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:

What's Fuelling The Penguins' Success The Most? Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

It’s time to kick off a new week with more big NHL and hockey topics on The Hockey News Big Show.

Here’s what former NHL goaltender Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

0:41: What's more heartbreaking: the Oilers' Game 7 loss, or the Blue Jays' Game 7 loss?

2:35: Is this just a hot start to the season for the Pittsburgh Penguins, or can they sustain this?

4:25: What is contributing more to the Penguins' success: the goaltending or the scoring?

6:24: Who can step up to fill in Chris Tanev's spot if he's gone for an extended period of time?

9:15: Is losing a defensive defenseman like Tanev worse than losing an offensive defenseman?

10:33: How much should Ottawa Senators fans be concerned about Linus Ullmark's play?

12:55: Is Ullmark likely to turn things around quickly based on what you've seen from him in the past?

14:50: What kind of trade value does Edmonton Oilers D-man Troy Stecher hold on the market?

16:30: Is there a hole the Oilers are trying to fill in their lineup?

18:50: The New Jersey Devils agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $6 million annually with Jacob Markstrom. Thoughts on this deal?

20:40: Who is the starter for New Jersey if the playoffs were to start today?

23:08: What goes into being a good backup goalie on and off the ice?

25:48: The Montreal Canadiens are the first team in NHL history to win five of their first 12 games in overtime. Does it matter if they're going to overtime often if they continue to win?

28:34: What is making Montreal so good in overtime?

30:10: Are you starting to come around on whether the Habs are real contenders?

34:00: Yay or nay: wearing dark helmets with white uniforms, as the Senators and Capitals did over the weekend?

35:20: Free-agent goaltender Ilya Samsonov signed in the KHL. Will he ever return to the NHL?

37:30: Name one player you think is on a hot streak right now and one player who is on a cold streak.

40:40: Has Father Time finally come for Alex Ovechkin?

42:40: How much Halloween candy did you eat over the weekend?

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Are The Toronto Maple Leafs Still A Cup Favorite? Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

Happy Halloween, hockey fans. It’s time to discuss more big NHL and hockey topics ahead of the weekend on The Hockey News Big Show.

Here’s what former NHL player Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

00:40: Were the New York Islanders justified in making Mathew Barzal a healthy scratch for arriving late to the bus?

04:15: What is Tyler Seguin's legacy after his 1,000th game?

08:30: Is Nikita Kucherov a top-three player in the NHL?

14:00: Jonathan Toews faced off against Chicago for the first time. Is he the greatest Blackhawks player ever?

19:00: What exactly is “putting money on the board” when a player or coach faces their former team?

22:30: Who are some players who left the NCAA to go back to the CHL?

26:40: Why might players make the jump from the CHL to NCAA or vice-versa?

30:00: Which new NHL coach do you think is the best fit so far?

34:25: BetMGM playbook: Gary Pearson joins Michael and Ryan to discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 Stanley Cup odds, predictions and best bets. Are the Leafs still considered a Cup favorite without Mitch Marner?

46:50: After the Anaheim Ducks freaked out their players with a Halloween prank, how do you feel about haunted houses?

50:00: Will Martin Necas get over or under 89.5 points?

51:20: What’s the best Halloween candy?

52:30: Best Halloween costume you've had

54:00: Blue Jays Game 6 prediction

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Which Pending NHL Free Agent Had The Most Impressive Start? Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

It’s time to discuss more big NHL and hockey topics on The Hockey News Big Show.

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

0:54: Reacting to the Utah Mammoth signing forward Logan Cooley to an eight-year contract extension at $10 million annually

6:25: With the NHL Frozen Frenzy taking place Tuesday, what matchup stood out to you the most and why?

10:04 Of all the East-West matchups we saw last night, which one could possibly be a Stanley Cup final?

13:56: The Edmonton Oilers got one of their best wins of the season and some much-needed scoring in their 6-3 victory over the red-hot Mammoth. Could this game serve as a turning point for what's been a pretty slow start to the Oilers' season?

