Empty Netters Podcast - Chris Kreider Signs With The Habs And It’s Cup Or Bust

Episode Date: September 15, 2026

 Kreids is a Hab and that is insane but also awesome. Horvart is your new captain in Long Island. Marchenko, Nikishin, and Larkin are having tumultuous summers. Mark Stone signs a new deal. The guys honor Barry Melrose, a true legend and icon of the hockey world. Mikey G got married and it was epic. What is the perfect NHL schedule? And this beer league hotline is a doozy.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 4:04 - Kreider Goes to Montreal 18:44 - Bo Horvat is New Captain of The Islanders 26:04 - Nikishin Requests A Trade 41:57 - Marchenko and Larkin Want Out 56:22 - Mark Stone Gets 2 More Years in Vegas 59:08 - RIP Barry Melrose 1:05:21 - Dan and Chris had Epic Wedding Weekends 1:16:21 - Building the Ideal NHL Season Schedule 1:23:06 - Beer League Hotline PRESENTED by BetMGM. Download the BETMGM app and use code “NETTERS” and enjoy up to $1500 in bonus bets if you lose your first wager! Thanks to our Sponsors! BetMGM: Use bonus code NETTERS when signing up to receive up to $1500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. Better is a feeling—defined by you. And for BetterHelp, it's a BetterHelp therapist who really gets you. It’s a focus on global, emotional well-being—with thousands of therapists and millions of members in over 100 countries. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/netters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Empty Netters podcast. Can you believe what this has become? There was a full 48 hours where I felt like I was like literally Superman. Jumbo loves playing Fortnite, so he gets on the sticks. Did TR show you the sauna cycle, or was that all year? No, no, I invented that. Almost a year now that I haven't taken a body check. That's kind of nice.

So we are back. We are horned up, and we are going deep. Finish tonight with some chicken fingers and a few guineasas and you guys. That's where this pod came to life. Ice is ready and we're back with another episode of the MTV Brought to you by BetMGM. Kicking it in our second studio. I'm your host, Dan Powers.

We got Dr. Watkins on the sticks. Hi. And CPs over here. Still cast on, but doing great. As always, yeah, counting down the days. It's time, time flies unless you're injured. That's what I found out. So the way to extend your life is to be hurt all the time.

Yeah, yeah. What's funny is you saying, as always, with a broken hand is actually kind of true these days. Yes, it is. It's unbelievable. It's been all of 2026 in the cast. We're coming in back hot from an unbelievable weekend. Got to go back east to celebrate our boy Mikey G.

Unbelievable wedding. What a time. Unbelievable wedding. Got my lid on. Meet me and meet me in Newport. 912, 2026. Unreal. Also shout out Josh.

I want to give a shout out to Josh and Catherine. I also got to do an amazing Nantucket popover for another. they're great. Yeah, thanks for the invite, Josh. Really appreciate it. Wish I could have been there. Nantucket sounds lovely this time of year. That would have been great. You ever heard that limerick? There once was a man from Nantucket. Oh yeah, yeah. Oh, yeah. Well, how does it go? Whose dick was so big he could suck it.

There's a few that are... Might have been long. There's some like... Oh, that's good. What does a limerick mean? What do you need to be a limerick? It's like there's rules. There's rules to this shit. It has to be really dirty. This isn't nom. Yeah, it's like, it has to be vulgar. Oh, yeah.

And there are some, like, there's a clean version. And then there's a dirty version. I want to hear both. Okay. Maybe we'll save that for the end of the show. The clean version, I don't even remember. Ev, you can say it, but the dirty one is, and it's always great when it's like a nice British man.

Yeah. And he says, there once was a man from Nanty. who's dick was so long he could suck it. He said with a grin as he wiped off his chin, if my ear was a cunt, I would fuck it. That's great. Yeah, so it's the rhyme scheme is AABBA, with lines three and four are shorter. There you go. Great. Limericks. Cool. I like a limerick. Well, we're going to be, are we going to get back to doing those when the season starts? Maybe. I just talked to Dan about that. What, uh, what role the professors, what, what, what, what the class the professors are teaching this year.

Yeah. Yep, that's going to be interesting. This will be the last poem talk, but there's one poem that's like five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables. Like that's the rule of the poem.

It's like a haiku maybe or something, but that's what has to be. And I saw this like New Yorker cartoon that was like a robot writes a haiku. And it was, yeah, it just said 110,

110, 111, 111, 112. Because that's five-cellular, seven, cell, and I was like, that is gold. That's really good. That's really clean. The greatest robot haiku ever. That is really clean. Well, listen, we've got a lot of NHL action, again, as it keeps coming in, and later this week, we're going to be diving into the division previews going into the season.

Wow. But this is a bit of the last bit of news before we get into those, but there's great stuff, great topics to chat about. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. here we go. We're going to jump right into it. Something that broke last week as we were recording. Chris Kreider gets bought out of his contract, or terminated his contract. You've been terminated. Contract terminated mutual agreement so they could get things going here. But Kreider leaves the ducks,

contract deaded, and then was going to make his decision. And decision has been made. It was always going to be the East Coast. But surprising some people winds up, absolutely, winds up in Canada. with the Montreal Canadiens, but the not surprise about it is phenomenal destination. As far as the fit, the team makeup, and what he does for them, I absolutely love it. Absolutely love it. So there's something funny that I really want to say about this. Yep. You maybe wanted to say it at the very end of this segment, but it just was so funny to me.

I mean, everyone is bringing it up right off the bat. The thousand games. Oh, that's not what it was for me. So what was hilarious to me is the Habs players have to buy him all this stuff. Not like they hate him, but just like the fan base. It's just so funny to me that Chris Crider is going to be given lavish gifts by the Habs. And they're going to be like, are you kidding me? Well, the good news is not a single person on that team.

It was on that team. I think the funny part is, yes, he's going to hit, God willing, no injuries. He's going to hit a thousand games this season. Fucking rights. Cried's unbelievable. but without a doubt Chris Kreider, the most hated player

amongst Montreal Canadiens fans of the last 20 years, no question. There are people who legitimately are not psychotic fans who I have talked to and they're like this, Chris Kreider cost us like five cups, he destroyed Carrie Price's career. Yeah. That's a wild take, but they

genuinely believe it. I do think the closest comp I have as a sports fan is, was it Mani Machado who slid into Padroia? Yes, yes. And, like, fucks his knee up forever. Absolutely, it was.

And I'm kind of like, man, that ruined, Padreux would be a Hall of Famer. He might still be, maybe, probably not, but he might, he would have been a hallfamer. Crazy if he's not. And you ruined it. Yeah. But even I'm still not like,

and you ripped rings off the Red Sox finger. It's just too hard to win, right? I know. So, but Kerry Price is one of the great goalies we've seen. I mean. And undoubtedly, he was, he was hurt. Peak price was out of this world. So I'm like, that's interesting, you know? Yeah. Um, what would you do? How would you react? You're the level of fan that you are pre-netters. Because I know now you're like, I love everybody. Yeah. But like pre-netters, your Bruins fandom. This shit, I never in a million years would care about this stuff. I say it all the time. You just go sick. You can hate a player so, so much the second they play for you, you love them. I kind of agree. Would never phase me. I'm like, dude, just root for him. It'd be sick. People used to be like, what if Derek Jeter became a Red Sock?

And I was like, that'd be gay. It would never face me at all. It's happened with Chelsea a bunch. Yeah, yeah. You're on the team now. It doesn't matter. But apparently this came down to three teams, according to sources. All run the East Coast.

And according to Jeff Gordon, Crichter called them. Which is sick. Not the other way around. Crider reached out and was like, hey, I love what you guys are doing. He obviously played with Marty St. Louis. Marty came over to the Rangers, to the blue shirts. They played together. And he also has a relationship with Gordon.

Gordon was in the manager's office with New York as well. Yep. So a lot of familiar faces. There's some great American players on this HAB's team. It's a great situation. He's coming in on one-year deal, 2.15 mil with a full no move. Yep. He can earn, with some incentives, he can earn a little bit more.

How much did it go up? Because I was kind of shocked. I think it's up to like 3.5, maybe a little bit less. I mean, that's a bargain. I mean, it's half what he was making in Anaheim, and he's paying Canadian tax now, too. I know. But I'm like, listen, Cries has made a bunch of money. I think this is a good situation.

He's going to be, you know, on a playoff team. And I think this is great. 50 points last year. He was second on the Ducks with eight power play goals. He's going to slot right into that middle six. He's going to help out with playoff production. He's going to help out with power play goals. There were a lot of teams.

We brought up the Flyers. The Flyers kind of made a little bit of sense. But Flyers fans are like, we have so many wings, dude. And that is a great, great point. I thought Boston made a little bit of sense. But Boston is also a, they need more help down. the middle. It wasn't perfect. This team, to me, feels very perfect. You could argue that Montreal also needs a center. You should argue that. But to me, I look at this, you know, you look at the

construction of probably like Caulfield, Zook, Slavreth, New Hook, Evans, Demidov, Crieds, Dunow, Anderson, like, that's a very good. And you just got Bullduck to sign a nice big extension on a great number. You got capping, and you got Doc still in there. Like, they are, they're loaded. They're loaded. And their defense is great. And I, you know me, I think their goaltending is fucking insanely good.

So it's a, it's a very interesting situation. Yeah, I would say that he essentially went to, he said, I don't need the money. And I'm going to go somewhere because, dude,

they had some fun runs with the Rangers. Don't get me wrong. But, I mean, I mean, they were in a Stanley Cup final where they went to a thousand overtime period.

It's like that's as close as you can get. But he hasn't really had a great shot to win since then. 100%. And it would be awesome to win. And he's got plenty of money, so he went like this.

You know what? I'm going to move myself east and I'm going to give myself the best shot. And what are the betting odds go on BetMGM? Let's find out. But what are the betting odds for team to win the east?

