Empty Netters Podcast - Elbo Room Might Not Survive Both Tkachuk Brothers Playing For The Panthers

Episode Date: June 23, 2026

Brady to Florida means it’s official. All of team USA is coming home. And watching the bash brothers chase another cup with a healthy Panthers team is going to be insane. The Leafs get a new coach and spend big on Raddysh. The Knights hire from within. We’ve got World Cup action coming out of our ears. And Beer League Hotline is back! Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 5:35 - Brady Tkachuk traded to Florida Panthers 50:49 - NHL Offseason Trades 1:14:34 - NHL News Roundup 1:20:26 - Fanatics Fest 1:22:45 - World Cup Thoughts 1:35:05 - 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. Head to ⁠https://factormeals.com/netters50off⁠ and use code netters50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at ⁠https://betterhelp.com/netters⁠ Find LUCY near you at ⁠https://lucy.co/stores,⁠ or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/NETTERS with promo code 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 guineasasas and ran into you guys. That's where this pod came to life. Ice is ready, babes, and we are back with another episode of the MTVnetter's podcast, brought to you by BetMGM. Folks, I used to pray for days like these. The trades are happening, and Brady Kachuk has been sent to the Florida Panthers. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. I would have liked to have said, hey, it's our first episode back from the Cubs. All this crazy stuff is going on. Oh, what a lot. No. The cup is over. The parade happened. Carolina won.

We're into the offseason. We're talking World Cup. We're talking Brady Kachuk. We're talking Connor Hullabuck. We're talking Dylan Larkin. We're talking Austin Matthews. We're talking RFA offer sheets. We're talking random shit, golf shit, whatever we want.

But we're here and we're horny. I got Dr. Watkins over here. Hi. Have you recovered from the cup trip? Yeah, just about. Yeah. My sleep is still a little messed. Yeah.

I'm sure it's way worse for you guys. Dude, you know what's funny is I've been fine. Like I got home and I've been fine. And then yesterday is the first time. And like I didn't do anything this weekend. Yeah. But it was the first time I felt myself like getting like kind of sick. And I was like, I think I'm now, like the adrenaline has worn off and the PTSD is setting in.

And your body's being like, help me. Yes. Whatever you did. I mean, you were pretty good though. You didn't drink very much. Yeah, you waited. Me and Chris. Someone who wasn't very good over here, CP.

As always. Was that a fake, sick voice? Yeah, but I thought I was sick yesterday. Actually, I thought I was sick Saturday. Basically, dude, I, on Friday, we watched the World Cup. USA, USA. Yeah, what are they 2 in O right now? Yeah, we're the greatest team in the world.

Great. It's incredible. Good for them. I watched the game at noon and then just, went off until 2.30 or something. Put in a 14 and a half hour shift and then got home

and then had to watch two and a half hours of Love Island before we recorded at 9. So I watched Love Island from 3 to 545. Here's an idea, dude. Why don't you watch it every night? I only missed Thursday because I had really late hockey. I was gone all day.

I forget where it was. Okay. I missed Thursday. and then Friday, we were, I didn't got home at 2.30 in the morning. Like, that's when I got back. Okay. So I just had the two hours. So then I watched till 545, set my alarm for two and a half hours, got up, and then recorded with you guys.

And that set me back. That's crazy. That set me back slightly. Dude, you never have to do the things that you're doing. I know. Like that, you're such an idiot. None of the things that you did all. week were things that you had to do or helped your life.

Well, I had a great time. Yeah. Just saying. Party hard? Here's the thing. I had a great time. Yeah. So then I was like, oh, no, I'm sick.

And then today I actually, and I took some zinc. And today I feel much better, actually. Doesn't that zinc make your fucking stomach turn, though? If you don't have food in you. It's the worst. You better eat. You stay away from me today. Oh, I'm trying.

I didn't want to come in. If you get me sick, I'm going to fucking kill you. Yeah. That's an overreaction. No, dude. I've spent years of my life with this petri dish piece of shit getting me sick. And it's just like, I'm like, dude, the only thing we have in this life is time and our health. And he ruins both for me.

He's your brother. Yeah. I know. I'd say he's a net positive. Which makes it even worse. You should be looking out for me. I'm your little brother, too. That's going to be my slogan of net positive.

Positive. Mostly net positive. A lot of bad shit happens to, but I'm net positive. Mostly. I'm mostly net laws. That's so fucking funny. We got to just jump right into all of the stuff here. It's like, it's so funny.

I get so excited for the summer episodes. And a part of me is because I, I couldn't hate hockey more after the Stanley Cup is one. And I know so many hockey. We start going off about the World Cup and there are tons of hockey fans in our mentions who are like, so brutal going from the Stanley Cup to this. give me hockey back and I'm like you guys are junkies. And I respect you. I love you. All I need, like the, we had the World Cup in the U.S. Open this past weekend, dude. I was a pig and shit.

It was unbelievable. I just had my dual screen going on. Yeah. It was awesome. And it was just like, I was like, this is my fucking happy place. This is my Happy Gilmore Happy Place. Yep. And the NHL, though, dude.

Best League in the world. Doesn't sleep. Don't sleep. And here we are. A ton happened. So, yell at me, yell at me the big news so we can talk about it. We've got Brady Kachuk to the Florida Panthers. Like I said at the top, I used to pray for days like these, man.

I used to pray. And I can't begin to say how much we have to talk about on this topic. Dan, number one. Can I say my first three points about this? Absolutely. Absolutely. L-O-L. Is that one, two, and three?

Okay. L-1-2. That has got to be the funniest fucking tweet I have ever seen in my entire life. You know, it's amazing. The Florida Panthers flip Mackie Samaskiewicz to the Cracken for the 25th overall pick. Love Sammo. He's a great player. That's a good pickup for it.

He's a great player. They love him. But then your boy, old Danny Buckets tweets out, got to imagine that the 9 and 25 are going to be packaged together for something real juicy. And then what happened about 30 minutes later? Yep. 925, 2029 first and a 2032nd get sent to,

I was on fire on the bird app yesterday. Yeah. Because I tweet that and someone replies and goes, 9.25 and Anton Lundell to Ottawa for Brady Kachukh, who says no? And I go, Florida. Lundel is not moving. And then 925 and those picks, 29, first, 20, 32nd, get flipped to Ottawa for Brady Kachuk. And someone tried to reply to that and went, and then what happened? And I went, where's Lundel? Still in Florida. Don't fucking question me, bitch. Shut your fucking whore mouth and sit back and watch the fucking pony shit.

Sit back and watch the pony show. Do not fucking doubt me. And wouldn't you know it, Brady Kachuk is a Florida Panther, Anton Lundell ain't going fucking nowhere. The Kachuk Bros have been reunited in Fort Lauderdale, L-O-L. I didn't even get to ask you this yet, and maybe I'm giving away industry secrets, but sometimes if we have a,

And dude, we are not an insider account, nor do I intend to become an insider account. But every now and then, we get scoops. Yeah. I'll give you a scoop here and there. But at the end of the day, we hate journals, twat journals. Yeah. Journalists are cool. Yep.

And I don't want to fucking, I don't want to be in that game. And if we get a scoop and it's not 1,000 billion percent confirmed, but it's 99% confirmed, we will use language like, this might be really interesting if blank happened. because and that's us being like I know this is about to happen so strap in had you heard anything did someone say anything to you and then you were using that language or were you because that that

that tweet read very much to me like someone has texted something and now he's saying this absolutely not it was amazing that is so sad I was but it was I mean I've been saying on hockey talk for first of all let me backtrack absolutely not got

there was a nice lucky moment yeah but it was lucky in that I've been saying all fucking spring the second Florida got that nine pick I was like that is obviously getting traded oh yeah and and I said a number of times like every every mock that I made up for like hellabuck or anything else I was like it's going to be samiskevich it's going to be the nine and at the end of the day they traded samiskevich nine and 2029 first because samma went the 25 came back there you go how's your mother and it's a great fucking move And I, God, I have so much to say about this.

So try to keep me on the rails here. Okay. Number one, I want to talk about the picks. Like someone, some Florida fan replied and was like, God, it's like a hefty price for Brady, blah, blah, blah. Dude, some account on Instagram, I've been seeing like when I pop into my reels, some account, I wish I had the name. And I'm going to backtrack because I want to give a shout out because it's been funny content, has been posting daily like every NHL teams. It's like the last 10 first round picks for the Edmonton Oilers. And then it'll be like a picture of Leon Drysadle.

And then it's like it cut. It's like a split screen. It'll be the pick and say who it is and what year they're picked. And then the bottom is like an internet meme video. So it's like it's like LeBron like coming on. It's like, he's done miracles on me. Because it's like that was a good pick. And then it's the one where that guy's like, I mean, it's all right.

Like overrated as fuck in my opinion. And I'm like, this is a funny. video, watching said video, dude, even with first round picks in a 10-year sample at best, dude, NHL teams are hitting at like 35%. Yeah. So are the empty netters mantra. Draft picks are fucking worthless. Worthless trash, unless you have the one, two, or three. And even then they're worthless, dude. Like, it's, you, pray to God that a first round pick, and when I say first round pick, I include picks one through five. You pray to God that that pick becomes a serviceable NHL player.

So when you have the opportunity to trade said pick for a serviceable NHL player, especially when you were in a cup window, do it every time. Like, I can't believe there are still fans out there who like, when you trade a first round pick and you get fucking Brady Kachuk, the fact that anyone is like, Damn. I'm like, what do you mean? Damn. You hope to God that pick becomes Brady. And dude, if you, and the caveat I will say is if you are, I don't know, like the Blackhawks or honestly like the sharks right now, I don't even know. But my point was going to be, if you aren't probably going to win a cup in the next three years, then I can kind of go, actually keep the high pick because you're your windows later anyway. You're wasting Brady Kachuk right now. But if you are the fucking Panthers of all teams who have like the most front-loaded stacked to the next five years that we could win five cup of window.

Like, oh yeah. Like if you're the Panthers and you had the one, yeah, get Gavin McFerda and be like this, boom, you're in the lineup immediately. Like that probably works. Or even fucking Stenberg. Like, sure, maybe. But yeah, if it's like, if it's anything other than one to and you have a lock, like a badar to Cellebrini move that shit.