17:30: Connor Bedard scored his first-career hat trick with the Blackhawks. Are we seeing something different from the Blackhawks so far this season that suggests their rebuild is taking some positive steps forward?

19:20: With a strong personal start to this season for Bedard, what does it mean to him?

22:51: Dallas got a big deal done, signing Thomas Harley to an eight-year contract extension at $10.5 million annually. Thoughts on the deal?

27:29: With the rising salary cap, will we see more players sign larger contracts than the top players on the team?

32:17: The Utah Mammoth’s hot start has them in the conversation of upgrading before the trade deadline. We've heard the rumors of Montreal looking for a center, and Carolina is always looking to add a star after their last few attempts fell short. Which teams do you have your eye on, and what should they be looking for?

32:17: Yes or No: Cole Caufield has played himself onto Team USA for the Olympics? If yes, who is he bumping out?

36:09: Which pending free agent for this summer has had the most impressive start to the season: Nick Schmaltz, Adrian Kempe, Shane Pinto or Evgeni Malkin?

38:20: John Tavares is still sitting at 499 goals. Does he get 500 tonight versus Columbus?

40:55: Who's to blame for the Leafs' middling start: the GM, the coach or the new guys?

44:11: Who will win Game 5 between the Blues Jays and Dodgers?

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How Can The Canadiens Help Montembeault Rebound? Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Former NHL goaltender Devan Dubnyk is back on the Monday edition of The Hockey News Big Show.

Here’s what former Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

0:41: What will be key for the New Jersey Devils to continue like this as the season goes on?

3:34: What do you make of how the Devils are built, and can they sustain this style win in the playoffs?

6:50: So much for the sophomore slump: Macklin Celebrini is third in NHL scoring after finishing with 63 points last year. Will he have a better sophomore season than McDavid (100 points) or Crosby (120 points)?

11:26: The Minnesota Wild have lost six of their last seven games. Can they turn it around?

14:16: Are we starting to see signs that Minnesota is too top-heavy and doesn't have enough depth?

17:23: In the upcoming off-season, Laine will be a UFA. Will Montreal want to bring him back? If not, which other team would want him?

22:11: What was it like for Dubnyk to face Laine?

24:21: Could the return of Joseph Woll be the spark the Maple Leafs are looking for?

26:25: Should Anthony Stolarz and Woll still be in a 1A, 1B tandem situation for the Leafs?

29:11: How important is it to a goalie's confidence level to have a strong first outing? Is there an advantage to teams being unfamiliar with a new netminder?

33:44: Sam Montembeault has an .842 save percentage after five games. How can the team help a goalie rebound from a slump? How can Montembeault help himself?

36:20: Is it a good idea to play a struggling goaltender against a non-playoff team to rebuild confidence?

38:06: Evgeni Malkin: over/under 70 points? He's currently at 14 in nine games.

39:33: Yay or nay: Linus Ullmark skates across the ice to join a scrum in the Senators and Capitals game

43:50: Who would be your two goalies for Canada's Olympic men's team right now?

46:42: The Raptors, Leafs, Argos and TFC have all changed their logos to support the Jays in the World Series. Is it a bad thing if teams don't root for the other teams in their market?

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How Alex Ovechkin Transformed The Washington Capitals Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode of The Hockey News Big Show features a special guest, Nate Ewell, the former media relations manager for the Washington Capitals. He was around when the Capitals drafted Alex Ovechkin and changed the atmosphere and mindset about the team.

Here’s what Nate Ewell, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

01:10: Nate shares some stories about Ovechkin in his early days as an NHLer.

04:50: When did Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin become friendlier toward each other?

06:50: How much pressure did Ovechkin put on himself to win the Cup after watching Crosby win again and again?

10:30: At what point do the Tampa Bay Lightning press the panic button?

15:40: Does Matthew Schaefer need serious looks for Canada's Olympic team?

20:00: What does the latest boom in college hockey mean for the sport?

