Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

Join hosts Hunter Hodies and Nick Zararis on this episode of Locked on NHL: Power Rankings for a deep dive into the NHL's Pacific division ahead of the 2024-2025 NHL season.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) preview the four Metropolitan Division teams that made the playoffs last season.

Seth Toupal and JD Young take a look at burning questions for the 2024-25 season for the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers!

The Blues used offer sheets to speed up their retool, the New Jersey Devils are still negotiating with Dawson Mercer and the Carolina Hurricanes had a lot of changes this offseason but are they better?

On today’s show, we recognize the US Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Matt Cullen, Kevin Dineen, Chicago Blackhawks founder Frederic McLaughlin, Brianna Decker, and the US 2002 Paralympic Sled Hockey Team plus our bi-weekly women's hockey spotlight and much more.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this edition of Locked on NHL for an in-depth discussion about the best centers in the NHL today.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth Toupal and JD Young look at burning questions for Anaheim, Calgary and Chicago ahead of the 2024-25 season!

Today we remember the late Johnny Gaudreau and his legacy on and off the ice as we welcome hosts from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames and Boston College to discuss Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau and the tragedy of their passing.

The hockey world lost one of its stars when we learned that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in a car accident. The driver was allegedly under the influence and the Gaudreaus were riding bicycles at the time. We discuss Gaudreau's legacy and react to the tragic news.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this edition of Locked on NHL for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of the winger position in today's NHL.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

On today's episode of the Lockdown NHL podcast, hosts Seth Toupal and JD Young examine the biggest stories in the Western Conference, including the San Jose Sharks trading for Yaroslav Askorav from the Nashville Predators. Examine how the Sharks found a massive piece in their rebuild and how they've set themselves up for future success. Then, the Winnipeg Jets ended the Rutger McGroarty saga when they sent him to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Brayden Yager. We look at how it came about and why this could be a win-win for both teams. Finally, is Thatcher Demko going to be available for the Vancouver Canucks, and should they start to worry?

Today We Look at the Fallout of Three Big NHL Offseason Trades & How Their Teams Are Helped By Them. Are the Ottawa Senators a playoff team with Linus Ullmark, do the Montreal Canadiens have a chance after acquiring Patrik Laine and what does that trade of Jaroslav Askarov mean for the Nashville Predators?

Are prospects in the NHL beginning to seek more control over their own destiny? With Rutger McGroarty demanding a trade from the Winnipeg Jets and getting dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins before he even played a game, is this becoming a trend? Plus the latest on Amanda Kessel in our Women's Hockey Spotlight and Anthony Duclair cuts his hair.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this edition of Locked on NHL for a deep dive on the state of the goaltending position in 2024, how it's evolving in real time and who the best in today's

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

On today's episode of the Lockdown NHL podcast, hosts Seth Toupal and JD Young discuss the offer sheet drama between the Edmonton Oilers and the St. Louis Blues and where Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg will be playing next season. We also examine the domino effect of Cody Ceci's trade to the San Jose Sharks and where that leaves the Sharks and Oilers heading into the 2024-25 season. Finally, Yaroslav Askarov has requested a trade out of Nashville; why is he asking for this now, and who are the major contenders to land the highly sought-after goalie?

The Rangers Look to Stay On Top, Is Jeremy Swayman a True Number 1 & Do the Canucks Have Depth on D?

Today we discuss longevity in the NHL as four players approach their 20th NHL season including Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of locked on NHL for a wide ranging conversation about the state of the defenseman position.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth Toupal and JD Young discuss players who may see a drop in their numbers in 2024-25!

There is real excitement in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah as Utah HC is just a month away from opening its first training camp; The Florida Panthers now have a new role: defending Stanley Cup champions. But how will they replace the players they lost like Brandon Montour and can they contend again? And The Washington Capitals are considered one of the most improved teams in the NHL this offseason after adding players like Pierre-Luc DuBois and Jakob Chychrun to their lineup. They also have Alex Ovechkin within striking distance of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record.

With NHL training camps about a month away, we begin to look ahead to the 2024-25 season. And one question everybody asks is who will win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. Last year, Connor Bedard was the runaway winner but this year there is no clear but favorite to win the award.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of Locked on NHL for a wide ranging conversation ranking the last ten NHL first overall picks including: trajectory of careers going forward, how much they've lived up to their respective hypes, what could help their cases and if anyone can ever catch Connor McDavid.