And it's like the sharks are a great example, dude, because yeah, you're right. That's why I said, if you were in a cup window, like a win now, you've got to trade the picks. The sharks picked Macklin two years ago, and they have the two,

and they're already going, we should trade this. Like, that's why I'm saying, like, dude, you just need players. And like teams who are rebuilding need picks. So it's like fucking always move. them, dude. Always move. And here's a crazy take. I actually think it's better for the league.

The entire, the point of a draft is for parody, for league parity. The bad teams get the high picks. Yeah, dude. You get the bad picks. But I don't think it works quick enough because the, you know, there's a lottery and you don't always get the one and it's just the good teams are still good. I actually think for the health of the league, it is better for the bad teams to get their good pick and for the good teams to trade all their picks, their good picks to bad teams to get the glassed good players. So it's like, boom, yeah, you're right. Now the Panthers are going to win the next three cups and I'm sorry. But then, oh, what do you know? The senators have a ton of picks now. And congratulations, you will actually get good instead of sitting in

purgatory like you have been. Now your time is coming. It helps the league rinse and repeat. Yes. Everybody be happy. completely agree. All right, my next topic is the... Well, actually, let's just talk about the Panthers for a second. Dude, I obviously, I fucking love this. Dude, I texted Nate and Dr. Watkins and you. Then I go, I saw a tweet.

Yeah, well, Evan, do you remember what Chris said? I can pull it up, but I don't remember it. Pull it up because, like, I want you to say it, because it was so funny. And also, I believe you. I do that. I was being dead serious. And consider my sports allegiances.

Yeah, like, let us be clear. Chris is not a Florida Panthers fan. Chris is not a, I mean, you are a Kachuk family fan, but like you're not a, you're not a member of the family. Yeah, yeah. So our friend, our buddy Nate says, holy shit, Kachuk times two. Dan says insane. Chris goes, this is the best day of my life. A man who's recently engaged.

Recently engaged, dude. This is the best day of his life. It's a best day of your life. And here's the thing. I believe you. And I get why you're saying it, dude, because it's like this, when I, at the top,

when I said, I used to pray for days like this, dude. It's all happening. It's all happening. Literally, and honestly, I take full credit. Like, we have just been for years now

on the Empty Netters program talking about players power and being like, dude, this is your one career. It's your one life. few, only a few things you can control. Start fucking playing where you want to play. Go play with your brother.

Go play with your brother, dude. And we asked for drama, and now all we are getting is drama. Correct. It's unbelievable. We've got teams imploding being like the biggest embarrassments in the NHL. We've got fucking reunions going on. It's unbelievable.

And dude, the idea of getting a full season of Brady Kachuk, Sam Bennett, Matthew Kuchuk line is absolutely hysterical. Okay, Dan, and I also want to say this. So, yes, dude, what a fucking swing. I am so pumped that the Panthers did this.

I'm so pumped that it happened. More teams need to do this. This is very in line with the Vegas mantra, right? Where it's like, go get your guy, dude. We've been talking about for the last two months. We've been talking about Vegas like that. I was dying, dude. And this, well, whatever, I'll bring it down.

In the lot, one of our boys, Sam, who's a Panthers guy, who we've met on the road many times. We actually met him in Tampa, I believe. Like, that was maybe the first time we met him in Per- or no, we must have met him in Lottie before that. But anyway, he was in, and this was slightly out-of-pocket, Sam, if you're listening. But he was in the live chat of the Keynes Cup pod and just being like, enjoy your fucking holdover cup before the boogie man comes back to get you. And all the Keynes fans in the chat were like, get the fucking. out of here, dude. We were just trying to have fun. Fuck you. You guys missed playoffs. And I was like, Sam, let them have their moment. Yeah. Yeah. But my point is, the mantra all year has been just wait.

Like, the Panthers lost Barkoff for the season, just wait, they're coming for you. And the Keynes fans, and I only bring them up because they won. Plenty of other fans have been like, shut the fuck up, Florida. Like you, it's not that easy. You're not just going to come and be the blah, blah, blah. And now I'm like, oh, dude, they have just ripped your. throats out. Like the panthers going, oh, everyone is back. We are healthy again. And also we have Brady Kachuk. I cannot believe the reprieve the East got this year with Florida taking the year off. Truly people forgot. They wanted to run their mouths and make fun of Florida. They truly forgot what was coming, even if they didn't get Brady. And now they have Brady. Remember,

we thought they were maybe going to get rid of Bobrovsky. Dude, this is a fucking show. Well, they They currently don't have him. Yep. He's a, he's a, he's a, UFA. Right, but weren't, what, weren't they going to trade? Yeah, we were, like, we were going to trade him. Oh, yes, yes, sorry, sorry. We were thinking they were, they were going to trade him, but like, so they get what,

one more year with him, right? Well, we'll see. They might sign, but like Bob, we'll get into that. Okay. Yeah, Bob is, is going to be the next, uh, or is going to be a discussion in here. The next puzzle piece. Um, okay, Chris. The, have you felt the team going into a, it's not even done yet.

A million things have happened. Larkin, Matthew, we'll get a couple. Oh, my God. Have you felt a team has been this heavy of a preseason favorite in a long time? No. I agree. I'm like, right now I'm like, I mean, dude, we went into next, we went into last season, and I was like, Matthew is hurt.

I'm pretty sure either like Echbladder Jones was hurt. And I was like, they're still going to go to the cup. Then Sasha got hurt. And I was like, oh, yeah. You guys are. probably dead. Like, remember we, in our preseason, I was like, I will never say that they're dead, but they might be dead. Now they're all rested. Barcov comes back and immediately wins a world fucking championship off the torn ACL. And I'm like, Jesus Christ, dude. And now they've

gotten Brady. So there's one big thing that I want to say. They go and get Brady. God, again, I have so much, I'm trying to figure out the order of what I want to say. So excited. Literally, I'm so excited. I'm way too horny right now. All right, let me first say this. I absolutely love this move. I think it is a great trade.

I don't think they overpaid. No, no, this trade is perfect. I would have gotten Hellibuck. Now, who knows if that... Instead? Yes. Yeah, yeah. Who knows if that was on the table?

Yep. Because frankly, if I look at this team... Let's look at the team's makeup right now. Currently, you don't have a goalie. Yeah, correct. So this team right now with Brady on it or this team with Connor Hellebuck in net.

I think that team is better. If you told me we have the Florida Panthers as currently constructed minus Brady plus Conner Hellebuck in net, I would actually be expecting to see every member of the Panthers teams laughing like the Joker. Yeah.

Being like this. Do you think any of you can beat us now? Yeah. that makes me think Zito knows something about Bob or Zito has a plan maybe for a Bittington. There's been a lot of like, as we tweeted the information about this, so many drunk with Power Panthers fans were like, and now we get helly. And like I love that mentality, but literally you have nothing to trade. I'm pretty sure Florida doesn't have a first round pick until 2030. And I, dude, and it's amazing. So yes, I agree. And that's what you got to do. But I don't

think you can now do another trade for a Connor Hellibuck who has, I believe, two years left on his term. Like, you're just... Unless you pay with a massive player. Yes. And I don't think that Winnipeg is in the market for that. Like, in Winnipeg, like, they lost Eilers. Eilers goes and wins a cup. Yeah. You now have Shifley who has two years left. Hellebuck who has two years left. Like, and it's... Yeah, remember Shifley and Helibuck signed the exact same deal. They signed like such fat tick. I thought that was like yesterday. Dude, it felt like it, right? But I'm pretty sure they both have two years left.

Correct me if I'm wrong on that, but I'm pretty sure. And I just think you are like, you're asking for draft capital back if you're the Jets. If you're losing Hala Buck, I don't think you're being like, all right, how do we compete now? I think it's like, no, no, this is like, this is restarting territory. So I would have gone for the goalie. If I were Florida. Now, either way, oh, wait, no, that's so wrong. Hellebuck is signed until fucking 2013.

Yeah, they have a lot. I have no fucking idea what the hell I was talking about. Yeah, because they did just sign that seven year deal. Okay, so definitely with Hellebuck, like you are, you're going to need a lot. Because that's the best going in the league with term. And if you're moving your goal, you are restarting. Like, I don't think that you're going, we can still complete. It would be fucked.

Yes. So they would definitely be restarting. Okay. With that, I believe Zito, who has always been one step ahead of everybody, remember after they won the cup and it was like Bennett, Eckblad, and Marshie, there's no way they can bring all of them back. They brought all of them back. And like, Elliot, Dregor, like all the big dogs were like, yeah, they're going to get two out of three. And then, boom, they got three out of three. That was a moment where Zito was like, none of you fuckers know what I'm doing. So right now we're seeing like Elliot and other people

Fuck you think you can't do what I do Dude Say my movies are just about farts It's about family Suck me dude Zito is out here being like None of you know what I'm up to And I believe either

Bob is going to come to his senses and go I mean dude Bob's out here asking for six by six And I'm like do you know how old you are brother Like, dude, Marty made the best joke in our text night. We were like, Bob, Bob has no, you go, Bob has no idea how old he is. Like, it's insane. And then Barney was like, or his Russian passport has been fake this whole time and he's actually like 31.

Yeah. And I'm like, oh, no. And I said the, Bob is 30, dude. Yeah. We're fucked. And I said the other. I was like, actually, I think he's 50. Yeah.

So I don't see a team. Like, if you're going to get Bob. You're in compete now. Truly the only team that I can see other than Florida where Bob would be a fit, honest to God, is Vegas. Yeah, right. Or Edmonton? There's, if...

I know, he's not going there. I'm just saying that would be a team where he'd be like... If you think Sergei Barrovsky, after living in Florida and winning two cups for the last however many years he's been there, five years, is going to go, yeah, send me to Edmonton. I would be utterly perplexed. Get your phone ready. Yeah, yeah. Let's see.

Let's see your phone. I would be very perplexed by that. But I believe that Zito is either like, I'm going to get him back. He's going to come to his senses. I'm going to give him like a three by five or something like that. Or maybe like a Bennington. But there must be a plan for a goalie is all I'm saying. There simply must be.

