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:

The Hockey News Big Show: Where Will Remaining UFAs End Up? Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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

1:56: What value they could bring to a team and what the price tag should be: Jack Roslovic.

4:54: Can we see Max Pacioretty back on the Montreal Canadiens?

6:35: Is it surprising that Ilya Samsonov hasn’t been snatched up by another team yet?

10:13: Drew, what's it like trying to find a new team via free agency?

15:48: Is Matthew Tkachuk becoming the face of the league and replacing Auston Matthews as the most recognizable U.S.-born player after being selected as the EA Sports NHL26 cover athlete? Should the NHL lean into marketing the game on Tkachuk's brand of ferocity?

22:37: Did Detroit do enough this summer to finally take the step and grab a playoff spot? Is John Gibson still a No.1 goalie?

26:02: Is Vancouver due for a rebound?

30:42: Olympics rankings: Which country has the best forward corps, defense, and goaltending?

38:35: Is Canada back to being the favorite for the 2026 world juniors?

40:56: Matthew Schaefer or the field: who is winning the Calder Trophy?

42:24: William Nylander or Auston Matthews: who will finish with more goals next season?

43:27: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has partnered with Russian tech company Yande to produce a movie, series, or documentary about his life. What other player (past or present) deserves the movie treatment?

45:10: A bear chased the Kraken troll mascot "Buoy" and forward John Hayden out of an Alaska river during a recent video promo. Is this a sign that the Boston Bruins will have a better record than Seattle this year?

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Very Early 2026 Olympic Hockey Projections And Predictions Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to The Hockey News Big Show, where the theme for this off-season episode is early projections and predictions for the 2026 men's hockey Olympic tournament. Here's what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

0:00: Will Team Canada make any significant adjustments to its Olympic roster?

5:36: Is Jordan Binnington still Team Canada’s top goaltending option?

08:30: Which nation has the best chance of upsetting Canada at the Olympics?

10:45: Should Team USA still be considered a favorite at the Olympics?

15:50: Is Connor Hellebuyck still Team USA’s No. 1 goaltender?

19:00: Who will be Team USA’s toughest opponent in group play?

22:20: Will Team Finland or Team Sweden end up being a more dangerous team at the Olympics?

25:30: Will Erik Karlsson make Team Sweden’s Olympic squad?

27:45: Can Juuse Saros still be Finland’s top goalie?

30:15: Predicting the medallists for the 2026 Olympics

31:30: Will the host nation of Italy end up scoring over or under 3.5 goals in group play?

33:05: Who finishes the tournament with more points: Leon Draisaitl or David Pastrnak?

34:10: Which defensemen finishes with more points: Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes?

36:00: What should Team Canada's goal song be?

37:20: What should be the mascot for the upcoming Olympic Games?

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The NHL's Top Players Right Now Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show discussed the top players in the NHL right now, as ranked in THN’s Top 100 Players issue, and other topics as the off-season continues.

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

01:00: Why was Nathan Mackinon No. 1 on the list?

04:00: Thoughts on Cale Makar’s spot on the list?

06:00: What were the criteria for the top 10 of the list?

07:40: How much did championships play a factor?

09:00: Which player in the top 10 who hasn't won the Stanley Cup will win it first?

13:00: Which players who weren’t on the list could jump onto it in the future?

16:30: Who could potentially fall out of the list?

19:00: Who are some young players who could soon join the list?

20:40: Who will be the most improved players?

23:50: Which rookie will make the list first?

26:15: Looking toward the season ahead, which teams could exceed expectations and or disappoint?

30:15: Are the Toronto Maple Leafs worse on paper?

33:00: Which team are you most excited to watch going into next season?

36:30: Did the Tampa Bay Lightning need to do more?

38:45: Should the Florida Panthers still be considered Cup favourites?

40:45: Where does the Tkachuk-Huberdeau deal rank in terms of blockbuster trades?

43:30: Kappo Kakko signed a three-year contract. Yay or nay on the cap hit and term?

44:40: How stoked are you for Adam Fox appearing in an ad for The Naked Gun reboot?

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NHL Mailbag Episode – Marner’s Return, Sleeper Team And More Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to answer your questions in a mailbag episode as the NHL off-season continues.

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

01:20: Will Toronto Maple Leafs fans miss Mitch Marner more than they think?

02:26: Is there anything left for Leafs GM Brad Treliving to do?

05:15: What will Marner's reception be on his return to Toronto?

07:15: Which team will be the biggest surprise next season?

10:00: Will the Pittsburgh Penguins finish last this season?

13:50: Do you think the Sabres will still trade Bo Byram?

16:59: What do you think Connor Bedard's next contract will look like?

20:57: Biggest sleeper team?

23:40: If Arturs Silovs had played better at the beginning of last season, would he still be in the Canucks organization?

