchand a mistake by the Boston Bruins? Is there concern about the decisions and direction for this team? 15:39: Is 20 games a fair suspension for Aaron Ekblad violating the terms of the NHL’s performance enhancement substance policy? Do we think this could affect his negotiations as a UFA this summer? 20:39: Which team was too quiet at the deadline? 21:50: Which team is way better than they were before the deadline? 23:35: Which team got worse or maybe all the teams around them just got better? 25:49: Which player is/will be the best fit with his new team? 27:44: Which player traded at the deadline is not what the acquiring team really needed? 31:39: Carolina's pro shop is offering a free nameplate switch for any Hurricanes fan who bought a Rantanen jersey. Have you ever had hockey jersey remorse? 33:02: What's more exciting: the trade deadline or the opening of free agency? 34:54: Should the salary of a player suspended for violating an NHL substance policy count against the cap? 36:57: Trevor Zegras pranked THN Anaheim reporter Patrick Present over the weekend. Has a player ever messed with you in an interview? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for the 2025 NHL trade deadline preview on The Hockey News Big Show. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:50: The Florida Panthers traded goaltender Spencer Knight and a 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Seth Jones. Do we like this move by Florida? 3:14: What does the acquisition of Jones mean for the future of defenseman Aaron Ekblad in Florida? 5:10: The Panthers also placed Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR to get an extra $8.7 million in cap space. What will Bill Zito do next? 8:40: The Colorado Avalanche made a big trade with the New York Rangers that brought in Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey. Did the Avs pay too much of a premium in this trade? 12:16: What current Avalanche player is "most at-risk" of being traded as Colorado looks to make more effective moves? 13:40: Name a trade that you want to see happen at this year's deadline. 16:31: What is one team you're confused by heading into the trade deadline? What’s their plan? 20:00: Who’s undecided about being a seller or not this deadline that needs a reality check? 22:53: Best trade from last year's trade deadline 25:35: Worst trade from last year's trade deadline 29:00: Which players who were traded at last year’s deadline became more valuable than you expected? 32:06: Would you rather be Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas or Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams at this year's trade deadline? 34:42: Should the Montreal Canadiens be buyers or sellers? 36:55: True or false: J.T. Miller has more points since being traded to the New York Rangers than Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson has shots. 39:23 OVER/UNDER: Ovechkin is now just 11 goals away from breaking the NHL all-time goals record... Will it take him over or under 10 more games to do it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back with a new episode one week away from the NHL trade deadline. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:50: Would it be wise for the Toronto Maple Leafs to sign John Tavares before the deadline or should they wait? 4:11: Is Brayden Schenn the best center option for what the Maple Leafs? Can the Leafs pull off that move? 6:30: What prospect would the Maple Leafs least like to part with in a trade? 8:21: Ahead of the deadline, who are some players that would be a good fit for the Winnipeg Jets to add on? 11:35: The Edmonton Oilers have gone 0-4 since the 4 Nations break. Is this just a little slump, or are there cracks in this team? Can these issues be addressed at the deadline? 15:00: What top team is one big trade deadline move away from being flat-out scary in the playoffs? 17:03: The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets face off in the NHL Stadium Series this weekend. Will they make the playoffs? 20:39: Which trade deadline "seller" needs to stock up on picks at the deadline? 23:18: Who is your pick to win the NHL draft lottery? 25:38: How valuable is a first-round pick this year? 28:30: What draft has been the best in recent years? 30:32: The Edmonton Oilers claimed defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Minnesota Wild. Yay or nay? 31:08: Would you rather be running the Vancouver Canucks or the Calgary Flames right now? 31:48: Saturday’s Stadium Series game is tracking to have more than 90,000 fans in attendance. Do you think the official number will go over or under? 