Why? And I don't want to get into anyone's personal business. But I was just trying to look up Bob's career earnings. I got to believe, dude, estimated career earnings, what do you think it is for Bob? Bob has probably made close to 8590 mil. Yeah, 8590 sheets in his career. 113 sheets. Why do you need a 6x by 6?

Dude, and again, I don't want getting anybody bitten it. But I'm like, why doesn't Bob? Because if I was Eto, I would go, hey, dude, you, I guess you don't want to make promises because if his play deteriorates, because he could. be 50, but I go, dude, just keep signing. I'm going to just keep giving you a one year ticket until you want to retire or you sink, basically. And you don't, you don't have to sweat, don't have to play like it's a contract year. Like, I'm just going to be like, hey, dude, here you go. Or dude, I made this joke too. Like, to me, two by five, give me a $10 million

deal. Here's 10 million more. But I'd be like, here's a seven by 1.3. So here's $10 million and then just retire eventually, but I'm only getting hit with the 1.3 the rest of the way. I mean, that's, I love that. I'm like, here's a 7 by 1.3. Shut the fuck up. Here's $10 million. And he goes, done. And I go, just retire whenever you feel like it during the next seven years. I literally cannot comprehend why both parties aren't doing that. Yeah. I mean, I agree. And like if I'm, yeah, like if Bob, like, dude, straight up, I know you can't do this, but like Bob being like, I want a six by six. Like I want.

I want that 36 mil. I'd be like, here's a 36 year deal. But Dan, I want, like, one million a year. But give him a seven,

like, you'd be like, here's seven years, you know, by three. And I'm like, less dude. Like,

truly like, give him, give him like a seven by fucking two. Yeah. And just be like this, I'll, 14 million. Retire after two years.

I'm giving you two million dollars a year. And what you really should, this is like, this is the, like, Bob, I will make you a goalie consultant for $30 million after.

That, brother, that is what I like when I become an owner of a team I'm going to be given this fucking sleazyest deals where I just hire I'm going to have a 50 person coaching staff yeah it's unbelievable okay okay what else you got because I have a bunch of things again I've got a lot yep my next point is I posted I tweeted out let me find it it was right after this news and it was it was like meant to be a lighthearted and it was it was a lighthearted but I said thank God Carolina won this year.

And I was surprised because, dude, we are honorary Keynes. Yep, we're honorary Keynes members after the amazing experience we had with all those folks in Raleigh. That's right. We don't have Lord tattooed on our ass, but we're pretty close. That's true. We're close. We're close. You're the proximity.

I was surprised by the amount of replies from Keynes fans who are too drunk with power. This is what I was saying. Like this one person goes, not scared whatsoever. And I was like, interesting. And I was like, love that. And like, you know, that person was like, that's why we re-signed Nick DeLorea. And I'm like, well. And like, someone replied to that and was like, you will be.

And then someone was like, LMAO, your stupid ignorance is bliss. Someone, or I'm going to save that one reply. Someone goes not like Brady was an issue this year. We're going back to back. stay positive. I like to stay positive. Me too. But there was a lot of Keynes fans who were like, like this person goes, who's a net

for Florida? Valid. Yeah, yeah. And then this person replied with a screenshot of Brady stat line against the Keynes in the second, or wait, no, sorry, first round. First round. And

I have two things to say about that. Number one, like I love the chirp, like Brady did Jack Chayden round one. I love the chirp. But to everyone in the world, implying that Brady Kuchuk is not a good player is just either you're trolling and if you're trolling, good for you. Yeah, yeah. But if you're, if you think that that's a serious argument, Brady Kuch is a good point. We can't have a conversation. Yep. We'll not have a conversation. Um, Carolina Hurricanes fans, you are not allowed to talk shit to Florida Panthers fans. Uh, I agree because you listen, you are, you are the, you are the current

Stanley Cup champions. And you, you can talk. talk shit about that all day long. All year. But when a Florida Panthers discussion comes up, I do not believe you are allowed to be like this, unfazed, unbothered, fuck you, suck me, block me. They're my bitch. Dude, you did not play them. And until you do, there is not a, look, you are allowed to go like this. We won the cup, bitch.

You're allowed to do that. But you are not allowed to be like this. I am unbothered by your team because you did not play them. Yeah. So just be a little careful. Because in fact, the Florida Panthers are unbarred by you. To be very clear, they are like, oh, I would love to. They routinely sweep you.

So just be careful. Is this that madmen mean where it's John Draper's thing? I don't even think about you. Yes, dude. They go, oh, my God. Why do you hate me? You hear the Keynes won the cup? And they go, they did?

That's amazing. I was unaware. So it's like, Keynes fans, I absolutely love you. But just be careful with the way that you talk about them. Do you want to go back and forth here? Do you want me to keep going? I think we have a lot of the same ones. So just keep going.

Right. My next one is shout out Grinnell. Grinnell called this shit years ago. And the way he has been routinely going to war against Ottawa fans online publicly. Yeah. Like in the mentions, in the replies, people were like, you're a fucking bitch loser, looking for clickbait, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And not only was Grinnell like, Brady is getting traded, he was like he's going to Florida. Yeah, yeah.

And he posted some of the receipts. Like he literally made a bet with this guy. And this guy was like, make a bet. And Grinnell was like, $100 right now that by 20, 27, Brady will be wearing a different jersey. And the guy was like this, you said it'd be Florida. And Grinnell was like this, $100. It's a different jersey. And the guy goes, fine.

But if I lose, I pay you in Canadian. Grinnell goes, fine. I don't give a fuck. Yeah. And I'm like, that fucking guy better have Venmoed him. And he better been on a hundred American because it was Florida. Yeah. And it better be tax-free, bitch.

Yeah. But it's like, these are the times where I'm. I'm like, dude, we are in the rumor mill business, but also shit isn't just said to say shit sometimes. And that leads me into my large comment here. You never like to see a fan base down. So I am not happy that Ottawa fans are down. Yeah, same.

But dude, I go back, a lot of people are right now trying to do the, they did it with Larkin, too. there's that clip when like Larkin signed and he was, or it wasn't even when he signed. It was a few months ago. He was like, dude, I extended here because I believe in this team and people are trying to like repost that being like,

not a man of his word. And we always say like, dude, you don't know what changed. Someone or a bunch of fans, Ottawa fans are posting a graphic of like when Brady signed. He was like, dude,

my mission in life is to bring a cup to Ottawa. Yeah. And they're like liar. Yeah. And whatever. Yep. What I love, is the clips that are resurfacing of post-Olympics,

all of these fucking jurnos being like, are you committed to Ottawa? And Brady, like, shaking his head being like, dude, I've answered this question a million fucking times and I'm getting fucking sick of it. And the replies to that of like Canada fans, citizens, Ottawa fans being like he's not committed, he's this, he's that, he's blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

Dude, that vibe. it feels like a jealous girlfriend, boyfriend, do you like me? Are you in this with me? Like, are you committed? What are you doing? Dude, it's the same shit with sports man. Like, you cannot expect a player to have to answer those types of questions routinely

and not go, you know what? I'm the fuck out of here. So I don't blame him at all. And like the people who are like, you, dude, you got to be able to handle media. You got to be able to handle fans. Dude, sure, you do until you don't want to anymore. And then if your vibe as a city and as a fan base is, oh, yeah, like, we are insufferable. We're going to be all over it.

You got to handle that. No, you do not, dude. And if a player goes, I don't want to handle that. You can't be mad at them. And it's like someone with the larkin shit, we posted a clip and a fan replied and was like, dude, I love you guys, but you're so pro player. It's almost insufferable. And I was like, I respect.

that comment because I am so pro player and I will never change. But here's the thing, dude, I'm a fan too. Yeah. Like one of the greatest pieces of advice we've ever gotten from Las was as far as you go in this job and in this career, never forget that you're a fan, and I never do. And I always bring up Chelsea. Like Chelsea is my number one team. That is the team I am the biggest fan of. I have just, we have just gone through a brutal season with Chelsea and out of nowhere, Mark Kukerea transferred to Real Madrid. But it became clear that Mark Kukerea wanted out. It seems clear right now that Enzo Fernandez wants out. You know what I don't do when I hear that? Piss and moan and go, you signed an eight-year deal.

I go, dude, if you want out, leave. And that's not a, and don't let the door hit you on the way out. It's a, I understand. Because I don't want a player who is unhappy with my team. I want you to go be happy somewhere. And also, like, you're not going to be good for my team if you're unhappy. And my biggest thing is, I think it is a two-way fucking street dude. When you are a GM and you're an owner and you give an eight-year deal, seven-year deal, whatever your deal to a player, you go, I'm giving you this deal because I think you are a piece that can help me win a Stanley Cup. You need to do your job, but so do I.

I need to build a team that can win a Stanley Cup. If I'm an owner, I need to build a franchise that, makes you players happy and comfortable and empowered to win a Stanley Cup. And if you're not fucking doing that, then the player reserves their right to go, you didn't hold up your end of the bargain, dude. I'm fucking gone. So that's why I'm like, I never have a problem with this shit, dude. Never, ever. Dude, listen, Tom Brady played for the bucks. Bobby Orr played for the Black Ox. Yeah, that's crazy. People leave. And you got to accept that. I've always been a way no left. Way no left. I've always been a, if that guy brought you joy,

then root for that guy to have success in his life. You can be frustrated and you can root for your hometown team to beat his new team. That's fine. But just, you know, they're people, dude. They're literally people playing a game and they're doing what's right for them. They don't hate you the person. They don't hate you, Jerry, on your couch. Yeah.

You know, they like, they try, they legitimately tried to win a cup for Ottawa. Now he's going to fucking win 10 for Florida. Suck me. Elbow room, dude. We'll be there every fucking. Okay, Dan, I have this for you. Actually, I think this maybe is the next thing you were going to say. So, actually, let's save that one. I'm going to jump ahead for you a little bit. What does this say to you about, because part of the reason I was like, this makes me so happy is those two brothers playing together,

incredible, both from a hockey standpoint and from a life standpoint. Just cool. So cool. Keith, what a day. I will say this made me feel a little bit more like, maybe the Hughes brothers will. Okay, so fine, we'll go there right now, because this was my largest point. The people in the Hughes Brothers aren't going to unite camp are dead where they stand. Dead where they stand. I'm dead serious, dude. If you fucking think, this is already clearly happening. Like, there's all this talk about.

