The Athletic Hockey Show
The Athletic's flagship hockey podcast delivers daily insights, prospect rankings, betting picks, and much more, Monday through Friday, all season long.
Episodes
Who are the NHL’s dark horses for the 2026-27 season?
Ahead of the NHL’s 2026-27 season which begins in less than two weeks, Sean, Frank and Sean present their outside the box, dark horse, long-shot selections to win the Hart, Calder, Vezina, Adams and Norris Trophies.Host: Sean Gentille and Sean McIndoeWith: Frank CorradoExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Jeff DometWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeysh
Top 10 NHL storylines for the 2026-27 season
As NHL training camps are set to open this week, the long wait for hockey is almost over. And, with that in mind, on today’s episode the guys break down the ten biggest storylines for the 2026-27 NHL season.Hosts: Max Bultman and Mark LazerusWith: Jesse GrangerExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris FlanneryWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowSub
U23 Draft: Who picked the best team?
On today’s episode, the guys put their money where their mouth is on their best under-23 player debates, drafting their own 11-player rosters comprised of six forwards, four defensemen and a goalie. Who ended up with the best squad? Check out the episode and let us know in the comments.Hosts: Max Bultman, Corey Pronman, and Scott WheelerWith: FloHockey’s Chris PetersExecutive Producer: Chris Flann
How To Fix: Detroit Red Wings
It’s been a tumultuous summer in hockeytown with the Red Wings moving on from long time General Manager Steve Yzerman, with a search for a new head of Hockey Operations still in process with training camp right around the corner. Sean Gentille and Max Bultman dissect team captain Dylan Larkin’s controversial demand for a trade, they take a look at the Red Wings roster construction, prospect pool a
How to Fix: Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck’s name has dominated off-season trade rumours. Will the former Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy winner be moved by the Jets, or can Winnipeg rebound to a league powerhouse like they were two seasons ago? Sean Mcindoe and Murat Ates take a look at the Jets from their strength in goal with Hellebuyck and Stuart Skinner, to their stable defense led by Josh Morrissey and newcomer Mario
NHL Draft 2022: What did we get wrong?
It’s been four years since the 2022 NHL Draft took place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, where the hometown Canadiens drafted Slovakian winger Juraj Slafkovsky first overall. On today’s episode, the guys revisit how the draft played out and discuss the risers, the biggest misses, and where, in hindsight, players like Logan Cooley, Lane Hutson, and Shane Wright should have been picked.Hosts: Max Bu
NHL Redrafts: 2025, 2024, 2023
The guys deep dive back into the past three NHL Drafts, 2025, 2024, and 2023, and discuss how projections have changed over time for players like Ilya Protas, James Hagens, Matvei Michkov, and Charlie Stramel, and what the draft orders should have looked like in hindsight.Hosts: Max Bultman and Corey PronmanExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris FlanneryWatch full episodes on YouTube: h
U23 NHL player ranking and 2027 NHL Draft ranking
With eyes on the present and the future in today’s episode, the guys open things up by breaking down Corey’s summer best under-23 NHL player ranking and close things out with a deep dive into Scott’s first 2027 NHL Draft ranking of the year. In between, they debate the placement of players like Zach Benson, Tij Iginla, and Jake O’Brien on Corey’s list and discuss Landon DuPont as Scott’s No. 1 pro
Pipeline Rankings: Who has the NHL’s best prospects?
It’s that time of year once again for Corey’s annual NHL Pipeline Rankings, a comprehensive look at the future of all 32 NHL teams. Today, the guys break down the best young players in each organization, the overall outlook for the clubs based on their prospects, and what they could use in their systems to become true Stanley Cup contenders.Hosts: Max Bultman and Corey PronmanExecutive Producer: C
How To Fix: Ottawa Senators
Brady Tkachuk has taken his talents to South Beach, but are the Senators better off without their former captain or is this the beginning of a retool in Canada’s capital? Of the ten teams featured in the How To Fix series this offseason, the Senators are the only one to have made the playoffs last season. Sean McIndoe and Julian McKenzie discuss why that is the case, the strength of the team with
How To Fix: Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are entering year four of the Connor Bedard era with the star player beginning the season on injured reserve, rehabbing offseason shoulder surgery. Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers break down the young talent in Chicago and ask if Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar and Roman Kantserov can take the next step in Bedard’s absence, and if franchise icon Patri
World Junior Summer Showcase: Is Canada in trouble?
