The FAN Hockey Show

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa kick off this episode with today’s Burning Question: Who is the scariest player in NHL history? Later, the guys look ahead to this weekend’s hockey headlines on the Futa Five, before welcoming Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala (15:24) to the studio! Jason dives into the draft process and shares some stories of players he pounded the table for in the draft room, before looking into some recent draft success stories around the league. Later, Producer Mike Gentile (50:34) joins the conversation to ask the guys whether the early results of these NHL teams are a Trick or Treat! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Mike Futa opens today’s show by sharing his experience at his induction into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame with his co-host, Matt Marchese. Elliotte Friedman, Saturday Night Hockey analyst and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the boys to discuss his favourite Halloween candy. They dive into the latest news surrounding Dylan Larkin and the Red Wings, today’s ruling that Russia will be allowed to compete in international hockey, and Hayden Hodgson’s hit on Brandt Clarke. Friedge wraps up with thoughts on the Senators’ situation in goal and Winnipeg’s seven-game slide. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with today’s Burning Question: Is Sergei Bobrovsky’s play more panic or patience? Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino checks in with thoughts on the Red Wings management of Dylan Larkin while they await a trade, the broader impact of no-trade clauses, and the latest on Flames and Canucks. Later, three-time Stanley Cup champion Alec Martinez (32:35) stops by to chat about his experience covering the Kings, Blackhawks and Golden Knights this season and the storylines that caught his eye. After the break, two-time Stanley Cup champion GM Dean Lombardi (51:27) stops by to share some memories from his time with Mike in LA and congratulate Futes on his induction into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame! Finally, Producer Mike Gentile joins the guys to ask some Candy Jar questions. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Elliotte Friedman, Saturday Night Hockey analyst and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to share the latest news on Dylan Larkin. He discusses the Red Wings’ decision to sideline the forward until a trade is complete, the potential fits around the league including Montreal and Minnesota, and the timing of the team’s move to pull Larkin from the lineup. Friedge wraps up with a look into what’s next for Simon Edvinsson. Later, in honour of Mike’s induction into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame, some friends and family share their congratulations and kind words. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Kate Pettersen, NHL content creator, host and reporter, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to share what it's been like on her tour of 32 NHL arenas in 35 days. Later, Sportsnet's Eric Engels (17:08) joins to chat about Jacob Fowler's rock-solid start to the season to earn the starting job in Montreal. Eric also discusses the Canadiens' interest in Dylan Larkin, Phillip Danault's play in Nick Suzuki's absence, when to expect Suzuki and Ivan Demidov back in the lineup, Alexandre Carrier's presence on the blue line, the team's contention window, and Zack Bolduc's consistency. Next up, today's Burning Question: Do the Montreal Canadiens have a goaltending controversy? Matt and Mike wrap up today's show with your texts (46:03)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today's show alongside Elliotte Friedman, Saturday Night Hockey analyst and host of 32 Thoughts. They begin with Connor Hellebuyck's debut with the Devils, the Ducks' concerns in goal, and Jacob Fowler's stellar night for the Canadiens. The boys also touch on last night's battle between the Hurricanes and Bruins, Matthew Schaefer's marathon shift in overtime, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Paul Bissonnette joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to discuss the Chiclets Cup, the Maple Leafs’ new-look roster, and Connor McDavid’s hot start before tackling today’s Burning Question: Can McDavid hit 100 points by Christmas (39:07)? Later, Luke Gazdic (50:08) breaks down the Devils’ addition of Connor Hellebuyck, the Leafs’ loss to Calgary, Easton Cowan’s emergence, and more. David Amber (01:19:08) then joins the show to discuss Devin Cooley’s impressive start, McDavid’s place in NHL history, and Hellebuyck’s Devils debut. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Winnipeg Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa off the top to chat about Sunday’s Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium. Kevin reflects on the spectacle of the event and Dustin Byfuglien’s warm welcome at the alumni game, before breaking down the Connor Hellebuyck trade, the package in return from New Jersey, and the patient approach when looking for the right deal. The GM also discusses Mark Scheifele’s eye for detail, the culture of the Jets’ group, and Kyle Connor’s evolution. Later, the boys look back on some storylines from this past weekend in the NHL on the Futa Five! Finally, four-time Stanley Cup champion and Monday Night Hockey analyst, Justin Williams joins the guys in-studio to discuss what aspects of the game he would obsess over as a player, memories of playing in outdoor games, and tonight’s slate of NHL action. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports…