25:30: How hard is it to build a college hockey program?

27:00: Are the Utah Mammoth a playoff team?

30:30: What is Macklin Celebrini's ceiling for this season?

35:30: What’s your favorite restaurant in Las Vegas?

38:00: The Milwaukee Admirals will be trotting out a special jersey with a skating refrigerator mascot on the front. Yay or nay?

39:00: Over/Under: 30 goals for Ovechkin

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Will Schaefer Or Celebrini Have A Greater Long-Term Impact? Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

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

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

0:57: Thoughts on what Tuesday’s Devils and Leafs game showed (good or bad) for both teams?

7:15: Mitch Marner's off to a solid start in Vegas, with 10 points in seven games and a four-game multi-point streak. Will he be more dangerous in Vegas than in Toronto?

10:38: How much will it cost the Avalanche to keep Martin Necas? Mikko Rantanen got $12 million. How much would Necas get on the open market?

15:22: No. 1 picks Matthew Schaefer and Macklin Celebrini go head-to-head for the first time in their young careers. Which player will have the greatest long-term impact?

19:21: Lane Hutson, Thatcher Demko and Brock Boeser were added to Team USA's preliminary roster last week after not being invited to the two-day orientation camp in August. Of the three, who has the best chance of actually making the Olympic team?

22:45: Goalies often take longer to develop, but could Spencer Knight be the next big-time starter that Chicago desperately needs?

24:50: Do you think teams are picking goalies less in the top round of the draft?

30:05: Which division do you think will be the first one to experience a changing of the guard at the top?

35:28: Sidney Crosby officially passed Mario Lemieux for the most regular-season and playoff points in Penguins history. Who is the greatest Penguin of all-time: Crosby or Lemieux?

39:35: The Hurricanes and Avalanche will wear Whalers and Nordiques uniforms. Is this one of the best jersey matchups of all-time?

41:49: The NHL reportedly cancelled the "Olympic sendoff event" at UBS Arena. The Islanders and UBS Arena will now host the traditional All-Star Game and skills competition in February 2027. Yay or Nay to this decision by the NHL?

43:50: Predicting the World Series between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers

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Was Stolarz Right To Call Out The Maple Leafs? Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show kicks off the week by discussing some hot topics across the NHL and beyond.

Here’s what former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

0:52: Vegas, Seattle, Colorado, Carolina are all undefeated in regulation. Which team looks like the biggest threat?

5:20: After starting the season 5-1-0, are the Detroit Red Wings for real? What's been different so far this season?

11:45: Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola left Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres with an upper-body injury. How many more injuries can Florida take? Who on the team needs to step up?

16:00: Anthony Stolarz spoke out in the post-game scrum following the Maple Leafs overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken. How did Dubnyk feel as a goaltender on Storlarz’s comments?

22:09: The Sharks and Flames sit at the bottom of the NHL tied with just two points. Which team could turn it around?

23:40: Have teams figured out Flames goalie Dustin Wolf?

27:01: Matthew Schaefer is the youngest player in NHL history to start his career with a five-game point streak. Did we think this was the kind start he would have to his rookie season?

30:27: Will Schaefer join Team Canada at the world juniors?

32:49: Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembault revealed he not only knows what hand every player shoots with — but also the color of their stick tape. Is this normal? What other quirky things do goalies have to notice to help give them an edge?

36:26: Yay or Nay: Marchand's $5,000 fine for ripping apart Dahlin's helmet

38:46: Clean or Dirty: Tom Wilson's hit on Filip Chytil

41:45: Would you rather: a clear-cut starter and backup, or a 50/50 tandem in net?

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Reacting To Carter Hart Joining The Golden Knights Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here on Friday to dive into significant topics across the NHL and beyond.

Here’s what former NHL player Drew Shore, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

00:40: Reacting to Carter Hart joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization on a tryout

03:30: How much of an impact will the layoff be for Hart?

06:20: Are you worried about the Minnesota Wild's offense?

