The DFO Rundown

Latest Episodes:

We are Live in Nashville & Jarmo Kekäläinen joins the show Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

The crew is live in Nashville, Tennessee for a draft week edition of the podcast. There are a lot of rumors flying around as the league all convene in ‘The Music City’ for the NHL Draft.

Pierre-Luc Dubois, Kevin Hayes, and Torey Krug have all had their names thrown around over the last few days and Frank gave an update on the status of a few deals that we’ve been hearing about over the last 48 hours.

There are a handful of General Managers who will be very busy this week including Craig Conroy in Calgary, Danny Briere in Philadelphia, and Doug Armstrong in St. Louis. Frank says that there’s a chance that Armstrong moves two of the three first-round picks that he owns. Gregor gave some names that he thinks could be fits in those markets.

When it comes to the actual draft, the biggest question is where will Matvei Michkov go? The Russian prospect is undoubtedly one of the best talents in the draft, but his contract status in the KHL could hurt his stock. Frank gave one team that he thinks could take the risk.

Tyler hopped in for a Nashville-themed edition of Buy or Sell where he asked the guys about the vibes in Tennessee. They also talked about the NHL Awards before getting to their interview with Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekäläinen. He talked to the guys about his plan with the third-overall pick, his busy start to the offseason, and what else he hopes to accomplish this summer.

1:22 - Kings & Dubois

7:05 - The Flyers’ plans

19:10 - Blues & their first-rounders

24:00 - Where will Michkov go?

28:10 - The Coyotes & their picks

42:40 - The Jets & Hellebuyck

45:50 - NHL Awards

Want to hear more from Frank, Jason and the entire DFO team? Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dailyfaceoff2563

You can check out Frank’s latest top 50 free agents list: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/konecny-sanheim-among-six-philadelphia-flyers-on-trade-targets-top-40

Check out our friends at Betano and the all their 2023 NHL: Draft odds here: https://www.betano.ca/sport/hockey/north-america/nhl/10118/

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Decision time is looming in Calgary Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

We knew this summer could be a busy one for new Flames GM Craig Conroy and it’s sounding like that will be the case. To start today’s podcast, Frank gave an update on the Lindholm, Hanifin, and Backlund situations. Gregor gave his thoughts on what they should do in Calgary and floated out the idea of Conroy holding onto these assets, even if they don’t sign extensions.

From there, Frank asked Jason about what Wild GM Bill Guerin could get up to this offseason. They have a clear need down the middle, but can they afford to bring in a legit number one centreman? They dissected the cap situation in Minnesota and debated whether or not the Wild have an appetite to make a big splash. Frank also listed some other teams that will be in the market for a high-end centre this summer.

They then talked about the 2023 HHOF class, which is being dubbed ‘The Year of The Goalies’. They gave their thoughts on the players who did get in and talked about some of the players who were once again snubbed.

1:00 - Flames update

18:50 - Summer ahead in Minnesota

26:30 - HHOF Class of 2023

37:30 - Buy or Sell

43:00 - Flyers trade targets

Want to hear more from Frank, Jason and the entire DFO team? Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dailyfaceoff2563

You can check out Frank’s latest top 50 free agents list: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/konecny-sanheim-among-six-philadelphia-flyers-on-trade-targets-top-40

Check out our friends at Betano and the 2024 Stanley Cup odds here: https://www.betano.ca/sport/hockey/north-america/nhl/10118/

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Carolina Hurricanes Assistant GM Eric Tulsky Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

We are back with a Monday edition of the podcast and to start things off, they dug into the Vancouver Canucks decision to buyout Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The move opens up a lot of cap space for this summer, but means his deal will be on the books for eight more seasons. Was it worth it? Frank and Jason debated it and also talked about where ‘OEL’ goes from here.

Tyler popped in for a new edition of Fill in the Blank as well. He asked the guys about offseason plans for the Avalanche and Red Wings and which Canadian teams could also go the buyout route.

Eric Tulsky joined to show at the 25 minute mark. The Carolina Hurricanes Assistant GM career path is one of the most unique in the NHL. He talked to Jason and Frank about when he first got bit by the hockey bug, his career before jumping into the NHL world, and how he sees the impact on analytics in the sport changing.

He’s also been in the mix for a lot of opening General Manager jobs. He gave us some insight into those processes and what he’s learned from getting to talk to teams.

Want to hear more from Frank, Jason and the entire DFO team? Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dailyfaceoff2563

You can check out Frank’s latest trade targets board here: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/jets-pierre-luc-dubois-rockets-to-no-1-on-latest-trade-targets-board

Check out our friends at Betano and the 2024 Stanley Cup odds here: https://www.betano.ca/sport/hockey/north-america/nhl/10118/

0:37 - Golden Knights parade

3:00 - OEL buyout

11:35 - Fill in the Blank

27:05 - Eric Tulsky joins the show

35:05 - The evolution of analytics

39:35 - Hockey & AI

50:05 - The Canes Structure

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Offer Sheets & Offseason Talk Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

We are now officially in the offseason. Frank and Jason started the show with a little bit of talk about the Vegas Golden Knights winning The Stanley Cup and their cut-throat journey to becoming champions. Jason dismissed the idea that Golden Knights fans have had a tough six years while Frank pushed back on that.

