Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

On a Tuesday night with 11 games, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel cover Connor Hellebuyck’s Devils debut, Columbus letting Philadelphia grab a point, the Panthers finally exploding, Los Angles’ momentum cooled, Macklin Celebrini vs. Buffalo and so much more!

Colorado Avalanche stumble out of the gate—should fans hit the panic button after last season’s dominance? Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks are also raising eyebrows with their disappointing early struggles and unresolved goaltending dilemmas. The conversation focused on the Avalanche’s unexpected slide, with Scott Wedgewood’s shaky play and diminished depth signaling potential trouble ahead. Key themes include Buffalo’s goaltending woes following the Connor Hellebuyck saga and Anaheim’s offensive power outage despite Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier anchoring the young core. The discussion explored whether Zach Benson and other Sabres can rediscover last season’s spark, and if the Ducks can replace lost scoring from Chris Kreider and Troy Terry. With heated “concern-o-meter” debates for each team and a look at how the Eastern and Western Conference playoff races are shaping up, this episode is essential listening for NHL fans tracking early-season surprises and potential turning points.

The Kings have been brilliant on the East Coast, while the Rangers are learning how the other half lives without elite goaltending. All of a sudden, the Flames can't be beaten at the Saddledome, while the Leafs streak comes to an end on a pedestrian night. Detroit refuses to die thanks to a terrific late effort from goaltender Michael Postava in a 4-3 shootout win over Edmonton.

With an history made in the Heritage Classic and another American star returning to his former Canadian home, Mike Asti and Eddie Garcia recap Sunday’s NHL action on this edition of LockedOn NHL Game Night. They discussed Jacob Fowler became the youngest goalie to win an outdoor game as Montreal beat Winnipeg, Quinn Hughes was back in Vancouver, the Avalanche got embarrassed, the Panthers got a win and more.

The Winnipeg Jets host the Heritage Classic After the Hellebuyck Trade while the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins look to bounce back from inconsistent starts

NHL Game Night recap: Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Bruins, Senators, and Wild earn big wins. Batherson's hat trick and Kucherov's milestone highlighted.

Avalanche take down Lightning behind MacKinnon, Canadiens beats Chicago without Suzuki, McDavid historic NHL season? Locked On NHL Game Night recap.

Connor McDavid is off to a record setting pace this season, he would surpass Wayne Gretzky by 45 points for the all-time record if he keeps this up; plus we examine the start by the NHL's rookie class and we look ahead to an exciting weekend of NHL action including the Heritage Classic.

Recap NHL Game Night with scores, highlights, and analysis: Oilers vs Hurricanes, Leafs win, Bruins shutout, Stars rally, and more from across the league.

Dylan Larkin has expanded the list of teams he’d accept a trade to, and the pattern is obvious: contenders in the lower 48

With one of the most emotional game of the season to date headlining the show, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss everything that was Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa, from the fan reaction, to his goal, to the eventual blowout win for the Senators. They even dive into what the trade could mean for the future of the league while also also covering a statement win for the Flyers as they look to keep rebounding after a rough start to the season.

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders) discuss Brady Tkachuk returning to Ottawa as an opponent. Plus, Connor McDavid’s historic start, Edmonton Oilers’ strong season, and the Boston Bruins’ impressive performance so far.

The Moose is loose. Mikko Rantanen's hat trick spoils a potential big night for Boston's youth movement. New Jersey writes a sentence in their story against Colorado. Los Angeles finally wins their first game. Edmonton plays well, then has to survive a Minnesota push. Montreal blows another lead in a loss to San Jose. Seattle blows a lead, but survives to maintain two points versus Detroit. Toronto blows out Columbus in the Marchenko-Knies first showdown. Tampa blows out Vegas. The Islanders give the Ducks defense fits. St. Louis edges Winnipeg thanks to Joel Hofer and Philip Broberg. Carolina pulls away from a pesky Vancouver team. Alex Wiederspiel and Mike Asti break it all down on Locked On NHL Game Night.

