Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

Buffalo Sabres offseason preview: roster moves, Connor Hellebuyck rumors, opening night lineup, and analysis from Locked On NHL Game Night.

Training camps are officially underway, and the debate over the NHL’s elite talent is heating up. In this episode of Locked On NHL, Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) dive into the Locked On NHL 100 project to rank the top 10 wingers across the league.

With the backdrop of the Calgary Flames admitting there’s a problem and rebuilding is the only solution, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel welcome Josh Easthope of LockedOn Flames on this edition of the Game Night crew’s preview series. Why was the franchise signing such a different tune six months ago? Where are they now in the rebuild? Who are the key players to watch and who may stick around? Will the market be an obstacle for the Flames in this plan to rebuild?

Chicago Blackhawks 2024-25 season preview: roster moves, key players, offseason analysis, and progress expectations on Locked On NHL Game Night.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Leafs) break down the Connor Hellebuyck trade saga, Oilers signing Alex Formenton, and Chris Kreider heading to waivers on today's Locked On NHL.

Minnesota Wild gear up for a serious playoff push despite questions at center. Can Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes elevate this team to true Stanley Cup contender status? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the Wild’s off-season moves, analyze Jesper Wallstedt’s rise in goal, and debate whether Billy Guerin will pull off a blockbuster to land a top-six forward. Key topics include Blake Coleman’s fit, Brock Faber’s underrated contributions, and why Minnesota’s defensive core sets them apart in the West. The conversation shifts East as the Montreal Canadiens emerge as a potential powerhouse. With Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov leading the way, are the Canadiens ready to dominate the Atlantic Division’s gauntlet? Plus, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s aging core faces mounting challenges—can Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy keep the dynasty alive or is time finally catching up? Don’t miss expert analysis on the NHL’s rising giants and fading legends.

The San Jose Sharks arrived. Right? Or... are they still playing the long game? That's part of the debate in San Jose as Macklin Celebrini makes it clear he might not just be a franchise player, but a generational one. But are the rest of the Shark pups ready to join him? JD Young of Locked on San Jose Sharks joins Locked On Game Night to discuss that, the Sharks 2025-26 season, what's ahead, Connor Hellebuyck and much more.

The Devils make a major trade, the Canucks sign a key young player to a huge extension and the Senators decide how to handle Brady Tkachuk's return.

Get a Dallas Stars season preview: offseason moves, Jason Robertson contract, key roster questions, and expert analysis on Locked On NHL Game Night.

Where could the Jets send Connor Hellebuyck and what can they expect in return? Are the Devils quietly having one of the best offseasons of any NHL team and how does the shorter preseason schedule impact rookies?

The Utah Mammoth look to ride playoff momentum into a pivotal season—can Logan Cooley’s breakout and key veteran additions push them into the Central Division’s elite? Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wright and Locked on Mammoth host Tom Callahan spotlight the Mammoth’s first NHL playoff berth, recapping standouts like Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller, and 40-goal winger Dylan Guenther. The hosts examine offseason moves including the trade for Vincent Trocheck and signing of Anders Lee, debates on John Marino’s contract extension, and questions surrounding Karel Vejmelka’s heavy workload in net. Prospects Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers could shake up the forward lines, while the evolving roles of Cooley and Guenther tease a dynamic attack. With the Winter Classic against the Colorado Avalanche and a push for a top-three spot in the Central, does Utah have the roster to make noise—or are they still a wild card team to watch?

Who are the top 10 defensemen in the NHL entering the 2026-27 season? On this episode of Locked On NHL, Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down their definitive player rankings ahead of the new campaign.

Ottawa Senators shake up their locker room by trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. Has Ottawa finally found addition by subtraction? Seth Toupal and JD Young debate whether William Eklund’s arrival and an energized core led by Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson can push the Sens past playoff disappointments in the brutal Atlantic Division. Is this the move that unlocks the Senators’ potential, or will goaltending remain their Achilles’ heel? The conversation also breaks down the Pittsburgh Penguins' playoff hopes as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson enter another pivotal season. Can the Penguins’ aging stars and retooled roster defy expectations again? Finally, the Boston Bruins’ strange but effective roster construction takes center stage—is this “island of misfit toys” built for another 100-point season, or are regression and a possible sell-off looming? Don’t miss this candid look at three of the NHL’s most intriguing storylines.

