Hockey Free For All

Episode 106 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Memorial Day Episode 2024

Hello hockey fans out there, here is Episode 106 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast to get your hockey fix, discussions include-
#1. The Montreal Canadiens do not need Trevor Zegras, Joel Farabee’s or Pierre Luc Dubois, stop with the insanity.
#2. These proposed trades with Anaheim, Philadelphia and L.A. would strengthen these club and not weaken the Montreal Canadiens but would saddle them with horrendously bad contracts for years, strapping the club financially.
#3. Why would Montreal tear down their rebuild, deplete their prospect pool and destroy their roster, these trades have no upside to any of them.
 #4. Montreal acquired Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook for the specific reasons such as size, speed and versatility.
#5. Montreal NHL roster players to trade should be Josh Anderson, Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, Jake Evens, Brendan Gallagher, Rafael Harvey-Pinard, David Savard and Jesse Ylonen.
#6. Laval AHL players to trade should be Justin Barron, Miguel Tourigny, Joe Vrbetic, Ty Smilanic, Mitchell Stephens, Philippe Maillet and Brady Keeper.
#7. Only prospects Sam Harris, Oliver Kapanen, Jack Smith, Alexander Gordin, Fillip Eriksson, Luke Mittelstadt, Petteri Nurmi, Blake Biondi, Mattias Norlander and Jacob Olofsson. The Jury remains out on prospects such as Rhett Pitlick, Vinzenz Rohrer, Xavier Simoneau, Jacob Perreault, Riley Kidney, Luke Tuch, Cedrick Guindon, Arnaud Durandeau, Quentin Miller, Emmett Croteau, Dmitri Kostenko and Daniil Sobolev should be even considered.
#8. In playoff news. The Florida Panthers are for real, have come to play, and are all in.
#9. The Edmonton Oilers/Dallas Stars might just be the more competitive series to watch.
#10. The Ottawa Senators have hired Rob DiMaio as their new Director of Player Personnel.
#11. The Tampa Bay Lightning have reacquired defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators.
#12. The Toronto Maple leaf’s new head coach Craig Berube is laying the ground work and baseline expectations for the players and has been very vocal since being hired.
#13. Insanity and stupidity continue to create Arber Xhekaj trade rumors relentlessly. Don’t do it, or Montreal will not when the Stanley Cup again for at least another 25 -years plus. Would not even trade Arber Xhekaj straight up for Connor McDavid.
#14. Stanley Cups foundations of Dynasty clubs are built on players like Arber Xhekaj, and that is why 31 other clubs want to obtain him so badly. If anyone thought trading Patrick Roy, Ryan McDonagh, John LeClair, or when Guy Lafleur left, cost Montreal Stanley Cup Championships, trading Arber Xhekaj will haunt the organization and its fans 10-fold, compared to all those other moves combined.
#15. Sheldon Keefe has been hired as the new head coach of the New Jersey Devil’s.
#16. Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet wins Jack Adam’s trophy as head coach of the year.
#17. Calgary assistant coach Marc Savard has resigned.

Episode 105 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 05-19-2024

Hello Hockey Fans, here is Episode 105 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast to take a listen to, topics include-
#1. Injuries are stacking up for playoff teams and are making a significant difference in series.
#2. Injuries have altered the N.Y. Rangers/Carolina Hurricanes series.
#3. The Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars are separating themselves from the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche in their respective series.
#4. The Vancouver Canucks style of play is really causing a lot of issues for the offensive style of the Edmonton Oilers.
#5. Goaltending has become a key concern for the Edmonton Oilers suddenly.
#6. NHL officiating has just been horrendous.
#7. It’s official, Sheldon Keefe was at least the first fall guy in Toronto, but was not happy about it at all, in his press conference.
#8. Looks like a lot of work remains for the NHL and the Chicago Blackhawks, based on an article released by the Chicago (AP) and shared by the Canadiens Press: Published May 15, 2024 at 05:52 PM ET, and Updated May 15, 2024 at 06:09 PM ET.
#9. On a very sad note, Long-time TSN personality and Sports Centre host Darren Dutchyshen has passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was only 57 years old, he was involved in and had accomplished so much, and was far, far too young to pass away, as he both had and wanted to accomplish so much more. He will be tremendously missed.
 