26:45: Why did Brian Burke cut Mike Babcock loose after he took the Ducks to the finals?

30:25: How many players from the 2025 draft will start this season in the NHL?

33:30: How many different graphic tees does Ryan Kennedy own?

36:30: Should Stan Fischler be in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

38:00: Will Gavin McKenna win a Frozen Four title?

40:25: Which would you prefer: a heat wave or extreme cold?

41:45: Yay or nay: Nintendo Switch 2

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How Many 2025 NHL Draft Picks Could Immediately Make The Jump? Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the biggest topics as the NHL off-season is well underway.

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

01:30: Are hockey’s enforcers the same off the ice as on the ice?

04:00: Gavin McKenna commits to Penn State. What does it mean for the junior hockey and NCAA landscape? For Drew, what was it like playing college hockey?

06:55: Does college hockey benefit players more than major junior?

09:00: Is the NCAA more difficult than the WHL?

11:30: The Edmonton Oilers traded Sam O’Reilly to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Isaac Howard. Thoughts?

14:30: Where do we see Howard playing? Is it OK when young players call their shots and refuse to sign with the team that drafted them? Why didn't Howard want to play for the Lightning?

16:40: What was Drew’s experience like in rookie and development camps?

18:30: Are there any surprises from the NHL’s summer development camps?

21:00: Summer training: what are the early summer routines like? How long after a season ended should someone start to train? What’s the diet like? What kind of gym work happens?

23:00: Would Drew be on the ice constantly in the off-season?

25:30: How much did Drew’s diet change in the off-season?

28:40: How many players from the 2025 draft could go straight to the NHL?

32:45: What makes you able to tell if players are ready for the NHL level right away?

35:00: Who's the best UFA still on the market?

40:00: In honor of the Nittany Lions signing McKenna, what's your favorite NCAA mascot name?

42:00: What's the best summer food?

42:55: Yay or nay: kids playing organized hockey in the summer

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NHL Free Agency Regrets, Upgrades, Marner's Move And More Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the biggest topics after the beginning of NHL free agency. Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode: 1:16: Reacting to Mitch Marner explaining why the Vegas Golden Knights were a good fit for him 4:03: Marner and his wife reportedly talked to Vegas players at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Is this all becoming harder to digest for Toronto Maple Leafs fans? 5:55: Are the Leafs better than they were at the end of the season? What else do they need? 9:33: Who will get Mitch Marner's alternate captaincy on the Leafs next season? 10:40: What was the most confusing move of the first day of NHL free agency? 13:15: How do the Montreal Canadiens shape up now? 17:25: The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings faced each other for the fourth straight time in the first round this past post-season. Now after July 1, on paper, how has this matchup changed? 22:00: What team improved the most from each conference? 26:16: What team is having the biggest regrets? 31:54: Are the Boston Bruins on the right track? 36:54: Which team on paper looks like it's embracing the "Miserable for McKenna" campaign? 37:29: Are the Ducks, Canucks and Rangers playoff teams on paper? 39:48: Did the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers get better or worse?

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NHL Draft And Free Agency Preview Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss the biggest topics heading into the NHL draft and free agency.

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

01:06: Mitch Marner – what are we hearing? Where is he going?

02:13: In the rumor mill, are the Vegas Golden Knights looking to move Tomas Hertl? If so, where could he land? Could they be making room for Marner?

05:43: Aside from Connor McDavid, which other NHL player eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1 will be worth following this summer?

08:15: Rasmus Andersson and the Calgary Flames have no extension in place after next season, so if the team looks to trade the 28-year-old, who should be target him?

11:28: Could the Edmonton Oilers target either John Gibson or Thatcher Demko to address their goaltending?

15:30: Top RFAs: among the players most likely to be qualified, who's the most likely to switch teams this summer, whether by a trade or offer sheet?

18:46: Which team do we expect to make the biggest splash in free agency this year?

21:45: Why is Matthew Schaefer the top draft prospect?

25:05: What does Michael Misa bring to the table?

27:11: Could Porter Martone be the next great power forward?

29:58: Who benefited the most from the Florida Panthers winning the Cup the way they did?

33:08: Give us your first-round sleeper in the draft.

35:48: Draft comparables: who's the best comparable for James Hagens?

39:18: Reacting to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2025 class

42:25: How would you describe the quality of this draft?

43:22: How many players from this draft will actually play in the NHL next season?

44:08: Of the top 10 players in the 2019 draft, only three are still with the team that selected them (J. Hughes, Seider, Turcotte). Is this a good or bad thing?

45:53: Name one player you think will stay where he is and one who will go.

47:09: The St. Louis Blues announced their new jerseys. Yay or nay?

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Which Oilers Player Is More Clutch Between Draisaitl And McDavid? Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to break down the Stanley Cup final and look at some big topics around the NHL and beyond, with longtime coach Bruce Boudreau giving his expert insight.

