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:

Who's The Most Interesting Pending NHL UFA Left? Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

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

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

01:05: Chicago Blackhawks @ Florida Panthers reaction

03:15: New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins reaction

06:55: Colorado Avalanche @ Los Angeles Kings reaction

10:50: Who were surprising names on the NHL’s opening day rosters?

14:00: Which youngster who made an opening day roster could make a big impact?

17:40: What are the expectations for Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who was called up?

21:00: The Maple Leafs claimed Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau off waivers. Yay or nay?

22:10: Reacting to Alex Pietrangelo being on season-ending long-term injured reserve

24:30: Thoughts on Kyle Connor’s eight-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets?

27:45: Who’s the most interesting player left in contract extension talks?

32:50: How much pressure does Connor McDavid's contract put on other star players to leave money on the table to try and win?

37:40: Thoughts on Mattias Ekholm’s three-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers?

39:50: Stanley Cup predictions

43:00: Is Sidney Crosby the greatest captain of all-time?

45:20: Thoughts on the Boston Bruins going captainless to start the season?

46:50: Reacting to the Los Angeles Kings’ new third jerseys

48:30: Is Gavin McKenna already the real deal in the NCAA?

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Breaking Down McDavid’s Extension And Previewing The Pacific Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here with former longtime NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk to preview the 2025-26 NHL season for each team in the Pacific Division. But first, they have big news to discuss on the contract front.

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

0:59: Connor McDavid signed a two-year contract extension with the Oilers worth $12.5 million annually. Thoughts?

5:19: What must happen in Edmonton for McDavid to sign a long-term contract after that?

7:30: The Oilers also re-signed Jake Walman for seven years at $7 million annually. Do we like this deal?

8:56: What are some other expectations for the Oilers?

11:40: Where do you slot the Vegas Golden Knights into the Pacific Division?

14:43: With an aging roster, what do we make of the Los Angeles Kings? Is this their last hurrah?

19:20: Was last year an anomaly for the Vancouver Canucks? Can they make a real push for a wild-card spot?

22:15: What will Dustin Wolf's season look like with the Calgary Flames? Will it become harder for him this year?

24:48: Is there any reason to believe the Flames wouldn’t be in a race for a playoff spot?

27:15: In Anaheim, will we see Ducks forwards Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish reach the next stage of their evolution?

30:00: The San Jose Sharks finished last in the last two years, but they had some positive vibes last year with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and other youngsters in the lineup. Should the outlook be as positive if they finish last again?

35:00: Ryan went to Mullett Arena for Gavin McKenna’s Penn State debut, and he shares what he saw.

38:11: Should the Seattle Kraken blow it up and go for Gavin McKenna, or is a shot at a playoff berth more important for the market?

41:17: Which rookies will stay for just nine games, and who will be there all year in the Pacific Division?

45:00: Which team and player are under the most pressure this season?

46:30: Name one player who is pretty significant to his team who could be traded before

Thanksgiving.

48:16: John Tortorella returns to ESPN as an analyst: favorite ‘Torts’ moment?

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NHL Atlantic And Central Division Expectations Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss the NHL pre-season and preview the campaign ahead. Stay tuned for Friday’s episode of The Wraparound, which will preview each team in the Pacific and Metropolitan Divisions

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

00:50: Reacting to Kirill Kaprizov signing an eight-year, $136-million contract with the Minnesota Wild

04:20: The New Jersey Devils signed Luke Hughes to a seven-year deal with a $9-million cap hit.

07:00: What does Aleksander Barkov’s injury do to the Florida Panthers’ three-peat hopes?

10:50: What are the Toronto Maple Leafs’ expectations in their first season since losing Mitch Marner and Brendan Shanahan?

14:45: How long can the Tampa Bay Lightning remain a legit Stanley Cup contender?

17:10: What has to happen for the Ottawa Senators to jump from fringe playoff team to legit contender?

20:40: What do the Montreal Canadiens need to break through and make noise in the Atlantic Division race and the playoffs?

23:00: What's more likely in Detroit: the Red Wings break through and make a playoff run or more of the same and we see drastic moves?

26:10: After losing another young player, JJ Peterka, what are the general expectations for the Buffalo Sabres?

28:20: Do the Boston Bruins have what it takes to get back to the playoffs, or is this a team with an impending rebuild?

31:15: Do the Winnipeg Jets need to trust the process and hope to break through, or are there changes that need to be made?

33:30: What do the Dallas Stars need to do to get through the Western Conference final?

35:20: Are the Colorado Avalanche still legit Stanley Cup contenders going into their first full year post-Mikko Rantanen?

37:40: What other moves do the Minnesota Wild need to make to move into a more competitive position after securing Kaprizov?

39:50: What are the expectations for the St. Louis Blues going into the first full season with Jim Montgomery?

