OverDrive - OverDrive - October 2, 2025 - Hour 1 - Darren Dreger/Pierre LeBrun

Episode Date: October 2, 2025

Join Bryan Hayes, Jeff O'Neill and Jamie McLennan for Hour 1 on OverDrive! The guys discuss the MLB Wild Card' Series, the Yankees and Red Sox battling in a Game 3 and the impact on the Blue Jays, the Maple Leafs playing a full NHL roster against the Red Wings, Joseph Woll remaining out the lineup and goaltending depth for Toronto. In the latest edition of the Insiders Roundtable, Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun go around the league's contract frenzy, Kirill Kaprizov's significant deal in Minnesota and Jack Roslovic's next steps going into the season.

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This hour of overdrive is powered by Fanduil. Fandul, bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score. All right, here we go, overdrive off and running. TSN 1050 on the TSN app, your home smart speaker, up on TSN4, Brian Hase, O'Doc, Jeff O'Neill, Jamie Noodles, McClennett. What's going on? What's going on? Noodles, did you hear how your boy did with the chili tasting, or did he give you an update or no?

You know what? I talked to him today. did not come up i actually i should follow up with it because we talked for like 20 minutes but uh uh we that we didn't talk about the chili and he probably i probably should have checked on that because he would have been harry done you know well he's alive obviously strutty announced yesterday he was the celebrity guest at a chili contest see and if he lasted 20 minutes on the phone with you yeah he you think he's in good spirits he wasn't on a porta potty i actually had a little bit of a dilemma i was going to run by because both of you guys can identify with this oh you might

be the specialty on this because you have older daughters but i got my daughter came to me and said daddy a boy gave me his number his phone number uh oh she's she's 12 yeah that's that's not good i almost passed out i almost passed out exactly like i didn't know what to do and i was like You say crumple it up and throw it away. Or you stay here, I'll take it, and let me check in on this guy, just see what's going on? I was joking, but I was like, okay, well, you know, do you want it? What do you want to do here? And, of course, there's other parents on the playground and all that.

They heard, and she was telling them, she told our nanny and all that, and I was like, oh, my God. And they said, it's starting. It's starting. I don't know what to do. So I just, I said, well, we can FaceTime the kid, and I have this Bella clava that I could. just, you know, stand behind you or something. Send a message, really. Yeah. You can make it real

uncomfortable for him if you want. I mean, you know what? I said to her, I said, well, it takes a lot of courage for a boy to walk up and just hand his number. So I was like, you know, kind of good on him, but you're not, she's not allowed to date until what, 14, 16, I don't know,

it's a while, put it that way. Sure. Yeah, I mean, that is a ball play. I always thought it was kind of the other way around, though, asking for the number. like there's it's a bold play i like it i credit the kid but the real like if you really want to step up you got to ask for the number because then you could get turned out but if you just hand out the number and turn away and leave she could throw that thing in the garbage and you're like yeah i did my job you know i sent it out asking for the number is a different story but it speaks to

where we are in the world where everyone you know you're 12 13 14 you have your own phone number yes like that when we were kids if you wanted to call a girl you had to call house and you knew the dad was going to answer and when he answered you're like here we go yeah here we go i got to ask for whoever it is he's going to possibly give me yeah an answer i don't want to hear that dad answering to talking to the dad is and you know that he makes sure that he answers man oh of course he was answering of course he was going to answer well okay there you go noodles off and run it man honest that's the world you're in now Like, I almost passed out right there.

I didn't know what to do. I was like, all right, you know, I was trying to act like poise. Oh, that's pretty cool, you know? And then I was just, like, sweating and like, and I just, I called staff. I said, you deal with this. Like, this is, you know, this is between the mom and the daughter and all of that. But I just said, holy smokes. Now I'm worried.

I'm in one. Well, it's good. She's confiding in you, right? She's letting you know, this is what's going on. This is what's happening. And, I mean, listen, man, you got to prepare for that. That's the truth. Like, like Noodle said.

Your daughters are older. I mean, it's, who knows? I don't. Probably been through that now. Mine are younger, but not quite at that position. But I have, I did have a conversation with a teacher last year. I guess there was some boy who was maybe a little bit too interested in the teacher had to step in and be like, you know. And I'm like, seriously?

Like, how is this happening already? And like, what is going on in these classrooms around this country? Crazy. Anyway, all right. Well, you got to be on top of this. things, noodles. I'm going to be. I'm going to be on top of things. I'd say give us an update, but we don't want an update. The audience doesn't need an

update. No. I just need it. And they're basically going to come and tell you. They're basically going to come and tell you when they have a boyfriend and when you can do what you want with that. Right. Exactly. That's the way it works. That's the next step. Yeah, that's, you can direct traffic all you want, but then you're going to just hear the words, I've got a boyfriend.

Right. Then you're like, okay, then you've got to inspect and see what's going on. That's what it is. And nowadays, you probably can't. with Facebook and Instagram and all that kind of stuff. You can probably do a little bit of due diligence. But all right, well, good stuff. And we got a hockey game tonight. We got a football game tonight.