With the World Junior Summer Showcase in the books and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup wrapping up this weekend, the guys get together to give their thoughts on the tournaments, including the outlooks for Canada and the US, and discuss which players stood out and which didn’t. Plus, thoughts on how 2027 and 2028 NHL Draft prospects, including the potential No. 1 pick in next summer’s draft, Landon DuPont,
How To Fix: St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues were very busy this offseason, acquiring Mason McTavish, Brandon Carlo and Connor McMichael in trades, as legendary Blue Alex Steen officially takes over as general manager. Jeremy Rutherford joins Sean Gentille to discuss the Blues’ changes, the longterm statuses of Robert Thomas and Colton Parayko in the organization, Joel Hofer set to take the starting job in goal from Jorda
How To Fix: New York Rangers
Just two years removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the best team in the NHL, the underachieving New York Rangers have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, even with building blocks Igor Shesterkin, Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox in place. Mark Lazerus welcomes Peter Baugh and Vince Mercogliano to discuss the Rangers’ offseason, including drafting Albert Smits fifth overall, trading Vi
How To Fix: Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are in full rebuild mode, from the front office down to drafting Caleb Malhotra third overall. With the Quinn Hughes era now over, Thomas Drance joins Sean Gentille to discuss the Sedin twins, Ryan Johnston and Manny Malhotra instilling some order to the chaotic Canucks, the trade value of Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Filip Hronek, if goalie Thatcher Demko can rebound f
How To Fix: New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils traded goalie Jacob Markstrom and defenseman Simon Nemec this offseason as new General Manager Sunny Mehta looks to make his mark on a team that underachieved in the Tom Fitzgerald era. Sean Gentille welcomes Peter Baugh to discuss the Devils’ outlook for the upcoming season, including captain Nico Hischier committing longterm to the franchise, the failed offer sheet for Barr
Way-too-early World Cup roster projections
The NHL’s World Cup of Hockey is set for February 2028, but it’s never too early to start arguing about lineup projections for both Team Canada and Team USA, which is exactly what the guys do on today’s episode. Max, Corey, and Scott break down which forwards, defensemen, and goalies should make the cut, including a very spicy debate about Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson’s potential role
How To Fix: Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski put an end to trade speculation with a joint statement early in July. With Werenski recommitting to Columbus, attention is now turned to signing Adam Fantilli longterm and keeping star forward Kirill Marchenko happy, too. Aaron Portzline joins Sean McIndoe to discuss the perennially underachieving Blue Jackets and if Jet Greaves, along with new additions
How To Fix: Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs were the most active NHL team when July’s free agency period opened, signing seven players, including goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, trading for Nick Paul and Darren Raddysh, and drafting Gavin McKenna first overall. But was it enough? Are the Leafs fixed or is there still more work to be done? Maple Leafs writer Jonas Siegel joins Sean McIndoe to answer those questions, as T
Top 100 drafted NHL prospects ranking
Today, the guys break down Scott’s summer top 100 drafted NHL prospects ranking, discussing a new group at the top including Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, and arguing about the placement of guys like Gabe Perreault, Zayne Parekh, and Dmitri Simashev. Plus, thoughts on the pools of the teams with the most prospects ranked, the rise of Ilya Protas and more.Hosts: Max Bultman, Corey Pronman, and S
Why a Blackhawks-Patrick Kane reunion makes sense
As the summer rolls on and the NHL offseason continues, the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the few teams creating headlines. Today, Laz and Shayna discuss Connor Bedard’s shoulder surgery that’ll keep him out for four months and whether it’s fair to label him “injury prone” at this point in his career, as well as the possibility of Hawks legend Patrick Kane reuniting with the club to help buoy the
Will the Leo Carlsson offer sheet cripple the Anaheim Ducks?