Elliotte Friedman, Saturday Night Hockey analyst and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to share his experience at the Heritage Classic! Friedge then dives into Alexander Nikishin’s one-year deal to return to the Hurricanes, the latest updates from Detroit, the Maple Leafs’ 7-2 win over the Oilers on Saturday, and Easton Cowan’s leap in production this season. The guys also chat about the Blue Jackets’ victory over the Golden Knights, the reception for Quinn Hughes in his return to Vancouver, Dustin Byfuglien’s ceremonious alumni game appearance, and Devin Cooley’s strong performance in Calgary’s victory over the Red Wings. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa begin by sharing details of Connor Hellebuyck’s now completed trade to the New Jersey Devils, before looking ahead to this weekend’s NHL action on the Futa Five! Jason Bukala (19:36), Sportsnet analyst and founder of the Pro Hockey Group, joins the guys in-studio to share an in-depth look at the Jets’ return in the deal and how having Hellebuyck in goal vaults the Devils into contender status. Jason also weighs in on whether Connor McDavid has any rivals around the league, Jack Eichel as a franchise player, the players they watched in junior that proved them wrong, and if McDavid will be on hockey’s Mount Rushmore at the end of his career. The boys wrap up with a discussion about the skills they watch for when scouting players (59:18), along with what can and can’t be fixed. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open with thoughts on today’s developing news of the New Jersey Devils nearing a trade to acquire Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the conversation to discuss how the deal came together and some early details he’s able to share. The guys also look into the Oilers’ 6-5 win over the Hurricanes, Connor McDavid’s ridiculous scoring pace recording 31 points through ten games, and preview Edmonton’s upcoming battle within the Maple Leafs on Saturday. Friedge wraps up with a discussion about Toronto’s thin blue line and Sunday’s Heritage Classic between the Jets and Canadiens. Matt and Mike then ask today’s Burning Question: Is Connor Hellebuyck the best goaltender in the NHL? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with thoughts on Brady Tkachuk’s charged return to Ottawa and the creativity from the fans to welcome him back. Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press joins live from Dallas ahead of the Jets’ clash with the Stars tonight. They break down the latest in the Connor Hellebuyck saga, the destinations and potential trade packages that make sense, and the players fueling Winnipeg’s strong start to the season. After the break, Matt and Mike ask today’s Burning Question (36:58) about the greatest villains in hockey history, before producer Mike Gentile joins to ponder some questions from the Candy Jar (50:43)! Finally, Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman (1:18:11) chats about what makes Connor McDavid such a dynamic player, the impact of the team’s coaching staff, Vasily Podkolzin’s development, Evan Bouchard’s play, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports &…

Tyler Toffoli, San Jose Sharks forward and Stanley Cup champion, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to chat about nearing 1000 NHL games played in his career, suiting up alongside the Sharks’ young core, and being a part of the team’s veteran leadership. Next up, Keith Kavanaugh (16:36) of PuckPedia and The Devils Edge shares his view on New Jersey’s 5-4-1 start to the season with thoughts on who’s driving the team, the strengths of the roster and the team’s outlook this year. Later, Matt and Mike ask today’s Burning Question about Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa, before Brent Wallace (43:37) of the Locked on Sens podcast joins the conversation. Brent shares his expectations for tonight’s reunion at the Canadian Tire Centre, reflects on Brady’s pregame comments about his choice to depart to Florida, and weighs in on the state of the Senators through nine games. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports &…

