The Instigator Podcast

It's the busiest week of the offseason in the NHL as Seattle has selected their roster via expansion and the NHL Draft kicks off on Friday. We offer a breakdown on Seattle's expansion draft selections along with a discussion on what Buffalo will be looking at with their first two selections of the draft. There's also a quick chat on the trades made on Thursday and a brief Jack Eichel update. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The offseason is officially in full swing as two big stories dropped this week in the NHL. We break down the trade that sent Duncan Keith to the Edmonton Oilers and the decision by the Minnesota Wild to buy out the contracts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Our main topic for the week is discussing Buffalo's expansion outlook and the players they're likely to leave exposed as Seattle prepares for the expansion draft next week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're back on the heels of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, breaking down what helped power the Tampa Bay Lightning to their second-straight title and what went wrong for the Montreal Canadiens. We discuss what's next for the Habs as whether or not they can capitalize on their unexpected run. We also touch on the Lightning's cap overage and whether or not the outrage over it is deserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cup Final is rolling and we offer up our views on the series between Tampa Bay and Montreal. We discuss the matchup issues Montreal may encounter, how Carey Price can be the x-factor and offer up our prediction for how the series will go. We also discuss the NHL's officiating issues and touch briefly on the Sabres coaching search. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sabres great Rene Robert passed away on Tuesday and we discuss how his loss will leave such a huge hole in the organization and with the Sabres alumni group. We also touch briefly on JJ Peterka and some of the signs for cautious optimism with regard to Buffalo's pipeline and upcoming draft capital. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News joined this week's show to discuss the laundry list of topics happening in the Sabres orbit. We talk about the mounting rumors regarding Jack Eichel's future and what sort of return Sabres fans should expect (or hope) to see the team fetch for their captain. We also discuss the top of the draft and the expectation that the Sabres just might be picking twice in the top 10 come July and the prospects they'll have to choose from should that come to fruition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres retained the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft after winning the draft lottery last week. We discuss last week's lottery and some of the top prospects in this year's draft including Owen Power, Matthew Beniers, William Eklund and others. We also hit on the second round of the NHL playoffs and some of the top storylines of what's been a solid year of postseason series for the NHL. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a little outside the norm for the podcast but knowing what this summer is bound to hold, it seemed wise to discuss potential landing spots and packages in a potential Jack Eichel trade. We also discuss Wayne Gretzky joining the TNT NHL broadcast and some of the current playoff results. Tyler's DealsDET: Joe Veleno, Evgeny Svechnikov, Danny DeKeyser, 2021 1st, 2 2021 2nds, 2022 2ndANA: Sam Steel, Alex Volkov, Rickard Rakell, 2021 1st, Benoit-Oliver Groulx, Max ComtoisNYR: Kappo Kaako, K'Andre Miller, Alexandar Georgiev, Ryan Strome, 2021 1stChris:LA: Alex Turcotte, Akil Thomas, 2021 1st, Jonathan QuickSTL: Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, 2021 1stCGY: Matthew Tkachuk, Connor Zary, 2021 2nd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the Sabres fully in offseason mode, we felt it was time to go deep on Don Granato and the Sabres coaching search. We determine whether Granato is the right choice to be the Sabres next head coach or if another hire is the better option. Along the way we laugh about reports of the Sabres other interviews and even offer up a playoff preview. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres kicked off locker clean out interviews with bang as Rasmus Ristolainen, Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel each made huge statements with regard to the 2020-21 season and their respective future in Buffalo. We discuss Eichel's availability and his transparency regarding his desire to get surgery on his neck so that he'd be ready for next season. We talk about his comments and just how damning they are along with the comments made by Ristolainen and Reinhart. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Miller announced that he will be retiring at the end of the season and we discussed his impact on and off the ice during his time in Buffalo. It was a great conversation remembering just what he meant as a goalie and as a person during his career with the Sabres.We also touch on the Tom Wilson incident and the reaction surrounding it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While most of the trade rumors have seemed to be nonsense, there has been more than enough chatter about Jack Eichel to trigger a conversation about the Sabres' star. Not only do we touch on the idea that the Sabres might trade him but a number of other topics related to the player. Also on the docket is a chat about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buffalo's youngsters are getting a serious look in key roles down the stretch of the 2021 season. We discuss the impact some of the key prospects and young players have had in Buffalo this spring and the potential that exists for that group to have a significant impact in the future as well. We also place focus on Don Granato and whether or not he should be the first choice as the long-term head coach of the team. There's also bonus conversation on the European Super League and the fallout of the apparent failure of some of soccer's biggest clubs to break off and make their own competition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone and it wasn't without some fireworks. We run through some of the biggest trades of the 2021 deadline and take an in-depth look at the work Kevyn Adams and the Sabres did at the trade table. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The deadline is right around the corner and the Sabres hold perhaps the most valuable chip at the table. We break down the trade that sent Kyle Palmieri to the Islanders and how it could affect the market for the Sabres and Taylor Hall. We run down the other potential rentals the Sabres may sell ahead of Monday's deadline and add in a couple potential additions should some of these larger moves get made.The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com.Instigator Podcast listeners can get 2500 free coins when they download the Vig It sports app and use our promo code 2ITB when you register. Bet on the NHL, NBA, MLB and win real prizes with Vig It. The app is free to download and free to play which means you can start earning coins to win prizes today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we discuss some of the rumors swirling about Buffalo’s front office and how the various names connected to the Sabres could affect their future. We touch on the trade that sent Eric Staal to the Montreal Canadiens and the potential positive impact of the return. We wrap up the show analyzing some college free agents who could help in goal. The Hockey News link on draft lottery changes:https://www.si.com/hockey/news/which-recent-nhl-draft-lottery-outcomes-led-to-the-new-rule-changes The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Instigator Podcast listeners can get 2500 free coins when they download the Vig It sports app and use our promo code 2ITB when you register. Bet on the NHL, NBA, MLB and win real prizes with Vig It. The app is free to download and free to play which means you can start earning coins to win prizes today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some late breaking news hit the wire before we recorded this week, as Sabres interim head coach Don Granato and interim assistant coach Matt Ellis each entered COVID protocols ahead of Thursday's game in Pittsburgh. We discuss just how insanely ridiculous this season has been for the Sabres before diving into the latest NHL controversy with referee Tim Peel. We also discuss the changes to the NHL draft lottery and even touch on the trade that sent Jonas Johansson to Colorado. The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com.Instigator Podcast listeners can get 2500 free coins when they download the Vig It sports app and use our promo code 2ITB when you register. Bet on the NHL, NBA, MLB and win real prizes with Vig It. The app is free to download and free to play which means you can start earning coins to win prizes today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ralph Krueger's seat keeps heating up and we dive in on a host of topics as we await what seems like the inevitable decision to fire the Sabres coach. On the docket this week is a discussion over some of the notes included in 31 Thoughts on Buffalo's thin scouting staff and the potential pitfalls that brings.We also spend time discussing the young players the Sabres regularly leave in the minors without truly evaluating them at the NHL level. We touch on the likes of CJ Smith, Arttu Ruotsalainen and others who can't seem to break into the lineup for the necessary amount of time to prove whether or not they're NHL players.The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL's 17-year absence from ESPN will come to an end this fall as the league and The Worldwide Leader will start a new seven-year partnership. The implications of the new TV deal are huge for the league as they return to the number one sports network in the United States with an agreement that carries a huge streaming package.This week's show hits on all the key factors of the ESPN deal, including the potential on-air talent, what it means to be carried on ESPN and how the streaming aspect is a new frontier for one of North America's Big Four.We also discuss the latest dram surrounding Ralph Krueger and the Sabres' coaching position. That includes rumors hinting at Nate Leaman being a target and what exactly Bruce Boudreau said on the radio Wednesday afternoon.The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres spiral has continued and with each loss, Ralph Krueger's seat appears to get hotter. We talk about the strange decisions made by Krueger on and off the ice along with some of the other news surrounding the team from the past week.The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres bounced back on Tuesday night with a 4-1 win over the Devils. We offer up some positive thoughts on the win after running through some of the other issues that have plagued the Sabres the last two weeks. Whether bad injury luck, bad shooting luck or just garden variety bad play, the Sabres are slipping from the playoff conversation once again. The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joe Yerdon joins the show to talk about the Sabres' woeful shooting percentage and the effect it has had on their season thus far. We go into a somewhat philosophical debate over what options will be on the table for the Sabres should yet another season go off the rails after so many previous failures. The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There's been a pile of stories in the hockey world as Brian Burke and Ron Hextall were hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins, there are hot seats everywhere in Vancouver and John Tortorella is back in the spotlight. We discuss the outlook for Hextall and Burke in Pittsburgh; specifically the job that faces them in keeping the Penguins' Cup window open. In addition, we look at the struggles of the Canucks and the massively weak North Division. We