OverDrive - OverDrive - December 19, 2024 - Hour 3

Episode Date: December 20, 2024

Join Bryan Hayes, Jonas Siegel and Jason Strudwick for Hour 3 on OverDrive! We welcome TSN Director of Scouting and hockey analyst Craig Button to discuss the Leafs sticking with their stacked top line, Hyman turning his season around and a thorough preview of the World Juniors. We tackle Hayesy's list of Top 5 people that need to win in 2025 and give your our FanDuel best bets

It's a brand new year. Time to review last year's financial decisions and set new priorities for 2025. Kelvin the Money Guy suggests the three-step approach. One, clearly define your goals for the new year. Two, create a plan tailored to your needs and ambitions. And three, make sure your portfolio is designed to serve that plan. Goal. Plan. Portfolio. Contact Kelvin the Money Guy and set your plans in motion. Call 416-457-PLAN

or visit askkelvin.ca final hour overdrive continues brought to you by fanduel bringing you everything from I'm a rebel just for kickstand Final Hour Overdrive continues. Brought to you by FanDuel. Bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score. Brian Hayes, Jason Strudwick, Jonas Siegel in here. Craig Button later in the hour. And the World Juniors tune up starting tonight.

His take on the Leafs win last night. A lot of games in the NHL tonight. Raptors back in action at home. They're favored tonight. You don't see that every day, if at all. They're never favored, but they're favored against Brooklyn tonight. Scotty Barnes is going to make his return. Well, he was questionable, but it sounds like he's going to play.

And yet at the same time, R.J. Barrett is out due to illness. So R.J. is sick, so he's not going to play. The whole team never plays. They never, ever, ever play together. It's like you tune in and it's like, ah, he's not, so he's not going to play. The whole team never plays. They never, ever, ever play together. It's like you tune in and it's like, ah, he's not, quickly he's not out today. Barnes is out. Now Purtle's banged up. You never get a full lineup.

And if Scottie's in, then RJ's got to be out. So that's what's happening tonight down at Scotiabank. And we'll get to that with our best bets brought to you by FanDuel later this hour. But it is a Thursday. I've been putting together lists basically since Labor Day, I guess.

Every Thursday, try to come up with a list. Three, five, maybe seven. I figured as we're getting closer to 2025, I will list the five people that need to win in 2025. Five people. Now, there is a Canadian slant to win in 2025. Five people. Now, there is a Canadian slant to this, clearly. Right?

I will say, Pierre Polyev is not in this. Justin Trudeau is not included. It's not a political thing, because I think we're moving in a certain direction on that front. I think we all know where that's going. But five people in the sports world, with consideration for Toronto and Canada in general that I think

need to win in 2025. You guys ready for this? Hit it. And you guys feel free to push back. I know you will Jonas. I'm sure Strutty at some point you will. I had a couple of honorable mentions. Juan Soto did not make my list. Because he's already won. Because he's already won a World Series? And he won

$800 million. But doesn't he have shouldn't there be pressure on him to win in New York now? He's got 15 years. When is the drop dead date? Their team is not that good. The Mets aren't that good? No, they're not going to win anytime soon. I mean, they had a good year last year. They almost made it to the World Series.

Yeah, but that was a flawed team. They're not that. You're not buying. So why do they need Juan Soto? Because he's amazing and he's 26. Okay. But he can't be the reason they don't win, though. I think that's for sure.

He won't be. He's a monster. Because that contract won't age well in New York if he's the reason they're not winning. It is not going to age well. I think everyone can confirm that. But what do you mean by age well? By year 10, 11, 12. Yeah, but what if you mean by age well by year 10 11 12 yeah

but what if they've won two world series that's valid three mvps so there's pressure on him to win in order for the contract to age well i love where your mindset jonas i had once thought it was an honorable mention i was thinking the raptors lottery odds or lottery balls could be on that too like there's a lot of pressure for the lottery to fall their way. Again, considering what's going on with the Raptors and the rebuild and them acknowledging the rebuild. But those are honorable mentions. All right, number five.

I have a player that stands out here, but he kind of represents the team. I think you'll appreciate this strutty. At number five, I have Connor McDavid. Number five. I have him at number five. Wow. Connor McDavid. Now, again, he's got another year on his deal,

but every year that goes by where he doesn't win a cup, he gets closer to moving out of his prime. Right? And they're a really good team. I think they're coming together. Strud, you've seen it up close and personal. They feel like they're playing better. I think they're going to peak by playoff time.

I think they're going to get a pretty good matchup in the first round. But I got McDavid at five. I thought they're going to peak by playoff time. I think they're going to get a pretty good matchup in the first round. But I got McDavid at five. I thought it'd be higher. I thought it'd be one. I thought it'd be a lot higher and maybe you're thinking he's going to be a Maple Leaf in two years. So maybe that's a good thing. He can win there. I was thinking that.

Yeah, you know what? It's hard because as an individual player in hockey, it's different to affect the game you say when you do his basketball, right, where they're just one of five. But I think that for him and his legacy, I still think he'll be believed to be one of the greatest players of all time when his career is done. But for him, you want to have that piece,

that Stanley Cup championship checked. So I think he's the one who's put the most pressure on him to get the win. Yeah, listen, I can reason with him being higher i jockeyed there's different reasons for why different people are on the list ahead of him but he needs to get one i have believed that since the second he walked into the game he he already is one of the all-time greats he's already a top 10 player ever i i think for me that's been established if you want to move further up the list, and I don't know if it matters to him, I would think it does. I think the all-time greats are aware of where they stand on the pecking order.