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open the show with a look back on Tuesday’s busy NHL schedule with Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet insider and host of 32 Thoughts. They dive into the Maple Leafs’ dominant 6-2 win in Columbus with thoughts on Easton Cowan’s development, Auston Matthews’ new life this season, and the Blue Jackets’ flat performance at home. The guys also touch on the red-hot Oilers, Dylan Larkin expanding his trade list to ten teams, the battle for the Canadiens’ crease, and the Kings’ recording their first win of the season. Friedge wraps up with a discussion about the early injuries around the league, before setting the stage for Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa to face his former team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open the program with a look back on Monday’s NHL action, starting with the Maple Leafs’ 3-1 victory over the Sharks. Luke Gazdic, Sportsnet analyst and former NHLer, joins the boys to chat about his pregame warmup traditions, before sharing his favourite Luke in the Box segments to start the season. Luke also looks into the keys to Toronto’s win over San Jose, the art of blocking shots, the Flyers posting back-to-back wins after a winless first nine games, and if there’s any path for Connor Hellebuyck to reintegrate with the Jets’ locker room. After the break, Justin Bourne (51:08), Real Kyper and Bourne host and author, stops by to share some insight into his new book with Darryl Sutter, Code of the West: Lessons From the Ranch and the Rink. J.B. also takes a look at the Leafs’ start to the season to gauge how the team’s young talent is finding their stride. Finally, The Athletic’s Michael Russo (1:19:19) discusses Jesper Wallstedt’s strong start to the year in Minnesota, the…

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open a new week on The FAN Hockey Show with thoughts on Connor McDavid’s ridiculous point-scoring pace to start the season. The guys take a closer look at the weekend that was in the NHL on Monday’s edition of the Futa Five. Adam Oates (26:26), Hockey Hall of Famer and President of the Oates Sports Group, reminisces about his 29-point lacrosse game, before chatting about the impact of speed in today’s NHL and the players he’s worked with throughout his career. Later, Sharks analyst Drew Remenda (49:13) checks in ahead of tonight’s battle against the Maple Leafs and discusses his expectations for the group this season, the team’s situation in goal, and Ivar Stenberg’s first eight games in San Jose. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to chat about the Maple Leafs’ decision to recall Artur Akhtyamov ahead of the team’s back-to-back this week. Friedge also weighs in on Toronto’s trade assets as questions continue to arise about their blue line, the top defensive targets on the market, and Erik Karlsson’s potential fit. The guys also take a closer look at what’s next for Connor Hellebuyck as his suspension from the Jets winds down, the sustainability of Connor McDavid’s scoring pace, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa get to a head coach edition of the Futa Five, as Leafs head coach Jim Hiller benched Gavin McKenna late in what would become an OT loss, and Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet being on the hot seat after a winless start. Plus, they discuss the Mammoth continuing to play well to start the season. Afterwards, they visit with Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (16:19) to chat about asset management across the league, how the Senators have been playing recently under Travis Green (59:18) and with a hot Linus Ullmark, Anton Frondell looking great in Chicago, and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to discuss the Leafs blowing a multi-goal lead to the Sabres in an OT loss - what happened with Gavin McKenna not seeing ice time late? They also get into whether or not the Leafs are built to withstand sitting on leads, and the trade to bring Aatu Räty to Toronto. Plus, they discuss another natural hat trick from Brady Tkachuk, the Flyers remaining winless and whether moves could be made in Philadelphia, Connor Bedard returning to the Blackhawks lineup, and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show alongside Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino! Together, they look into the ongoing mystery surrounding Connor Hellebuyck’s future, the Red Wings’ next steps after signing Alex DeBrincat to a long-term deal, the biggest surprises from the first few weeks, what’s behind Evan Bouchard’s hot start, if Connor McDavid can set a new career-high point total, and what’s in store for the reigning champion ‘Canes. After the break, Matt and Mike touch on the Maple Leafs’ roster needs (42:32) and set up tonight’s NHL schedule. Later, Kraken analyst Alison Lukan (50:23) looks into Seattle’s 5-2-0 start and shares what’s driving this team and how the group can maintain their form deeper into the season. Finally, former NHL player, coach and executive, Barry Trotz (1:20:21) catches up with the guys and shares some memories of Alex Ovechkin as he enters his final season and what Jim Hiller brings to Toronto’s bench. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts…

