The Big Show

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**The Big Show**

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, we’ll have in-depth analysis and lively discussion about everything happening in the NHL. Whether it’s trade rumors, player development or season predictions, it has expert takes and fresh perspectives on every episode.

Latest Episodes:

How Much Will Sam Bennett Help Team Canada? Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Here's what Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

1:00: Does Sam Bennett's addition help or hurt Team Canada?

5:15: As Steven Stamkos reaches 20th for most goals ever, what's your favorite moment of his career?

9:40: Are we going to get an Auston Matthews-versus Connor McDavid signature moment at the Olympics?

12:30: What kind of pressure is on William Nylander at the Olympics?

17:20: How well are the Philadelphia Flyers handling the Matvei Michkov and Rick Tocchet situation?

24:25: What's your favorite moment so far through the NHL season?

27:05: Whose stock will rise the most at the Olympics?

29:35: Who would win the Hart Trophy if the award were handed out today?

31:30: Who will end up winning the Art Ross Trophy?

33:45: Which teams outside the playoffs will end up making them?

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Women's Olympic Preview, Plus Trotz, Oilers And More Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss some big NHL topics and preview the women's hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics, which begins this week.

The Hockey News' women's hockey contributor Chris Sinclair joins Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos to preview the women's tournament, while former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk shares his insight on the latest storylines.

Here's what they all discussed:

1:00: Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz announced his plans to step down as GM and eventually retire. What does Nashville do from here?

2:08: Does it make more sense for Nashville to try to make the playoffs or not?

6:04: Are there any worries the Edmonton Oilers could face goaltending questions yet again?

8:31: How much does goaltending really matter for the Oilers?

12:12: How much of the next 12 months will dictate what the Toronto Maple Leafs do with Auston Matthews?

14:36: Is it in the Leafs' best interest to hold on to Auston Matthews for years to come?

17:23: Could the Columbus Blue Jackets see their first post-season appearance since the 2019-20 season?

Women's Olympic Hockey Preview

21:08: Is Team USA a heavy favorite coming into the Olympics?

22:09: What is Team Canada bringing to the table this year?

23:52: Is this a last hurrah for a lot of Team Canada players?

25:02: What is the outlook for Team Sweden?

26:21: Can Finland be competitive for a medal this year?

27:55: Is there a dark horse team?

30:42: Who's a player to watch out for?

Rapid Fire

32:46: Who had the better outfits walking into the Stadium Series between Boston and Tampa?

34:34: What's better: a goalie fight or a goalie goal?

39:18: Was the Stadium Series matchup the best outdoor game?

42:59: Another week, another chance to name a player who had a hot or cold week.

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What Trades Could The Hurricanes And Stars Make? Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

0:34: The San Jose Sharks are apparently interested in Artemi Panarin. How do we feel about a Celebrini-Panarin combo?

2:18: Would getting Panarin make the Sharks a genuine threat?

4:19: Is San Jose a market that Panarin would waive his no-move clause for?

5:35: There have been rumors that the Dallas Stars are interested in Calgary's Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman. Would either or both of these players fit into the Dallas lineup?

8:22: Who is the next best defenseman available in the trade market?

9:10: The Carolina Hurricanes continue their pursuit to land a big fish. Is this the year they finally get a big trade target and keep them?

13:50: The Washington Capitals are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and find themselves eight points out of a playoff spot. Do they have enough time to turn it around?

17:23: Ryan's latest NHL draft rankings come out Friday on TheHockeyNews.com. Who's your top three?

BetMGM Playbook

23:00: Is Macklin Celebrini himself enough to lead the Sharks to a Stanley Cup?

25:01: What can Buffalo do to give itself a shot at the Cup?

27:12: Out of these teams, who would you put your money on to win the Cup?

Rapid Fire

31:49: Tampa Bay's outdoor game layout is a pirate map. Is this the best design ever?

34:31: Should Marc-Andre Fleury come out of retirement? A lot of teams need goaltending.

36:13: Seattle is giving folks free hats after Jared McCann's hat-trick goal was called back the other night. Is there anything worse than tossing your hat only to have it called back?

38:36: What's more important at the Olympics, where the ice is a little smaller than NHL size: a skilled, speedy scorer or a physical checking forward?

39:49: What quote made you think, "say whaaaat?" this week?

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What's The Maple Leafs' Purpose For The Trade Deadline? Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Here's what Ryan Kennedy, Michael Traikos and Drew Shore discussed:

0:50: The New Jersey Devils traded forward Ondrej Palat, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the New York Islanders for forward Maxim Tsyplakov. Is this a signal that the Islanders are headed for the playoffs?

3:30: Can Palat inject some maturity into the Islanders' dressing room?

