Breaking Down McDavid’s Extension And Previewing The Pacific
The Hockey News Big Show is here with former longtime NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk to preview the 2025-26 NHL season for each team in the Pacific Division. But first, they have big news to discuss on the contract front.
Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Devan Dubnyk discussed in this episode:
0:59: Connor McDavid signed a two-year contract extension with the Oilers worth $12.5 million annually. Thoughts?
5:19: What must happen in Edmonton for McDavid to sign a long-term contract after that?
7:30: The Oilers also re-signed Jake Walman for seven years at $7 million annually. Do we like this deal?
8:56: What are some other expectations for the Oilers?
11:40: Where do you slot the Vegas Golden Knights into the Pacific Division?
14:43: With an aging roster, what do we make of the Los Angeles Kings? Is this their last hurrah?
19:20: Was last year an anomaly for the Vancouver Canucks? Can they make a real push for a wild-card spot?
22:15: What will Dustin Wolf's season look like with the Calgary Flames? Will it become harder for him this year?
24:48: Is there any reason to believe the Flames wouldn’t be in a race for a playoff spot?
27:15: In Anaheim, will we see Ducks forwards Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish reach the next stage of their evolution?
30:00: The San Jose Sharks finished last in the last two years, but they had some positive vibes last year with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and other youngsters in the lineup. Should the outlook be as positive if they finish last again?
35:00: Ryan went to Mullett Arena for Gavin McKenna’s Penn State debut, and he shares what he saw.
38:11: Should the Seattle Kraken blow it up and go for Gavin McKenna, or is a shot at a playoff berth more important for the market?
41:17: Which rookies will stay for just nine games, and who will be there all year in the Pacific Division?
45:00: Which team and player are under the most pressure this season?
46:30: Name one player who is pretty significant to his team who could be traded before
Thanksgiving.
48:16: John Tortorella returns to ESPN as an analyst: favorite ‘Torts’ moment?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
51:41
--------
51:41
NHL Atlantic And Central Division Expectations
The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss the NHL pre-season and preview the campaign ahead.
Stay tuned for Friday’s episode of The Wraparound, which will preview each team in the Pacific and Metropolitan Divisions
Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:
00:50: Reacting to Kirill Kaprizov signing an eight-year, $136-million contract with the Minnesota Wild
04:20: The New Jersey Devils signed Luke Hughes to a seven-year deal with a $9-million cap hit.
07:00: What does Aleksander Barkov’s injury do to the Florida Panthers’ three-peat hopes?
10:50: What are the Toronto Maple Leafs’ expectations in their first season since losing Mitch Marner and Brendan Shanahan?
14:45: How long can the Tampa Bay Lightning remain a legit Stanley Cup contender?
17:10: What has to happen for the Ottawa Senators to jump from fringe playoff team to legit contender?
20:40: What do the Montreal Canadiens need to break through and make noise in the Atlantic Division race and the playoffs?
23:00: What's more likely in Detroit: the Red Wings break through and make a playoff run or more of the same and we see drastic moves?
26:10: After losing another young player, JJ Peterka, what are the general expectations for the Buffalo Sabres?
28:20: Do the Boston Bruins have what it takes to get back to the playoffs, or is this a team with an impending rebuild?
31:15: Do the Winnipeg Jets need to trust the process and hope to break through, or are there changes that need to be made?
33:30: What do the Dallas Stars need to do to get through the Western Conference final?
35:20: Are the Colorado Avalanche still legit Stanley Cup contenders going into their first full year post-Mikko Rantanen?
37:40: What other moves do the Minnesota Wild need to make to move into a more competitive position after securing Kaprizov?
39:50: What are the expectations for the St. Louis Blues going into the first full season with Jim Montgomery?
41:00: What are realistic expectations for the Utah Mammoth going into Year 2?
42:10: What are the expectations for the Nashville Predators, given the age of some of their players?
44:00: What has to happen in Chicago for Connor Bedard to reach his full potential?
45:40: Which NHL rookies will stay for just nine games into the regular season, and which rookies will be around for longer?
