The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD gives his thoughts following the Maple Leafs two losses to the Panthers down in Florida over the weekend, drawing their second round series at two (00:00). Two-time Stanley Cup champion Kris Versteeg joins the show to break down the stars' struggles, Matthew Knies' break through as a playoff performer, the importance of matchups to create more offence, how Craig Berube should adjust to the momentum swing, and the unflappability of William Nylander (09:04). JD shares a note from Auston Matthews' first professional playoff experience in Zurich (49:51). Mike Futa, co-host of The FAN Hockey Show, jumps on with JD to continue...

JD teases the Maple Leafs' weekend in Florida with a chance to return home with a Conference Finals berth (00:00). Frank Seravalli (10:00), hockey insider and president of content at Daily Faceoff, discusses why he chose the Panthers to beat the Leafs, William Nylander's contract value and the decline in Auston Matthews' production. JD and Frank also debate how the Leafs can judge their core and if Matthew Knies is a NHL unicorn. Former MLB all-star and MLB analyst at TBS, Curtis Granderson, gives his thoughts on the tension between the Boston Red Sox and Rafael Devers, if the American League...

JD feels the "force" shift in the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup Playoff run (00:00). James Mirtle (7:00), senior NHL writer at The Athletic, joins JD to delve into the Leafs commanding 2-0 series lead against the Florida Panthers. JD and James get into the series' biggest surprise, Auston Matthews' lack of goal scoring, how Craig Berube has excelled in Toronto and earned his players' trust, the post-whistle battle and the latest on Anthony Stolarz' health. JD then expresses his sorrow for another heartbreaking Blue Jays loss (45:00). Former NHL goaltender, Carter Hutton, joins JD to evaluate Joseph Woll's performance thus far, how...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, break down the Blue Jays' loss to the Angels in Anaheim. They discuss the underperforming offence, where the Jays' fit within the AL East, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s impact following his mega-contract signing, pressure on the back of the bullpen, and what can be done to turn it all around. (00:00) After the break, JD and Ben look ahead to Leafs-Panthers Game 2 at Scotiabank Arena and the pulse of the city compared to other Canadian markets (40:04). Later, former Maple Leafs forward, P.A. Parenteau, joins the show to chat about...

JD touches on an eventful Game 1 between the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, before bringing on two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg (8:00), to dive into Sam Bennett's elbow on Anthony Stolarz, the Leafs' hot start, Auston Matthews' game, the Leafs stumbling powerplay, and Matthew Knies' importance. Former NHL head coach, Derek Lalonde, gives his thoughts on Bennett receiving no supplemental discipline, Craig Berube trusting his depth, and how Knies' has showcased growth (54:00). JD ends the show discussing the NHL Draft Lottery and national team commitments (1:30:00). 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the h...

JD starts the show with his recap of the wild weekend in the NHL, including the Winnipeg Jets' Game 7 comeback win over the Blues (00:00). Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to break down the Blue Jays' issues through the first month of the season, their place within the AL East, where the team still needs to improve, and the most recent additions to their pitching depth (15:00). Then, JD details the dual Game 7s for Denver area teams on Saturday night (47:44). Panthers TV analyst and former Panthers defenceman, Ed Jovanovski, comes on to help preview the Leafs' second round series...

JD is joined off the top by Frank Crupi, a.k.a. Hockey Illuminati, to react to the Toronto Maple Leafs advancing past the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (00:00). They discuss the relief of moving on, Max Pacioretty's game-winning goal, contributions from up and down the lineup, the effect of Craig Berube on this team, and Anthony Stolarz' play to secure the win, before looking ahead to the second round matchup against the Panthers. Jackie Redmond from NHL on TNT and the NHL Network jumps on with the guys to recap her experience...

JD starts with his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' demons heading into Game 6 of the "Battle of Ontario" (8:00). Sportsnet's Dan Shulman joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays' comeback victory over the Red Sox, signs of power from Anthony Santander, the offence with Daulton Varsho back in the lineup, and bullpen usage without a fifth starter (00:00). Former NHL head coach Rick Bowness jumps on to chat about the Stanley Cup Playoffs, pressure on Craig Berube and the Leafs, coaching up players in the playoffs, and building success within a short window (34:30). Later, Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN...