I got to believe it's Carolina and Florida. Yeah. And then Montreal. They're a top three team in the east. And so I'm going, okay, Florida, you were never going to go to. I just think that would have been too hard. No, I agree.

I know they have some money, but I don't know if Carolina, I mean, who isn't in the market for Chris Kreider, but I don't know if they were kicking tires or whatever. Yeah. But essentially, he went to a top three favorite team. For sure. And I'm not saying that's chasing.

I'm saying, fuck yeah. Dude, that's amazing. Her top five, actually, right, according to BitMGM. What do they have? What on the east, though? Florida, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Washington are all ahead. The fact that Tampa and Tampa fans, we love you, don't get mad,

but how many times are we going to do? do this. How many times are we going to go? Tampa is obviously the best team in the Atlantic and it's like, I don't know that we can keep saying this. Washington having higher the odds in Montreal is crazy. That is a little crazy to. Washington is a bit, but don't forget, dude, they got a lot better. They added Tyroo, they added tuck. They added a lot. Montreal beat Tampa and got better. Yeah. So like what? Yeah, yeah. Oh, no, it's, it's baffling. That's full legacy. That's full legacy betting. I'm just trying to even it out. So I'm thrilled for him. This was a definite surprise for me too. You weren't the

one who was kind of shocked. But once you said it, where were we at the wedding? At the wedding. Once you guys said it, I was like, yo, that is awesome. Yeah. Well, you know, it's funny. It's like, when we post, like, I posted our, I was like, I think the top three destinations, I think I was like Boston, Philly Islanders. I was like, all those teams could use them. They could make it fit. And then what I have fan was like, Montreal. And I replied and I was like, fucking great call. Yeah. And I wasn't thinking that for, the Canada thing and not the U.S. player thing. I was just like at his age, a U.S. guy who's got kids.

Like, I don't know if he wants to move to Canada. But it makes so much sense. And again, at the number he signed at with the cap space that they have, the one year where he fits in the lineup, it's perfect. It is like a, if you're a Haps fan right now, if you can set aside if you have any residual, I hate him, right now you're like this, what an awesome signing. I mean, he is, he is, all he does is add a little bit of value.

in places that you could use it and it hurts you zero. Zero percent. Great guy in the locker room. I hope he gets a ton of playing time. There's a chance where they're like, oh, you know, we're going to bring you out on PP2 and you know, you're playing on the third line. But I'm like, dude, do not waste this.

A fucking Pat Verbeek fucked himself and a gift fell in your lap. Don't waste it and take advantage and I'll see you in the fucking final. Yeah. Yeah, I think it's great. We did talk. We didn't really get that deep. into it. We got into it a bit on Twitter afterwards. We'll spend five minutes here. I can't believe the Ducks fans defending what's going on. And this is said with nothing but love as we have had

the unbelievable opportunity, especially this past year, doing so much fun stuff with the Ducks, I can't wait to get back down to Honda. Like we live in Southern California. I love the Ducks. I love that team. I love their players. I love PVB. I love PVB. Yeah. Yeah. It is, it's just an objective truth that this is a bad situation. And so many people keep trying to reference the, oh, well, Leo's agent had that conversation with Elliot where he said that they were never going to assign anything until an offer sheet was made and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. First of all, that's paraphrasing and not what was said.

And a lie. Well, it's, no, no, it's not. But like people said there was the $15 million offer. offer was made and then they said no and blah blah blah but it's like guys it it shouldn't have and it didn't need to get to that point and i i am sorry i reject a verbiq was like he he took a gamble he was like let's see let's see what happens let's see if we get an offer sheet let's see what it is and there's a lot of people who were like danny brier fucked the nchel now he obviously didn't do that but you better believe a lot of these high numbers are because of what danny brayer did

And ultimately, you had to terminate the contract of a guy. And there's a lot of retroactive Ducks fans being like, Kreider stinks. And I'm like, oh, dude. He had 50 points and over 20 goals and was second on your team and power play goals. You need that guy. So it's just a bad unlucky situation. And it's okay.

You're doing what you got to do now. But it's also a take your medicine. This sucks. Yeah. I mean, when you look at the ducks and who was on this team last year, who should all be on the team this year, and you look at the defensement that they lost, you look at the fact that now Kreider is gone, you're still making all these moves. You still have to make more moves to frankly, to make cutter work. The ducks are just, they're in a tough spot. It is what it is. It's not an insult. It's not, you could say it's a criticism, but like, we're not over here, you know, slapping the back of their hand with a ruler. We're just being like, Dude, it is what it is. This is a bad, brutal situation you've gotten yourself into, and it's not even over yet.

So that's, that, them's the facts. Them's the facts. Them's the breaks. And I will say this, and sorry for going over the five minute limit, you just put on this tangent. But the Dallas stars, I would say for a long stretch, for like a five-year stretch, were stacked with incredible contracts.

And then eventually, And we're kind of hitting it now. People were like, you know, you can't do this forever. Like eventually these contracts are going to are going to, these extensions are going to line up and you're going to lose some guys. But that wasn't the fault of the stars. That is actually how, whoa, that was a John Green book by accident. Oh, it was wild. Yeah.

That was, that's what the way pro sports work with salary caps. Like you're supposed to not be able to keep everybody. That's why there's parity. That's why the point. So actually, the stars were amazing roster management for pretty much as long as you could do it. And they're still in great shape, but they were in incredible shape for fucking five years. And I really thought that the ducks and the, I'll even say the sharks, had every opportunity to also enter a five-year run of just dominant, dominant roster management before you kind of got bumped up against it.

And now the ducks literally, immediately, and the sharks, in my opinion, kind of really fast-tracked that, oh, we're off the rails on what we could have done. They might be fine. The sharks certainly could be incredible. and be going to Cups in a handful of years. But I am like, oh, dude, you had the chance. You rarely even get the chance as a GM to line up like a three, four, five year run. I'm just like, wow, we are set.

And they both kind of bumble it. Yeah, I mean, it's, again, it's simply a fact that this was a very bad summer. Yeah. It was a very bad summer. They can absolutely figure it out. A massive thing for the Ducks, though, is so much is riding on their young studs. Like, you need Beckett to come. continue the trajectory he's on. You need Cutter and Leo to do exactly what they did, not exactly

what they did last year, take as big of a jump as they took last year as next year. Like, cutter needs to be a 50 goal guy every season now. I think you will. Me too. But you also need like, 40. Minchikov needs to have a big jump now. Yeah. Lacomomombe needs to be the guy they bet he will be. He is. But like even Tristan Luno, like you need him to step up. Like you have, the defense is like, in a crazy spot. And you have no money. Zero. It's all going to cut.

That was all my money. So more to be done. They'll be okay. But it's just like, accept what's happening. Again, it's not an insult. It's a, no one's dogging on the team.

It's just being like, damn, this is what it is. Have you ever seen she's out of my league? Yeah, that's the one with Jay Brucho? Yeah, yeah. Really funny comedy. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Yes.

Alice Eve, possibly the hottest human. in alive in that movie. She's great. But there's a scene where they go to a Penguins game. Yeah. And what's the guy's, the funny guy's name who actually... T.J. Miller.

Did he get canceled or is he back? I don't know. He went crazy because he threatened to bomb, put a bomb on a train or something. I used to work with him a little bit of the laugh factor. He was a pretty big drinker. Yeah. I think it kind of...

I mean, threatening to put a bomb on transportation is a crazy move. Can't say bomb on planes. Can't say bomb on planes. Yeah. But there's a scene in that movie there at the Penguins game and he goes to the bar with Jay and he hands the guy. 20 and he goes, six beers

piece, please. And the bartender looks at him because he got something on 20 bucks and he goes, four beers. And then he's still barter, so he'll give him and he goes, two beers? Bartender nods, like, takes a 20 and brings them back. And then TJ looks at Jay and he goes, that was all my money. And that's exactly how I feel about the ducks. He went like this. He put out money and went like this. This will get me

Leo, Cutter, and then he went, Leo and Cutter? Just Leo? And they went, yeah. And you have to sell off assets and your fucking Michael Jackson and make the work. It's insane. So good. Insane. Rough.

Staying on the East Coast, Bo Horvette, named Captain of the New York Islanders. Listen, I wanted to be Shafe, but this was a great move. So I asked you before we started recording how old Bo is, because not that Shafe gives a fuck. Patrice Bergeron went in a ton of his career without a captain's. Basically his entire career. Yeah, but I was like, ooh, naming someone older would have been okay

because you're like, well, she's going to be Shafe in like two years. But Bo, I was like, Bo could give you six good years as captain here, but shape doesn't care. But I had that same thought. It's a smart move too. It's like there's just no need to put any quote-unquote pressure. I don't think Schaefer would feel the pressure because he's an absolute weapon. But it's a great move.

For the second time in his career, Bo Horvatt is now a captain of an NHL team. In 260 career games, it's also not that many people. Ev, can you look that up? I actually think I just saw a post. It's like Joe Thornton did it. Chris Pronger did it with three teams. Whoa, he must be the only three. Nick Falino has done it.

Or did he not captain the Kings? No, Waino, definitely. Definitely, I assume it was him, yeah. I think Wano might be three as well. Did he not captain the Blues? Did he not Captain the Rangers? I don't think so. The Blues, he was only on for a couple of games.

But I know, but they might have just given it to him. Still Waino, though, you know? Scott Melanby, Panthers and Thresherst. I think there's a good amount. But they're all great, great players. Yeah. Um, 260 games with the Islanders, Boas, 99 goals, 99 says perfect hockey player for 198 points. I really love this move because of everything that we've just said.

I'm also really excited about the Islanders. We just talked to some friends with the Islanders. They're reportedly incredibly fired up in that locker. Chomping at the bit. Yeah. Like this team is really fired up there. They really, really believe in themselves. Uh, have been hearing that Matt Barzell is particularly like,

so juiced for the season. Would love to see another big jump from him. Obviously, let's see what Shaif does in his sophomore season. But there's so much to be excited about with this group. And it's, you can feel it with the jersey stuff that they did. Bringing in DeBoer, obviously it was a little crazy when Waugh got gassed. But you bring in DeBoer, you have Schaefer. You've got a lot of these like young star.

