OverDrive - Strudwick on Tanev's impact to the Maple Leafs, Formenton's signing with the Oilers and the Oilers' team additions

Episode Date: September 9, 2026

Got Yer Back Podcast Host Jason Strudwick joined OverDrive to discuss the Maple Leafs' additions to the roster, the landscape of the defenseman on the team, Chris Tanev's impact, Alex Formenton's signing with the Oilers, Mike Babcock and Stan Bowman leading the team.

There's no shortcut for saving time, but saving money is simple. Just combine your car and home insurance with Bel Air Direct and save. Get a quote at bellair direct.com. Well, let's bring them in. What an introduction. Our main man, Jason Strudwig, joining us back on Overdrive. How are we doing, Struddy? Boys, a good magician can use any wand.

It doesn't matter. Doesn't matter the wand. I'm still through. You don't get over 40 assists in the NHL by accident, right? That is mostly tape-to-tap or off-the-glass passes. Is that your career total, 40 apples? I don't know. Well, if you count warm-up, I'm probably over 50,

but I think I was probably around that number. I don't know if at this point, I mean, how do you count them all up, oh, dog? I don't have a time in a date. 42. 42. 42 passes. I remember one year I was trying to get 10 points out of that 9, and I shot one in the penalty kill, hit the glass, hit the linesman helmet,

and went to the middle, and my partner or this guy got a breakway and scored, and the ref didn't want to give it to him, like, you've got to give it to me. So they gave it to me, but I couldn't get the 10th. I was like the 8th or 9th point. It would have been a huge year. Career year, 10 points would have been amazing. What a play. The linesman had to leave the game with an injury.

Oh, yeah. We had one lines and a short the rest of the game, but it was fine. to win the game anyway. Struddy, let me ask you this. As a tough guy, like, what do you think has more, like, pressure or what makes somebody nervous more before a game, someone that has to produce points or somebody that knows they might have to fight somebody? Like, what do you think is more stressful?

Yeah. I do think the pressure of score. Oh, God, that's maybe disrespectful to fighters. You know, they each come with their own unique challenges. You know, I remember, you know, I was fairly lucky. I didn't have to fight the absolute killers all the time, but when I did, it was uncomfortable sleep the night before. You know, you're like, okay, if I don't do, if I don't fight well, I might get hurt.

Whereas if you're a score, if you don't score, it's not like you're getting hurt. You know, maybe the coach gets on you or maybe or fans. So they each come with their own unique set of pressure. I mean, the perfect world is they have to do a bit of both. You know, you think back to some of the guys that are, you know, they could fight and score. I mean, that would be the dream for me. Like, that's what I

would love to have been, a guy that could, you know, maybe like an echo home, but fought more, right? That would have been the dream for me. But obviously, I dreamed to come true. So here I am with you guys. Well, exactly. And then it's double stress at the same time. You've got to fight and produce points.

You know, I guess, you know, both of those can drag you down if you're in a Ginla or a Shanahan or, you know, any of the all-time great power forwards or defensemen that could do both. But, yeah, we were just talking about the Leafs and expectations and all the turnover. And I know, I'm sure these guys get it too when they're in town and talking to different people.

Obviously, a lot of people asking, can the Jays get into the playoffs? And then naturally, it's what do you think of the Leafs? And I'm still trying to wrap my head around, you know, what is more likely to lead to success? Let's presume they have a good year and they bounce back and they make the playoffs. Do you think it's more likely the reason they do that is because the carryover players had a great year? the Matthews, the Tavares, the Nielanders, the Rylans, the Rylans, Tanna returns healthy, or all of the new guys, because this is going to be basically a 50% change opening night. You're going to have a bobroski and net, Radish and I think Andre playing on the point,

and at least six new forwards opening night. Like there's going to be upwards of nine, maybe 10 new players in the lineup for the first game of the season. So the incumbents, the carryovers, or the new guys that are going to have to play. a bigger role in them having success this year? Well, I didn't even mention the new coach, so what's that going to look like. But I've got to stick what I've been saying for quite a while. They needed better puck-movie defensemen. And the two guys you mentioned, and I'll put TANF in that group as well.

I think TANF is a guy they can help, you know, get the puck. So you're adding three guys, and two especially, their job is to move that puck up to the forwards. So I know those forwards are excited. You know, your top six, even the bottom six guys are happy that they'll be getting pucks cleaner and maybe faster on the breakouts. And that's what those guys want. They don't care who is passing to base want to get them the puck. So I believe it will be the new players that have the biggest impact,

and I'll look specifically at the D-Men for that. Interesting. I mean, you know, Struddy, it's funny because my biggest thing is I love Chris Tannave, but I would love to see a 28-year-old Chris Tanev. You know, like that's the biggest challenge. Isn't there reports that he has to still meet with doxers to get cleared for the beginning of training camp? I mean. Yeah, he said that.

He's on record saying it. It's not even a report. Yeah. TANF has not been cleared yet. Try getting any news out of Toronto right now. It's a code of silence right now. But, I mean, at the end of the day, if TANF is in your lineup, you're a better team, regardless of if he's a Ferrari with 500,000 kilometers on it. Like, he's still a very good play.

and knows how to play. I agree, Struddy. My biggest thing is, is I think they need those puck movers to get those forwards to the puck. And I look at Austin Matthews. I think Austin Matthews is going to have a big year. He just needs somebody to get him the puck, whether that's McKenna or if it's Roslavik. Struddy, you watched Roslavik last year.

What did you make of Roslavik and do you think he can fit into a top six role playing with really good players? If you appreciate and understand what Roslick is, it'll be fine. What is he? He loves to have the puck on a stick and to skate towards other teams' net. That's what he likes.

You know, if you understand that and he's going to get 20 goals for you, no problem. But, you know, those other details of the game that I think Hitler will have expectations for, I think he's still trying to, you know, become that. You know, a guy that, you know, was able to get in front of a shot every now and then

or make a D-Men, you know, alter his course on their blue line and those types of things. So, yeah, offensively, he's going to help, and he'll make some, he's very skilled. And I've been watching this guy since Winnipeg, and I've always been waiting for him to bust out. And, you know, maybe busting out as 20 goals. Maybe that's what he, that's his best. But I think that there's parts of this game away from the puck that he can approve on that average to poor player can do.

It would make him a far more important player on any team. So can Hiller do it? You know, that'll be multiple coaches now trying to get the same thing out of him. But offensively, oh, yep. When he has the puckers skating at the other teams' bat, you're like, yep, this is great. How many times you've seen a guy at his age just all the sudden magically show up to training camp and do all the things. Like, he is what he is. Like, everybody in hockey says it.

That guy, that's what he is. He's a puck moving guy. He's got the puck. But if you think he's going to finish checks or block shots or bring those other intangibles that everybody on a coaching staff loves, you're basically not going to see it. so that's what it's going to be. And that's why he's at that cap number. That's why he kind of moves around a bit, right? That's right.

So is he an H. L.L. for sure. Okay. Well, we'll see. I mean, when he gets into town and he's really kind of buried here in terms of the players who are going to get the most attention, obviously Gavin McKenna's going to get a tonne, Sirget Bobrowski, Darren Radish,

you know, among many others, including the carryover guys like Matthews. And Matthew Nyes, after the summer that he's had with all the rumors surrounding him, So he's going to get a real opportunity to blend into camp. There's not going to be a ton of Jack Roslilvic requests, you know, day and day out at camp. But, you know, he's still in a big market like he was last year in Edmonton. And I'm seeing, you know, obviously McDavid's back out there and dry settles out there.

And there's video of the captain skates ongoing. And there was some pretty significant news out of Edmonton today that they've signed Alex Formington to a one-year contract. And, of course, he was a part of the sexual assault case, the 28. hockey Canada team. He's one of the five players, and he's been reinstated. He hasn't been in the league. He hasn't been playing since then in North America. But it's been a pretty wild offseason in Edmonton. And now they're bringing Formington in. How do you expect them to respond to this? Because there's going to be blowback. It's natural that happened with Carter Hart when he got to Vegas. It's going to happen with Formington when he steps on the ice with the Oilers. How do you expect the team to kind of

of respond to this because the request will be there for him and others to speak on it. Yeah, and he's going to have to speak, right, and come out and speak. Now, the thing for him is he's the second one through the door, right? That's coming back into NHL. I know Carter Hart was in Vegas, so I just different than a Canadian market, but still, there's been another player that's gone through it, well, have gone through, you know, getting back into NHL. I think the fans here in Emerton,

they'll voice their opinion, you know, whatever they, however they might feel. But the owners have, you know, in the past, they have brought players in. You know, things have happened or, you know, even, you know, you think of Babcock, which, you know, obviously not the same level, but, you know, with things that have happened,

you know, with players, and, you know, depending how you feel about it, there is a history there. So this is not a market that is not, I'm not used to these types of people coming back to, with things that have happened in the history. So I think it's not like it's a fresh place that's never done with it. So now as far as the on ice,

I'd heard this might happen a bit a month ago. And I know him to be a big fast skater. So where does he fit in? You know, as he mentioned, he hasn't played a ton of high-level hockey. The Swiss League is fast. You know, I went over there and dominated, but we're not talking about me now. But I think that, you know, so he will be up to speed,

but, you know, playing up to speed in the Swiss League is a lot different than playing beside Conn-McDaider and Leon Drysettle. But, you know, Stan Bowman made it clear when he took this job, he's looking for players everywhere. Whether it's free agents, whether it's trades, whether it's drafting, wherever. He's looking everywhere for players. And if this guy can come in and play, you know, in his top end was 18 goals, you know, what does that look beside at different players? So I don't know if he starts in the NHL, I'm not sure where he fits, because the owners have a lot of seem of depth in that bottom six. But, you know, it's a shot through, you know, they're probably the risk we're taking.

It's crazy that different sports, like, it seems like in the NFL, if a guy gets in trouble, the fans of that are just like, I hope the guy can play Sunday. Like, that's the attitude of NFL fans. They're like, man, I hope he's dressed Sunday. and it's just completely different with this. Like it's a, yeah. And especially up here. I mean, it was incredibly high profile for the right purposes and the right reasons.

But listen, they are cleared to play. They are reinstated. They are free men. And, you know, Edmonton, again, like Stan Bowman had his background in Chicago. Mike Babcock has his background. And now Formington has his all different contexts. But the Oilers, you know, are clearly they can withstand it. they are willing to accept that maybe some of their fans aren't happy about it.

And I think it's just another example of them effectively saying, we are just here to win, and that's it. You know, like that, and I don't know if it's going to help them win. I don't know if Formington can play anymore. I don't know if Babcock's the right guy for them. I haven't been thrilled with Stan Bowman. Like, honestly, they've taken some swings on guys that have not exactly led to success so far.

So we'll see if it even works out, and if it's worth all the risk in terms of the PR in the end. And a quick to study before you jump in, it comes back to comment sometimes, is the juice worth to squeeze? Like, you know, I think when they look at Babcock, they're like, we needed a coach, we needed X, Y, and Z, maybe they thought. With Formington, like Dylan Dubay, I think St. Louis signed him and put him in the minors and, you know, it's trying to let him. I think the Oilers are going to try and put him in the minors and let him work his way back and have him be a depth guy. But again, do they need that PR? Like, Evanton's had a tough PR off-season.

Let's be honest. It's, you know, and I don't think you're right, Hayes. I don't think they care. I think they worry about, like, can this guy help our organization? Can Mike Babcock help our team? I think that's what they're willing to do. But it hasn't been a banner PR off-season, we'll call it, for Edmonton, when it comes to polarizing topics.