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD at the top of the show to discuss the Leafs' Game 5 loss to the Ottawa Senators (00:00). They break down the lack of offensive output from the stars, the feeling in the room post-game, what's gone wrong since going up 3-0 in the series, the pressure to show up in Game 6, what lineup changes should be made, and the debate around physicality in the playoffs. Then, JD takes a look at the Blue Jays and their recent slump, detailing the areas of concern that need to be addressed (50:49). Later, Kris Versteeg...

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs' Game 3 win in Ottawa over the Senators as they take a 3-0 lead in their first round matchup (00:00). Anthony Petrielli, host and writer at Maple Leafs Hot Stove, joins the show to detail Toronto's composure in the series, their stellar play on the back-end, and the positive impact of the depth down the lineup (05:16). Then, legendary Canadian MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre talks about the excitement of the UFC coming back to Montreal, winning in his hometown, and being a champion (26:46). Later, Craig Simpson, Sportsnet colour analyst jumps on with JD to continue the "...

The Blue Jays getting swept by the Houston Astros was nightmare fuel for JD (00:00). Jackie Redmond from NHL on TNT and the NHL Network, joins JD to chop it up about the potential atmosphere in Ottawa for Game 3, how the Senators are executing the Maple Leafs' usual playbook, the shifting discourse around John Tavares, the secondary and tertiary effects of Anthony Stolarz, and potential adjustments for the Senators (10:00). Senators writer, Graeme Nichols, checks-in from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa to discuss the growth of the Senators' fan base, the push to keep Leafs fans out, how Travis Green's...

JD and James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, break down the Maple Leafs' win over the Sens to take a 2-0 series lead in their first round series (00:00). They discuss the Leafs' ability handling of the moment with Craig Berube behind the bench, past playoff experiences benefitting Toronto, Anthony Stolarz' impressive play and penalty against Ridly Greig, where the Leafs could make a lineup change heading into Game 3, and what the crowd could look like in Ottawa. Then, JD details some concerns around the Blue Jays after their fourth-consecutive loss (47:08). Later, Leafs legend Ed Belfour joins the show...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, mull over the Blue Jays' slow offensive start and the lack of a fifth pitcher in their starting rotation (4:00). The duo then chat about the antics of Ottawa Senators and Maple Leafs fans (38:00). Colby Armstrong, Sportsnet NHL analyst, joins JD in-studio to chat about Jim Rutherford's brutally honest comments regarding Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson and early impressions from the most exciting first-round playoff series (52:00). JD and Colby then dive into the Maple Leafs playoff outlook and debate if game one was closer than the 6-2 conclusion suggested (1:17:00). 

JD gives his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' impressive win over the Senators in the renewed "Battle of Ontario" playoff matchup (00:00). Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, breaks down the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto's discipline under Craig Berube amidst the animosity, Leafs' efficiency on the power play, Mitch Marner's effectiveness against the Sens, and the impact from the fourth line (06:12). After the break, JD takes a look at some Blue Jays concerns following a weekend series loss against the Mariners (45:12). Luke Fox, Sportsnet NHL writer, joins the show to continue the conversation around the Leafs' Game 1 victory, Sens...

JD is pumped for the "Battle of Ontario" to get underway (00:00). Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, joins the show to break down the matchup (08:21). They discuss the keys to the Maple Leafs' success against the Senators, where the pressure lies amongst the Leafs' stars, what the Sens can do to make things difficult for Toronto, projecting the advantage in net with Anthony Stolarz, and how the Leafs' lines should shake out for Game 1. Frank Crupi, otherwise known as Hockey Illuminati, jumps in the studio with JD to go through the emotions of past "Battle of Ontario" playoff...

JD opens the show with his Blue Jays thoughts following their series win over the Braves (00:00). Former Leafs forward, Steve Thomas, jumps on to discuss his playoff runs with Toronto and the intensity of the Battle of Ontario (12:42). They discuss the challenge of playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs, playing in front of Curtis Joseph at his peak, the impact of Pat Quinn, and how this current Leafs team looks heading into the latest series against Ottawa. Afterwards, JD runs through Masai Ujiri's end of season comments and looks at the Raptor's future after a disappointing season (38:57). DJ Bean...