They may not admit to it publicly, but I think they're aware of it, and I think they want to go as high as they can. Why wouldn't you? You're a competitive guy. He has to win. You have to. Gretzky won. Lemieux won.

Orr won. Howe won. Crosby won. Messier won. LaFleur won. Theyieux won, Orr won, Howe won, Crosby won, Messier won, LeFleur won. They all won. Like, you have to win. And they almost had it last year that didn't happen.

So McDavid clearly has a lot of pressure on him. But I still think he's got a three- or four-year window of being in his prime, being the best player in the game. And Drysaddle stuck around, so they're going to be a very good team next year. He's going to be in Edmonton at least next year, if not beyond that. I have him at five. Could be there maybe in 2027.

There's a lot more pressure when he's a Leaf. We'll get to that when we have to. All right, number four. This one might surprise you. Joel Embiid is at number four. Joel Embiid. This guy is the most mocked individual in pro sports right now. All it is is injuries. All it is is injuries.

All it is is complaints. He's picking fights with media members. This guy, he's an MVP. He's an uber talent. He's in a market like that where they've got the Eagles and the Phillies who are always competitive. The Sixers went through the process, and the whole plan was to get guys like Embiid to pop at some point.

I'm not sure they're even going to make the playoffs. As of now, it's not fair. That's why I don't know that he should be on your list. But the East is so bad. I think winning, again, there's championship, and then there's different layers to it. He's got to play and perform in 2025 to get them into a position where they can win in the playoffs.

So what does winning mean for him? I think multiple rounds where he's the man. I think at some point in a championship, if you're going to be a legit big in this league that's won an MVP, how many MVPs in the NBA have ever gone without winning a championship? Like Harden, I guess. Westbrook.

Derrick Rose. Derrick Rose. I don't think... Not many. I think it's over. I don't think it's... You think it's done for Embiid? It's done. You think he's... That's it. I just don't think he's ever going to be healthy consistently enough to do that.

But how much of that is because he won't play? Like, not that he's actually not healthy. It's that I'm not playing through something. I don't think so. Really? But in past playoffs, there's always something. It's like, oh, he got his face red, and now he's got this. Not feeling well.

Tommy. There's always been something. That's what I'm saying, man. At some point, and I'm saying in 25, this guy's got to step up. He's got to have a big 25. I think you're being pretty kind with him because I feel like he looks for the exit door to miss rather than to push through. Listen, I'm not there.

I'm not his teammate. But I knew guys that, like, it was 50-50. They were taking the 50, you know, out the door, right? They weren't going to hang in there. And, you know, to be, I think, a champion, you know, you look at the guys in the NBA, you've got to play through a lot, battle, compete. You know, you look at the Raptors when they won, like, the fight, and Kyle Lowry and, youry and Kawhi Leonard.

And I'm not anointed in the greatest players of all time, but they were fighting all the time. Do we see that from Embiid? I really like Embiid as a player, but I don't know that he's that person. Exactly. He can't win. He's got to fight through the injuries. He's got to fight through his own ambition to play.

He's got to get on the court. He's got to drag that team into a winning position. I think he has to. I mean, he is just constantly a target for criticism. So I have him beat at four. Number three, I have Mitch Marner. Mitch Marner, because of the contract and again, it's rosy right

now. It's very rosy in Leafland. Everyone's happy. And I think the Leafs knew this was coming because it happens every single year. People get back onto the bandwagon. The tickets are sold. The jerseys are sold. Everyone's happy. Maybe they win the division. Maybe they win the President's Trophy. Mitch

is up for the selkie. Mitch is kind of chasing down an Art Ross. I don't think he'd win it. But it's really going to get loud in the playoffs. And if Marner and or the Leafs don't perform well, I don't

know how the Leafs are going to make this work in the future. I don't. I don't know how the negotiation... You just replay your segments from the last six years. Yeah. I mean, but the difference is the contract. You said that before. Yeah. Let me go before Jonas. Let me go before he goes. So from a distance, I see this.

Whenever I think of the Leafs, it's Matthews one, Marner and Nylander tied for two and three. Down you go. Okay. So from a distance, it always feels like it's the leader, the top guy. He's the guy who has to get the win, right? He is, and I'm kind of pushing the contract off the side, but if the team doesn't get it done,

yeah, you look through who did and didn't contribute, but it's the top guy who needs to get it. I don't see the more, not in supporting Cass the wrong way, but his buddies. I don't see it as the same number. So that's what I see from a distance. So what you're saying, Strutt,

is you think Matthews should be on this list more than Marner? Because he's the captain, he's the leader. I understand that. When we look back 20 years from now, we'll say the best players of this generation. Matthews up, and Marner is in there, but he's not up there. And there's a difference that guys, I believe, really need and are fighting to get there. Not that Marner doesn't want it,

but just when you kind of look at the level of player, Jonas. I think that's right. And I think we haven't seen Matthews dominates the series and takes them through. Like you've seen with Dreisaitl and McDavid. That hasn't happened. No. And Marner has kind of become like the focal point for it,

but it's kind of just as much Matthews in the same boat. You guys are preaching to the choir here. The reason I have Marner in here is the contract. It's different in 25. Well, and especially Hayes, if he goes into the playoffs and he doesn't have the contract extension, you're going to have to win. They're going to have to really leave. Again, you're not wrong, and I will believe it when I see it

that they move off any of these guys. Right. They could lose in the second round. And they could easily just sign them and give them a massive deal, and John comes back at a big number. I wouldn't be surprised by anything. If anything, I might be surprised on the alternative where they actually finally decide to break it up.