33:18: Brayden and Luke Schenn became the eighth pair of brothers to each hit the 1,000 NHL games milestone. Name another pair who reached this achievement. 34:57: The Tkachuk brothers went on the Kelce brothers' podcast this week. Should the Tkachuks have their own podcast? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All focus turns toward the NHL trade deadline, playoff push and more in The Hockey News Big Show. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 1:16: What did the Carolina Hurricanes learn from the Jake Guentzel situation last year that they're trying to handle better with Mikko Rantanen? 4:58: What teams could be interested in Rantanen if the Hurricanes trade him again? 7:45: Matthew Tkachuk's injury could be a bit longer term, which means the Florida Panthers could put him on LTIR. What are the pros and cons of the Panthers’ options? Who could they acquire if there is LTIR room? 10:35: Matias Maccelli has been a healthy scratch for the Utah Hockey Club, raising speculation that he could be on the trade block. What teams could benefit from adding Maccelli? 12:54: Could it be time for the Boston Bruins to consider trading their captain, Brad Marchand? 17:41: TSN’s Craig Button said Elias Pettersson is “holding the Canucks back.” Do you agree? With his talent ceiling, is he worth taking a chance on despite his current struggles and contract? 21:41: Seth Jones has said he would like a chance to play for a contender. Do the Columbus Blue Jackets count as a contender? 23:21: Should Seth Jones no longer be the Chicago Blackhawks’ alternate captain after expressing interest in playing elsewhere? 24:54: Are the Colorado Avalanche a legitimate Cup contender this year? Can the top line continue to carry the Avalanche? 30:09: Should the Ottawa Senators start to get concerned again about their playoff chances? 33:28: Did NHL commissioner Gary Bettman make the right call to reduce Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman's suspension from 10 games to eight? 34:37: Trevor Zegras was suspended three games for his hit on Michael Rasmussen. Was that the right length? 35:45: Pick a favorite prospect featured in The Hockey News’ newest Future Watch edition. 37:22: Los Angeles is reportedly hosting the decentralized 2025 NHL draft. Where would you like to see the next one? 38:39: What's more surprising: Alex Ovechkin scoring his second hat trick of the season at 39 years old or Matthew Tkachuk being on The Tonight Show? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show is back to recap a thrilling finish to the 4 Nations Face-Off as the NHL regular season is about to return. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 1:02: What are your overall reactions to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game? 4:57: Should the player of the game have gone to Jordan Binnington instead of Connor McDavid? 7:46: Was Auston Matthews' performance in regulation overshadowed by his mistake leaving McDavid open in overtime? 11:07: Who are your MVP's of the 4 Nations? 13:44: Which players were the biggest surprise/overachiever? 16:06: Which players were the biggest disappointments/underachievers? 18:08: Should Kyle Connor have been scratched from the championship game? 19:43: What were the best stories and moments of the 4 Nations Face-Off on or off the ice? 23:53: What kind of impact could we see this having on NHL viewership through the rest of the season, into playoffs and beyond? 27:20: Which NHL team must have the best start coming out of this 4 Nations Face-Off break? 29:40: Will we see another classic Vegas LTIR move to bring in a big name and reactivate Shea Theodore in the first round of the playoffs? If so, who could we see them trying to bring in? 32:35: Who should be the captain at next year's Olympics: Sidney Crosby or McDavid? 33:24: Will Auston Matthews be the captain of Team USA at next year's Olympics? 34:20: Who had the bigger absence: Quinn Hughes or a not-so-healthy Matthew Tkachuk? 35:36:On a scale of one to 10, how much did this 4 Nations tournament increase your excitement for the Olympics? 37:29: Keith Tkachuk said the Ottawa Senators should be buyers at the trade deadline. Name the one thing they need the most. 38:35: We ask again, does Alex Ovechkin pass Gretzky on the NHL’s all-time goals list this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The grand finale of the 4 Nations Face-Off takes place on Thursday, and The Hockey News Big Show is here to preview that and discuss other big NHL topics. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:45: Ryan's thoughts on experiencing the United States and Canada game live in Montreal last Saturday and reactions to the three fights 4:30: What line adjustments and overall improvements did we see from Team Canada to get the victory over Finland? 6:40: How concerned are we with the way Canada ended that game against Finland? 9:39: An update on Team USA's injuries and the status of Quinn Hughes 11:36: Do we expect to see a similar physical strategy from USA against Canada again? 14:17: What did Canada learn from that loss to USA that they'll be looking to apply in the final? 15:31: Summarizing the keys to winning for Canada and the USA in 10 words or fewer. 16:58: Have the performances from Toronto Maple Leafs players in the 4 Nations Face-Off underwhelmed? 18:15: Which Maple Leafs player has more pressure to perform well on Thursday: Auston Matthews or Mitch Marner? 20:11: Who will win the final on Thursday? 21:53: Will anyone catch up to Leon Draisaitl in the NHL's Rocket Richard race? 23:24: Who will win the Norris Trophy battle, or is it too close to call? 25:59: Who looks likeliest to win the Calder Trophy? 29:31: Who's the most underrated NHL player who has quietly made a huge impact but doesn't get talked about as much as they should in 2024-25? 31:40: If you were to replace one player on Team Canada, who would it be, and who would you name as the replacement? 33:34: If Canada beats the USA Thursday, it would be 1-1 with each team winning a game. Should this tournament have allowed for a best-of-three format? 35:21: On a scale of one to 10 (one being least likely, 10 being most likely), what are the chances we will see another tournament like this in the middle of the season aside from the World Cup and Olympics? 38:17: If there is a fight in the 4 Nations final, which two players do you predict will be chucking knucks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the Valentine's Day edition of The Hockey News Big Show featuring the biggest topics in the NHL and the 4 Nations Face-Off. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 4 Nations Face-Off 1:00: What's the atmosphere at the 4 Nations Face-Off so far? 4:53: Breaking down the Canada and Sweden game 7:09: The Tkachuk brothers have been waiting a long time to finally play together. Is this one of the most entertaining duos we've seen in a while? 9:37: What matchup should Canada consider to try to contain the Tkachuks? 12:13: Who's the biggest surprise of the tournament so far? NHL Standings Watch 15:10: Will the top three Metropolitan Division teams change? 16:23: What about the Atlantic Division? 18:04: Which teams will earn the two Eastern wild-card spots? 19:36: Will the Central Division leaders change? 20:43: Who wins the Pacific Division? 22:17: Who earns the two wild-card spots in the West? Love Is In The Air 24:09: Who is the "best couple" of linemates in the NHL? 25:28: What's the worst NHL breakup you remember? 27:36: Which player is most likely to "hook up" with a new team before the NHL trade deadline? 29:18: Which pending UFA wants to "stay single" and test the market this summer? Rapid Fire 32:10: Canada and the USA face off at the 4 Nations on Saturday. Will there be over or under seven goals total? 33:39: Does Finland get a point in this tournament? 34:50: Should the 4 Nations Face-Off permanently replace the All-Star Game? 36:39: Are Montreal hot dogs better steamed or toasted? 38:49: What's your go-to Valentine's Day gift: flowers or chocolates? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The newest episode of The Hockey News Big Show is here with more big NHL and hockey topics. Here's what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and guest Ken Campbell discussed in this episode: 1:07: Do we like Canada putting Connor McDavid and Mitch Marner on a line for the 4 Nations Face-Off? 4:42: Canada's fourth line of Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli and Sam Bennett looks like it could cause a whole lot of problems for opponents. Will it? 7:28: What do we think of Team USA's lines? What about splitting up the Tkachuk brothers? 10:00: How does USA's defense look without Quinn Hughes? 12:50: Is Canada’s power-play unit of Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Sam Reinhart and Cale Makar the best line of players in a long time? 15:12: What stands out with Sweden's line combinations? 18:30: What teams could use Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans for a playoff push? What type of return could Montreal get for him? 24:00: Is it too soon to say the Colorado Avalanche might have been spot-on choosing to bet on MacKinnon's ability to "make a very good player great" and moving on from Mikko Rantanen? 