No, dude. The USA boys, this has all been happening, right, where it's like all the USA boys are, A, getting out of Canada and B playing together. All the rumors. Hell, you might be true. There's not, they're not rumors anymore. Gone, dude. Dylan Larkin is like trade me to a team with my USA teammates on it. All the fucking, I said to you in whenever the fuck, I miss him right after the Olympics.

I go, you know what? All the Hughes brothers aren't going to get together, chat, really got hit by this Olympic experience. And you were like, oh, good point. Because they probably were like this. Man, that was the most fun I've ever had. I roomed with you in Milan. We won an Olympic gold medal together.

And we scored the two biggest goals in the tournament. I love you. I love this. And then, then Minnesota goes on a fun run. Yeah, blah, blah. And I'm not saying it's Jersey. I'm just saying now that they're going to watch a year where the Kachuk brothers play together, do a fucking pod mid-season together, and then lift a cup and Matthew gets to hand it to Brady.

And then Quinn and Jack are going to go, are you fucking kidding me, dude. Like obviously, like, dude, there is no universe left in the fucking multiverse where Quinn and Jack don't put together. my my only first of all everything you just said is correct my only rebuttal is jersey has fucked up because jersey what was that three years ago now when they beat new york in the first round was on a perfect trajectory yep now they have missed playoffs two years in a row and they don't look to me like a oh we're a franchise on the up that's got it figured out whereas minnesota does so the one hit for me is obviously Jersey has the upper hand in that they're like, we've got two of the three, dude.

Like this is where Quinn should get traded. But the one thing I do think these guys, these competitors care more about than their brother reunion is winning. I genuinely don't believe these guys would all go, I want to reunite in a place that is a bottom feeder more than I want to fucking fight for a cup. So that is the one hiccup with the Hughes Brothers reunion for me. Luke might be left for dead.

Not, dude. And that's, that is okay. But Luke might be the sacrificial lamb. Brother, that is, there's always one. Jack would. And it's been, it's been him before dude. Yeah. And like I, it's, we talked about all the time during the Olympics, and I know that this is just, we're misquoted.

So like, I don't mean to be to participate in the misquoting here. But like, when Jack and Quinn were talking about each other and they're being like, that's my best friend. We always made the jokes of like, Luke is at home just with a single tear. dropping down. But they then won gold and they're like, this is the best experience

of my life. Luke didn't do that with them. Like, Luke is definitely like, God fucking damn, dude. But there is, like if I'm Bill,

I am being like, get me Jack and not Luke. Yep. Because it's like, you know, sorry, it is what it is. So,

yeah, that is possible. You accidentally took a $20 million contract. Dude, that we joke all the time. The fact that Luke makes

more than Quinn, like, if Luke isn't getting his licks in every chance he get about being like this, hey, little bro, I got you.

Let me pay for dinner, dude. Like, you make the least amount of money of all of us. But 100%, man, like that reunion is wanted, but I do not think that, like, if Jersey's in a bad spot still, I don't think Quinn is going to be like 100% send me that. I think they want to win, too. So that is my big thing. But before, I don't know, how many more uses Jack have left? Because I want to make a fair bet. Let me look right now.

I got it. You talk about your bet. Basically, because this is a stupid bet if Jack has fucking six years left. But my point is going to be before both of their contracts are settled, their current deals are up. Jack is up in 2030. Okay, so that's too far. So I won't have to say it. But like in the next, you know, three years, the Jack and Quinn Hughes will be on the same team.

And if even if they think right now, eh, I'm still not sure by the end of this year watching Brady and Matthew and talk. Because, dude, they talk all the time. These guys are best friends. Matthew and Brady are going to literally be texting Quinn and Jack all season going, you guys are wasting time. You will have no idea how fun this is. You will never get this chance again for the rest of your life. They're going to get that text every week.

They are going to be on the same team in short order. So, yeah. Well, here's my other thing, dude. I believe, again, going through, yeah, all right, I'm going to jump to the USA talking point. the amount of tweets that are like leak the team USA group chat yeah a funny b if you actually have a problem with this i do not understand you at all i feel the same way this was like this is the NBA narrative too yeah yeah i was like i keep i keep hearing the word collusion in this topic and i'm like what is how is there collusion in recruiting

if you're a player, recruiting another player. Like, dude, we should play together. That's not collusion. Yeah, there's no league rule against that. Correct. Collusion implies something illegal is going on. Dude, if I'm a player and I see someone,

like if I play an international tournament with someone and I go like this, hey, by the way, dude, Florida's pretty sick. That was really fun playing on the line. You should come here. Like, if you ever want to trade in your career, put Florida on your list. That is not collusion.

Dude, that was such a fucking sick comment by Ikes the other day. Did you see that when everybody was like, like thoughts on everybody having Vegas? And Ike goes, yeah, don't see Vegas on a lot of players, no trade list though. Yeah.

And I love the salty bitter haters who are like, dude, it's not about the city. It's about the fact that you guys cheat and blah. And I'm like, we're still doing the cheating thing. Like how pathetic are you guys? Like, give me a break.

But yeah, in the USA group chat thing, again, hilarious. Because like they're all leaving. but it's the people who are impliant like first of all there are so many people are like I mean yeah like wanting to see the the USA group chat implies that these guys know how to read I'm like sick chirp boom boom roasted how does that gold metal taste up your ass you fucking loser and it's like I I am I'm loving every bit of this it's exactly what they should do and everyone who's bitter about it you're bitter because you lost and you're bitter because

these guys don't want to go to your favorite team. And that's my thing is I'm like, do something about it, dude. And you know, the other thing, everyone complains about Florida, Tampa, Vegas, all these things. Dude, Minnesota is on these teams lists. Minnesota is one of the coldest fucking cities in the NHL. And it's the way they're building their team. It's what Garin is doing. This is what I'm saying.

The no state tax is not the only fucking advantage. We did hockey talk yesterday. and someone was like, should every team that's not in a no state tax just fold? And I go, who just won the cup, dude? There is state tax in North Carolina. Tulski and Rod did a great job building a team in a small market city where there was a huge narrative. People don't want to play here. Look at all these guys signing. Look at Nick Eilers signing a long term deal there. Boom, winning a cup. Look at Jarvie staying there. Ahjo staying there. Slavin's like that shit is, it's not true. It's all about how you be. build your team. Every city, every team has their own advantages, play to your advantages or create advantages. So the whole like bitching about the USA group chat. And right now there's a

narrative online of our Canadian team's going to be hesitant about drafting US players. Maybe. And the people are going certainly making them captains. And I'm like, sure, maybe. But if you want to be a bitch about it and you want to be like this, we can't draft you. Dude, change your fucking system. Like, I do a better job Canadian markets of protecting your players from the media and like I could get clipped for this

being like that's such a pussy attitude and I'm like no it's not do you want your players to be happy on your team and in your city you should that's how you're going to win a fucking Stanley Cup like look at what Jack just said they just lost the Stanley Cup and he drops that quote he's like yeah dude Vegas ain't on players no trade list

because he's like we all love it here that should be the goal for ownership. You should be like, yeah, dude, I want to sell tickets. I want to sell. But the way you sell tickets is by making players thrilled to be there because then you will win. You'll get more players. They'll be happy. So I'm like, yeah, dude, figure out a way to make yourself a desirable market. Like maybe stop bitching about how these players can't handle it here or the U.S. players don't want to be here. Find a way to make them want to be there. Got news for you, dude. USA just won a gold medal. USA players are pretty fucking good. Yep.

dude so on that topic bro the i mean and and if matthews moves too like it'll be so crazy because i actually think there's a legitimate chance even a heavier chance now because i think macdavid there's less likely this summer because of something else we'll talk about later but matthews i think there's a legitimate chance and if all these captains are moving and out of canadian markets i one thing i find fascinating and this is a me opinion so i'm not saying this is everyone's opinion but i have always loved a USA Canada hockey game in anything. Four Nations, Olympics, friendly. I don't give a fuck.

It's so fun. But I have also, I love the Canadian team. This is even before I did this job, because I just rooted for so many guys on that team. I love the Canadian team. I love Canada the country. So it was an awesome. Canada fucking rocks.

It was an awesome rivalry game, and I want to fucking beat them so bad. But it's also like Canada rocks. I don't care. And I feel that way now. I feel that way still. But it is becoming, and that is even through the height of the,

I guess this was four nations, was that four nations when it was like the 51st state? Was that? Yeah. Even during that, when the anthems were getting booed and shit, I still was kind of like, well, we love each other.

Like, who cares? Like we are friendly countries. It's just a great hockey rivalry. It is now, I kind of feel it morphing into, something more intense because American players are like, I'm not playing there. You know, it's actually becoming a thing where we're like, I don't like it there. And I'm like, oh man, this rivalry's heating up, dude.

In a way, I was not expecting at all. I mean, like, it's an interesting thing, dude. We have the, dude, also the fact that like, sorry, I'm just on Twitter just popped up like wingmen. It's like, we can't wait. And I'm like, that is hilarious that I started this pond. And that's why I said yesterday I was like, this has just been coming. But it's an interesting thing, dude, of like, it is such an honor to be drafted into the NHL and to get to play in the NHL.