close with a discussion on the Sabres' postponements and what sort of effect it may have on the season. The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres will have their games postponed until February 8 due to COVID exposures in the wake of their series against New Jersey. Rasmus Ristolainen and Taylor Hall are on the COVID list as of Tuesday with the potential for more to be added in the coming days. We discuss the impact of the league allowing the series to be played and the potential long term effects these types of exposures could wreak on the schedule. We also touch on Tony DeAngelo being waived by the Rangers and discuss Buffalo's struggles to score at even strength.The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we take a look at the success the Sabres have had driving possession after failing at the same feat for a number of years. The positive impacts have touched virtually every piece of the roster and it's promising to think that this is a sign of a positive trend for the Sabres. We also discuss the Dubois-Laine trade and it's impact on the Blue Jackets and Jets. The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres may be facing a difficult challenge with regard to their goaltenders as Carter Hutton exited Tuesday's game early after a second period collision. Linus Ullmark already missed a scheduled start due to personal reasons. That leaves the Sabres staring at Jonas Johansson as their potential starter, a scenario that could torpedo their season. Also in this week's show is a discussion over Buffalo's first four games and why there's reason for hope due to the start they've had and in spite of their record. The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Regular season NHL action is finally back and the Sabres will be taking the ice for the first time in over 300 days. We discuss the shape of the Sabres' roster and the potential for a positive outlook on the 2020-21 season. Along the way we project where we think the Sabres will fall in the East division and take a deeper look at the current scenario playing out with Jeff Skinner.The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres hit the ice for the scrimmage as camp progressed and there were a number of standouts in the first game action for the club since March of 2020. We discuss the strong play of Tage Thompson, Arttu Ruotsalainen, the Eric Staal line and others. We also touch on the latest news of teams opting out of the AHL season and have some fun remembering some of the players who switched teams in this lengthy offseason. The Instigator Podcast is supported by Manscaped. You can get 20% off and free shipping by using the code 2ITB at www.manscaped.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The smaller camp roster and established veterans leaves very little wiggle room for the Sabres as training camp is set to open. This week's episode addresses the 33 players going to camp with the Sabres and the few roster spots that may be up for grabs prior to the start of the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL's format for the 2020-21 season has been confirmed. We discuss the key factors of the 56-game season, specifically the key dates set for the start of the season, trade deadline, playoffs and the draft. The introduction of a taxi squad was the main focus of the show as we broke down the different ways it can be utilized and what approach the Sabres should take with the group. Casey Mittelstadt and other key Sabres prospects were at the center of the debate as questions about the AHL and development opportunities still exist. We close the show with a brief rundown of the coming helmet ads in the NHL and the outlook for Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn at the World Junior Championship Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're back for the 2020-21 season. With the divisions and rough structure of the regular season announced, we jump into discussing just what this unusual season may have in store for the Sabres. We also hit on the upcoming World Junior Championships and the Sabres prospects who will likely be competing in the event. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Creamer and Todd Radom join the show to discuss their new book Fabric of the Game. We discuss some of the excellent stories in the encyclopedic book about the NHL's uniform and logo history. They also share some great stories from their careers, their personally favorite uniforms and logos and even some thoughts on the NHL's Reverse Retro uniforms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL's Reverse Retro collection is here and Tyler and Chris go deep on their favorite (and least favorite) designs of the new uniforms. They also discuss the Sabres entry to the collection and their excitement over the new addition. Also on the docket is a discussion over the uncertainty surrounding the start of the 2020-21 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joe Yerdon joins the show yet again as we discuss the Sabres work at the draft and free agency. We touch on how Taylor Hall will impact the roster and whether or not his acquisition gives the Sabres enough fire power to take the next step. Jack Quinn is on the table as well as we run through the draft and the tepid reaction to Quinn's selection. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chad and Anthony from Expected Buffalo and Die By The Blade joined the show for our first ever draft round table. We discuss our preferred targets for the Sabres at eighth overall and how the top of the draft may shake out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We break down the Sabres trade for Eric Staal, discuss what might come next for the team and touch on the hiring of Mike Weber and Adam Mair in Rochester. We also run through the tough situation in Arizona and some of the odd decisions made by Jim Rutherford in Pittsburgh. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reports that the Sabres are expected to operate with an internal budget this season were greeted with trepidation. Reports that the budget could sit as low as $70 million were greeted with outright anger. We discuss the ramifications such a restrictive budget could have and whether or not we believe the Sabres could actually pull that off (spoiler: we don't). We also touch on news from around the NHL as the league inches closer to crowning a champion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Vogl of The Athletic joins the show to discuss his recent article about the Sabres Hall of Fame and it's lengthy hiatus. We talk about the odd circumstances surrounding the team Hall of Fame and even get around to discussing some roster building topics as well. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL players led a decision to postpone play for two nights in response to the continued unrest throughout the country. We discuss the decision, the NHL's initial reaction and other factors surrounding the league and how they've reacted to the Black Lives Matter movement. We also discuss the trade that sent Kasperi Kapanen to Pittsburgh and touch on a potential trade partner for the Sabres. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're playing catch up on this week's episode after missing last week's batch of news. So we run down the Sabres return to royal blue and the unveiling of their new uniforms. We touch on the Rangers lottery win, the qualifying round and the Amerks' hiring of Seth Appert. The bulk of the episode is devoted to the first round of the NHL playoffs and how each of the series has shaped up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL officially returns in just a few short days and we devote this week's show to previewing and predicting the qualifying round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and offering up our picks for who will play for the Stanley Cup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the finalists announced for the NHL awards, we run through our selections on who we think will win the awards - and who with think should win in a few cases. Also on the show is a discussion about the Blue Jays and Buffalo and a quick rundown of the NHL Qualifying Round. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Julie Stewart-Binks, host of Drinks with Binks and Call it a Night with Julie Stewart-Binks on fubo Sports Network joined the show to discuss all manner of topics, including the NHL qualifiers and playoffs, bubble cities, how COVID-19 has affected broadcasting and a whole lot more. You can catch Julie and Drinks with Binks on fubo Sports Network Friday nights at 8pm and 24/7 on the fubo Sports Network website along with Pluto, XUMO, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Vizio, and to subscribers to fuboTV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New details have been released on the schedule the NHL will follow as they proceed with the return to play process. This includes a tentative start date for the 2020-21 NHL season. We discuss just how things will unfold between now and when the Sabres take the ice again in December, the schedule for the qualifying round and playoffs and the abbreviated offseason. We also touch on Lindy Ruff's hiring in New Jersey and other news from around the NHL. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres are picking eighth overall in the NHL Draft after Friday's lottery. We discuss where the Sabres wound up, who they should target with the pick and offer up a reaction to a placeholder team winning the first pick. We also discuss Rick Dudley surfacing as a possible front office candidate for the club and just what his role might look like. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A quick episode this week highlighting the looming draft lottery, what the Sabres have in store in the top 10 of this year's draft and a brief conversation on Alexander Mogilny missing out on the Hockey Hall of Fame yet again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres sent shockwaves through the hockey world as they fired Jason Botterill and named Kevyn Adams as his replacement. Much of Buffalo's scouting staff, player development and minor league coaching staffs were also released in the afternoon, effectively nuking the hockey department from the top down. We talk about the decision to fire Botterill, to replace him with Adams and everything else that transpired over the course of 12 hours or so on Tuesday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres playoff drought now officially numbers nine seasons and as the postmortem on the season began, the team and its ownership has resumed their usual nonsense. We talk about Kim Pegula putting her foot in her mouth, Jason Botterill following suit and just how much work needs to be done to get the Sabres on the right track. We also run through the league's plans for returning to play as they plan on jumping right into playoff action once it's safe to begin action. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The global impact of Coronavirus has been astonishing to follow and the spread of the disease has brought it to America where it has begun to creep into sporting culture. As various events and tournaments are impacted, with many being canceled, it's only a matter of time before the NHL and other pro leagues are impacted. We discussed the current state of the league as the virus has caused changes to be made to press availability along with airing some hypothetical scenarios that could play out as well. The end of the show is devoted to a quick hit on Dominik Kahun's early impact and the potential for the Sabres to wade into the college free agent market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Goalie Gear Nerd, one of the web's foremost experts on goalie equipment joined the show for the second time as we discussed his new website, some of the latest news and innovations in goal while also sharing some thoughts on David Ayres and the NHL's emergency backup system. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.