Real Kyper & Bourne - Celebration in Sunrise + UFA Market Research

Episode Date: June 20, 2025

Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee kick off the Friday edition with a look at the Panthers' Cup parade and Sam Bennett's declaration that he's staying in Florida. Former NHL GM, coach and executive Doug MacLean (5:52) shares his thoughts on the Panthers' Stanley Cup run, Connor McDavid's comments on his future, why the Leafs will regret Mitch Marner's departure, Jonathan Toews landing with the Winnipeg Jets and much more. Later, Nick, Gord and Sam discuss the latest around the NHL heading into free agency, including the Leafs' interest in Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad's value on the open market and John Tavares' options outside of Toronto.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Welcome into the fastest hour in hockey. It's the real kipper and born show. We are live on sports net sports at five 90 the fans sports at nine 60 in Calgary sports net six 50 in Vancouver and sports net plus Nick Kiprios in for Justin Bourne, the most likable general manager in Toronto Maple Leaf history, Gord Stalek. Sammy McKee, Jake the Snake Schultz, and Derek Brandeo as always this hour of Real Kiprin Born brought to you by bet 365.

In a few minutes we'll welcome in Doug McClain as we continue Off the Rails Friday. Not a show, Gordo, until Doug McClain drives it into the ditch. I know, I know. Well, anyway, great to be back, especially on a Friday, because Hockey Central at noon, when I would get the call from the producer, Matt Brown,

if Doug or Kipper would Hemingway's a little too late and they needed a fill in, the match signal would go up and there I would come in and fill in for one of you two guys. Hemingway's on occasion, but Doug, like the higher class stuff in Yorkville, right? Well, that's in Yorkville. Oh, no, no, but the higher end, right? Like what? Hemingway's is more my kind of place. Doug McClain's not gonna be in there.

Yeah. Well, things must be going bad if they're at Hemingway's at one, maybe that's why they would call it. But anyway, all good. Okay, and Sammy, maybe even time at the end of the show for techs, 595.90. Absolutely. I also put the wrong date in the lineup.

We're gonna get into a ton because there is a ton of NHL news, including Conor McDavid shaking up somewhat the hockey world yesterday with his exit interview, meeting the media and leaving perhaps a little window open for his future in Edmonton. Also Jonathan Tave signing in Winnipeg,

we've got a ton, but before we get into all of that, just give me your quick thoughts on what the heck's going on in South Beach right now between the Panthers and Stanley Cup and the celebrations. I gotta be honest with you, I can only watch it for like a minute and then it just gets, it looks like it's all the same. People screaming, people spilling stuff on each other,

the players hanging from like poles. And I'm like, it's exhausting. So we had Matthew Kachuck on our NHL Network Radio Show about a week after the couple last week. And he, last year, he kind of said, yeah, we gotta get out of town. And he kind of said, you know, we gotta get out of town. And Kipper, you're the one guy, and your Rangers

were one of those that helped Dent and manhandle the Cup as well. You kind of started it, you kind of started it. To your credit, I remember being on Letterman the next day and that. No, there's no credit, we got in a lot of trouble. Well, decades later, to your credit, y'all always get trouble initially

and then people applaud you. And what I can say is, I think it's kind of like, I don't know if high school graduations are the same anymore, but it'd be, oh God, we're gonna stay up all night. So you go, and then the morning you go, I'm a little bored now. Like, you know, we should've, like 4 a.m. was fine. Like, I should've gone home then,

it was a great night, should've called it, whatever. And that's why, I mean, good on them having fun, but you're right. You keep watching you go really it just starts to look all the same to me Yeah, and also can it be as much fun like it got a diminishing you guys are not of course it looks all the same It looks amazing If you're going to day five come on you gotta get a life totally disagree I'd be the last one there I feel like what the fifth night in a row you gotta get a life totally disagree. I'd be the last one there What the fifth night in a row you're at a bar? Really Okay, maybe that voice has more of okay. I have like a cigar a wine by the way

I don't smoke a lot of cigars, but that's what it's something like that all of a sudden something different Yeah, few people little quieter if you have kids. Maybe you should pay attention to them Yeah, a few people a little quieter if you have kids, maybe you should pay attention to them School I don't there is there is something about hockey players after they win They seem like they're together the longest out of all the professional athletes Like it just feels like they've I was one of the last guys to leave New York when we won the cup I to to two weeks You know what? I mean like it just feels like they're all it's been how many days now and they're all still every video You see they're all still together

I just I mean that says a lot about the Panthers, but it just says a lot about hockey guys in general I just want to be together a lot of care So Kipper Glenn Healy talks about so not only were you the last guy to leave and your team started the tradition They wonder about touching the Prince of Wales trophy or the Conn Smythe trophy would yours have been the Prince of Wales? Well, what if I mean that yeah and Glenn Healy claims you slow danced with it. Okay, so there was no mystery about, did you touch it or not? Stop it.

