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The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast

The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast
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Ray Ferraro & Darren Dreger, two of the biggest names in the game join forces for The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast. Providing expert insight, analysis and opinions on what's happening on and off the ice in an entertaining personality-laden style that you won't find anywhere else.
265 Episodes
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The fellas dig in on NHL Headlines, starting with Chicago’s 8–3 win over St. Louis as Connor Bedard notched three assists in his 29th career multi-point game, showing signs he’s entering another level. Buffalo exploded for eight goals to beat Ottawa 8–4, easing early pressure but not fixing their deeper issues, while the Senators clearly miss Brady Tkachuk and may have Steve Staios working the phones. Florida’s injury list grows with Kulikov and Nosek out, but Bill Zito’s team remains resilient. The Rangers’ odd 0–3 home record without a goal at MSG highlights their top-heavy lineup, and in Toronto, rookie Easton Cowan earned his first NHL point alongside Auston Matthews. Ray also previews Oilers/Islanders, where No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer has been an early bright spot for a New York team trying to avoid its first-ever 0–4 start. Plus, in Ask Ray & Dregs Anything... Stu Skinner's leash, are the Hurricanes different and best & worst travel hubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Panthers are silencing doubters with a hot start despite key injuries to Barkov and Tkachuk. Nathan MacKinnon is near the top of the scoring race, thriving alongside Martin Nečas as Colorado expects important clashes with Dallas throughout the year... and faces looming cap questions with Cale Makar’s next deal. Newly paid stars like Eichel, Kaprizov, and Connor are backing up their contracts with strong starts, and Team USA is shaping up to be a powerhouse for the Olympics. In Montreal, Lane Hutson’s eight-year extension locks in another key piece of the Habs’ young core, while Buffalo languishes again at the bottom, leaving players like Dahlin and Tuch frustrated in a team without identity. Detroit, meanwhile, looks poised for a breakout behind its youthful lineup, and in Toronto, Craig Berube is calling for more consistency from William Nylander, drawing Ray’s comparison to the enigmatic Alex Kovalev.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Eichel inks an 8-year, $13.5M/year deal in Vegas, structured heavily with signing bonuses, while Kyle Connor lands an 8-year, $12M/year contract to stay in Winnipeg—a move the Jets had to make to retain one of their elite offensive weapons. In Edmonton, the Oilers stay active, adding Jack Roslovic on a 1-year “reset” deal and extending Mattias Ekholm for three more years, ensuring stability on the blue line. Ray shares notes from Pittsburgh’s perfect opening night, where Arturs Silovs earned a shutout and Crosby played with some large, new linemates. In Ask R&D Anything, the guys look ahead to milestones for Patrick Kane and Anze Kopitar, and discuss whether McDavid’s record-breaking speed bursts make him even harder to contain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the day Connor McDavid signs a 2-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers (and Jake Walman for 7 years) we look at the powerhouses in the Pacific Division. Mitch Marner could be the ticket to put Vegas back into contention. Colorado and Dallas expected to slug it out in the Central (don't forget about Winnipeg). Tampa Bay looks to still be very much in the mix in the East... their rivalry with the Panthers will continue to be a big story throughout the season. Carolina looks to make a play to top the Metro with their offseason acquisitions... but are they built for the playoffs? We'll know a lot about the new-look Leafs in the first 20 games of the season. Plus, Ray & Dregs Stanley Cup predictions and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The guys break down Luke Hughes’ 7x9M deal in New Jersey and how it sets the stage for future contracts like Lane Hutson’s in Montreal. They dive into NHL.com’s Super 16 rankings, with Vegas at #1, Edmonton sitting higher than Ray thinks they should be and Florida’s injury-driven slide. The Panthers lock up Niko Mikkola long-term after he flourished in Florida, while Carter Hart is expected to land in Vegas following his eligibility to sign. An NHL exec hints at possible expansion by 2–3 teams within three years, raising concerns about diluting the talent pool. Plus, the show reflects on the retirements of Eric Johnson, who leaves with a Cup and over 1,000 games, and Max Pacioretty, who finishes with 335 goals before moving into coaching at Michigan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week the guys break down Kirill Kaprizov’s massive 8-year, $136M extension in Minnesota and what it means for any other impending extensions this year or next. Meanwhile, Anaheim bets long term on Mason McTavish with a 6-year pact that could set him up for another big payday at age 28. The Leafs lock in goalie Anthony Stolarz on a cap-friendly deal, banking on him staying healthy after a career-best season, and the Panthers face a brutal start with Aleksander Barkov out until April and Matthew Tkachuk sidelined for months. Plus, the Penguins give Marc-André Fleury a perfect sendoff with a one-day contract and preseason farewell, cementing his place as one of the game’s greats on and off the ice. In Ask Ray and Dregs Anything, the fellas predict which non-playoff teams from last year make it to the postseason and opine on JT Miller's comments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode, the guys break down the scrutiny in Edmonton over McDavid and Draisaitl having a rough night playing on the same line, why it’s not time to panic yet and where the team’s forward depth still looks thin without Zach Hyman. They touch on the lack of contract extensions for Edmonton’s Chris Knoblauch and Calgary’s