Gil MArtin (Locked On Islanders) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONHL?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow Locked On NHL on Social Twitter https://bit.ly/3hXyu5w Facebook https://bit.ly/3BubZNc #NHL #Hockey

On today's Western Conference Tuesday edition of Locked on NHL, Seth and JD look at breakout candidates for each Western Conference Team. We start with the Anaheim Ducks and why Leo Carlsson will bounce back from an injury-plagued season to establish himself as a full 200-foot NHL player this season. We also examine why Logan Stankoven is going to vault himself into the Wyatt Johnston tier of young players for the Dallas Stars, if Brandt Clarke can help the LA Kings in a crucial season, and if William Eklund is going to lead the San Jose Sharks in points. Next, we discuss Shane Wright's path to the NHL and how it will pay off for the Seattle Kraken, why Logan Cooley will be huge in Utah, and if Brad Lambert can prove the doubters wrong for the Winnipeg Jets.

The NHL has a star studded potential free agent class next summer with star players like Leon Draisaitl., Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner and John Tavares heading the list. But what are these players worth if they hit the open market and how can some of these teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers fit them under the cap?

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of Locked on NHL for an in-depth conversation about the future of the NHL over the next five years and power ranking the futures of all 32 franchises.

Gil MArtin (Locked On Islanders) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONHL?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow Locked On NHL on Social Twitter https://bit.ly/3hXyu5w Facebook https://bit.ly/3BubZNc #NHL #Hockey

Seth and JD look at 3 teams stuck in the middle in Calgary, St. Louis and Anaheim, and why they need to try to pick a direction.

The Philadelphia Flyers make a big splash by signing Travis Konecny to a lengthy extension, the Columbus Blue Jackets have a new coach and make Patrik Laine available and the Dallas Stars have made changes but are they better?

The calendar may say late July but NHL teams have been busy in recent days with some big signings. The Philadelphia Flyers inked Travis Konecny to an eight-year extension worth an AAV of $8.75 million. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres signed goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to a new contract.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of Locked on NHL for a wide-ranging conversation power ranking the last ten Stanley Cup champions on a variety of criteria including: regular season success, difficulty of postseason opponents, strength of playoff performance, roster talent and the narrative surrounding their win.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth and JD look at which Western Conference teams are facing the most pressure for the 2024-25 season!

The Detroit Red Wings continue to follow the rebuild plan of Steve Yzerman, the Winnipeg Jets may still have more trades on the horizon including Nikolaj Ehlers and Rutger McGroarty and the Anaheim Ducks get younger as they take their next step forward.

On today’s show, Gil and Rachel look around the other top pro sports leagues in North America for inspiration. What can the NHL incorporate into its product from these other sports?

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this edition of Locked on NHL for a wide-ranging conversation on the scope of the entire league.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

On today's episode of Locked on NHL, Seth Toupal and JD Young look at which teams and players are the biggest winners and losers in the Western Conference after free agency. We start with Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks, who have added several key pieces in Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen, as well as the return of Taylor Hall to form a legitimate top-six around the Bedard in his sophomore season. Then we discuss the Vegas Golden Knights and the issues they have at left wing after losing a lot of talent in free agency this offseason and if the credit card bill has come due, plus Ryan Suter gets bought out... again. We also finish up with the Colorado Avalanche stuck being able to do very little in free agency, Dustin Wolf now able to claim a full-time NHL role, and the future of Yaroslav Askarov with the Nashville Predators.

The Colorado Avalanche Have 2 Big Issues Hanging Over Their Heads; the Seattle Kraken Regroup This Offseason While the Carolina Hurricanes Adjust to the winds of change

The NHL is in offseason mode but there is still plenty of things for teams to do this summer. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, it's signing captain Sidney Crosby to a new deal. What will the Toronto Maple Leafs do with Mitch Marner and will they extend captain John Tavares. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets still need to hire a head coach and figure out what direction they want to go.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of Locked on NHL for a wide-ranging conversation about where all 32 teams in the league are after two weeks of free agency being open.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

On today's episode of Locked on NHL, Seth Toupal and JD Young analyze the Western Conference's contenders, bubble teams, and basement teams after free agency and the draft. We start with why the Nashville Predators have joined the Western Conference elite with their massive offseason and if the Vancouver Canucks can prove that last year was not a fluke. Next, we look at teams who will probably contend for the playoffs but are a tier below the contenders and if the Seattle Kraken and Utah Hockey Club can enter the fray this season. Finally, which teams are expected to have a long season, and why do the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues feel directionless compared to the rest of the basement teams?