We got baseball games tonight, right? The Red Sox, they had a chance last night. That was their chance. I feel like it could have been their chance. It was tied 2-2, then 3, and then Austin Wells finds a way to get a hit, put a run on the board of the Yankees win 4-3 last night. Game 3 tonight, Tiger's currently leading the Guardians in game 3 of that series. And how about our boy, Chisholm, big factor in the game.

He got put back in the game, and he was a factor, man. His little interview turning around backwards, and he was like, that's going to work for me. So I wonder, does he continue with that? Does it become, like, superstitious? And we got a win after I turn my back to the media. Is that something he's going to continue with? It's so goofy because I think he was asked, like, how did you deal with the disappointment of not playing? and instead of like old school 1990 saying oh i went and had a bunch of beers somewhere he's like

i played Nintendo like i played uh some game and i and i and i won and then i felt better yeah that's how we dealt with it that'll do it for you now in 2025 that's it you get to some final level of call of duty yeah yeah everything's all good how about erin josh no homer but that was a key that was a key that was a key hit sure was man sure was had a couple he's mr single right now But that's okay. You just find a way to get hits if you're Aaron Judge. Well, if you're Vladie, you're watching that and you're going, I just want to contribute.

That's all I could think of when I'm seeing these Yankees. And, you know, in my mind, I'm like, okay, how are these guys going to match up? You know, do you want the monster? You're going to face the monster with the Red Sox or, you know, the 6'5 monster or do you want to just go right at the Yankees, which is, you know, Judge is going to knock a few out of the park. But I don't know. I still want the Yankees for some reason.

I don't know why. I do. I like the idea going out to the Yankees. I do. You want the name. You want the Yankees and you just want the, whatever, the prestige and just taking them down. Because they've just been that legacy team for so many years. Tell you what, some team's scary, though.

Like, you watch the Dodgers play and you're like, man, who the hell wants to deal with those guys? Terrifying. Terrifying. Terrifying. And they've Florida Panthers this season where they had a lot of injuries and they just roped and They found a way to get in, and they looked at Milwaukee and Philly and said, go ahead. We'll go through the wild card. No problem.

Like, it's going to be in L.A. And we're going to destroy this Cincinnati team. And the Reds came in with, like, pitching and defense, and they gave up 20 runs in two games. Yeah. I believe that's what it was. Like, that had to have got everyone's attention haze, where the Dodgers are just like, we're back and we're ready, and we're going to start crushing. All the key guys for the Dodgers are contributing. Betts, Otani, tail.

So, like, they're all dialed in now, and it must be just horrifying for other teams. It is, and they get an extra party out of it, because if you win the wild card, you get to party again. I know. It's not crazy. You just keep partying. You make the playoffs party, win the division party, win the wildcard party, get to the divisional series party. Yeah. Like, they could have six parties if they win the World Series.

Six parties. Crazy. If you're the Dodgers. And they seem to love every single second of it. They have a good time. They have a very good time. And all, you know, the other three series, they're all going. So, again, we'll track the game this afternoon.

And you've got Cubs, Padres, and then Yankees, Red Sox tonight. And we got a football game tonight. Al's brother will join us. Luke coming up, Hayes and Bro on the clock. It's tough because the Niners are so injured. But the Leafs are not, and the Leafs are playing. They've got two more games against Detroit at home tonight and on the road in Detroit on Saturday. But this is where the big boys are going.

Basically, their full lineup. He's playing tonight. And Easton Cowan is in the lineup. Micelli's on the third line. You've got the six defensemen playing. Benoit has been banged up at times during camp, but he's playing tonight. Stolars is going,

and the plan is for Anthony Stolars to play 60 minutes tonight. So this is it. If you're preparing for the season and you're a leaf fan and maybe you haven't been paying attention or watching the preseason games, if you want to know who Craig Barubei has in mind, and I guess by extension Brad Tree Living has in mind, for who's going to play come opening night

and less than a week, tonight's your night. Yeah, it kind of takes some intrigue out of it, doesn't it? Hayes, like, for people looking, like, what's going to happen with this? And the coach, you know the coach wants the NHL roster because, you know, not that many exhibition games, and he wants to see what these guys look like together, some new bodies. We all know about the Mitch Barner situation

and Domi getting in there and getting some reps with the top guys. He wants to see what this lineup looks like. And it's in their building, too, right? So you, you know, the home game, it's like, okay, nice, you know, fluffy starts type of thing. You don't want these guys on the road. And, you know, I think this is their full lineup. And maybe Saturday would be, you know, kind of three quarters of the lineup. But this is, I would argue, and I don't know how you guys feel, this is game one.

This is game one and what it looks like, you know, for me, go time next week. That's what it, if everybody's healthy and ready to go, it's Dolors that starts. It's this 6D. And it's that combination. to start for the season, and things will change. Inconsistencies, injuries, all of that. But that looks like the team that they're starting with. Yeah, and what's the plan with Rimer?

