Hockey Free For All

Episode 84 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 1-12-2024

Episode 84 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, topics include-
 
#1. William Nylander’s new contract and cap room for the 2024/2025 season is not going to be a problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, T.J. Brodie and Ilya Samsonov at values of 5.5 million, 3 million, 5 million and 3.55 million dollars respectively, which just over 17-million-dollar value, and that’s just the larger of the contracts that will be coming of the books.
At the end of the 2024/25 season the contract of John Tavares at 11-million per season comes off the books as well, So the Toronto Maple Leafs will be just as the salary cap will increase as well on top of that.
 
#2. Montreal not only doesn’t need to acquire any player for any particular position, they have a legit contending roster, that they can ice from the opening game of the 2024/2025 that can and will compete with any team in the league on a level playing field and be a legit contender.
 
Starting 6 defensive pairings
 
David Reinbacher with Lane Hutson
Logan Mailloux with Kadian Guhle
Arber Xhekaj with Jayden Struble
7th Defenseman Jordan Harris
 
Starting lines 1-4
 
Line #1 Joshua Roy-RW, Nick Suzuki-C, Cole Caufield-LW
Line #2 Alex NewHook-RW, Kirby Dach-C, Jaruj Slafkovsky-LW
Line #3 Filip Mesar or Emil Heineman-RW, Owen Beck-C, Sean Farrell-LW
Line #4 Jesse Ylonen-RW, Lucas Condotta-C or Oliver Kapanen-C, Micheal Pezzetta-LW or Riley Kidney at LW
 
Goaltending
Cayden Primeau
Sam Montembeau
 
#3. Why is the Cutter Gauthier for Jamie Drysdale and a 2nd round pick in the 2025 trade between the Anaheim Ducks and the Philadelphia Flyers being viewed as anything other than a normal trade? This has gotten completely out of hand, unallowable and unexpectable behavior lines have been clearly crossed.
#4. The Montreal Canadiens do not need Trevor Zegras, stop the insanity.
#5. William Nylander’s new 8-year 92-million-dollar contract with an average annual hit of 11.5 million dollars per season, will not be a measuring stick for unestablished younger or future talent.
#6. The Montreal Canadiens loose defensive prospect Gustav Lindstrom to the Anaheim Ducks on the waiver wire.

Episode 83 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 1-7-2024

Hi Hockey Fans, here is episode 83 of the hockey free for all podcast Topics include-
#1. Here are perfect examples of the differences between the International game versus the North American game.
#2. Why would the Canadiens even remotely consider acquiring a 2nd line center? It makes absolutely zero sense.
#3. What about evaluating organizational depth or prospects such as Jan Mysak, Riley Kidney, Lias Andersson, Lucas Condotta, Jared Davidson, Xavier Simoneau, Sean Farrell, Oliver Kapanen or Owen Beck after current tournaments conclude?
#5. Exceptional hire’s by Geoff Molson to bring in Jeff Gorton, who brought in Kent Hughes. Those 2 gentlemen then brought in Marty St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier who just about everyone wanted to doubt and question, which all of those people had no business doing, as well as Adam Nicholas, Scott Pellerin, Nick Bobrov, Chrostopher Boucher and a host of other talented people, because these people understand what it takes, the time lime and the outside noise has no part in the rebuild process and are irrelevant.
#5 Jayden Struble has neither replaced or has somehow made Arber Xhekaj expendable. Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble’s would make a fantastic defensive pairing.
#6 There is no problem with the Montreal Canadiens continuing to utilize 3 goaltenders.
#7 Kent Hughes is remaining steadfast on his asking price and is no hurry to trade a goalie. Kent Hughes is clearly gaining leverage as the Carolina Hurricanes put veteran goaltender Antti Raanta on waivers, the Toronto maple Leaf’s have now placed veteran goaltender IIlya Samsonov on waivers, Buffalo needs to stabilize there organizational goaltending and the New Jersey Devils clearly look to be having goaltending issues.
#8. The state of goaltending in the NHL is not as dismal as people are making it out to be. Out of the top 100 goaltenders, 46 have a goals against average of under 3 goals against.
#9 Josh Anderson does not have a serious injury.
#10 Christian Dvorak has joined the season ending injury list with a torn pectoral muscle that he gets to have surgically repaired this week.
#11 Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman has a serious issue and it needs to be addressed by the NHL or players should and will take care of it in their own way.