41:00: What are realistic expectations for the Utah Mammoth going into Year 2?

42:10: What are the expectations for the Nashville Predators, given the age of some of their players?

44:00: What has to happen in Chicago for Connor Bedard to reach his full potential?

45:40: Which NHL rookies will stay for just nine games into the regular season, and which rookies will be around for longer?

46:45: Who are the top five Stanley Cup contenders from the Atlantic and Central Divisions?

47:30: How many points will Gavin McKenna record this season at Penn State?

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Will Leafs' William Nylander Join The 50-Goal Club? Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss the NHL pre-season and preview the campaign ahead.

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

01:00: Can William Nylander take a jump and join the 50-goal club?

04:30: Thoughts on Joseph Woll's leave of absence from the Toronto Maple Leafs

07:00: What player has a lot to prove in the pre-season?

10:15: Who can jump into the superstar category this season?

14:40: Which playoff team has the worst depth at forward?

17:40: Which playoff team has the worst defensive depth?

20:50: What team should be on trade watch early in the season?

24:40: What team needs a big season from their goaltender?

28:10: Which team is on fire sale watch early in the season?

35:20: Which division has the best prospects?

40:00: Fighting during the pre-season: yay or nay?

42:00: Predicting the first coach fired

43:00: Reacting to Nikita Zadorov’s Irish exit goal celebration

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What To Expect From Alex Ovechkin, Training Camps Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show discusses pressing NHL topics as training camps kick off.

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

01:30: What is Kirill Kaprizov looking for since he reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Minnesota Wild?

05:15: What teams could potentially trade for Kaprizov if the WIld think they can’t re-sign him?

08:20: Is J.T. Miller the right choice as captain of the New York Rangers?

12:00: Will any team sign Carter Hart?

15:00: Which player missing the start of the season is the biggest blow to their team?

18:50: Who will take the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-line right winger role?

21:20: What other players should the Maple Leafs target?

23:40: What is Leafs prospect Easton Cowan’s ceiling?

28:15: What are the expectations for Alex Ovechkin as he turns 40 this season?

31:30: What’s the most intriguing team going into training camp?

34:50: Which captain-less team will name a captain first, and who will it be?

37:20: Which opening-day matchup are you most excited to watch?

38:50: What’s your favorite outdoor venue? What stadium would you like to see host an NHL specialty game?

42:00: What’s your favorite example of a player ending their career by returning to their longtime squad?

43:20: If the NHL changed the playoff format so more teams would make it, would Buffalo make the cut?

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NHL Player Media Tour’s Biggest Standouts Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show discusses some of the biggest topics going on in the NHL and beyond right now, with Ryan Kennedy reporting from the player media tour in Las Vegas.

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

1:20: What is Quinn Hughes saying about Jack Hughes mentioning he wants to play with his older brother?

6:50: What did Ryan hear from Sidney Crosby? Are there any potential trade destinations if Crosby does eventually decide to look elsewhere?

12:00: What was Crosby saying about Macklin Celebrini? What is Celebrini’s potential to get on the Olympic team?

14:00: How much does Celebrini going to the World Championship affect his chances of making the Olympic squad?

16:05: Victor Hedman gave a cheeky quote about the Florida Panthers at the tour. What are the chances the Tampa Bay Lightning upset the Panthers this year?

20:00: Linus Ullmark called for video review from the goaltender’s view regarding goalie interference. Do you agree or disagree?

24:00: What can the Nashville Predators do to bounce back this season?

27:20: Do we like Cale Makar's idea for a new defensive award?

30:30: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly gave updates on the new CBA.

35:40: What’s your favorite NHL player media tour interview of all-time?

38:10: Is Dustin Wolf’s new seven-year contract extension a boom or a bust?

40:30: Aleksander Barkov and tennis star Bianca Andreescu are part-owners of a pro pickleball team. What other athlete duos would you like to see co-own a sports team?

42:25: Thoughts on the CHL not issuing passes to college hockey coaches to get into buildings?

43:35: Glow in the dark jerseys: yay or nay?

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Is It Time To Worry About Unsigned NHL RFAs? Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show once again brought on longtime NHL netminder Devan Dubnyk, founder of Dubnyk Development.

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

01:00: Why hasn't RFA Luke Hughes signed yet?

05:30: How much does the threat of losing both Hughes brothers affect the New Jersey Devils?

06:50: How likely is it that RFA Mason McTavish plays somewhere other than the Anaheim Ducks?

09:00: How much of a rush is Anaheim in to re-sign McTavish?

11:20: What should we expect from Jonathan Toews in his return year?

14:20: What will the health situation look like for Toews?

16:20: Who is affected the most after the NHL fixed the playoff LTIR loophole?

20:30: How much did that cap loophole bother you?