But I think the way the market will react to it, the PR, the fan base, it is an entertainment business. You have to think about the messaging. There's pressure on Marta that's a little bit different. Well, and one person, I don't know if he's on your list, Brendan Shanahan. What's going to happen with him? This is the end of his deal, by all accounts.

11th year, I believe. Yep. Absolutely. Shanahan, honorable mention. Honorable mention. I'm glad you brought that up because he would be in there. But Matthews is a good one because I have been of the belief that he has blended into the core four when they've lost. And when they win, it's not core four.

It's more Matthews than the other guys. Fair. He's at least had some moments. But you need way more out of the guy who's your best player, highest paid player in the league, captain, best goal scorer. But I don't think you've had those moments with Marner like you've had them. No, I understand. I'm just saying my impression of the market is when they lose,

core four lost, management screwed it up. It's rarely, why didn't Austin do something better here? It's generally and then when they win and they're firing, it's like, man, Matthews is really chugging. He looks great. Oh, and the other guys are good too. And he's benefited greatly from that. Yeah, with the C on his jersey.

The C makes a difference. It makes a difference. Yeah, I'm with you on that. Alright, number two, Ross Atkins. Ross Atkins desperately needs to win this year. If he doesn't, I cannot picture a scenario where he stays in Toronto as the GM. How do you separate the two of them? Like, why is it not just both?

Because the Shanahan, what you just mentioned about Shanahan, how many GMs has he had? Oh, like three or four. Yeah, he's had he started with nonas i think then he had lou then he had dubas now he's on a tree living the president's always different shepiro is 10 years so is shepiro and shan both of them have i know but he's only had the one gm exactly that's my that's how i would separate it shepiro will say i need a new GM, and then we'll work in a different direction. Is that going to work? The way to separate it is, again, the president is always different. He's always closer to ownership.

He's more involved in the money and in terms of ticket sales and all that kind of stuff. I mean, you know the difference between. Yeah, that was a big part of his job. By all accounts, Mark had his fingerprints all over the Rogers Center and the renovations. Atkins is different. If they lose again, it's also easier for Mark to say,

there it is. This guy. That guy's the problem. Or you want us to change something? Ross, you have to leave. Ross Atkins, if they win like 78 games this year, there's just no way he's coming back. I would be absolutely shocked.

Just to be clear, are you talking him win a World Series? No, no, no, no, no. Again, there's different variations of winning in this. What level of winning are we talking about? Because there is... They have to make the playoffs. They've lost in the wild card round multiple times. Is that enough? If they just get've lost in the wildcard round multiple times. Is that enough?

If they just get swept again in the wildcard round. I think if they make the playoffs, he probably sticks around. Because I think the argument will be what it has been. A, it's a tough league. Once you get to the playoffs, you never know who you're going to face. You run into a tough pitcher. That's baseball's mantra. That the playoffs, it's a complete crapshoot.

Which, again, is bogus when you consider the two best teams made it to the World Series and the clear-cut best team won it, the Dodgers. It should fall on deaf ears, but it generally doesn't. That if you get to the playoffs, you've done your job as management. Then it's on the players to get the big hit

when they're supposed to get the big hit or throw the appropriate pitch sequence when they're supposed to throw it. hit or throw the appropriate pitch sequence when they're supposed to throw it. When they get pulled after the fourth inning. Yeah. So this has been my concern is that, again, from a distance, I feel like the way that they've run their last two off seasons is how I operate the casino.

I get down early and then I go big on one hand to try to just make up for everything else. And those two were Otani and Juan Soto. And it doesn't work. They're like, ah, it didn't work. And then you're kind of, well, we tried. I tried to win, or I tried to get it right. So my expectations are very low for the Blue Jays.

So I suppose if they made the postseason, I'd be like, okay, those are higher than my expectations, but how high should my expectations be? Like, shouldn't it be compete in the playoffs, not just make it? You would think. After a decade, it should be. Yeah. So I'm going to remove myself from this one because my expectations are so low.

I can't even really formalize a fair answer. You're not wrong. But I guess I think you're answering my point or granting me my point. They're so low. Why is he still here with the expectation that he can get them back into the playoffs. I love the, I don't know if you like this as much as I do, when I see the report of the Jays were interested in this guy, and it's like, oh, cool.

I would be going crazy if I were the Blue Jays, because I feel like they just get used now. They're being used. To me, it comes across the other way. It's like they're just connecting them. I don't know what the sourcing is but you know what i mean like they're just connecting themselves yeah we tried for that guy you think the jays are the ones saying it that is my inference but if that's the case that's the biggest loser mentality ever i i hope that's not true because why would you leak it that you're always losing?

It looks awful. Because it looks like you're trying. I see it the opposite way. Oh, we want a Bellinger. I see it the opposite way, that there's agents out there using the Js. But why does that look good? Who does that help after the fact? Well, the whole point is, during the negotiation of the deal,

you've got to pin teams against each other. Drives up the price, man. Yeah. And also, plus, if you're an agent, you don't want the league thinking that only one team wants your player. That's not a great way. There's zero market. Nobody wanted this guy.

It always looks better that there was some sort of derby for him, and they just throw the Jays out there. Oh, the Jays were in on that guy, too. Bellinger, yeah, they were in on him. Oh, they were in on Tucker. Oh, they were in on this. Why is it always the Jays? That's a great question. I would guess because they were in on Soto, they were in on Otani, so there's this belief they have all this

money that they want to spend. You can't attach Bellinger to the Pirates. This is years of like, oh, the Jays were interested in that guy. I know, but it's been more exposed I think this year. Or it feels like it is. Wouldn't rather be more targeted. Wouldn't you rather be targeted in your approach? We're going to get Hayes, Strutty, and Jonas.