Utah Mammoth surge to the top of the Central Division with balanced scoring across the roster—can their goaltending keep pace? Seth Toupal and JD Young spotlight breakout performances from Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller, and Logan Cooley, while questioning if Karel Vemelka’s .873 save percentage could jeopardize Utah’s playoff push. The duo debate trade rumors swirling around Connor Hellebuyck and which contender—Buffalo Sabres, Vegas Golden Knights, or Utah Mammoth—might pay the price to land the elite goaltender. Ottawa Senators shake off the Brady Tkachuk trade drama, riding Tim Stutzle and Linus Ullmark’s hot starts into the division’s top three. The hosts dissect the impact of Shane Pinto’s jaw-dropping 98-18-11 record when notching a point, recent coaching staff extensions, and the drive behind Ottawa’s success. Can the Senators and Mammoth build on these hot streaks, or will depth and netminder issues hold them back as the NHL season heats up?

On a night Toronto’s dream scenario occurred, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna combing to lead the Maple Leafs to a win over the Sharks, the Rangers embarrassing the Ducks, Philadelphia showing what they’re capable of against Colorado and Utah handing Pittsburgh their fourth-straight loss.

The Colorado Avalanche are on a mission to avenge last year's playoff loss; the Carolina Hurricanes show no signs of Stanley Cup hangover and the Vegas Golden Knights are scoring more than any team in the league.

The Wild are all business in a win over Columbus. Is there too much pressure on the Jackets? Could there be an alternative to Dylan Larkin for Minnesota? Calgary has had a tough year, but Devin Cooley's best performance propels them over a tired Carolina team. Plus, Alex Wiederspiel's rant on the analytics trap. And Mike Asti posits why Connor McDavid doesn't need to validate himself by winning the Stanley Cup.

Get NHL game night recaps, highlights, history-making hat tricks, and key postgame analysis from Locked On NHL Game Night, October 17, 2026.

Get NHL game recaps, analysis, and standings updates. Bruins, Avalanche, Penguins, and Ducks highlights from Locked On NHL Game Night

Brady Tkachuk scored his second straight natural hat trick, Toronto sees John Tavares go down with an injury and the Central Division standings have surprised everybody. Plus, a weekend of exciting NHL action ahead.

Get NHL scores, highlights, and analysis from a busy night featuring hat tricks, comeback wins, and team updates on Locked On NHL Game Night.

It's been a crazy two weeks in the NHL, and to start the show, hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies dive into Philadelphia’s historically sluggish offense, its -21 goal differential, and whether Rick Tocchet’s low-scoring system, combined with Dan Vladar’s heavy workload, is sustainable.

With only two games on the night, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel are able to fully unpack what went on in two epic battles between likely contenders. First, the Capitals left the arena smiling after a big win over Montreal. How important is Alex Tuch? Does Washington now have a legitimate backup goalie? And then out West, the Stars got their revenge against Colorado, but do one or both teams now have a goalie controversy brewing?

Colorado and Dallas gets a little heated in a 3-2 Colorado win. Good news! They're back at it on Wednesday. The Tkachuks went wild in a 7-3 Panthers win over Columbus. Montreal does everything right, but sweats out a 4-3 win over pesky Buffalo. Andrei Svechnikov's hot start propels the Hurricanes 4-2 win over Washington. Utah survived a Toronto rally to win 5-4. Alexis Lafreniere's seven goals in eight games leads the Rangers, while Dylan Garand outplays Andrei Vasilevskiy. Edmonton gets great goaltending from Devon Levi to keep the Kings winless. The Flyers are also still winless despite their best played game of the season, losing to east-coast killers from Seattle. In a frenzied final segment: we touch on the literal return of Connor Bedard and figurative return of Sidney Crosby in Chicago's home win over Pittsburgh, Boston's 11 p.m. start time not being a problem in San Jose, the oddly close Devils-Wings game, letdowns for Ottawa and Minnesota as they were blown out by St. Louis and Winnipeg respectively. Plus, the Islanders get the result they want, and Canucks fans get the result they want. Calgary plays their best game to spoil Roger McQueen's debut for Anaheim. Vegas comfortably defeats Nashville as Jack Eichel builds his early Hart case.

Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending injury throws the New York Rangers’ playoff hopes into turmoil. Can rising stars like Alexei Lafreniere and a reshuffled goaltender rotation keep the Blueshirts in contention, or is a major trade for a replacement—like Jordan Binnington or Samuel Montembeault—on the horizon? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the ripple effects of this crushing blow, weigh potential roster moves, and debate the smartest strategy for GM Chris Drury. As Connor Bedard gears up for his return, the Chicago Blackhawks face tough questions about their rebuild. Will Bedard’s star power spark a turnaround, or do the Blackhawks remain Central Division cellar dwellers? The episode also previews NHL Frozen Frenzy, spotlighting must-watch matchups—Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes, and more—while ranking the top games fans shouldn’t miss on hockey’s busiest night.

As the NHL continues to wait for the Florida Panthers to gel and look like the super team they were labeled to be, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss a Monday with only three games. They wonder if the Sabres were overlooked entering the season and what’s going on with Florida. How much time will the Panthers need to gel? Can the Senators keep this up and how much of a statement did Minnesota make in their win over Vegas?

How can the Rangers overcome the loss of Igor Shesterkin; Can the Mammoth sustain their fast start and what will it take for the Kings to overcome their early season struggles?

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to make Philadelphia fans boo. They've won five straight to improve to 5-1-1. The Flyers are off to their worst start in franchise history. Is this it for Rick Tocchet? The Rangers first game after the devastating Igor Shesterkin injury was a good one, and the team rallied around their new young netminder Dylan Garand. For Washington, what seemed like a scheduled win for them with Seattle traveling across the country turned out very differently. The Kraken are off to a nice start.

NHL Game Night recap: Scores, highlights, top performances, and storylines from every Saturday game, including Kaprizov, Nylander and more.

NHL Game Night recap: Rangers lose Shesterkin to injury, Capitals, Ducks, Kraken, and Blue Jackets secure wins. Latest scores, highlights, and analysis.

Jake Oettinger delivers back-to-back shutouts, the Panthers deal with injuries and the Red Wings trade rumors continue. Plus what impact has shorter preseasons and training camps had on early season play and an exciting weekend of action ahead.

Recap of NHL Game Night 10-8-26: Bruins, Hurricanes, Avalanche, and Golden Knights win big; Flyers, Canadiens, and Flames struggle to start the season.

Two weeks into the 2026–27 NHL regular season, sample sizes are growing and early trends are demanding attention

Mike Asti is joined by Tom Callahan on this episode of LockedOn NHL Game Night. With only three games, Tom Wilson stepped up to lead the Capitals to a win in the latest chapter of Sidney Crosby vs. Alexander Ovechkin rivalry. Winnipeg continued to show they can compete by handing the Cup-favorite Avalanche their first loss. Edmonton then capped off the night by storming back from an early deficit to blowout the Ducks in a playoff rematch.

The Toronto Maple Leafs rallied on the back of huge performances from Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna (it's about time). The Sabres young core proves the front office right for another night. The Florida Panthers finally lead in a game and win in regulation. The Rangers lockdown the Islanders in the third period to win 5-2. The Canes cause leaks in the Habs defense. Dylan Larkin and Detroit have a nice night. Utah's power play surges in New Jersey. Jack Eichel goes bonkers as Vegas blasts Seattle. Chicago wins on Patrick Kane night.