I mean, Heinemann's obviously super exciting. But Barzies so exciting. Bo going to be captain now. Cheesman's in there doing so many cool things with the team, the organization. It's just like, an all-star game. I do think the island is like quietly a super exciting team in the Met and in the East in general. They absolutely are. I think there's a lot to have eyes on because they were surprised last year, right?

Like, I think everyone went, wow. Yeah, and remember Palmeri goes down. Yeah, right. And we wrote their best play of all time. And not us, everyone. Everyone was going to like, fuck. You lose Palmeri to the season to an ACL. That's probably it.

Like you guys probably are dead now. And dude, they were a fucking playoff team the entire year. Dude, you know what's funny about predictions, man? Is this, I feel like this happens in fantasy football a lot, where Kyle Palmery goes out and we, to your point, many people were like, is that too much for the islanders to overcome? And we went like this.

I think so. They will now miss playoffs. They're out. And then all they did for, from that moment until the end of the season for 99% of that time they proved us completely wrong and then they missed playoffs at the end and we go like this I was right but I'm like no we weren't I cursed them yeah but yeah well cheese was pissed I I dude I was like what was it there was like 10 games left and I was like they're in yeah I guarantee it and then they I actually want to take some heat though

because when we were with Sheaf we were chatting after the cameras were rolling and we were just chopping up about whatever and I was like dude like we got to hang soon and do this that and he was like yeah I would love to when you guys come out to New York and I was like like, well, I'll see you in playoffs, dude. And he, like, a professional was like, well, you know, a lot of work to be done. And I was like, bro, okay, I know you're a rookie, but like, we'll see you in playoffs. And then, so I'll take a little bit of heat off. So he told the rest of the team you said that. Yeah, he went like this. Chris said we're in. Well, he was like, Chris thinks we're in. And then Dan said, I guarantee they're in. And then they really took it off. Yeah.

Yeah. So it was us. But it's, you know, it's funny. Because when you look at this team and you look at the division, Carolina obviously won the cup, you've got the Penguins who made the playoffs, the Flyers who made the playoffs. You've got the caps who just got way better and are apparently the top betting odds team. Well, to be fair, that was a old summary, but the newer one that I did look up on the bed MGM site,

replaced that so it flipped. So the caps were after habs. Okay, but still four or five, though. But so, yeah, close. You've got the devils who everyone assumes is going to take a big jump. Let's see what happens at the goalie situation there. Give me hell, get me, hellie.

And you've got the Islanders. and I'm like, I'm looking at the Met and I'm seeing six very good teams that could really make a run here. And let's also not forget that the Blue Jackets were like they were fucking right in it too, the whole year. And we're going to talk about more about them in a second. But the Met might be kind of groovy to watch this year

is what I wanted to say. In a... Only one team in the Met last year was below 500. One. Okay, but yeah, but that's actually awesome because that's right about I was going to say. And they're not mid. That's unfair. It's also same exact situation with the Atlantic. Same exact situation in the central. And the Pacific was the worst. And the Pacific pile of shit. But, but Pacific only had three. Under 500. It's a very interesting stat. How does that even make sense? Oh, it's because the with the ties and shit. Yeah, yeah. I think the Met is, I think the canes are nasty. And then I think every other team pretty much is not mid, but not nasty. They're all like, I'm like, they're pretty good. Yeah. And so I think it will be a pretty good off, which would be cool.

Agree. I'm excited to see it. Let's take a quick ad break and then get into some player talk. Where are people going to end up? All right, football season is back. We just had week one. I forgot how insane Sundays are. Every year I forget.

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required refunds are automatically credit to your account so you can bet with confidence this season because bet defense has your back bet mGM use that promo code netters and make it legendary so today I'm on the plane and we start seeing reports

that Alex Nikishin has asked for a change of scenery. Now, I love this. Pierre LeBron reports this. It was actually funny, dude. I was like going through our episode being like, what should we talk about? And I had Nikkishen on my radar.

And then this happened. Right, because I didn't know, I hadn't even seen this update. And then we, a little behind the scenes, how the sausage is made, we were talking the three of us plus Nate Dog, about the thumbnail. and I was like put Kreider on it again

because it's the Habs news and then you go or Nikition and I was like oh shit he got like something happened. Yeah. And then I popped on the thing and it was like get me out. So I've got three people that I want to talk about here. I have something big to say about the third one.

Well that's interesting because I don't know who I don't know that you know who the third is because I was literally right up to say do you want me to talk about Nikkishin off the bat I'll just make sure whoever's third I have something Big. I got something to the whole shirt. Whoever it is, dude.

You got something big for all of them. It doesn't matter. He's going to go, Billy likes to drink soda. Yeah, yeah. You pick whatever one of you. This Slippi's car is green. Let's talk Nikition. Okay.

So, Nickition asked for a change of scenery. Maybe not. There's some, uh, uh, Keynes fans who are like losing their mind about this. They're being like, that's fucking bullshit, not a real report. Oh, oh, oh, I see. Losing their mind now.

this, that, water, whatever, whatever. But at the end of the day, to Kishen, who was, you know, big time Calder topic this year, 11 goals, 22 assists, 33 points from the blue line, 6 foot three fucking left shot defenseman, the dream. Great player was unbelievable in the KHL. For those who are unfamiliar, he's a 24-year-old rookie. He was either like first or second in points in the KHL for defensemen two straight years. He's an unbelievable player.

Fits in in that locker room, great. but it's been all year. They checked in during the season for an extension. He didn't want it or, you know, he didn't do it. Yeah. Then we get this summer and it's like, all right, nothing's happening. Nothing's happening. Nothing's happening.

Here we are. It's September 14th. Nickition has not extended. So we're starting to hear this now. He is in a situation where Carolina's blue line is very, very deep. That is something that's worth mentioning. Obviously, it's a very good young player. But you look at

Carolina's Blue Line, and they have Slavin, the Allfather, Chatfield, who is so important to that team. Kandre Miller, who has been unbelievable since coming over. Sean Walker, who is just one of the most low-key, top four two-way defenseman, who's just

phenomenal. Shout out Dennis, dude. Our boy, Dennis. Yep. Loves him. Loves him. Yep. Ghost is fantastic. Great offensive. of weapon for them, and then you've got Nick Kishen. Now, they also have Mike Riley, who was on the team last, he won the

cup with them last year. He's a good utility guy in another lineup. And they also just signed P.O. Joseph. And you wonder, are they getting those guys back on one year deals because they're like, we can't keep this guy. We're going to have to trade Nkishen.

You also wonder, 11 goals, 33 points, 24 years old. Look at all of the deals that are being signed right now. This is a team. Carolina's got just over $8 million in cap space. They have done an incredible job with their cap. Yeah, and they don't really pay guys. Insane.

That's kind of their thing. Yeah, like Ajo makes 9.7, and our boy, Eilers makes 8.5. After that, no one's close. Like, Key is the highest paid defenseman making $7.5. And right now, like, $7.5 is probably what Nekishin wants. And you're like, ooh, are we going to do that? Like, is that what we're doing? Because don't forget, they pay their goalie room.

Nothing. Yeah. And they've got Bussie for three years of that 1.9. Un fucking believable. But Kachetkoff's off the books at $2 million next year. They've got to think about that. God, that's actually so interesting. It's a all of a sudden kind of a tricky situation, kind of.

And you do wonder, does it maybe just behoove them to trade him? Maybe get some pieces back. Who knows? It feels to me like there is a world. Also, Joel Nystrom on this team. I forgot about that. Yeah. Feels to me.

like there is a world where he doesn't want out of Carolina as much as he's like, I'm a top guy. Yeah, which he is justified in feeling. And I'm behind a lot of dudes here. So it does beg the question, does a trade, I don't even want to say make sense, but is a trade inevitable because he is like, dude, I love you. We won the cup. But I'm, you know, he's a Russian player. he comes in he's 24 so if he signs a seven year deal that's kind of it right yeah yeah might be the only big one 31 year olds you can sign a bag for sure but like this is a big moment for him maybe he is

like i want a bag but i also want to play i want to start and it's interesting and i i had two that come camp came up for me yep i hate always fucking saying this but how many times have i said with what they've done and the moves that they've made, I think Boston needs a better defense. And I look at, you've got McAvoy, Lorai, Limtholm, Borgen, Zedorov, Yokiharu, some version of that, Cliffie in there. How good does Nickition next to Charlie McAvoy look? At 7.5. Like that is super fascinating if you're Boston.

Now, I also look at our backyard. look at the LA Kings. Yeah, good one. A very, very, very old group here. And you've got Dowdy who's still buzzing. You've got Clarkie who just signed a great deal and is the future on that right side. And you've got Mikey Anderson who's going to be your first line left shot defenseman. And then you've got an unbelievable vet in Edmondson who I don't think can go anywhere.

But it's like, okay, what else after that? I love Eddie and Clarkie together. Yeah. But like, what about Alex Nekishen and Brant Clark for the next blank years? I think, Mikey and Brant should be playing together personally. Yeah. But, like, I know there's a lot of Kings fans who have seen this today, and they're like, my God, could we use him? So I think if I'm Carolina, I believe, this is now me talking, I believe in his potential.