Leo Carlsson and Barret Hayton eagerly await decisions by the Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth on their offer sheets from the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils. Sean, Frank and Sean debate the pros and cons of the Ducks letting Carlsson walk. They discuss the shocking move by legendary Ottawa Senator Daniel Alfredsson to join the Maple Leafs as an associate head coach, and the guys learn tha
Will Leo Carlsson stay with the Ducks?
The NHL offseason has been a wild one so far and the Philadelphia Flyers’ five-year, $90 million offer sheet to the Anaheim Ducks’ Leo Carlsson is just the latest in a string of major events. The guys break down how they think it’ll all play out and then dive into Corey’s first 2027 NHL Mock Draft, with Everett Silvertips defenseman Landon DuPont going first overall. Plus, the guys close things ou
NHL Free Agency: Best and worst contracts
NHL Free Agency 2026 saw almost a billion dollars spent. Jess and Dom present their best and worst contracts, including the NHL's all-time goal scoring leader Alex Ovechkin re-signing with the Capitals, along with affordable contracts for Ivan Demidov, Tyson Foerster, Viktor Arvidsson, Mats Zuccarello and Stuart Skinner and bad value contracts for Bowen Byram, Rasmus Andersson Jacob Trouba and Ser
NHL Free Agency: Who made the best Day 1 deal?
It’s July 1 and NHL free agency is in full effect with the Toronto Maple Leafs signing two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, the San Jose Sharks signing defenseman Jacob Trouba, the Washington Capitals adding former-Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner, and more. The guys break down all the big signings from the first day of free agency, as well as discuss extensions for
NHL Draft Recap: Who drafted the best class?
How will Gavin McKenna fit on the Maple Leafs? Was Daxon Rudolph the right choice for the Sabres at No. 4? And did the San Jose Sharks begin a countdown to a Stanley Cup? The 2026 NHL Draft picks are in and now we get to decide who won, who lost, who fits, who doesn't, and how it all plays out next season and beyond.Join The Athletic’s Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, and Max Bultman, along with FloH
NHL Draft: Round 1
This year marks one of the most interesting NHL Draft classes in recent memory. But beyond the near certainty of Gavin McKenna going No. 1 to Toronto, where will players like Ivar Stenberg, Chase Reid, and the rest of the draft class land? Join The Athletic Hockey Show LIVE for instant reactions and expert analysis throughout the entire first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.Co-presented by FloHockey,
NHL Draft preview: What we know about the draft order shakeup
The 2026 NHL Draft is just two days away, but the action started early with a flurry of picks and players traded over the last few days. Today, the Prospect Series crew breaks down the deals for Bowen Byram, Jordan Kyrou, William Eklund, and Simon Nemec, the total shakeup to the draft order, and last minute intel ahead of Friday night. Plus, quick thoughts on highly-touted 2027 prospect Landon DuP
Did Brady Tkachuk quit on the Ottawa Senators?
Brady Tkachuk wanted out of Ottawa and the Senators captain got his wish on Sunday, joining his brother Matthew in Florida, after the Panthers traded three first rounders to the Senators to get him. Sean, Frank and Sean dissect the trade and look ahead to more scenarios like this happening. Plus the guys discuss five General Manager's who are on the hot-seat leading up to the draft and free agency
Is clearing Mike Babcock a bad look for the NHL?