4:34: The New York Rangers traded Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders for a 2026 third-round pick. What will Soucy bring to the Islanders?

5:48: How does Carson Soucy fit into the Islanders' defense?

7:30: The Colorado Avalanche locked up defenseman Sam Malinski to a four-year contract extension that keeps him with the club through the 2029-30 season at $4.75 million annually. Tell us about Malinski and why this is a good deal for the Avs?

9:20: How long could this Avs team compete for a Stanley Cup?

10:50: Buffalo's on a four-game win streak. Are we confident they hold onto their playoff spot?

12:15: Could the Sabres be a hard out in the playoffs?

14:53: The Toronto Maple Leafs are eight points out of a playoff spot. Is it time to call it? What's Toronto's purpose for the deadline?

17:12: Should GM Brad Treliving stand pat or sell? Does Treliving get another crack at it next year?

22:53: Thatcher Demko is done for the season. His three-year contract extension with an $8.5-million cap hit kicks in next season. How do teammates support a player who gets injured often?

24:09: Is Demko injury-plagued? Should he be a Canuck when that contract begins?

26:33: Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings has tied Dallas' Mike Modano as the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history. Is he the greatest American-born player?

29:11: Yesterday, Darryl Sittler was honored for the 50th anniversary of his historic feat of 10 points in an NHL game. Will this record ever be broken? If it could, who would be the player to do it?

32:43: Which play-by-play commentator do you think deserves the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame?

34:00: Drew tweeted that Brock Nelson should be in Team USA's top 12 to start the Olympics. What do you like most about his game?

36:30: Super Bowl predictions?

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Where Should Evan Bouchard Rank Among Canada's Injury Replacements? Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Here's what Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

0:55: Was the Ottawa Senators' 7-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights a sign of a bounce back or just a good night?

5:20: What are your expectations for Brock Nelson at the Olympics after he recorded a hat trick on Sunday?

8:30: Are the Colorado Avalanche still viewed as a juggernaut?

13:30: Is there any meaning behind William Nylander flipping off the cameras?

15:50: How far down the list is Evan Bouchard for Team Canada's injury replacements?

20:10: What do you make of the Anaheim Ducks' rollercoaster season?

24:10: Do you have faith in the Buffalo Sabres yet?

28:50: Who's the best player who did not make an Olympic roster?

32:00: What's your goal of the year front-runner so far this year?

34:00: Our weekly look at a hot or cold NHL player from the past seven days.

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Who Will Be Most Motivated In Mitch Marner's Return To Toronto? Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss some big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here's what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Katie Gaus discussed:

1:05: Mitch Marner makes his long-awaited return to Toronto as the Leafs face the Golden Knights tonight. Expectations for his "welcome" back. How will the team and Mitch Marner handle it?

4:00: Who is more motivated going into this game: Marner or the Leafs?

6:50: Are we at the point where we believe the Senators are going to miss the playoffs?

8:37: How devastating is the loss of David Perron for the Senators?

10:20: Is there confidence that they can pull it together and get into a playoff position?

12:15: Is it the right decision for the Los Angeles Kings to go for it and sell assets to make it into the playoffs?

14:00: Jonas Brodin underwent surgery for a lingering lower-body injury that will prevent him from playing for Sweden in the Olympics. With injuries piling up for Team Sweden, have they knocked themselves out of possible medal contention?

16:00: Are people underestimating teams that have familiarity with each other?

19:00: There seems to be a rise in hockey-themed shows lately. Has hockey captured Hollywood, and what will it do for the game?

BetMGM Playbook

22:59:What is the most important aspect for each team making it into the playoffs?

24:30: What are your thoughts on the Penguins' odds to make the playoffs?

25:55: How are injuries affecting Toronto's playoff odds?

28:30: Does division matter when looking at the odds of each team?

30:13: Which team are you betting money on to make it into the playoffs?

Rapid Fire

31:53: There are two teams that have yet to win three consecutive games so far this season. Can you name them?

33:24: Which sports create the best movies?

36:04: Auston Matthews has scored 11 goals in his past 13 games. How many goals will he score by the end of this season?

36:54: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi played his 1,000th NHL game Thursday night. How would you evaluate his career so far?

39:20: What quote made you think, "say whaaaat?" this week?

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How Long Will Matthew Tkachuk Need To Get To Full Speed? Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Here's what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Drew Shore discussed:

1:05: Thoughts on the NHL's first goalie fight in six years?

3:20: Who do you want to see in the next goalie fight?

5:50: Is Sweden still a medal threat given their injuries?

9:15: How much will Jake Sanderson's comments about the team's goaltending – specifically Leevi Merilainen – stay around in the dressing room?