Those are the three guys we're getting. We're going to make sure we get them done. And those are instead of like, well, we're just trying to get everybody. We like, like, I don't know, just so it feels so wishy-washy. I know. So my expectations are really low. So, again, I can't answer. I'm with you. Again, there's context to winning.

You guys got to play along here with the list. It's not winning a championship. Although this one is. This one is. This, I think, in 25, you got to win. James Harden. Josh Allen. Josh Allen, I have at number one.

This is your chance, man. You're playing the best football of your life. You're about to win the MVP. You might end up with the one seed. Kansas City, although we established it, they're vulnerable, but maybe they shouldn't be considered that vulnerable. Baltimore is. Pittsburgh is.

This is it, man. You've had so many kicks at the can. It's kind of like McDavid. It's not like if you lose, you won't be back on the horse next year. You likely will be. But this just feels like Josh Allen's opportunity. This is it. Josh Allen at number one.

People that need to win in 2025. You guys fight me on that one? Yeah, the city of Buffalo hasn't had a lot of wins since they invented chicken wings in 1903. So I think if Josh Allen's able to win this, this takes him to that next stratosphere of uh you know quarterback hierarchy right within the league now but then also in that massive fraternity of quarterbacks and how we talk about how great of a player he was and he

led his team to to greatness yeah and so i think this this to me is the perfect number one i i love this number one for this. And quite honestly, Buffalo would go crazy, like Cleveland did when they won just the one with LeBron. LeBron won in 16. Great story. So, yeah, I'm a Giants fan, so we're not going to be cheering after three more weeks.

So I might jump on that bad mic. I think that's a good one to jump on, man. There's such a lovable team and the fan base. You have blizzards all the time, and people have to go out there and shovel on behalf of the team, and they get nothing out of it except for civic pride. Josh Allen at one. Does it remind you at all of, I know people have made the comparison,

Manning finally getting over the hump and winning a Super Bowl? I think so. Absolutely. Elway too, right? Took him a little bit. I think it'd be huge. Someone else, someone within the AFC,

the younger quarterbacks, have got to win, not name Mahomes. Burrow got there. He lost to the Rams. Lamar hasn't done it. Allen hasn't done it. That's the level.

But Burrow actually does have that, I have beaten Mahomes, right? Yes. Beat Mahomes. Doesn't. Although, that game, everybody forgets that game. How many seconds? 13 seconds? They were about to beat them. They almost had. What are you going to do? He played great.

Then they lost the coin flip, right? Yeah. That was it. That was awful. You've got to get one, man. You've got to match them. I think it would be great for the NFL. If Mahomes is Brady, he needs his manning. At some point, Peyton got his. And he got it in 06, I think.

Yeah, he didn't even play that great. No, but it's not like he was in the league. It wasn't 15 years in. It wasn't Ray Bork or John Elway or something. He was in his prime when he won his first one. And then won another. Yeah, just not in Indianapolis. They lost to the Saints, though, in the Super Bowl.

Remember that? Onside kick to start the second half. Sean Payton. Love Sean Payton and the Broncos tonight. Is there a fan base more deserving of a championship than the Bills fans? Well, the Leafs fans. No, no, NFL. Just NFL fans.

No, that one's obvious, yeah. But of any NFL fan, like is that the one? I mean, the Lions, you can make a strong case. You can make a strong case because, like, the Bills at least went to four straight Super Bowls. The Lions have not won anything ever. So I'd lean, I think Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo are the three-pack in the NFL, right?

Cleveland will never get it right. They'll never get it. They always make the wrong choice. They usually do. But the Lions, that's a very likable team as well. Those are two teams that I can like. They're likable, and I want them to do well. I think it would be incredible.

I think it would be incredible to see a Lions-Bills Super Bowl. And it's possible. I mean, it's possible. Oh, that would be possible but it'd be tough to pick who you like David Montgomery it doesn't look like he's actually going to be done for the year what? he's not out for the year?

no Ian Rapoport reported that he avoided season ending surgery and they hope he can come back at some point I mean that's like Hutchinson if they get to the Super Bowl, he might be able to play. Well, and it's only like they still have Jamar Gibbs,

but obviously. No, that two-headed monster in the backfield has been big. I want for Jared Goff, too. I want him to win because of what happened with him in L.A. Absolutely. Craig Button coming up on the World Juniors

and their tune-up starting tonight. His take on how we feel about Canada going into the World Juniors back in Ottawa to a great host city. Overdrive continues. TSN 1050 and on TSN 2. It's a brand new year. Time to review last year's financial decisions and set new priorities for 2025. Kelvin the Money Guy suggests the three-step approach. One, clearly define your goals for the new year.

Two, create a plan tailored to your needs and ambitions. And three, make sure your portfolio is designed to serve that plan. Goal, plan, portfolio. Contact Kelvin the Money Guy and set your plans in motion. Call 416-457-PLAN or visit askkelvin.ca. Time now for TSN 1050 Time Saver Traffic. Problems continue if you're on the 401. Westbound in the Express at Victoria Park, there is still a crash blocking the right lane, and problems continue on the eastbound side.

Starting in the Express at Keele Street, there is a crash in the center lane, and further eastbound on the collector ramp to the 404 DVP. That left lane is also blocked by another collision. Over onto the QEW eastbound at Guelph Line 2. Right lanes are blocked by another crash. In-Town King and Spadina remains closed for TTC streetcar wire repairs.