Mike Babcock has been cleared by the NHL after the league investigated his conduct during his tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, paving the way for the Edmonton Oilers to hire Babcock as their next head coach. Sean, Frank and Sean present their opinions on Babcock, the Maple Leafs hiring Jim Hiller, and Kelly McCrimmon's end of season comments on the Golden Knights being the most hated team in
NHL Mock Draft 2026: Predicting all 32 first-round picks
We are just over a week away from the 2026 NHL Draft, and on today’s Prospect Series episode, the guys make all 32 first-round selections, projecting where top prospects like Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Chase Reid could actually end up going on draft night.Join us for The Athletic Hockey Show x FloHockey NHL Draft Live on YouTube for the entire first round of the NHL Draft on Friday, June 26
Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup | Instant Reaction
With the Stanley Cup in the building, the Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights, capturing their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Max and Shayna look back on a memorable Stanley Cup Final, Jordan Staal winning the Conn Smythe, the disappearing act by the Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, and the storybook ending for Brandon Bussi, who won three straight games
Can the Hurricanes capture the Stanley Cup?
The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from their second Stanley Cup in franchise history after a 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in last night’s Game 5 in Raleigh. Today, the guys break down the historic play of Canes captain Jordan Staal, Brandon Bussi’s improbable return to the Carolina net, and what the VGK must do to force a Game 7 on Wednesday night. Plus, thoughts on where Oilers de
NHL Draft: Who’s our consensus top 10?
With about two weeks to go until the NHL Draft, the guys work to construct a consensus top 10 list, ranking the prospects and placing them into tiers with debates and concessions along the way.Hosts: Max Bultman, Corey Pronman, and Scott WheelerWith: FloHockey’s Chris PetersExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris FlanneryWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathleti
Has Jordan Staal entered the Conn Smythe Trophy race?
The Carolina Hurricanes, led by captain Jordan Staal, evened-up the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece. Sean, Frank and Sean break down another nail-biter in Vegas, if Staal has done enough to enter the Conn Smythe Trophy race and how Brandon Bussi did in his first career playoff start. They discuss Mike Babcock potentially joining the Edmonton Oilers, the NHLPA asking the NHL to delay the hiri
NHL Draft Combine: What did we learn?
After last week’s NHL Scouting Combine, where the top draft-eligible prospects do fitness testing and sit for interviews with NHL teams, the guys break down what they learned from the event and if players like Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Chase Reid, and Caleb Malhotra hurt or helped their case for draft night. Plus, a deep dive into Corey’s NHL Draft Confidential piece, where scouts and execs gi
Did Seth Jarvis save the Hurricanes’ season?
The Carolina Hurricanes rallied from a 2-0 third period deficit to beat the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime and even up the Stanley Cup Final. Max and Shayna discuss the controversial coaches challenge late in the game by John Tortorella, and if Rod Brind'amour will capitalize on this second chance for the Hurricanes, and tweak his lines ahead of game 3? Thomas Drance stops by to provide an updat
How the Hurricanes’ stars could cost them the Stanley Cup
The Golden Knights beat the Hurricanes in a back-and-forth Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Sean, Frank and Sean dissect the game, praise the Golden Knights’ resilience, the accidental blocked shot by Mitch Marner, the struggles of the Hurricanes’ first line and the indifferent play of goalies Frederick Andersen and Carter Hart. The NHL’s new All-Star Game format and Gary Bettman’s status as NHL c
Golden Knights-Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final preview
The Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes is set to begin tomorrow night, but today, the guys preview the series and discuss what to expect when the puck drops for Game 1. Plus, Dom clarifies his Montreal Canadiens “fraudulence” post, The Athletic’s NHL insider Chris Johnston joins the show to talk about his latest offseason trade board, as well as Claude Lemie
NHL Mock Draft: If we were the GM…
We are less than a month away from the NHL Draft and on today’s episode the guys deep dive into their annual GM mock, where they play general manager for every first round pick, making decisions based on their own lists and their given team’s needs. Before that, they take a look at Corey’s scouts and execs survey to get a sense of where the league is on the draft’s top 10 picks, and to close thing
Remembering Claude Lemieux
Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe winner, has died. Today, Mark Lazerus and Dan Robson remember the man and look back on his career as one of the NHL’s most prolific playoff performers.If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.This episode w
Avalanche eliminated in stunning sweep
The Vegas Golden Knights punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final, sweeping the President Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche last night. Sean and Sean dig into how the Avs’ season ended in such disappointing fashion and if the Habs or Hurricanes match up better vs. the Golden Knights. The guys look ahead to Game 4 between Carolina and Montreal and stick tap Evgeni Malkin returning to the Pengu
How are the Golden Knights doing this?