Where are the Flyers headed a season after a successful year one under Rick Tocchet? Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel LockedOn Flyers host welcome Russ Cohen to discuss Philadelphia’s roller coaster 2025-26 campaign and how that set up the expectations for Tocchet’s second season at the helm.

The Vegas Golden Knights have never been a franchise looking at what's behind them. They're looking ahead with a new coach, but with the same expectations. Even with the departure of the talented Pavel Dorofeyev, the Knights believe they're still a contender, particularly in a weak Pacific Division. They'll have some competition, potentially, from Edmonton. Plus a surging Sharks team could be noteworthy, but the Pacific Division arguably has three of the four worst teams in hockey, making it ripe for Vegas to use the season to figure things out in preparation for what they hope will be a deep playoff run in 2027.

The Avalanche sign D Cale Makar to a record setting deal, the Jets have to figure out how to handle Connor Hellebuyck while the Kings got some good injury news before training camp.

Montreal Canadiens had a breakout year to the Eastern Conference Finals, but can their dynamic young core deliver the Stanley Cup? Nick Suzuki’s leadership, Cole Caufield’s scoring prowess and Juraj Slafkovski ignite hope in Montreal, propelling the Habs to one of their best seasons in years. Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights welcome in Locked on Canadiens hot Ian Bosvert highlight Jakub Dobes’ goaltending heroics, the impact of losing Brendan Gallagher’s leadership presence, and Montreal’s forward-thinking offseason strategy. Discussion centers on promising stars like Ivan Demidov, roster moves that prioritize future flexibility and GM Kent Hughes’ mastery of the salary cap. With the Atlantic Division tougher than ever—thanks to rivals like the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs—will Montreal’s patience and youthful firepower be enough to return to the NHL’s summit?

Connor Hellebuyck makes his trade demand public; Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes seek new contracts but who signs first and for how much and the NHL's US National TV schedule is released but does it make sense?

The Boston Bruins enter the 2026-27 NHL season as a bubble team, but can rising stars like Fraser Minton and the newly acquired JJ Peterka ignite another playoff run? Marco Sturm’s squad seeks stability after a flurry of offseason moves, including the departure of Viktor Arvidsson and backup Jonas Korpisalo, while questions swirl around Elias Lindholm’s health and the contract status of Matt Poitras. Hosts Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights are joined by Locked on Bruins host Ian McLaren to examine the impact of Peterka’s potential top-line role alongside David Pastrnak and debate whether the Bruins’ internal development — especially at center with Minton and James Hagens — can offset blue-line gaps and concerns at number one center. Defensive improvements, Nikita Zadorov’s growth, and the looming captaincy decision between Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy take center stage. Is Boston primed to defy expectations again, or will the Atlantic Division’s fierce competition leave them on the outside looking in?

The upcoming hockey season is rapidly approaching, making it prime time to break down the top 10 NHL goalies across the National Hockey League. Hosts Hunter Hodies and Nick Zararis give their takes on who the top 10 goalies in the NHL.

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano debate the Senators' next captain, discuss teams with captain vacancies, and react to the NHL's top 20 centers list.

Before looking ahead to the Vancouver Canucks’ upcoming 2026-27 season, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel put the past season in perspective with LockedOn Canucks host Trevor Beggs. They then all attempted to predict the current state of the franchise, what to expect throughout the next year and where the Canucks currently sit on the rebuilding timeline.

Edmonton Oilers face mounting Stanley Cup expectations with Mike Babcock at the helm. Can Babcock’s controversial coaching style unlock Connor McDavid’s full potential, or will goaltending woes remain the club’s Achilles’ heel? Seth Toupal and JD Young debate whether Frederik Andersen, Devin Levi, and key roster moves are enough to push Edmonton past Vegas in the Pacific Division and finally claim hockey’s top prize. The hosts also break down the Washington Capitals’ bold moves in what could be Alex Ovechkin’s last real shot at a Cup, dissecting the additions of Jordan Kyrou and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Turning east, they question whether the Philadelphia Flyers’ gritty formula can keep them playoff-bound without a true number one center. Power-play struggles, young stars like Matvei Michkov, and the battle for Metro Division supremacy highlight this episode’s must-listen insights for every NHL fan.