Episode 82 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 12-31-2023

Hello Hockey Fans, here is Episode 82 of the Hockey Free For Podcast topics include-
#1. The very impressive smooth transition to the NHL of the Montreal Canadiens defensive prospect Jayden Struble is not surprising at all.
#2. The only concern about Jayden Struble finishing up at and coming out of Northeastern University was will he be able to stay healthy, as he has sustained several injuries during his time at Northeastern, and he has. Fortunately, his injury and durability history which was a valid concern has not followed him to the AHL or NHL.
#3. Absolutely there is room for both Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble in the starting 6 defensive positions, as well as for Florian Xhekaj are exactly the types of players that Montreal has desperately needed for nearly 5 decades.
#4. The long-term starting 6 defenseman for the next 10 to 15 years should be David Reinbacher with Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloiux with Kadian Guhle and Arber Xhekaj with Jayden Struble hands down.
#5. Before trading Jordan Harris, with his skating, defensive game and awareness, there is a potention Right wing sot on the 4th line for him.
#6. Looks like it’s nothing more than total lip service regarding player safety if you were watching the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens game on Friday when there was no call against Carolina Hurricanes player Stafan Noesen who targeted and hit Montreal Canadiens left Winger Jaruj Slafkovsky in the head.
So much for ethics and integrity, this exactly the reason why Arber Xhakaj should have never been sent to Laval and is exactly why Arber Xhakaj is the MVP of the Montreal Canadiens roster, as well as a cornerstone player on the Montreal Canadiens roster for the next 10 to 15 year’s. Arber Xhekaj is a solid defenseman who was an undrafted walk-on at both the OHL junior level and at the NHL level who plays a solid game, who skates tremendously well with his stature, build and body type, who generates offensive production beyond expectation, who bring a formidable intimidation to his game that clearly cares about his teammates and protects them refreshingly and is team captain material, oh and did I forget who brings a calmness to the ice that keeps the opposition in their place and in check.
#7. Sam Montembeau and Cayden Primeau are the right goalies for the Montreal Canadiens to move forward with and evaluate as the organization continues its rebuild and prospects develop.

Episode 81 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 12-24-2023

Episode #81 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Topics.
#1. Trade Bait Josh Anderson, Christian Dvorak, Jake Evans, Joel Armia, Rapheal Harvey-Pinard, Brendan Gallagher, Sean Monahan, Tanner Pearson, Mike Matheson, David Savard and Jake Allen.
#2. Goaltending should consist of Sam Montembeau and Cayden Primeau for the next 3 to 5 years while prospects develop 
#3. Prospects: Joshua Roy, Sean Ferrall, Owen Beck, David Reinbeck, Lane Hutson,
#4. Future 4 lines: Joshua Roy/Sean Ferrall, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach, Juraj Slafkovsky, Joshua Roy/Sean Ferrall/Filip Mesar, Owen Beck, Emil Heineman and Luke Tuch, Jared Davidson, Florian Xhekaj.
#5. Future 6 D: Reinbacher/Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux/Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble/Arber Xhekaj
#6. Goaltending Future: Jacob Fowler/Yevgeni Volokhin

Episode 80 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 12-17-2023

Episode 80 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Topics include-
#1. Coaching changes in Edmonton, Minnesota and St. Louis, the players should have paid the price, not the coaches, time to man up and do your jobs as extremely overpaid athletes.
#2. Virginia has offered a tremendous and the perfect opportunity and package for the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizard, let’s hope that is not a leveraging act or power play, as it would be a total disgrace and black on sports franchises, owners and league official.
#3. Goaltending remains horrific in Edmonton.
#4. Jake Allen should be very interesting to many teams with goaltending issues.
#5. Stop the nostalgia, Montreal does not need to acquire Sidney Crosby at 37 years of age, who is on the back 9 of an amazing career and mortgage their future.
#6. Montreal Management is building a long term successful, every year contending franchise
#7. Skilled Players need to play with other skilled players that offset their skills, or players that create space for them, so that they can excel.

