The FAN Hockey Show

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a look back on all the action from Wednesday night. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins the show to chat about the state of the game entering the 2026/27 season. They touch on the rising salary cap, potential expansion, no-trade clauses, Canadian markets, and growing the game for future generations to come (41:41). Later, Jason Bukala (50:53) of the Pro Hockey Group and NHL on Sportsnet joins the program to chat about Easton Cowan’s play in Toronto, the state of the Oilers in goal, the Protas brothers playing alongside Jordan Kyrou in Wash...

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marhese and Mike Futa to look back on what unfolded on opening night. They begin with thoughts on the Oilers’ 6-5 loss to the Canucks, Mike Babcock’s postgame comments, and Tristan Jarry’s play in goal. The guys also touch on the Maple Leafs’ opportunity to rebound in tonight’s back-to-back and the lack of familiarity within the group, before looking into Elias Pettersson’s potential as a power play option. Friedge wraps up with thoughts on Jared Bednar’s extension in Colorado, Patrick Kane’s hot start with Chica...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a look back on all the action from opening night in the NHL! They touch on the Panthers’ OT victory over the reigning champion Hurricanes, the Canadiens’ narrow 3-2 victory over the Maple Leafs, and the Canucks’ back-and-forth contest with the Oilers. Andrew Raycroft (27:06), NESN analyst and former NHL netminder, joins the boys to share his takeaways from the Bruins’ opening night shutout over the Rangers and dive into the team’s identity this season and outlook this season. Later, NHL on Prime analyst and former Islander, Thomas Hickey (51:28) checks in ah...

Mike Futa returns to The FAN Hockey Show alongside Matt Marchese. They break down yesterday’s blockbuster trade between the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets with thoughts on Matthew Knies’ opportunity in Columbus and what Kirill Marchenko can bring to Toronto. After the break, Matt and Mike make their predictions for this season’s division winners, award recipients, and Stanley Cup champions (25:32). Later, Sportsnet’s Eric Engels (49:56) joins the boys in-studio to dive deeper into the Knies-Marchenko deal, before looking back on Montreal’s near acquisition of Knies at last year’s trade deadline. Eric then outlines the Canadiens’ outlook headin...

Matt Marchese and guest host Luke Gazdic begin this episode with some NHL training camp stories, before being joined by EJ Hradek (12:54) of NHL Network. He discusses the latest on the reigning Stanley Cup champions in Carolina, the appeal of Columbus’ Kirill Marchenko, and what’s next for Dylan Larkin in Detroit. The guys also chat about which roster raises the most concern around the league, if the Maple Leafs’ offseason moves will be enough to move the needle, and the intrigue surrounding the Capitals entering this season. Later, George Richards (45:40) of Florida Hockey Now sets the stage for the Pa...

Matt Marchese and guest host Luke Gazdic open the show alongside Elliotte Friedman (7:09), Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. They discuss David Pastrnak being named the 28th captain in Bruins franchise history and debate if he is a no-doubt Hall of Fame candidate, before checking in on the latest Alexander Nikishin news. Friedge also looks into some waiver candidates to watch out for, the physical intensity we’ve seen through the condensed preseason, and where Henri Jokiharju might fit around the league. The guys wrap up with thoughts on Nikita Kucherov’s contract negotiations and what his next deal...

Jason Bukala, Sportsnet NHL analyst and former Director of Amateur Scouting with the Panthers, joins Matt Marchese and Gord Stellick to look ahead to the 2027 NHL Draft class and identify some players to keep an eye on. Jason also checks in on some recent top-end draft talent to project who’s in line for a breakout season. Later, Producer Mike Gentile (16:59) joins the guys for another edition of The Candy Jar featuring questions about coaches waiting in the wings, the teams on the fringe of being competitive, the NHL playoff format, and more! The guys wrap up today’s show...

Matt Marchese and guest host Gord Stellick begin today’s show with takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ final pair of preseason games, along with Mark Messier’s on Mike Babcock’s hiring in Edmonton. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, shares his take on Messier’s critique of the Oilers, before looking into Adam Fantilli’s negotiations with the Blue Jackets. The guys also discuss which conference is deeper heading into this season, Michael Andlauer’s comments about Brady Tkachuk’s move to Florida, and much more!

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Matt Marchese and Gord Stellick open this episode with a deeper conversation about the teams facing the most pressure around the league, as well as who’s catching their eye before the season officially begins. Darren Pang (16:45), NHL on TNT analyst and former netminder, stops by to chat about the young talent in Chicago, what would quantify as a successful season, if the depth on the roster can support their top-end talent, and Patrick Kane’s return to the Madhouse on Madison. Finally, Mike Zeisberger (41:09) of NHL.com checks in on the Maple Leafs ahead of tonight’s preseason finale...

Matt Marchese and guest host Gord Stellick kick off today’s show with an early look at the injury report as the preseason winds down, as well as Bill Guerin’s extension in Minnesota. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the guys from the streets of Manhattan to share the latest news from the NHL Board of Governors meetings. The guys discuss the status of the league’s expansion plans, who’s in the mix for Connor Hellebuyck, the hierarchy within the BOG, and Sergei Bobrovsky’s first impressions in Toronto. They wrap up with thoughts o...

Matt Marchese and guest host Sam Cosentino open the show with thoughts and prayers for the Futa family following the passing of Mama Futes. The guys then break down some early storylines from the pre-season including Bowen Byram’s strong first impression in Chicago and Stuart Skinner’s shutout debut in Winnipeg. They also take a look around the league to define which netminders are certified number one options. Andrew Brewer (28:28), GM and Chief of Staff of the Michigan Wolverines, joins the guys to discuss the talent in NCAA hockey, his journey of working with Hockey Canada and the NHL...

Sportsnet.ca Leafs reporter Luke Fox joins Matt Marchese and Sam Cosentino after Toronto's first pair of preseason games against Montreal. He shares his early impressions of Gavin McKenna, expectations for the Leafs' season, the Auston Matthews question, and the different tone at camp under new coach Jim Hiller. Later, Matt and Sam discuss whether the San Jose Sharks should make the swing for Connor Hellebuyck, the next step of the Canucks' rebuild, the Oilers' improvements, Washington's physical roster, the Red Wings' and Sabres' place in the Atlantic, and the overall strength of the Eastern Conference (18:30). Matt and Sam...

Matt Marchese and fill-in host Sam Cosentino share some impressions from the first NHL preseason games before welcoming in Elliotte Friedman (6:12), Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. They go over the early trends of the shortened preseason, the latest expansion talk at the Board of Governors meeting in New York, and where Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, Logan Stanley and other current UFAs might land before the start of the season. Then, Friedge checks in with the situations for Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin and Kirill Marchenko.

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Matt Marchese opens this edition with former NHL scout Jason Bukala (1:49) to chat about the NHL preseason kicking off this weekend. Jason touches on the size of the Capitals and Sabres, his expectations for Gavin McKenna and Nathan MacKinnon, which youngsters he's most excited about, the messy situation in Detroit, the Canadiens' culture, and more. Then, Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre (33:17) joins Matt, and they discuss the vibe amongst both Canucks players and fans, how the new regime is approaching their rebuild, where Elias Pettersson fits, and when Thatcher Demko could possibly return. Later, Gord Stellick is back in the co-host...

Matt Marchese opens by sharing his thoughts on the Jets suspending Connor Hellebuyck, the new captaincies of Connor Bedard and Drew Doughty, Ryan Reaves' retirement, and more. Then, Producer Mike Gentile (22:10) joins for the season debut of "The Candy Jar!" Mike asks Matt about NHL GMs clawing back on player entitlement, whether young stars are getting paid too early, how captaincies have changed, and his thoughts on Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa. Later, Gord Stellick co-hosts hour two with Matt, welcoming Sportsnet NHL Reporter Sean Reynolds (50:21) to discuss the Hellebuyck situation after Kevin Cheveldayoff's press conference, when a deal...

NHL Agent Matthew Keator joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa after a successful offseason representing Leo Carlsson, Chris Kreider, Ryan Leonard and more. He discusses the response behind the scenes to Carlsson's record deal, the NHL's shifting salary landscape, Kreider's decision to join the Montreal Canadiens, and whether Leonard's +$10M ticket signals the end of the 'bridge deal.' Later, new radio play-by-play voice of the Maple Leafs Todd Crocker (18:10) stops by to discuss his transition from the AHL to the NHL, the pressure of succeeding Joe Bowen, what he learned about Easton Cowan, Ben Danford and Artur Akhtyamov...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa recap the wave of newly signed contracts before welcoming Elliotte Friedman (7:30), Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. Friedge discusses the unique structure on Cutter Gauthier's freshly inked extension, why salaries are skyrocketing around the league and the ripple effects, and the pressure on Leo Carlsson to live up to his mega-deal. Then, they discuss the plan in Detroit after the Red Wings named Shawn Horcoff their interim GM.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode reacting to the news of the Detroit Red Wings naming Shawn Horcoff interim General Manager, plus the eight-year extensions for Ryan Leonard in Washington and Sens' winger Drake Batherson. They then welcome Sportsnet NHL Senior Columnist Eric Engels (26:40) for his thoughts on Chris Kreider joining the Canadiens, Martin St. Louis's four-year extension and Montreal's roster heading into the season. Next, Sportsnet NHL Analyst Luke Gazdic (50:00) joins for the debut of "The Gaz Station!” He discusses his summer filming with players around the league, the Oilers' tumultuous offseason, the Maple Leafs' new-look ros...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa return for another year of The FAN Hockey Show and remember the late former NHL player, coach, and ESPN analyst Barry Melrose before looking back at their summers and the construction of the current Stanley Cup champions Carolina Hurricanes. Then, head coach of the Canes, Rod Brind'Amour (26:06) joins the guys to discuss his day with the Cup, the turnover from the 2025-26 roster, Alexander Nikishin's future, how he's preparing for the upcoming defence, how he has instilled what the expectations are to be playing for the Hurricanes, and Seth Jarvis' presence off the ice...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa welcome back Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts for his regular segment on The FAN Hockey Show and discuss how far the league will go into expanding further with the potential of adding a team in either Houston or Austin, Texas, Dylan Larkin and Detroit Red Wings addressing his trade request and removing the captaincy from him, if there's a preference as to when and how both Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck would like to make a trade, if either Drake Batherson or Cutter Gauthier close to a contract extension, and...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa kick off the season finale of The FAN Hockey Show with the latest news starting with Jakub Dobeš' extension in Montreal. They weigh in on where Anthony Mantha and Patrick Kane might land, as well as how the Maple Leafs' new-look roster is coming together, before diving into the final Futa Five heading into the summer. Next, Ryan McDonell (28:50), also known as "Michaels" on the TV show Shoresy, joins the boys to share how the show comes together behind the scenes. Later, Dr. Alicia Naser (50:22), behavioral sports psychologist, stops by to discuss how a...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this edition of The FAN Hockey Show with a look back on all the action from the first 24 hours of free agency. Jason Bukala (06:56), Sportsnet NHL analyst and Pro Hockey Group founder, joins the boys to share which Canadian team most impressed him on July 1st. Bukala also breaks down John Chayka's busy day in Toronto, the Oilers trending up after shedding Darnell Nurse's contract, Winnipeg's acquisition of Mario Ferraro, and more! Later (35:32), Matt and Mike open up the "Hockey Hotline" to respond to your calls and texts. After the break, NHL Network...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today's Free Agency Special on The FAN Hockey Show with the latest on Zach Werenski. After sorting through this morning's trades of Mavrik Bourque to Nashville and Nick Robertson to Pittsburgh, the boys make their picks for where the top free agents on the board will land. After the break (31:15), the boys break down Radko Gudas' six-year extension with the Panthers, the Flyers' five-year deal with netminder Dan Vladar, and Ivan Demidov's eight-year contract in Montreal. Later (51:30), the free agency floodgates officially open as Matt and Mike sort through the breaking news. They...

Michael Traikos (00:00), managing editor with The Hockey News, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to chat about the most interesting teams ahead of July 1st, what's next for Anthony Mantha, and the Eastern Conference hierarchy after Florida's busy off-season. After the break (18:13), Matt and Mike talk about the Panthers' speed concerns, the teams they're watching closely, and the offer sheets potentially on the horizon. Finally, Brian Lawton (44:06), former NHL player, agent and executive, joins the boys to share what it's like being part of the arbitration process, his thoughts on the new-look Panthers, and his big winner of the...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode alongside Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. They discuss the Panthers' talks to acquire goaltender Jacob Markström from the Devils, Florida continuing to add to their physical lineup with yesterday's addition of Radko Gudas, and the latest on Erik Karlsson and Alexander Nikishin. Friedge also looks into where Sergei Bobrovsky might land and what's next for Rasmus Andersson, before news breaks of the Markström trade going through. The boys wrap up with a look at the big names remaining on the market and the biggest surprises of...

The FAN Hockey Show with Matt Marchese and Mike Futa rolls on with more on from NHL Draft weekend. Sam Cosentino (18:03), Sportsnet analyst and NHL Draft panelist, shares what it was like being part of the coverage this weekend. Sam breaks down the Sabres' selection of Daxon Rudolph at fourth overall, the upside of Viggo Björck in Winnipeg, the Sharks' big win, the biggest surprises down the board, the Blues' trade for Mason McTavish, and more! Later, Aaron Portzline (47:01), Blue Jackets reporter for The Athletic, joins the show to discuss the latest on Zach Werenski's market and his f...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa kick off this week alongside Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts. The boys break down the top storylines from the NHL Draft, look into the Hurricanes acquisition of John Carlson, and report on the breaking news of Brendan Gallagher's trade to the Canucks. Friedge also forecasts what's ahead on the open market, the offer sheet rumblings around the league, and who's in line for major extensions. The boys wrap up with thoughts on Sergei Bobrovsky's future in Florida, what's next for Adin Hill, and the latest on Darnell Nurse, Dylan Larkin...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa are joined by Jason "Buffalo" Bukala, Sportsnet analyst and Pro Hockey Group founder, live from the NHL Draft! He discusses the names down the draft board that he's keeping an eye on, where Viggo Björck will land, who says no in a hypothetical Zach Werenski for Matthew Knies swap, Jason Robertson turning down the Kraken, and Canucks' big decision at third overall. Former NHLer and Hockey Night in Canada analyst Luke Gazdic (16:31) stops by the studio for the final hour of the week! They get into tonight's NHL Draft, Mike Babcock's introduction in E...

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa live from Buffalo ahead of the NHL Draft! They break down the transaction chaos leading up to tonight, why a Mason McTavish trade hasn't come to fruition, and Jason Robertson turning down a big payday from Seattle. The guys also discuss what's next for Robertson and the Stars, the latest on Dylan Larkin, the value of the second overall pick, and who's in the mix for Connor Hellebuyck.

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

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open the show with a look at the latest transaction news around the NHL. After sorting through the details, the boys open the mailbag to respond to your calls and texts. Spencer Carbery (28:18), head coach of the Washington Capitals, joins the guys to chat about his extension with the team. Carbery also shares his excitement for working with new additions Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, what the future holds for Alex Ovechkin, and his process of building a new lineup. Later, Mike Harrington (59:05) of the Buffalo News discusses the Sabres' options with their newly...

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to break down the latest news in hockey. They discuss the Panthers' acquisition of Garnet Hathaway, Alex Tuch's eight-year deal with the Capitals, the defencemen circling in the trade market, and the Maple Leafs' strategy ahead of the draft. Friedge also offers an update on Columbus' Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko, before reflecting on the broader impact of the off-season trends we've seen so far. The boys wrap up with thoughts on where Toronto is leaning with the first overall pick and the next...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode with a look at the teams that have stayed quiet in a busy trade market before the draft. After the break, Producer Mike Gentile (12:17) joins the boys for a new edition of The Candy Jar! "Eye Candy" asks the boys about the Oilers' outlook with Mike Babcock at the helm, the recent player movement trends around the league, and the Hockey Hall of Fame selection process, before finally trying a Big Turk! Finally, Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy (50:00) takes us behind the scenes of trading for Šimon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov, l...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today's show with a look back on a busy day in the NHL. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to look back on Mike Babcock's introduction in Edmonton and share his takeaways from yesterday's press conference. The boys also recap yesterday's frenzy of trades starting with Šimon Nemec's fresh start with the Flames, before identifying the clear sellers in the market. Friedge then looks into Chicago's acquisition of Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway, the value of the fourth overall pick heading back to Buffalo, a...

Matt Marchese returns alongside Mike Futa to share his thoughts on Brady Tkachuk's introduction in Florida. The boys also break down the Oilers' announcement of their new head coach, Mike Babcock, as well as assistant coach, D.J. Smith. After the break (35:01), the boys highlight the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class featuring Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk, Cindy Curley, and Brian Burke. Later, Mike and Mike (51:47) chat about Matthew Knies' future in Toronto and what a potential package might look like, before taking a look at the other names circling in the trade market. Finally, former...

Brent Wallace, host of the Coming in Hot podcast, joins Mike Futa and guest host Justin Cuthbert, to detail what led up to Brady Tkachuk's departure from Ottawa, the return in the trade, and what's next for the Senators. After the break, we go live to Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios' press conference (21:30) following the Brady Tkachuk trade. Jason Gregor (51:51), host of the Jason Gregor Show, weighs in on the Oilers coaching search and when we can expect Mike Babcock to be announced, the questions that need to be answered from Edmonton's new head coach, and the team's roster...

Guest host Justin Cuthbert joins Mike Futa to break down the trade that sent Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the conversation to share details on how the deal came together. They also look into Mason McTavish's market, the names circling in the trade rumour mill, and the ripple effects of the NHL player empowerment era. Friedge wraps up with thoughts on the Maple Leafs' stance ahead of the draft.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do...

Matt Marchese and guest host Gord Stellick kick off today's show with thoughts on the Maple Leafs sign-and-trade for Darren Raddysh. Sportsnet's David Amber (04:10) shares his take on the move and envisions how Raddysh fits with Toronto's roster. D.A. also looks into what's next for John Carlson and reflects on Jonathan Toews' career after announcing his retirement today. Terry Koshan (28:40), Toronto Sun Leafs reporter, joins the show to add to the Raddysh conversation. He also breaks down Joseph Woll's departure, what's next for Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo, as well as the ripple effects of the Marlies' Calder...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode with the latest news and notes from around the league, before responding to your Hockey Hotline calls and texts! Later, the guys share their thoughts on the NHL's decision to clear Mike Babcock to return behind the bench. After the break, Producer Mike Gentile (32:11) opens up The Candy Jar to ask Matt and Mike about what's next for Bruce Cassidy, how a team adapts to a new coach, the most hated teams around the league, and the best travelling NHL fan bases. Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Dan Muse (50:50) joins the show...

Matt Marchese opens this episode asking two-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Futa about the front office process leading up to NHL Draft. After playing telephone tag with the Game Notes podcast, Jason Bukala of Sportsnet and The Pro Hockey Group stops by! He looks back on his time with the Panthers scouting department to discuss a story of a player that dropped down his draft board, along with thoughts on the Flames' draft flexibility and the most intriguing situations around the league. Finally, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period weighs in on Jim Hiller's hiring in Toronto, the next...

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open the show with today's breaking news out of Toronto as the Maple Leafs hire Jim Hiller as their next head coach. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the conversation to discuss Hiller's connection to GM John Chayka and the Leafs stars, the mentality behind the hiring, and the next steps for Toronto to address the roster. Friedge also weighs in on the future of the Golden Knights' bench, the Predators' off-season ahead, the timeline for the Oilers' coaching search, the latest on Darnell Nurse, and the names to watch...