Princess Auto's wrapping up the year browsed through a wide selection of terrific deals on tools, equipment, and more. Sale ends January 3rd. In-store or online. From the News Talk 1010 Traffic Center, I'm Christina Galli. Overdrive, Toronto's favorite way to drive home. Weekdays 4 to 7 on TSN 1050.

From Matthew Starr! Tomorrow. He's doing it again! On TSN 1050. Your Toronto Maple Leafs head down the QEW to Buffalo to take on the Sabres. Coverage starts at 7 p.m. Hear it all on TSN 1050, the voice of the Leafs. Now, back to Overdrive with Hayes, Noodles, and the O-Dog.

All right, our best bets brought to you by Fando later in the hour. Raptors Nets. Raptors favored tonight. Looks like Scotty Barnes will return, but R.J. Barrett's out due to illness. So we'll get to that a little bit later in the hour. Get through a couple of struts or duds before we get out of here. Got to get a couple of struts or duds in. Mandatory.

The oven has been on for like three hours. Have you ever played strutter dud, Jones? It's very, very creative. Life-changing. Yeah. Well, here's one for you that Craig can answer. Strud or dud? Zach Hyman should be the first forward added to Team Canada at the Four Nations

face-off. You know where I stand, yeah. Is it strud for you? Strut. Strutty, where do you stand on that? Yeah, I'm taking a strut with this one as well. Just the chemistry with McDavid. He's scoring. You know, he was getting chances. He just wasn't finishing them.

Now he's scoring. Okay. Instant chemistry. They seem to look for that in these teams. Yeah, he's been red hot. All right, well, let's start there with our main man, Craig Button. Here he is, our TSN head of scouting and our TSN analyst. And we'll get to the World Juniors in just a second, but I asked

the guys here, and I'm curious your take on this, Craig. Should Zach Hyman be the first forward added to Team Canada at the Four Nations, presuming there is an injury between now and then? Yes, and I'm going to ask Strutty, like, he'll probably I hope he answers this question, but

his lovely wife will be the thing. You probably had instant chemistry with your wife, didn't you ask Strutty. I hope he answers this question, but his lovely wife will be the thing. You probably had instant chemistry with your wife, didn't you, Strutty? When she saw me on the dance floor, there was, you know, in my jeans. There was a lot of instant chemistry with a lot of people when they saw me out there. So who were you, Patrick Swayze or Kevin Bacon? Good question. The best of both. Come on.

You're from the West. You would have been Kevin Bacon. You would have been wearing white pants. Couldn't pull him off. Couldn't pull him off. No chance. No, but Jason, you just talked about Zach Hyman. You know, I was asked the other day, you know, what's changed for Zach Hyman?

I said, well, the puck's going across the goal line now. He was getting all kinds of glorious chances, and he just wasn't able to finish on them. I remember this conversation I had with Jerome McGinley many, many years ago. He had gone a few games without scoring. Jerome didn't go very many without scoring. But like any good goal scorer, you start to question yourself. So I sat there with him. I said, well, what do you got to do to score goals this old of course he walked right through i said yeah and by the time you get down there and that puck leaves your sit could get blocked could be deflected goalie makes a great save it hits the post but if you don't do the other things you're

never going to score again just keep doing what you're doing you'll score and i think that that's what applies to zach hyman now he's doing the same things that he was doing earlier when he wasn't scoring. Shooting percentage was down. Now he's getting rewarded for that good work. And certainly, you know, that chemistry that he has. And it's not just chemistry with scoring. Zach Hyman's a grinder. Zach Hyman grinds.

He's in and around the net. And you're playing against really good competition, really good defenders that you're going to have to grind against. That's why you're to grind. Well, and that's on the, I guess, professional side or the national team, so to speak, once we get to the Four Nations faceoff. But the World Juniors are right around the corner,

and they start their tune-ups tonight. And I'm curious. I'm seeing that Gavin McKenna sounds like he won't dress tonight. Should we make something of that? Does that mean he's the 13th forward, Craig? And if so, how much would we expect to see McKenna play in this

tournament? I keep getting asked this question about Gavin McKenna. He's the best junior hockey player in Canada. So are you going to keep the best junior hockey player because Canada. So you're going to keep the best junior hockey player because he only turns 17 tomorrow? It defies logic. And I'm not trying to jump into Dave Cameron's head or anything.

They can only dress 20 skaters during the tournament. So they're going to have two extra skaters. They'll move in and out of the lineup. I have to imagine that tonight is about, they know what Gavin McKenna is capable of. I have to imagine that tonight is about, they know what Gavin McKenna is capable of. I think that they're just trying to see what other players might be able to do. Because like I said,

there are not 13 better forwards on this team. I don't think there's a better forward, I don't think there's a better junior player in Canada than Gavin McKenna. So that's how I feel. And he's had a prominent role and a prominent and been instrumental in all kinds of victories, gold medal victories for Canada. And I don't think it could be any different here.

That's how I feel about it. Yeah. I love the, I mean, the tournament's so great every year, but there's something special about when you have a 17 year old, 16, 17 year old, you know, when, when McDavid was on it, when Sid was on it. I remember when Spez and Bollmeister made it. There was actually a forward and a defenseman. Both of them were 83s at that point because they're my age.

I remember that clearly. There's just a different element and a different vibe to it when you have a young phenom. He'll have the cage on. I feel like Canadians just love that kind of story, Craig. They do. I mean, it's also a glimpse into the future. It's also a glimpse, you know, you've heard a lot about these players,

and then they get on a huge stage under bright spotlights. And that, to me, is exciting for the players, is exciting for the fans tuning in that have been hearing a lot about these players. And sure enough, I mean, somebody might say to me, oh, yeah, what an idiot he is. He said he's the best junior player in Canada. You know, he's sitting there, he doesn't even dress. You know, he's a 13 forward. You know, I'm not worried about that. That's what I think. That's what I feel. I've watched him enough where I can say that confidently. Greg, I wondered what your expectations were for Easton Cowan at this tournament.

