The DFO Rundown

Latest Episodes:

The biggest surprises & disappointments of the season Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

We are back together in-studio for episode 190 of The DFO Rundown. Frank Seravalli was in town for the big pond hockey tournament out at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge so he recapped how the weekend went. Tourism Jasper puts on a great tournament and the guys came back with some awesome stories.

They then got into the hockey talk. The league is slowly heading into the All-Star break so Jason and Frank gave their biggest positive and negative surprises from each conference. That led into a conversation about the Seattle Kraken and whether or not their success is sustainable. Should Ron Francis push some chips into the middle at the deadline? They talked about that and discussed a spicy trade proposal.

The conversation then got flipped and they dug into which teams have really failed to live up to expectations. Could the Senators become aggressive sellers and look to move on from a piece like Alex DeBrincat? Frank brought up the possibility of it.

Before moving on, they did the same exercise with individual players. Frank and Jason talked about a pair of Oilers and Sabres who are having career seasons.

Episode 190 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online

across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

10:30 - Positive surprises

19:05 - Biggest disappointments

30:35 - Individual players

39:50 - Playoff races

45:05 - Fill in the Blank

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Live from Edmonton Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

Episode 189 of The DFO Rundown was a special one. We’re almost 200 episodes in and this is one of the few times where all three of Frank, Jason, and Tyler were in the same room for the podcast. With Frank out in Edmonton for the weekend, they decided to meet up and crush out an in-person edition of the podcast.

To start things off, they talked about a very famous Edmonton event: The World’s Longest Hockey Game. Jason has played in it before and shared some stories while Frank really wants to try it.

They eventually got into some NHL talk starting with the red-hot Buffalo Sabres. Don Granato has his group in a playoff spot as we head toward the end of January. Are they legit? How did they turn around their culture this quickly? Frank and Jason debated that.

From there, they went out West where the Minnesota Wild appear to be falling apart. Matt Dumba and Ryan Hartman have both really struggled and have been healthy scratched. Is the amount of dead cap space on the books catching up to the team? Can they work their way back into a crowded Western Conference playoff picture? It’ll be one of the biggest storylines in the second half of the season.

Episode 189 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online

across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

10:55 - The Sabres are rolling

15:20 - The Wild are slipping

22:30 - Avs/Sharks deal

25:55 - Hawks & Kane/Toews

32:00 - All-Star game memories

42:00 - Buy or Sell

53:30 - Kuzmenko’s new deal

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The Boudreau situation, Sutter's comments & Caufield's injury Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

What a dramatic weekend in the NHL. We watched Bruce Boudreau’s time in Vancouver come to an end in a very public way. Frank gave some insight into just how this situation got as toxic as they did. Did management want to make a change earlier? They also talked about the spot that Rick Tocchet is now in as the Canucks new Head Coach.

They then went across Canada to talk about the news that Cole Caufield is going to miss the remainder of the season. The Canadiens have been moving up the standings recently, which goes against what a large part of their fan base wants them to do and that’s tank for Connor Bedard. From there, Jason and Frank naturally transitioned into the Florida Panthers, who traded their 2023 first round pick to the Canadiens at last season’s deadline. Right now, they’re on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. Jason thinks they’ll get in while Frank has them as sellers.

Darryl Sutter also made some comments about rookie forward Jakob Pelletier, who made his debut on Saturday, that drew criticism. Is too much being made of this or was Sutter out of line? The guys gave their thoughts on it and then got into the current state of the Flames. Should they be looking to add ahead of the deadline?

Episode 188 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online

across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

2:02 - Canucks & Boudreau

11:45 - Caufield done for the year

19:25 - Sutter’s comments on Pelletier

24:50 - Horvat’s future

34:55 - Fill in the Blank

46:10 - Ullmark’s record

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Talking NHL Draft with Craig Button Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

Today on The DFO Rundown, Jason and Frank were joined by Craig Button of TSN and the Kool Button podcast. Of course, how could you not start things off by talking about Connor Bedard. Craig talked about how he wrestled with using the term ‘generational’, the comparisons to Gretzky at the WJC, and where the best landing spot for him is. They also got Craig’s thoughts on Matvei Michkov, who his biggest wild cards are in this year’s class, and some of his draft philosophies. To wrap it up, Frank officially welcomed Craig to The Nation Network family with the announcement that the Kool Button podcast is joining the network!