Marty Walsh, NHLPA executive director, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa on the heels of last night’s Frozen Frenzy! Marty reacts to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s comments about the ripple effects of no-movement clauses, before discussing Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet as a turning point for NHL contracts, the rising salary cap, and the recent growth of the game. After the break, Matt and Mike take a closer look at Tuesday’s 16-game schedule (29:!9) with thoughts on Anthony Stolarz’s difficult night, Alex DeBrincat’s extension with the Red Wings, the Flyers’ winless start, and much more! Finally, Producer Mike Gentile (49:49) joins the guys to pose some questions from the candy jar. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to recap his Frozen Frenzy experience. Friedge shares how Alex DeBrincat’s extension in Detroit came together, before getting into his highlights from last night’s busy NHL schedule. He breaks down how dire the Flyers’ disastrous start is, the state of the Hurricanes with Jordan Staal’s injury, the Rangers’ early success this season, the Mammoth’s narrow victory over the Maple Leafs, and Samuel Ersson’s difficult night against the Blues. They wrap up with thoughts on Rick Bowness’ fiery postgame comments, Devon Levi’s strong night in goal, and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show alongside Luke Gazdic, former NHLer and Sportsnet analyst. They chat about the sustainability of the Senators’ hot start, the challenge of shifting to a new captain within the room, the debut of Luke in the Box on Monday Night Hockey, and the latest on Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin. Next, Matt and Mike set the stage for tonight’s loaded night of hockey (43"35) with 16 games on tap! Later, behavioral scientist Dr. Alicia Naser (51:15) joins the guys to discuss the importance of having a short memory as a player, the mentality of playing until the final whistle, the internal battle when recovering from an injury, and much more! Finally, NBC Philly analyst and former Flyer, Scott Hartnell (1:21:21) stops to break down Philadelphia’s winless start to the season, identifies some positives from the first seven games, and looks into the team’s path back into contention. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not…

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa revisit Thanksgiving weekend with the Futa Five before bringing on Sportsnet senior columnist Mark Spector (16:27) to discuss how the Edmonton Oilers have dialed down the high scoring rate on their own end, the battle in net between Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry, facing off against long-time Oiler Darnell Nurse, how Mike Babcock could juggle his lines when Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are ready to return, Vasily Podkolzin's first impressions with his new team, Evan Bouchard's historic start, and previews their matchup against the L.A. Kings to close our their road trip. Then, Sportsnet's Leafs reporter Anna Dua (47:15) stops by to chat about the Maple Leafs' start to their season, their win in Colorado against the Avalanche, why there's a different feel within the group, Jim Hiller's impact, Gavin McKenna's comfortability on and off the ice, and her early pick at which team could be a strong candidate for the Stanley Cup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are…

Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to share news that former NHL head coach Dave Hakstol is speaking to Arizona State for a potential job, if the Maple Leafs are looking into the defenceman market, the leap Easton Cowan has made to start the season, how the offence is more connected than last year, if Igor Shesterkin's injury shifts the New York Rangers' attention to Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin's potential fit with the Montreal Canadiens, and Edmonton Oilers' continued success to begin their first year with head coach Mike Babcock. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode with a look ahead to the weekend on the Futa Five! Jason Bukala (15:07), Sportsnet analyst and founder of the Pro Hockey Group, joins the boys in-studio to take a look around the league and chat about Alex Ovechkin’s final season, Utah as a potential landing spot for Connor Hellebuyck, Jim Hiller not utilizing Gavin McKenna in overtime, and much more! After the break, the boys sort through some early season storylines to determine which are a hot take or a realistic outcome (43:58). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese returns alongside Mike Futa to recap the Golden Knights’ comeback victory over the Maple Leafs. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, checks in on the Red Wings’ GM search, the latest news on Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson, and what made the difference in the Senators’ narrow victory over the Flyers. They also look into the Sabres’ situation in goal, the outlook of the Flames’ rebuild with a new arena on the horizon, Frank Nazar’s pending hearing for his high hit on Bo Horvat, and Gavin McKenna not seeing the ice during the 3-on-3 overtime frame. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Mike Futa and guest host Gord Stellick kick off today’s show chatting with Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino live from Winnipeg. They discuss latest rumblings about goaltending Connor Hellebuyck and what a potential deal might look like, along with whether the Jets can get back to their Presidents Trophy form of 2024 and what’s ahead for Scott Arniel entering his final year of his contract (34:35). After the break, the guys look back on the Oilers’ 5-2 victory over the Ducks, before setting up tonight’s Maple Leafs vs. Golden Knights clash. Later, Kevin Allen (51:42) of Detroit Hockey Now gauges the vibe of the Red Wings’ fanbase and looks back on the timeline of what led up to this moment. Finally, Sportsnet’s Eric Francis (1:19:56) checks in on the Flames’ rebuild, highlights the importance of developing the group’s young talent, and shares the latest on the construction of Calgary’s new arena. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the…