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Bruce Boudreau discussed in this episode:

1:13: The Oilers made NHL history in the Stanley Cup final by winning a game after trailing 3-0. How does a win like this change things for Edmonton?

5:23: Was the second period more Florida’s fault or all Edmonton’s doing to get back in the game?

6:52: What does Boudreau make of the officiating?

9:45: Stuart Skinner was pulled after the first period, Pickard went in and shut the door. Were you surprised at all by the goalie pull after the first? And is Pickard the Game 5 starter?

14:34: If you're coaching Florida, what are you saying after that game? How are you ensuring your team is ready to bounce back for a quick turnaround for Game 5? What about Edmonton?

17:11: Do you think Florida is best suited to be unfazed by blowing a 3-0 lead?

20:48: What has stood out to Boudreau in this series, good or bad?

25:36: The last Cup final that had more overtime games was Toronto and Montreal in 1951, when all five games required OT. Will this series match that?

28:01: Predictions for Game 5?

30:53: Thoughts on the Chris Kreider trade, and what else should the New York Rangers be looking to do?

33:17: Should Mitch Marner go to the New York Rangers?

38:14: Jonathan Toews gears up to make his NHL return, so where do we see him landing?

42:08: Connor Hellebuyck wins Hart Trophy as MVP. Do we agree with this?

43:45: Who is more clutch: Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid?

45:23: This is the best Stanley Cup final since when?

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Is The Oilers’ Best Game Yet To Come In The Cup Final? Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to break down the Stanley Cup final and look at some big topics around the NHL and beyond.

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

0:37: Ryan was at Game 3 of the Cup final and breaks down how things unfolded after the game.

3:01: Was this Edmonton's worst game of the series so far?

4:22: Has the Oilers’ depth disappeared?

5:55: Connor McDavid said post-game he thinks their best has yet to come in the Cup final. Do you agree?

6:15: Was it a gutless move to have the Panthers’ top line out for the power play near the end as the game got chippy?

7:29: There were 140 combined penalty minutes in Game 3. Are we seeing too many calls?

10:18: After many guys were tossed from the game throughout the final frame, rate the hate between these two teams.

14:12: What’s the concern level about Stuart Skinner’s performance? Who starts Game 4?

16:08: Who is more likely to be on Florida next year: Sam Bennett or Brad Marchand?

21:15: Max Pacioretty is leaning toward returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to The Athletic. What's the best use of him in the lineup?

23:51: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman calls Paul Bissonnette's concern about Florida's lack of state tax "ridiculous." Agree or disagree?

29:02: T.J. Oshie announced his retirement on Monday. Could he be a U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer?

30:39: NCAA colleges will soon be able to pay student athletes directly after settling three lawsuits. How will this affect Div. I hockey? Should the CHL do more to compensate players?

36:25: How could the CHL benefit from some of its players heading to the NCAA?

38:26: DJ Khaled was part of the Panthers’ pre-game hype. Name another celebrity you want to see involved in the final.

40:09: Who’s the most surprising player in the Cup final so far?

41:23: Who is the bigger "rat" between Brad Marchand and Corey Perry?

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The Oilers' Stars Shine Early In Cup Final. How Will Florida Stop Them? Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to look around the Stanley Cup final and beyond with former NHL player Drew Shore giving his take.

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

1:02: How important is it that the Edmonton Oilers’ stars keep up this level of play?

3:34: What is it like watching Connor McDavid make his passes look so easy?

4:22: Was the Florida Panthers’ first goal the right call, or should it have been goalie interference?

6:50: Are the Edmonton Oilers a more physical team than people give them credit for?

9:50: Do the Oilers need Zach Hyman with the way everyone else is producing?

11:12: If you are Paul Maurice, how do you limit McDavid and Draisaitl in Game 2?

12:49: Will we see Vezina-level Sergei Bobrovsky in this series?

14:20: Does Stuart Skinner deserve more respect for reaching back-to-back finals?

16:40: Sean Monahan wins the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, and Johnny Gaudreau”s widow, Meredith, presented him the trophy. How deserving is he of this trophy?

18:45: Will the NHL do something about the tax imbalance the league is facing?

22:40: With Muse being the next coach for Pittsburgh, are the Penguins aiming toward a tank?

25:52: The Boston Bruins hired the first German head coach in the NHL with Marco Sturm. How does this affect the team’s future?

28:03: The NHL combine is this week. What was Drew Shore’s best and worst event at the combine?

31:51: Will the Calgary Flames get better or worse next season?

32:38: If Edmonton wins the final, who does McDavid pass the Cup to first?

33:21: Will Jeff Skinner see any ice time in the final?

34:49: Was the Colorado Avalanche re-signing Brock Nelson a good move or an overpay?

34:48: Is Pink Pony Club a pass or fail win song? What is the best victory song you've heard?

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