Detroit Red Wings spiral deeper into crisis as a front office void, the Dylan Larkin trade drama, and Simon Edvinsson’s contract standoff spark outrage among fans. Is the “biggest mess in sports” about to cost Detroit its best assets? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the dysfunction, from owner Chris Ilitch’s tone-deaf outreach to a powerless interim GM and a fanbase teetering on revolt. Detroit Red Wings spiral deeper into crisis as a front office void, the Dylan Larkin trade drama, and Simon Edvinsson’s contract standoff spark outrage among fans. Is the “biggest mess in sports” about to cost Detroit its best assets? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the dysfunction, from owner Chris Ilitch’s tone-deaf outreach to a powerless interim GM and a fanbase teetering on revolt. Philadelphia Flyers’ offensive drought raises big questions after just five goals in four games, while Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings wrestle with chaotic starts. Can the Flyers’ offense recover, or is a shakeup looming? Get key stats on shot-attempt differentials, goalie woes in Edmonton, and early panic signals from Toronto as Gavin McKenna faces outsized scrutiny. Will these NHL giants steady the ship or sink further?

Winnipeg steals one from Pittsburgh in the closest game of the night, a couple longtime contenders send a message to newer blood and Ottawa shows up in a big game. Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel guide you through a four-pack of games on this edition of LockedOn NHL Game Night and even mix in a game about possible overreactions as well.

The Florida Panthers Place Aleksander Barkov on LTIR but get Brad Marchand back; the Edmonton Oilers are scoring a lot of goals but giving up nearly as many; while the Toronto Maple Leafs adjust to new players including Gavin McKenna.

The New York Rangers vibes are... good!? New York wins their third straight, 4-2, over explosive Utah Mammoth. Jets power play surges in win over Detroit. Anaheim gets big contributions from Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier in win over Barkov-less Panthers. Vegas closes out a pesky Vancouver team. Dare we say: Vancouver's vibes are also improved!? Plus, Seattle wants to play the Calgary Flames every night, it seems.

San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings renew their rivalry with brilliance from Igor Chernyshov and Quinton Byfield. The Senators and Islanders both make statements in their wins. Carolina finally gets their first win, and Philadelphia starts 0-1-2 against their first three opponents, all of whom are in the Metropolitan. Are their reasons to be concerned about Dallas? Is Chicago already preparing to fall short of the baby step forward in expectations this season? Buffalo's young stars emerge again. Plus, the Oilers defense finally comes to life, the Mammoth look like NHL giants, Rick Bowness goes off (again), Pittsburgh and Montreal gets wild, the Wild skewer the Bruins, Jordan Binnington skewers himself, Tampa Bay rebounds and Vancouver with another third period explosion on a 13-game night in the NHL.

A night that started with a now former captain being booed at home ended with some statement wins. On this episode of LockedOn NHL Game Night, Mike Asti and Shukri Wrights debate the Dylan Larkin situation getting worse, which Eastern Conference winner of the night made a loud statement and if there’s any reason for concern about a pair of Western Conference contenders.

The Florida Panthers see Aleksander Barkov go down with a lower-body injury, Igor Shesterkin scores a goal for the Rangers and Victor Hedman returns to the Lightning, plus Gary Bettman hints at changes to no trade clauses and we preview a big first weekend of NHL action ahead.

Macklin Celebrini's brilliance emerges early in a 4-3 OT win over Florida. The Panthers wait with baited breath on news of captain Alex Barkov. The Devils finally solve Joseph Woll thanks to Jack Hughes in a 3-2 OT win. The Rangers get a brilliant night from Igor Shesterkin, including his first career goalie goal in a 5-1 win over a rusty Tampa Bay team. The Blue Jackets and newcomer Matthew Knies explode in a 6-3 win over Buffalo. It was absolute bedlam in British Columbia as Vancouver nearly came back from trailing 8-2 in a sloppy 9-7 Edmonton Oilers win. Utah looked every bit the superior team in a 6-0 win as Dylan Guenther's quest for 50 begins in a blowout over Chicago. The Minnesota Wild are solid across the lineup in a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators. Plus, Seattle obliterates Calgary on a night where multiple players had multi-point nights, a 6-1 final as Dustin Wolf struggles.

