The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>With Christian McCaffrey getting a contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox review the trade made by the Carolina Panthers and former GM Scott Fitterer, and how the Panthers didn't maximize their return.</p> <p>Also, upgrades are coming to Bank of America Stadium, which would keep the Carolina Panthers at BoA for the next 20 years. </p>

<p>Will potential candidates turn down the Carolina Hurricanes general manager position under owner Tom Dundon during the 2024 NHL offseason?</p> <p>Also, what are the latest rumors involving Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, and what kind of contract could he earn? </p>

<p>What can the Carolina Panthers and GM Dan Morgan learn about the contract extension signed by Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson when it comes to prioritizing positions to sign extensions?</p> <p>Plus, what are the best personnel moves from the Carolina Panthers this offseason? </p>

<p>Who are the "unsung heroes" for NC State football, UNC football, and Duke football ahead of the 2024 College football season? Also, what can the Carolina Hurricanes learn from the Florida Panthers & Edmonton Oilers after both teams have advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. </p>

<p>What is the most improved position group for the Carolina Panthers, but also the position group that still has major questions under GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales entering the 2024 NFL Season?</p> <p>Also, the Dallas Mavericks advanced to the NBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals. Tim Donnelly points out that while former Duke basketball center Dereck Lively isn't the star level that Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving are, but that he is a valuable piece for the Mavericks. </p>

<p>With the Carolina Hurricanes still in search of a general manager, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox use a Magic 8-ball to make the offseason decisions for the Carolina Hurricanes, including Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, Jake Guentzel, Martin Necas, and others. </p> <p>Also, the latest on the trade rumors surrounding Martin Necas in the NHL. </p>

<p>Does Eric Tulsky have negotiating power as the interim general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, and how does that impact contract talks with agents, and trade possibilities with other general managers across the NHL during the 2024 NHL Scouting Combine.</p> <p>Also, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin wins the NHL Lady Byng award. Tim Donnelly says that 'Canes Culture' is not in jeopardy. </p>

<p>In the ACC's lawsuits with Florida State and Clemson, the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 are all backing the ACC, with Tim Donnelly saying the conferences want to make sure they maintain control of the schools in their leagues to make sure schools can't freely leave.</p> <p>Also, which player between NC State football, UNC football, and Duke football are most likely to become first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft? </p>

<p>Are there reasons to be concerned about UNC football and NC State football ahead of the 2024 college football season? Also, where does confidence lie with Duke basketball as well as the Carolina Panthers?'</p> <p> </p>

<p>Will the Carolina Panthers under first year head coach Dave Canales and second-year QB Bryce Young have a better year in the 2024 NFL Season than what most national media are predicting them to be?</p> <p>After struggling in the 2023 NFL Season, Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is poised for a bounce back 2024 NFL Season under first year head coach Dave Canales.</p>

<p>Is the Carolina Hurricanes GM job a difficult one to talk into because of the high standards and expectations, or an easy job knowing who your head coach is going to be with Rod Brind'Amour, star players like Sebastian Aho & Andrei Svechnikov under long-term deals, other young stars like Seth Jarvis, and a deep farm system?</p> <p>Also, the number of teams interested in Carolina Hurricanes forward via trade in the 2024 NHL Offseason continues to grow, with the rumors including the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, and more. </p>

<p>Will the NFL Change their offseason workout structure starting in 2025? And are we looking at 18 regular season games? Also during Hit It & Quit It, we hear sound from UNC basketball coach Roy Williams as the former North Carolina basketball coach reacts to the NCAA and Power 5 conferences agreeing to a settlement in multiple lawsuits that will result in college players potentially being paid. Plus, the Minnesota Timberwolves stay alive in the NBA Western Conference Finals after being the Dallas Mavericks, 105-100, as the Mavericks were without former Duke basketball star Derrick Lively II. And, the NHL Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers has seen three straight OT games. </p>

<p>With wide receivers in the NFL getting paid high amounts of money, Tim Donnelly says the Carolina Hurricanes have to keep on eye on the markets, especially when it comes to players like Diontae Johnson, who will be a free agent in 2025, and if signing a high dollar contract for a WR is the best move for GM Dan Morgan & Head Coach Dave Canales.</p> <p>Also, Daron Vaught of USA Baseball joined the show to talk about the NCAA College Baseball Tournament, if Duke baseball should've hosted a regional over ECU baseball, and if NC State baseball, UNC baseball, Duke baseball, or Wake Forest baseball has the best chance of making it to Omaha and the College World Series. </p>

