

The Chris Johnston Show
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Leading NHL insider, Chris Johnston, is joined by The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie to discuss the biggest stories from around the hockey world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 11, 2026 • 1h 4min
Cold Shoulder | The Chris Johnston Show
On this episode of The Chris Johnston show, Julian McKenzie and Chris Johnston go over a variety of topics including:
0:00 Intro
0:12 Hellebuyck's no-show in Winnipeg
11:26 The press conference
22:19 The cold shoulder
26:25 The Devils' decision
34:24 Michkov's future in Philly
41:48 Larkin and Hughes
44:58 Blackhawks questions
51:33 Leafs corner
54:33 Gavin McKenna
57:29 Hall of Fame weekend
Watch all episodes of The Chris Johnston Show here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEifwZnM5KxOFlm0lQjkEheLw
Buy CJ Show merch: https://sdpnshop.ca/collections/cj-show
Follow us on Instagram: @reporterchris @jkamckenzie and @sdpnsports
Follow us on X: @reporterchris @jkamckenzie @sdpnsports
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Nov 5, 2026 • 1h 5min
Lehkonen on the Move? | The Chris Johnston Show
On this episode of The Chris Johnston show, Julian McKenzie and Chris Johnston go over a variety of topics including:
0:00 Intro
0:13 Hellebuyck's letter leaves questions
12:45 What kind of welcome awaits him in Winnipeg?
17:29 Trade board 3.0
19:03 Is Tampa done without Kucherov?
25:21 Larkin's future in Detroit
33:10 Leafs corner: The toughest stretch yet
38:42 Should the Avs shop Lehkonen?
43:28 Russia, the World Juniors and Carney's stand
52:53 Hometown Remix jerseys: Hits and misses
57:50 Cross-check and stick tap
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Watch all episodes of The Chris Johnston Show here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEifwZnM5KxOFlm0lQjkEheLw
Buy CJ Show merch: https://sdpnshop.ca/collections/cj-show
Follow us on Instagram: @reporterchris @jkamckenzie and @sdpnsports
Follow us on X: @reporterchris @jkamckenzie @sdpnsports
Reach out to https://www.sdpn.ca/sales to connect with our sales team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Nov 3, 2026 • 1h 1min
Could Kucherov Land With The Leafs Or Habs? | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, a Canadian hockey journalist for The Athletic, joins the discussion on Nikita Kucherov’s reported trade request and a jaw-dropping $20 million contract demand. Could Montreal, Toronto, or another contender land the superstar? They also examine Dylan Larkin’s stalled future, troubling starts in Winnipeg, Chicago, and Philadelphia, plus Connor McDavid’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s point-streak record.

Oct 29, 2026 • 53min
Larkin's Landing Spot? | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, an NHL journalist for The Athletic specializing in the Maple Leafs and Senators, joins the conversation. They explore Quinn Hughes’ uncertain future in Minnesota, Detroit’s potential landing spots, Toronto’s goaltending balance and cap crunch, and Gavin McKenna’s breakout impact. They also spotlight Jacob Fowler, Devin Cooley, Connor Hellebuyck’s memorable debut, and the debate over bold goal celebrations.

Oct 26, 2026 • 52min
Hellebuyck & Hughes in Jersey? | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, an NHL journalist for The Athletic, joins a lively discussion on Connor Hellebuyck’s blockbuster move to New Jersey, Winnipeg’s return, and his legacy with the Jets. They explore Quinn Hughes’ uncertain future, Dylan Larkin’s stalled trade talks, Alexander Nikishin’s new deal, Toronto’s hot start, and an increasingly crowded Atlantic Division.

Oct 22, 2026 • 53min
Can the Habs Land Larkin? | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, The Athletic’s Canadiens and NHL reporter, joins the discussion on Winnipeg’s unresolved Connor Hellebuyck situation and Montreal’s interest in Dylan Larkin. They explore Carolina’s standoff with Martin Necas, Ryan O’Reilly’s trade value, Quinn Hughes’ uncertain future, and the emotional fallout from Brady Tkachuk’s Ottawa return. Plus, Columbus’ growing trade concerns and Tim Stützle’s pointed comments.

Oct 19, 2026 • 56min
Decision Day for Hellebuyck? | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, a Canadian sports journalist and NHL writer for The Athletic, joins a wide-ranging hockey conversation. They examine Connor Hellebuyck’s looming decision and potential destinations, Connor McDavid’s astonishing scoring pace, and whether Toronto’s early-season struggles demand patience. Detroit’s playoff pressure, Gavin McKenna’s rising minutes, and a playful jersey-throwing beer bet round out the discussion.

Oct 16, 2026 • 50min
Hiller Benches McKenna | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, a Canadian sports journalist and NHL writer for The Athletic, joins the hockey conversation. Toronto’s puzzling decision to bench Matthew McKenna takes center stage, alongside John Tavares’ frightening injury and a sneaky Leafs acquisition. They also explore Detroit’s DeBrincat and Edvinsson dilemmas, Connor Hellebuyck trade possibilities, Rangers goaltending depth, NHL attendance, Brady Tkachuk’s historic scoring run, and Philadelphia’s winless start.

Oct 13, 2026 • 46min
Binnington on Broadway? | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, a Canadian hockey journalist for The Athletic, joins the conversation on NHL pressure points and trade possibilities. They examine Philadelphia’s scoring drought, the Rangers’ goaltending crisis after Igor Shesterkin’s injury, and whether Jordan Binnington could move to New York. Other topics include Montreal’s center search, Connor Hellebuyck’s costly holdout, Carolina’s overlooked start, and Colorado’s coaching shakeup.

Oct 8, 2026 • 55min
McKenna & The Toronto Pressure Cooker | The Chris Johnston Show
Julian McKenzie, an Athletic hockey journalist specializing in the Maple Leafs and NHL news, joins a wide-ranging hockey discussion. They examine Evan Bouchard’s Norris case, Leo Carlsson’s dazzling start, Detroit’s contract dilemmas, and Gavin McKenna’s adjustment to Toronto’s spotlight. They also explore the Flyers’ struggles, Florida’s injury crisis, and Brady Tkachuk’s scoreless opening.