He says Kipper took it out like a date. He's the worst. I know, he's just the worst. But you won. He makes crap up. Okay, but you won. If you did, you should become clean with it because your team won.

You should say instead of like disd you should you should embrace it like you did In the parade they gave me the president's trophy. I mean yeah, I'm s had the cop the president's trophy He might have thrown that one overboard. Yeah Like a dish or something. I got a hamburger on it or something That's about but a trophy's a trophy burger on it or something. That's about, but hey, a trophy's a trophy. Absolutely. What did you get out of watching it quickly,

Sam, before we go to Mac? Just extreme jealousy. And just seeing them, it just looked like they're having the best time ever. Did Sam Bennett leak? Did he leak? I'm sure Darren Faris is not thrilled. It cost him half a million.

Yeah, Darren Faris like shot up. Because he told the crowd quiet, like you're gonna announce you're engaged. Yeah. Okay, it wasn't just that, he told the crowd quiet. Yes. You're going to announce you're engaged. Yeah. OK, it wasn't just that. He goes, quiet, quiet, quiet. And then he goes, I'm staying here eight hours, I believe, in years.

I'm not laying around. Let's go to Doug McClain, former NHL president, GM, and coach. Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! That's a big cheater.

Mac. Can't hear you. Did you win the Masters? What's going on? You're awfully green in that t-shirt right now. Oh, well I'm trying to, you know, like I see Stelick with his hot pink on it. I'm trying to match. Oh my gosh. What is that you're wearing? Well, Doug, what you're wearing is a mess. That is a year. Your colors, the color of the Florida Panthers faces right now after 5 nights out to celebrate we talk about this summertime tonight,

let's enjoy. You know what it was great to the Panthers. You know what I thought Edmonton we're going to be a lot better but I was I was really wrong and that the Panthers were so darn good, but I just want to tell you a little story. I was talking to Dale Tallon a week ago and he told me he signed Bobrosky I think it was seven years 70 million dollars you know and when he got fired Bobrosky phoned him and apologized said Dale I really let you down and I want to apologize because the first two years for Broski is in Florida as you recall He wasn't very good and right now

He's the best goalie in the planet and he was exceptional in every game every game throughout the playoffs Except the first two against the Leafs, but it tells you something and then I hear today Brad Marshawn says to Zito just give me a contract. Give me an offer. Give me a contract, you know There's something about the character of the group there that's pretty special. So many times throughout even the playoffs, I got messages saying they're gonna run out of gas. They're tired, this is another long push here,

and it just didn't materialize, Mac. And like how close are they to truly being a dynasty, not just one that we're scratching the surface on? They remind me a ton of the New York Islanders. They really do with their talent. And it's funny, I was talking to Jimmy Jevil, I spent two hours on the phone with Jimmy D today if you can believe that that's that's and it was a Special two hours. It really was I mean I Talk about a hockey historian

But he told me you know today that Dennis Potman when they drafted Dennis Potman overall number one overall They never finished last again in the league. He was one of those franchise turners. They were a special, special, talented group. You remember watching them play against Gretzky. Anyway, they're good. They play hard.

You know what? You look at how they're built and you say, can you build a winner in today's NHL with a 16 million dollar guy and a 14 million dollar guy and a 10 million dollar guy and a goaltender that you got to pay a fair amount to? Can you build a winner when you're structured the way a lot of teams are? Can you have a third line like they had? Can you have a fourth line the way they had it? Can they have a blue line when you're paying big money?

Look at the Oilers. If they give whatever they have to give McDavid, what they've got dry side of that, does Bouchard get 10 million? Can they build a supporting cast for McDavid? That's what's gonna be really, really interesting. So we'll switch gears here. I'm curious, speaking of McDavid,

first of all, I love the fact that everyone, and Kip, you're the ex-player, Doug, they talk about, I haven't even thought about my contract. Everyone's thought about their contract every day, okay? Whatever it may be, so fine, we're gonna wait on it. It's been so long since I've had a contract that I haven't thought of it too. I'm like my David So well, I know there's a lot of lot of similarities except for the shirt you're wearing but otherwise, you know He cut did I'm reading it that he kind of said I'm gonna wait but then he kind of said well