<p>Which coach is under the most pressure in the 2024 college football season in the State of North Carolina - Manny Diaz at Duke football, Mack Brown at UNC football, or Dave Doeren at NC State football?</p>

<p>What can Carolina Hurricanes interim general manager Eric Tulsky prove to owner Tom Dundon that he can be the full-time GM after former President/GM Don Waddell resigned to take a job with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the latest trade rumors surrounding Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas. </p>

<p>How many schools from the State of North Carolina will make it to the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament, and which ones make it Omaha for the College World Series? Should the NBA adjust their schedule to prevent long layoffs before the NBA Finals? Also, what's a reasonable expectations for Carolina Panthers WR Diontae Johnson in the 2024 NFL Season? </p>

<p>The NCAA baseball tournament field is set with regional locations being selected, including NC State baseball, UNC baseball, and ECU baseball all getting host sites, while Duke basketball has to travel to Oklahoma despite winning the ACC baseball tournament. Plus, Wake Forest baseball will head to Greenville, NC to face ECU baseball. </p> <p>Also, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is looking for additional reform and changes for college football. </p>

<p>What can the Carolina Panthers do between now and the start of the 2024 NFL Season as the NFL year is just 100 days away, including what head coach Dave Canales & GM Dan Morgan can do for the roster, and figuring out what their primary options will be.</p> <p>Who are the newcomers to watch for Duke football, UNC football, and NC State football for the 2024 College Football season? </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes have assistant GM Eric Tulsky serving as interim general manager of former President/GM Don Waddell took a job with the Columbus Blue Jackets. But how much say does Eric Tulsky have as an interim GM, including a potential trade of Martin Necas.</p> <p>There is a trade market for Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, but will the new GM for the Carolina Hurricanes be willing to make the trade, and will the return bring high value as the 2024 NHL offseason and NHL Free Agency approaches?</p>

<p>What is the No. 1 priority for the next Carolina Hurricanes general manager after Canes President/GM announced that he will be resigning from his position? Should the priority be trading Martin Necas, finding a new goalie, or signing forward Jake Guentzel before NHL Free Agency begins on July 1, 2024. Also, how much does the near-future success of the Carolina Hurricanes fall on head coach Rod Brind'Amour? </p>

<p>Diontae Johnson will be the No. 1 option for Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young, and how he can be the receiver that can get open consistently in Dave Canales' offense. But Johnson does come with questions about his character after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers.</p> <p>Also, Tim makes REAL. BOLD. PREDICTIONS. </p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes President/GM announced he is stepping down from his role, though his contract was set to expire. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox wonder if this is a good thing for Hurricanes in the long run, if time had just ran it's course for Waddell and owner Tom Dundon, but also how Waddell left the organization in good hands.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss how part of the House v NCAA settlement agreement, colleges & universities can now share revenue with student-athletes and pay them directly, but how this will open up a lot of other questions about employment status, Title IX, potential of contracts, and more. </p> <p>Also, what's the best non-rivalry college football game in the State of North Carolina for the 2024 college football season? </p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes need to discover if Pyotr Kochetkov is the goalie of the future and can be the No. 1 goalie in the playoffs for the franchise moving forward with teams like the New York Rangers & Florida Panthers having elite goaltending.</p> <p>With a change in coaching staff to head coach Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young will have less voices in his year, and will have a more simple approach according to tight end Tommy Tremble, who said Young has a 'swagger' about him at OTAs.</p>

<p>Where is confidence high, and what concerns are there for the Carolina Hurricanes as they enter the offseason? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss, including the future of Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Martin Necas, and the growth of young players like Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov. </p>

<p>Former USWNT & UNC women's soccer star Heather O'Reilly discusses her playing career, winning multiple Olympic gold medals, the 2015 World Cup, national title, and NSWL Championship, but also the future of women's soccer professionally in the United States, following greats like Mia Hamm, and other star women athletes, like Caitlin Clark. O'Reilly also discusses The Soccer Tournament (TST) coming to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC, as well as Manchester City facing Celtic FC in Chapel Hill.</p>