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa kick things off with thoughts on Adam Oates’ comments about how Cale Makar’s playstyle fits on the power play. Later, Molly Walker (14:27) of the New York Post shares the latest updates on the red-hot Rangers. They chat about Igor Shesterkin’s knack for generating offence, keys to the club’s 4-1-0 start, Alexis Lafrenière’s resurgence, rookie Albert Smits finding his place on the blue line, Eeli Tolvanen’s first impressions in New York, and more! Finally, Producer Mike Gentile (43:34) joins the boys in-studio to ask some Candy Jar questions! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a recap of Tuesday night’s NHL action, starting with the Maple Leafs’ comeback victory over the Predators. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the conversation to reflect on Gavin McKenna’s first career goal, along with the Red Wings’ scrappy first win of the season. The boys also gauge some precarious goaltending situations around the league with Connor Hellebuyck still on the market, look into the recovery timelines for Sasha Barkov and Brad Marchand, and highlight Alexis Lafrenière’s hat trick in the Rangers’ 5-2 victory. Friedge wraps up by sharing his biggest surprises from the first week of the season and some names on the market to watch out for, before news breaks of a trade between the Penguins and Oilers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with thoughts on Linus Ullmark’s injury sustained during last night’s Senators win over the Bruins. Luke Gazdic, Sportsnet panelist and former NHLer, joins the boys to discuss Tim Stutzle’s big night, the Sens’ situation in goal with Ullmark sidelined, the Flyers’ early-season struggles, Cole Perfetti’s go-ahead goal for the Jets, and Nikita Zadorov’s leadership in Boston. After the break, Matt and Mike chat more about Philly’s rough start and set up the Maple Leafs’ matchup with the Predators tonight (32:57). Ken Reid, Sportsnet host and author, drops by the studio for a surprise appearance, before the boys welcome in Jonathan Davis (50:59) of ViSN and Sirius XM NHL Radio. They break down the state of the Sharks without Macklin Celebrini, the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, as well as the Kings’ and Ducks’ outlook this season. Finally, ESPN’s Sean McDonough (1:18:50) shares how hockey play-by-play differs from other sports, along with some stories from the booth.…