I was going to say still as if he's, like, taken a hit. He hasn't. Like, if you believed in him before last season, you should still, he's done nothing. Nickycheon. He's done nothing. to dispel his projection. Yeah, this isn't even a conversation. Right. So if you do, and he would take 7.5, which I actually wouldn't if I was his camp. If I was his camp, I'd be like, look at the deals getting thrown around. Give me 12. I mean, he is a no doubt about it

four year, five year deal for me. Yeah. If I'm him, if I'm his agent, I'm like, you are signing a four year deal. And what did Clarkie take five by way? Because you're still, uh, Clarkie is on 7.1, I believe. Yeah, like, two. If that's, that, that actually sounds right. That actually 7.4. Is a bad fact for Nikition because if I'm if I'm the Keynes I'm going

dude like Clarkie is younger than you right I think a year or two young maybe a year younger he's one year younger. I guess you get the left shot thing but my point is that's a fair comp if I'm a team the Kane's arguing against Nickition's agent I'm like you're getting what

Brand Clark is getting yeah but if I'm Nicketian's camp I'm going yeah but Clarkie signed that before all hell broke loose fact and now it's been reset Yeah, yeah. Like, I don't think, I don't think any of the kale shit has happened. Oh, yeah, not the kale shit. That's fair. You know, so now I'm like, oh, the bar's been reset. So I can see the argument either way. But if you could get him in the seven range, I think Carolina would be insane to not use every cent of cap that you have left and sign him for seven years right now or five, whatever, because it's such a valuable commodity as a left shot young kid. And I think he's even more tradable. Like, let's say he's, you're, you're You do have a log jam in a year or two. You're like, you know what? You go, hey, anyone want Nikition at 7.2 for four more years of term when everyone else by then is getting

fucking 13s and 15s and Bouchard signing 19? And I'm like, oh my God, yes, give me him. I mean, I don't want to take the wind out of your sales here, but I think they obviously want to do that. I think that this is Nicketian's can. Yeah, yeah, right. He's like, get me out of here. So like, yes, I'm not disagreeing with you.

Like, if you're the canes, you want this. I think that that it has been very. clear for nine months that they want him. This is not a conversation about that. This is a conversation about if Nikition has basically gone, trade me. And how much do you think he's asking for? I bet it's between seven and eight. Yeah. You know, like it's, it's one of those things where you are not as offensively productive as a Brandt Clark. So I don't know that I don't think that you deserve as much. but you also go, I had a super, in my first year in the NHL, I had over 10 goals as a defenseman, I had 33 points,

I had a very good plus minus, we won a cup. You're worth every cent that you're asking for, I would imagine. Here's a question then. If you're the Keynes, what number D is he? You, Dan Powers, your GM now? You want my honest answer? Yeah, yeah. I think he's second pairing left shot defenseman.

Okay. And that's tough because, as, we've talked about, they are, like, that's Kandre Miller. Yeah. And I'm not really ready to change that. But at the same time, it's like, you look at the team. Okay, so then maybe he's third pairing then for you. No, he's not.

Because I'm looking at it and you've got Ghost, Chatfield, both on one year left. And Chatfield's 30. Yep. He's probably going to get a big race. Yep. So, like, what does that look like? You've got, and he's a right shot, you've got Ghost, who's a left shot, who is making 3.2, 33 years old. He's going to get a raise. Yeah, yeah, correct. We'll see what happens

this season with those guys, but like, with everything we're seeing, like, these guys are getting raises. Economically, who do you want to pay more money to? Yeah. The 24 year. Yelton. So I would look at him and be like, yeah, dude, like, let's get you in the mixer here. Like, But again, Key is 26. No, he's, he's great. Slavin is the best defense in a lie. Yeah. You know, like, it's a tough situation.

And that's why I get, like, if he is a, I play left side. Yeah. And Key and Slavin are like, I play left side. I understand, as much it sucks, you just want a cup. I understand a Russian player who's coming in. He's not a rookie. He's not a 20-year-old rookie. He's 24.

He needs to get a deal. He wants to be somewhere where he can show how worth it he is. and if you look at that and you're like, dude, I want to be a first line pairing guy, which he could be, I understand. I understand being like, this is not a great spot for me.

Yeah, I guess where I was headed with my question to you is if I'm the Keynes, I go like, I decide my answer to that. And for me personally, it's he should play. And I go, hey dude,

don't ask for trade because you're going to become our top, one of our top pairing guys. Yep. Maybe you have to play right. Maybe I talk to Key or something, figure that out. And if he goes, I won't play right.

Or, so in that case, I go, dude, sign here. You are playing. I make you this promise. And then I trade Ghost or Chatfield. Like, you have to make hard decisions. You're right. But I'm going, I would happily move pretty much anyone on the Kane's back line. Not happily, but I would begrudgingly move anyone on the cane's back line to keep Nikishen.

Yeah, you know, you know what's funny is it's like, I want to find out. So, like, I know, I feel like I feel like I. I care more about the left shot, right shot thing that other people do. No, I don't know, dude. I think that's actually a big, big deal. I care about it a lot. And it is like, Slavin, Key, and Ghost are all left shot. And Nkishin is a left shot as well who is playing right side a lot.

So he doesn't care. I'm like, dude, you're good. doesn't care, you wonder, is that, like, can you pop up here to, like, can you play on the right side with Slavin? Yeah. But these are all the questions that we don't know. Yes. And if you're the Keynes and you go to finish my thought, if you're the Keynes and you don't

view him that way, then yes, you should trade him because you should not be paying your third pairing D, who's 24-year-old and was in Calder Hans, who you clearly don't think is better than these guys. Yeah. You shouldn't be paying that person anything. Certainly not 7.5 million. So then, yes, trade him right now. Yeah, it's crazy.

You're going to have a lot of teams who would love that guy. You do wonder the question, though, of like if you're the Keynes, like, what do you need back? Because what's funny is you really beat Vegas. But there was a lot of things of like, well, if something goes this way for Vegas and that final, maybe it's a little bit of a different story. And I look at that defense and I'm like, that defense really, really helped you win a Stanley Cup. And if I'm this fucking team, I'm like, I want all

these guys back. So it's like if he goes, I want to be traded, I'm looking at it as a, well, I need a guy back then. Yeah. So now you're doing a one for one, Connor Hillb. And no, I'm saying I need a defenseman. No, you don't. That's what I'm just fucking saying.

I'm saying, you ask me, if I'm the GM, I'm saying I want a defenseman. Okay. Then like, yeah, it would be great to get Connor Hellebuck, dude. But like, do you think, fuck, and he doesn't have a no move, but what will happen is they go like this, RFA Nikkian,

we're trading you to the Winnipeg Jets for Connor Hellebuck. And the Winnipeg Jets go, great. Are you going to sign here? And he goes, fuck no. Well, maybe if they go, you're playing, your top line, he goes,

sure. But if he says, fuck no. He's from Russia, Dan. Then they don't do the trade. It feels like home. I got a question. This is like a hot dog, a sandwich thing.

But like, isn't a goalie technically also a defenseman. Oh, no. Yes. I mean, they do defend. And your best penalty killer. The goal is best player on the team. The goalie is literally all that matters.

I do agree with that. The goal is so impossibly important. Yeah, I just think, dude, you've got to come to terms with like, this is the real world. And if you feel like you have a log jam at D here, you need to, one of them is gone. Yeah. And like live in that life now. What do you want to do? And if you're going to, not you, if the canes are going to bitch about it, then trade

someone else and keep them. Yeah. It's a, what's interesting for the canes is to, to finish up here is I don't think the canes even as great of a situation as they're in with all of their cap management,

I don't really think they're in a position to just like take a prospect for him. You want to repeat here. You want to at least try. I think that's a big loss. Oh yeah. And so I don't think that they're going to go like this. Yeah, here's,

you know, here you go. Give me a first round pick. Just why it's hard. It's why it's hard. Yeah. You know, stuff. Other two guys I wanted to talk about, Krill Marchenko and

Dylan Larkin. We've talked a lot about Dylan Larkin this summer, but these are two guys, one who is currently unwilling to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets and has seemingly made it very clear

that he wants out. The other guy is someone who put in a formal trade request. However, we just saw that he has been stripped of his captaincy and is reporting to camp. And he has made statements. The wings have made statements.

He's like, I am going to go. and I'm going to be a good member of camp and play with the boys. And if we start the season, we start the season. Marchenko is an RFA at the end of this season. He's at 3.8 right now. Here was a thought for you. Yeah.

Okay. Marchenko does not have no, no move protection. He can be sent wherever. What we're hearing from Don Waddle is the packages are not acceptable. Everything that... To the back to the blue jackets. Yes. Everything that he has been sending.

people on asking people are going, we'll give you picks and prospects. And the blue jackets are saying, we want a player of a similar age and a similar production. This is our top goal score. Yeah. Other than fucking Z. Yeah. And we want someone to come back and do exactly that. That is shockingly similar to Detroit. Every single trade package that we're hanging with Detroit, they are going, we do not want picks and prospects. We don't want to start over. We want another one C back. It feels to me, Like for both of these teams with where they are, that might be unrealistic. It might be an unrealistic thing of both those teams to think,

we have two guys who want out and we want a similar caliber player back. Now, how funny is this? Okay. In 76 games, Krill Marchenko last season had 27 goals and 67 points. In 74 games, Dylan Larkin had 67 points and 30. That's crazy. Dylan Larkin is a bit older but he is

Dylan is I believe 2930 Krill is 26 but Dylan is obviously signed and it's it's funny to say a team that just missed playoffs like Dylan's like I want to play for a cup

a team that just missed playoffs going to another team that just missed playoffs is like is that smart but Z is there and I genuinely started wondering do you go

if you were Detroit do you go we'll give you Larkin for Marchenko okay this is a great case study because here's my take on that and again Dylan would have to go yes I will go there's so many things and actually of course Detroit would go Marchenko are you

going to sign an extension here and yeah yeah who knows this was actually all three of us me and Ev was just the hell of buck thing just me and Ev but the when Dylan Larkins thing came up we listed Columbus because we were like you know he said his three teams but was like where else could go and we were like maybe Columbus loves Werenzky all that stuff um in this is this is so uh god

how do I describe this it's like um works on paper I guess is the best way to describe it on paper if the I'm the GMs here that if I'm if I'm air bud in Detroit yes the this makes amazing sense oh my God look my star player, my leading score asked for a trade. Everyone's going to be so mad at me if I don't bring someone good back. Look, I got someone just as good back. Amazing. We all win. We all keep our jobs. But you are both now just as bad as you were. Both teams miss playoffs again. And I go, and neither guy is happy. Right. I'm like, great. Dylan Larkin now plays for Columbus and misses playoffs. Marchenko now plays for Detroit and misses playoffs. This was a nightmare for everywhere.

the fans, the players, the cities, everything. Except the GMs just got to go, see, I did my job. So on paper it works in practice, it's horrible, in my opinion. What they should do is trade them both to somebody for picks and prospects and get rinsed in the immediate on Twitter. And they go, you loser, you suck at your job. And you go, yep, we sure do. And then you miss playoffs the next two years because you lost the elite goal score.

