Chris Johnston, an NHL insider known for his expertise on contract discussions and league developments, shares his insights on key contract negotiations affecting the Boston Bruins. He dives into the potential for NHL expansion into cities like Atlanta and Houston, and the challenges that come with it. The discussion also highlights which NHL teams may be overrated and underrated this season, with a focus on surprising contenders like the Dallas Stars and the rebuilding efforts of the Montreal Canadiens.
The podcast highlights the tension in contract negotiations for Jeremy Swayman, illustrating the conflict between player expectations and team salary cap limits.
Hosts identify the Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild as potentially overrated due to inflated expectations, while the Rangers and Panthers may be underrated.
Aging veteran players like Sidney Crosby raise concerns for teams' performance, emphasizing the need for management to adapt strategies in changing circumstances.
Deep dives
Partnership with BedMGM
This episode outlines a collaboration with BedMGM, where the show will use BedMGM lines for their picks and offer special promotions for listeners. New users can utilize the bonus code 'theathletic' to receive a year-long subscription to The Athletic, along with a substantial first bet offer. The process is straightforward: download the BedMGM app, create an account with the bonus code, make a qualifying deposit and place a bet. This promotion is appealing for both new and existing sports betting enthusiasts looking for added value.
NHL Insiders Discuss Team Dynamics
The hosts discuss the current landscape of NHL free agents, particularly focusing on Jeremy Swayman, who remains unsigned as the season approaches. The tension around his contract negotiations illustrates the complications between player expectations and team salary cap restrictions. Swayman's importance to the Boston Bruins is highlighted, along with the potential implications if he doesn't sign before the start of the season. The situation emphasizes the delicate balance between a player's desires and a team's strategic financial planning.
Evaluating Overrated and Underrated Teams
The conversation transitions to analyzing underrated and overrated NHL teams for the upcoming season, referencing the lines set by BedMGM. The hosts express skepticism about how well teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild will perform, suggesting that their lines may reflect inflated expectations. By contrast, the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers are pinpointed as potentially undervalued teams due to their solid foundations and past performances. This segment emphasizes the unpredictability of sports and the challenge of accurately assessing team potential amidst offseason changes.
Impact of Aging Stars
A key point raised in the episode is the potential impact of aging veteran players on team performance, particularly for teams like Tampa Bay Lightning and the Penguins. Discussions regarding Sidney Crosby and other long-standing stars illustrate how age can affect player performance and team dynamics. The hosts reflect on the challenges teams face as their core players enter later stages of their careers, while still hoping to achieve success. This analysis showcases the broader theme of how management decisions must adapt as teams shift between contending and rebuilding phases.
Future of Boston Bruins
The episode wraps up with a look at the Boston Bruins and their prospects for the upcoming season, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding Jeremy Swayman's contract. Despite potential obstacles, the hosts express confidence in the Bruins' organizational strength and their historical ability to perform well. The conversation reinforces the idea that solid defensive units and capable goaltending can offset concerns related to team scoring. This highlights the brewing storylines as the season commences, focusing on how these dynamics will unfold.
Max Bultman and Mark Lazerus dive deep into the projected point totals for the NHL this season and make their choices for which teams are overrated or underrated. Plus, The Athletic’s NHL insider Chris Johnston joins the show to give the latest on contract talks between Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins, the potential for another round of NHL expansion, and more.