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode with a look back on the first weekend of the NHL regular season on the Futa Five. Justin Williams (16:58), three-time Stanley Cup champion and Monday Night Hockey analyst, catches up with the guys, chats about the impact of the shortened preseason and the ‘Canes path ahead as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title, and shares some stories from his time in the league. Later, Matt and Mike set the stage for tonight’s NHL action (51:24), gauge their concerns for some clubs around the league, take a look at Gavin McKenna’s slow start in Toronto, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa kick off a new week on The FAN Hockey Show alongside Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. They begin with reaction to Alex Ovechkin’s announcement that this season will be his last in the NHL, with thoughts on his legacy across 22 years in the league. Friedge also weighs in on the top landing spots for Connor Hellebuyck, which teams are already feeling the pressure, and the next steps in Detroit following Simon Edvinsson’s trade request. The boys wrap up with a discussion about Sasha Barkov’s recovery timeline, the state of the Maple Leafs through three games, the Senators’ strong start, signs of Elias Pettersson’s resurgence, and Jets’ rookie heavyweight Tyrel Bauer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open Friday’s show with recapping a busy Thursday night in the NHL, starting with the Oilers’ track meet against the Canucks. Mike then looks ahead to the weekend of hockey ahead on The Futa Five. Sam Cosentino (24:22), Sportsnet NHL analyst, joins the boys to joke about Sergei Bobrovsky’s warmup routine not wavering for Gavin McKenna’s rookie lap. Sam also chats about how Kirill Marchenko and Matthew Knies are fitting into their new teams, before diving deep into some potential landing spots for Connor Hellebuyck and what a trade might look like. Matt and Mike wrap up the week by sharing their picks for each division winner and playoff team around the league (56:48). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt and Mike in-studio to break down the latest news around the league. They look into the Oilers’ high-scoring start to the season, Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi’s shaky start in goal, and the Canucks’ keeping pace through the first two games. Elliotte also checks in on the Matthew Knies for Kirill Marchenko trade after Knies’ strong Blue Jackets debut. The boys discuss Tristan Luneau’s payday after only 14 career NHL games and debate if it signifies a trend for signing more young players early. They wrap up with thoughts on Aleksander Barkov’s injury, why San Jose hasn’t locked up Will Smith yet, and what to watch for during this weekend’s busy NHL schedule. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a look back on all the action from Wednesday night. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins the show to chat about the state of the game entering the 2026/27 season. They touch on the rising salary cap, potential expansion, no-trade clauses, Canadian markets, and growing the game for future generations to come (41:41). Later, Jason Bukala (50:53) of the Pro Hockey Group and NHL on Sportsnet joins the program to chat about Easton Cowan’s play in Toronto, the state of the Oilers in goal, the Protas brothers playing alongside Jordan Kyrou in Washington, Utah’s path to contention in the West, and the Flyers’ outlook this season. Later, Producer Mike “Eye Candy” Gentile (1:21:35) drops by the studio to ask Matt and Mike some questions from the Candy Jar! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marhese and Mike Futa to look back on what unfolded on opening night. They begin with thoughts on the Oilers’ 6-5 loss to the Canucks, Mike Babcock’s postgame comments, and Tristan Jarry’s play in goal. The guys also touch on the Maple Leafs’ opportunity to rebound in tonight’s back-to-back and the lack of familiarity within the group, before looking into Elias Pettersson’s potential as a power play option. Friedge wraps up with thoughts on Jared Bednar’s extension in Colorado, Patrick Kane’s hot start with Chicago, and Frederik Andersen’s timeline to return. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a look back on all the action from opening night in the NHL! They touch on the Panthers’ OT victory over the reigning champion Hurricanes, the Canadiens’ narrow 3-2 victory over the Maple Leafs, and the Canucks’ back-and-forth contest with the Oilers. Andrew Raycroft (27:06), NESN analyst and former NHL netminder, joins the boys to share his takeaways from the Bruins’ opening night shutout over the Rangers and dive into the team’s identity this season and outlook this season. Later, NHL on Prime analyst and former Islander, Thomas Hickey (51:28) checks in ahead of tonight’s season opener against the Maple Leafs. They chat about Matthew Schaefer’s outlook heading into his sophomore season in the NHL, the importance of Ilya Sorokin’s health and Semyon Varlamov steadiness in relief, and the key players down the lineup that can drive the Isles’ success. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily…

Mike Futa returns to The FAN Hockey Show alongside Matt Marchese. They break down yesterday’s blockbuster trade between the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets with thoughts on Matthew Knies’ opportunity in Columbus and what Kirill Marchenko can bring to Toronto. After the break, Matt and Mike make their predictions for this season’s division winners, award recipients, and Stanley Cup champions (25:32). Later, Sportsnet’s Eric Engels (49:56) joins the boys in-studio to dive deeper into the Knies-Marchenko deal, before looking back on Montreal’s near acquisition of Knies at last year’s trade deadline. Eric then outlines the Canadiens’ outlook heading into tonight’s season opener against Toronto, Martin St. Louis’ impact with the group, and the keys to maintaining the momentum of last season. Finally, Sportsnet panelist and former NHLer, Luke Gazdic (1:15:38) joins the conversation to reflect on Knies’ time in Toronto and the Maple Leafs’ roster identity, before setting the stage for tonight’s loaded opening night…