08:30: Are there any concerns that Connor McDavid has yet to score?

11:00: Can Scott Wedgewood become the No. 1 goalie for the Colorado Avalanche?

16:40: The NHL announced a media partnership to broadcast games in Australia. How else can the NHL expand its presence internationally?

21:30: How much talk is there about players in Europe who make an NHL team? How much do European

22:20: How many points will Connor Bedard get this season?

25:00: Do the Chicago Blackhawks need to go after Artemi Panarin?

28:00: Revisiting the Dylan Cozens-Josh Norris trade from last season between the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres

33:30: Who had the better overtime goal this week: Auston Matthews or Cole Caulfield?

35:40: How concerned are you about Evan Bouchard's defensive play for the Oilers?

38:30: Will next summer's off-season be a snooze fest?

40:40: Who are you most impressed with and disappointed with so far?

43:00: Can the Ottawa Senators make the playoffs despite Brady Tkachuk's injury?

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Is Something Big Wrong With The New York Rangers? Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the big topics in the NHL and elsewhere.

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

0:43: Is it time to start worrying about the Toronto Maple Leafs' top six forwards needing help?

4:45: Thoughts on Easton Cowan’s start to his NHL career?

7:36: How concerning is it that Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is hurt again?

10:09: Which team with a "bad" start will turn it around first?

12:55: Are Kevyn Adams' days numbered as Buffalo Sabres GM? Can any GM fix the Sabres?

18:00: The New York Rangers surpassed the 2001-02 Pittsburgh Penguins for the longest season-opening streak without a goal on home ice. Is this just an unlucky home start – or is something bigger wrong with the Rangers?

21:19: Which team or player with a "good" start will fall apart first?

24:24: Which team has had the most surprising start?

28:04: Could this be the year we see the Seattle Kraken find their identity?

29:29: Will Cam Talbot be the Detroit Red Wings' bona fide starter by the end of the month?

33:05: Yes or no: after 6-foot-9 forward Curtis Douglas fought Kurtis MacDermid in his first NHL shift last week, is the enforcer role trying to have a resurgence?

36:37: Yes or no: Nashville scratches rookie and Ontario kid Brady Martin against Toronto – Andrew Brunette says it was all part of the plan, but should they have sat him against a different team?

39:30: Minnesota Wild rookie Zeev Buium went 12th overall in the 2023 draft. Should he have been drafted higher?

41:25: The Anaheim Ducks gave away some sick old-school Duck masks at their home opener – is this one of the best giveaways ever?

42:34: Will the Toronto Blue Jays get a win tonight against the Mariners?

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Reacting To Jonathan Toews' Jets Debut Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show breaks down the opening week of the NHL season so far and more big storylines.

Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and former pro player Drew Shore discussed in this episode:

01:20: What are reasonable expectations for Matthew Schaefer after his NHL debut?

04:50: How many points will Schaefer end up with?

06:30: Are the Pittsburgh Penguins being underestimated?

07:40: Thoughts on Jonathan Toews' debut with the Winnipeg Jets?

11:00: Are the Boston Bruins back to being a competitive team?

13:00: Did the Toronto Maple Leafs make a mistake letting go of Fraser Minten?

14:30: How much should the Detroit Red Wings worry about the goalie situation after Thursday’s 5-1 loss?

17:00: What have you liked about the start of Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights?

20:20: How much will Pavel Dorofeyev benefit from the new-look Golden Knights?

21:40: Is Nathan MacKinnon the favorite for the Hart Trophy?

24:00: Will the Maple Leafs benefit more from depth scoring this year?

26:00: How much will having Brandon Carlo for a full season benefit Morgan Rielly?

27:15: Who are the early favorites for the Jack Adams Award?

31:30: Which pending free agent will have extension questions hanging around them throughout the season?

36:20: What team are you most interested in watching after seeing their start to the season?

39:00: Who’s the biggest sleeper team early in the season?

41:00: Which player will make the biggest jump this season?

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