Sixty-Six Million Reasons to Stay
Digest
The podcast kicks off with a discussion about Jeremy Swayman's new eight-year contract with the Boston Bruins, addressing past controversies and his commitment to the team. It then delves into the New Jersey Devils' victories in Prague and previews the upcoming season for all seven Canadian teams, featuring insights from colleagues in each market. The podcast analyzes the Buffalo Sabres' disappointing start to the season, including their losses in Prague and injuries to key players. It also explores the potential for Kirill Kaprizov to leave the Minnesota Wild next summer, highlighting the importance of the team's performance in convincing him to stay. The podcast discusses Boone Jenner's injury and the Columbus Blue Jackets' recent waiver wire moves, analyzing the impact of the NHL's new salary cap rules on trades and player movement. It then delves into the upcoming vote by NCAA conference commissioners to allow CHL players to compete in Division I college hockey, exploring the potential impact on both leagues. The podcast features interviews with Jean Pronovost and Ryan Leslie, ringside hosts for the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, respectively, discussing their team's prospects for the upcoming season. The discussion then focuses on Dustin Wolf's potential to become the starting goalie for the Calgary Flames, acknowledging his strengths and weaknesses. The conversation shifts to the Calgary Flames' playoff chances, expressing cautious optimism and highlighting the need for consistency and improvement. The panelists discuss the arrival of new play-by-play commentator John Abbott in Calgary, expressing excitement about his experience and the new dynamic he brings to the broadcast team. The discussion turns to the Montreal Canadiens, focusing on the impact of injuries to key players and the team's reliance on their young core. The conversation shifts to the Toronto Maple Leafs, focusing on the impact of new coach Craig Berube and new captain Auston Matthews, discussing Berube's emphasis on physicality and defensive responsibility. The discussion turns to Quinn Hughes and his potential for an even better season with the Vancouver Canucks, highlighting his relentless drive to improve and his focus on scoring more goals. The conversation focuses on Thatcher Demko's ongoing recovery from injury and the Canucks' goaltending situation, discussing Demko's openness about his injury and the encouraging signs of progress. The discussion shifts to the Winnipeg Jets, focusing on their relatively quiet offseason and the need to prove themselves after a disappointing playoff performance. The conversation turns to the Ottawa Senators, focusing on the impact of new coach Travis Green and the arrival of veteran goalie Anton Forsberg, discussing Green's emphasis on defense and the potential for a cultural shift within the team.
Outlines
NHL Season Preview: Contracts, Team Previews, and Injury Updates
This podcast discusses the upcoming NHL season, covering player contracts, team previews, injury updates, and coaching changes, with insights from experts and analysts.
Canadian Market Preview: Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Ottawa Senators
The podcast features interviews with ringside hosts for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Montreal Canadiens, discussing their team's prospects for the upcoming season. The discussion also covers the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Ottawa Senators, highlighting key players, coaching changes, and team expectations.
Buffalo Sabres' Rough Start and Injuries
The podcast analyzes the Buffalo Sabres' disappointing start to the season, including their losses in Prague and injuries to key players.
Kirill Kaprizov's Future with the Minnesota Wild
The podcast explores the potential for Kirill Kaprizov to leave the Minnesota Wild next summer, highlighting the importance of the team's performance in convincing him to stay.
Boone Jenner's Injury and Waiver Wire Moves
The podcast discusses Boone Jenner's injury and the Columbus Blue Jackets' recent waiver wire moves, analyzing the impact of the NHL's new salary cap rules on trades and player movement.
CHL Players in NCAA Hockey
The podcast delves into the upcoming vote by NCAA conference commissioners to allow CHL players to compete in Division I college hockey, exploring the potential impact on both leagues.
Canadian Market Preview: Edmonton Oilers
The podcast features an interview with Jean Pronovost, ringside host of Oilers Hockey on Sportsnet. Pronovost discusses the Oilers' upcoming season, their chances of winning the Stanley Cup, and their potential moves at the trade deadline.
Canadian Market Preview: Calgary Flames
The podcast features an interview with Ryan Leslie, ringside host of Flames Hockey on Sportsnet. Leslie discusses the Flames' training camp, their new roster, and their approach to the upcoming season.