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD to discuss the Leafs clinching the Atlantic Division to set up the Battle of Ontario in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (11:05). JD and James talk through the excitement of the playoff matchup, the plan for Anthony Stolarz as the starting goalie, what the line combinations should look like, the plan for the final game of the season, and the effect on the backend with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe's injuries. JD takes a look at Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in their Play-In victory over...

JD brings on Joseph Casciaro, lead Raptors and NBA reporter at theScore, to react to the Raptors locker room clean-out day and put a bow on their season (8:00). JD and Joseph chat about Scottie Barnes' improvements on defense and in leadership, how Darko Rajaković can be judged in a tanking season, what they'd like to hear from Masai Ujiri, next season's expectations and what may have gone overlooked. Afterwards, JD and Joseph look at the points of the interest in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Arden Zwelling, Blue Jays reporter, joins JD in-studio for the second hour t...

JD recaps The Masters alongside Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, and Sam McKee, host and producer at Sportsnet 590 The FAN, discussing Rory McIlroy's weekend performance at Augusta, the matchup with Bryson DeChambeau, the humanity of McIlroy's reaction after finally winning his Green Jacket, and where the 2025 finish stands in the Masters hierarchy (00:00). Later, JD and Ben dive into the Blue Jays' comeback win in Baltimore, Jeff Hoffman's start to the season amidst injury fears in the offseason, and the expectations of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after signing his big contract (36:33). Then, CBS and Sirius XM Golf Analyst...

JD is excited for baseball season. Kevin Barker, co-host of Blair & Barker, joins JD (6:00) to dive into the state of the Blue Jays 14 games into the season; Vladimir Guerrero Jr. getting an early day off, Guerrero Jr.'s pressure and expectations following his pay day, Anthony Santander's slow start, what's working well for George Springer and the pathways to a successful season. Éric Gagné, former CY Young Award winner, World Series champion, and chairman of bat manufacturing company B45, chats about the explosion of torpedo bats and the nuance of the closer role (51:45). Brent Gunning, co-host of The FAN Mo...

JD is joined by James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' crucial win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night (6:50). They discuss Matthew Knies' exponential growth, Anthony Stolarz' edge over Joseph Woll as the postseason starter, Max Domi's imperfect bottom-six fit, and why the Leafs are set up better than ever for a long playoff run. Then, JD reacts to Ross Atkins speaking with the media yesterday, and a sudden feeling of optimism around Bo Bichette's future with the Toronto Blue Jays (47:18). Afterwards, JD catches up with Devante Smith-Pelly, Stanley Cup champion...

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs loss to their potential playoff foes, the Florida Panthers. Derek Lalonde (8:00), former NHL head coach, breaks down what the Leafs can takeaway from their loss to the Cats, what he's seen from the Leafs this season, what he'd emphasize in the Leafs' film room, and how long a coach needs to evaluate a depth line. Shane Ryan, writer from Golf Digest, joins JD to get into The Masters (52:45). JD and Shane chat about the course at Augusta, how competition is driving golf, interesting storylines, and Rory McIlroy's chances. The show ends with 'What...

JD is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show (0:00), to discuss the emotional and psychological boost of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. re-signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, and Anthony Santander's slow start compared to George Springer's early bounce back. Later, JD and Ben entertain theories that the Florida Panthers are tanking their playoff position, before teeing up The Masters and familiar storylines surrounding Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (42:30). Then, the focus shifts back to the Toronto Blue Jays with Sportsnet's Dan Shulman (53:30). The Jays' play-by-play voice reflects on what Guerrero Jr.'s new deal signifies for the...

JD begins the show reacting to reports that the Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have agreed to a 14-year, $500-million contract extension. The conversation continues with Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith (10:30) to detail the timing behind the second-richest deal in MLB history, why Toronto was comfortable going past their offseason valuation, the elevated expectations for Guerrero Jr., and whether the Blue Jays will turn their spending focus to Bo Bichette or the pitching staff. Then, JD touches on Nick Robertson's two-goal performance for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the weekend (48:30). Afterwards, Washington Capitals play-by-play voice Joe Beninati (54:15) joins to...