But then you build again. That's how this works. So to both teams, I would. would say, suck it the fuck up and trade them away for future considerations and then be good at your job and turn those picks and prospects into good players to build a good team. Sometimes I wonder if you listen to the things that I say. That's what I said at the top. Okay. I'm not, I'm just like, I agree with you. But can I at least get a, hey, I agree with what you said at the top? Well, I thought you were saying you could trade these guys together. No, I brought this up to say,

how funny is it, how both these teams are in the exact same position with two players who in two game difference had the exact same amount of points. And both teams are going, I want a player of a similar caliber. I said at the top, both of these teams need to understand that you need to just trade them for picks and prospects. Make it happen. Detroit being the number one, I'm like, I can't believe that Detroit is like making a fuss about that. Dude, the thing I wanted to say. It's, dude, I'm sorry, if you are Detroit and you are, you are the team in the league that has missed playoffs for more consecutive years than any other team in the NHL right now.

Yeah. You cannot, when your 30-year-old captain and first-line center goes, I am formally requesting a trade, go like this. Well, we're only taking someone just as good as you. That's not how this works. Yeah. I mean, we said that when he first announces in June. Yes. Or whatever.

That is not how this works. and Columbus, it is a brutal situation. Like, I can't believe. Like, Carrille kind of came out of nowhere for a lot of people in Columbus. And it's brutal that they're like trying to extend him and he's like this. I would like to leave.

But Detroit specifically, I'm like, guys, just get, just do something. Get it over with. Like, this is, they still don't have a GM. It's been all fucking summer with this. It's the middle of September now. Like, if that fucking. team lines up for game one and makes him play, I am going to be astounded. Because I'm like,

you guys are idiots. Like, this is crazy town. That's all I was going to say was my big thing at the end, but you said it already, which was the Dylan Larkin, absolute fucking class act, released a statement that said, if I am not moved, I will show up and give you everything I've got, just like I have every time I put my skates on. But the Wiggs statement of, we've removed Larkin of his captaincy, which, like, to be fair on paper i'm like yeah i probably don't want my captain to be a guy who's who's publicly being like i don't want to play here yeah but also dude in practice like this is so funny that they might legitimately parade him out for game one still on the team without a sea after he's like it's crazy he's like dude do you think well okay do you think this year goes well if you just make me

play stripped of my captains like getting a divorce and then like oh we have to live in the same house yes literally i was like uh what Dude, like, again, I agree with he probably shouldn't be your captain, but he probably shouldn't be on the team. Well, yeah, I mean, that problem would solve itself if he was somewhere else. I actually will be sick to my stomach if Dylan Larkin plays another game for the Detroit Red Wings without a C on his sweater. Yeah. Like, that is outrageous. It'll be crazy, man.

And I, dude, I also just, you know, we've, we've had this discussion a number of times where I, we support players. And I don't want to sound like a bitch with that. but we just, I, listen, I love the game. I love the players. We grew up with these guys. We grew up around hockey players. I always want to support a player. I do get from a fans perspective, from an ownership and GM perspective, like, it sucks when these guys request trades, especially when they have no moves.

Like, it's fucking brutal. Yep. And we're seeing reports right now that Helibuck is apparently the Jets are getting, quote, horrible, or excuse me, quote, terrible trade offers for him. And he is not willing to waive his no move for a Canadian team. so it's like he has a very specific list. And I want to sit here because I want to see shit happen and be like this, dude, when this happens, you have to swallow your own failure and just take what you can get. But that's also a dangerous game.

Yes. Because it's like if you, if you're like, oh yeah, the best offer I'm getting for Connor Hellebuck is a second round pick and a mid-level prospect. Like you lose your job over that. So I do get it. But it's like I'm such a proponent of, and I know you are too, we talk about this all the time of the show of trade fucking picks, get it done. Dude, if I were a team that wanted Connor Hellebuck, and I'm seeing that, I'm seeing they're getting, quote, terrible offers,

do you have any idea how much of an opportunity I see that as? I would jump at that news and go, this team is getting terrible offers. They're going to be thrilled by even a remotely good offer. So like, take that opportunity. Come in and be like, everyone's giving you shit. Pittsburgh, Malkin, send him to Siberia. I mean, Winnipeg. Yep. I'm surely, Evgeny Malkin would wave his no move to go to one. You know what I mean?

Like, if I'm, if, again, the Halebuck thing, like, if I'm Buffalo, if I'm New Jersey, and I have, like, a lot of really good young players who don't have no move clauses that are expendable. I have picks. I am calling them immediately. And again, Winnipeg is also a team that's like, to Winnipeg is a lot of great players. players, but you, listen, look what happened last year when Hellebuck didn't play that much. You missed the playoffs immediately. That's probably going to happen again when Helllbuck's not on the team. So maybe look to the future. Yeah. It's, but you are right on principle, Dan, because I've said

this before, well, I am a, I am a player's first pot. I want all the boys to get all the money they can get and everything. But I have said, and this is my, this is all the boys' least favorite take of mine. And they chert me for this all the time. But I, fucking hate no move classes. I get that it's amazing for them and they're building a family, but the NHL is the only league that does this.

It's not like this is common sports practice. Every other league is like, yeah, well, I think baseball activates one with enough service time, but there's not one in basketball, there's not one in football, and there's not one in baseball

unless you've played for fucking 15 years. So I'm like, why do NHL guys get to go, I refuse to be traded? And then GMs get rinsed and fired and shit because like they can't do their job. And I'm like, how much is the trade this?

guy. He's got a fucking no trade clause. I do think with the calamity that we've seen in the last year, two years, something's going to change. It should go away. And I know the boys fucking are like, shut up, Chris, but I'm like, dude, no, no, no, what are we doing? I think, I think something's going to change. I don't think it's going to go away, but I do think there is going to be some, I don't even really know how you do this, but something needs to be instituted where if a player makes a, I demand a trade, or I'm formally requesting a trade, they contractually need to give their team

at least an eight, I would say, 10. I cut it in half, yeah. If you have a full in the move, it's like now half. Again, we talk about that. I think if you went 16, that's bullshit. Because, like, that's teams that miss the playoffs. Yeah. You know, like, it's not technically,

but like, you know, if those are your 16. Yeah. But like, think about it. there are some ass teams that made playoffs this year. Like you, you would be pretty bummed if you formally requested the trade. You had to include those teams. And then you're like,

I wouldn't even want to be traded. Yeah. But like 10, 12, you should have to do that. I mean, I think this should be easier. I think you should not be able to name anybody. Like, I will trade you wherever I please. Just like every other sport in the world. Yeah.

No, it's, it's fair. It's brutal. You then, however, would start running into players going like this. I refuse to sign a contract. Or like, I refuse to go. Yeah. Like that shit happens. It happens in European football all the time.

Yeah, yeah. Like someone, they're like this, we have sold you here and they go, you fucking bet, pal, I'm not signing. And then it blows up. That would start happening. So you can't do that. Well, you certainly can. Every other league somehow manages. Yeah, but how many trades do you, it happens in the NBA all the time.

Trades blow up because players go like this. Try me, dude. I refuse to play. And then the team's like, okay, like it will happen. Right, but I'm saying the NBA, has makes trades all the time and they've they've navigated that is all I'm saying whereas like it's I'd much rather be a GM where every now and then a trade fell apart because a guy literally threatened to I agree Chris I'm just saying we're not fucking in Candy Land here I'm saying

it would it's more likely I think that we institute something like this on the rarity when someone requests to trade formally than to completely blow up and remove no move clauses and listen it would be used to give it up exactly Negotiation. Yeah, they'll never give us up. They love it. That's what I'm saying. I'm trying to, I'm trying to be realistic.

Yeah. I think if you request a trade, you have to then give a 10 team list. That feels more realistic than getting rid of no moves. Yeah. But all this said, I, I really think these teams need to be, you got to move on, dude. It's such a distraction. Oh, it's insane. It is such a distraction.

It's fucked because it's like, these are your boys. He's your best friends. But like, if I'm Mo Sider of like Lucas Raymond and like Larks is showing up at camp, I'm like, sorry, dude. Like this must be ass for you. And it's also, I think it's a shit situation. Like I wouldn't want to put my fan base through like booing Dylan Larkin on the ice. Like yeah, good point. Some of those guys are going to boo him on his return anyway.

But it's like now you've got your, a guy who's playing for you. Yeah. It's just crazy. And I don't like it. So, anyway, crazy shit. More crazy shit as we wind up some news here. Mark Stone. Hell yeah, Mark Stone.

You added this one. I didn't even want to talk about it. But just because I'm like this, whatever, dude. Like Mark Stone was never leaving. And Mark Stone getting a two-year deal is maybe a little surprising to me, given his injury history. But at the same time, he's not old. And he's not that old. And he was never going anywhere.