The NHL is officially back, and the opening slate of games did not disappoint. Hunter Hodies and Nick Zararis are back with another episode, where they discuss what really matters at the start of the season and whether teams can avoid slow starts because of the shortened training camp and preseason.

All 32 NHL teams enter. Only one will be the last team standing. In Episode 3 of Locked On NHL: Last Team Standing, the final cuts are made and the last team standing is crowned. Watch the eliminations, then tell us in the comments which team you think will win it all. Follow Locked On NHL for the rest of the series, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

All 32 NHL teams enter. Only one will be the last team standing. In Episode 2 of Locked On NHL: Last Team Standing, we continue the elimination series and make another round of cuts. Which teams have a case to survive, and which ones are out before the competition heats up? Watch the opening eliminations, then tell us in the comments which team you think will win it all. Follow Locked On NHL for the rest of the series, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Night No. 2 of the new NHL season started with Sidney Crosby breaking a record and his Penguins team handing the rival Flyers their worst opening night loss in franchise history. Toronto also responded after Tuesday’s loss and the Avalanche flexed their muscles with an imposing performance in a playoff rematch. Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss it all on the second episode of the 2026-27 edition of LockedOn’s NHL Game Night.

The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes played a game that felt like a pre-season, regular season and playoff game all wrapped into one. Canadian on Canadian crime out west as Vancouver spoils opening night at Rogers. Montreal kicks off the season with a road win over Toronto. Montreal was drama-free and mostly efficient. Toronto had some moments, but did they allay the many concerns about this team? The Bruins and Rangers played 55 scoreless minutes, and then a whole bunch of stuff happened. Vegas lays a gentle beatdown of the Chicago Blackhawks in Ryan Craig's debut.

Toronto Maple Leafs shake up their roster with a blockbuster trade, acquiring Kirill Marchenko and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins while sending Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Does this bold move finally set up Auston Matthews and William Nylander for a deep playoff run? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down how Marchenko’s scoring fits into Toronto’s offense and what Knies’ arrival means for Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson in Columbus. Eastern and Western Conference playoff predictions ignite debate—are the Buffalo Sabres poised for a breakout, and can Minnesota Wild or Colorado Avalanche topple the West? Award races heat up: Is Quinn Hughes ready to claim the Norris, and could Ivar Stenberg or Porter Martone surprise in the Calder chase? Plus, dark horse picks, coaching hot seats, and whether Connor Hellebuyck’s next move will shake the NHL landscape. Don’t miss these bold forecasts for the new NHL season.

All 32 NHL teams enter. Only one will be the last team standing. In Episode 1 of Locked On NHL: Last Team Standing, we kick off the elimination series and make the first cuts. Which teams have a case to survive, and which ones are out before the competition heats up? Watch the opening eliminations, then tell us in the comments which team you think will win it all. Follow Locked On NHL for the rest of the series, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

The Carolina Hurricanes finally, finally, finally got it done with this core. Flags fly forever, which is all that matters. They didn't do much in the off-season, but could they make a major addition DURING the season?

The Anaheim Ducks had a roller coaster 2025-26 season that included more highs than lows. A late-season swoon made most think the Ducks were dead in the water, which is exactly what they wanted the Edmonton Oilers to think. Now everything has changed thanks to the Leo Carlsson offer sheet match. Are the Ducks poised to take a step forward? Can they avoid a step back after subtracting talent to accomodate big new contracts for rising young stars?

The Blue Jackets finally sign Adam Adam Fantilli but Kirill Marchenko remains an issue; the Flames prepare to embark on their rebuild while the Bruins name a new captain.

Winnipeg Jets season preview: analysis of last year’s struggles, offseason moves, Connor Hellebuyck trade drama, and lineup outlook for 2024.

Adam Fantilli finally signs a new deal with the Blue Jackets, the NHL salary cap estimate continues to rise and the truncated preseason enters its final weekend.