Ryan Huska and whether Vancouver’s new coach Adam Foote brings a fresh perspective or a continuation of the Tocchet regime. The Senators look poised for another playoff run under Steve Staios and Josh Green after slashing 47 goals against last year, though the next step needs to be boosting their offence. Then, Vancouver Canucks new bench boss Adam Foote joins the show to talk about settling into his new role, his belief of what Quinn Hughes' future with the team is, Demko’s return to health, Pettersson’s offseason work, and why Vancouver believes it has the pieces to close last season’s playoff gap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode, the guys cover Alex Pietrangelo’s rehab in Vegas and his veiled suggestion that he might play again this season. Joe Woll takes a leave of absence from the Leafs and Alex Ovechkin enters his age-40 season with questions about how much he has left in the tank. They also look at PTOs around the league like Milan Lucic and Tyler Motte. How do the Montreal Canadiens make enough powerplay time for everyone after adding Noah Dobson to an already offensively gifted blue line. Plus, does Calgary has enough scoring punch, or could a Rasmus Andersson trade could be the key to adding more offense. In Ask Ray & Dregs Anything, the guys the discuss the possibility of Connor McDavid trade, players who intimidate with their words and expectations for Gabe Landeskog.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The boys are back! In our season premiere (beginning around 9:45), we look at Anze Kopitar preparing for a retirement tour after a Hall of Fame–worthy career, while big contract questions swirl around Kirill Kaprizov and Connor McDavid. Mitch Marner’s move to Vegas raises questions about fit and what the Golden Knights had to part with in order to fit him in, and in Toronto, Brad Treliving and Craig Berube face tough questions about replacing Marner’s production. We touch on Jonathan Toews in Winnipeg, the Jets’ looming Kyle Connor extension, and the future of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang in Pittsburgh as the Penguins try to stay competitive in the later years of their legends' careers. Plus, Ask R&D Anything!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A number of pre-deadline trades and signings took a little bit of the shine off of July 1, but the Rangers and Hurricanes swung a big deal that saw K'Andre Miller head to Carolina and then sign a big extension. Can Mitch Marner follow in Jack Eichel's path to finding another level to his game in Las Vegas? The Maple Leafs extended Matthew Knies and made a couple of trades but, much like Edmonton, they are left looking for scoring help to round out their top 6 forwards. The Edmonton Oilers cleared some cap space but also lost a number of players from last season without making a splash on Canada Day. The Vancouver Canucks surprised many by re-signing top UFA Brock Boeser, but some other moves may need to follow as they have a very crowded crease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Sabres and Utah Mammoth kicked off pre-draft activity with a notable trade sending JJ Peterka to Utah for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan, with Peterka then signing a 5-year extension. Buffalo’s next move may involve Bowan Byram, with several teams circling. Jamie Benn stays with Dallas on a 1-year deal, and their coaching search narrows to two candidates. Evander Kane heads to Vancouver for cap relief, likely filling a top-six role, while Trevor Zegras lands in Philly with low risk for the Flyers. The Leafs could eye Brad Marchand if Florida can’t re-sign him, though expectations should be realistic for the 37-year-old. Off the ice, future expansion is still a hot topic with Atlanta in the forefront of the chatter, a nearly-finalized CBA, and a possible 84-game season in '26-'27, though Ray would rather see more playoff games instead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Oilers fell to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year, with Florida delivering near-perfect performances in Games 5 and 6 and showing superior depth, structure, and goaltending throughout the series. Injuries mounted on both sides, but Florida’s culture and cohesion carried them through, while Edmonton struggled without Zach Hyman and leaned too heavily on McDavid and Draisaitl, who couldn’t singlehandedly turn the tide. Sam Bennett earned the Conn Smythe with a historic playoff performance, and GM Bill Zito now faces the challenge of re-signing Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad. Meanwhile, the Oilers enter a pivotal offseason with key extension talks looming for McDavid and Bouchard, major cap questions, and ongoing uncertainty in goal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Oilers dropped Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final after a flat start and near-flawless performance from the Panthers, whose depth continues to shine, as each of their top 9 forwards now have 15 or more playoff points. Florida's relentless structure and experience, led by Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, overwhelmed Edmonton, who sorely missed injured Zach Hyman. Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins struggled, and Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still haven’t found their top gear in this series. The Oilers’ defensive pairings look fatigued, and goaltending remains a question heading into an elimination Game 6. The pressure is squarely on Edmonton's stars to respond or face another long offseason without a championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Oilers clawed back from a 3-0 first-period deficit to win Game 4 in overtime, marking the first comeback of its kind in Stanley Cup Final history. A strong pushback, a timely goalie switch to Calvin Pickard and a spark from veteran Corey Perry’s locker room speech helped shift momentum. Blue-liner Darnell Nurse bounced back with a standout performance, Leon Draisaitl’s greasy OT winner capped the effort and despite continued discipline issues from Evander Kane (and others), Edmonton may hold a slight edge in the