I want to win. I want to really win Well, he's on a team that's made the final twice. Like right now, the only team he's talking about are the Florida Panthers. In some way, was there a subtle, subtle, maybe whatever, whether you want to call it a shot or just say to the Edmundson Oilers, to your point, Doug is, I got to get a better supporting cast. Like if I'm going to make a decision and winning is everything, that I'm just giving you a little hint right now

that all isn't right. Yeah, and look, I think he's the best player in the world. I really do. I guess I'd say he's the most talented player in the world. Okay? But there's one thing about hockey and about the Stanley Cup finals is the only thing that goes on the scoreboard is goals. Okay, only thing that goes up on the board is goals. Not if you're the best skater,

best passer, best playmaker, goals go on the scoreboard. And he had one goal in six games, one goal in six games. One in six. So he has to also have a look at himself and as well the Oilers have to look at the supporting cast. Does that make sense? Matt, when it comes to star players, I don't care what area you're from, like they do carry more clout in a room, and obviously even upstairs or behind the bench. And I think we saw that with Connor McDavid yesterday in his in his comments that there's a ton of weight behind what he said or what he didn't say. But is there a danger in going down that path publicly? Look, he wants to win, and that's what every star player, like Ovi got to win,

but do you know when Ovi and all these guys went through to get to win? It took a while, it took a long time to win, you know? And it takes a long time to win a Stanley Cup Unless you're lucky unless you get on a team and you're really lucky. I Look, I watched you know, I talked it. I talked at length today both Stevie why? Stevie why could not get over the top He couldn't get over the top in the plastic one of the greatest players in the history of the game

One of the greatest captains in the history of the game. But he couldn't, he couldn't get over the top. And Gordon remembers because Gordon was around when the Leafs come back from a two nothing deficit to beat us. And then we lost the next year to San Jose. And it you know what, Stevie couldn't do it till he got a supporting cast. And also Stevie couldn't do it till he learned how to play the right way. And guess what that was? Yeah. And you got to credit Scottie Bowman. He became a 200 foot complete player.

He couldn't do it scoring 160 points a season. No, no. He couldn't. And he needed a supporting cast. You're not going to tell Connor McDavid to stop scoring 150 points. No. But you know what? Stevie Y became, was a 60 goal score in the NHL, I believe, and became a 200 foot guy. He became that and they won multiple Stanley cups. I'm not saying look, McDavid's my favorite player in the NHL. I absolutely love watching him play.

And you need a supporting cast because the Florida Panthers can shut you down. They can shut you down. And you know, it's easier when you're defending a star player. It really is easier. I remember coaching against Jagger and Lemieux and Lindros and those guys. And Brian Scrooge and was shutting them down combined with a couple of defensemen that were very good shut down guys it's hard on star players at playoff time to get over the hump it really is and you need a supporting cast and that's the message you were sending whether he said it or not and i'll tell you what you, if Skinner and Kapanen and Arvidsson are your supporting cast,

you ain't winning the cup, man. So Doug, since you brought it up, 1993, Kipper's one year away from winning a Stanley Cup with the Rangers. So the Leaf-Red Wings series, what else I remember, here we are off the rails, the broadcast career, Leafs seven game series on the fan. Howard Berger moderated the dueling

assistant general managers, Doug McClain of the Detroit Red Wings, and Bill Waters of the Toronto Maple Leafs. And it might have been some of the best radio I heard. It wasn't even close, Waters compared to me. Well, it worked out well for both of you eventually, but honest to God, that was... We both ended up suffering the same fate.

We both got fired, we went to radio, TV, we both got fired there, so Bill and I have a lot in common. Well, you had about a 20, 30 year run, so anyway, I remember that being... Now, on the Edmonton side, Doug, when you look at it, because I was pissed off the series, I thought it felt like a four game sweep you know even though there were six games and now you take a breath and Connor McDavid said oh well our NH had a

broken hand we know Zach Hyman's out Trent Frederick was he just said he was what 70 80% I don't know why Vander came but at a minimum he just ran out of gas from what he had so all of a sudden depth wise where do you I mean injuries are injuries but you kind of look oh wow that's a lot of guys that were either in Hyman's case not available or not close to a hundred percent. No, I, I, and that's, and that's where every team is in the fight. Just see Barkov's hand. Did you see what Barkov played with 13 stitches and in the palm of his hand for a big time centerman shutdown guy. that's pretty pretty tough to

could shock battle through a serious injury. I mean lots of guys when you're in the finals everybody is hurt. Everybody's hurt. Keper you know that from the Rangers. Oh yeah. Everybody is injured and everybody's banged up. But depth is so important. I mean, adding Seth Jones, adding Seth Jones and Marshawn to that team at the deadline was an unbelievable task and a great job. And they both were stars and they made a third line, but Marshawn made a third line that was one of the best third lines

I've watched in the playoffs in a long time. And you know, and I know how important third lines are in the playoffs when everybody else is getting shut down we talk about it with the Leafs every year where's their third line so I look I love the way they're built I love the way they compete I love the way they play and and you know it's it now every GM in the league is sitting there saying what do I have to do to be like the four of Panthers that's what they're all saying. Okay, just I can't close this thing off on McDavid until you answer me at least this question He basically he said it no rush so it makes zero sense to expect him to have those type of comments

Yesterday and then turn around and sign July 1st. So he's not signed between July 1st and whenever how nervous are Edmonton Euler fans or should I say Stan Bowman as a general manager? I used to worry whether I could re-sign Luke Richardson. You know, is Luke going to walk or is this guy going to walk? You know, it was always a concern. I would say that Stan will sleep the way I slept when I was said to the hockey news when I was a coach.