The New York Rangers retool brought Pavel Dorofeyev, Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson to the Big Apple. Those are helpful pieces. Ultimately, the Rangers biggest factors of success will be health. Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox both got hurt on the same day last season, effectively torpedoing any chance the team had with a 2-11-0 stretch up to the Olympic break.

The Blue Jackets lose a goalie to offseason surgery but for how long, the Kraken look to build themselves into a contender and the Lightning fight to remain an elite team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs reboot after disastrous fall—can Gavin McKenna’s arrival spark a playoff resurgence? Auston Matthews faces a pivotal contract year, as new GM John Chayka boldly reshapes the roster with key moves, including the acquisition of Darren Raddysh and veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. The blue line gets a shot of offense, while Easton Cowan’s development remains a hot topic after his inconsistent usage last season. Locked on Maple Leafs host David Morassutti details the Maple Leafs’ shift in culture under Jim Hiller’s coaching and a revamped front office, touches on John Tavares’ continued offensive consistency, and examines how the loss of Mitch Marner impacts Toronto’s dynamic. Key questions loom: Will the Leafs’ new energy and lineup adjustments be enough to make a return to the playoffs? Get the latest insights, player storylines, and season predictions as Toronto aims for redemption.

The Nashville Predators enter an important season as new GM Chris McFarland reshapes the roster in pursuit of a playoff return. Can veteran core members like Steven Stamkos, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros deliver? Will rising stars Luke Evangelista, Matthew Wood, and Maverik Bourque step up? Locked on Predators host Jack Williams joins Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights to break down Nashville’s roller-coaster 2025-26 campaign, the franchise’s defensive struggles and the high-stakes gamble on center depth with key additions Ross Colton and Jack Drury. Discussions center on McFarland’s shift away from the familiar towards strategic depth, coaching questions swirling around Andrew Brunette and whether the returning blue line can finally support Saros. Will the Predators’ revamped lineup be enough to clinch a coveted wild card spot in the loaded Central Division, or is another heartbreak looming?

The NHL has announced that they are playing regular season games in Germany for the next three years with the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins hosting games there in 2027-28 because they have German-born players Leon Draisaitl and J.J. Peterka on their rosters. We discuss the impact of these games, the possibility of an outdoor game overseas and what the NHL's international strategy could lead to for the future of the sport.

Every NHL season features unexpected dark horses that shatter preseason expectations, much like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers did last year. In this episode of Locked On NHL, hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down the exact anatomy of a sleeper team, from the classic new-coach bump to rolling four scoring lines and trusting high-pedigree young talent.

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano debate Corey Pronman’s NHL under-23 rankings, discuss top prospects, and talk RFA contract trends.

Alex Ovechkin might be calling it quits after this season. We'll see. For now, he's got a cast of new characters, including transition mavens like Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch, to mesh with. The Capitals have made it clear: there's no appetite for another step back in 2026-27.

Utah Mammoth emerge as West contenders following a bold offseason overhaul. A string of savvy moves—including adding Vincent Trocheck, Anders Lee, and goaltender Sebastian Cossa—raise the question: Can Utah’s young offensive core break into the NHL’s elite and outmuscle rivals like the Avalanche, Stars, and Wild for a top playoff spot? Seth Toupal and JD Young analyze Utah’s rise and debate the uncertain futures of the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. With Dylan Larkin’s status and Detroit’s GM vacancy clouding the Atlantic, and Zach Werenski’s contract drama fueling questions in Columbus, both teams teeter on the edge between playoff dreams and potential rebuilds. Key topics include franchise-level goaltending, high-impact trades, and how shifting front-office dynamics could reshape the postseason race. Can the Mammoth sustain their momentum while the Red Wings and Blue Jackets search for answers?