JD starts the show with a look at the Blue Jays ahead of their weekend series in New York against the Mets, before diving into Jon Heyman's latest reporting on the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract negotiations (00:00). Then, Jake Mintz, senior baseball writer for Yahoo, joins the show to discuss the hype around "torpedo bats" in the MLB, the Yankees' role in fueling the fire, and where the trend may be heading down the road, before chatting about Jackson Merrill's nine-year contract extension and where the Vladdy story could head if an extension isn't reached soon (06:28). Later, JD touches on "...

JD starts the show giving the Maple Leafs props for winning a big game against the Florida Panthers (00:00). Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, breaks down the importance of Mitch Marner's clutch moment, trending positively at the right time, Bobby McMann's impact on the Leafs' second line, if this the best version of William Nylander, John Tavares aging like wine, the locker room motivation to chase the first seed, and concerns about the third line (8:00). JD then touches on the Blue Jays sweep of the Washington Nationals (44:00), before bringing on Sportsnet hockey analyst, Jason Bukala (50:00). Bukala discusses the pressure...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, dive into the positives of the Blue Jays' start to the 2025 season including Andrés Giménez' surprising offensive output, Bo Bichette's return to form, and the strength of the bullpen, before getting into how the offence will look going forward, how the fifth starter spot should be managed with Max Scherzer on the shelf, and Giménez' spot amongst the best starts as a Blue Jay (00:00). Later, they shift to the Leafs, and the importance of winning the Atlantic Division to having playoff success (44:20). Then, former NHL forward Mat...

JD and Blake Murphy, co-host of Jays Talk Plus & The Raptors Show, start the show discussing the start to the Blue Jays' season following their win over the Nationals, the pitching staff amidst Max Scherzer's injury,  and Andres Gimenez' solid first impression (00:00). Then, they dive into the NBA, starting with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP campaign, before projecting prospects that may be available to the Raptors in the draft, and react to the news that Darko Rajaković's contract option was picked up for 2026-27 (29:44). Later, The Ringer's Tate Frazier joins the show to break down the NCAA Tournament, the feelings ar...

James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, gets into everything Maple Leafs after a successful weekend in California (6:00). JD and James get into Auston Matthews' recent play, Craig Berube's approach, the depth lines, rest versus accountability, faith in Anthony Stolarz, and what they want to see against the Florida. JD then lists some 'Stats You Should Know' from over the weekend (48:00). Blue Jays reporter for MLB.com, Keegan Matheson, analyzes the Blue Jays bullpen and Yariel Rodriguez's place in it, Max Scherzer's thumb injury, Andrés Giménez as a clean-up hitter, George Springer's start, and the torpedo bat (52:00). JD...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, break down a disappointing Opening Day for the Toronto Blue Jays (0:00). They discuss their experience attending the game, the importance of avoiding a slow start, how Alan Roden factors into the Blue Jays' path to success, and what George Springer can contribute in year four with Toronto. Then, they debate how much Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s performance in 2025 will influence the fanbase's eagerness to re-sign the star slugger. Afterwards, Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez joins JD (50:15) to share his perspective on fan pressure, Andrés Giménez and Roden fl...

JD explains the thoughts and feelings surrounding the Blue Jays home opener. Dan Shulman, Blue Jays play-by-play voice, chats about Opening Day, underdiscussed storylines, who he thinks may be the Jays' fourth-best hitter, and March madness (6:00). Jon Morosi, MLB Network insider, talks about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s continued contract extension rumors, the fallacy of the Spring Training 'deadline', and the most important sticking points (36:00). Kevin Pillar, former Toronto Blue Jay and current Texas Ranger, chops it up about his memorable seasons with the Jays, deciding to push his retirement back, clubhouse dynamics, embracing the veteran role, and being an...

Luke Fox, Sportsnet NHL writer, joins JD to chat about what the Leafs have left to figure out down the stretch of the season (4:00). JD and Luke get into the success of the Leafs' second line from their win over the Philadelphia Flyers, John Tavares' longevity and value, and Scott Laughton's fit in Toronto. JD then outlines a version of the Leafs lines that he'd like to see the team try (30:00). JD then breaks news of Alphonso Davies' injury (40:00). Blue Jays reporter Arden Zwelling joins JD in-studio to discuss Bo Bichette's upcoming season, expectations for George Springer,  which Jay t...