Easton's had a season, Jonas, that I wouldn't say has been stellar. He had a stellar season last year as the MVP and was fantastic in the OHL playoffs en route to the MVP. You watched him very closely at the training camp, not even close to being ready for the OHL playoffs en route to the MVP. You watch them very closely at the training camp, not even close to being ready for the NHL, not even close. And that's more from a physical point of view,

the physical maturation. And I think young players can get bored going back to junior hockey. And I think in some respects that's happened to Easton to a certain extent. You know, the point streak has been going on. And Dale Hunter in London, he's got that team wrapping up. And Easton, to me, is getting himself wrapped up for the World Junior Tournament. He was there last year. He knows what it feels like.

I expect to see a real significant difference maker at the World Junior Tournament with Easton Cowan. I'm not worried about how he's played this year. He's played fine. Don't get me wrong. He's been a good player. I don't want anybody to think that that's negative. But I think, like the second half of the season in the OHL, trying to get back to the Memorial Cup, it'll wrap up for London.

It'll wrap up for Easton. But I think this is the wrapping up for Easton here at the World Junior Tournament. I think we know he didn't play during the selection camp because he was coming off that little bit of a body blow after that big hit against Oshawa, but I think you'll see him be a real prominent player and be a difference maker for Team Canada at the World Junior. It's always nice to see the Western league be represented amongst the

captain. So why is Jaeger the right, the right captain for this mighty Hoytards Canadian team? Jason, I think you'll appreciate this. And I think Brian and Jonas, you will too. I don't say,

I don't question that either, but Jason, I think you'll appreciate it. When I say this about Braden, there's nothing in the game that is beneath Braden. Braden's going to embrace everything, and he's going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. That might be a blocked shot.

That might be making sure that I win a puck on a faceoff. Whatever it may be, scoring a goal, setting up a play. He's so smart, and he's a really good, complete player. And when you want your team to play a certain style of really being dialed in in all the different areas of the game and treating, and tournament play is like this. You've got to treat every play as critically important, especially as you get into a sem-final and hopefully a gold medal match. You need that players and you need all your players to do that, but you need a leader that says nothing's beneath me. I am going to be there. He's not going to be cheating the game in any way. He's going to be dialed into every single hard area. No surprise to me that he was named the

captain. And he's been a really good player at the Lincoln Gretzky a couple years ago when they won gold. Really good player for Moosejaw when they won the Western Hockey League Championship. And to me, just an outstanding choice to be captain of this team. With Craig Button, the World Juniors starting their tune-ups tonight against Switzerland. In terms

of the goaltending, obviously an incredibly the most important position. You have to have it, especially in a tournament like this, especially at home. You know, the building's going to be packed. It'll be very pro-Canada. What can you tell us about the three goalies that have made the team, and how comfortable are you that we're going to find at least one kid here that can stand tall for Canada throughout the tournament?

So I'll go to the trio first. Every single one of them has won internationally for Canada, gold medal. They've all been terrific. Frank, not Frank, Frank's dad, Jack Ivan Kovic, he's won four gold medals. Canada Winter Games gold medal, U-17 World Challenge gold medal. He was the third goalie at the U-18, under-18 championships last spring in Finland, and he was a starting goalie for Canada at the Lincoln-Gretzky gold medal team. Oh, yeah, Matt Schaefer was also on all those teams too.

And so, but Jack's younger. I'm not saying that he can't be the guy. Carson Bjarnason was on the Lincoln-Gretzky team that won gold. Carter George, to me, is the guy. Carter George has a chance to complete a trifecta, and that trifecta is starting goalie for a Lincoln Gretzky gold medal winning team,

starting goalie for U18 gold medal winning team, and he's got a chance to win a gold medal at the World Junior Tournament. I can tell you, real quickly, the number of goaltenders that have ever won, that have ever done that. That would be zero. He has the first chance to do that. That would be zero. Really? He has the first chance to do that.

They do not win the gold medal and check in the Lincoln-Gretzky tournament without his brilliance, especially in overtime. They do not win the U18 gold medal without his brilliance in the second period versus USA, the gold medal game. That could have been 7-1 without his brilliance. He had the USA player shaking his head. He is dialed in. He's technically USA player shaking his head. He has dialed in. He's technically sound. He's calm.

He's cool. He's collected. And I know it's a bigger stage. I know when you're playing goal for Team Canada and you're wearing the Maple Leafs, there's also a real bullseye on you because the expectation is that you keep the puck out of the net. real bullseye on you because the expectation is that you keep the puck out of the net. And there'll be 18,000 rabid fans in the building, you know, millions watching on TV. I don't think that Carter gets faced. And I think that Carter has demonstrated that he can be the guy for Canada as they pursue a gold medal at the World Junior Tournament.

Craig, I've always heard you speak about the character or the style of play of each Canadian team year in, year out. So what do you expect from this group of players with obviously quite a bit of younger talent on it? Yeah, the younger talent is really good, and it's mature. And you think about younger players that have the talent. You've seen lots of good young players with talent. But, you know, sometimes understanding that there's a maturity that goes with it.