The Vegas Golden Knights are just one win away from eliminating the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche from the playoffs and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in nine years as an NHL franchise. Today, the guys break down how Vegas is putting it all together at the exact right time and how injuries to Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon have derailed the Avs. Plus, thoughts on the Caroli
Is McKenna or Stenberg the NHL Draft’s best winger?
Since the Toronto Maple Leafs grabbed the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft, the conversation has mostly been about Gavin McKenna going first overall. Still, another winger named Ivar Stenberg is in the mix at the very top. Today, the guys compare McKenna and Stenberg and discuss if there’s a realistic case for the Leafs to take the Swede over the Canadian with the top pick. Plus, a deep dive into the d
Nick Suzuki's line must produce for Habs to beat Hurricanes
The Eastern Conference Final between the Canadiens and Hurricanes begins tonight in Raleigh. The Sean's welcome Arpon Basu to discuss the Habs desperately needing more from Nick Suzuki and his linemates and Lane Hutson's surprisingly steady defense in the playoffs. Hailey Salvian joins from Ottawa, the site of the Montreal Victoire's historic Walter Cup championship win over the Charge and Hailey
Final Four Stanley Cup playoffs preview
The NHL’s Final Four is locked in with the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final and the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche set to begin the Western Conference Final tonight. Today, the guys looks ahead to both series and discuss how the Canes’ long layoff could impact Game 1 against the Habs and how Mark Stone’s absence and Cale Makar’s seemingly-inju
Who’s the best goalie left in the Stanley Cup playoffs?
The Vegas Golden Knights-Colorado Avalanche Western Conference Final matchup is set, but there is still one game left to play in the East, as the guys preview tonight’s Game 7 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres. Plus, which goalie left in the playoffs is the most trustworthy in net, thoughts on Mitch Marner’s Conn Smythe case, and his potential goal of the year in Game 6 against the
Rating the NHL Draft’s top defensemen
With the NHL Draft quickly approaching, the guys break down Corey’s latest ranking and mock and discuss defense as the strength of this year’s draft class, rating the six blueliners projected to go in the top ten. Plus, they answer listener questions in a long-awaited mailbag to close things out. Hosts: Max Bultman, Corey Pronman, and Scott WheelerWith: FloHockey’s Chris PetersExecutive Produ
Kris Knoblauch fired by Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have fired Kris Knoblauch after three seasons on the job, and Sean and Shayna discuss how roster construction played a big role in the Oilers' disappointing season. Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, stops by to discuss his team as they await an opponent in the Eastern Conference Final and Hailey Salvian previews the PWHL final between the Ottawa Charg
Craig Berube out as Maple Leafs head coach
Pavel Dorofeyev leads the Golden Knights to a game 5 overtime win over Anaheim. The Sabres beat the Habs in a penalty filled game 4 in Montreal. Sean, Frankie and Sean discuss the goal scoring machine Dorofeyev, the lengthy double coaches challenge in Montreal and the breaking news during the pod, that the Maple Leafs fired Craig Berube and who should replace him behind the Leafs bench?Host: Sean
Are the Carolina Hurricanes the Stanley Cup favorite?
The Carolina Hurricanes are the first team to advance to the third round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, dispatching the Philadelphia Flyers in four games and becoming just the fifth team in NHL history to start a postseason with eight straight wins. Today, the guys discuss if the Canes have become the favorite to win the Stanley Cup, Mitch Marner leading the league in playoff scoring, and if Gavin M
Best and worst case NHL Draft prospect scenarios
We’re a couple of days removed from the NHL Draft Lottery, with the Toronto Maple Leafs jumping up to grab the No. 1 pick, and today the guys discuss why the Leafs should and should not take Gavin McKenna first overall. Before that, the crew breaks down Scott’s latest full first round mock draft. Plus, the optimistic and pessimistic cases for top players in this summer’s draft to close things out.
