The Big Show

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the big topics in the NHL and elsewhere. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 0:43: Is it time to start worrying about the Toronto Maple Leafs' top six forwards needing help? 4:45: Thoughts on Easton Cowan’s start to his NHL career? 7:36: How concerning is it that Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is hurt again? 10:09: Which team with a "bad" start will turn it around first? 12:55: Are Kevyn Adams' days numbered as Buffalo Sabres GM? Can any GM fix the Sabres? 18:00: The New York Rangers surpassed the 2001-02 Pittsburgh Penguins for the longest season-opening streak without a goal on home ice. Is this just an unlucky home start – or is something bigger wrong with the Rangers? 21:19: Which team or player with a "good" start will fall apart first? 24:24: Which team has had the most surprising start?  28:04: Could this be the year we see the Seattle Kraken find their identity? 29:29: Will Cam Talbot be the Detroit Red Wings' bona fide starter by the end of the month? 33:05: Yes or no: after 6-foot-9 forward Curtis Douglas fought Kurtis MacDermid in his first NHL shift last week, is the enforcer role trying to have a resurgence?  36:37: Yes or no: Nashville scratches rookie and Ontario kid Brady Martin against Toronto – Andrew Brunette says it was all part of the plan, but should they have sat him against a different team? 39:30: Minnesota Wild rookie Zeev Buium went 12th overall in the 2023 draft. Should he have been drafted higher? 41:25: The Anaheim Ducks gave away some sick old-school Duck masks at their home opener – is this one of the best giveaways ever? 42:34: Will the Toronto Blue Jays get a win tonight against the Mariners? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show breaks down the opening week of the NHL season so far and more big storylines. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and former pro player Drew Shore discussed in this episode: 01:20: What are reasonable expectations for Matthew Schaefer after his NHL debut? 04:50: How many points will Schaefer end up with? 06:30: Are the Pittsburgh Penguins being underestimated? 07:40: Thoughts on Jonathan Toews' debut with the Winnipeg Jets? 11:00: Are the Boston Bruins back to being a competitive team? 13:00: Did the Toronto Maple Leafs make a mistake letting go of Fraser Minten? 14:30: How much should the Detroit Red Wings worry about the goalie situation after Thursday’s 5-1 loss? 17:00: What have you liked about the start of Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights? 20:20: How much will Pavel Dorofeyev benefit from the new-look Golden Knights? 21:40: Is Nathan MacKinnon the favorite for the Hart Trophy?  24:00: Will the Maple Leafs benefit more from depth scoring this year? 26:00: How much will having Brandon Carlo for a full season benefit Morgan Rielly? 27:15: Who are the early favorites for the Jack Adams Award? 31:30: Which pending free agent will have extension questions hanging around them throughout the season? 36:20: What team are you most interested in watching after seeing their start to the season? 39:00: Who’s the biggest sleeper team early in the season? 41:00: Which player will make the biggest jump this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hockey News Big Show breaks down the opening day of the NHL season and more big storylines. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 01:05: Chicago Blackhawks @ Florida Panthers reaction 03:15: New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins reaction 06:55: Colorado Avalanche @ Los Angeles Kings reaction 10:50: Who were surprising names on the NHL’s opening day rosters? 14:00: Which youngster who made an opening day roster could make a big impact? 17:40: What are the expectations for Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who was called up? 21:00: The Maple Leafs claimed Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau off waivers. Yay or nay? 22:10: Reacting to Alex Pietrangelo being on season-ending long-term injured reserve 24:30: Thoughts on Kyle Connor’s eight-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets? 27:45: Who’s the most interesting player left in contract extension talks? 32:50: How much pressure does Connor McDavid's contract put on other star players to leave money on the table to try and win? 37:40: Thoughts on Mattias Ekholm’s three-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers? 39:50: Stanley Cup predictions 43:00: Is Sidney Crosby the greatest captain of all-time? 45:20: Thoughts on the Boston Bruins going captainless to start the season? 46:50: Reacting to the Los Angeles Kings’ new third jerseys 48:30: Is Gavin McKenna already the real deal in the NCAA? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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