The Athletic Hockey Show

In this discussion, veteran hockey journalist Michael Russo shares insights on the Minnesota Wild's slow start and their potential interest in trading for Jordan Kyrou. He evaluates Shane Pinto's chances for Team USA at the Winter Olympics and highlights standout performances from the Canada–USA Women's Rivalry Series, notably Abbey Murphy and Caroline Harvey. Russo also addresses the Wild's roster struggles and compares young talents like Zeev Bouyem and Connor Bedard, shedding light on their development trajectories.

Frankie Corrado, a former NHL defenseman known for his player-perspective insights, joins Scott Powers, a Chicago-based hockey reporter, to discuss the Maple Leafs' ongoing struggles. They dive into Toronto's defensive chaos, evaluating the impact of injuries and systemic flaws. The conversation shifts to the Chicago Blackhawks, where Powers highlights the evolution of Connor Bedard in his third season, showcasing his growth and the team's unexpected resurgence. Speculation about Steven Stamkos's potential trade adds an intriguing layer to the discussion.

Jeremy Rutherford, a St. Louis Blues beat writer, shares insights on the team's unexpected struggles and goaltending dilemmas, emphasizing the need for a strategic overhaul. Meanwhile, Peter Baugh dives into the competitive Metro Division, discussing the inconsistencies of the Rangers and the playoff potential of the Islanders and Capitals. The fascinating rise of young stars Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and Leo Carlsson captivates the conversation, showcasing their all-around gameplay and impact on their respective teams.

Gavin McKenna remains the top prospect, despite a slow start, but could challengers like Keaton Verhoeff and Tynan Lawrence emerge? Ivar Stenberg is making waves with his historic SHL performance, and discussions highlight the case for smaller defensemen in this draft class. The buzz around Caleb Malhotra's breakout and World Junior stock fluctuates as players rise and fall in prominence. The hosts also evaluate the impact of college standouts on draft chances and delve into Team Canada's defensive depth concerns.

Alex Ovechkin hits a monumental milestone with his 900th career goal, but the moment is hilariously overshadowed by goalie Jordan Binnington's cheeky attempt to stash the puck in his pants. The hosts unpack the chaotic Eastern Conference standings influenced by team parity, while casting their eyes on rising stars like Cutter Gauthier and Moritz Seider. They also explore the St. Louis Blues' struggles and discuss which middle-of-the-pack teams might surprise as the season unfolds.

Frank Corrado, a former NHL defenseman and keen analyst, joins to discuss the Anaheim Ducks' surprising performance this season. He highlights Cutter Gauthier's stunning goal-scoring prowess and the Ducks’ impressive offensive metrics. They delve into the Pacific Division's playoff dynamics and evaluate Anaheim's promising roster construction. The conversation also touches on Team Canada's goaltending dilemmas ahead of the Olympics and the potential Hall of Fame class, with a nod to Alexander Mogilny's long-awaited induction.

The NHL season has revealed exciting storylines, including the rise of youthful teams like the Mammoth and Ducks. Pittsburgh and Detroit’s contrasting trajectories spark debate, while the struggling Wild and Blues face scrutiny. Individual players like Macklin Celebrini are making headlines, yet concerns linger around Linus Ullmark and Yaroslav Askarov. The hosts also ponder if West Coast players get overlooked for awards and delve into the muddled Eastern Conference standings. It's an engaging look at early-season dynamics!

Shayna Goldman, an NHL reporter for The Athletic, joins to discuss Olympic roster strategies for Team USA and Canada ahead of the upcoming Milano-Cortina Games. She provides insights on where NHL teams find their best players, highlighting the importance of drafts over free agency. The conversation dives into contentious roster debates, including the inclusion of Dylan Larkin and Tom Wilson for Team USA. They also explore Canada's potential lineup and the impact of injuries on player selections, all while celebrating community efforts in hockey.

Frankie Corrado, a former NHL defenseman and insightful contributor for The Athletic, dives into the NHL's Frozen Frenzy event, uncovering why it fell short of expectations. He and the hosts discuss the necessity of a Red Zone-style producer to enhance viewer engagement during games. The conversation touches on Connor Bedard's impressive growth and his first hat trick, while also highlighting the surprising start of the Penguins and the impact of recent big contracts on player valuations.

We’re just about a month into the NHL season, and a few days away from Halloween, and so there’s no better time to identify the tricks and the treats in the hockey world. Can the Devils and Mammoth keep their hot starts going all year? Can Jack Eichel win a scoring title? Are the Lightning and Rangers cooked already? Get the answers to those questions and much more on today’s episode. Hosts: Max Bultman and Mark LazerusWith: Jesse GrangerExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris FlanneryWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VTm9VjkFSubscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/hockeyshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.