JD discusses Scott Laughton before the Maple Leafs face-off against his former team (00:00). Blue Jays analyst, Joe Siddall, talks about if Alejandro Kirk will be able to handle a bigger offensive load, expectations for the Jays' lineup, where the Jays stand in among American East teams, and Bo Bichette being poised for a comeback season (8:00). JD then lays out the lost feeling(s) around this version of the Toronto Raptors (40:00). Kevin Woodley, goaltending expert from InGoal Magazine, analyzes the drama-filled Vancouver Canucks season, the pressure on the Leafs' goaltenders, and what the underlying numbers on Jospeh Woll and Anthony...

JD reacts to the action-packed weekend of sports, including Canada's men's soccer team victory over the Americans (00:00). JD then moves onto the Maple Leafs' lowly loss to the Nashville Predators (9:00) and brings on James Mirtle, senior NHL writer at The Athletic, to analyze Joseph Woll against Anthony Stolarz, why Craig Berube is demoting Scott Laughton, Morgan Reilly's free-market value, and Matthew Knies' contract extension numbers. JD then touches on some of the potential lottery picks he watched in college basketball over the weekend (46:30). Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith gets into Alejandro Kirk's contract extension, Mark Shapiro's optimism about extending Vladimir Guerrero...

JD starts the show with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s most recent free agency comments (00:00), before Amazon Monday Night Hockey analyst Jody Shelley joins to discuss the Leafs' win over the Avalanche, confidence on the back-end, Auston Matthews return-to-form, and resistance to change the playoff format (08:15). Then, ESPN College Basketball analyst Jay Bilas highlights Cooper Flagg and other exciting NBA prospects, as well as key matchups in the March Madness Tournament (34:28). Later, Maple Leafs legend Gary Roberts joins the show to chat about Chris Tanev's work ethic, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin's timeless play, developing young players into pros, the...

Jackie Redmond from the NHL Network and NHL on TNT joins JD to get into the familiar feelings from the Maple Leafs season (5:00). The duo compare and contrast this season to the past seasons from the Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner era. Later, JD and Jackie discuss the growth of pickleball and Alexander Ovechkin's chase for history. Craig Simpson, Sportsnet Leafs analyst, gets into the "win year" for hockey, the Canadian hockey market, and the importance of playoff formats, geography, and rivalries. Craig, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, also breaks down what intensity looks like on the ice. The...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, debate José Berríos as the Opening Day starter for the Blue Jays and starter options with Max Scherzer's injury news, before getting into what they're looking forward to from key Jays this season (00:00). After the break, they place Toronto in the "hopeless city rankings" (43:55). Later, Leafs radio colour analyst Jim Ralph joins the show to chat about Toronto's dominant win over the Flames on Monday, Auston Matthews' get-right performance, the line combinations with Scott Laughton in the mix, Max Domi finding his game, and how the goaltender situation is...

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs' worst stretch of the season. James Mirtle, senior NHL writer at The Athletic, analyzes what's gone wrong for the Leafs (9:00). JD and James get into the lack of goal scoring, Auston Matthews' down year, Craig Berube's impact or lack thereof it, the line configurations. Frank Crupi, otherwise known as Hockey Illuminati, joins JD to provide the Leafs' fan perspective (52:00). JD and Frank chop it up about Leafs fans' trauma, Matthews' mood, potential playoffs matchup, flipping the playoff switch, toxic positivity and Frank's five-point plan. 

The views and opinions expressed in this p...

JD reacts to the Toronto Maple Leafs failing to mount a third period comeback against the Florida Panthers last night. He's joined by NHL Network's Bill Lindsay to flush out the topic (11:00). They discuss the playoff intensity of the matchup, how the Panthers stay disciplined without losing the edge to their game, Seth Jones stepping up in the absence of Aaron Ekblad, and Sam Bennett's importance to the Panthers' identity. Then, JD shares his thoughts on Josh Allen's new contract with the Buffalo Bills including his comments to the media about leaving money on the table. Afterwards, Sportsnet's Luke...

JD is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show (0:00) to discuss the latest reports from contract negotiations between pending free agent Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays. They debate the relative value of Vladdy compared to Juan Soto, how the optics around the team would improve with the slugger under contract ahead of Opening Day, whether to trust Guerrero Jr.'s durability over the long term, and how New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole being out for the year after Tommy John surgery impacts the outlook of the AL East. Later, JD and Ben...