And there are great Canadian teams in the NHL. And if you are a member of that team, it's like, there is a part of me that is like, you should be so grateful. It's like, what an amazing experience to be like, dude, I'm so lucky to be in this league. And a Canadian team drafted me. I'm thrilled to be here. But this discussion is when you get so good that you have no move clauses, that you can and decide where you play,

I don't blame guys for picking places that they want to be. And here's the thing, dude. I have said many times, I think Montreal is arguably the best city in North America. I love Montreal. I love Toronto. I love Vancouver. Like there are so many amazing Canadian cities,

many of them that have NHL teams. But I just, this narrative of like getting mad at players for wanting to live somewhere versus another is it's crazy to me. Insane. Like I'm like, how are we getting mad about this? And respectfully,

it's the same thing with European football when a player leaves Chelsea because they're like, dude, I want to live in Spain. I don't get mad because I'm like, yeah, dude, Spain has pretty sick weather. England does not. Yeah. And it's like, yeah, dude, I, listen, Canada,

Canada. Canada is a northern country. Now, don't get me wrong, dude, summer in Vancouver, in BC, and summer in Montreal, Toronto, pretty fucking beautiful. Yeah. Rocks. But at the same time, like summer in all of these places in the U.S. rocks too. And then in many of them in the winter, it's also sick. So I do not blame anyone from the U.S. being like this. I would, if I have a choice, I'd like to live in the U.S. I would probably do the same thing. Yeah. Why not, dude? I'm like, yeah, dude, I'm not going to get mad at it. Unbelievable. All right, we've got to take an ad break,

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You can do the two-up, payout. It's unbelievable Bet-M-GM. Make it legendary. A lot of other shit happened last week. A lot of little trades, little signings. We're kind of going to fire through these, spend more time on some of the bigger ones. First one that we love. Shout out J.D.

Yes, dude. Jason Demers is great. All over this one. The San Jose Sharks grab Michael Kesselring and a first round pick in the 2026 draft, number 27, from the Buffalo Sabres for a first round pick in 20, so Kesselring to the Sharks and a little pick swap. Yep.

Love this move. I think Kessel Ring is an amazing player. When he moved from Utah to Buffalo, I was like, wow, great move. But then didn't really play. And I was, I didn't love that move by Lindy. I was kind of like, yo, what are we doing here? He's a right shot D-man,

which as we know are worth their fucking weight in gold. But I think Kess is a great four or five, like he's a fourth, fifth defenseman. And if he leans into eating pucks, killing penalties, just being a dog out there, that is a amazing pickup for this Sharks team. Like, you've got a good spot and a good role to fill.

So, like, I love the move by the Sharks. It's a little, again, it's like a nothing. You move back. little bit. Yeah. And you get Castlering. You want to talk worthless picks. 20 to 27. Don't mean dick. And Dan, I don't want to overreact to this because he's not Quinn Hughes. Yeah. But I think this is a fucking monster move. Like legitimately, I think this is so good. They're going to do something with that pick defensively. They're either going to select a defenseman who will be great. Number two, you mean? Yes. Or they're going to

trade the pick to acquire a defenseman. But as much as you need top end town on the blue end, which you do, we were just, Brooks Lake did his whole roster breakdown with us. And it was like, you need that number one D guy. So 100%. But you so vitally need these middle guys who are eating pucks, killing penalties, and just being reliable, being invisible, frankly, going, I didn't even know he was out there. Yeah. Because he does his fucking job. Dude, this, the shark's D core can use some, some help. And he had a very good season two years, not very good, but 29 points, seven goals, 22 assists, 29 points, a plus four in those minutes. I'm like, that is, that is legitimately cup contender stuff when you have that. And you know what I love about this too?

Is like, you've got Orlov for one more year and Orlov's going to be who Orlov is. I think Dick, Sam Dickinson is a great player. You have two more years on his rookie year. But, you've got like I think Mario Ferraro is going to be re-signed back. Kess is an RFA and I believe they because I think Greer is crushing it. I believe they're going to give him like a bridge. He's 26 years old. Yeah. I think they're going to give him like a four year deal at such a reasonable number. And here in San Jose, Kess is going to be become himself. Yep. And they're going to be like this remarkable deal. Because like I think he'll become way more expensive than what they get him for. So I absolutely love this movie.

This was a sneakie for nothing, Dan, for literally nothing. They essentially just went like this. Hey, can I have him? And the sabers went, sure. Yeah. And I'm like, oh, whoa. Another movie like our boy, friend of the program, Ross Colton, gets sent to the Predators. Little deal.

Isaac Posh, goaltender goes over there as well for Magnus Crona and a third round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. And a third round pick in the 27 draft. Ross Colton, we don't need to talk about how valuable of a player he is. What an unbelievable run of teams that he has played for in his NFL I was just about to say that, dude.

He has lived in the three of the dopest places he could possibly play out. He plays in Tampa with Cooch. Then he goes to Colorado to play with fucking Nate and Kale in Denver, and now he's going to fucking

Smashville and he gets to reunite with Stammer. Dude, he's with Stammer, he's with Flip, Marsha. I'm like, what a, squaw. He just pops over and I'm like, wow, that is awesome. Unbelievable. So fired up for him.

I am fired up for him too because Nash and I know I'm the biggest Nashville defender and I've been eating Crow the last two years. But they made a good day. A little fight, little fight this year. They have work to do for sure. I'm not saying they're a cup contender, but I am saying this is a good move towards continuing that progression because I still think this is a solid team and what a city and I'm excited for him because they're going to be right in the mixer. Agree. Now we got a couple of Toronto moves. So Toronto flips Joe Wool and defenseman Simon Benoit to Philly for Sam Erison and Emil Andre and a third round pick.

I don't get this move. This is a, to me, we always call this a nothing burger. Yep. The Erison Wall swap is, I was kind of like, okay, What I'm like who if you're your chica Yep Who is your starting goalie in Toronto

Dude it was Joe Wall No questions asked If that's me I am actually flabbergasted by this trade debt That's why I included I was gonna not even include it Because it is a nothing burger to most people But I was like Joe Wall stole ours Was so fun in Florida

When I was like oh my God Dude and then for like that In that first year Toronto I was like wow But under, at no point was I like, Anthony Solars is now all of a sudden a 1A goalie in the NHL. Of course he is not. And I wish him nothing but success and he is a NHL player. Yeah. But I'm like, what are you talking about? Joe Wall flashed moments of like, this is a guy. Yeah. And how old is Joe Wall? Let me check. But because like Stolley is 32. Yeah.

And Erson is 26. I believe Joe is like also 26. I think he's one. 27. So I'm like, Joe Wall certainly has a better chance to all of a sudden be, not all of a sudden, because he has, he's had good years. Like that year him and Stolley, they might have won the Genies, I can't even remember, but they were like right there with outrageous. Joe Wall feels like a guy. And it's, it's now, I like Darth Vlodar a lot. Well, I think personally, I am of the opinion that Philly is going, Vlodar is our starting goal. Me too. Like this is a backup. And now you get to go, Joe, now I add Joe Wall, who in a tandem role had one of the best goals against in the league. And it's becoming a tandem league. This is like, and I forgive apologies to Sam Erison. I don't know what his stats were if he was a very competent tandem backup two at the same age as Joe. But I'm going, I'm guessing, since I don't, I'm unfamiliar with Sam, I'm guessing that Joe Wall has touched the sun much more than Sam Arison ever has. So to me, I'm like, what a fucking move.

That was tremendous. Joe Wall could steal the job. I think they believe it's Lidar, and I would go of Lidar to start the year. But there's a chance that Joe Wall goes, dude, I'm actually very good. Yeah. Especially when I get out of Toronto. Yeah. Which is what happens to fucking everybody.

Look at Freddie. So I'm like, what are we doing, dude? So that trade to me was like fucking bat shit insane. Yeah, like it felt more like a nothing burger to me where I'm just like, I don't really get the move. Who's the least goalie? Yeah. And like, is Emil Andre going to, like, what is Emil? I mean, it's Stoli.

Like, they're going Stoli. I'm just like, yikes, dude. And like, Emil is, I think Amel is a good little player. He's, I think he was taken 54th overall, but he's like small. He's like 5'9. He's like a little puck mover. So, I don't know. Interesting move.

The big one, though, fucking Chica keeps, or the Leafs keep giving us news. Yes, sir. And now Chica comes out and makes a move here. trades a fifth round pick to Tampa to get the rights, negotiation rights to Darren Radish, who we called one of probably the top two right shot UFA defensemen on the market along with John Carlson. And they give him an eight year deal by $8.5 million a year.

This led to a massive discussion online with Leafs fans and people. Number one, someone asked this, on hockey talk, so I'm going to just address it. Someone was like, why would Tampa let this happen for, and this is like a newer fan, I imagine. They were like, why would we just let, you know, give him up for nothing? If anyone is unclear, the difference between UFA and RFA, especially with a trade, is if

you ever trade a UFA, it is exactly like this, where you basically, before July 1st, trade their negotiation rights to a team so they can get in and make an offer before every other team. It is only done when you are the team who has that UFA player and you know for a fact you are not resigning this player. So you go, might as well get something. Yep. So it's a great move by Tampa. What that tells you, and this is an indisputable fact, is that Tampa had no plans to resign Darren Radish. Or they had initial conversations and they were like,

we are not resigning. Yeah, like the number was... Maybe the number was too high and they knew that they couldn't match it. But in my opinion, Tampa is an aggressive team who thinks that they can still win right now. If you're giving up on this so quickly,

to me, it says that they're like, we're going to move on here. Which is something to consider. Very Belichekian. Yeah. very Belichekian. Now, was this a need for the Toronto Maple Leafs? Absolutely.

Yes. They needed a right shot defenseman who is a quote-unquote power play quarterback with a good shot. I think someone said the last time a Toronto defenseman had like, there was some crazy stat of like X amount of 5 v-5 goals from a right shot. Deman was like fucking Dionne Funuff in like 2017. Yeah, yeah. So I'm like, yeah, dude, you need, you do need a guy like this. Darren Radish just had the best year of his career by fucking country mile.

Darren Radish is awesome. He had a phenomenal season. He's got a great shot. He's a great dude with an awesome attitude. He's a Toronto boy. It's a homecoming. That's awesome. So pumped for him.

We said all year. Cannot wait for the bag he's about to get. And this surprised me. I did not think it was going to be with Toronto. The end of the day is you have just given an. eight-year deal to a 30-year-old defenseman who just had the best year of his life. Yep. Now, that does not mean that he is not going to play just as well.

He absolutely could. And that's fucking awesome if he does. If he has 70 points again, that will be a fucking miracle. Or no, excuse me, not a miracle. That will be a fucking dream for the Toronto made beliefs. We, I do not know that that's going to happen. The stat that we pulled that I think is very relevant is 54 of Darren Radish's 70 points this season had goal contributions from Nikita Kuturov. That is 77%. We're going to round that up to 80.