And I'm not talking about, you know, physical maturity. I'm just talking about, okay, this is what you've got to do and to be settled in it. And I think they have that with those young players. So let me start on the blue line. They can all skate. And so this is going to be a very hard defense to forward check because they can get the puck out with their feet they can get the puck out with their hands they're excellent in transition and now you can apply pressure up ice and really and

because they're so quick in transition you you you turn over the puck and you're not good with the puck and trying to force them to go back. Not only are they going to just circle and transition right back at you, they're going to be part of that offensive thrust. They're good at keeping pucks alive in the offensive zone. They have some real good size, and they can be hard players and really good hard players to play against. So that's on the blue line. I think they become a really difficult players to play against so that that's on the blue line i i think

they become a really difficult team to play against up front i'll start with the centers and who i think you know jaeger catten and luchenko up the middle of the ice i mean they're all brilliant players they're all so smart with their play and you know the middle of the ice you know the way they can play the game two-way and really help out their wingers i think that's really instrumental they got size on the walls uh they got they got players that are gonna give you the energy and give you that that ability to turn games and and force every shift to be hard for your opponent. So I see a team that can play fast, that can play skilled, that can play heavy, and they're going to be continuous in where they want to apply the pressure.

What I'm really saying here is any way you want to play, I think this team can do it, and I think they can do it well. USA has a team just like that. Okay. I like that. Canada-U.S., and the gold medal. Let's go for it. New Year's Eve preview of the gold medal, I think, Brian.

I love it. Can't wait. Craig, my voice is gone. You're getting fired up here, Charles. World Juniors. Go back to your teenage years. No, I actually wanted to ask you a Leaf question. Is that okay?

Go ahead. Sure. Go ahead. Think they're going to take Matthew Schaefer in the first round this year. Is that what you're hoping for? He wants to play there. Our friend here, Brian Hayes,

says there is a 0% chance that Matthews, Marner, and Nylander will play an entire playoff game together. Tell us why he's wrong. I can't do that. I just did a piece

on TSN SportsCenter where I agreed with him. I mean, people have used the word like Hayes is a fraud. If I come out here now and agree with you, Jonas, they're going to change the phrase the Bubs are fraud now.

Exactly, which I would support. I need it off me. So please do. Maybe you're team fraud. Yeah, maybe we can be together in this. Who knows? I don't mind being in the same boat with you, Brian. I know we won't tip over and fall in the water. That's true.

We'll go in the right direction. Absolutely. What I will say, you know, Jonas, Brian and I did this yesterday, and I do believe it. Like, it's December 18th yesterday. You know, it's the dark days of December. Like, let's have some fun with it. Let's see what can happen.

I think for Craig Berube, he's trying to keep the players excited. I think he's trying to look at what can be used at any particular point come playoff time. When I say we, I think collectively we all know what Craig Bruby has been saying. You've got to find different ways to score come playoff time. And I think that this is just another what I would call a dress rehearsal for what could work. And for Craig Bruby now to see if it can and what it looks like,

that gives him a different confidence. I'll share this quick story with you. Scotty Ball was coaching the Detroit Red Wings. They were playing the St. Louis Blues in the playoffs. And I forget where the series was at. It was a game in St. Louis. Donger and McInnes were on the team, and one or the other was on the ice half the game.

So Scottie throws out Shanahan, Federoff, and Eisenman. And, you know, you're sitting there, okay, this is interesting. And what does St. Louis do? They throw out Pronger and McInnes. But it was a saw-off. You know, McInnes and Pronger are Hall of Famers. Those other three guys are all Hall of Famers.

And it was a saw-off. But the second line came out with Larry Onoff and Kozlov. I believe it was Dougie Brown on the right wing. They didn't have to play against Brodner, and they scored. Sometimes you're trying to set something up for something different, not necessarily those guys. So you're agreeing with me. That's not 0%.

All right. No, no, no, I'm not. What I'm saying to you, Jonas, is they could last a period. Thank you. And I would agree with me because you're saying the whole game. That's the point. See, Craig's not a guy. He knows what he's talking about.

Strutty and I are on the same page. Hop in the DeLorean. Let's go to game two. The Leafs are down. They lost game one. They're not getting much going offensively. Craig Brube puts them together. Score, score.

Okay. Game three together. Then maybe that happens. That's not zero. Maybe that happens. And like I said, they get to game three. Nothing happens in the first period, and he mixes them up,

and they don't get through a full game. That was the point. I don't think they're going to play a full game together in the playoffs. Can I add one thing to this? I just want to add one thing to this. Yes, please do. You better know who your opponent is. We already know that.

No, no, but I'm talking about who you're out against. Because that other coach is going, go ahead. We'll be straight up with you. It's our next line that's going to put damage on you. And Craig Ruby has to think about that if he wants to keep them together for a game. Well, and that's the other side of it. If you're just looking at it like Matthews, Marner, Nylander, flashy lights, that's going to be cool.

Okay, fine. But maybe John Cooper says, that's great. I love that idea. And Berube has to sniff that out. It's not going to happen, Jonas. Come on over to the dark side. It's not going to happen. It's fun.

Like Craig said, in December, awesome. Put them out there. I want to see it happen on home ice. I hope it gets to Saturday night. But playoffs are going to be a completely different beast. All right, Craig. Well, we've got junior games going tonight. Can't wait for it.

So enjoy the tune-up. And if we don't chat before the tournament, enjoy the tournament. We always appreciate you doing this. Thanks for coming on. Yeah, always my pleasure. And ask Shreddy about the jeans he wears under his sweatpants when he's out on the ice. I always do.

Really? Pardon? I do. If I'm only for one hour, I put my tracksuit over my jeans because I'm not going to sweat, right? If it's two more hours, then I put something else comfortable on. For a Western boy, I'm surprised. Always.