Like, if Stolars is going 60 minutes tonight, I haven't seen anything indicated on what could happen on Saturday. Maybe he gets in on Saturday and gets a game, or gets part of a game. Maybe he and he'll be go back and forth or play half the game each. But you would think at some point they've got to make a call on him. He's on a PTO. Yes.

So, again, they don't know, Joe. Joseph Wall when he's returning. I guess that could mean Wall returns by the end of the weekend, possibly, or maybe he doesn't return for a month or two months. Who knows? But you've got to make a call on Rimer before the season starts. You're right. But I think they have to sign him because even if Joseph Wall showed up, let's just say, today,

he still needs to skate. He still needs to get into shape. Still needs to feel. No kidding, Jamie. It's not like he's just going to wheel back. I mean, I don't know where he is or what he's doing. He's probably skating. But he just don't show up and put your gear back and get a,

get a jersey and just wheel out there and you're back in motion what what is the i don't have the exact count of days joe from the bridge probably does but like has it been two weeks like he's been it's been uh close to that right so let's say let's assume he's working out in skating but that's not at nchl level skating because he hasn't been in practice and and and getting that type of reps so i think they have to sign rhymer and they do have to flexing flexibility. Now, you'd have to waive them, I believe, and put him through waivers. I don't think anybody would grab him just based on signing a PTO, but he might have to get a game or two with the Marleys just to start. But it's not like the Marley's are, I think the Marley's start

like a week later than the Leafs. So it's, so he's just like an insurance policy around the horn? Like what, like? Yeah, I think so because we don't have, and I don't know if they have a time frame for Joseph Wall. So what do you do? You need another player. If you keep Hill to be up, you still need somebody for the AHL because you've got the Russian AA, but outside of that is they don't have much. Yeah, you've got to have someone playing. Like, that was the role Matt Murray played last year. And listen, with Stolars and Wall, there's no guarantee they're both healthy all season,

or at least one of them's healthy all season. There's a chance both of them are not available to you at some point. Well, hey, especially what Stollars dealt with in the playoffs and the way guys go to the net now, like, who the hell knows what the hell can happen to him? Right. exactly you need insurance policies and i don't know if rimer's going to be the best one considering where he is in his career and i think he would get through waivers because he could have been signed all he had all off-season to be signed he clearly wants to continue his career no one gave

him that opportunity so you have to assume the least would feel pretty comfortable with that but at some point you might need to get to your fourth goalie like it may be stolars wall hilderby and a fourth goal he might have to start four or five games you never know with this season. You just never know. Fourth goal. It's possible, especially with these guys. Like, you know, if you have a healthy hella buck, you know he's going to start 65 games or whatever,

healthy Vasilevsky or healthy Shasturkin. Then you feel okay with whoever your backup is or maybe your third stringer. The Leafs don't have that luxury with these guys. And they haven't really had it in quite some time, to be honest with you. No, exactly. Not from a health standpoint. They do have their tandem if they're healthy and feeling good. talent and everything and contracts, of course.

Correct. But was, was that a couple years ago when I was calling Ottawa? I think they had seven goaltenders that played at least in one game for the Ottawa Senators. Seven. Crazy. That's, it is crazy. Oh, I remember that.

They were going down like crazy noodles. There was a guy that, I think his name was Ferguson, and he stood on his head in Pittsburgh. I think it's still in Ferguson. Can't confirm it than I was Ferguson. Ferguson and Pittsburgh? Ferguson, Jr. No, it was, I think he either confirm or deny that. They brought him up, and he started in Pittsburgh and made like 50 saves. And this was a guy, I think he had been called up from Junior.

I don't know if you guys remember this a couple years ago. He got thrown in a game against the Oilers, and McDavid and those guys were just buzzing. This guy got hung out. It was like a 10 spot. I don't think he got, he was in relief duty. But I believe he played a game for the Ottawa. senators. What can you expect if you're on your seventh stringer?

That's through the East Coast League, dude. That's into men's league stuff. Like that's as far down as you can go in terms of trying to find a goaltender. And again, you hope that that's not going to be the case for the Leafs. And Stollars is healthy and he plays 60 tonight and he's ready to go opening night. And Hilderby has played in the NHL. But it's interesting that this is likely the lineup for night one and you know there will be changes by the end of the year. like post-trade deadline and is it is it cowan can he play up does he play out you know is it

mitchellie who's guaranteed a spot you know i feel pretty good in in saying that eight nine 10 nine four eight or nine forwards i'm pretty certain a plan come playoff time but um there's always change and even on defense we talked about yesterday like they're all locked in term wise they all have term all of yeah but they're all a year older and And what if you get to a point if you're Brad Tree Living where maybe you feel good about your forwards and you feel like, okay, we have some room, we have some cap space, we have some assets to give up, let's go get crazy and make our defense that much better. That really hasn't been, you know, a huge part of the conversation in the past. Yes, they got Carlo at the deadline last year, but generally it's who's going to play wing here, who's going to play center there, go get O'Reilly, go get this guy, go get that guy. and again we're not even at opening night