Yeah. So 80. You make it 90. 80% of Darren Radish's 70 points last season involved Nikita Kuturov. Nikita Kuturov is arguably the best playmaker in the NHM. Are there great players on Toronto? Yes. To act like Willie Nealander,

Austin Matthews, or Maddie Nyes, are Nikita Kutrov, is ignorant. Now that said, there are a bunch of great players. Radish is immediately going to be on PP1 with those guys, maybe all of them or a collection of them. Darren Radish is going to get his cookies, for sure.

My big question for you is, because I have two answers to this. Yep. is signing, giving an eight year by 8.5 deal to a 30 year old the move for this, the Toronto Maple Leafs where they currently are? I, so we had talked about this when it happened and the, I had some pushback. So I was excited to kind of debate this with you. But it's the way you just asked me is tricky because maybe not, I was looking up their cap space. maybe not, maybe it's an overpay, but I was, my initial reaction to this when everyone tweet was

Radish is a position of value in this league, right shot D, that we all felt like was the best available right shot D and we all started listing teams like the ducks and the sharks that we would love Radish. And if he had signed with those teams, and I understand it's different situations and circumstances, but if he had signed with those teams, I'm not saying everyone would have gone fucking cop, send the cup at the Honda Center.

But I am saying people would have gone great fucking signing, great signing by the ducks. Huge step forward. And then he signs in Toronto and everybody goes, oh, ew, do you think people did that? And I'm like, I don't think people did that. People got so mad. They were like, oh my God. I think people were like, this is a, and here's the thing, I posted, I went to our Twitter and I posted not, I was like, not sure this is what they,

needed. And so many Toronto fans read that the wrong way. And hand up, that's maybe on me for the way I phrased it, but it's also on them for thinking it means only one thing. Yep. Because the response was, they don't need a right shot D-man who's good on the power play. And to that,

I was like, absolutely they are, dude. What I meant is I look at that, yeah, they have about 18.7 million capsules, and that feels like a ton, but they have it's all depth, dude. Like, have Nick Robertson, they have Yarncroc who, I don't know if they're going to bring back Machelli, Quillen has to come back, Stetcher, Emil Andre, who they just picked up, Sam Erison

who they just picked up. Yep. And several of those guys are not going to be signing minimum deals, like if not all of them. Yep. So like that 18 is going to disappear pretty quick. Yeah, but they're in pretty good shape. They're in okay shape. Yeah.

But in my opinion, of that 18, you can maybe only sign one difference maker player. Sure, sure. Because you need to use the rest on all the depth. So I'm like, this was kind of your move, dude. I agree. But it's a pretty good move. It is a good. Yeah.

But my point, dude, is I think, and this is just my opinion. I think, and let's be clear, dude, you and I are old as shit. Oh, yeah. 30 years old is not old in the NHL, in my opinion. I agree. But giving an eight-year deal to a 30-year-old, by three, four years, you are, are like, we're now on the back half of that deal most often. Every now and then, you get a fucking fine wine, like a Patrice Berseron, like a, obviously like a Sidney Crosby, but like

a guy who is like, oh no, dude, I am, I take care of my body, I have longevity, I'm going to be very good still at like 36. Is Darren Radish that? We will see. The fear twofold is it took him age 30 to have a breakout season in the NHL. That could be situational. It could be maybe he just found his game. But you do wonder, was this a flash in the pan because of who you were playing with? I'm not saying I feel that way. I believe in Darren Radish.

Yep. The other side of that is, why did Tampa let him go? Victor Hedman is old and injured. Ryan McDonough is old and injured. Darren Radish was just your best defenseman. Why did you let him go so easily? What does Tampa know that Toronto doesn't? Or think they know?

That would scare me if I'm Toronto. And my opinion, finally going to land this plane is, I think giving long-term deals like that with a decent amount of AAV to a older player is good in two scenarios. one, you are an absolute cup contender and you are going to win or fight for a cup within the next two years, preferably in this immediate year. I do not think Toronto is that. Two, you are a young team that is up and coming and very exciting and you have a ton of cap space to give to have veteran play with some young players, like an Anaheim, like a San Jose. That's why I liked Anaheim or San Jose for a radish. I don't think Toronto is either of those teams. That's why I said, I'm not sure this is the move for them.

They do need this type of player. Did they need to give 8 by 8.5 to a 30-year-old? That was my only question. Right, right. And, you know, it's kind of the market. It's kind of like, 8.5, I'm like, dude, agree. But again, this is the thing. If I'm Tampa, I go, dude, what a fucking year he just had with them.

Tampa has 13 mil in cap space right now. 13 million. And they have a lot of depth to resign, a lot of depth. But as far as key big-time players, I would say their most important player who is, I mean, they've got pairs who will see, Bjork Strand and Chaffee on the offensive side. That's it, Chris. Yeah. You're saying they, why didn't they just bring them back? You have 13 mil in cap space.

And Radish just signed in Toronto. Yeah. Eight by 8.5? Dude, let's talk about it. If you're Tampa, you go like this, hey, dude, here's 8 by 5.5. You're taking home more money. Yep. What are we?

Yeah, why? Why did you not? That is the biggest elephant in the room of this whole thing. You just said like it's kind of the market. Sure. He could have got more. Probably 6.5 would have done it. Or you could have made the argument very strongly at 6.5.

Again, if you go like this, here's 8.7.5, dude, that's more money than Toronto. 6.5 is more money than Toronto. So I'm like, what are we doing here? Like, why did you not bring this guy back? And who knows? Maybe he was like, I don't want to fucking go here. Yeah, maybe Tampa's dead. Maybe he's like, I don't believe in you.

Who knows? That would be surprising to you. Having a career year. To the Leafs. Having a career year playing with Kooch, getting to live in fucking Tampa Bay, playing with Hegel, playing with Point, it would be shocking to me

if Radish was like, I do not want to stay here, because you have the cap space to keep him. That is my big thing. And I'm like, that feels weird to me. Yep. So, agree. Interesting. Now that said, Leif's, good job.

It's a good swing. That's a good player to add that fills a need, for sure. Let's see what happens and where Austin Matthews gets trained. Yeah. All right. Let's take another ad break and then we'll get back into the last news roundup. This episode of the empty netters podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp.

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Patrice Burry's run number retirement. So sick. Overdue. Hell yeah. Love Bergey. Can't wait for that night. I want to go home for it. Oh, that's a great idea. That would be really fun. In the video, everyone should go watch the video on Bruins' Twitter. But at the beginning of the video, Charra is introing it. And it was so funny because he's whispering inexplicably.

He's like, hi. Hey, Berg. We're going to surprise. And I was like, is he in the other room? Dude, why are you whispering? Dude, what the fuck is going to. Big guys got a whisper. Troy Terry. You're going to miss the first month of the season having hip surgery.

absolutely hate that. And what happens if he hits someone next year? He fell apart without being touched. Well, I think it's because he did throw a hit. You're right. He threw the one. Also, that's why he wasn't doing it. He's made a glass.

I will say to fans, I actually love when teams do this. Remember, it was the, I think it might have been like the record-breaking year, but McAvoy missed the beginning of the Bruin season. Dude, it's just so good to get it done. Get it done. So Ducks fans, don't worry, that's huge. We talked about this before. It broke during the middle of this.

Stanley Cup. The league has said yes to Mike Babcock. So I believe any moment now Babcock is going to be announced as the Edmonton Oilers head coach. And we have not been bashful about saying, I think that is absolutely insane. Not great. Yep. Another coaching hire, Jim Hiller to the Leafs. As we keep saying, the Leafs are the gift that keeps on giving of news this summer. It is going to be very, very, very, very interesting when Jim Hiller, a notoriously defensive-minded player who does not like letting players off the leash offensively tries to coach William Nealander. That was my only thought where I was like, man, Matthews, who actually plays an incredible 200-foot game, but Matthews big 70 goal guy and especially Willie, I'll be interested to see how

those boys react to this. Other coaching hire absolutely love this. Ryan Craig hired in Vegas. Dude, I love this too. We won't get into it too much, but it was interesting. The only quote I flat, because he was the assistant, he's been there the whole time. time since Vegas started assistant and then coach of the Silver Knights. Vegas has only hired decorated coaches before this. And Kelly McCriman made a comment and he said, we've always hired the best coach available and that's what we just did. Incredible compliment. The only quote that I thought was crazy was it said Craig is a 44 year old who has never been an NHL coach before,

but the Golden Knights believe the young rookie can continue their winning culture. That's why they desired to hire Craig even though Tortorella wanted to return after replacing Cassidy. And I was like, interesting. Like, what's interesting there? Didn't he say, I'm good? Oh,

I mean, I think he probably is like, I'd love to stay. And I bet the nights were like, we don't want you. Yeah, interesting. Because I thought he was like, no, I'm,

I'm good. Like, I, I, yeah, again, I think Torch said that because he was probably like, there's one place I would stay

and continue coaching. And they were like, no. And they said no. So he's like, I'm done. Yeah, cool.

Um, I, to me, dude, I love this for Ryan. This feels like such inside baseball moves. where they went, like they just said he's a 44-year-old who's never been head coach. That is because he was, let's do the quick math here, what, 36, 35 when he was first with the program?

Or, yeah, since the very beginning. Like, that's young for a head coach. So he's just been groomed and coached up inside, like, who knows this franchise better than him as far as a coach? No one. I love the move. It's a young coach getting his first shot. And then Johnny Taves retiring. Yep.

Captain Sirius hangs him up. Um, he, God, he kind of made me sad because he wrote, I'm not gonna lie. You visualize the dream of coming home, meaning going back to Winnipeg, and winning a playoff series and going on a run and winning a Stanley cop and playing the hero and all those things. And when things go sideways a little bit, it was heartbreaking. It's just kind of intuitive feel that it's the right time. And like I said, I'm happy I gave it another shot regardless of how things went.