I slept like a baby. I'd sleep for two hours and I wake up and cry for two hours. I suspect that'll be Stan Bowman's sleeping routine for the next six months. This is as big as it gets. This is the biggest difference in being a general manager when I was a general manager or Gord was a general manager when I was a general manager or Gord was a general manager. We could keep guys till they weren't a free agent till they were 31 and if we offered them a year and an option you had them till they were 33. And now you've got the best player in the world, most talented player in the world, a non-restricted free agent, and he's a year or two later than he really had to be.

This is devastating. This will, this will, I can't imagine how they feel right now worrying about this in Edmonton. Well, like I said, it's to me still priority one, obviously, with the Edmonton O'Hara. On the other side, who would have thought a year is a long time, and a week from now, I know it's still gonna be ten days days until the UFA, but Mitch Marner, he could leave with a whimper rather than a bang just because the Brad Trillivant DNA remarks his contract happens to be up. He's going to be probably the best unrestricted free agent in the modern era. So where do you see him going?

Do you see a trade being facilitated by the least before to mitigate it a little bit? What do you think the end game is? I think that I, you know, will there be a trade? Does he have to approve a trade? I guess he does. Right, Nick? He's got a full-on movement. He would have to approve it.

There's no move. You know, if it's the place he wants to go, he might consider it. I think it is monumental that this has happened. I'm blown away that this has happened. I am shocked that this wasn't dealt with in January or February. And I'm shocked that 107 point guy may walk away with not one asset coming back. Asset management is one of the hockey organization's top moves is to make sure you get assets in return. And this is to me, and I don't care how mad the fans are

at Mitch, I've watched him play and I know how damn good he is. And don't how hard it is to find players that good And this is a devastating loss to have him out walk out the door. I don't know if he's gonna go to Vegas I don't know if he's going to LA. I don't know he's going to Carolina He's gonna go somewhere where he's got a chance to win. I guarantee you that. Can Brad Marchand make up for any of that? No, he can't. Who wears it? In the Leaf organization, who wears it?

Well, it's got to be the management team that wears it. You know what I mean? Shanahan was there in January. Brad's been there two years. They knew this was coming. This is devastating in my opinion. I know Lee fans and I don't care. I don't care about my...

You'll care when you lose him. Cause he's that good and he's that talented. And he's not, he's a multi- he's that talented and he's not he's not he's a multi-dimensional player for a small guy this guy does a lot from checking from penalty killing from playmaking so yeah it's a it's a tough loss I look I feel for Brad I like Brad a lot but man oh man I just I just see this guy walking out the door and I think it's devastating for them. I really do. And people can rip me all they want. I don't really care anymore.

But I mean, I just think, although I was very sensitive at times. Yeah. We do know Brad Marchand can add something if the Leafs are fortunate enough to sign them. But what you're saying, and it needs to be Marchand plus and judging by Bennett's comments last night while he was having a few cocktails, it didn't appear that he's, he's going anywhere. Why would he, why would he even consider it? You know, I mean, he's there. They've got such a special thing going there between him and Kachuk and Ryan. The group there, I think they've got a special thing going with that group and why would

any of them want to leave? Plus, I live in Florida. I know some people in Canada hate Florida now because of Trump, but I don't spend time in Mar-a-Lago and I don't see him and I don't care about him. So I'm fine and I think it's a reasonably good place to spend seven months a year. But anyway, look, I feel for the Leafs, but they, you know, they and I know they have to change their DNA Look Brad Marshawn can come in and be a good player

But I was worried about Brad this year at times in Boston that I thought he was losing a step You know and I saw him in the Four Nations and then I watched him with Florida with those two guys on that third line Mundell and Mr. Rain and it was was chemistry made in heaven, what they did for him and what he did for them. And we always know he's got the heart or size of a lion. And I've talked to players I remember I remember Sean Crowley tell me that he was the best captain he's ever been around for the way he treated his teammates they loved him they loved him so what about what I don't understand the trade either like

what are you thinking about why would you trade Brad you know he's your captain he's a Boston Bruin he's won a cup there why would you trade him might he go back could he go back there they get a first round pick for him and he goes back there Not a snowball's chance. He's going back there in my opinion. Okay, I don't know So that's a no what's wrong enough for it for him to win now And I you know and I think for him to come into the Leafs He could be if they like it a good player a good player, but it's gonna be tough You know, I mean, I guess, I just don't see it fit, I really don't.

So the other, last year Doug Armstrong. I don't see him doing it, I don't see him doing it. Okay, now I understand off the rails. Okay, anyway, Doug Armstrong, last year, opened. By the way, you've dumped me on your show, I get on once every what? I get on when Berkey can't go on is that the okay I apologize. I apologize I'm thrilled I'm not on.

I get on once every six months which is perfect. Yeah if I could do that deal with this show I'd be happy. No no no we won't allow it. When we are desperate sometime we will give you a call. No the tough thing Doug comes on. I know I'm not on enough because every time your producer calls you apologize. Well, because we spent 2 weeks with legal officials simmering them down from Doug McLean's comments

right you get from I I'm just busted. Yeah, remember I get it I know gourds gourds checks are signed by Gary Batman. Yeah, no, anyway. I'm kidding. Okay, the restricted free agent offer sheet and it works successfully for St. Louis. Even a thing like someone brought up about the Edmonton orders, like what you do for a goaltender.

Now I don't say you want to get back at St. Louis, but say whatever, Joe Hofer, right for argument's sake. If you give him 4.2 million, it costs you a second round pick, St. Louis probably can't match. I'm not saying they do that, but hey, that's one option. Do you think there's a way more open mind now, general managers doing what used to be taboo

and figuring out where teams are susceptible with RFA contract offers? I think you're right on the money. I think what Doug Armstrong did changes the dynamic. I remember sitting there in the chair thinking, oh, do I really want to do that? Do I really want to do that? But when Army said that Army's retired now,

he's going to be president, so it's a little easier. Steen is the guy that's gonna be paying the price a little bit, although Army will still be the boss. I like what Army did. We've seen it in the past a few times. I will be very surprised if we don't see some of it this summer. It's a tool. I really do.

It is now a legitimate tool. It's a little bit like analytics. It's a tool and you use it. So they might as well use it. Why not? Now it's the horse is out of the barn. Go for it. Okay.

Got to ask you about Jonathan Taves' poised to return to the National Hockey League, more specifically the Winnipeg Jets. I absolutely love it. You know, I know he's from there. I was, you know, I remember watching him as a junior. I remember being sick at the draft. We had the sixth pick in that draft. And I was sick to my stomach when when we didn't get him.

I was praying I'd get him or stall, you know One of those types of guys, but I'm a big fan of his I think he'll come back and be a really important guy for the jets I think it's a great signing by chevy because he's he's one of the great leaders of our game And um, he's a winner. I I think it's a great move by the jets and I think it's I I love the fact that he signed there I think it's a great move by the Jets. And I think it's, I love the fact that he signed there. I love it. So, hey, talk about things. Do you remember, what was it?

Was it 10 years ago when you graciously, like Doug does a lot of things. So the GTHL, the Greater Toronto Hockey League Awards at the Hockey Hall of Fame. And do you remember you were the guest speaker and I was the MC? And I had everyone talking about our big guest and they go he covers the olympics He's on coach's corner and I could see doug city there and then I said

Wait, it's not ron. It's not ron mcclain. I go I I I don't I don't know what to say about doug mcclain But you're always a good sport about that stuff. You were, Gordon. I got to tell you, you were hilarious. And you know what? The fans were as the people that were there were as excited that it was me versus Ron McLean too. So well, both way. Absolutely. Absolutely. No, look, that was, I forgot about that Gordon. You're a real comedian. So you're going to take these talents to the draft, correct? I'm going to the draft. As a matter of fact, you're covering it for us as well. We haven't told you that yet. I'm covering it for you guys. I'm there. I'm speaking at a conference and I just heard yesterday that a fellow speaker at the conference is Bill Daley. So Bill and I will get a chance to talk about

old times. And I forgot that it was Gary Bettman that put the salary cap in. I forgot all about that. Oh, wow. How did you forget that? I know I forgot all about it, that it was his idea to put the cap in and I and I it's that changed the game as much as any other guy said to me today they should put the first 16 teams in the playoffs Gary's first 16 go in the playoffs and the next 16 should have a round Robin for the first overall pick that's how they should play it a relegation round for the first pick because you know, many teams Columbus blue jackets haven't won the lottery in 25

years. Detroit red wings in the last nine years. I think they've missed the playoffs nine years. I don't think they've moved up in that they haven't picked higher than fifth in the draft. Like it is a disaster. The lottery for some teams, unless you get lucky. It's a disaster for everybody. Unless you get lucky. That's what it is. How do you think Timmy Murray and Pagula feel when they got Eichel and second to David? They've had two number one overall picks. What are you talking about? They've had two number one overall picks in Buffalo and Eichel second overall. Quit yelling in the House or else you get lucky tonight.

All right, Jill's gone Jill's gone to a she's gone to a disco party. You walk around with earplugs and it's the listen to disco music and I mean did you want to go I said you're not serious. I want to go to a disco party that's on earphones, not loud. It's in your earphones. Hey, hey, what are you in? You know, once upon a time you were in the running for buying the Tampa Bay Lightning,

were you not? So why don't you and your billionaire buddy there get together and take the Pittsburgh Penguins right now? We missed that deal by $15 million. We could not raise $15 million in Tampa. We talked to a hundred groups and couldn't raise $15 million. That's what it was. That's what it came down to $200 million deal. And Orrin Coolest got the team. Anyway, at that time, you're not better. When we were looking at buying Tampa, they were they had lost 28 million the year before we we

made the offer. The previous spring, they had lost 28 million bucks. Can you figure out how in all seriousness, like I love that Showtime show about Jerry Buss's first year with the LA Lakers and how how he basically kept it all together. How do you make money on 10 billion? A 10 billion price to buy the LA Lakers like I mean, you know mean, obviously it's like real estate. If it keeps going up, it's great, but man oh man.

Yeah, it's all totally an equity play and that the equity is gonna continue to grow, I guess. Because I mean, nobody can tell me there's not still teams losing cash flow in the NHL. There was 17 that weren't, weren't profitable when I was there. I'd like to know how many there is today. I mean, it's better, but not that much better. All right. We'll let you get back to getting dressed for disco inferno tonight.

Bill Daly and Batman are going to be mad at you again. Stella. Oh yeah. everybody, the whole world's mad at Gord Stalag. The most likable guy in hockey. I know. And I get people mad at me too. It just never ends, you know, but anyway, that's life. All right. Great job. We look forward to your reporting out of the draft. You know what? It's such a treat to get on with you guys, especially Gord. I never get to see you again anymore, but it's really great to get on with you guys, especially Gord. I never get to see you again anymore, but it's really great to get on with you guys, and I really appreciate you having me on. Okay. All right. See you Doug. Have a good one. Take care guys. Ladies and gentlemen, Doug McLean. So when he was, oh, there's another one, so many but... And by the way, he's still listening.

Okay, when he was assistant coach, assistant coach of the St. Louis Blues, I can remember something about, they talked about the Toronto media went there, and then they were chatting, and then this assistant coach of the St. Louis Blues. I can remember something about, they talked about the Toronto media went there and then they were chatting and then this assistant coach goes, hey, we're not done yet, whatever. And it was Doug, you know, because there was no media in St. Louis. So the Toronto writers, you know,

he engaged them in all that stuff and just said, that's pretty cool, pretty cool. So he always had a, back then, a good sense about the media and how to handle it. And he engages us every Friday. He does. Oh, does he does he ever all right little game time It's game time is that about bet 365 visit the app latest odds and find out why is ever ordinary a bet 365 must 19 Plus on terror only please play responsibly

So the Toronto since there's no hockey on or there's a basketball game 7 on Saturday night So there's a still some sports left outside of baseball but the Toronto Blue Jays are opening a three game set today against the lowly Chicago White Sox you can watch that game on sportsnet listen to it on sportsnet by none of the fan the Jays are huge favorites in that game minus 210 I'm always weary with baseball in terms of anybody can win on any certain night so maybe stay away from that number but what I do love in this game is a Addison Barger home run the as I've said the best arms in the league give me a Addison Barger home run tonight against the lowly white sox at plus 550 so uh if you're going to the dome tonight you'll get to see Addison Barger hit a home run so give me that and hopefully the dome's open for

everybody and I was just going to quickly check in on the odds for the NBA game 7 on Saturday night the Oklahoma City Thunder Big phase in that game minus 310 the Indiana Pacers plus 250 who've encountered out of every turn in this playoff run Should be fantastic to have a game 7 in the NBA finals first time since 2016 when LeBron won with Cleveland So it'll be good on Sunday night anyways that was game time presented by bet 365 visit the app for the sides and find out why several ordinary bet 365 was 19 plus Ontario only please play responsibly who wins game seven Saturday night I got a cheer for the Canadian right well actually there's Canadian's creating on everywhere yeah Oklahoma City which is weird are they

the only city in the United States that only has one of the big four sports? Green Bay's really Milwaukee. Yeah Whatever. Oh, so which used to be a Maple Leaf farm team by the way years ago the Oklahoma City Blazers So wow, who are you picking kipper? Indiana's the underdog right so yeah, give me Pacers. Yeah, I think the Pacers are gonna win All right, they've encountered out at every turn and I think they're gonna go in there and shock them. So there you go Okay, we'll take a quick break when we return. We'll still Dig a little deeper into a March and Bennett. There's a black conversation

John Tavares is making news. My eyes is making news. Matt. Do Shane just signed. What does that mean for Dallas plenty more? Meat on the bone, Gordo. I'm ready. When we return to Real Kipper and Boran. talk on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back to the studio Nick Kiprios, Gordon Stelick in for Justin Bourne, Sammy McKee. All right. A lot of names out there. We'll start just basically with the Stanley Cup champions and significant free agents. Let's just dive a little deeper into the Sam Bennett situation here where we all believe that he's gonna stay

at some point and maybe he put the nail on it with his, I'm not, I'm not going anywhere? No, I'm not leaving. It's like I'm not leaving Have you ever seen a wolf of wall street? Okay Intoxicated or not No Intoxicated okay, there's no nod about intoxicated

There's still probably enough going on in his head that if anything it was more truth serum than being completely out of his tree trunk. Isn't that the problem about getting intoxicated is it brings out the truth in you? Especially you Gord, because you're so likeable and honest. Yeah and such a phony right ever hold us all of a sudden you're but I love you. Anyway so first of all it never made like like nobody it's the best destination go to as far as a team goes and I know we're gonna get in the state tax thing again I play it down because the biggest thing is being the organization because they said the same

no state tax 15 years ago nobody went there. Yeah. We had acposo on today, he just talked about it was a retirement home. You didn't go there. So anyway, I think that the service will certainly be pissed off there, Sammy, if he does go now after what he said. So I'm just curious now how the other dominoes fall. And also you got a guy named Nate Schmidt made 800 grand, pretty good D, he's not going to play for 800 grand next year You know you lost some half decent players last year before you made those trade deadline pickups this year. I

I have a very bad feeling that they're gonna find a way to sign all three of those guys I don't know why I don't like your talk. I saw you talking about Marchand, but like I just I Something sneaky scary tells me that Marchand is going to end up back there and Eklat is going to end up back there and Bennett is going to sign. I just have a weird feeling. Marchand would have to kind of I don't believe that I don't believe for one second that Florida is going to be willing to offer a fourth year.

For Marchand? Yes. Okay. Like the Leafs can. Yeah. They might be the only team out there willing to give him four years. Everybody else I think can go three, including Florida. But the term and the AAV,

I don't see another team matching what the Leafs can offer him. And I went on record earlier today saying that he does feel like, under the regime of the Boston Bruins, that he was forced into a long-term contract that the last three or four years undervalued him incredibly.

He was massively undervalued. And there's a catch-up mode right now. And I don't think the Florida Panthers could can match what what's potentially out there for him, particularly with the Leafs. So you I mean, all the thing I'm gathering from you here is that the Leafs are going to be incredibly aggressive on March and incredibly aggressive. Oh, and I'm not here to tell you that there's a ton of tampering going on. I think you know the way the system works and you're a general manager that you have different ways to Finding out whether or not a guy would be interested in a market well before an official date

Allows you to do that. So that's what was encouraging that Miko Rand in Toronto was one of the spots he would be willing to come, right? The limited number a few weeks ago or a few months ago. So you brought up a point about like first of all he's got four kids, right? But I'm just wondering like are they ready to move anywhere or there's certain spots they want to go? Because that's a way bigger factor for him you know than a player who's single about making that decision. But the other thing, if you're the Toronto Maple Leafs, this guy cannot be in your division eliminating you in the playoffs again.

I don't care if he sucks. I don't care if he's a fifth line guy. Buy him to stay home. But in the press box, whatever. Couldn't agree more. You don't wanna lose to him again. He cannot be there, and you should not make moves predicated on the fear about being in your same division.

Except, this is it. So you add that caveat, in my opinion, to the Toronto Maple Leafs. I think Echblad will be very interesting for me moving forward because we do know that he could probably match what he was making before, and if I'm not mistaken, 7.5. So is there eight out there for him?

Possibly, somewhere else, but if he was to stay in Florida, I think he'd have to come off a Seven. Yeah, like under seven under seven. That's a big difference, but I mean the tax thing but they could but they could also offer Him eight years. I'm not sure other teams on the ufa would offer him a full eight years I'm not sure other teams on the ufa would offer him a full eight years Eight years. Oh act glad sorry. I'd play I was gonna act glad. Yeah, so I'm not sure I mean there are health issues with him in the past never played a full so You know is he comfortable enough for signing for for six times eight? six and a half times eight Well, let's talk about the last number you said because let's face it

Look at Chris Tanev what a big thing was last number you said, because let's face it. Look at Chris Tanev. A big thing was term. When you get that age, term is what it is. And as a general manager, you got to, people kind of kid about it, the GMs go, well, it's not going to be my problem, which is not the way you should manage, right?

But in the back of their mind, some ways this is a way to stay under the cap and kind of almost say, we gotta be prepared, we're gonna buy this guy out with two or three years left, but term is gonna be the difference maker. So you're 100% right, Kippy, about at that stage, same with Marchand, about the term.

If Jenny Malkin wishes he had one more year or two more years now beyond the one he has right now, because you ain't gonna get term anymore after this deal. So in these kind of deals, to be a little bit creative, term has to come into place. So the other one is, how much has he made enough? This is Ekblad, and just saying, okay, I will stay for less with the Florida Panthers.