Matt Marchese and guest host Luke Gazdic begin this episode with some NHL training camp stories, before being joined by EJ Hradek (12:54) of NHL Network. He discusses the latest on the reigning Stanley Cup champions in Carolina, the appeal of Columbus’ Kirill Marchenko, and what’s next for Dylan Larkin in Detroit. The guys also chat about which roster raises the most concern around the league, if the Maple Leafs’ offseason moves will be enough to move the needle, and the intrigue surrounding the Capitals entering this season. Later, George Richards (45:40) of Florida Hockey Now sets the stage for the Panthers entering this season with a look at the team’s new additions and opportunity to bounce back. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and guest host Luke Gazdic open the show alongside Elliotte Friedman (7:09), Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. They discuss David Pastrnak being named the 28th captain in Bruins franchise history and debate if he is a no-doubt Hall of Fame candidate, before checking in on the latest Alexander Nikishin news. Friedge also looks into some waiver candidates to watch out for, the physical intensity we’ve seen through the condensed preseason, and where Henri Jokiharju might fit around the league. The guys wrap up with thoughts on Nikita Kucherov’s contract negotiations and what his next deal might look like, Logan Stanley’s one-year deal with the Islanders, what’s next for Vladimir Tarasenko and Kirill Marchenko, and the Isles’ $3 billion valuation. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jason Bukala, Sportsnet NHL analyst and former Director of Amateur Scouting with the Panthers, joins Matt Marchese and Gord Stellick to look ahead to the 2027 NHL Draft class and identify some players to keep an eye on. Jason also checks in on some recent top-end draft talent to project who’s in line for a breakout season. Later, Producer Mike Gentile (16:59) joins the guys for another edition of The Candy Jar featuring questions about coaches waiting in the wings, the teams on the fringe of being competitive, the NHL playoff format, and more! The guys wrap up today’s show by responding to your texts as we ramp up towards opening night (50:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and guest host Gord Stellick begin today’s show with takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ final pair of preseason games, along with Mark Messier’s on Mike Babcock’s hiring in Edmonton. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, shares his take on Messier’s critique of the Oilers, before looking into Adam Fantilli’s negotiations with the Blue Jackets. The guys also discuss which conference is deeper heading into this season, Michael Andlauer’s comments about Brady Tkachuk’s move to Florida, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Gord Stellick open this episode with a deeper conversation about the teams facing the most pressure around the league, as well as who’s catching their eye before the season officially begins. Darren Pang (16:45), NHL on TNT analyst and former netminder, stops by to chat about the young talent in Chicago, what would quantify as a successful season, if the depth on the roster can support their top-end talent, and Patrick Kane’s return to the Madhouse on Madison. Finally, Mike Zeisberger (41:09) of NHL.com checks in on the Maple Leafs ahead of tonight’s preseason finale in Ottawa. He discusses how the top line is shaping up, Jim Hiller’s early impressions with the group, William Nylander and Auston Matthews’ opportunity ahead, how Darren Raddysh has slotted in, and what to expect from Morgan Rielly. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and guest host Gord Stellick kick off today’s show with an early look at the injury report as the preseason winds down, as well as Bill Guerin’s extension in Minnesota. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the guys from the streets of Manhattan to share the latest news from the NHL Board of Governors meetings. The guys discuss the status of the league’s expansion plans, who’s in the mix for Connor Hellebuyck, the hierarchy within the BOG, and Sergei Bobrovsky’s first impressions in Toronto. They wrap up with thoughts on which teams are facing the most pressure to get off to a good start, which group is most intriguing, and who has the biggest potential to surprise us this season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and guest host Sam Cosentino open the show with thoughts and prayers for the Futa family following the passing of Mama Futes. The guys then break down some early storylines from the pre-season including Bowen Byram’s strong first impression in Chicago and Stuart Skinner’s shutout debut in Winnipeg. They also take a look around the league to define which netminders are certified number one options. Andrew Brewer (28:28), GM and Chief of Staff of the Michigan Wolverines, joins the guys to discuss the talent in NCAA hockey, his journey of working with Hockey Canada and the NHL, top prospect Landon DuPont, and more! Luke Gazdic (49:45), Sportsnet panellist and former NHLer, stops by to chat about the value of pre-season play and what to expect from the Oilers this season. The guys also debate which conference is stronger at the top, the momentum behind the Canadiens, and who qualifies as a top 50 player in the league. Matt and Sam wrap up the show with thoughts on Nikita Kucherov’s career, Beckett…