Sharp Sabres get the jump on Habs
The Sabres beat the Habs in Game 1 of their second round series led by the dominant performances of Josh Doan and Zach Benson. Sean and Shayna discuss the Sabres’ shutdown of the Canadiens and they preview Game 2 of the Canes-Flyers series, as well as thoughts on the PWHL expanding to Detroit. Plus, they welcome Peter Baugh from Denver to take a look at the Wild-Avs series and ask, “Will the Avala
Is Gavin McKenna destined to be a Maple Leaf?
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery Tuesday night and the hockey world is buzzing. Sean, Frank and Sean share their thoughts on what the organization should do with the pick and if it helps the Leafs keep Auston Matthews longterm. They discuss the Canucks’ bad luck at the draft and the rumour that Pierre Dorion will become the next GM in Vancouver. Plus, they look back on the Avalanc
Maple Leafs get No. 1 pick in NHL Draft Lottery surprise | Instant Reaction
The Toronto Maple Leafs entered Tuesday night’s NHL Draft Lottery with the No. 5 pick, and the possibility of losing their first round pick altogether, and ended up with the No. 1 pick and their choice of top-rated prospects Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Chase Reid. The guys discuss the Leafs’ options at first overall, what the San Jose Sharks could do after jumping up to No. 2, the Vancouver
Canadiens steal Game 7 from the Lightning
The Montreal Canadiens went 27 minutes without a shot on goal in last night’s Game 7, including the entire second period, but they still found a way to score twice to move on to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and send the Tampa Bay Lightning to their fourth consecutive first-round exit. The guys break it all down and discuss the 15-goal Game 1 between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado
Chaos at U18 Men’s Worlds
With the NHL Draft Lottery set for next Tuesday night, the guys talk about some of the most interesting scenarios that could play out when the ping pong balls are revealed. Before that, they break down a chaotic start to U18 worlds in Slovakia with early exits for Canada, Finland, and the US, and discuss some of the standout prospects at the tournament.Hosts: Max Bultman, Corey Pronman, and Scott
Is this the end of an era for the Penguins?
Did the Penguins have their last dance with Malkin, Letang and Sid? The young gun Flyers eliminated Pittsburgh in overtime and Max and Shayna dissect the future of the Pens and the Flyers. They discuss the Golden Knights huge overtime win over Utah, and the Habs putting the Bolts on the brink in Game 5. Plus, Sean Gentille joins from Anaheim to tell us if McDavid and Draisaitl can force a Game 7 f
Ingram saves the Oilers season
The Oilers played their best game of the playoffs to stave off elimination. Sean, Frankie and Sean dissect a pivotal game 5 led by Connor Ingram and Vasily Podkolzin, they discuss the nasty OT winner by David Pasternak to spoil the party in Buffalo, and the Wild's impressive win over the Stars to take a 3-2 series lead, plus they look ahead to the three games tonight in the Stanley Cup Playoffs an
Ducks push Oilers to the brink as McDavid decision looms
The Anaheim Ducks pushed the Edmonton Oilers to the brink of elimination on a controversial overtime goal to end Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The guys wonder about Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton and discuss the poise shown by the Ducks so far. Plus, The Athletic’s own Arpon Basu joins the show to talk about the razor-close Montreal Canadiens-Tampa Bay Lightning series and the
Will we see 3 sweeps in the first round?
The Senators, Penguins and Kings are trending towards being swept in the first round. Hailey and Max discuss disappointing series for Ottawa, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Shayna Goldman stops by to discuss the Sabres dominating game three win over Boston, and she shares her eight too early takes from the first round. Sean Gentille joins us from Disneyland to talk about Connor McDavid stil
Is Habs-Lightning the best series of the first round?