So fucking rights, Mark Stone. I more thought, it's interesting to me that you can legally sign someone who is never going to play. Like, I can't believe that it's allowed in the CBA where they go. I know what you mean. I know you mean. I'm signing Mark Sergio contract and then immediately putting that contract on LTIR. Yeah. And I, my God, Vegas and contract manipulation, it will always be a thing because they're the goats at it. and I was trying to figure out if there's a way to go like could you offer a really high contract

and then immediately LTIR it and then you freed up all this space you know where I'm like wow that was actually genius yeah where you're like oh we can't afford we don't want to pay you this much but if we just do and then take it off the books and then we get to use all that on somebody else and like still have you I haven't thought this through enough yet but I was like there's something there's something going on here. And when I saw this number come in, I was like, I can't wait to see the benefits that come from this by people smarter than me. It makes me laugh that all they're doing is saving 500 grand. Yeah. Like he currently makes 9.5. Yeah. And I'm like, oh. And he signs a two-year extension at 9. Yeah. He's 34 years old. And he, the poor guy is

hurt all the time. We're done here. So I don't get it. I don't get the move. But, you know, I'm telling you, we just need to keep, this is a, this is a, um, to keep an eye on news topic, because I'm telling you something is happening. There's no way this is just a contract that Mark Stone plays. You think so? Yeah, like, I think something's going to happen. I don't know. That's what I'm saying. It's stuff beyond my pay. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But something is going to happen pretty soon where they go, Vegas has announced that they're doing this unheard of clause with Mark Stone's contract because it hit this threshold that age 35 by subset B article D minus. And I'm like, Holy shit.

They pulled it off again. I know. So just keep tabs on this one, F. this is a real thing. God, that's fucking throws around no move clauses like nobody's business.

It's unbelievable. Can't trade anybody on that team except Dorofia. It's the only guy you didn't want to trade. Yeah. Fucking crazy. Well, anyway, congrats, Mark.

Unbelievable. 73 points of 60 games last year. Very slept on. Beast. Like 28 tucks, 45 assists in 60 games. So awesome. Jesus Christ.

So awesome. He's fucking nasty. He's incredible. Yeah. Absolute legend. Okay. last bit of news, obviously really sad stuff. Just wanted to say quickly, we can't move on in this episode without talking about it.

We lost Barry Melrose. Absolutely devastating. Legendary NHL analyst hockey personality was a player, 300 games in the league, coached the Kings, coached the bolts, and became a true icon in the hockey world on ESPN. He was one of the most beloved guys at ESPN, became famous for the slick back mullet, the goatee, always so sharp, sharply dressed, quick-witted, funny.

He was so cool and awesome, made appearances in things like Mystery Alaska. Love to see it. But Melrose is one of the great legends of all time in 2023, diagnosed with Parkinson, stepped away from ESPN to focus on his health. And at 70 years old, he sadly, devastatingly passes away.

So we're obviously thinking of his family, his wife, Cindy, everyone who knew Melrose. And I highly urge people to check out the things that Bucci has said, Steve Levy, like guys that were just, you know, thickest thieves with him, knew him incredibly well, saw him as a mentor, a brother, all that. But I mean, it is rare that you find a person who is spoken of that highly by everyone. Yeah.

It's truly remarkable the imprint that he left on not just the hockey world, but the world in general, the sports world in such a positive way. The one, I get two things to add. One, I was watching a sports center when I was a kid before school or something. And Merrill Rose was on there. I don't know if he was like doing an anchor bid

or whatever, if he was just jumping in because it was hockey. But someone, a D man, picked one up in his own zone from behind his net, went end to end and had a sick tuck. And Barry Melrose during the, reading of the highlight said coast to coast peanut butter and toast. Yeah, and I remember being like,

that was so sick. Like literally that's the phrase imprinted on me so hard. I was like, that is all time. I've said it ever since. Now every time I say it, every time I see kale McCar, Quinn Hughes go coast to coast,

peanut butter and toast, I will pour one out for berry, unbelievable lime. And I guess I got three things to say. Second thing, Steve Lee, I won't name names because these are kind of personal stories, but Steve Levy and some people we know,

really kind of came up with Barry. And I actually, I think because of them talking to me over the years, I was well aware of his health, but I actually didn't quite realize how not aware everyone else was. Because they, again, I don't want to name names, but when I was with these people over the cup, they had said they had just gone to see him and, you know, he could barely talk and everything.

And they were like, man, it was really hard. It was really hard trip, but I'm glad we saw him. So I was like, oh, yeah, this is going to be soon. And seeing how shocked everyone was in the internet when it happened reminded me that how quietly he did he did keep this, which I know makes it even sadder when you're not braced for it at all. So I feel lucky to have been in touch with people that had kind of kept me appraised over the years. And then the third thing is just you kind of said this too, Dan, but it's really hard in a content saturated world. to be so iconic, right? Like, he's just, it is actually a really cool thing

to think back on Barry Melrose and everybody's, like, even non-hockey fans, like, oh, that's the guy with like the slick back mullet, right? And I'm like, yes. You know, so credit to him, man, because, and that's even a different era, too. Like, he was even doing it before this became such a big thing. Yeah.

So it's really, you know, you always say that all the nice things about people after they're gone, but I hope he knew what an impact he's made on pretty much every hockey fan on earth, even non-hockey fans, know who he is. People throw this term around a lot, but true legend of the sport. Very, very impressive. Absolutely. He'll be missed. Yeah, like we said, just all the, all the love and all the thoughts to Barry's family and everyone in his life, because it is a, it's a sadder place today without him. Yep. Absolutely. Okay, we're going to move on, take a quick ad break, and get on back into the episode.

This episode of the MT Netters podcast is brought to you by Better Help. If you could wake up tomorrow and be better at one thing, what would it be? C.P. Be better at Super Smash Brothers. Whoa. I love that. Doctor. Falling asleep and staying asleep.

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That's betterhelp.com slash netters. Grinnell's wedding was incredible. Dude, I welcome drinks. I have a lot to say about the state of welcome drinks, not for this airwaves because it would take too long. but that one, at least for me personally, was extra fun because it's, I think, hit me in the way Welcome Mix are supposed to, where you're like, oh, I haven't seen this crew

in a minute. Yeah. And I'm, so I went really hard with everybody because I was like, oh, this is sick. So that happened. I was already like, okay, this is going to be great. But then Saturday, we show up to the wedding. And I said this to the boys in the annex before you got here. When the wedding party came down the aisle,

And like the first groomsmen and bridesma came down and all the guests started hooting and hollering. They were like, let's go! I was like, are we cheering each couple? And then we did. And that's when I knew, I was like, this is about to be rowdy as fuck, which it was.

But that really good, dude, shout out Dolan could be the move. Chearing the wedding party. You know what was so amazing? Cut the vibes high. It's Mikey and Alana are two of the best people I've ever met. And their people are exactly that too. We felt this way at the bachelor party. Every time we've hung out with them.

And their families are just so amazing. And that hooting and hollering, like you said, what words did you just use? It's about to be rowdy. Yeah. I didn't feel it was rowdy. I felt it was just like fun. Yeah.

It wasn't like out of control hooting and hollering. It was just everyone was so happy. Yeah. It was the most, yes, everyone was hootting and hollering during the speeches and stuff like that. But it was nothing but just positive energy. It wasn't rambunctious or out of control. It was just awesome. It was just like everyone was smiling in all of those moments.

And it was like that venue in shout out Newport, Rhode Island. Gorgeous. Meet me in Newport. So, so unreal. But it's just another testament. Again, both the families out of this world. It's another testament to Mikey and those guys. Like the way that we've all become family and us be, you know, being there, being included,

Las being there. It's just all the best people that we've met being looped into this group is so cool. And was just one of the most fun times I've ever had. Yeah, it was start to finish. You know, like speeches, we're getting

interrupted for chance because people were so excited about it. Oh, really? I was like this is all time. And here was a little behind the scene story. I was getting ready. Shout out our cousins. We were staying at our cousin's house in Tiverton, Rhode Island. And as everyone's getting dressed, I'm going to drag Lazz because he doesn't care. But we're getting ready. And Lazz is like, yo, dude, I don't know how to iron anything. Can you iron

my clothes? I was like, sure, buddy. So I got the iron out. I'm ironed some of Lazz is clean. I'm going to be honest. A lot of people listening right now who are a bit surprised that you know how to iron clothes. Dude, but here's the thing. That is a believable thing about me. People are always like, I'll be like, I'll be like, I better pick up my dry cleaning. And they're like, you dry clean your clothes and I'm like, I am so up here compared to what you all, all of you think this and I'm actually operating on this level and you couldn't even comprehend the things I'm getting on. I agree with that. But I am saying that is a fact. Agree. Everybody thinks this, but I'm actually up here. But what makes me laugh about that one,

because that does come up a lot is ironing is quite literally the easiest thing I've ever done. You put the close down and you go like this and then it becomes, and then it's flat on this side. Be careful. You go like this. And then look. now it's flat. Be careful. What happened when you ironed your shirt? This is the story I've told. Okay. Okay. So I'm like, boom, everything's flat. It's so easy. Right. So I'm ironed everybody's clothes. I iron all my clothes for Friday night. You know, perfect, perfect. And then I go to Saturday and I iron my suit a little bit. And then I have this shirt I wanted to wear that is State and Liberty. Shout out State and Liberty. And I really like this shirt. And it's wrinkle free. Like it says that.

It's like a wrinkle free shirt. And it largely is. is like almost every time I pack it it's like yeah it falls fine but it just it had been it had been through a lot of travel from like the flight to the car to Newport so it was just like a little like I wouldn't even say wrinkle because it does its job but it was just like it could have been flatter so I was like oh I'm just going to like rip it once across wrinkle free yeah exactly you know you you put things in a suit bag and then that stuffed in a suitcase it's like something's going to so I just I put the shirt down and I put the iron on like this and go to slide it and as the second it touches it's like it's like melting into the iron and i was like whoa

and pull it off and i i don't know if that shirt is literally unironable it might not iron maybe maybe some of the the athletic fits with the stretchy material you got to be real careful maybe it's steam only i just didn't know that but i the second it touches i can feel it like melting so i'm like oh fuck and i pull it up and it's not there's not a hole in it but like it's torched what part of the shirt was right here okay like pretty low and it's not huge. Would you say like that big? Yeah.