#10. In NHL Trophy news, Arizona Coyote’s goaltender Connor Ingram has won the Bill Masterson Trophy as he has successfully dealt with a series of significant issues on his way to evolving into full time NHL player. I wish him absolutely the best in Salt Lake City, in what should be a 100% positive move for all of the Arizona Coyote’s players and for the franchise as it now has stability and direction.
#11. This is how fast things are changing this time of year. Craig Berube has been named the next and new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leaf’s. The Florida Panthers have knocked out the Boston Bruins, The N.Y. Rangers decisively taken out the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Dallas Stars suffocating style has eliminated the Colorado Avalanche and their high-octane offence.
#12. The one and only remaining series to be decided in round 2 of the 2023/2024 playoffs is the Edmonton Oilers Vs. the Vancouver Canucks, which Vancouver leads 3 to 2, and can eliminate the Edmonton Oilers from the playoffs with a Vancouver win in their next game.

Episode 104 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 05-10-2024

Hello Hockey fans, here is Episode 104 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast to take a listen to, topics include-
#1. Kaiden Guhle joins team Canada. It will be a great experience for him.
#2. What’s with the issues that people apparently have with Nick Suzuki’s decision to decline joining team Canada?
#3. Will Surgery prevent Juraj Slafkovsky from playing for Slovakia? His health, recovery and readiness for opening night of the 2024/2025 are far more important.
#4. The Boston Bruins eliminated the Toronto Maple leaf’s again!
#5. The Florida Panther Vs. Boston Bruins series is a crap shoot.
 #6. It’s looking like the N.Y. Rangers are going to knock out the Carolina Hurricane in 4 games.
#7. The Dallas Stars & Colorado Avalanche is more evenly matched than many thought.
#8. Could the Vancouver Canucks smoother the Edmonton Oilers and knock them out?
#9. The Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness has announced his retirement, not surprising at all.
#10. The St. Louis Blues have removed the interim coaching title from acting head coach Drew Bannister, and named him the permanent head coach.
#11. The Ottawa Senators have found and signed their next and new head coach Travis Green.
#12. Really surprised that the Ottawa Senators did hire Craig Berube as their next head coach.
#13. The New Jersey Devils are still looking for their next head coach.
#14.  I wish Lindy Ruff a lot of luck in Buffalo.
#15. The L.A. Kings club is looking for a new voice to take them to the promise land before retirements and rebuild begins.
#16. Add the Seattle Kraken to the teams looking for a new head coach.
#17. The San Jose Sharks have decided they also need a new voice for their team and are now also looking for a new head coach.
#18. The 3 finalists for the NHL’s Heart trophy are Conner McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov.
#19. Seriously, there are people that are actually questioning Montreal Managements decision to extend head coach Martin St. Louis contract by 2 years, are you kidding me?
#20. What’s with the outrageous claim, judgement, and conclusion that the Montreal Canadiens have somehow lost the Artturi Lehkonen trade with the Colorado Avalanche?
#21. Johnathan Drouin had a fantastic season playing for the Colorado Avalanche for the same reasons Artturi Lehkonen did, they are playing for an incredible talent laden team.
#22. As predicted Sheldon Keefe is the first fall guy in Toronto, as he’s been fired. Who else will be gone?