Yeah. And it is sad to me that I'm like, God, I almost wish he retired a black cock now that I've now that I've seen it. Yeah. But it's probably cool for him that he was like, I felt like my career got cut short unfairly and fuck you, I got out there one more time. Yeah. So I'm happy for him for that.

True. All right. Another quick ad break. Then we'll round things up with some World Cup talk. Maybe a beer league holly. Oh. When it comes to nicotine, there is only one option as far as your boy is concerned. And that is Lucy. Lucy is giving you the best pouch experience in the game. Scientifically crafted, always tobacco-free. There is no pouch that hits like Lucy pouches or their breakers. It's unbelievable. The flavors are out of control, guys. So many of these other brands, the flavors just aren't hitting here. We got the mint. We got the winter green. We got the espresso if you want that little coffee fix. Mango is incredible.

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Netters, using that code netters, any T-T-E-R-S, again, save some money, get it delivered right to your door. It is a no-brainer. Lucy products are for adults of legal age, and every single customer is age-verified. This product contains nicotine, and nicotine is an addictive chemical. We are back, and this summer, we get a bunch of stuff lined up this summer. Summer's my favorite, dude. We're doing so much stuff. We're watching World Cup.

We golfing. It's incredible. And dude, one thing that I am most fired up about on our calendar is coming this mid-July. Because we got a little bachelor party. What is it? What is it? Because we got a bachelor party we're headed east four and then we're popping up. We're popping up to the, what's New York State slogan?

Oh, yeah, dude. I don't know. Get it out of my face. We're going up to the Big Applese. What is New York State slogan? How do I not know that? Excelsior. No.

That's it. The official state motto of New York is Excelsior, dude. The Excelsior state. Remember, that's that scene in, um, Silver Linings Playbook. Where they say the slogan of New York is Excelsior? Grabbter's motto is Excelsior. And then when Jay Law is fucking serving De Niro

about all of his dumb superstitions, and he's like, you brought a fucking guy to an Eagles Giants game, or Jets game maybe. And his motto is Excelsior, which is the state motto of New York, you idiot. Oh, wow. All right, good pool.

Incredible. We're headed to the Excelsior state because we are hitting the Fanatics Fest this summer. which I am so fired up about, dude. It is, dude, it is the number one sports fan festival in the world. It's going to be, unbelievable, dude. We're going to be get there. There's going to be tons of athletes there.

Patty Kane's going to be there. Hank's going to be there. I think Flower is going to be there. Jack and Toff. And Toff's going to be there. Maybe I'll collude with Jack. Maybe I'll say, hey, Jack, figure out where we're going to play with Quinn next year. Do you stop it?

No collusion. No collusion. That's just a conversation. But, dude, it takes place July 16th to the 19th. It's going to be unreal. we are going to, you get to listen to, um, there's a ton of live podcast tapings, including ours. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We are taping July 18th.

So come check that out if you want to see a live Netter show, which is going to be unbelievable. I am so fired up about it. And then also, there's a unique code for all of our followers that can listen if you want to shop fanatic stuff right now because they have insane, they have insane exclusive merch available at the fest. But if you want to go check out and get the promo code, it's just Netters 10, N-E-T-T-E-R-S-0. So now you can get dialed because we are going to be dialed.

Fanatics Fest this summer, NYC, baby, July 16th and 19th, but we're there the 18th live take. Dude, it's going to be a blast. I can't fucking wait. It's going to be so fun. Yeah, highlight of our summer, dude, I'm fired up. The other super fun stuff this summer, we've been talking, it's all over the page. We're getting into World Cup stuff. Yep.

And listen, there's so much news breaking that, so this episode's getting long, so we're not going to talk too much about it. But the World Cup has absolutely been unbelievable. So many great games, so many results. The only headline here before we get into a fun conversation for me is the USA is unbelievable. We're the best team in the world. I keep saying that. We're best team in the country. We're the best team in the country.

We're the best team in the world. Two and O? Yep. Had a clean sheet. Pumping. First clean sheet since September. We got it. We won.

We beat Australia 2-0 without the best player in the world. Correct. On playing. Polisic is the best player in the world. Yep. We sat him. People do you believe in Potchball? Yes.

Polygon Potch? Yeah. It's unbelievable. I've never. I didn't realize all those years fighting the Polygon team on Super Smash Brothers, I didn't realize was training me to be a USA soccer fan, but it was. It was. Yeah. It's like so fun to see. And listen, it's going to be tougher as we go here, but I'm loving everything I'm seeing. And hearing fucking Zlatan literally say, Rebecca Lowe, my queen. Yeah. Her and Kate Scott, dude, two greatest women

in all of sports media. When she goes, can the U.S. win the World Cup? And he just goes, yes. Hearing Zlatan say that, unbelievable. Also, do you like how Tierraun Rhee and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are literally bullying Alexi Lalas out of his profession? Yeah, yeah. It's unbelievable. They keep going like this.

They have having conversations and they look over and they go, what are you doing here? And I'm like, oh, no, dude. He's been there the whole time. It's like the meanest behavior I've ever seen. Like, they're genuinely bullying this. Oh, my God, dude. It's so good. It's truly unbelievable.

My favorite thing about the World Cup guys has been, I cannot get over how amazing it is seeing international people go, oh, wait a minute. Everything that fucking Twitter like Instagram and TikTok and bullshit media tells us about the U.S. is nonsense. Yep. And it's just awesome here. And like people who actually go outside and interact with other human beings and go to games are supernobes. nice and fun and this is an amazing experience. How lovely is that? It's genuinely

world is healing shit. So good. It's amazing. And on top of that is all of these experiences. There's that. We're like the 50th podcast to talk about it, but like that unbelievable tweet, which is maybe real or maybe fake of the Japanese guy who went to a Mexican

restaurant in the US and was like, no dude, there's no such thing as for you have to earn things. That is the funny shit I've ever read in my life. Seeing these Japanese fans eating Texas barbecue for the first time, unbelievable. The Tartan Army in Boston playing bagpipes walking up and down the streets. Now we got the three line. England fans there. They've got chance being like Scots, you're out, we're here now. Dude, it's just fucking so amazing. And I've loved every second of it. I had a very funny, like the videos of people trying ranch for the first time going to Walmart for the first time.

Dude, I haven't seen, I've heard about the Walmart videos. I haven't seen them. They're very fine. Dude, people are buying ranch, like filling suitcases with ranch. I heard that. There's just one, I think she was a British woman. She was just like, what is ranch, dude? But to be fair, Ev, if I, if I had tried ranch for the first time in my life in my 30s,

I would probably come myself to do. Yeah, yeah. I'd be like, this has just been out here forever. It looks like come too, so that's convenient. It's a perfect combo. Yeah. I saw one video, it's like a stitched video, this, I believe, a British, guy, I think. But he's videoing himself selfie video and there's a sunset in the background and he was like, holy shit, dude, are all, like, are all U.S. sunsets like this? And then it cuts to a guy and he goes, do you guys have anything? Yeah. You don't even have sunsets? He literally goes, you don't have sunsets. And like, that was a funny thing. But it got me thinking of, I am now obsessed with introducing international people to shit in the U.S. that we just don't even think about is unique. And I wrote down a few. Okay. And do you guys want me to just get in? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

All right, my number one is a, and this is a simple one, US pizza party. Like for kids? No, dude. You mean like, Diddy? That's what those were called, just to be clear. They were having pizza. That's what those were called, dude.

They said, stop it. They kept going pizza party. Yeah, hey, I want to go, hey, everyone international. Come on down. They're not ready for the amount of K-Y jelly. We almost got murdered when we were doing Diddy Talk. Don't bring it up again. So you mean like just a bunch of people hanging out eating pizza?

So I mean, again, so much of it is like portion size. Dude, when you go to Europe, like, I feel like most pizza is Neapolitan pizza. Yeah. Like even when you go to like place, like when you go to a nice restaurant, it's always Neapolitan. There's like pizzerias around sure. But dude, the pizza in the U.S. is so big. Like we're talking like 24 inch pies. And I just laugh.

Like when we're here at the office and we're watching a game where like this order a bunch of pizzas. And there's fucking 20. massive pies of like all the toppings you've ever seen. I feel like if we invited a couple of Europeans to like a U.S. pizza party where there's literally 20 pies with fucking sausage, pepperoni, hamburger, buffalo chicken. Like I don't believe a lot of international people have had buffalo chicken. Covered in ranch, yeah. Drizzled with a ranch.

Oh, that's true. Yeah. We're dipping our pizza and ranch out. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like I think they would be like this, Jesus Christ. Well, I mean, just the idea of going to like a Costco and like, oh yeah, I want like 800 pounds of whatever cheese it's or whatever. So how are you going to, they would never have the space to store that in most of your...

You can't bring it home, dude. They don't have an F-150 to put all their groceries in to. Come to my next one, F-150s. But like, I just think a, an office, like adult, well, we're just ordering a ton of pizzas. They'd be like, good God. Look at you, sick freaks. Okay, my next one, also food-based and very relevant for us. And I'm curious if it's happening.

A tailgate. Oh, dude. They basically said no tailgating, which is fucking insane. So like, but if they saw a proper tailgating, yes. If they saw, like this is relevant, like we were saying, because being in Carolina, being at Bolanovo, the way they tailgate in Raleigh. Yeah. showing, because I have, I have gone to a number of European football matches and it's all about the pub crawl.

everywhere. That is so fun. And I think every American should experience that as well. But a proper college football, NFL football tailgate is something I am desperate to see Europeans and South Americans, Asians, everyone to see. Like, I think they would be like, oh, that is a great God. Watching people drive their fucking trucks to a sporting event and pull out grills and TVs and inflatable pools and go, we're here four and a half hours early to cook food and drink before we go into this game. There was a pool in that pickup truck at the Lenny Day. I think they would lose their money. Dude, especially because I always say this, Ev, one of my favorite funny tweets I'd seen about something like this was, what would be the most shocking thing to

Europeans? And they were like, that the biggest European soccer stadium, like that they revere, like cathedrals would be like the 12th, the biggest college football. We watch 18-year-old kids play football in stadiums bigger than your general. Yeah, they're gigantic. Yeah. They're a professional. Like, oh my God, Real Madrid. And I'm like, I watch Michigan football. You can fit six of those inside what? Yeah. Jesus great. So yes, like, do you imagine them being at a place like the big house at a tailgate being like, what the fuck? This is about

this is like amateur sports. And I'm like, oh yeah. Insane. And then my last one is, and I'm curious about this one. So I want our international fans to message us about this. I was thinking, do they know about lake days? Because there's obviously unbelievable lakes all over the world. But do they know about a sandbar? Like Lake Como is so beautiful. But when I think of like a Lake Como, I think more classy. I think about apparel sprits with like a lovely linen shirt sitting on a dock, George Clooney on a boat. I'm not sure they know about like drunk tubing and water skiing and like pulling up to Maynards

and fucking and like Jed broke his collarbone. Yeah. A sandbar like with the boats you could walk across the lake across the bowel boats because we're all anchored right next to each other. So I am very curious. That's like a tail.