<p>During Hit it & Quit it, Tim & Dennis discuss LaMelo Ball being sued for allegedly driving his car over the football of an 11-year-old looking for an autograph, a new Homerun Derby format coming to Durham Bulls Athletic Park, NFL testing first down technology, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and NBA Playoffs. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer scheduling tough non-conference games ahead of the start of ACC basketball play, even it means possibly sacrificing what their NET rankings will be come March Madness and the NCAA Tournament selection committee. But, a tough schedule will prepare them for later in the season.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss how Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has a lot of things to learn as a first time head coach, including late game management. Plus, how Canales can learn from the mistakes of others, even in other sports, including how Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle handled timeouts late Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss what is already known - how Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn has All-Pro talent, but simply needs to stay healthy, which could be the difference for the Panthers defense from a good defense to a great defense.</p>

<p>WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy joined Tim Donnelly to discuss the ACC joining the Big 12 conference in agreeing to the proposed settlement of the House vs NCAA lawsuit and anti-trust case. Murphy also breaks down how members of the UNC Board of Trustees wants to see North Carolina leave the ACC to join either the SEC or Big Ten to close revenue gaps. Also, would college & university athletic department start to allow private investment funds to impact financial decisions within the athletic department and invest cash into programs?</p>

<p>During Cop or Drop, Dennis Cox poses to Tim Donnelly questions about the Carolina Panthers, including if rookie RB Jonathon Brooks will rush for over 1,000 yards, and if the Panthers under first year head coach Dave Canales will win at least six games this season.</p> <p>Also, questions about the Carolina Hurricanes, including if the Hurricanes would look to acquire a goalie outside and possibly move on from Frederik Andersen. </p>

<p>Should the Carolina Hurricanes trade Martin Necas this offseason, or should GM/President Don Waddell look to work things out for the apparent disgruntled winger? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox debate if it's the right move not only immediately, but for the future of the Hurricanes.</p> <p>Also, how does UNC football and head coach Mack Brown go about replacing QB Drake Maye? The simple answer: hand the ball off to running back Omarion Hampton. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says people shouldn't be surprised that Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young picks up the offense of new head coach Dave Canales quickly because what made Young the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was of his mental savvy and ability to process information quickly.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the Carolina Panthers and how much has changed over the last six months for the franchise, and how there seems to be a new direction and plan with GM Dan Morgan & head coach Dave Canales that didn't exist six months ago with former GM Scott Fitterer and former head coach Frank Reich.</p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes have several unrestricted free agents going into the 2024 NHL offseason, including Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, Teuvo Teravainen, Brett Pesce, Tony DeAngelo, Jalen Chatfield, Stefan Noesen, and Jordan Martinook, with GM/President Don Waddell having a lot of decisions to make this offseason.</p>

<p>Who are the top three Carolina Hurricanes from the 2023-2024 season? Also, soundbites from various Carolina Hurricanes players from their exit interviews, including Seth Jarvis, Jesper Fast, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Also, Martin Necas' father in an interview recently said his son wants to be traded from the Hurricanes. What did GM/President Don Waddell have to say about the pending restricted free agent. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales & quarterback Bryce Young must build trust in one another during Panthers OTA's, and why it's important for each other to communicate well with each other on and off the field to develop together.</p> <p>Also, which team is worse: The Carolina Panthers or the New England Patriots? </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes had a great season again, but the end was also disappointing for the 2023-2024 season, and both things can be true when it comes to the expectations for the franchise under head coach Rod Brind'Amour.</p> <p>Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis is a cornerstone player for the franchise and head coach Rod Brind'Amour. Jarvis revealed that he played a vast majority of the season with a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his shoulder, as well as breaking his finger during the New York Islanders in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.</p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes signing head coach Rod Brind'Amour to a five-year extension was the first thing checked off the offseason list for Canes GM/President Don Waddell, and it's vital for organizational stability. Also, who will be the No. 1 goalie next season for the Carolina Hurricanes? Plus, the PGA Championship took place over the weekend.</p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes fans call in and weigh in on the Hurricanes losing Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, 5-3, to the New York Rangers, losing the series, 4-2, with lots of questions about goalie Frederik Andersen.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly makes REAL. BOLD. PREDICTIONS. </p>