Episode 103 Part 2 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 05-05-2024

Hey Hockey fans, here is Episode 103 Part 2 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast To Take a Listen To, Topics Include-
#1. In a dramatic overtime game 7 the Boston Bruins have eliminated the Toronto Maple Leaf’s with a goal by David Pastrnack, what happens next in Toronto?
#2. Pittsburgh Penguins President & G.M. Karl Dubas follows threw and fires associate coach Todd Reirden, does this start a ripple effect on the coaching staff and organizationally elsewhere?
#3. Time for some spending in Montreal,
#4. Montreal already has ready and waiting far better prospects and talent within it’s own organization and does not need to sign anyone else from anywhere else, stop!
#5. Montreal already has Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach and Owen Beck 1,2,3 at center. If you have an issue with Beck in that list, add Alex Newhook at 3 and put Beck at 4. Either way, Montreal is set.
#6. Montreal’s top 9 are set and are on an equal playing field with all other clubs in the NHL
#7. The Montreal Canadiens certainly do not need to sign and bring back Max Pacioretty from the Washington Capitals as an offseason free agent signing, nor do they need to make a trade with the N.Y. Rangers for Kaapo Kako either.
#8. Round 2 of the 2023/2024 NHL Playoffs kicks off with the Boston Bruins Vs. The Florida Panthers, Florida should have Boston’s number, but the Bruins have a never die attitude like few do.

Episode 103 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Part 1

Episode 103 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Part 1 Topics.
#1. So much for the Washington Capitals and their 2023/2024 playoffs.
#2. Alexander Ovechkin was held pointless in the series.
#3. One has to tip their hat to the N.Y. Rangers, as they were clearly the better team.
#4. The inevitable and coming rebuild for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
#5. Will Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin request trades to a contender?
#6. Will Kris Letang request a trade to contender or retire?
 #7. Erik Karlsson has no chemistry in Pittsburgh.
#8. The L.A. Kings, Winnipeg Jet’s, Tampa Bay Lightning, and N.Y Islanders all lost 4 to 1 in their series.
#9. The Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, N.Y. Rangers, and the Carolina Hurricanes are all moving on.
#10. The Boston/Toronto Maple Leaf’s, Nashville/Vancouver and Las Vegas/Dallas series have been the most competitive series so far in the 2023/2024 playoffs.
#11. It would not be surprising at all if the L.A. King’s, Winnipeg Jets and depending on what happens with Toronto, these teams could all be looking for new head coaches.
#12. If Toronto loses their series, will Mitch Marner be the fall guy and traded?
#13. Add the Seattle Kraken to the growing list of NHL teams looking for a new head coach, as they have fired their head coach Dave Hakstol.
#14 Is there a power struggle in Pittsburgh between President/G.M. Karl Dubas and Head Coach Mike Sullivan?
#15. Will Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour still be in Carolina next season?
#16. Winnipeg’s 2024 first round draft pick is now a mid-first round pick, with the series loss to the Colorado Avalanche, which Montreal Canadiens own’s via the Sean Monahan trade.
#17. Will Rick Bowness be back in Winnipeg?
#18. Will the Winnipeg Jets remain in Winnipeg long term, or are they the next team to be relocated?

Episode 102 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 04-28-20224

Hello hockey Fans out there, here is Episode 102 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast to take a listen to, discussions include-
#1. Why would Montreal even remotely be looking at 5 insurance policy goaltenders over the offseason as they have plenty of organizational talent?
#2. Samual Montembeau and Cayden Primeau are firmly in place and will hold the fort in Montreal as other internal talent develops.
#3. Is it not realized that NHL clubs can only have 50 players in their entire organization under contract at any given time, per the collective bargaining agreement?
#4. What 3 mistakes that Kent Hughes can’t afford to make this off season are people referring to? Kent hasn’t made a single mistake yet.
#5. Montreal has no need to target any free agent defensemen nor 5 specific defensemen in the upcoming offseason, and certainly do not need to add a veteran defenseman to the 3rd pairing. What part of Mike Matheson, David Savard, Johnathan Kovacevic, Arber Xhekaj, Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, Jayden Struble, Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Adam Enstrom and Wiiliam Trudeau is not being understood or is not clear. That’s 12 internal ready defensemen. You can only play 6. That’s a starting 6 X 2, hello!
#6. Is there just a lot of sentimental nostalgia in the air? There is no room to bring back Tyler Toffoli or Sean Monahan in Montreal. The team is moving on in its development and prospects are ready to take the roster spots.
#7. I hope that J.F. Houle and his staff return in 2024/2025, as they seem aligned with what NHL coaches want.
#8. The Buffalo Sabre’s wasted little time in naming Lindy Ruff as their new head coach.
#9. The San Jose Sharks have fired head Coach Dan Quinn and are looking for their head coach.
#10. The Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche series looks like its going to be a wild offensive series.
#11. Is any team, more unlucky, than the Dallas Stars are, as they once again get to face the Las Vegas Golden Knights?
#12. The Florida Panthers look to be in charge of their series with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
#13. Once again the Toronto Maple Leaf’s get to face their favorite nightmare by playing the Boston Bruins.
#14. The Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predator series looks like the most even series in the opening round of the 2023/2024 playoffs.
#15. In the Washington/N.Y. Rangers series, the N.Y. Rangers clearly look like the fresher team.
#16. The Edmonton Oilers look like they have brought their A game against the L.A. Kings this year.
#17. In the Carolina Hurricane Vs. N.Y. Islanders series. It looks like the head coaches Rod Brind ‘ Amour and Patrick Roy have taken center stage.