46:45: Who are the top five Stanley Cup contenders from the Atlantic and Central Divisions?
47:30: How many points will Gavin McKenna record this season at Penn State?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
50:06
--------
50:06
Will Leafs' William Nylander Join The 50-Goal Club?
The Hockey News Big Show is back to discuss the NHL pre-season and preview the campaign ahead.
Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:
01:00: Can William Nylander take a jump and join the 50-goal club?
04:30: Thoughts on Joseph Woll's leave of absence from the Toronto Maple Leafs
07:00: What player has a lot to prove in the pre-season?
10:15: Who can jump into the superstar category this season?
14:40: Which playoff team has the worst depth at forward?
17:40: Which playoff team has the worst defensive depth?
20:50: What team should be on trade watch early in the season?
24:40: What team needs a big season from their goaltender?
28:10: Which team is on fire sale watch early in the season?
35:20: Which division has the best prospects?
40:00: Fighting during the pre-season: yay or nay?
42:00: Predicting the first coach fired
43:00: Reacting to Nikita Zadorov’s Irish exit goal celebration
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
46:02
--------
46:02
What To Expect From Alex Ovechkin, Training Camps
The Hockey News Big Show discusses pressing NHL topics as training camps kick off.
Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:
01:30: What is Kirill Kaprizov looking for since he reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Minnesota Wild?
05:15: What teams could potentially trade for Kaprizov if the WIld think they can’t re-sign him?
08:20: Is J.T. Miller the right choice as captain of the New York Rangers?
12:00: Will any team sign Carter Hart?
15:00: Which player missing the start of the season is the biggest blow to their team?
18:50: Who will take the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-line right winger role?
21:20: What other players should the Maple Leafs target?
23:40: What is Leafs prospect Easton Cowan’s ceiling?
28:15: What are the expectations for Alex Ovechkin as he turns 40 this season?
31:30: What’s the most intriguing team going into training camp?
34:50: Which captain-less team will name a captain first, and who will it be?
37:20: Which opening-day matchup are you most excited to watch?
38:50: What’s your favorite outdoor venue? What stadium would you like to see host an NHL specialty game?
42:00: What’s your favorite example of a player ending their career by returning to their longtime squad?
43:20: If the NHL changed the playoff format so more teams would make it, would Buffalo make the cut?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
45:35
--------
45:35
NHL Player Media Tour’s Biggest Standouts
The Hockey News Big Show discusses some of the biggest topics going on in the NHL and beyond right now, with Ryan Kennedy reporting from the player media tour in Las Vegas.
Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:
1:20: What is Quinn Hughes saying about Jack Hughes mentioning he wants to play with his older brother?
6:50: What did Ryan hear from Sidney Crosby? Are there any potential trade destinations if Crosby does eventually decide to look elsewhere?
12:00: What was Crosby saying about Macklin Celebrini? What is Celebrini’s potential to get on the Olympic team?
14:00: How much does Celebrini going to the World Championship affect his chances of making the Olympic squad?
16:05: Victor Hedman gave a cheeky quote about the Florida Panthers at the tour. What are the chances the Tampa Bay Lightning upset the Panthers this year?
20:00: Linus Ullmark called for video review from the goaltender’s view regarding goalie interference. Do you agree or disagree?
24:00: What can the Nashville Predators do to bounce back this season?
27:20: Do we like Cale Makar's idea for a new defensive award?
30:30: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly gave updates on the new CBA.
35:40: What’s your favorite NHL player media tour interview of all-time?
38:10: Is Dustin Wolf’s new seven-year contract extension a boom or a bust?
40:30: Aleksander Barkov and tennis star Bianca Andreescu are part-owners of a pro pickleball team. What other athlete duos would you like to see co-own a sports team?
42:25: Thoughts on the CHL not issuing passes to college hockey coaches to get into buildings?
43:35: Glow in the dark jerseys: yay or nay?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Tuesdays and Fridays, we'll have in-depth analysis and lively discussion about everything happening in the NHL. Whether it’s trade rumors, player development or season predictions, it has expert takes and fresh perspectives on every episode.
New Zealand