Right on the heels of the news of Adam Fantilli’s new contract, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel unpacked the Blue Jackets’ offseason and discussed why Columbus needs to start out hot with LockedOn Blue Jackets host Jay Forster. Can Columbus play well enough to keep the team together through the trade deadline? Are they being overlooked after almost getting into the playoffs last season? Will Rick Bowness keep his team circling the wagons and take another step forward in his second season at the helm?

Former third overall pick Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets is still without a contract, less than a week away from the start of the 2026-27 NHL season! On this edition of Locked on NHL, Nick Zararis (Locked on Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked on Penguins) break down the winding road of Fantilli's young NHL career and why both sides are at an impasse (for now). Will that change?

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano break down NHL RFA drama, Anaheim’s captain pick, and draft their top Stanley Cup contenders for 2027.

Vegas Golden Knights stare down a pivotal season as goaltending questions and roster turnover threaten their Stanley Cup hopes. With Pavel Dorofeyev traded to the New York Rangers and Adin Hill and Carter Hart struggling in net, can stars like Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, and Jack Eichel carry the load? The arrival of rookie head coach Ryan Craig adds another layer of intrigue—will his inexperience hold back a veteran-laden squad with Cup-or-bust expectations? The conversation focused on the Carolina Hurricanes' bid for a repeat championship after a dominant playoff run. The discussion explored Carolina’s steady roster, shot-volume dominance, and player development, spotlighting Sebastian Aho, Logan Stankoven, and up-and-comer Brandon Bussi. The discussion covered blockbuster trade rumors, contract negotiations for Dylan Larkin and Quinn Hughes, and the NHL’s looming expansion. With an 84-game season ahead, which aging contenders will stumble, and which rising teams will seize the spotlight?

The Detroit Red Wings have many unanswered questions about Dylan Larkin and their GM situation; the San Jose Sharks seek to return to the playoffs but it will take more than Macklin Celebrini to get them there; and the Washington Capitals are geared for a successful season that they hope will convince Alex Ovechkin to stay beyond this year.

The Seattle Kraken need to pick a lane to swim in. No one can tell if they're trying to compete, rebuilding or something in between. There's been instability on the bench. They've made changes in the front office. And, believe it or not, the Kraken have made more than their fair share of savvy roster decisions. Yet success has eluded them for numerous reasons. We dive into a few of them on the latest episode of our Preview Special series with Zaiem Beg of Locked On Seattle Kraken.

Detroit Red Wings season preview: offseason moves, GM search, Dylan Larkin's future, prospect impact, and playoff hopes on Locked On NHL Game Night.

The Hellebuyck saga continues, Gavin McKenna is about to make his debut, the situation in Columbus continues to be tense and preseason NHL hockey gets under way this weekend.

Who holds the crown as the NHL’s definitive franchise number one center? In this episode of Locked On NHL, Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down their personal top-10 center rankings entering the 2026–2027 season.

Tampa Bay Lightning offseason preview: roster changes, John Carlson addition, Kucherov contract talk, and 2024 Atlantic Division outlook.

Buffalo Sabres eye a championship leap: can landing Connor Hellebuyck solve their goalie woes and make them Eastern Conference favorites? The conversation focused on the Sabres’ promising young core, including Zach Benson, Jack Quinn, and Rasmus Dahlin, weighing internal development against the urgent need for elite netminding. Potential trades for Hellebuyck dominate the speculation, with teams like the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vegas Golden Knights also surfacing as contenders. A key theme that emerged was the shifting balance of power in the NHL. The discussion explored the Dallas Stars’ potentially shaky roster depth and questionable offseason moves, spotlighting Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn’s roles amid declining vibes. Attention then turned to the Colorado Avalanche, analyzing Cale Makar’s record extension and whether Nathan MacKinnon’s supporting cast can carry them back to Stanley Cup glory despite a more challenging Western Conference landscape.

The Montreal Candiens surprised everyone by signing Chris Kreider; the Minnesota Wild continue to negotiate with Quinn Hughes and the Philadelphia Flyers love the new Matvei Michkov.

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.