Big changes took place this week across the NHL as the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils added some star players while the Vegas Golden Knights saw some key talent leave town.

The NHL has released their 2024-25 schedule. We look at all the highlights including the NHL debut of Macklin Celebrini with the San Jose Sharks, the first NHL game for the Utah Hockey Team, the raising of the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup banner and some great matchups like the return of Steven Stamkos to Tampa Bay with the Nashville Predators.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of Locked on NHL breaking down the absolute chaos of NHL free agency which saw record spending by all 32 teams.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth Toupal and JD Young talk about a big start to Free Agency for Nashville, Utah building their D corps on the fly and a few deals that are a bit on the rich side!

The San Jose Sharks added a generational talent in Macklin Celebrine while the Buffalo Sabres and Calgary Flames were both very active on NHL Draft weekend. Plus all three teams prepare for free agency.

The NHL Draft starts tonight and this will change the future of every team in the league. We have everything covered from trade rumors to who will be picked where and whether teams will go for scorers or defensemen early in the draft.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this edition of Locked on NHL for a deep dive on the upcoming window of transactions with the buy-out window open, the draft and free agency all looming, general managers all across the league have ample opportunity to improve the fortune of their team in the near and distant future with a stroke of genius.

On today's Locked on NHL, Seth Toupal and JD Young react to the Florida Panthers clinching their first Stanley Cup in franchise history with a 2-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7. Discuss how the Panthers avoided a catastrophic collapse by finding the formula that got them into the Finals. Then, we examine how the Oilers failed to complete the comeback thanks to the offense running out of gas. Then, Connor McDavid became the first player since 2003 to win the Conn Smythe trophy on a losing team. We analyze why McDavid won and if Sergei Bobrovsky was robbed. Next, we react to breaking news during the podcast of Alex Meruelo walking away from his ownership of the Arizona Coyotes and his legacy with the Yotes. Finally, who were we most excited to see raise the Stanley Cup?

Can the Oilers Complete a Miracle Comeback or Will the Panthers Win their First Title and What Awaits the Senators This Offseason?

Can the Edmonton Oilers become the first team in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup after trailing in the Finals 3-0? Which team has more pressure? Will Connor McDavid or Sergei Bobrovsky have a better finish to this series?

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of Locked on NHL to discuss the Stanley Cup final shifting momentum as the Oilers have rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to force a Game 6.

Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) and Trey Matthews (Locked On Devils cover the latest from the Stanley Cup Final and give their verdicts on the Markstrom and PLD trades.

Seth Toupal and JD Young discuss a strong performance for the Oilers in Game 4 to stay alive, Connor McDavid continuing to climb the postseason leaderboard all time and whether or not the Oilers can keep things going past Game 5!

The Edmonton Oilers kept their Stanley Cup dreams alive but still trail the Florida Panthers 3-1, we break down what's next in the series plus the NHL's Utah franchise gets its colors and first year nickname.

Join hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies on this episode of Locked on NHL where they breakdown the Stanley Cup final through two games and why the Florida Panthers have been so successful against the Edmonton Oilers through steadfast defense and rock solid goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

On today's episode of Locked on NHL, Seth Toupal and JD Young discuss whether the Edmonton Oilers are in trouble after falling 2-0 against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. We start by discussing how the Oilers' offense has struggled to find goals despite outplaying the Panthers in game one, how the Panthers shut down the Oilers in game 2, and whether the Oilers should look to play a more open system to try and get their offense going. Next, we examine the Leon Draisaitl hit and if it was worthy of a major and if he will get a suspension from it, plus the increased physicality in the series. We finish by touching on the Oilers' special teams, how the power play needs to improve in Game 3, and looking at Stuart Skinners' series so far.

The Florida Panthers take a 1-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals despite the Oilers controlling the tempo most of the game while the Pittsburgh Penguins negotiate a new deal with Sidney Crosby.

The Stanley Cup Finals will get under way Saturday and we've got you covered. We have our fearless predictions for the series and discuss the "curse" of Corey Perry who is in his fourth final in the last five years but has lost the last three with three different teams. Is the Corey Perry curse real? The Oilers certainly hope not. Plus how will the layoff affect both teams?