Brandon Hagel led the charge for the Lightning with a Gordie Howe hat trick and Nikita Kucherov snapped a 16-game playoff goal drought as the Lightning tied their series with the Habs. Sean and Sean recap night four of the Stanley Cup playoffs, including Morgan Geekie’s center ice goal vs. the Sabres, a historic win for the Mammoth, and a glass-breaking overtime win for the Avs over the Kings. The
Slafkovsky, Thompson storm Stanley Cup playoff opening weekend
The Stanley Cup playoffs are back after a weekend packed with series-opening games. The guys give their thoughts on every Game 1 from both conferences, including a thrilling Sabres win in Buffalo, a huge night for Juraj Slafkovsky and the Habs in Tampa Bay, and a statement by the Wild in a rout of the Dallas Stars. Plus, a quick lookahead to tonight’s Ducks-Oilers matchup and what this postseason
Western Conference playoff preview
On a special edition of The Athletic Hockey Show, the guys preview all four Western Conference Stanley Cup playoff matchups, discuss what to expect when the postseason begins on Saturday, and make their first round picks to close out the show.This episode was recorded live at 11:30am ET on April 17, 2026.Hosts: Jesse Granger and Sean McIndoeWith: Mark Lazerus, Michael Russo, Thomas Drance, and Sco
Eastern Conference playoff preview
The Eastern Conference matchups are set! Hailey, Sean and Max preview all four East first round Stanley Cup playoff series, and are joined by Matt Fairburn from the Sabres beat, to preview the feel good Buffalo Sabres who went from worst to first in the Atlantic Division with the postseason beginning on Saturday. Plus, Hailey, Sean and Max make their first round picks.This episode was recorded liv
Rick Bowness with the best coach rant in 20 years
The Columbus Blue Jackets lost 6 straight home games to end their season and Rick Bowness unloaded on the character and commitment of the team in his season ending press conference. Sean and Sean react to that, they discuss the yet to be determined Western Conference playoff matchups, and former NHL'er Cameron Gaunce from TSN stops by to share a coaching rant story of his own, they discusses
Who are the NHL’s top 100 prospects?
On a special edition of The Athletic Hockey Show Prospect Series, Max and Scott break down Scott’s top 100 drafted NHL prospects ranking, discussing Michael Misa and Porter Martone in a tier of their own at the very top, some of the biggest risers from last year’s ranking, as well as some of Scott’s favorites, the hardest guys to slot, and the goalies to close things out. Hosts: Max Bultman a
Decoding Alex Ovechkin’s retirement plans
Alex Ovechkin very well may have played his final home game in a Washington Capitals uniform Sunday afternoon, but The Great 8 isn’t letting us know one way or another… at least not yet. And so, Max, Laz, and Sean Gentille discuss if we are in fact witnessing the end of Ovi’s storied NHL career. Plus, The Athletic’s own Kevin Kurz joins the show to talk about the surging Philadelphia Flyers and, t
Who has the NHL’s best prospect pool?
On today’s episode, the guys deep dive into Scott’s 2026 NHL prospect pool rankings, an annual list that includes evaluations of roughly 500 prospects and sorts the league’s farm systems from No. 32 to No. 1, and discuss why there were only two teams in the conversation at the top of the list, the rest of the top 10, and some of the biggest risers and fallers this season.Hosts: Max Bultman and Sco
McDavid is all 'Hart' in one-man show in San Jose
Connor McDavid was a one man wrecking crew against the Sharks on Wednesday night. Hailey Salvian and Shayna Goldman praise the unstoppable McDavid, dissect the injury to Connor Ingram and how it affects the Oilers wonky goaltending. They debate Alex Ovechkin's future in the NHL, they stick tap the PWHL's record setting night at Madison Square Garden and welcome Eric Stephens for an in-depth conver
Red Wings poised to miss 10th straight postseason
The Detroit Red Wings freefall from first in the Atlantic to missing the postseason cut for a tenth straight season is almost complete. Max Bultman, Sean McIndoe and Frank Corrado discuss what went wrong in the Motor City, the Anaheim Ducks six-game losing streak, and what went wrong for Tom Fitzgerald and the New Jersey Devils. Plus, former NHL'er Cameron Gaunce joins to discuss the red-hot Flyer
Islanders fire Roy, hire DeBoer in late-season shakeup
For the second time in a week there has been a major change behind the bench of an NHL team, this time with the New York Islanders firing head coach Patrick Roy and replacing him with Pete DeBoer with just four games left on the schedule. Today, the guys break down the Isles’ surprising decision, assess John Tortorella’s first week of work with the Vegas Golden Knights, and check in on Macklin Cel
Do the Ottawa Senators have a podcast problem?