but it'll be this will not be the same lineup we see game one of the playoffs just first on Cowan Hayes like I did that my first year in the league like going like a point producing player in the OHL and then all of a sudden you're like in fourth line duty and it just doesn't feel like the right situation

you're like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing to help the team so I hope he gets opportunities like four on four secondary power just move him around to give him chances to produce out there because that's what he is a point producer although they had some games and they were like the top line whatever exhibition game they played but that's the kind of chances

that he's got to get if you're really going to see what you got there because I think he's a really skilled guy and I think he's finding his way around where he knows how to move around and he's getting to pucks and battling and creating things and making plays when he gets it I think he can be a good player I think so as well oh but I think

what they're trying to do is get and this would be a bad way to say but get the junior out of him. You know, in junior, it's two-minute shifts, it's holding on to the puck, it's the extra, because he was the top player, right? Him and that team was dominant, right? Oh, he was probably told, go out on the ice and do whatever you want and don't come back until you can't skate.

Exactly, and I think what happens at the NHL level, like, you're going, okay, you're out there for 38 seconds. You're out there for 40 seconds. It's hard. You might touch the puck once, you know, for a second and a half type of thing. Like, that's what you're dealing with. So, you know, they want him to settle in, and then you're right. Give him some peaks on that second power play, because that's where he can flourish and make some plays. And that might be the carrot that Chief Dangles in front of him saying, be a good five-on-five player.

This is who I'm going to play you with on the fourth line. It's going to be Lawton and Lawrence. And then, you know, after that. There's opportunity, though. Like, again, there's opportunity. Max Domi, Bobby McMahon, Mateman. Matthias Machelli. None of them are, you know, that's not like Frank Mahavlitz you're trying to push out.

No, and if you don't keep doing your thing, the coach is going to look for an opportunity. I remember Paul Maurice telling me as soon as he took the job, he's like, you're not going to be playing on the fourth line anymore. You're going to be on our first line with Brendan Chanahan and Nelson Emerson. So you just never know how things can change. But in order to do that, you have to, you know, do the right things. And I think instead of what you mentioned, noodles, like waiting around for the puck and junior, I think he's understood that at this level, you've got to go get it.

Like, you just can't stand around. Like, not everyone's Brett Hall. You've got to go get it and try to create four checks and stick plays, interceptions. And you've got to work for it because it's a lot different. You're not used to it, man. I agree. I think there is things. It's just small details.

And it's almost like hiding him in the lineup, but giving him an opportunity. You're not going to play 18 minutes. But we might get you to 10 or 12, and two of those minutes might be on the power play. So it might be 10 minutes of five-on-five play with Lorenz and Lawton, but go out and do something with it. That's what you've got to do. And it'll be a difference maker. There's ebbs and flows.

I mean, again, we're talking about the goaltending and not trying to put negative energy into the air, but their injuries can happen, right? Things can happen. Like all of a sudden it's like, hey, depth is going to be tested. You're going to move up, you know, whoever it is. and at some point that could happen for Cowan for Scott Lotton for whoever it might be and you know Craig Barube was speaking on Austin Matthews today and mentioned how you know he wasn't healthy last year we all knew it you could see it you know it was very obvious the guy

flew to Germany at some point during the season it was a pretty obvious thing that this guy was fighting it wasn't a common cold to go to Germany no I mean this was not a pit stop at shoppers and he was going to be fine it was clearly something that was seriously nagging him and you presume health he's going tonight you know you you kind of hold your breath because last year it looked like something happened or popped up during the preseason i think it was actually at practice but if he gets to game one and he is healthy i don't see how i don't think baroube is overstating anything here like this guy is still 28 years old in his prime he's yo-yoed his career is basically his whole career,

certainly the last three or four years. Up year, down year, up year, down year. Last year was a down year. This year, if he's healthy, I think it's going to be a rock star season for him. Yeah. And he's got to do it. How many guys would dream to have a down year

and score 33 goals? Yeah, of course. That's insane. Based on his standards. Like, he's averaging, you know, 40 goals a year his whole career. Yeah. Like, that's, I read a stato in the top 50 show

that the only, the other two players in history through nine seasons that have done that are Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky in terms of the amount of goal scoring and the volume. He's further along in terms of total goals at this point in his career

than Ovechkin was year nine. He's 20 goals behind mats for the team record. You were talking about McDavid and I knew that you took some heat from the Edmonton fans when you talked about the Hart Trophy or score in 50. Who would you give a better

chance of scoring 52 this year. Matthews. Matthews. I just think he's a better pure goal score. Like, McDavid's a brilliant goal score, clearly. He's got the capability to do it. He's going to get breakaways and stuff that Matthews isn't going to get. But you just look at their career.

I mean, he's – McDavid scored 50 plus once, one time. Like, he's not – last year, 26 goals or something. Yeah, like, that's not a great goal scoring season. and Matthews at 33 or 34, and they both played around the same games. I think Austin maybe a little bit less, and Austin was ailing all season. So I would put money on Matthews on that. I know, I just think Jesus is going to go absolutely crazy this year.