Dustin Wolf's Opportunity in Calgary
The discussion focuses on Dustin Wolf's potential to become the starting goalie for the Calgary Flames, following Jacob Markstrom's departure. The panelists discuss Wolf's strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging his size as a potential challenge. They also express uncertainty about his readiness for a full-time NHL role.
Calgary Flames' Playoff Prospects
The conversation shifts to the Calgary Flames' playoff chances. The panelists express cautious optimism, acknowledging the team's potential but also highlighting the need for consistency and improvement. They discuss the team's underdog mentality and the possibility of additions or subtractions to the roster.
John Abbott's Arrival in Calgary
The panelists discuss the arrival of new play-by-play commentator John Abbott in Calgary. They express excitement about his experience and the new dynamic he brings to the broadcast team. They also playfully acknowledge the potential impact of Abbott's presence on the price of wine at games.
Montreal Canadiens' Injury Concerns
The discussion turns to the Montreal Canadiens, focusing on the impact of injuries to key players like Patrick Liney and Ryan Backer. The panelists discuss the team's reliance on their young core and the potential for a positive spin on the situation. They also express curiosity about the team's defensive prospects, particularly the development of young players like Lane Hudson and Kaiden Guhle.
Toronto Maple Leafs' New Coach and Captain
The conversation shifts to the Toronto Maple Leafs, focusing on the impact of new coach Craig Berube and new captain Auston Matthews. The panelists discuss Berube's emphasis on physicality and defensive responsibility, highlighting the change in approach compared to previous coach Sheldon Keefe. They also discuss the potential for a breakout year from goalie Joseph Woll and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding William Nylander's position.
Quinn Hughes' Encore Season in Vancouver
The discussion turns to Quinn Hughes and his potential for an even better season with the Vancouver Canucks. The panelists discuss Hughes' relentless drive to improve and his focus on scoring more goals. They also express confidence in his ability to win the Norris Trophy this year.
Thatcher Demko's Injury and the Canucks' Goaltending Situation
The conversation focuses on Thatcher Demko's ongoing recovery from injury and the Canucks' goaltending situation. The panelists discuss Demko's openness about his injury and the encouraging signs of progress. They also highlight the strong performances of Arturs Silovs and the recent acquisition of Kevin Lankinen, suggesting that the Canucks are in a good position to start the season despite Demko's absence.
Winnipeg Jets' Uncertain Future
The discussion shifts to the Winnipeg Jets, focusing on their relatively quiet offseason and the need to prove themselves after a disappointing playoff performance. The panelists discuss the team's reliance on Connor Hellebuyck and the lack of clear signs of improvement. They also express concern about the team's defensive core and the potential for a sell-off at the trade deadline.
Ottawa Senators' New Era Under Travis Green
The conversation turns to the Ottawa Senators, focusing on the impact of new coach Travis Green and the arrival of veteran goalie Anton Forsberg. The panelists discuss Green's emphasis on defense and the potential for a cultural shift within the team. They also highlight the importance of Forsberg's experience and leadership, particularly for the young core of the team.
Keywords
Jeremy Swayman
Jeremy Swayman is a professional ice hockey goaltender for the Boston Bruins. He was drafted by the Bruins in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Swayman signed an eight-year contract with the Bruins in 2023.
Kirill Kaprizov
Kirill Kaprizov is a Russian professional ice hockey winger for the Minnesota Wild. He was drafted by the Wild in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Kaprizov is a two-time NHL All-Star and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2021.
NHL Salary Cap
The NHL salary cap is a system that limits the amount of money that teams can spend on player salaries. The cap is designed to create a more competitive league by preventing teams from spending significantly more than others.
CHL
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is a major junior ice hockey league in Canada. It is comprised of three leagues: the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and the Western Hockey League (WHL).
NCAA Hockey
NCAA hockey is the collegiate ice hockey division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It is one of the most popular and competitive collegiate sports in the United States.
Trade Deadline
The NHL trade deadline is the date by which teams can trade players. The deadline is typically in late February or early March. Teams often make trades at the deadline to improve their chances of making the playoffs.