They then dug into the offseason talk. They started with the buyout window and then went on to talk about potential offer sheets. One team that could be vulnerable: the Edmonton Oilers. Could another team be interested in targeting Evan Bouchard? They debated that.

Tyler then hopped in for Buy or Sell where he asked the guys about the Jason Spezza hiring in Pittsburgh, how many buyouts we’ll see, and which one of the Panthers or Golden Knights has a better chance of getting back to the big dance next season.

To wrap up the show, Jason shared his thoughts on the recent media layoffs, which affected his daily show in Edmonton. He and Frank talked about the opportunity that comes with fresh starts and that led into a conversation about both the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames and the big decisions that they’re facing this summer.

Want to hear more from Frank, Jason and the entire DFO team? Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dailyfaceoff2563

You can check out Frank’s latest trade targets board here: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/jets-pierre-luc-dubois-rockets-to-no-1-on-latest-trade-targets-board

Check out our friends at Betano and the 2024 Stanley Cup odds here: https://www.betano.ca/sport/hockey/north-america/nhl/10118/

0:45 - VGK wins The Cup

4:40 - Buyout window opens

6:05 - The cap space conundrum

10:30 - Bouchard offer sheet

22:40 - Buy or Sell

40:25 - The Jets offseason

45:30 - The Flames offseason

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Severson’s off the board & The Cup is in Vegas Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Lord Stanley will be in the building when the puck drops on game five of The Stanley Cup Final. The Vegas Golden Knights hung on to win game four of the series in Florida and now have a chance to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Frank and Jason started the show by discussing what went down in game four, the uncertainty around the Panthers’ injuries, and what they need to do to get back in this series.

The guys also broke the Damon Severson sign and trade. The offseason hasn’t even officially started yet and we have already seen a sign and trade and a three-way trade. The Blue Jackets have loaded up their blueline and now, the question is what can they do with their forward group in order to get back to the playoffs.

In a new edition of Buy or Sell, things got intense as Tyler asked Frank and Jason about which centreman the Blue Jackets should target and it turned into a spirited debate about a certain player and if he’s going to be worth more than $8 million on his next deal.

They wrapped up with some quick thoughts on the Ottawa Senators' ownership situation, which seems to be getting very messy and the Flames' decision to make Ryan Huska their new Head Coach.

Want to hear more from Frank, Jason and the entire DFO team? Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dailyfaceoff2563

You can check out Frank’s latest trade targets board here: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/jets-pierre-luc-dubois-rockets-to-no-1-on-latest-trade-targets-board

Check out our friends at Betano and the latest Stanley Cup odds here: https://www.betano.ca/sport/hockey/north-america/nhl/10118/

0:40 - Panthers on the brink

6:40 - Cassidy’s impact

12:00 - Is this the end for Kessel?

21:59 - RFA’s & Qualifying Offers

31:40 - Fill in the Blank (CBJ, Lindholm, D-man market & Doan to Toronto)

52:50 - Flames summer & new Head Coach

58:10 - Senators’ ownership

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Breaking Down The Spring Blockbuster! Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

We got off-season action! It’s only the beginning of June, but this week we saw the first blockbuster of the offseason as the LA Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off a three-team trade. Jason and Frank started the podcast by breaking down what each team gained in the deal. Was this a true win-win-win? They debated it off the jump today.

The teardown is just starting in Philly, which lead to some talk about the future of Carter Hart. Frank says he’s really on the trading block while Gregor threw some cold water on one of the rumoured destinations for the Flyers goalie. They also talked about who else Danny Briere could be looking to trade in his first summer as Flyers GM.

That wasn’t the only news of the week though. Cole Caufield and the Montreal Canadiens agreed to a big extension, which gives Kent Hughes and the Habs’ front office a lot of cost certainty as they continue their rebuild. The LA Kings also used their new-found cap space to sign Vlad Gavrikov to a two-year deal. The team reportedly wanted to go long-term with him, but the Russian defenseman wanted to bet on himself. Frank questioned that move.

Tyler also hopped on for a new edition of Buy or Sell, brought to you by UFC 289. He asked the guys about the chances that we see another three-team trade this summer, Trevor Zegras’ next deal, and the market for Alex DeBrincat. They wrapped the show with a quick Stanley Cup Final predication.

3:50 - The 3-team trade

12:40 - Carter Hart rumours

22:10 - Caufield extension

22:30 - Gavrikov bets on himself

31:30 - Buy or Sell

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The Goalie Market & Babcock to CBJ Jun 04, 2023

Show notes

The Vegas Golden Knights are now just three wins away from winning The Stanley Cup after taking down the Florida Panthers in game one of their series. Jason and Frank kicked off today’s episode by talking about the Golden Knights scoring five goals, the goaltending matchup in this series, and how Florida can bounce back.