I just got that feeling. He might. He might. But so could Austin Matthews. I was just going to say both of them could have, you know, great years. The one thing I would like to, you know, maybe have Hayes eat some crow on is at 20. They're both 28, right? So they're both 28 years old right now.

Win the heart, first and second and heart? Maybe have a career year at this age. Like you, you know, both of them. Like, that's what you might be looking for? Now, Matthews, what would be a career year? You know, 70 goals? Yeah, it's got to be 70 and like 110 points. I don't think he's doing that.

To get to 70. I think once you hit you, you get that one opportunity, man. Well, how many games did he have at 69 to get 70? Didn't he have three or four to get to seven? Yeah, he had the last, the last cup. couple for sure because remember he almost did it against Detroit on the Saturday night where he had like 25 shot attempts or something.

Yeah, I think he might have had Florida and Tampa. Yeah, they didn't get a and he didn't get it. And when he was down there, Kutrov hit 100 assists, I believe. Yeah, and McDavid did too. Both of those guys hit 100 assists the same night. It's just I think both, I think Matthews is poised to have a big season and whatever that is defined

by points and goals, we all know he's a pure goal score. It's just going to look different getting him the puck or him him keeping the puck. That's really what it is. That's what I want to see, Jamie. Is he going to score differently? Like he's got to find a different way to do it.

I'm sure he's the best goal score in the game he's going to figure out a way. But it's not like when you play with a talented guy like Marner and you know that give-and-go game where you can just float it around behind the net and then get open and you know it's going to be on your stick, maybe that's not going to be the same thing for him all the time. Yeah. Well, okay, they both played. It's actually pretty interesting.

I didn't realize this. McDavid and Matthews played the exact same amount of games last year. They both played 67, right? Both played 67. And McDavid had 26 goals, 74 assists, 100 points. Matthews had 33 goals, 45 assists, 78 points. So, you know, forget the greatest season of their career. Who do you think has a better chance of having a better season than last year?

Like who do you think has a better chance? McDavid or Matthews, at the end of the year, wow, that was significantly better than what we saw in 24, 25. Because what did you say Matthews had like 78 points? 78 points. McAid had 100 points on a down season for him. That's the crazy thing. That's why I said 151 points this year, and you almost crawled through the phone and

choke out. I just said he's done it once, and I don't think I'll ever do it again. I don't know, man. There's something about McJesus and this contract stuff. Well, yeah. I mean, old Stan Bowman freaking out yesterday. he looked a little bit nervous when he was asked about it. I think you're right.

He did, man. He was just like, ah, you've got to talk to him. I don't know. That's never good. We'll talk to that guy. You're the GM. But he's the guy. McDavid holds all the cards.

We know that. But if you're Stan Bowman, that's the first thing you do is you direct him to Connor McDavid. I'm ready for a contract. You ask him because that's all you can do. And I think the only thing that McDavid can do to keep the flies off of that contract talk is go crazy on the ice. Like you said, oh, like go on average two points a game and everyone, now everyone will

still have the angst, are you signing? But if it's not a distraction and he's having an amazing year, that's where it slightly keeps the flies off. Stan said it also. He's like other numbers and caprice off. This doesn't matter with Connor McDavid. Yeah. He's such a unicorn.

He's the best player in the world. then it's nothing affects what that guy's going to get. He basically is going to say what he's going to get. What if he has the worst year of his career? Does that, if people in Edmonton like, I don't think so. I think you're going to have an off year last year and he got 100 points. What the hell is the worst year of his career?

I don't know. 90 points? Yeah, 90 points in 75 games. Yeah. And they're third in the division and lose in the first round. Are people like, maybe things are changing with me? No, I mean, I don't think, how many games did Capriza play last year?

40, something, 42 or so. I know, but that's not exactly a terrible negotiation and contract for Minnesota. Yeah, but it's not, the thing is, it's not, McDavid's, I agree 100%. It's not tied to money. He can write himself a check for 20% of the cap. Whatever that is, 19.1 million. He can write a check. And if you wait a year, it's going to go up.

you know, to 104.5, then to 113, 1,13, 120 after that. So if you're doing 20%, I've said this before, if he does a two-year extension at just 16, 15, whatever, just a number, two years from now, he could be writing self a check for 20 plus a year. Possibly. Yep, for sure. For sure he could.

Yes, you have to believe that's going to be the case. But, you know, he'll be 30 at that point. Who knows? We'll see. All right. Pia Lerbundk coming up. Darren will join us on this. Contracts galore.

Everyone's getting paid. in the NHL. We'll catch up with the insiders next. All right, overdrive continues, powered by Van Dule, bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score Thursday night or tonight, Battle of the NFC West. We've got Luke coming up just after 5 o'clock. Al's brother will join us for that as well because Hayes and Bro on the clock and that line is moving upward, man. The Rams are a massive favorite based on all these injuries for the Niners.

We'll get to that in about a half an hour, but there are the insiders. Darren Treger, Pierre LeBron. That is an epic looking jacket pair. Where did you find that? Drake's may remember where I got this. This is kind of embarrassing, but... Value Village? We were standing on the sidewalks of New York in January 2013.

It was just freezing, waiting for the freaking lockout to end. And I had been in New York too long, and had not been ready for the winder to go next level. So I went into the NHL store and bought this Hartford Whalers sports jacket. Love it to keep me warm. How much was it, Pierre? It looks fantastic, buddy.

It looks fantastic, Pierre. How much was it? Yeah. Oh, I don't remember. Way more than I wanted to pay for sure. You know, it is in those stores. I like to wear it when I have a cigar, you know? I call it my cigar,

and jacket. Love it. I love it. Classy. Beautiful. Well, everyone, everyone's getting contracts in the NHL right now, including Nico Mikula, got himself an eight-year extension at $5 million per. And we'll start with you, Dregs.

This is Florida just keeping everyone. And call me a cynic. Like, at what point does Bill Zito have to decide some guys maybe should not be here for the rest of time in Florida? Because they're keeping everyone, and they're keeping everyone long term. yeah i get that but look at the path of nicomicolea and what he's had to endure in the national hockey league before arriving in florida and winning two stanley cups right like this man paid his dues and was more or less a misfit and he's found his way under the guidance of paul maurice um you know ray ferrara and i talked a little bit about this on the podcast there's something about an eight-year term of this guy that makes me a little bit nervous to be fair uh but at five million dollars that's what it breaks down to $5 million on the annual average salary. You know, the proof is in the pudding.

He's been a real good ad, a real good piece in that defensive core. He plays the system the way Paul Maurice wants him to play. He fits in well in that regard. So I'm not going to question work here, Bill Zito, because everything this man seems to do from management perspective is spot on. This might turn out to be another example. Well, yeah, they have gone to three straight cup finals. And, Pierre, I wonder if you've, you know, adjusted your look at the Panthers with the Barcov news, him being out for the year and could chook out for a couple of months, if not more, and everyone bracing for Bill Zito and company down there possibly to address this issue.

What do you see happening with Florida? I have adjusted in a sense that I don't see them winning the Atlantic in the regular season, but they can care less. I mean, their goal is just to get in. And can you imagine if they get in as a wild card and get Chuck back in the second half and get Barkoff back for the playoffs and go out and add someone before the March 6th trade deadline with some of the savings from Barkoff? And you get them in a 1-8 or a 2-7? Those are some of the thoughts that I've had dancing through my head is everyone's worst nightmare with Florida just doing what they have to do to survive and get in and then getting healthier. But, you know, I chatted with Bill Zito last weekend after the devastating Barkoff news guys. And he made it clear.

Like, he's going to look under every single stone. We now on March 6th and try and go get some help for his team. It's a bit complicated. As Barkoff comes back, now there's a playoff salary cap. So he can't go out and spend $10 million if there's any chance that he comes back for the playoffs. So those old loopholes are gone. But there's still some savings there. And he did not hide that he's going to go out and try and add.

So I wouldn't, you know, I know that their stock went down a lot in some places, but I wouldn't write off the Florida Panthers just yet in terms of what they might look like come April. Pierre, the term you like to use rival GMs. What do other GMs think about the Caprizo number that they got to, especially teams that have guys coming up, whether it be Eichol, Connor. Like, do they have any thoughts on him getting that money with the guys they have to deal with on their own? Yeah, first text back I got from one with. was yikes

but you know I think I think drags hurt a lot of the same as I did from other teams like they they understood what Billy Garron when what scenario he was facing their oh yeah Craig Leopold didn't want to lose Carrillo Capriza

they don't they have not generated any players of that talent in the history of the 2.0 you know Minnesota franchise and they don't attract UFAs of high caliber so oh totally I get it They were going to overpay, you know. Other players are going to be like, well, now I'm worth this, aren't they?

And they're going to be looking at that contract as the biggest example. Maybe. I mean, that's what agents are telling us that they hope that now that this 17 is on the board, that everyone's going to point to the board when it's their high-in client who is up for renegotiation. There's no question. You can't, comps are comps for a reason. I guess what I was trying to say, though, is that I think that team, teams and negotiations are going to say, well, yeah, but Minnesota, they were over a barrel.

Like, that's a unique situation of Minnesota overpaid, blah, blah, blah, but you're right. Agents are going to say, I don't care why he got 17. He got 17, and now it's in the system. So there's no question that's going to have an impact on negotiations before. You know, I actually thought the reaction across the league would be more severe from NHL general managers. I think that when the reality set in, that Caprizzav pushed away from $128 million initially. That caught the attention of most GMs. But Brad Turle even joked with me, and he said, it was right after the Anthony Stolars,

four-year contract extension was announced. And he said, hey, I must have done good work. I got five Stollies for one Caprizov. So I guess that's how you look at the map when you're looking at your own roster in your own club independently. But, you know, I'll tell you what, and this is not, I'm not criticizing the agents involved in these deals, but immediately, within the last year,

you look at Miko Ranton, 12 million a year in Dallas, Willie Nealander at 11.5 in Toronto. There are already some deals for I.N. Blairs that look pretty darn good and what this new landscape looks like it's coming at us here. No question. I had some people in Ottawa sending me comments going, and Jake Sanderson looks pretty good at 8 million,

so to Stitz, Tim Stutzla and Brady Kachakka. Dregs, in your opinion, who do you think is the next shoe to drop in? Do you guys get a sense? Like, is it Kyle Connor? You know, because obviously McJesus in Edmonton is going to hold everybody hostage for a while, but who do you think is the next guy? Yeah, I think Kyle Connor, Jack Eichol, maybe the Vegas Golden Knights is another one. I checked in on Alex talking about.