It's like that patch like that big. And it's not like black burn, but it's like, it almost looks like burnt plastic if you look close. But it's like a white shirt. So it's kind of hard to notice if you're not looking. If you're looking, you can clearly notice. So I pull it up quick and I'm like, oh man. And I'm pissed because I love the shirt. I'm actually not even not about the fit.

I'm mad about like, I have to buy the shirt again. Yeah. So then I go, well, you know what, dude? The jacket's going to cover it for most of the night. And then by the time my jacket comes off, it's going to be the crazy part of the night. Everybody's going to be drunk anyway. Exactly.

So who gives a fuck? So that's exactly what happened. No one even noticed it until my jacket came off. And then even then, I was kind of drunk enough that I was telling people. I was like, oh, look, I can burn my shirt. So it's like all funny. So, dude, we're pretty late in the night. It's like 10 o'clock and we're all having a blast.

DJ was really good. Oh, awesome. He was awesome. So at one point. He played an anime remix that was out of this work. Yeah. So I walk at Mikey's dancing. in the middle of dance room.

He had an awesome, like, second fit. I don't know what you call those, but he's changed into his dance floor tucks. And in his, he's got his shirt open, he's going crazy. And I come out on the dance floor and I, you know, I just walk up right next to him because you don't get a lot of time with the grooms.

I'm like, oh, yeah, Mikey. And he kind of turns and sees me. And he, the second we face each other, he literally grabs me right here and goes, and just explodes my shirt, and destroys the shirt. Okay. And, dude, I started dying laughing

because I was like, I like this shirt. so much that if I hadn't previously torched it, I would have been so mad at you in this moment. But instead, I was already throwing it away, and I was like, yeah. And then he like dumps a beer on my head, and I spend the rest of the night fucking shirtless.

It was, it was you and about 20 other people. Yeah, yeah. So then, do you want to tell this part with you? Sure, it was, I've, never seen anything like it. G is a big, take your shirt off at a wedding guy. But he then proceeded to rip the buttons off of like 20 guy shirts.

My God. And what made me, laugh is at our age, you go to a wedding and you then immediately take those clothes to the dry and I would imagine that sewing buttons on a shirt is not that expensive. Yeah. So like he did it to mine, a shirt that I love, it's probably my go-to white shirt. Yeah. And I'm looking at it and it's just the buttons. Like I imagine I'm going to bring them to my, to my tailor and she'll be like, yeah, this is like $10. I said to Dan, I go, don't go near Mikey. Yeah, and I try. Like that shirt. I tried to avoid him. And then like I turned at one point and he was standing in front of me and it was like Grinch smile on his face,

and I was like, oh, God. But I suppose you could, like, rip the shirt too. Oh, dude, a bunch of the boys was ripped. Just ripped open. Like, destroyed. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, there you go. I guess when it's your wedding day,

that's the one day you can get away with it, because I can't get pissed at you for it. But the shirt ripping became contagious, and I don't really know exactly what happened, but at one point I'm standing with Gooch, best man, and he tried to rip off his, it was either his or someone else's bow tie.

tried to rip it in half. And looking back, I'm like, who could rip a bow tie in half? Who could rip a bow tie in? It was tied as well. And he with all of his might is holding both sides of this bow tie and he just yanks.

And of course, one of his hands slips off the bow tie. And he proceeds to elbow me in the mouth as hard as humanly possible. Like dance right here, dude. Like hit me square in the button right under my nose. And it hit me and I just like saw stars. And then looked at him and he was like, oh my God.

And I was like, am I, are my teeth? I can't believe you didn't lose a tooth. I cannot believe you didn't knock my two front teeth out. But it was, man, I got popped. Incredible. And it was great. That would have been so awesome. Didn't go to the blue tent.

Just kept on ripping. Yep. God. All time are Mikey and Alana. Congrats. Holy hell. What a weekend. Yeah.

Immediately on the list of one of the best weddings I've ever been to. Best food. Best food I've ever had a wedding. Without fucking. That's what I've ever had the wedding. Not even start to finish. What was the, what was the dude, what did you get?

The apps. Well, the dinner was straight up surf and turf. There you go. I think it would be some seafood and filet and then lobster tail. And then lobster tail. Okay.

And dude the apps. Not a grilled lobster tail. That was a steamed. It was a lobster tail shell with it lobster tail and claw in it. Yeah. Like that was a steamed lobster. It was fucking incredible.

But the apps were, we can't even get into how many there were. The apps were fucking ridiculous. Each one better than the last. Yes. Amazing. Great. So yeah, what a time.

Love me some Newport Island. Guys, weddings are fun. Weddings are really fun. What a time. Dude, at one point, Colby Armstrong, looks, taps Sandra on the shoulder and, like, points at me, like, covered in sweat on the dancer. And he goes, CP, a big wedding guy.

And Sandra starts to die. She was like, oh, you have no idea about it. Yeah, I would say so. Kind of a wedding guy. Big wedding guy. Okay, so then I wanted to ask you boys this, because when we woke up, Sunday. We're trying to get back. It was torrentially downpouring. That was actually one of the hardest rains I've seen in a long time. Trencially downpouring, we're trying to get back. And then

my phone starts... I just want to add that that was the craziest rain I've ever seen. That was gnarly. It was like, it was unsafe to drive. Yeah. I was genuinely a couple times considering pulling over. Yeah. But there was no end in sight and I had a five-hour drive. And some of those roads, when you're in a small New England town, some of those roads are underwater. Like, you know, you start driving in the waves, like the waves you're creating around the car. I'm like, yo like this is over the hood dude like crazy this is not it it was crazy so i'm coming back and then my phone starts fucking blowing up as i'm trying to get home and not die and i'm like what is happening and then i was like oh football just started like it's one o'clock right and it's week

one and i was like man football crazy and i you know i watched him football but like football is just so crazy it's his own beast and i wanted to ask you guys because i did think to myself football, I got to give them credit. It starts at a great time. Like the season is just changing and I'm like, oh, are you ready for some football? And I'm like, sure. Yeah.

You know, and it is a good length. I know they're getting a little gnarly. I think it's 17 games now, but, you know, 16 games right up till Christmas, basically, or January. I'm like, they're doing it right. Like, that is football. And hockey, baseball don't even get me fucking started, but hockey, we've all been bitching about like,

God, it starts at September this year, is 84. games, what would you guys, if you, if I made you, if Gary Bettman, greatest commissioner of all time went, you, I've dubbed the Dr.

Watkins, the Dan Powers, new commissioner, do whatever you want to the schedule. And I promise none of the owners will bitch about money, ignore the money that they would lose. When would the NHL season start?

And how many games? To be fair, because I think in football, 16 games is fair. I'm like, I know who should make playoffs. Yeah. January 1st,

It would be 41 games and we would get the fuck out of here. Okay. I'm dead ass. Yeah, yeah. I'm actually really close to this. What do you think, Ev? I think it should start on Thanksgiving. Okay.

And should be over by May. Playoffs over by May or regular season over by May? I completely agree with that. The Stanley Cup should be lifted. at the end of May. Is that what you meant? Yes. Yeah.

And to that end, I guess maybe my season is 60 games. But I don't know if you can fit 60 in if you're, oh no, you're Thanksgiving. Yeah. So I would start, because here's the thing, I really like, I think this is true for a lot of people. I really like going home. Well, I used to do this more often when I used to go home more often, but like for Christmas. Yeah. I would go to like a Penguins game around Christmas.

And I think there's a lot of communities that experience. that when like you go to visit family for the holidays and you'll go to a game because you're from out of town. So I like having something around Christmas. And also it's a winter fucking sport. Yes. So that's my pitch. I do actually think, obviously I'm being ridiculous.

No, no. I don't think so at all. January 1st would be not enough hockey. Yeah. But I do think it is a good idea. I do think a mid-November and 60 games ends in May could be great. So, dude, what is 24, 816, 24 times 2 would be 48, 7 times 4 would be 28. So that's 68, 74, 76.

I, okay, Matt, it's actually more than I wanted. I was going to pitch, A, take the seven other teams in your division. Yeah. And play them two home, two away each. Yeah. So you play four times. And then take the eight teams in the other three divisions and you just do a home and home with all of them.

Yeah. You play everyone twice, and you play your division four times. And I would actually love that. 76 games, and I'm like, it's like Premier League, but like with a skew towards your division. Sure. But 76 admittedly is a lot. I love January. I'm actually so with you on that.

I think football is so dominant in the fall that I'm like, just let football happen. I know. Yeah. And it makes sense if we, like, just each of them got their own time, you know? Yeah. Football is also perfect. I know. That's what I'm saying. I'm trying to come back.

Football. Like, they just rip all fall and, like, into Christmas, which is so fun. And then it's over in February. You're like, no one even pays attention to hockey till the new year anyway. I know. It's like. I mean, I do. Yeah, right.

But I'm free. Obviously, winter classic is the first game of the year would be gas. That would be cool. If you were, like, opening day of every season is winter classic. And I'm like, here we go, dude. And you also, at that, around that time, you get a lot of the football fans who have checked out because their team sucks. Yeah, you're terrible. Yeah.

I mean, starting. I am so curious. What are these first games? 29th and 30th? Yeah. Yeah, yeah. I am so curious if anyone is going to be fucking watching those games. Like, what are those ratings going to look like?

We're in September. Oof. It's like people are going to be like this. Are you crazy? Yeah, because I'm so used to like early mid-October is winning the team starts. And also like in September, your football team's winning the Super Bowl still. So I just can't imagine. Yeah, right.

Anyone gives a shit. Yeah, God. So, but there is something nice about Thanksgiving. but my pitch was going to be January, but I do think, so this, how many games, do you said 41? Do you think 41 is a fair sample size for who should be a playoff team? Like, we've obviously seen teams go on surges after the halfway point. In my mind, like, I am not deflecting this question. I don't want to talk about this too long because it's impossible to answer.