22:30: What are your thoughts on the end of the NHL dress code?

25:20: Which guys will make the most of the end of the dress code?

27:20: Dubnyk discusses the latest news on Mitch Marner’s exit from Toronto

29:20: What’s it like playing in a big market when things are not going well?

34:30: Zach Parise is one of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 inductees

38:40: Who will sign an extension first: Connor McDavid or Kirill Kaprizov?

39:45: What is your favorite summer activity to do during the off-season?

42:50: NHL rookie tournaments: yay or nay?

44:50 How cool is it to see a non-traditional country winning in international hockey?

46:30 What team do you associate Jaromir Jagr with the most, besides the Pittsburgh Penguins?

47:45: Who’s the best backup goalie in the NHL?

Watch the full Episode here

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Who Will Be The NHL's Biggest Star In 10 Years? Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

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

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

0:00: Is it only a matter of time before Connor McDavid re-signs in Edmonton?

08:50: Who will be the biggest star in the NHL 10 years from now?

12:20: Which NHL team has the best in-arena experience?

17:15: Which second-year coach is on the hot seat?

21:45: Which newly hired coach will have the most success?

28:30: Will Alex Ovechkin break Gordie Howe's age-40 goals record?

29:50: Will the Washington Capitals be able to replicate their success from last season?

33:00: Which of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ biggest assets is most likely to be dealt?

36:50: Which throwback jersey would you most want to see return?

37:45: Which player do you expect to fall off this upcoming season?

38:50: Who is one player not enough people are hyping up going into next season?

41:00: Should the NHL start the season earlier or end the season earlier when it goes to 84 games?

42:30: Picking Team Canada’s 13th forward for the 2026 Olympics

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Devan Dubnyk On The Mental Side, Stuart Skinner, Sergei Bobrovsky And More Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show has a special guest on this summer episode: longtime NHL netminder Devan Dubnyk, who launched Dubnyk Development.

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

1:19: Why did Dubnyk start Dubnyk Development?

6:12: Looking back, what are some of the most important bench marks in your career getting to the NHL ?

17:38: How important was Sean Burke (and the role of a "mentor") for Dubnyk midway through his career, when confidence may have been waning?

23:17: Why is the mental side to being a goalie more difficult than the mental side of other positions?

25:49: Which goalies in the NHL does he admire for their ability to process the highs/lows and stay consistent?

29:38: Thoughts on Stuart Skinner and the fact that Edmonton change the goaltending in the off-season?

37:30: How much time did Dubnyk spend on puckhandling during his playing days?

41:44: Which goalie do you want in a do-or-die Game 7?

44:21: Favorite goalie mask?

47:04: Who’s your favorite or the best goalie of all-time?

49:00: Who will win the Vezina Trophy this year?

50:18: Dustin Wolf or Joseph Woll: who would you pick to start a franchise?

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Who's The NHL's Best Pest? Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show breaks down recent NHL and hockey news as well as some other big topics as the off-season continues.

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

00:57: Rating Happy Gilmore 2

3:40: Aug. 13 was supposed to be Johnny Gaudreau's 32nd birthday. What was Drew Shore’s favorite memory of him?

8:30: The Montreal Canadiens made arguably the biggest splash of the summer. What do you make of their off-season?

10:38: What is the challenge for Montreal being in the Atlantic Division?

12:22: The Florida Panthers re-signed all their big free agents. Nate Schmidt left, but Jeff Petry filled his spot. Are they better, worse or the same as last year?

18:58: What qualifies a player as a rat or a pest in the NHL nowadays?

21:25: Who is the best pest in the NHL today?

23:39: Did Drew Shore have any run-ins with pests during his career?

24:31: What are the rats like off the ice?

25:31: Who will be the next rat in the NHL?

26:46: Has there ever been a player like Brad Marchand who broke into the NHL and was a depth player for a long time before turning into a star?

28:27: Why does Team USA not send the USA Hockey National Team Development Program players to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup ?

30:27: How do scouts guess if a kid will grow in height?

34:07: Gerard Gallant's was introduced as KHL Shanghai’s newest coach in a Mortal Kombat style of video. Yay or nay?

37:13: EA Sports' NHL 26 "X-Factors" were revamped. Which NHL player best matches each one? We start with Quick Release: get shots off lightning quick with an extra-fast shot release.

37:48: Elite Edges: Shake off opponents with explosive edge work with increased acceleration and agility.

38:28: One T: Become the ultimate threat with increased one-timer shot power and accuracy.

39:04: Backhand Beauty: Catch opposing players and goalies off guard with increased backhand shot power and accuracy.

39:43: Send It: Spring your teammates by enhancing that pass receiver with a temporary boost of acceleration.

40:51: Tape to Tape: Feather saucer passes and make snappy passes in and out of vision with increased pass power and accuracy.

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