And you just add in another one here today. Absolutely. Correct, Strud? Yeah. Yeah, and your point's all made, and I think, like, I'm really looking forward to the start of this NHL season. For many teams, but specifically the Oilers. When I look at the changes they've made, you know, whether it's Bafcoq coming in, Darno Nurse going out, you know, some other yacht guys, you know, buying for position, the goalie situation. I know they only have two right now, but they have three when Freddie's healthy.

I think they'll carry three. I really do. I think Devon Levi should be ready to go because there's an opportunity to create a buzz about himself here from the, from the, from the, from the, from the. coaching staff with Anderson out. There's so many storylines running through this team, not to mention, you know, we've been well documented that, you know, Connor McDavid's contract and where it's at. Now you look at the money being thrown around to the high-end players. I mean, there's lots going on.

So how does Bapcock handle these guys? How do they handle Bapcock? How do they come out of the gates? Are they rested? Are they healthy? Like, Walman, is Wormon, you know, back to where he can be? Can Trent Frederick come back? Like, there's Isaac Howard.

Like, there's thousands of storylines. and I put Farmington on top of that. There's going to be lots to talk about from out west here, just from the owners, not even the other Western teams yet. Stoddy, before we get you out of here, did you turn back the clock at all this summer and just like have a couple big nights, bar tea, like just your mojo, all of it, like any big nights in the summer?

You know, and noodles is the one who drags me down because usually I make really good choices. Like I'm always like two beers and then I'd Uber home. But I didn't get a chance to hook up a noodle. So I didn't get dragged down. Did I have a couple of good nights? Yes. Yes, I did.

But I was reasonable, you know, getting home before sunlight. Okay, good. I heard a vicious rumor, but I did. I mean, we had one just at the end of last year in Calgary for a buddy's party, and that went a little late. But at the end of the day, I had a question for you because I saw a pick in our group chat, a side profile. Has there been a flight

to Turkey to a different country booked yet or not? Like, where are we at here? What's the hair situation? Is it alive or what? I think we need to have another, you know, a draft, the lottery? A draft, yes. A draft. A salad rebuild. The salad rebuild draft.

I think, I've told you guys before, but like the erosion has stopped. Right? It's not going back anymore. It's done. Like, it's like, the fire is not burning anymore. So there's some other people I know they're involved in your draft that I'd be taking a hard look at some of their decisions with their air styles. I'm not going to point fingers, but let's just say one just left the Florida of Panthers.

And so, yeah, yeah. So, yeah, not the point, but, I mean, again, he defies all laws of physics with what he's doing on top of his scalp there. All right, well, it's a great description that fires out. The hair is just set now, and it's done. Nothing's burning anymore. The rest of the woods, fine. Controlled burn.

It's a controlled burn. I love that. The sun's on melting. It's good. It's where it's at, and I'm thrilled. Okay. 51. I probably have another good, I bet you nine years.

I'll get to 60. Then I'll take a look at maybe another rebuilder, a trip, or a trip to Turkey. Who knows, right? I like that. There's direct flights, Edmont into Istanbul. We can make that work for you. No problem. Straight.

When they welcome it's open arms. Would you ever consider the glue-on tarp? Dude, is it just me or does Alcares not look like he's got a wig on? Did you see Alcarez playing? There are so many guys dumping glue on top of their head, and they put a pelt on, and it looks real. Take a peek at Al-Karez last night. I'm telling you. I watched a crime show, and this poor bastard in Los Angeles got arrested for murder,

and he was so pissed off that he couldn't go to jail with his tarp on. and he was bald and he was living. Not the whole, you know, murder trial. No, he was mad about his tarp. There he is. Look at Alcrez. He's not diving for balls. That's Shelton.

Obviously, that was a big win last night. All right, Strud, we'll watch this and we'll break it down. There it is. I don't think that's, I don't know, man. It might be real. It's moving a little bit. Thank you, Struddy. We'll do it again soon.

Spires out. Talk to you guys later. There is, Jason Strudwood, joining us. The hottest songs of the year. biggest names in country. Get on your feet. The Canadian Country Music Awards, live from Saskatoon, September 19th on CTV and Crave, hosted by James Barker Band, with performances by Dean Brody,

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