From there, they talked about some of the high-end goalies that are on the trade market this summer. Frank gave some insight into the futures of both Connor Hellebuyck and John Gibson while Gregor speculated on where each of those two could land. The Penguins and Kings are two teams that could be looking for upgrades between the pipes.

Tyler then hopped in for a new edition of Fill in the Blank presented by UFC 289. He asked them about how busy the Jets will be this summer and who will be the starting goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

To wrap things up, they talked about the hiring of Mike Babcock in Columbus. Has he changed his ways? They debated that and talked about the fit between the Stanley Cup Champion and the group of players that the Blue Jackets have.

We also heard from Commissioner Gary Bettman about a handful of topics including the Salary Cap not going up very much this summer, the future of the Coyotes, and the investigation into the 2018 World Junior team.

0:25 - Stanley Cup Final

13:45 - Goalies on the trade market

22:30 - Fill in the Blank pres. by UFC 289

36:25 - Babcock to CBJ

43:40 - Dubas’ next steps in PIT

50:55 - Bettman’s Press Conference

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BREAKING: Pittsburgh Hires Kyle Dubas as POHO Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

We got breaking news while we recorded today’s podcast! The Pittsburgh Penguins named Kyle Dubas their new President of Hockey Operations. Why did Dubas choose this spot? Frank and Jason gave their thoughts on that to start the show.

With a few days off before the Stanley Cup Final gets going, we got some news to chew on in the NHL. To kick off today’s podcast, Jason and Frank dug into the Brad Treliving hiring. He seemed like the obvious candidate, so the move wasn’t shocking. The guys explained why they like this hire and also, what’s on Treliving’s to-do list this summer.

What does this mean for the futures of Matthews and Nylander? What about Head Coach Sheldon Keefe? Frank had some insight into that and Jason gave his thoughts on what Matthews’ next contract should look like. They also tried to cook up a mock trade between the Leafs and Hurricanes that involves Mitch Marner.

From there, they got into the Nashville Predators hiring of Andrew Brunette. Frank was fired up about how the team handled the dismissal of John Hynes and Gregor also wondered about how quickly he could pop up with all the smoke that he’s talking to the New York Rangers.

Tyler Yaremchuk also popped in for a new edition of Buy or Sell brought to you by UFC 289. He asked the guys about buy outs, potential moves in Toronto, and more.

0:40 - Dubas to the Penguins

12:47 - Leafs hire Treliving

21:20 - Does Matthews deserve a raise?

27:10 - Canes and Leafs mock trade

35:58 - Brunette to Nashville

40:05 - Open coaching spots

50:30 - Buy or Sell

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The Stars Can Make History & The Senators Ownership Situation May 29, 2023

Show notes

The hockey calendar is slowing down, the but Western Conference Final is just heating up. The Dallas Stars have pushed the Golden Knights to game six and tonight, they have a chance to make history by bringing this series to a seventh game. Frank and Jason talked about that and the history being made in the NBA to start today’s podcast.

While all of this is going down, the Florida Panthers are just sitting at home. Is all of this rest going to hurt them? Frank worries about Sergei Bobrovsky, who was as hot as he’s ever been. Could all of this time off throw him off his game?

They took a break from talking NHL for a bit and talked about some of the other hockey going on around the world. The IIHF World Championships delivered some stunning results including Latvia defeating USA to win bronze and Germany making it all the way to the finals before ultimately losing to Canada.

Tyler then hopped in for a new edition of Buy or Sell where he asked the guys about some big decisions

0:55 - Stars coming back

7:40 - Panther’s chances

10:40 - World Championships

22:00 - Buy or Sell

40:00 - Coaching vacancies

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Breaking Down The Top 50 Free Agents May 25, 2023

Show notes

We are potentially less than 24 hours from officially knowing what this year’s Stanley Cup Finals matchup will be. The Florida Panthers finished off their sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes in dramatic fashion last night and now tonight, the Vegas Golden Knights have a chance to do the same in their series against the Dallas Stars.

Jason and Frank talked about each of those series and debated who’s going to be this year's playoff MVP to start today’s show. They also talked about what’s next for the Hurricanes after their season came to an end. Do they need to make sweeping changes?

From there, they dug into Frank’s Top 50 Free Agents list. Even though there might not be any elite skill in this year’s class, there are still plenty of intriguing names on the market this summer. Gregor says as always, it’s buyer beware at this time of year and he says there are more mistakes than home runs in free agency.

Tyler hopped in for Fill in the Blank where he asked the guys about Jamie Benn’s cross-check and which non-playoff teams could be the most active this summer.

They wrapped up the show by having a good laugh about the fake Frank Seravalli account that tricked a lot of hockey fans with a wild Tage Thompson rumour this week.

2:00 - Panthers sweep Hurricanes

15:40 - Hill powers Golden Knights

19:40 - Free Agent talk

36:02 - Fill in the Blank

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