Before getting to Craig, Frank broke some news about Max Pacioretty, who suffered another injury last night after working his way back into the lineup. It could be another long-term injury for Pacioretty.

From there they talked about some trade deadline topics and also about the Ivan Provorov situation. Should the Flyers have handled it differently? They also gave their thoughts on the different reactions to his decision.

To wrap up the pod, they brought in Tyler Yaremchuk for a fresh edition of Buy or Sell delivered by Montanas and Pointsbet Canada.

Episode 187 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online

across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

1:40 - Pacioretty injury

7:02 - Ivan Provorov

16:20 - Craig Button joins the show

18:50 - Bedard’s potential & ideal landing spots

26:35 - How teams look at Matvei Michkov

53:50 - Rapid Fire

1:02:55 - Buy or Sell

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Could 5 Pacific Division teams make the playoffs? PLUS: Matt Boldy's big extension! Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

Today on The DFO Rundown, Frank Seravalli and Jason Gregor went around the league to check in on a handful of different storylines. To kick things off, Jason went in on the idea of fully getting rid of the shootout. Would a full ten-minute period of 3v3 overtime really work? That also led to some talk that the league needs to remake the point system.

From there, they dug into the Western Conference playoff picture. The Seattle Kraken just finished a historically successful road trip and now seem like a stone-cold lock to make the postseason. It's also possible that five teams from the Pacific Division will make the playoffs, which was also discussed on the show. The Vancouver Canucks likely won't be one of those teams as they continue to roll through a season filled with drama, the latest in which surrounds their Head Coaching situation with rumours about Rick Tochett swirling.

They then took a trip out to the Metropolitan Division to talk about the Flyers and their seeming lack of direction. Also, are the New York Rangers starting to look like Stanley Cup Contenders finally?

To wrap things up, they broke down the seven-year extension that the Minnesota Wild gave to young forward Matt Boldy. Is committing $49 million to a player with under 100 games played a good move? They debated that as the news rolled in live during the podcast.

Episode 186 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online

across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Canucks Soap Opera & The Avs Stanley Cup Hangover Jan 13, 2023

Show notes

Episode 185 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

It's an all news edition of the podcast, the guys started off by talking a look at the latest chapter that is the Vancouver Canucks soap opera. Oliver Ekman-Larsson was made a healthy scratch this week and the team continued struggling their way through the 2022-23 season. Are changing coming? Is there even anything management can even do to turn this around right now? Frank and Jason gave their thoughts.

From there, they hit on the struggling Colorado Avalanche, who lost to the Chicago Blackhawks last night. It's starting to get late early for the Avs who still find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the Western Conference playoff picture. That led to some talk about other teams around the Avs like the Oilers, Flames, Blues, and Predators. They also talked about what the Seattle Kraken could look to do at the deadline. They wrapped up the show with some talk about the Winnipeg Jets, who are coming off a win and have first place in the Central Division firmly in their sights.

8:20 - The Vancouver Canucks drama filled season

26:40 - The Avs continues struggles

32:15 - Western Conference playoff picture

43:38 - Should the Kraken add?

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Could the Panthers be sellers? PLUS: Brett Sutter on 1000 career AHL games Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

Episode 184 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

To start today’s show, Frank and Jason looked at a pair of intriguing teams in the Eastern Conference. The Detroit Red Wings have not been the model of consistency but they’re still in the hunt as we approach the second half of the season. Could Steve Yzerman look to be a buyer at the trade deadline? They also looked at the Florida Panthers, who are currently 16 points back of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Frank think’s it’s a lock that the Panthers will sell off at the deadline and listed some pieces that GM Bill Zito could look to move.

They then shifted their focus to the Western Conference. The Kraken have been one of the best road teams in the NHL and are looking more and more like a lock for the playoffs. The Blues got dealt a tough blow with some injuries but suddenly started playing even better and are back in the race. Also, the two teams who met in the conference finals last season have just been sputtering along all season.