Episode 79 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 12-10-2023

Episode 79 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast Topic include-
#1. Montreal clearly has tremendous depth and decisions coming and to be made on defense. Defensive prospect pool is nothing short of amazing.
#2. Why can’t both Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble co-exist as a pair on the Montreal defense?
#3.Montreal has needed strength, physicality, intimidation, and the types of players that strike fear into its opponents for decades.
#4. How can the Montreal Canadiens not keep both Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble?
#5. Wouldn’t be nice if Cole Caufield has no need to look over his shoulder wondering if he’s going to crushed?
#6. Let’s take a breath for a second regarding the 3-goaltender situation in Montreal.
#7. Cayden Primeau has shown tremendous growth!
#8. Jake Allen is nothing short of an excellent team member, tremendous leader, tremendous in the locker room and is a mentor for the other goalies.
#9. In recent times, defined as 1980 to 2023, there’s only been 4 players who have literally lit it up like they were shot out of a cannon at 18-years of age. Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby and Conner McDavid, stop the insanity and let Juraj Slafkovsky develop.
What is wrong with people who somehow believe that as an 18-year old drafted number one overall in there sport and league should somehow without exception be both unquestionably entertain and taking over their game from day one of them playing.

Episode 78 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 12-01-2023

Hello Hockey Fans, take a listen to
Episode 78 of the Hockey Free For Podcast Content Page 12-1-2023
#1. Sam Montembeau signs 3 year 9.45-million-dollar contract
#2. Time to trade Josh Anderson overdue, a highly overrated player
#3. The Similarities of Patrick Roy, Pierre Luc Dubois and Patrik Laine
#4. I Wish Corey Perry the absolute best and hope he receives all the support he needs.
#5. The 2022/2023 season and the 2023/2024 NHL seasons are carbon copy of each other at this point for the Montreal Canadiens, and if the 2023/2024 season is going to be any different,  the Montreal Canadiens are going to have to be extremely busy leading up to and at the trade deadline.

Episode 77 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 11-24-2023

Hello Hockey Fans out there, Episode 77 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for your hockey fix, topics include.
#1. Jayden Struble has been called up from Laval by Montreal, and the Canadiens need his physical game, grit, demeanor, attitude, style and approach to the game. Outside of Arber Xhekaj, the Montreal roster is devoid of it.
#2. Why is anyone even remotely surprised by the sudden realization that the Canadiens have plenty of, and exciting goaltending prospects. There is this sudden holly cow, the Canadiens actually knew what they were doing when the drafted 3 goaltenders in the 2023 draft. Jacob Fowler who will have the most pressure on him because of his draft selection in the 3rd round at the 69th position. But, Keep your eyes on the Russian goalie prospect Yevgeni Volokhin. He has been solid at every level he’s played and is both the wild card and the great unknown.
#3. Who in their right mind is even remotely thinking that the Canadiens should trade Prospect Sean Farrell. Has everyone forgotten the comments made by Director of Player development Adam Nicholes regarding prospect Sean Farrell, starting with, he’s going to be a special player. Does Montreal suddenly have too much talent, leaving no room for Farrell. Is there no more room in Montreal for top 6 talent?
#4. Injuries in Laval now include Emil Heineman and now Lias Andersson are out for the next 2-months!
#5. Montreal’s injury list has now grown to include Kirby Dach, David Savard, Arber Xhekaj, Jordan Harris and Raphael Havey-Pinard. This is why teams must have depth and the Montreal Canadiens organizational depth will be put to the test, not question about it.
#6. Cayden Primeau has emerged as the right goalie at the right time for the Montreal Canadiens. The team has played differently when he’s in goal, there’s comfortable level and trust that’s not there otherwise.
#7. Montembeau is the perfect contract, fit and solution for Edmonton.
#8. How glad is everyone that the Montreal Canadiens did not trade for Pierre Luc Dubois now?
#9. Montreal doesn’t need to sign Sean Monahan to a new longer-term contract. Monahan’s injury history is just too great of a risk.