Episode 101 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 04-24-2024

Episode 101 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, Topics include.
#1. What’s with the sudden drama and the need for making sense regarding the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes franchise, they had just shy of 3 decades to figure it out and put it together!
#2. Salt Lake City Utah will be a great addition to the NHL. It’s a top winter sports destination in the work. It has some of the most rabid and Loyle fan’s anywhere, and a modern-day owner that gets it.
#3. It’s long overdue that the team owners of all franchises should pay 100% of the costs, as they stand to rake in all of the generated revenue by the team that they own.
#4. Taxpayers need to stop paying for any and all arena, stadium or any other related franchise costs, except the ticket cost and things that they specifically.
#5. If a sports team attempts to hold a city hostage by leaving if it and its tax payers don’t agree to foot the bill, then let the team walk!
#6. The NHL should now understand that the cities of Pheonix A.Z and Atlanta G.A. are 2 markets where the game does not fit and move on from those cities. They are just not a fit for the NHL. Not all cities will be.
#7. If it does end up that the Winnipeg Jet’s relocate yet again, I’ll bet that the choice of Houston TX has already been made, as to the city to relocate the Winnipeg franchise to.
#8. Looks like the honeymoon for Karl Dubas is already over in Pittsburgh, as he has clearly not endured himself to any of the players.
#9. The pending rebuild looks to be starting sooner, rather than later for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
#10. Would not be a surprise at all if defenseman Kris LeTang announced his retirement.
#11. Would not be a surprise at all if Evgeni Malkin requested a specific trade to the Washington Capital or went to the KHL after the completion of the 2023/2024 playoffs.
#12. After watching Karl Dubas trade Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes  and the overall play of the franchise this season, it definitely would not be a surprise to Sidney Crosby request a trade to a contending team, if he decides that it’s time to move on from Pittsburgh.
#13. Montreal is not a fit for Sidney Crosby.
#14. Montreal is not a fit for Steven Stamkos.
#15. What is with all of the senseless drama surrounding Carrey Price drama now that his house has officially sold in Montreal, was there actually people who thought he was still coming back, seriously?
#16. What part of Carrey Prices interview, when he said, if this is my last game that I play, I’m ok with everything. There was no grey area in that comment. It was very clear and obvious.
#17. As the playoffs are underway, it got to be stinging very badly for all of the self-anointed and self-appointed experts to watch Alexander Ovechkin continue his reign of supremacy as the best.