11:00: What will Sanderson need to do privately to clear this up with Merilainen, if he hasn't done so already?

14:20: What's your favorite example of a player playing their first game against a former team? Jonathan Toews received a lengthy standing ovation in Chicago this week.

19:30: How long until Matthew Tkachuk gets to full speed?

23:00: How concerned are you about an injury affecting Matthew Tkachuk's Stanley Cup playoffs?

27:20: Which team is the best fit if Nazem Kadri is traded?

31:10: Which team has surprised you the most through 50 games?

33:20: Who will score the most goals at the Olympics?

35:30: If Team USA needs an injury replacement on offense, who gets the call?

37:45: Which goalie wins a 32-goalie royal rumble?

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Breaking Down The Andersson And Sherwood Trades Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss some big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here's what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Andrew McInnis discussed:

2:00: The Calgary Flames traded Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights for Zach Whitecloud and some picks. Thoughts on this move for the Golden Knights?

3:45: How does this trade look from a Flames perspective?

5:46: Does this trade open up more ice time for Zayne Parekh?

7:29: Will more teams become like Vegas and throw in high draft picks because they don't need them?

11:20: New York Rangers GM Chris Drury released a letter to their fans letting them know a retool was coming. What does a retool like for the Rangers?

17:47: It's reported that the Rangers wouldn't be offering Artemi Panarin an extension. What are some likely landing spots for Panarin?

20:11: How much will this impact the Ducks moving forward, and how could it potentially have implications for Sweden at the Olympics?

23:04: Matthew Tkachuk will reportedly play Monday night against San Jose. How close are the Panthers to going on a strong run?

26:38: The San Jose Sharks acquired Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks for Cole Clayton and some picks. Thoughts on this trade?

30:04: Ottawa's Jake Sanderson made some blunt comments on their goaltending: "At the end of the day, you've got to make more than 10 saves to win the game." Was Sanderson out of line for this?

34:27: Jonathan Toews returns to Chicago: what's your favorite Toews moment?

36:36: We've seen eight players already reported as part of Canada's reserves list. If someone is still injured by then, who should be Canada's first injury replacement?

39:20: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played his 1,000th game for Edmonton. Thoughts on the 2011 first overall draft pick's career to date?

41:40: Another week, another chance to name a player who had a hot or cold week.

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Does Celebrini Deserve The Hart More Than McDavid? Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Here's what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Katie Gaus discussed:

0:42: Was it surprising to see Mitch Marner get booed at home?

2:15: What does the aftermath of losing Mitch Marner look like for the Leafs?

4:24: How crucial was it for Toronto to get this win?

6:05: Auston Matthews said he was "done with the Mitch questions." Over/Under how many Mitch questions he's still going to get next Friday?

8:26: What stands out as the most important part of the Tampa Bay Lightning's success right now?

10:30: Darren Raddysh is a pending UFA next season. Will Tampa want to lock him down soon?

11:58: Can the Seattle Kraken keep a hold on their playoff spot into the future?

14:51: What teams could be a good fit for Dougie Hamilton or would want him?

19:22: The OHL top prospects game and the USHL's All-American Game took place this week. Who stood out the most?

BetMGM Playbook

23:43: What have you seen from Macklin Celebrini that made him jump Connor McDavid as the second favorite on the Hart Trophy ballot?

26:02: How much does a narrative influence the Hart Trophy ballot?

27:35: Do you think about the Vezina Trophy odds and the back and forth between Ilya Sorokin and Logan Thompson?

28:52: Who would you vote for between Sorokin and Thompson, or is there someone besides these two you could see winning it?

Rapid Fire

32:18: Who is going to win the Art Ross Trophy?

34:02: If the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning both make the playoffs, who deserves the Jack Adams Award: Dan Muse or Jon Cooper?

35:46: Zdeno Chara's number was retired on Thursday night in Boston. Favorite memory or moment from Hall of Famer Chara?

38:15: What quote made you think, "say whaaaat?" this week?

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Breaking Down The Dougie Hamilton Situation Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Here's what Michael Traikos, Andrew McInnis and Drew Shore discussed:

02:30: Which players who made the Canadian Olympic roster are in danger of not making it to Italy?

05:05: What do we think of the Dougie Hamilton situation?

11:45: What's one team you expect to fall off in the Atlantic Division and one you expect to continue to gain steam?

16:45: What are your expectations for Rick Bowness in his new job with the Columbus Blue Jackets?

21:30: What traits and qualities make an ideal coach?

23:00: Will Connor McDavid score 50 goals this season?

29:30: If you could design a custom skate, what would it be?

31:45: Do you like the Utah Mammoth fans whistling?

33:30: Who will be the last man standing with no visor?

35:45: Who will make the Super Bowl?

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