now best-of-three series. Meanwhile, the Rangers shake up their core, trading Chris Kreider to Anaheim in a bid to retool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final unraveled early for the Oilers after a first-minute breakdown led to a Brad Marchand goal and spiralled into chaos, capped by a mercy pull for Stuart Skinner and a game full of penalties, missed assignments, and frustration. Evander Kane’s undisciplined play and a lack of composure across the roster derailed any chance at establishing a rhythm and the Panthers pounced on a discombobulated Edmonton team. Tensions boiled over late with line brawls and antics between benches—including Jake Walman’s water squirting and TNT's Brian Boucher catching stray splash damage. Florida, meanwhile, continues to show depth and composure, buoyed by standout performances from Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett, even as stars like Barkov and Tkachuk remain quiet offensively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pete DeBoer was fired by the Dallas Stars just days after their playoff exit, despite three straight conference finals and a strong record—his handling of goalie Jake Oettinger and blunt postgame comments may have factored in. Meanwhile, Marco Sturm (Boston) and under-the-radar Dan Muse (Pittsburgh) landed head coaching jobs as the NHL’s hiring cycle continues. On the ice, the Oilers took Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in OT with a picture-perfect team goal finished by Draisaitl, as captain Connor McDavid came alive late in the game. Sam Bennett’s controversial 1st period goal stood after a failed goalie interference challenge, and Edmonton’s depth—including Kapanen and a resurgent Kane—shined. Oh, and Leafs fans were split as Rory McIlroy repped the team at the Canadian Open, sparking more than a couple of "golf" chirps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Panthers and Oilers will begin Wednesday after nearly a week-long layoff, giving players rest but leaving everyone itching to play. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl appear calmer and more mature under the bright lights and the pressure of expectations this playoff season. The Oilers appear confident, despite missing Zach Hyman, while Florida enters the Finals healthy and battle-tested. Goaltending could be pivotal, with Stuart Skinner now facing a crease-crashing Panthers team and Sergei Bobrovsky posing a tougher test for Oilers shooters. Coaching styles also clash: Maurice is philosophical and chatty, Knoblauch quiet and methodical. With deep lineups and playoff experience on both sides, who will the X-Factors be... and what are Ray & Dregs Stanley Cup Final predictions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Florida Panthers are headed to their third straight Stanley Cup Final after rallying past Carolina in Game 5, continuing the state of Florida's Eastern Conference dominance. Carter Verhaeghe scored the winner, showcasing the value of patience and great scouting. An awkward handshake moment between coaches Paul Maurice and Rod Brind’Amour sparked debate about who belongs in the post-series tradition. In the West, the Oilers prepare for Game 5 against Dallas with Mattias Ekholm expected to return from injury but Zach Hyman is likely out for the remainder of the playoffs. Evander Kane and Corey Perry could see increased icetime to try and offset the loss of Hyman as they have both impressed so far in these playoffs. 'Tis the season for Conn Smythe chatter, a year with no clear favourite emerging, but McDavid, Bouchard, Barkov, and Tkachuk are all in the mix. Could a goalie surprise?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Oilers crushed the Dallas Stars 6-1 in Game 3, with Connor McDavid's late second-period goal shifting momentum after a strong Dallas frame. Coach Pete DeBoer admitted that moment deflated the Stars, who have allowed too many prime chances and seen several key forwards go quiet. Stuart Skinner has outplayed Jake Oettinger so far, especially in Game 3, and looks composed and confident. A missed puck-over-glass call on Brett Kulak turned into a pivotal non-penalty, while Petrovic's crushing hit sidelined Connor Brown. DeBoer gave a lukewarm endorsement of Oettinger’s play, as the series enters Edmonton’s window of dominance under Kris Knoblauch in Games 4–7 (16–2 over the last two seasons). Out East, Carolina is down 3–0 to Florida, and with their stars underperforming, hope is fading. Ray highlights Florida’s depth and how players like Forsling and Mikkola—once overlooked—are thriving. Team USA captured the World Hockey Championship, honouring Johnny Gaudreau with a jersey tribute for his dedication to representing his country. Plus, the complaint department and talkative benches in Ask Ray & Dregs Anything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Game 1 of the Western Final, the Oilers blew a 3–1 lead, taking three costly penalties that led to three Stars power play goals in a disastrous third period. Edmonton’s PK struggled and despite dominating early and looking faster, the Oilers were undone by Dallas’s depth, with Seguin and Duchene stepping up. In the East, Florida leads 1–0 after a chippy opener that saw Brad Marchand ejected after a shot from Gostisbehere sparked chaos. The Panthers look like the most complete team again, this year. Elsewhere, the Leafs have given the Islanders permission to speak with Brendan Shanahan, is the writing on the wall for the (current) Toronto exec on the expiring contract? In Winnipeg, the Jets want to keep pending UFA Ehlers, but he may test the market. And with John Tavares also approaching UFA status, questions remain about his future and whether the Leafs need to change course.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
insane amount of ad reads
the last 2 podcasts sound so terrible, like their in a submarine or something
Great start so far fellas, one thing I will say is there is already too much focus on the maple leafs. There's 30 other teams
Great stuff! More coach and player interviews/story telling sessions, please.
cant wait for episode 1 today!
Looking forward for this podcast!