Sportsnet.ca Leafs reporter Luke Fox joins Matt Marchese and Sam Cosentino after Toronto's first pair of preseason games against Montreal. He shares his early impressions of Gavin McKenna, expectations for the Leafs' season, the Auston Matthews question, and the different tone at camp under new coach Jim Hiller. Later, Matt and Sam discuss whether the San Jose Sharks should make the swing for Connor Hellebuyck, the next step of the Canucks' rebuild, the Oilers' improvements, Washington's physical roster, the Red Wings' and Sabres' place in the Atlantic, and the overall strength of the Eastern Conference (18:30). Matt and Sam wrap up with Brent Wallace (47:43), host of the Coming in Hot podcast, to discuss who may be the next captain of the Senators, Ottawa's goaltending situation, where William Eklund fits in the group, Drake Batherson and Tim Stützle stepping up in Brady Tkachuk's absence, and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily…

Matt Marchese and fill-in host Sam Cosentino share some impressions from the first NHL preseason games before welcoming in Elliotte Friedman (6:12), Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. They go over the early trends of the shortened preseason, the latest expansion talk at the Board of Governors meeting in New York, and where Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, Logan Stanley and other current UFAs might land before the start of the season. Then, Friedge checks in with the situations for Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin and Kirill Marchenko. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese opens this edition with former NHL scout Jason Bukala (1:49) to chat about the NHL preseason kicking off this weekend. Jason touches on the size of the Capitals and Sabres, his expectations for Gavin McKenna and Nathan MacKinnon, which youngsters he's most excited about, the messy situation in Detroit, the Canadiens' culture, and more. Then, Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre (33:17) joins Matt, and they discuss the vibe amongst both Canucks players and fans, how the new regime is approaching their rebuild, where Elias Pettersson fits, and when Thatcher Demko could possibly return. Later, Gord Stellick is back in the co-host chair for hour two. He and Matt welcome Sportsnet's Eric Francis (1:01:00) to chat about Zayne Parekh's growth with the Flames, the addition of Simon Nemec, who in the pipeline excites Eric the most, the goaltending tandem, and more. Gord and Matt wrap up discussing whether Dylan Larkin's situation or Connor Hellebuyck's trade request gets solved first. The views and opinions…

Matt Marchese opens by sharing his thoughts on the Jets suspending Connor Hellebuyck, the new captaincies of Connor Bedard and Drew Doughty, Ryan Reaves' retirement, and more. Then, Producer Mike Gentile (22:10) joins for the season debut of "The Candy Jar!" Mike asks Matt about NHL GMs clawing back on player entitlement, whether young stars are getting paid too early, how captaincies have changed, and his thoughts on Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa. Later, Gord Stellick co-hosts hour two with Matt, welcoming Sportsnet NHL Reporter Sean Reynolds (50:21) to discuss the Hellebuyck situation after Kevin Cheveldayoff's press conference, when a deal could be made, and where the Jets stand heading into the season. Matt and Gord wrap up with Oilers Radio Analyst Bob Stauffer (1:18:48) to check in on Edmonton's camp under Mike Babcock, what looks different with him at the helm, and whether the Oilers can bounce back this year. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do…