Dustin Wolf
A young goaltender for the Calgary Flames, known for his strong play in the AHL. He is facing an opportunity to become the team's starting goalie following Jacob Markstrom's departure.
Quinn Hughes
A talented defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, known for his exceptional skating, passing, and offensive abilities. He is considered a Norris Trophy contender and has shown a relentless drive to improve his game.
Thatcher Demko
The starting goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, currently recovering from a significant injury. He has shown a willingness to be open about his recovery process and is expected to return to the team at some point during the season.
Connor Hellebuyck
The starting goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets, known for his strong play and heavy workload. He has expressed the need for the team to find advantages in other areas to support his performance.
Q&A
What was the main takeaway from Jeremy Swayman's contract situation with the Boston Bruins?
Swayman addressed the past controversy and stated that he's moving forward with the Bruins. He emphasized that the past is the past and he's focused on being a Bruin.
What are the key factors that will determine Kirill Kaprizov's future with the Minnesota Wild?
The Wild's performance this season will be crucial in convincing Kaprizov to stay. The team's ability to make the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup will be a major factor in his decision.
How has the NHL's salary cap impacted trades and player movement?
The salary cap has made it more difficult for teams to trade players with large contracts. Teams are now more likely to retain salary or use other creative methods to make trades work.
What are the potential implications of allowing CHL players to compete in NCAA hockey?
This decision could have a significant impact on both the CHL and NCAA. It could lead to increased competition for players, as well as changes in the way both leagues operate.
What are the Edmonton Oilers' chances of winning the Stanley Cup this season?
Jean Pronovost believes the Oilers are a \"cup or bust\" team. He feels they have the talent and experience to make a deep playoff run, but they need to improve their consistency and avoid early-season struggles.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Calgary Flames this season?
The Flames face challenges in finding a consistent starting goalie, maintaining their underdog mentality, and navigating potential roster changes.
What are the key factors that will determine the Montreal Canadiens' success this season?
The Canadiens' success hinges on the development of their young core, the ability to overcome injuries, and the performance of their defensemen, particularly Lane Hudson and Kaiden Guhle.
How will the Toronto Maple Leafs' new coach, Craig Berube, impact the team's style of play?
Berube is expected to bring a more physical and defensively responsible approach to the Maple Leafs, emphasizing finishing checks and playing a north-south style.
What are the Vancouver Canucks' plans for Thatcher Demko's return from injury?
The Canucks are cautiously optimistic about Demko's recovery and expect him to return at some point early in the season. They are confident in their goaltending depth with Arturs Silovs and Kevin Lankinen.
What are the Winnipeg Jets' biggest weaknesses heading into the season?
The Jets' biggest weaknesses include their lack of depth on defense, the uncertainty surrounding their offensive production, and the potential for a sell-off at the trade deadline.
Show Notes
In this episode of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman open by delving into Jeremy Swayman's contract extension with Boston. Then the guys reflect on the pair of Devils-Sabres games in Prague that left Buffalo hampered (10:09 ). Kyle and Elliotte talk about the Wild's challenge to re-sign Kirill Kaprizov (14:42 ). After, they hone in on Columbus where Boone Jenner is dealing with an upper body injury (19:29 ). The fellas also take time to reflect on the names that hit the waiver wire Sunday (21:00 ). Elliotte touches on the trade the Canucks made Sunday for Erik Brannstrom (25:47 ). Kyle and Elliotte discuss the future of NCAA hockey and their relationship with the CHL (28:25 ). In The Final Thought, Kyle and Elliotte run through all 32 teams and predict which ones will make the playoffs (37:11 ).
Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions in the Thought Line (53:14 ).
In the finals segment the guys welcome in beat writers from across the nation to touch on every Canadian club as we inch closer to opening night in North America:
- Gene Principe (1:03:39 )
- Ryan Leslie (1:11:19 )
- Eric Engels (1:20:38 )
- Luke Fox (1:28:03 )
- Iain MacIntyre (1:35:47 )
- Jacob Stoller (1:45:38 )
- Alex Adams (1:53:08 )
Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail
This podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty & Cam Barra and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.
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.
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