A season removed from exceeding expectations, the Penguins now still as a big unknown heading into the 2026-27 season. Is Pittsburgh poised to take a step forward and make a push for the top of the Metropolitan Division or are the Penguins worse and vulnerable to go back to missing the playoffs? Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss how Sidney Crosby and company pulled off their success last season, why Kyle Dubas wasn’t able to convert any big swing attempts in the offseason and how fans should view their new team with LockedOn Penguins host Hunter Hoodies.

The Florida Panthers get bad news about Brad Marchand, the Edmonton Oilers try to figure out what it will take to get Connor McDavid to extend and the Montreal Canadiens still have unfinished business.

The Ottawa Senators face a turning point after trading captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in a blockbuster move. With William Eklund joining the squad and Claude Giroux’s veteran presence anchoring the lineup, can the Sens sustain their playoff momentum in the tough Atlantic Division? Questions swirl around Tim Stutzle’s superstar rise, the team’s revamped forward depth and whether new faces like Andrei Burakovsky and Dylan Cozens can fill the offensive void. Locked on Senators host Brandon Pillar, joined by Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights, breaks down Ottawa’s offseason overhaul, plus the goal tending tandem of Linus Ullmark and Sam Ersson. Key topics include the evolving leadership landscape—will Thomas Chabot, Jake Sanderson, or Giroux wear the “C”?—plus Steve Staios’ vision for keeping the Senators competitive. Don’t miss this sharp, insider analysis on Ottawa’s lineup shakeup, their October showdown with Tkachuk’s Panthers, and what it means for the Senators’ playoff aspirations.

Today we examine some possible occurrences that could really make the 2026-27 NHL season fun. That includes having a team that has never won the Stanley Cup winning it for the first time or maybe the Toronto Maple Leafs ending their nearly six decade long championship drought. All this and much more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast.

As training camp approaches for the 2026-27 NHL season, hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down the biggest storylines set to define the league.

Dissecting one of the most talked about teams of the offseason, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss what to make of the Edmonton Oilers ahead of the 2026-27 season with LockedOn Oilers host Nick Zarais. They go from looking back at what went wrong and why Edmonton took a step back last season, to debating the Mike Babcock hire, to analyzing the current roster and how the glaring issue in net still exists.

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano discuss the NHL teams under the most pressure to win the Stanley Cup and react to the NHL Network’s top 20 defensemen rankings.

Locked On NHL breaks down the LA Kings’ veteran roster, Islanders’ youth movement, and Anaheim Ducks’ playoff chances for the upcoming NHL season.

The New Jersey Devils looked as hot as anyone to start 2025-26. Was it real life? Was it just fantasy? Zach Berman of Locked On New Jersey Devils joined the Game Night crew and talked about the overheated start to the season, Jack Hughes' mysterious injury and the Devils depth issues. Have those now been resolved heading into 2026-27? Will the three goalie tandem work? Are the Devils under pressure or playing with house money?

The Florida Panthers reload with the Brady Tkachuk trade—are they Cup contenders once again? Alexander Barkov returns healthy, and Jacob Markstrom takes over in net as Florida looks to reclaim Stanley Cup favorite status. Locked on Panthers host Armando Velez joins Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights to recap the Panthers’ injury-plagued season, Sergei Bobrovsky’s exit and the impact of key offseason additions like Lars Eller and Radko Gudas. The conversation focused on how the Panthers’ power play units should be elite and whether this retooled roster has what it takes to challenge the Carolina Hurricanes and the rest of the NHL. Are the Panthers primed for another Cup run?

The Minnesota Wild eye a breakthrough season as Quinn Hughes’ arrival signals an transformation and the end of an agonizing playoff drought. Can blockbuster moves and fresh leadership finally push the Wild past their rivals in the Central Division gauntlet? Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights spotlight the Wild’s key offseason acquisitions—including Blake Coleman, Olli Maatta, and the emerging Maxim Shabanov—plus the brewing Dylan Larkin trade saga. Insights cover Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek’s new two-way responsibilities, Kirill Kaprizov’s search for a new linemate after Mats Zuccarello’s departure, and how Coach Jon Hynes’ adjustments shape team identity. Locked on Wild host Seth Toupal joins to give a deep dive into the impact of Quinn Hughes on special teams, the evolving goalie tandem of Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson, and which prospects might force their way into the lineup. Will Minnesota’s bold strategy finally lead to a deep playoff run?