I think yes, because it's still a lot of games. and also you recalibrate to the schedule. Right, right, yeah, yeah. You know, you push yourself harder in those 41 games because you're like there's only 41 games. So, yes, I do think so. And there might also be less wear and tear and injury. So maybe you get a fairer assessment of who's, you know, playing well and who isn't.

Okay. I could go, hmm, January 40 games, Thanksgiving, 60 games. Two great pitches from you guys. I'm actually really, I'm actually really torn. I think I think the lesson here is, Nobody said it should be longer. Yeah, yeah, right. 120 games.

Like, I mean, like, what are we doing? Yep. I like a January. Okay, we'll put our heads together, but I'm interested in the comments, what people's dream. Give me a dream start date and a dream amount of games in the comments.

I want to see what the perfect NHL schedule is. Can we get that couple that does all the MLB games? You know what I'm talking? Yeah, yeah, yeah. They schedule that. I think we're going to get a lot of people who would ask for either,

they're either going to say it's perfect. We're going to say longer. We forget, like, die-hard hockey fans are like, a lot more. on hockey. As we've said a million times, we have a fucking hockey show. Yeah.

I love hockey. But the amount of people who are going, Jesus Christ, is it hockey season yet below my mind. Yeah. I'm like, wow. I think part of that too is I love other sports as well.

Right. So like I am basking in Premier League and NFL. Like I am, being able to drive home from a wedding yesterday, kind of hung over and be like there's NFL games on. It was a fucking incredible. I was like, oh yeah. God bless you.

There are lots of people out there who are like this, feed me in H.L. And I'm like, what? Shit, dude. So we're going to see some sickos. It's unbelievable. Yeah, yeah, it's almost time. All right, let's wrap things up with a beer league hotline, Evan.

Hit us with what you got. All right, here we go. Our captain has run our team for over four years. He also plays on a team in a division above us that he joined two years ago. This past year, the league was forced to combine the divisions. He has continued to captain and play on our team and play. and play for the other team. Anytime the two teams play each other, he plays for us.

For the first time, our two teams met in the final, oh boy. He played for us and we lost. After the game, we noticed our captain didn't come back to the locker room. The next day, there are picks posted from the winning team that show our captain, removed our jersey, put on theirs, and took picks with the cup. When questioned on it, he said he contributed to getting them there, and he played with full heart for us during the cup. the game, the final game. Some guys aren't buying it. Is this Beer League treason?

What an incredibly well-crafted question. Incredible question. I couldn't believe it when it came across my desk. There's no, it feels as though there's no emotion and no bias in here. This person gave us the facts and asked a question. I would like to say right off the rip, I believe wholeheartedly that this guy played with all of his heart for this team. Do you? Because there's a lot of boys on that team that don't think that. Absolutely, I do. I believe he played full out for this team and gave it his all. Okay. I think it is super lame that he went in and drank beers with those boys.

Like, you can have one in the parking lot. Mm-hmm. One. But going into the locker room and popping the proverbial. champagne. He's drinking out of the cup, dude. When you just got rinsed. Yeah. It is brutal. You, you cannot drink out of that cup, dude. You, he plays with, keep in mind, though, he plays with them all year. It's not like he occasionally plays with them. He plays in every single one of their games all year. Is this guy, is this guy double shifting? Yes, it's actually crazy. He's

playing like two games a night. Yeah, for sure. I can't believe the league allows this. Same. Crazy that they do. I actually love that they do. I don't really have a problem with it. Like, if someone did that in my league, I wouldn't care. Yeah. If someone did it for my team. I would probably be like, that's lame? Yeah. Do you like that more than us? Well, I mean... No, he doesn't. He likes... Yeah.

And the fact, dude, I actually... He's also done everything correct. Yes, he stays loyal to the team. He runs, even though that other team... And has been on for longer. Yeah, and that other team's obviously better because they were in a division up. So, like, respect him so much for this loyalty when he could play on the higher-seated team. I genuinely don't think this guy's doing anything wrong. Me neither. Will you think him going to celebrate his wrong?

Other than that. That's tacky as hell. Yes. But as far as the logistics of the league, I'm kind of, like, again, if I were in this league and I saw a guy playing for multiple teams, I don't think I would give a shit. Me neither.

I'd be like, whatever, dude. Unless. No, of course not. Actually, no. I was going to say, unless he's a weapon. Yeah. And he's like, he's tapping me on two teams. Yeah.

But then I'm just being a bitch because I'm like, you're good and I'm mad about you. Like, whatever. So I don't think I have a problem with anything this guy's doing except for celebrating after losing. Dude. You picked your team and you made the right. choice, but you lost, you cannot go into that locker room. You certainly can't drink from the

cup. And you certainly shouldn't put the fucking jersey on and take pictures. That is the worst part. Okay. That's horrible. Thank you. So you're in your sweaty gear and you, like your socks. Yeah. Yeah. And you just swap tarps. That's lame. I would say that I'm going to give him, I'm going to go a little bit nicer. I think there's three things that are worth debating here. The jersey, I'm on your guy's side. Don't put the other jersey on. That's crazy. Just, I would have just gone in there with my with my top off, you know, I got to be in my like Under Armour shirt, my War Road shirt and just like pants and everything. I actually have no problem with him going in there. It is tacky as fuck. It is. But presumably for two years, you've played with these guys every week. Like,

they are actually your really good friends too. So I actually don't mind him going in there and being like, hell of a season, boys, I'm glad you guys won. That would have been fun. Yeah. But you can't sit in there, swap jerseys, take picks. The jersey swap I don't love. Drink from the cup. I made that up. I don't know if he drank out of the cup. Oh, yeah, fair, fair, fair. I think he was just in there having pops, and I'm like, you can do it. Dude, I think it's parking lot.

You're allowed a couple parking lot pops, but you can't go in that locker. What if they aren't parking lotting, though? What if they're only locker room? Then you guys go to the bar next week. You cannot set foot in that locker. I'm allowing it. I would be in the middle of you guys where I'd say,

you can go into the other locker room and you can have sort of a somber, good job, guys. I'm proudy. I've tried to beat you, but whatever. And then if you, somebody hands you a beer, you can sip the beer. But, like, I don't think you can sit there

I'm going like, who we did it because like you were, five minutes ago, you were playing against them. Correct. It's all about the attitude. Correct. I'm also going to say this. I think you're thinking of it

from a perspective of you are a member of the winning team. And if he walked in the door, you'd be like, oh, yeah, get in here. That's not the question here. Those guys are on Cloud 9. You just want a beer league ship. That's our boy.

Of course, they are going to be fine with it. If you're on that winning team and you have a problem with this, you're a loser too. If you are on the team of the losing team, which is this guy who sent in the question. If you're telling me that you were fine with that,

I'd kick you off my team. But dude, he played for us. I would go, I don't care. I would go, you, Chris, a member of our team being cool with that move. And I'm not saying you got to chastise the guy, but you have to at least call it lame. If you are like this, no, I'm cool with that.

Then I'd go like this. You're off the team. I get kicked off the team, but he doesn't. He's just lame? Yes. Because he is wearing his shame publicly in the pictures. You are just a weak-minded bitch.

That is what I would think about you. What if I just said, that's lame? That's, then I'm fine. Okay. Okay. Again, if I'm on, if I'm on the- What if I said, I'm fine, it's kind of a little lame, but I'm fine with it. You kick me off the team?

No, because you said lame, but I would be, I forever look at you as a bitch now. And like, when we're in a championship game and we, it's a tie game or we're down one and I need people on the ice, I am not putting you on the ice. Because I'm like this, you're a fucking coward. Yep. You are a coward. and this is just like, again, parking lot pops I'm fine with. And I also agree with Evan, if he walked over to the locker room in our jersey, in a losing team jersey, and just opened the door and was like, hey,

congrats boys. Great game, boys. Great season. And they're like this, oh, you're our guy. You're on our team. Get in here, have a beer. You got to say no. And you go, hey, I'll have one in the parking lot with you guys or we'll hit the pub,

whatever. Or if they demand it, you must drink that beer. standing in the doorway. You have to stand, you cannot sit, you stand in the doorway preferably with a hand on the door keeping it slightly ajar.

Yeah, chug, chug, chug. I'm allowing it, dude. I think he should go in. The third thing, Ev, and you both have said your opinion on this, but I need a follow up from this guy. When this guy sees this,

obviously you're going to know who you are. When this guy sees this, I need to hear that you did try as hard as you fucking could because in the message he's like a lot of guys don't believe he was trying.

I don't, I don't even, oh man, does it say that? I might have cut it out because it was a long message. There's one line that was like, there was a lot of suspicion about his effort levels. If he wasn't trying, then this is complete horseshit. I'm going to be honest, it makes zero sense to not try. Because you, yeah, you're like you want, you're going to throw the game so then you can go have beers with them. You made the ship with this team. It'd be sick to actually upset those guys.

You guys are still good. Yeah. You made the ship with this team. You've chosen to play for them. It makes no sense to. Yeah. And also, who's throwing a beer league? Unless he's burying pucks in his own net,

I don't believe that this guy is capable of throwing a beer league game on his own. Yeah. I don't think it makes sense. I trust the guy. I think what he did is... He's been a stand-up guy on every other level. Dog, you corny! Yeah.

You corny! That's a corny move. I'm going to allow it. I'm officially allowing it. You're so soft. All right, that's it for this episode. Amazing stuff. Again, like we said, later in the week,

we're ripping into the division breakdowns. We've also got an amazing interview coming up. with a bunch of different guys, but we got a backyard guest, one of our great, great friends, a nice little Kings player joining the show. It's going to be very fun for you, Kings fans, and for all hockey fans.

We've got great merch out on the store. Check it out. Subscribe to the YouTube. Please make sure you're checking out the unbelievable sci-fi section episodes. We've got episode one of Golden Sun this week. Phenomenal stuff.

Five-star reviews, Spotify, Apple, where you get your podcast. We love you guys. We appreciate you guys. Can't wait to see you later in the week for these fun episodes coming up. Don't miss them. Until we see you then.

Skate hard.