<p>What is a realistic win total in the 2024 NFL Season for the Carolina Panthers under new head coach Dave Canales and 2nd year QB Bryce Young? Also, the Carolina Hurricanes didn't do enough of the 'little things' in the playoffs against the New York Rangers as the Canes lost Game 6 to the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanely Cup Playoffs, losing the series 4-2. </p>

<p>The 2023-2024 season for the Carolina Hurricanes is officially a bust after the Carolina Hurricanes were ousted from the playoffs after losing Game 6 to the New York Rangers, 5-3, in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Is Frederik Andersen the No. 1 goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes, or should the job be turned over to Pyotr Kochetkov in the future?</p> <p> </p>

<p>Are there silver linings to look at after the Carolina Hurricanes lost Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Finals to the New York Rangers, 5-3, and being eliminated from the playoffs? Also, you have to give Chris Kreider his flowers for showing up for the New York Rangers in the third period after scoring a natural hat trick. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox share their confidence levels & concerns for the Carolina Hurricanes vs the New York Rangers in Game 6, including goal-scoring predictions for the Canes. Also, Walt Ruff, Hurricanes.com reporter, joined Tim & Dennis to preview Game 6 and discuss what the Hurricanes need to do to keep this series alive and force a Game 7 on Saturday.</p> <p> </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers got no primetime games in the 2024 NFL Season, which shows the Panthers aren't an attraction nationally. But as Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox point out, the Panthers and head coach Dave Canales could have the advantage of a weekly routine.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, during today’s Canes Cup Check-In, Hurricanes Insider Adam Gold discussed with head coach Rod Brind’Amour what made the team so effective in their 4-1 win against the Rangers in Game 5 and how they can replicate their performance in Game 6. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Who are the key players for the Carolina Hurricanes vs the New York Rangers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss Andrei Svechnikov, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Vincent Trocheck, and Jack Drury. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the New York Rangers growing pressure as they hold a precarious 3-2 series lead against the relentless Carolina Hurricanes. With a spotlight on the Rangers’ response to the Hurricanes’ dominating the third period in Game 5, Tim and Dennis analyze what went wrong for the Rangers and how they might adjust in Game 6.</p> <p> </p>

<p>It's "All Hands on Deck" for the Carolina Hurricanes against the New York Rangers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Canes look to force a Game 7 in New York at Madison Square Garden. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the Carolina Hurricanes continued power play struggles plaguing them during this intense second-round series against the New York Rangers. Tim & Dennis analyze what is going wrong, how it’s impacting the team’s performance, and what changes are necessary to turn things around. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Are NFL Schedule releases overrated? The Carolina Panthers are playing the New York Giants in Germany in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL Season, but so many games are leaked throughout the NFL leading up to the release time that it makes the schedule release anti-climactic.</p> <p>Also, NC State football will be playing non-conference games against fellow ACC school, Virginia football. Plus, NC State football vs Tennessee football will be a primetime game in the Duke's Mayo Classic. </p> <p>Tim Donnelly gives his favorites for who wins the 2024 PGA Championship. </p>

<p>Will Brett Pesce return to the Carolina Hurricanes lineup? Pesce returned to practice on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's Game 6 matchup against the New York Rangers, his first time on the ice since Game 2 against the New York Islanders, with him potentially returning to the lineup in the near future. </p> <p>Also, the Carolina Hurricanes have a lot of questions about free agents this offseason, and if how players perform the rest of the postseason will impact decisions by the front office and GM Don Waddell. </p>

<p>Why is Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young polarizing among Carolina Panthers fans? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the dynamic between Panthers fans who don't see the former NFL No. 1 overall pick in 2023 as a franchise QB vs others who still think Bryce Young didn't have a fair chance as a rookie.</p> <p>With the Carolina Panthers facing the New York Giants in Week 10 of the NFL Season in Germany, would Panthers owner David Tepper want the Panthers to travel to Germany every year to be "Germany's team," similar to how the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to England every year?</p>

<p>Which team is under more pressure for Game 6: the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Rangers? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss which team is facing the most pressure, and if the New York Rangers are able to handle pressure for the first time this postseason. Also, does the extra day of rest between games help or hurt the Carolina Hurricanes getting ready for Game 6? </p>