Join Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies for an in-depth breakdown as to why both the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are capable of prevailing in the Stanley Cup final.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth Toupal and JD Young recap the road to the Stanley Cup Final for the Edmonton Oilers!

The Florida Panthers Are One Win Away from Returning the Stanley Cup Final, the Stars and Oilers are deadlocked at 2 games apiece, while the PWHL Crowns it's first Champion

Join Hunter Hodies and Nick Zararis as they break down both series of the NHL's conference finals.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

The Dallas Stars overcame a slow start in the first period to take the advantage in the Western Conference Finals over the Edmonton Oilers. Seth Toupal of Locked on Wild and JD Young of Locked on Sharks examine Roope Hintz's return to the Stars lineup and how it unlocked Jason Robertson's big night. We also discuss if the Oilers gave one away but not capitalizing on their two-goal lead in the first period, and how the Stars' depth in the 2nd period was the difference. We also debate the embellishment call on Mason Marchment and whether the Oilers should be worried heading into game four. Finally, discuss the two new coaching hires of Scott Arniel by the Winnipeg Jets and Dan Bylsma of the Seattle Kraken, plus the San Jose Sharks remain the last team without a head coach.

The Rangers win in OT, the Stars even their Stanley Cup Playoff series with the Oilers and the Canucks face an important offseason ahead.

Connor McDavid scored the game winner in double overtime to give the Edmonton Oilers a 1-0 lead in their series with the Dallas Stars. We discuss the impact of Edmonton winning Game 1 and what to expect for the rest of the series. Plus, can the New York Rangers bounce back from a physical, 3-0 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series?

The NHL playoffs are down to just four teams, the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers. Topics include why game one of Rangers-Panthers was closer than a 3-0 final score would indicate and how the Rangers can better adjust for game 2

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth Toupal and JD Young recap Game 7 between the Canucks and Oilers. They also discuss the controversial calls in Game 6 between Dallas and Colorado as well as a preview of the Western Conference Finals between Dallas and Edmonton!

The New York Rangers became the first team to advance to the Conference Final as they scored a big comeback win to eliminate the Carolina Hurricanes. We also preview the other three Round 2 series and have our bi-weekly Women's Hockey Spotlight.

The second round of the NHL playoffs features four playoff series still full of life pushing back in both directions.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

On today's episode of Locked on NHL, Seth Toupal and new co-host JD Young get caught up on the Western Conference playoffs in the National Hockey League. We start with the Dallas Stars taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Colorado Avalanche thanks to their budding superstar Wyatt Johnston and how the Stars still feel like they have another level to go. Then we discuss Valeri Nichushkin's 6-month suspension and what it means for him and the Avalanche moving forward. Finally, the Vancouver Canucks will be without Carson Soucy for a game after his suspension, if the Canucks can continue to get just enough goaltending, and if Connor McDavid will be able to even up the series for the Edmonton Oilers.

The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is heating up as the series begin to take shape. We break down each series and preview the weekend ahead.

The second round of the NHL playoffs are off to a roaring start.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth Toupal and Nick Morgan discuss Rick Bowness retiring, the likelihood that the Kings buy out Pierre-Luc Dubois and the start of Round two in the Stanley Cup Playoffs!

The Bruins advance past the Leafs with a thrilling OT win in Game 7, the Rangers get the jump on the Hurricanes and the Sharks hope to win the lottery.

Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs will wrap up this weekend and the three remaining series are extremely exciting. The Bruins and Maple Leafs are headed to a Game 7 after Toronto won the last two games with a strong defense. Meanwhile, Vancouver goes to Nashville and Dallas visits Vegas with a chance to end those series on the road.

In the second edition of the power rankings during the NHL playoffs, Hunter Hodies and Nick Zararis bounce around all 8 series including: The New York Rangers sweep of the Washington Capitals, as well as the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes advancing in five games each respectively.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Seth Toupal and Nick Morgan discuss the sudden firing of Dave Hakstol in Seattle, the Nashville Predators blowing a 2 goal lead with 3 minutes to play in Game 4 and the Colorado Avalanche finding their stride after a meltdown in net in Game 1 against Winnipeg.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up but the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Nashville Predators are on the brink of elimination.