The Athletic Hockey Show

This discussion highlights standout NHL prospects from the preseason, showcasing impressive performances and technical skills. The debate over preseason length raises questions about player development and training camp strategies. Matvej Michkov's offensive abilities and growth potential draw comparisons to other young talents. Evaluations of goalies and the importance of physical attributes in drafts are explored, alongside strategic insights about the Sharks' future prospects. The complexities of prospect trades and their implications on team dynamics are also examined.

Hailey Salvian and Sean Gentille welcome Max Bultman and Sean McIndoe to the Thursday show for the annual The Athletic Hockey Show starting lineup draft. Each member selects one center, left winger, right winger, two defenders and a goaltender with the goal of building a roster where the team with the most combined points wins bragging rights this season. Hosts: Hailey Salvian and Sean GentilleWith: Max Bultman and Sean McIndoeExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Jeff Domet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sean, Frank and Sean discuss the storylines that interest them the most heading into the 2024/25 NHL season, led by the contract dispute between Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins, what non playoff teams will make the jump to a playoff position this season, will Matvei Michkov and John Tortorella live in harmony in Philadelphia, will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky's goal record this season and who will be the first coach fired?Hosts: Sean Gentille and Sean McIndoeWith: Frankie CorradoExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Jeff Domet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max and Corey discuss the dynamics of the 2025 NHL Draft, including whether James Hagens will go wire-to-wire as the presumptive No. 1 pick, potential risers over the course of the season, and what it could all mean on draft night. Plus, the guys answer some listener questions in the mailbag to close the show.Hosts: Max Bultman and Corey PronmanExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris Flannery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max and Laz pick which players are poised to take their games to the next level in 2024-25. Plus, The Athletic’s NHL insider Pierre LeBrun talks Swayman, Shesterkin, and the length of the preseason, and Jesse Granger makes his goalie breakout picks to close the show.Hosts: Max Bultman and Mark LazerusWith: Pierre LeBrun and Jesse GrangerExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris Flannery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Wheeler, a hockey analyst known for his keen insights on player prospects, joins Chris Peters, a FloHockey commentator specializing in under-23 talent. They dive into the U23 draft, debating the first overall pick with Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. The discussion uncovers strategic picks like Luke Hughes and Jake Sanderson for building balanced teams. They further explore goaltenders and defense pairings, offering analysis on why specific young talents like Owen Power and Dmitry Simashev are key to future NHL success.

Shayna Goldman, an NHL analysis specialist, and Dom Luszczyszyn, a hockey analytics expert, delve into the intricate world of NHL player rankings. They discuss the newly expanded player tiers, including a dedicated goalie category. The duo debates the rankings of notable players like Matthews and Hughes while exploring fan interactions that shape these evaluations. Insightful comparisons between defensemen and an engaging look at goaltending performance highlight the conversation, capturing the complexities of assessing talent in the ever-evolving hockey landscape.

Igor Shesterkin, a talented goaltender known for his remarkable skills, joins former player Frank Corrado and Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman to discuss the evolving goaltending market. They explore Shesterkin's ambition to secure a record contract and its potential impact on the Rangers. Frank shares insider insights on NHL arbitration while Jeremy reflects on lingering feelings from his own experience. The group also humorously assesses the most unusual offseason moves across Eastern Conference teams, revealing the strange dynamics of player transactions.

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.

Join goaltenders Jeremy Swayman, Dustin Wolf, Joseph Woll, and Anthony Stolarz as they dive into the intense goalie battles heating up as training camps roll around. Swayman discusses managing a full workload with the Bruins, while Wolf shares his ambitions to transition from AHL standout to NHL star. Woll and Stolarz explore the high expectations of leading the Maple Leafs' postseason aspirations. The conversation highlights the pressures faced in these pivotal moments, plus a dash of humor with an outlandish goalie analogy!