I'm surprised. Well, you've got to understand about Jason, too. When he says he doesn't sweat, he was a big-time competitor. But when you watch Jason play, you really appreciated his mental effort because he was so smart. He didn't have to run around sweating. I love it. I was like,

Lidstrom, in the right place. In the right place. Your brain was sweating. It's like when you were dancing and Shauna saw you on the dance floor. You're in the right place. She still talks about it. She should.

See you guys. Happy holidays. You too. This is Craig Button joining us here. You were the Nick Lidstrom of the WHL back in the day. Yeah, well I was really slow in the WHL. That was a different time. You could clutch and grab. I'd pick guys up

in our zone and just hold them. Like they're my kids and you're not getting a penalty. That was a different time. You could clutch and grab. I'd pick guys up in our zone and just hold them. It's like they're my kids, and you're not getting a penalty. That was the dream. Bring that back. Clutch and grab era, the early 90s WHL. Just pick guys up. I'd literally just hold on to guys, push them against the wall, and hold them there.

And the ref would be like, hey, be careful. I'm like, yeah, okay, no problem. You're just going to keep giving me a warning. I'll keep doing it. That's the best part. Hey, stop doing that. Oh, sure yeah, okay. No problem. You're just going to keep giving me a warning. I'll keep doing it. That's the best part. Hey, stop doing that. Oh, sure. Of course.

No penalty. Fine. All right. Best bets brought to you by FanDuel coming up. And Raptors in action. Bunch of games in the NHL tonight as well. Overdrive continues. TSN 1050 and on TSN 2.

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Call 416-457-PLAN or visit askkelvin.ca time now for tsn 1050 time saver traffic we are still seeing some problems eastbound on the 401 starting the express at keel street three lanes are now blocked by a collision and on the eastbound collector ramp to the 404 DVP, another crash is blocking the left lane. In town, King's Bedina remains closed for TTC streetcar wire repairs. And eastbound on Shepard, approaching Dufferin, that is blocked by a collision. Bring home performance and power with the new CR-V. Lease all 2025 models from 2.99% up to 28 months.

Visit HondaOntario.com. From the News Talk 1010 Traffic Center, I'm Christina Galli. Now, back to Overdrive with Hayes, Noodles and the O-Dog. Don't sweat the technique. Today's best bets are powered by Fando.

Make your picks and assemble a same game parlay in seconds in the Fando Sportsbook app. I can't believe I'm about to say this. I'm laying the points. I'm taking the Raptors tonight. Minus three. Minus three. They're playing Brooklyn. Brooklyn's been better than expected, but they stink.

They are going the opposite way. They were in full tank mode, and they started winning too many games. I think they're freaking out. They're trading pieces. Guys are going to have mystery injuries. They've lost three in a row. Scotty Barnes is back. I think they're freaking out. They're trading pieces. Guys are going to have mystery injuries. They've lost three in a row. Scotty Barnes is back. I think the Raptors win and they cover the number tonight.

I'm okay with that. That's the first thing you've been cool with all day for me, Jonas. I appreciate that. We finally made it, Strud. You agreed on something. It only took three hours. It took three hours to finally get there. Today's best bets are powered by FanDuel. The FanDuel Sportsbook app is the exclusive home of the Overdrive

same-game parlay. And also, please play responsibly. 19-plus, physically located in Ontario. As for the football game, we're taking the points in that one. Taking the points. Broncos plus two and a half. You like the Chargers tonight? Yeah.

They have to respond. They got blown out against Tampa last week. Harbaugh, they're leaking oil. He's going to be on his team. I expect a good effort out of the Chargers tonight, but Herbert doesn't look like himself, and I think they got off to a hotter start than they really... I always thought it was going to take a while for Harbaugh

to get that program going, and I'll take Peyton over Harbaugh in the second meeting of the season. Another thing. I think Sean Payton's going to have some things cooking tonight. Broncos. Bo Nix. Big game. Big game for a young kid on a short week on the road.

But Denver's been very impressive this year. And I think Bo Nix, he's got a real shot at really making a name for himself tonight on national TV. So there you go. Alright, boys. Great stuff. Strutty, good seeing you. Good catching up, as always. Appreciate you doing this. Great time.

Jonas Segal of The Athletic. Great seeing you, Jonas. Great seeing you guys. As always, we thank everyone behind the scenes for helping out. We appreciate it. Everyone for tuning in today. TV, radio, podcast, web, we appreciate that. We're out of here. Enjoy your evenings. Enjoy the games tonight. We're back tomorrow at for tuning in today. TV, radio, podcast, web. We appreciate that. We're out of here. Enjoy your evenings. Enjoy the games tonight.

We're back tomorrow at 4 p.m. We'll chat then. Time now for TSN 1050 Time Saver Traffic. Problems continue eastbound on the 401 in the expressive Keele Street. Two left lanes and the right lane are blocked by a crash. Only one center lane is getting by at this time good news though eastbound on the collector ramp to the 404 dvp that crash has cleared away over on the 404 dvp southbound the ramp to steeles has

a stalled vehicle in the center lane in town problems continue at king and spadina that intersection is closed for ttc street wire repairs. An eastbound on Shepherd approaching Dufferin remains blocked by a collision. Best Buy's ultimate smartphone sale is back until December 19th with incredible deals on phones and plans. Get exclusive offers in-store or shop online at bestbuy.ca. From the News Talk 1010 Traffic Center, I'm Christina Galli. First up, with Korolnik and Kody akivo weekday morning six till ten on tsn 10 50 you ain't first you're last tsm plus is taking game day to a whole new level with nfl red zone absolutely incredible subscribe now for every touchdown from every game every

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