That's basically a water tail. It's a water tail. Yeah, that is a water tail. So like our lake day is a thing. That's a great question, dude. I actually don't think they are. That's an incredible question. And I think that they would love to see it.

I've got one for you. Yeah, go. I would take them to the Breezewood exit on the Pennsylvania turn bike and say this is the most beautiful thing that America has provided. This is like Wow. Because I don't know if you...

Holy Breezewood PA. This is the exit on the turnpike that you use. I've driven this a lot. But when you go through it, you're like every single type of fast food and gas station crammed in like a two block radius. That is so awesome, dude.

That's what I would show them and say. This is it. You're welcome. Dude, well, I wrote food just in general because we saw the barbecue, but I just think there's so... And this was probably true for us going to Europe, too, where I'm like, wow, incredible. But it's just like the size of the food

and the variety of the food is just fascinating. And I think it might be cool for foreigners to see what we think, what we are calling their version of food. Right. Oh, yeah, like, take them to Olive Garden. Like, here's Italian food. From every country, please come here and try your food. They'll be like, what the fuck?

In this country. I think they'd be like, what is this? Australians, go to Outback State guys. Yeah, I'm like, here you go. Well, did you see that? One person went to like Longhorn Steakhouse and they're like, this is the best steak I've ever in my life. Yeah.

And I was like, that is unbelievable. So that is awesome. And then this one I just loved. Now that I, because I have not traveled a lot, but now I've traveled a little bit, the, I love the idea of foreign people seeing, or I presume, their interpretation of how calmly we drive. Like every other city, if they're in New York City in a cab, they might. When I'm in, dude, when I'm in New York City in a cab in the back, I'm literally like this.

Oh, yeah. Like, oh my God, this is clearly by the end of me. Yeah. Every other city I've been in in another country, that is, they drive, that's borderline calm to how they drive. Like, in Milan, he's like swerving into the fucking oncoming train track back this way. In, in Colombia and fucking, like, people are driving, like, cars are like bump, it's like bumper cars in a fucking arc. Right. And everyone's like, doesn't care.

They're like, like, Lanes mean nothing. And I'm like, holy shit, dude. I'll tell you, the experience in England, when you're on the other side of the road, too, is like... Oh, it fucks you up. Because, like, you're not paying attention. You're on your phone. And, like, you look up and it's always with, like, emerge. Yeah. Because you're like, whoa, dude, what? And they're like, wait, wait, okay, sorry, we're on the other side. But it's like, it fucks with you, big time. There must be, and obviously if you are, if... So people that come to L.A., they have two experiences. One is they are just in a parking lot on the 405. And they're like, wow, there's traffic is insane because we're literally not moving. Like they have bad traffic, but it's moving. So they must be like, holy shit, no one's moving. And it's eight fucking lanes of no moving. Or they're driving in L.A.

like on busy roads and everyone just is going like this. Staying in my lane. Turning when the light turns. Obeying traffic laws. They must be like, what are you guys doing? Why don't you just smash into other cars and cut people off? I cannot believe how properly we drive in this country to everywhere else I've ever been.

So, mind-blowing to me. Oh, God. amazing. But the World Cup continues to be the greatest tournament in the entire world. I'm so juiced. Again, if you're not tuned in, make sure you're following us everywhere for all the World Cup and check out hold the phone too, because we're posting all those picks

every day. Let's round things out with the beer league hotline and get the heck out of here. Yep. We have a season vet on our C league team. He's pushing 60 years old. The rest of us are in our 30s and 40s. He plays D and to be fair, he still holds his own.

Good for plenty of apples a year. grabs a goal every now and then, doesn't turn the puck over more than anyone else, almost never misses a game. The problem is he sits out the entire second period because he, and I quote, doesn't do the long change anymore. It can be really tough when we already have a short bench. Do we put our foot down or have 40 plus years of Beer League earned him that break? What?

I don't get, doesn't do the long change. In the second period, you have to, you have to dog all the way. back to the bench from Dean. Like he's on Dean. He's like, I am not busting my ass to the bench. Wow. That is, yeah, sorry, I was, I was slow on that one. I hope that's just a line by him. And if it's just a line, that's a really funny line. If that is legitimately why he doesn't, I'm like, hang him up, dude. Is that, what is that like 20 feet different? Dude, and like, in Beer League too, it's like, bro, this is not an issue. But maybe, maybe he's like, man, I hang, every time I

try to change. I'm, I get caught. He's like, dude, I'm better off. Yeah, he's a liability. Yeah, he's like, dude, I'm hanging us out to dry. Yeah. And I'm producing when I play on, when we play one three. I think it's just an excuse.

The C League, again, I think it's just a line. And I'm like, that's, sitting out the entire second period is, do you just sit there? Yeah, he sits up with it. Like, is he like cracking a beer at least? Oh, I'm sure, dude. Or is he genuinely just sitting and watching. That's craziness. Probably works the door.

My, yeah, that's nice. The C. league of this helps helps and i'm like who cares so i i am a just in beer league yeah you are if you're in a top league and you are over 40 yeah and you're becoming a liability you have to join a you have to join a senior's league or you have to drop leagues like i i'm i'm sorry it's like if you're kind of a liability but you're in your 20s 30s and you're with the boys i have way more yeah way more patience for it No, don't give me wrong. I love an old timer in the locker room.

They've got some of the greatest stories in the world. Yep. But if you are a liab on a top league and you're like hurting your team and you're also 50, I'm like, dude, just go die. Like, just go die. Like, just go die. That's what old people do. You're old, dude.

Just you're dead. Just go die. Like, you're hurting the team. Yep. But if it's a C league, I'm kind of like, no, this is where you belong. And like they said, they're like, dude, he's good. Like, he contributes, whatever. He holds his own.

I don't think you can sit out on a. entire period. I think what I would ask of him, and this is kind of a catch-22. Actually, you know what? I have zero problem with this. Wow. He's in your back. What an about face. I just thought about it. And he was like, the guy said, like, it hurts us when we have a short bench. Well, at least he's there. Yeah. At least he's there for the first and third. Now, if this, if this submission had said he's taking people's spots. Yeah, right. Like, we like to only play with 13. Yeah. And if he replies first he's in, but then all of a sudden he's not playing in the second period and he took

someone's, if that's the case, then I think it's hurting you. But dude, at least he's there. Yeah, you never misses a game. If you had a short bench, it sounds like you have a short bench and thank God he's there for the first and third. Yeah, just pretend you're the Canadians and you always have a shitty second period. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

So it's like, to me, I'm like, fucking thank God for this guy. At least he's showing up still. Availability, availability, he's always there. Dude, I think there's a chance I would ask of him to revise his Paul. on the nights we only have nine including him. Yeah. On those nights, I might be like, dude, I don't care if you get hung.

I just need you to play. Or give me two shifts. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, well, dude, every... Pop in here and there. Play the power play. I would ask him to revise his policy, but that is pretty much my only note, because the last line of this I couldn't agree more with,

I don't know when he truly started Beer League, but 40, if he was in his 20s, 40 fucking years of Beer League and you're contributing, yes. Unbelievable. You do whatever the fuck you want. I have a crazy one. Why don't we politely ask the other team if he can sit on their bench for the second period? It's old.

Incredible tank. Or make one of their guys sit for the second period. Yeah, yeah. And this actually spun me into a crazy thought. I'm going to get fucking sewered for this, I think, but I'm actually just realizing now how right I am. In Beer League, maybe if you want to fight me about like, no, gold league, A league, keep it.

anything not gold or A league, beer league, shouldn't switch sense. Like, who fucking cares? Oh, you mean like, they're getting a little too official? I need to be like, oh my God, thank God we switch sides for the second period in my fucking beer league game. Just fucking play, just play, dude.

Like, it's not like this advantage to sides. It's just more convenient. Who fucking cares? I think I agree. I I like like wow we got him

on the long change in the second period of my C league game like Thursday like who it's like yeah just fucking play dude

like on pond hockey we're not like switch sides it's like fucking well I think my take is is dude if you can't handle the fucking long change

you're a bitch agree but it's just who gives a fuck like just play because it's hockey like I don't need to change the rules of hockey for a difference of 20 feet

Okay, I hear that too If it were inconvenient But that's 20 feet means he can't play This guy, this guy is very unique Okay, let's not act like this is normal He's almost 60 I'm not with that because I'm like Who fucking cares dude?

And like it's hockey Like I'm like it's what we know And it's cool Oh the one I do always agree with you on And like I think the NHL does this Switching in overtime is the dumbest thing I've ever seen in my time It's actually insane

How dumb that is So I have no problem with this guy. I think this guy could give a little bit more. And my message is, if you are going to set out the second period, you've got to be bringing it somehow. Like, you've got to be chirping on, actually, I don't even like chirping in beer league.

You've got to be like the beer guy on the bench. Like you've got to be gasing up the boys, maybe snapping some beers around. It's sea league, you know? You should be drinking while you're playing in sea league. But this is a wild move. He probably has some extra juice in the third too to get the third.

You know, everyone else is a little tired. I think he's got, I think, he's got two periods a night in him. Yeah, it's the only juicy hat. He needed that nap in the second period to just get things. I love this. I love this guy. It's got, this guy's crazy. Love it. That's going to do it for this episode of the Empty Netters podcast.

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