28:24: Will MacKinnon beat Leon Draisaitl and Nikita Kucherov in the Art Ross Trophy race? Who else could contend? 31:14: Pick one: Favorite line combination for the 4 Nations Face-Off 32:44: What's a bigger loss: Miro Heiskanen for Finland or Hughes for USA? 33:39: What depth player at the 4 Nations will have the biggest impact? 37:52: Which player has the most to gain at the 4 Nations? 37:52: Which player has the most to lose at the 4 Nations? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 4 Nations Face-Off is only days away now, with the tournament beginning on Feb. 12. The Hockey News Big Show is here to preview the action and discuss more NHL and hockey topics. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 4 Nations Face-Off Preview 1:18: The 4 Nations Face-Off has NHL playing rules and a IIHF round-robin points system (three points for regulation win, two points for overtime/shootout win, one point for overtime/shootout loss and no points for a regulation loss). Do we like that setup? 3:27: There's no third-place game, just the championship final. Was this the right call? 5:06: What is each team's biggest strength and its biggest weakness? 11:39: Predicting the championship final and who wins it all 13:20: Which team has the better coaching staff between Canada and the USA? 15:07: Who will be the starter in net for each team? 19:29: Who could be a surprise star of the tournament? Look Around The NHL And More 21:55: Will there be a Battle of Ontario in the first round of the playoffs? Who would you pick to win it between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators? 24:35: Which team is likelier to get a playoff spot between the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers? 26:58: Is there any reason to believe the Winnipeg Jets aren't a top-three favorite to win the Stanley Cup right now? 31:24: Name a player you'd put on the ice if the game was on the line and you needed a clutch shootout goal to win. 32:36: The Athletic released its NHL player poll, which included a question about which coach they'd least want to play for. Which name was the most surprising to see? 35:04: The Jets were the No. 1 answer in that poll for which team would be the first choice on a no-trade list. Could winning the Cup change that? 37:55: Super Bowl prediction: Kansas City Chiefs or Philadelphia Eagles? 38:46: Favorite game day snack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive deep into NHL and hockey topics with The Hockey Big Show. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:40: First thoughts on the J.T. Miller trade 3:45: Is adding Miller enough, or do the New York Rangers still need to make more moves? 6:44: The Vancouver Canucks added Marcus Pettersson and Drew O'Connor. Is that the right move? 10:04: Is Vancouver done? Does that mean center Elias Pettersson will remain a Canuck? 13:49: The Dallas Stars made two additions with Saturday's trade. Are Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci good fits for Dallas? 17:56: Which NHL players are the top targets to watch now? 19:44: Which teams do we expect to join on the action sooner rather than later? 21:43: Which team from the Atlantic Division do you see jumping into the trade mix? 24:07: How will the salary cap increase affect teams' decisions with pending UFAs? 26:16: Which teams could the cap increase affect the most? 29:01: How do Canadian teams navigate the challenges of U.S. dollars versus Canadian? 30:43: Ryan Hartman was suspended for 10 games for his hit on Tim Stutzle. Was 10 games the right amount? 32:04: Utah released the logos, and tons of fans (and even EA Sports themselves) chimed in to say the logos look just like the default 'Create a team' logos in NHL 25. Were they right? 33:57: How many total players who were named to 4 Nations rosters won't end up at the tournament? 36:09: Should Marie-Philip Poulin get suspended for her charge on Sunday? 37:51: Right or Wrong: No reaction from the Buffalo Sabres following the high hit on Tage Thompson? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to enjoy the newest episode of The Hockey News Big Show. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed: 00:32: Thoughts on the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers trade? 6:26: Should the San Jose Sharks move Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci? If so, what teams would be a good fit for each? 10:18: Is Brandt Clarke the right player to leave out of the Kings' lineup with Drew Doughty's return? 