Episode 100 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 04-21-2024

Hello hockey fans out there, her is episode 100 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast to listen to, Topics include-
#1. The Arizona Coyote’s are moving to Salt Lake City
#2. Not even remotely surprised that no other city was considered.
#3. Outside of the maritime region of Canada and yet another team in the province of Ontario, there’s very little chance of any other Canadian cities being awarded NHL clubs.
#5. The situation in Winnipeg has to be very concerning to the NHL, and it would not be a surprise at all to see that NHL club relocated to Houston TX at some point.
#6. If the Winnipeg franchise doesn’t get relocated to Houston TX, Houston TX followed by Portland OR, Indianapolis IN, Madison Wisconsin, or Austin TX would have to be the next likely in line for an expansion franchise.
#7. Kaiden Guhle’s concussions and injuries should be concerning. Adam Engstrom is an insurance policy, if something happens to Guhle.
#8. Captain Nick Suzuki had a fantastic season setting new goal and total points for a season.
#9. Cole Caufield had a very complete season setting new goal and total points for a season, after offseason shoulder surgery.
#10. Juraj Slakovski’s had an outstanding season hitting 20 goals and 50 total point in his first year and a half in the league, proving all the doubter wrong, with tremendous improvement throughout his game.
#11. Logan Mailloux and Lane Hutson looked great in their initial appearances.
#12. Samual Montembeau had a solid 2023/2024 season.
#13. Cayden Primeau has arrived and has sent a message he will be gunning for the starting goaltending job in the 2024/2025 season.
#14. How can anyone still be thinking that Montreal should make a play for Pierre Luc Dubois. Pierre Luc Dubois was a total no show in L.A. after they acquired him from the Winnipeg Jets. It would be the worst acquisition/trade since Irving Grundman traded Rod Langway, Brian Engblom, Doug Jarvis and Craig Laughlin to the Washington Capitals for Rick Green and Ryan Walter in 1982 or the Scott Gomez trade engineered by Bob Gainey.
#15 Have the Montreal Canadiens disrespected prospect Filip Mesar, by giving his jersey number to Lane Hutson, What. Who cares!
#16. Absolutely, the NHL should be looking into the Las Vegas Knights and Mark Stone.
#17. I didn’t realize after playing in only 1 NHL game, that there’s enough generated information to determine a prospect NHL future, and where that player will slot in on the defense or offense. Wow, you must be a fortune teller in your spare time!
#18. The Buffalo Sabre’s have fired their7th head coach in the last 13 years. It should very obviously that head coaches are not the problem. Look real deep into the organization.
#19 Buffalo Sabre’s General Manger Kevin Adams is a solid General Manager and is not the problem either, keep looking deeper!
#20. Montreal Canadiens Right-Handed defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic very quietly put together an excellent 2023/204 with the best plus/minus on the team by far.
#21. Marc Bergevin know how to spot and draft talent, the issue was development of that talent.
#22. Luke Tuch will be a very interest prospect.
#23. Ivan Demidov, Cayden Lindstrom, Catton Berkley or Cole Eiserman should be at the top of Montreal’s 2024 draft list.
#24. Arizona Coyote’s have provide Montreal with a 2024 draft present by beating the Edmonton Oilers 5 to 2 in their 82nd game of the 2023/2024 regular season, which in turn solidifies Montreal’s position in the bottom 5 teams of the NHL club standing for the 2023/2024 regular season
#25. Can’t wait to see who of the many fantastic organizational prospects make the 2024/2025 season.