Episode 76 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 11-18-2023

To all the hockey fans out there, here is Episode 76 of the Hockey Free For All podcast to take a listen and get your hockey fix.
#1. What is going on in Edmonton?
#2. The oilers really need to take a very close look at what the Las Vegas Golden Knights have done and replicate their model exactly.
#3. The coach was the fall guy in Edmonton!
#4. Montreal can solve the goaltending issues not only in Edmonton, but in Carolina and New Jersey as well.
#5. The Las Vegas Golden knights won the Stanley Cup last year with a 5th string goalie, who wasn’t even in the organization at the beginning of the season!
#6. Cayden Primeau displayed significant development in the Detroit and Las Vegas games, and to really see what Cayden Primeau is capable of, as well as where he is and fits into the organization, he should be the workhorse in goal in Montreal this season. It’s the perfect time in the organizations development to do it.
#7. There is no Martin Broduer or Henrik Lundqvist in the pipelines in Montreal, let’s see what Cayden Primeau’s got, if he can be the 50 game plus goalie, as Sam Montembeau or Jake Allen have not shown that they can be.
#8 The answer as to who is that perfect fit missing right winger for Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield the answer is Joshua Roy, who fit perfectly and seamlessly with Conner Bedard at the world juniors last year.
#9. Alex Newhook fit perfectly and the perfect right winger with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky and that should be his permanent top 6 spot.
#10. Christian Dvorak’s return, and fill in for Kirby Dach in his absence his been a great fit for Alex Newhook and Jaruj Slafkovski, which completely unexpected, but fantastic to see.
#11. Rapheal Harvey-Pinard has not looked good this season.
#12. Justin Barron has some great wow games and some want to forget games.
#13. Jesse Ylonen should get a shot and solid look at playing right wing with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
#14. Josh Anderson can’t buy a goal this season so far, but it has been fantastic to see Josh Anderson be engaged in every game, actively moving, and most importantly staying healthy. Josh Anderson’s effort and consistency has bee outstanding to see and extremely positive.

Episode 75 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 11-11-2023

Take a listen to episode 75 of the Hockey Free For All Podacst.
#1. What’s with Jonathan Huberdeau in Calgary. It has apparently struck many nerves that he was benched in Calgary recently, as many are referring to the benching of this player as disgraceful?
#2. Are there actual living breathing people who think that there are players that are unbenchable, or beyond expectation and discipline, think again!
#3. Jonathan Huberdeau has not performed or lived up to expectations since he arrived in Calgary!
#4. There’s no question that the Florida Panthers overwhelmingly won the Matthew Tkachuk trade.
#5. Calgary has to be having buyers’ remorse regarding the 10.5 million annual, 84 million in total value contract that Johnathan Huberdeau signed last season.
#6. Darryle Sutter was the problem for Johnathan Huberdeau and a lot of other players last season, what’s the problem for Johnathan Huberdeau and others in Calgary this season, there is still zero chemistry?
#7. What is the big deal that’s being made out of the Montreal Canadien still carrying 3 goaltenders on there roster, its not like there’s a Martin Brodeur, Ken Dryden or Henrik Lundquist in Montreal. The best by numbers is Jake Allen, Sam Montembeau has fallen off the map so far and Cayden Primeau just had his first successful NHL game in Detroit a few days ago, none of these 3 have grabbed the number position and ran with it.
#8. If Montreal did not have to be concerned with losing Cayden Primeau on the waver-wire, they would have sent him down to Laval, before the 2023/2024 season even started.
#9. The Edmonton Oilers clearly have an enormous problem in goal. The New Jersey Devils would love to obtain a young goalie who can be tutored by the great Martin Brodeur, The Carolina Hurricanes need at least a solid backup goalie if not a solid 1A goalie, and Montreal could solve the problems of all 3 of these organizations and continue to stockpile assets!
#10. Keep your eyes on Montreal goalie prospect Yevgeni Volokhin though. There is something special there, to be excited about
#11 Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj could be the only 2 current roster defensemen still in Montreal in 2 years, so there’s plenty of room for Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Bogdan Konyushkov, Jayden Struble and Adam Engstrom.
#12. 2022 1st pick overall Juraj Slafkovsky is definitely a different, better and far more comfortable player this year. He misses Kirby Dach.
#13. Alex Newhook is a high-end Right Winger, and a less than average center.
#14. Montreal has a laundry list of players that they can move before or the trade deadline this season.
#15. Brendan Gallagher and Micheal Pezzetta wore neck braces in practice to simply try them out, stop trying to make something out of nothing! The players, the players union and the league remain stunned by the death of Pittsburgh Penguin prospect Adam Johnson. How about, that particular situation wake some people up.