There are six new coaches in the NHL this season but which one of them is most likely to be successful in year one and who is most likely to struggle out of the gate? Plus, trying to make sense of the Ville Koivunen deal the Penguins signed and its potential impact on future RFA deals.

Colorado Avalanche face questions after last season’s Presidents’ Trophy run ended in a disappointing sweep by the Vegas Golden Knights. Will Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar’s superstar talent be enough to overcome fresh challenges and silence doubts about the Avs’ playoff mettle? Questions swirl around Brock Nelson and Marty Neces and their ability to deliver in the postseason, critical offseason trades like Valeri Nichushkin’s departure, and what new faces Jaden Schwartz can contribute. Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights, with guest Chris Micieli, break down Colorado’s power play woes, the leadership pressures on head coach Jared Bednar, and the blockbuster move of GM Chris McFarland to the Nashville Predators. Lineup projections, contract talks for Makar, and the emergence of young talent like Gavin Brindley add intrigue to the Avalanche’s quest to reclaim Cup glory. Can the Avs grind their way back to the top of the Central Division, or are bigger moves required?

In this Thursday edition of the Locked On NHL podcast, hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter break down the current state of the National Hockey League, starting with insights from a recent fan poll conducted by The Athletic.

The Detroit Red Wings have taken the next step in their GM search as they hired a firm to help them with their search. We break down the missed opportunities and where the search goes from here and how this all impacts the future of Dylan Larkin. Plus, Mike DiStefano previews his top five NHL teams on the rise for the 2026-27 season. Is your favorite team on the list of teams on the verge of contention? Do you agree with our picks? All this and more on today's episode of the Lokced On NHL Podcast with Mike DiStefano and Gil Martin. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 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

Coming off a season that was once promising and ended in disappointment, the New York Islanders are in the midst of an odd dynamic ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel welcome Gil Martin, host of LockedOn Islanders, on the show to offer his insight and try to set the reasonable expectations for New York in year two of the Matthew Schaefer era.

Nashville Predators sharpen their roster under Chris McFarland, adding grit and key depth pieces like Maverik Bourque and Nils Höglander in hopes of clinching a playoff spot in the fiercely competitive Central Division. Do Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, and Roman Josi have enough support to propel Nashville past heavyweights like the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, or is a wild card berth their ceiling? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the Predators’ offseason moves, the St. Louis Blues’ uncertain retool with Mason McTavish and the ongoing Jordan Binnington speculation, and the New Jersey Devils’ bounce-back potential after a tumultuous year. The hosts analyze roster construction, health concerns, playoff prospects, and the evolving landscape across the Central and Metro Divisions—posing critical questions about which teams are true contenders and which might fall short.

The Los Angeles Kings will need Quinton Byfield to step up in the wake of Anze Kopitar's retirement. The Kings had as bizarre a 2025-26 season as you can imagine. They set ignominious records, made the playoffs with only 90 points and lost in the opening round of the playoffs yet again. Now, despite the retirement of long-time captain and future Hall of Famer Kopitar, the Kings are somehow actually older going into 2026-27. In the first of 32 shows, the Locked On Game Night crew talks with a familiar face in Locked On LA Kings host Eddie Garcia about the 2025-26 season, the changes for 2026-27 and the expectations for next year.

The Penguins are trying for one more big season for Sidney Crosby; the Avalanche are working on an extension with Cale Makar and the Maple Leafs anticipate Gavin McKenna's debut

The Red Wings are still without a GM; the buzz on a new expansion team in Texas continues to grow and the IIHF makes a call on Russia's participation in international tournaments for the coming season.

In this episode of Locked On NHL, hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down the massive fallout from Macklin Celebrini’s record-breaking contract extension with the San Jose Sharks.

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano discuss the latest on Quinn Hughes' contract negotiations, the breaking news of Macklin Celebrini's record-setting NHL extension, and which teams are most likely to repeat as division champions.