Episode 99 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 04-14-2024

Episode 99 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Content Page
#1. Nick Suzuki is having a great season.
#2. Arber Xhekaj is evolving into a top 4 defenseman.
#3. Joel Armia’s risen from the ashes.
#4. Before Joel Armia  is traded, there are a host of other player to trade first, starting with Josh Anderson.
#5. A total head scratcher, why does Montreal need to acquire or sign forwards Max Domi, Danton Heinen, Eric Robinson, Christian Fischer, Kyle Okposo, Rourke Chartier, Jonathan Marchessault, Jake Guentzel, Dakota Joshua or defensemen Calvin de Haan and Matt Roy?
#6. Why does it remain such an amazement that Martin St. Louis has retained such as amazing upbeat perspective and attitude about the season and the future.
#7. It’s fantastic that the Montreal Canadiens are leaving right defensive prospect Logan Mailloux in Laval for the entire year, for both his development and for the Laval Rockets playoff push and success.
#8. How is anyone surprised at how quickly right defensive prospect Davide Reinbacher has fit into and adapted to the North American game and ice size as fast as he has?
#10. Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes excel at what they do, and know and recognize talent when they see it, how does this remain a surprise to anyone?
#10. Hat’s off to Michael Pezzetta taking on Ryan Reeves, make no mistake, his actions will be responded to next season.
#11. Cayden Primeau had an outstanding game against the N.Y. Rangers.
#12 Cole Caufield is just fine.
#13. Austin Matthews has tied Alex Ovechkin for most goals in a cap era system season, this is news?
 #14. News is when Austin Matthews breaks Wayne Gretzky’s single goals season record of 92 goals or surpasses Alexander Ovechkin’s career goals totals, let’s talk then.
#15. Arber Xhekaj will have season surgery ending on his left shoulder this time.
#16. Florian Xhekaj has signed a 3-year entry contract, after the completion of his OHL Career.
#17. Rather than trades and free agent signings, a bigger concern for the Montreal Canadiens in the off season, is a conditioning and protective program for all of their players and prospects, but especially for Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj.
#18. Jaruj Slafkovski has had an amazing season.
#19. Welcome back Christian Dvorak.
#20. You limit your own options, that’s your failure, not anyone else's.
#21. If taking a different path or thinking outside the box doesn’t work, then explain the 1989 and 1993 Stanley Cup winners!
#22. Where’s all the excitement for Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Owen Beck, Filip Mesar, Sean Farrell and Florian Xhekaj, rather than having to make a trades for anyone or free agent signings?

Episode 98 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 04-07-2024

Hello Hockey fan’s here’s Episode 98 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast topics include-
#1. The return of Montreal Canadiens forward Christian Dvorak. Welcome back, but hopefully he is traded is the upcoming offseason.
#2. I hope Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson do not partake in the Upcoming world championships. As for Samual Montembeau and Alex Newhook, it’s a great tournament for them to be a part of, and it makes since for them and where they are at in their careers.
#3. As for the United States Team at the World Championship’s Cole Caufield and Cayden Primeau should absolutely play for the United States at the World Championship’s this year, both of their games would benefit from it, tremendously.
#4. Juraj Slafkovsky should absolutely play for Slovakian team at the 2024 World Championships. It will be a fantastic conclusion to an excellent season of growth. I hope that Filip Mesar plays for Slovakia team as well.
#5. As for Joel Armia playing for Finland at the 2024 World Championships, he always seems to have a great a tournament every year he plays in it. So, here’s to Joel Armia plays for Finland and has a fantastic tournament.
#6. Martin St. Louis responded perfectly when he asked what he thought about Montreal Canadiens players being named to and playing at the 2024 World Championships. St. Louis cut off the discussion, and responded that there are still 10 regular games to play and it would be inappropriate to discuss the 2024 World Championship’s at this point and time. Once again, Martin St. Louis showed he has his priorities in the proper order of importance.
#7. The Art Ross and Heart Trophies contest is a 3-man race.
#8. Acquiring Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks, Martin Necas from the Carolina Hurricanes or Kent Johnson from the Columbus Blue Jackets, would be an exact replica of the acquisitions of Johnathan Drouin, Josh Anderson or Christian Dvorak, how have those acquisitions turned out for the Montreal Canadiens and their fans?
More bad contracts, more players that take nights off, and that have not lived up to their skills, abilities or expectations. Montreal has their starting for centers in Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Owen Beck and Jared Davidson. Maybe everyone thinks that the Montreal Canadiens need more centers and players like Jesperi Kotkaniemi or Alex Galchenyuk, because they turned out so well, and had great careers while in Montreal? How does trading away young talented players from its NHL roster, tremendous prospects already within your organization, or the throwing away of valuable draft capital make any since here?
#9. John Tortorella is doing it right, too bad he’s direct and to the point. Pay attention, do your job, or you will not be here!
#10. Montreal Misses the playoff for the 3rd year in a row.