Jason then welcomed in Brett Sutter to the show. He talked about playing in his 1000th career AHL game, the grind of his career, and being from one of the most famous hockey families in the sports history. There were some great stories from his long career and he talked about his plans for the future.

3:23 - Red Wings at the halfway point

6:10 - Panthers as sellers

12:18 - The Kraken stay hot

13:55 - The Blues run

15:40 - The Avs & Oilers

27:05 - Buy or Sell

39:09 - Brett Sutter joins the show

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Who's looking to trade first-round picks? PLUS: All-Star Game Roster Breakdown Jan 06, 2023

Show notes

Frank Seravalli and Jason Gregor join us once again for another episode of the DFO Rundown! Frank and Jason start the episode by discussing the NHL All-Star game and voicing their opinions on the player selection process for All-Star weekend. After another World Juniors is in the books, Jason and Frank provide a recap. Frank has an NHL Trade Deadline countdown ongoing, and with the deadline 57 DAYS AWAY, Frank provided some insights on which teams have the urgency to make a move. Possible Patrick Kane transaction? Which team's 1st Round Pick is expendable? Frank and Jason dive into that.

Some teams have consistently found their "diamonds in the rough," and Frank and Jason explain the importance of scouting and finding these players in order to remain competitive for several years. Jason and Frank had their things to watch to close out this Friday's episode of the DFO Rundown. Connor McDavid's potential to hit 1,250 assists by the end of his career, who would be second in the Hart Trophy race, the Seattle Kraken road trip, and the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending.

2:38 - All-Star Game

15:05 - World Juniors Recap

18:15 - NHL Trade Deadline Look Ahead

32:30 - Teams & Their First Round Pick

41:00 - Things To Watch

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Which teams should go all-in this season? Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

Episode 182 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online

across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca. Tune into today’s show to find out how you can win a sign jersey from Athletic Brewing!

Jason and Frank are back after their holiday break and they have a lot to get off their chests. They started with the Carolina Hurricanes, who have won 11 straight games and could be looking to load up ahead of the deadline. Could Bo Horvat be the perfect acquisition for the Canes? Frank and Jason debated that. They also talked about which teams are in positions to go all-in ahead of the March 3rd deadline.

Today is the Winter Classic at Fenway Park between the Bruins and Penguins. Is the event getting stale? Frank says yes and while Gregor agreed, he doesn’t think that’s a problem. They talked about how the league could improve the yearly outdoor gamea or if it’s time to scrap it for a few seasons.

They then brought in Tyler Yaremchuk for a new edition of Fill in the Blank, delivered by Montanas!

3:15 - Carolina Hurricane's hot streak

19:35 - Capitals staying alive

26:20 - Bruins keep rolling & Winter Classic

36:55 - Blues injuries

41:15 - McDavid’s Triple Crown race

47:20 - Fill in the Blank

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Gettin' In The Festivus Spirit Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

Episode 181 of The DFO Rundown is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Co. Join Frank’s Dry Jan challenge powered by Athletic Brewing – available online

across Canada and the US. Use FRANK20 for 20% off your first purchase at athleticbrewing.ca

It’s a holiday edition of the show as we put together our final podcast of 2022 today. Frank and Jason opened the show with some talk about the holiday season. From there, they touched on the NHL’s holiday schedule and how nice it is that the league gives its players and employees time to spend with their families.

They then hit on Elias Pettersson’s ‘flu game’ from last night. He popped home five points and scored the shootout winner, which is wild considering the team thought he would be too sick even to lace up his skates. They also touched on the Buffalo Sabres and whether or not they could look to be buyers at the deadline.

Oh, Frank also told a lockout story that involves, in his words, a “one night stand”. It was great.

Tyler Yaremchuk also popped in for a Christmas edition of Buy or Sell, delivered by DoorDash and Pointsbet Canada.

11:40 - The NHL’s holiday schedule

13:30 - ‘The Pettey Flu Game’

24:20 - The Buffalo Sabres

31:40 - The defensive market & Karlsson

43:20 - Buy or Sell

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