off-low savers, and it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot going on there. I mean, the old standby is there's steady communication. Well, of course. I mean, these players are going into the final year before unrestricted free agency. McDavid is the outlier because we check in on this every single day and until Connor McDavid wakes up and says, yeah, you know what, I feel like I want to get an extension done in Edmonton. It's just not going to happen, and he's not at that place.

Jack Eichael loves playing in Vegas. He loved living in Vegas. So, you know, even though he looks at the Caprize off contract, there's just no way that they're going to get there or just can't work with the Vegas Golden Knights. And as we talked about last week on earlier this week in insider trading, the Kyle Conner negotiation is also a little bit tricky with the Winnipeg Jets. You know, Winnipeg is one of those smaller market teams that just hasn't given up signing bonus money historically. So what is the structure of that deal extending Kyle Conner going to look like? the player, he's entitled to ask for what he's going to ask for. And that's

term, that's AAV. And if the player decides, yeah, signing bonus has to be a part of my structure, then it gets to be more of a problem. With Darren Drager, Pierre, the Bronner, TSA HICOL is a big one to monitor. Go ahead, Pierre, continue. Yeah. I was just going to say, I think Iichel's a big one to monitor

and, you know, always asking about the impact of Caprisov. I know that there are people involved in some of the negotiations that Dregg just mentioned, you know, I, that I think the Eichol contract may be even more of a domino because let's just call it a more normal negotiation where it's not total desperation like Minnesota was with Caprisoff.

So, you know, I think $14 million a year would get it done with Jack Eichol. I don't know that Vegas, I don't know if Vegas is willing to go whether or not. We'll see. That's just me examining the market and trying to think what I call no state income tax in Vegas and him wanting to stay. That's just a number I'm pulling out of thin air. But let's say it ends up around 13 or 14 million a year. Then I think when it comes to Adrian Kempe and Alex Tuck and some of these other pending UFAs,

that has a real direct impact on where those guys will go. Because I'll tell you right now, I believe that I think Adrian Kempay's case, I think that their camp has brought up Neelander's deal in that negotiation with L.A., 11.5 million a year. I think Alex Tuck's in the double-digit territory, two-time 36 school scores. So it's just a long way of saying that I know myself anyway and maybe maybe I'm just, I need to get my head on straight. We're really entering a new phase where we've got to get used to some guys that we're used to making eight, nine million a year, entering a new phase year with double digits. Yeah. No kidding.

I mean, you look at the RFA's, you know, Jackson Lecombe getting that deal and Luke Hughes getting that deal. Both make a nine million a year and good players, really good young players, but they got a massive amount. amount of money on a long-term deal. And I saw that Ryan Huska, the head coach of the Flames, got himself a two-year extension. I believe that will coincide with the new arena out there in Calgary. And we'll start with you, Dregs. Like, the Flames were an intriguing team for me because Dustin Wolf was so good last year. He kept them in the hunt, to their credit.

Like, Huska did a great job. Their veterans did a great job. But, you know, what are the flames? Like, when the rest of the league's trying to figure this out and trying to figure out who to call because maybe you can pry out some pieces, are the flames one of those teams where you feel like eventually Craig Conroy and company are going to trade

and be open for business? Well, look, I mean, Pierre's done a lot of reporting on the Rasmus Anderson file, right? And for me, that's the biggest question mark moving forward in Calgary. You know, are they going to find a sweet spot? It seems unlikely. Trade seems more likely.

At what point is the best trigger point for Craig Conroy and the Calgary Flames? But you nailed it there, Brian. I mean, it comes down to goaltending. Dustin Wolk was tremendous last year. Can he duplicate that this year? He's going to need to. Where's that offense going to come from?

You know, Nazim Cadre did a good year. Johnson, Hubert, or more or less, return to form. You know, Coronado was really, really good. I just, I don't see it. I think that Calgary is going to be competitive. I mean, I just feel like they've got the pieces to stay in that realm, at least. But unless Craig Conroy does more than I, expect that he's going to do. I think it's going to be a real

tough year in Calgary. Yeah, I agree. One last one for me, any word on Jack Roslovick? I mean, this guy's just skating in Columbus. I mean, a pretty darn good player. Why does nobody want to touch this guy? Well, it's not totally true.