Winnipeg Jets’ playoff hopes face major turbulence as Connor Hellebuyck’s future hangs in the balance. Can Winnipeg reinvent themselves or will their reliance on goaltending continue to stall their rebuild? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down Mark Scheifele’s 100-point campaign, the need for secondary scoring, and the team’s reluctance to give young talent key roles. Odds from FanDuel and a crowded Central Division fuel speculation: is it time for a Jets reset? Florida Panthers gear up for another postseason push with the high-profile acquisition of Brady Tkachuk and a risky bet on Jacob Markstrom in net. The hosts debate if Florida can regain their championship form or if inconsistency in goal and mounting injuries will derail their run. Plus: Can the San Jose Sharks capitalize on a weak Pacific Division? Macklin Celebrini’s explosive emergence, San Jose’s prospect pool, and big-name blue line additions set up a playoff-or-bust storyline.

Trade rumors and extension rumors are heating up as the Blue Jackets try to finalize a deal with Kirill Marchenko; the Bruins hope to be better with J.J. Pterka and the Minnesota Wild hope to sign Quinn Hughes and maybe add Dylan Larkin.

Patrick Kane signs in Chicago but should you go home again? What happens next year to Jason Robertson and how does he impact the market and changes to the way several NHL teams do their local broadcasts. All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast.

It might be the offseason, but there are still some burning topics that need to be discussed.

New York Rangers overhaul their roster but questions loom: is Chris Drury’s vision enough to spark a real turnaround? Seth Toupal and JD Young dissect the Rangers’ headline-grabbing offseason moves—highlighting the exits of Vincent Trocheck and the expensive addition of Pavel Dorofeyev—while casting doubt on whether tinkering with depth can mask deeper flaws. Can Adam Fox rediscover elite form? Are shifty contracts and locker room tensions signs of a team stuck in neutral? Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle Kraken face major crossroads. The Maple Leafs, banking on Auston Matthews’ return to form, aim for playoff redemption under Jim Hiller, while newly acquired Darren Raddysh and Sergei Bobrovsky fuel hopes for stability. Meanwhile, the Kraken struggle to find an identity, with Matty Beniers stagnating and Jason Robertson shunning their advances. Are these teams destined for mediocrity—or poised to surprise the NHL this season?

The New Jersey Devils may not be done making moves; the Utah Mammoth changed directions in a subtle way this offseason while the Winnipeg Jets are still waiting to trade Connor Hellebuyck.

Who benefits most from the new NHL schedule and who is hurt by it, when do former stars return to their old arenas and how the NHL missed some opportunities on the schedule as well. Plus, RFAs like Trevor Zegras and Connor McMichael avoid arbitration and sign on the dotted line.

In this Thursday edition of Locked On NHL, host Nick Zararis steps in solo while Hunter Hodies is away to discuss the massive news out of Detroit: Steve Yzerman has been relieved of his duties as the general manager of the Red Wings.

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano break down Steve Yzerman's exit as Detroit GM, Anthony Mantha's new deal with the Devils, NHL home opener matchups, and changes in New Jersey's goalie situation. Full schedule release and season storylines also discussed.

Elias Pettersson’s $11.6M contract looms large as the Vancouver Canucks eye a rebuild—will contending teams circle back for the star center, or is this deal impossible to move? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down Vancouver’s strategy, potential destinations like the Pittsburgh Penguins, and why a fresh start could reignite Pettersson’s career. With J.T. Miller and Evander Kane gone, the Canucks face pivotal decisions about their future, cap space, and whether top prospects will step up as the team projects a bottom-three finish. Can the Chicago Blackhawks overcome Connor Bedard’s shoulder injury and finally take a leap in the brutal Central Division? The hosts debate Chicago’s outlook after key signings like Bowen Byram and Tyler Bertuzzi, as well as the pressure on young talent to deliver. Plus: Are the Calgary Flames heading for an even tougher year with goal-scoring woes and one of the NHL’s most immovable contracts in Jonathan Huberdeau?

The Blackhawks will be without star forward Connor Bedard for at least the first month of the season while the trade rumors surrounding Dylan Larkin and Elias Pettersson continue this offseason.

The Ducks match the Flyers offer sheet on Leo Carlsson but where do the Flyers go from here? What impact will this have on Connor Bedard's next contract which will happen this offseason and Dylan Larkin adds another team to his list of clubs he's willing to be traded to.