The latest episode of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk's podcast featured a visit from their father Keith. On that show, subtle shots about the toughness of the Sens, Brady's ice time and his free agency in two years were presented by Keith. Neither brother called their pop on those statements. Hailey and Sean debate if this latest distraction in the Senators universe could be detrimental to th
Will Linus Ullmark be the downfall of the Senators?
A lost Linus Ullmark had a night to forget in Tampa Bay, and the Senators playoff push stalled after getting pounded by the Bolts. The guys ask if Edmonton would trade their struggling goalie Tristan Jarry straight up for Ullmark. They discuss the equally bad Red Wings who wrapped up their fourth straight brutal March. The guys dive deep into Keith Pelley's 'strange' press conference in Toron
Can John Tortorella spark the Golden Knights? (with Chris Pronger)
The cutthroat Vegas Golden Knights fired Stanley Cup Champion Bruce Cassidy with eight games remaining in the regular season, replacing him with John Tortorella in an effort to spark the slumping team. Hall of Fame'r Chris Pronger joins Max Bultman and Sean Gentille to discuss Vegas' gamble, the plethora of capable defensemen in line for a Norris Trophy nomination, the suddenly red hot Philadelphi
Frozen Four and Memorial Cup previews
With both the NCAA men’s hockey championship and the CHL playoffs set to begin this week, the guys deep dive into both tournaments and make their Frozen Four and Memorial Cup picks.Hosts: Max Bultman, Corey Pronman, and Scott WheelerWith: FloHockey’s Chris PetersExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris FlanneryWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowJ
Catastrophic Red Wings loss puts playoffs in doubt
Fifteen games in the NHL on a chaotic Tuesday night separated the legitimate playoff believers from the dreamers. Sean, Frankie and Sean dissect a disappointing Red Wings home ice loss in regulation against a red hot Ottawa Senators team, they discuss the playoff bound Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators, why Zach Werenski should be considered a Hart Trophy nominee alongside the favorite
Why the NHL’s suspension problem isn’t going away
In the wake of Florida Panthers forward AJ Greer’s three-game suspension for boarding Calgary Flames forwards Connor Zary, Max and Laz discuss whether the punishment fit the crime, how the NHL could do more to curb these kinds of dangerous hits, and the major obstacle preventing those changes. Plus, The Athletic’s own Aaron Portzline joins the show to discuss the surging Columbus Blue Jackets, who
Revisiting the 2017 NHL Draft
Today, the guys revisit one of the most interesting, and debated, drafts in recent history, the 2017 NHL Draft, and reflect on how it has panned out nine years later. The class featured some of the best players currently in the league including Cale Makar, Nico Hischier, Nick Suzuki, Miro Heiskanen, and Jason Robertson, as well as some picks that just didn’t pan out like Nolan Patrick and Lias And
Why does Gary Bettman love the NHL playoff format?
The General Manager meetings are in the books. Michael Russo joins Sean Gentille and Dom Luszczyszyn for a full recap on the event, including goalie interference clarification, the player safety department getting a vote of confidence, if the NHL has relaxed there standards on head-shots and why the current NHL playoff format will remain. Plus, Sean and Dom discuss Sidney Crosby's return from