We believe that he actually had something on the table in the summer from the Edmonton Oilers, and it didn't interest him. And what has also happened in the interim is that he has changed agents. So obviously July 1st is not a goal like he wanted. So he fired his agent, went to a new agent. And obviously, certainly at the start of the offseason, had certain parameters to where he wanted to go. I mean, I imagine turning down a chance to go play with McDavid or Dreisiddle, but whatever.

So, yeah, he's still UFA. I'm sure he'll catch on here at some point because teams will break camp realizing a certain young player is not ready or an injury. I mean, he'll end up somewhere for sure. Yeah, and look, just to jump in here, I kind of thought, and Pierre thought the same thing that because, you know, there's a more or less a proven player available, that maybe that would be a fit for the Florida Panthers. With all due respect to Roslovak, who has some history with Paul Maurice and dates back to Winnipeg, it just doesn't seem like he is a fit. And that's more of the style that they play than anything. But he's a good enough player that he'll find a home. As is the case, the reason I bring up Florida is obvious because of the injury.

All it takes is an injury early in the year, and he's free-free. You're not giving up anything. And maybe he gets a little bit desperate, too, and realizes that he doesn't have a job. And being in the league is certainly better than being out. Yeah, you think so. We're less than a week away from opening night. Maybe he needs a third agent to figure that out. You might want to get into the league at some point.

How does having no job not make you desperate the face? You've got no job. The Oilers call you and you just say, I'm not sure about that. Yeah, well, we'll see, I guess. All right, boys. Great seeing you guys. I think that has to be a staple, Pierre.

Got to bring the heat every single time. Love that to Whaler's gear, man. It's top notch. Good stuff, boys. I'll go back and do the mop balls. Okay. You'll pack it away until we see you next time. Thanks, guys.

There's Darren. Thank you. And Pierre LeBrunner, TSN Hockey Insiders. All right, Luke's coming up in about 15 minutes on the Thursday night or tonight. Overdrive continues. TSN 1050 and on TSN4. These young defensemen firing up eight times Niners, what do you think Lane Hudson is thinking about all of this?

Like, does he just say, pay me, man, like, whatever the number is? I would think if he, let's say he just replicates the season he had last year. replicates it 65 points or whatever yeah if you want to if you want to extend them now you'd still have another year left right but they could i believe extend them a year out yeah it's 12 13 million dollars oh you know it's a complete recalibration of everything which is fine like it's just i find myself having to do that where i'm always behind i'm always behind where the where the league is and i'm like that doesn't make sense you can't do that Dude, I did that the other day when Johnny was talking about NACES.

And I was like, I think of NACES as almost like that $7 or $8 million player. And now he's 12 or 13. Yeah. And you're like, that happened so fast where it's like you're used to a guy being slotted in a certain area. And then it's like, no, that's long gone, man. It is long gone, but it's still here because there are guys that might be on a three or four-year deal that are making $4 million. And so until those guys wash out, there will be a cycle of somebody who is, like, look at Leon Drysettled. That guy was making 8.5 up until last year.

You guys won a heart, he's won the rocket, all of that type of stuff. Then he goes to 14.5 and guys are leapfrogging, like Caprisoff and everybody are going to be way more. Like, this guy's been on a value contract, his whole career technically, and that's the crazy part. Well, and this is why in the league, we always see these crazy deals get signed, you know, early on. Eight years when the guy hasn't popped yet, but eight years, if you can get him to connect, and he does pop. That's why they do it, man, because years down the road, it looks like nothing. Exactly. Yeah.

And that's the truth is, you know, like, let's say San Jose, although Celebrini's not going to fall for it, clearly. Because if Jackson Lecombe is getting eight, nine million, then Salabini's going to. going to be like i want 14 or whatever yeah exactly you know that's just a reality but if a guy is not playing great or is taking longer to get going stootsla Suzuki jump on them jump yeah because this is what you get you get out in front of it and you get an incredible value if and when they pop now the gamble is if they don't pop then you're paying them more than you should like slavkovsky is an example we'll see what he still is yeah we'll see what he becomes you know he's still growing, but what if he's really

a third-line player and you're paying him way too much money for too long? I don't know. But if he turns into a guy that scores 30 goals and he's a big body, he's a big leader. It's an unbelievable deal. He has to do that on a yearly basis. I think consistency is the key.

If you do it once and then you kind of disappear and nobody can find you, then you've got a problem on your hands. Yes. And I think in Montreal, like there's, Marty San Luis is not just going to give you the Suzuki Caulfield job anymore. You've got to earn it, right? Like the last couple of years, it was just put the kids together.

We're not that good yet. Let's let them grow. That's not going to continue. And I'm not saying Slefkoffsky is going to play himself off. Hopefully he won't. Oh, he did last year. He had some fourth-line games where Marty was like, I'm just not putting you up there. Can't do it.

Exactly. And now with Demidoff showing up, it's, you know, again, it's kind of a different world. All right, hour two coming up. Luke will join us picks on the game tonight. Dear Hazy-B as well, the next hour overdrive continues. TSN 1050 and on TSN4. You've been listening to Overdrive, powered by Fandul. FanDuel, bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score.

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