The Anaheim Ducks have officially matched the staggering offer sheet for Leo Carlsson. What does this mean for the future of the franchise, the Philadelphia Flyers' next big move, and the shifting balance of power in the NHL? In this episode of Locked On NHL, Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down the massive implications of the Leo Carlsson offer sheet situation.

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano discuss Daniel Alfredsson joining the Leafs, Claude Giroux re-signing in Ottawa, and top remaining NHL free agents.

Offer Sheet chaos rocks the NHL as the Philadelphia Flyers target Anaheim Ducks star Leo Carlsson, triggering a high-stakes GM rivalry between Danny Briere and Pat Verbeek. Will the Ducks match the record-breaking offer, or is Carlsson Philly-bound in exchange for four first-round picks? The uncertainty fuels major questions about team-building, player loyalty, and bold front office strategies across the league. Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the dynamics of the Ducks-Flyers standoff, spotlighting contract missteps, the fallout for stars like Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish, and the domino effect on emerging talents including Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, and Macklin Celebrini. Key topics include GM feuds, evolving contract norms, and the rising risk of blockbuster offer sheets shaking up NHL rosters. Can Anaheim reset, or will this saga reshape the market for franchise players?

The Flyers change the NHL salary landscape with a record-setting offer sheet to Leo Carlsson; the Kings add some offense in free agency and the Capitals build their team back to sign Alex Ovechkin.

Ovi is back: Alexander Ovechkin signs a one-year deal to stay with the Capitals this season, the strange saga of goalie salaries and looking ahead to when we see hockey again.

Reacting to the Wildest Moves of NHL Free Agency Day 1!

Jason Robertson’s contract standoff with the Dallas Stars sends shockwaves through the NHL offseason. Could the All-Star winger land with a new team, or will the Stars meet his lofty demands? Seth Toupal and JD Young debate the fallout from the failed Seattle Kraken trade, analyze Dallas’s roster strategy, and reveal why Robertson’s future remains the summer’s hottest storyline. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers scramble to solve their goaltending crisis, securing Akira Schmid but leaving fans questioning if a true No. 1 is still on the horizon. The show also explores cap-strapped contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche navigating free agency on a shoestring, and asks if the Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild can make bold moves with the clock ticking. Can top teams maintain their edge as NHL free agency chaos begins?

The San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators load up on draft picks while the New York Rangers pull off a big trade for Pavel Dorofeyev.

With the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators select Jonas Lagerberg Hoen of Leksands IF

With the 32nd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators have selected forward Jaxon Cover of the London Knights

With the 23rd overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings select forward JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers

With the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators select centre Tommy Bleyl from the Moncton Wildcats

With the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers select defenceman Maksim Sokolovskii of the London Knights

With the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Vancouver Canucks select forward Adam Novotný of the Peterborough Petes

With the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens select winger Gleb Pugachyov of Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod

With the seventeenth overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Utah Mammoth select Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires

With the 22nd overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins select Liam Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers

With the eleventh overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the St Louis Blues take centre Tynan Lawrence from Boston University, and with the sixteenth overall pick, Maddox Dagenais of the Québec Remparts

With the 21st overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks select Ryan Lin from the Vancouver Giants

With the 20th overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select Ilia Morozov of Miami University

With the nineteenth overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the LA Kings select Elton Hermansson of Modo Hockey

With the eighteenth overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals select Oliver Suvanto of Tappara

With the fourteenth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets take winger Oscar Hemming from Boston University

With the thirteenth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders take defenceman Malte Gustafsson of HV71

With the twelfth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the New Jersey Devils take centre Alexander Command of Örebro HK

With the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Seattle Kraken take defenceman Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds

With the third overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks take centre Caleb Malhotra from the Brantford Bulldogs

With the tenth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Nashville Predators take winger Wyatt Cullen of the USNTDP

With the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the San Jose Sharks take defenceman Keaton Verhoeff of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks

With the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Winnipeg Jets take forward Viggo Björck of Djurgårdens IF

With the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers take defenceman Alberts Šmits of EHC München and Jukerit

With the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres take defenceman Daxon Rudolph from the Prince Albert Raiders