15:56: Which Eastern wild-card contenders do you expect to see going for it as buyers make a push to earn a playoff spot? 20:23: Will Marc-Andre Fleury's goalie career be remembered as truly one of the greatest in league history? 25:07: Is everyone happy with the players named as 4 Nations captains? 28:01: Who should replace Miro Heiskanen on Team Finland? 30:43: Utah is down to the final three possible names. Which will win? 32:58: Name an all-time first-goal moment you remember 34:24: Will children watch the NHL's new animated show? 36:20: What's the most obscure hockey rule you know? 38:32: Name a player when you were younger that you would have given "all your money" to keep with your team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a lot to discuss in the NHL, and The Hockey News Big Show is here to break it down. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed: 0:29: What happened between the Colorado Avalanche and pending UFA Mikko Rantanen that led to the blockbuster deal with the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks? 3:58: Did the Avalanche get an underwhelming return? What do they need to do now? 6:45: Is acquiring Rantanen, a potential rental player, worth it for the Hurricanes? 10:16: Will Carolina's style be difficult for Rantanen to adjust to? How about Necas in Colorado? 12:01: Do we believe that Chicago got the best return possible for Taylor Hall? 15:20: Where does this leave the Canucks, and has the market for Miller changed? Is Pettersson the better option to try and move now? 18:36: In light of the Rantanen trade, what would Mitch Marner fetch if he waived his no-movement clause? 22:48: Alex Pietrangelo has withdrawn from the 4 Nations Face-Off to tend to an ailment. Are we going to see more of this? Who should take his place on Team Canada? 28:14: Ryan Kennedy's mid-season draft rankings are out: who should go first, and does it matter which team is picking first? 31:23: Did Ottawa Senators have a fair reaction to owner Michael Andlauer wanting to play some regular-season games in Quebec City and Spartacat wearing a Nordiques-Senators jersey? 34:39: When's the last time the Montreal Canadiens had as good of a rookie as Lane Hutson? 35:40: What do the Florida Panthers need more: a veteran defenseman or a depth winger? 37:01: Did the NHL open the door to Russian participation at the next World Cup of Hockey? 38:44: The Canucks' social media team hit us with the Michael Jordan "I'm Back" statement ahead of Tyler Myers' return from suspension. In light of the Oilers statement, do we like or love this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new episode of The Hockey News Big Show featuring big NHL and hockey topics. Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode: 0:43: Sean Monahan is a huge part of the Columbus Blue Jackets – is he the best bargain signing of the off-season? 4:09: What moves should the New Jersey Devils make to ensure their season doesn't go off the rails? What options are there for the team if they need to add some goalie security before the deadline? 6:52: With Jacob Markstrom and Linus Ullmark currently out, Filip Gustavsson becomes Sweden's starter for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Who should get the call to back up for Sweden if they need to add due to injury? 9:11: Is the lack of rest from making it to the Cup final in back-to-back seasons finally catching up to the Florida Panthers? 12:36: What moves should the Colorado Avalanche be looking to make to add some scoring outside of their big three? 15:33: Could the injury to Adam Lowry make the Winnipeg Jets more active at the NHL trade deadline? 19:28: Do we like Auston Matthews calling the fans out for being quiet, or was this a bit out of line? 23:49: The Buffalo Sabres reportedly have the most polite fans in the NHL. Do we buy that? 25:54: The Pittsburgh Penguins' average attendance is the lowest it's been since 2006-07. Is this team in worse shape than then? 27:42: Do the Detroit Red Wings have the best two quarter-century teams in the NHL? 30:00: Like or dislike: QMJHL Newfoundland will be known as the Regiment. 23:49: What's worse for Edmonton: releasing a statement on McDavid's suspension or a fan tossing nachos on the ice? 34:08: Pick a guy – who would you like to see as the next commissioner of the NHL? 36:44: Stock market – if hockey teams were stocks and you were looking at investing for the next five years, what teams would you consider a buying, holding or selling? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices