The Hockey News Big Show Returns with NHL Trade Deadline Insights
The Hockey News Big Show is back with a fresh episode, just one week away from the NHL trade deadline. Hosts Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy, and Michael Traikos dive deep into the Toronto Maple Leafs’ strategy, potential trades, and other pressing topics in the league. This episode is a must-watch for any hockey enthusiast looking to stay ahead of the game.
The Toronto Maple Leafs: Sign John Tavares or Wait?
At the 0:50 mark, the panel discusses whether the Toronto Maple Leafs should sign John Tavares before the trade deadline or wait until the offseason. John Tavares, a veteran center, has been a consistent performer and a leader on the ice. The hosts weigh the pros and cons of signing him now versus later. Signing Tavares before the deadline could provide an immediate boost to the team’s depth and morale, but it also comes with the risk of disrupting the current chemistry and potentially overpaying in a tight market. On the other hand, waiting until the offseason might allow the Leafs to negotiate from a position of strength and avoid the premium prices that come with deadline deals. The panel ultimately leans towards waiting, suggesting that the Leafs should focus on more immediate needs and reassess their options after the season.
Brayden Schenn: The Best Center Option for the Maple Leafs?
Moving on to the 4:11 mark, the hosts debate whether Brayden Schenn is the best center option for the Maple Leafs and if the team can realistically pull off a trade for him. Brayden Schenn, currently with the St. Louis Blues, is a versatile player with a strong two-way game and a history of success in the playoffs. The panel agrees that Schenn would be a significant upgrade for the Leafs, especially in terms of his defensive capabilities and ability to play in all situations. However, they also acknowledge the challenges of acquiring him, given the Blues’ reluctance to part with a key player and the high asking price that might be required. The hosts suggest that the Leafs should explore multiple options and not solely focus on Schenn, as the trade market can be unpredictable.
Maple Leafs’ Most Valuable Prospect
At the 6:30 mark, the panel discusses which prospect the Maple Leafs would least like to part with in a trade. The Maple Leafs have a deep and talented prospect pool, and the hosts highlight a few names that stand out. Names like Nick Robertson, Tim Stützle, and Roni Hirvonen are mentioned, but the consensus is that Tim Stützle, a highly skilled forward with a bright future, is the one prospect the Leafs should protect at all costs. Stützle’s potential to become a top-line player and his ability to contribute immediately make him an invaluable asset for the team’s long-term success.
Winnipeg Jets: Potential Trade Targets
The conversation shifts to the Winnipeg Jets at the 8:21 mark, as the hosts discuss potential players the Jets could add to bolster their roster. The Jets have been a solid team this season but could use some depth and experience to make a serious playoff run. The panel suggests that the Jets should look for a reliable defenseman and a secondary scoring option. Names like Ryan Suter, a veteran defenseman, and Nikolaj Ehlers, a dynamic forward, are mentioned as potential targets. The hosts emphasize the importance of finding the right fit and not overpaying, as the Jets need to balance their immediate needs with their long-term goals.
Edmonton Oilers: Slump or Cracks in the Team?
At the 11:35 mark, the panel addresses the Edmonton Oilers’ recent 0-4 record since the 4 Nations break. The hosts debate whether this is just a temporary slump or if there are deeper issues within the team. The Oilers have been plagued by inconsistent play and defensive lapses, which have raised concerns about their playoff readiness. The panel suggests that the Oilers need to address their defensive weaknesses and improve their depth through strategic trades. They also highlight the importance of maintaining a positive locker room atmosphere and ensuring that key players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl stay motivated and focused.
One Big Move Away from Playoff Dominance
The 15:00 mark sees the panel discussing which top team is just one big trade deadline move away from becoming a formidable playoff contender. The hosts agree that the Boston Bruins, currently one of the top teams in the league, could become even more dangerous with the right addition. They suggest that the Bruins should target a top-six forward or a top-pairing defenseman to round out their roster. The panel believes that a strategic move could solidify the Bruins’ position as a top-tier team and make them a serious threat in the playoffs.
NHL Stadium Series: Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets
At the 17:03 mark, the panel turns their attention to the upcoming NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The game, set to take place this weekend, is expected to draw more than 90,000 fans, making it one of the largest outdoor hockey events in history. The hosts discuss the significance of the event and the potential impact it could have on both teams’ seasons. They also speculate on whether either team has a realistic chance of making the playoffs this year, with the Blue Jackets looking more likely to secure a spot due to their recent strong performance.
Trade Deadline Sellers: Stocking Up on Picks
The 20:39 mark sees the panel discussing which trade deadline "seller" needs to stock up on picks. The hosts agree that the Ottawa Senators, who are currently rebuilding, should be aggressive in acquiring draft picks and prospects. The Senators have a young core and need to build for the future, and the trade deadline is an excellent opportunity to do so. The panel suggests that the Senators should look to trade veteran players who are no longer part of their long-term plans and use the assets to strengthen their prospect pool.
NHL Draft Lottery: Who Will Win?
At the 23:18 mark, the panel makes their picks for the NHL draft lottery. The draft lottery is a crucial event for rebuilding teams, as it can provide a significant boost to their roster with a high draft pick. The hosts discuss the teams with the best odds and their potential strategies. They ultimately predict that the Arizona Coyotes, who have had a challenging season, will win the lottery and secure the first overall pick. The panel also highlights the importance of drafting the right player, as a high pick can set the tone for a team’s future success.
The Value of a First-Round Pick
The 25:38 mark sees the panel discussing the value of a first-round pick this year. The hosts agree that a first-round pick is incredibly valuable, especially in a draft class that is considered to be one of the strongest in recent years. They highlight the depth of talent available and the potential for finding a future star. The panel suggests that teams should be cautious about trading away their first-round picks, as they could be missing out on a valuable asset. However, they also acknowledge that in some cases, a first-round pick might be necessary to make a significant trade that could impact the team’s immediate success.
Best Draft in Recent Years
At the 28:30 mark, the panel reflects on the best draft in recent years. The hosts discuss the 2015 draft, which produced several top-tier players, including Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Mitch Marner. They highlight the depth of talent and the number of players who have gone on to have successful NHL careers. The panel also mentions the 2017 draft, which saw the emergence of players like Cale Makar, Elias Pettersson, and Rasmus Dahlin. They agree that both drafts were exceptional but lean towards the 2015 draft as the best overall.
Travis Dermott: Yay or Nay?
The 30:32 mark sees the panel discussing the Edmonton Oilers’ claim of defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Minnesota Wild. The hosts debate whether this move is a positive one for the Oilers. Travis Dermott, a young and versatile defenseman, could provide depth and a solid two-way presence on the Oilers’ blue line. The panel is generally positive about the move, suggesting that Dermott could be a valuable addition to the team’s defensive corps and help address some of their recent issues.
Canucks vs. Flames: Which Team to Run?
At the 31:08 mark, the panel discusses which team they would rather run, the Vancouver Canucks or the Calgary Flames. The Canucks have had a tumultuous season, with a mix of promising performances and disappointing results. The Flames, on the other hand, have been more consistent and are currently in a playoff position. The hosts agree that running the Flames would be the better option, given their current success and the potential for a strong playoff run. They also highlight the Flames’ solid defense and balanced roster as key factors in their decision.
Stadium Series Attendance: Over or Under?
The 31:48 mark sees the panel making their predictions for the attendance at the upcoming Stadium Series game. The game is expected to draw more than 90,000 fans, and the hosts debate whether the official number will go over or under this mark. They ultimately predict that the attendance will exceed 90,000, given the excitement surrounding the event and the strong fan base of both teams.
Brayden and Luke Schenn: 1,000 NHL Games and a Podcast?
Finally, at the 33:18 mark, the panel celebrates Brayden and Luke Schenn becoming the eighth pair of brothers to each hit the 1,000 NHL games milestone. The hosts discuss the significance of this achievement and the impact of brother duos in the NHL. They also mention other notable pairs, such as the Sedin twins and the Staal brothers. At the 34:57 mark, the panel discusses the Tkachuk brothers’ recent appearance on the Kelce brothers’ podcast and whether the Tkachuks should have their own podcast. The hosts are enthusiastic about the idea, suggesting that the Tkachuks’ personalities and hockey insights would make for engaging content. They also highlight the growing trend of NHL players engaging with fans through social media and podcasts, which can help build a stronger connection between the players and the fan base.