I have no idea. And a chance to still be, as Doug McLean said, a part of something very special, still moving forward. The team that drafted you, and if you really like it there, and again, I have no idea his family situation, but all of a sudden you got the stability and we're in a good place and that matters.

And that's kind of when we morph into John Tavares, that's an understanding that the Leafs understand this is where he wants to be. And you don't wanna use that against him. Hec Blad's made over $50 million already. An eight year deal at say six or six and a half pushes them very close to just under $100 million, basically. So like, is that enough for you to stay there

your whole career? Well, it's up to him, but I would, I'm just arguing that putting it forward. I mean, so what? Another million dollars a year is gonna make you go, if that's what matters, and maybe you're up for an adventure But otherwise and and this is when you know, the Red Wings used to have that a well as well They teams, you know, Kenny Holland said that and he goes he goes

We we we help people realize dreams like when Mary a hope Marion hosts assigned there for one year Cuz all even though we didn't win that year with them But all of a sudden you get to a point and you're attracting and then you leave and all of a sudden, like look at Seth Jones, he's saying, I'm in Chicago, I'm in Columbus before, lose, lose, lose, lose, lose. Now your life has changed.

And look at this. So all of a sudden you go somewhere else for whatever and you're sitting there in the Chicago dressing room or whatever dressing room next year, you're going, really? Crap, probably shouldn't have left. This ain't fun. Gotta wanna talk to you about John Tavares

that's a very intriguing name right now because Matt Duchenne just signed 4.5 million correct times four he's their leading scorer in Dallas last season very seldom do you see a a UFA leading scorer on any NHL team side for that type of contract, but there it is. A lot of people want to compare that to John Tavares' situation. Others want to say, hold on for a second, 38 goals, that's like a seven or an eight attached to it, not a four. Where are you on comparing Duchenne to Tavares?

Okay, let's do the comparing. What is Matt Duchenne getting that John Tavares won't be getting? Buyout money from the Nashville Predators. Hard to believe they bought him out his last three years of his contract, so he's getting like another two and a half or something like that. So I think he's viewing this a little bit more as top-up money.

So John Tavares wasn't bought out by anyone, so there's not that six years of two and a half million buyout that he's got coming. So no, I think the market obviously more money, well, and if Mitch Marner's gone, you have more money. John Tavares obviously is not going to make $11 million, so you're going to save money on him, whatever he takes. But I think that's too late for John Tiberius 4.5 I just thought this is gonna be kind of a layup I didn't think that we're gonna be why should he take a layup well because you mean he's if he why didn't

William Neelander take a well because he's at a different point of his career I just I don't if he's so desperate to be here and he's like all he ever says he wants to be a leaf he loves it here all this stuff it's just like that's what you want to take advantage of people that really want to be here. Yes You want to get back to them? Well, you're better off playing that I can go wherever I want to go where them get topped on it is where they've been I'm a chicken right now is giving in for well years not playing well, though Whether you're taking advantage, but you know what maybe you I don't know you you insult him enough or piss him off enough

And he goes somewhere else like I mean He's an asset you really need him here. He came to retire a leaf Yeah, and he is incurring the wrath of the fan base I know it's business But the fan base where he was on Long Island like he came here and paid a price as far as his legacy went with the other guy I Again, you can look back at things probably little little too quick to make him captain Then at the end when they uncapped in him he handled with a lot of class and the other guy. Again, you can look back at things, probably a little too quick to make him captain. Then at the end, when they uncapted him,

he handled with a lot of class. And the other thing that you, people just wanna look at a contract or a number and then call it a day and compare it obviously to other 30-equal scores, but where is John Tavares' fit for the Leafs? Are you gonna try to beat Florida Panthers next year with Austin Matthews as your number one centerman and Jon Tavares again at number two?

So you think Jon Tavares was the reason at number two center that you lost to Florida? Yeah, I think it's a big reason. It's the one reason? No, not the one reason. There's a bunch of other reasons. I don't think Jon Tavares... Well, Mitch Marder didn't do the job either. And he's gone. That's why he's going. And he's going. You want half the team to go? The ones that didn't help in the playoffs beat

Florida, maybe. Well, then you're gonna open up $87 million in the cap. I'm just, what I'm saying is I appreciate John Tavares and I appreciate that he can produce in the regular season, but he's not a playoff type of guy that has had much success over 16 years. I mean, he's never seen the light of day of a conference final. And putting John Tavares in the number two hole again to go up against Barkov, Bennett and Landell

will not get you very far again. So if you're gonna pay him six or seven million dollars, are you gonna try him again at number two? Okay, I was going a little bit higher than 4.5. I wasn't going like seven. Where are you going? Maybe as high as six. Like more above 5.5, six, whatever.

Six as your number two centerman? Well, whatever he may be. Yeah, six as your number two centerman? Well, whatever he may be six. Yeah, six is your number two centerman. Okay, I don't want I I don't want Matthews and Tavares One two next. Give me someone better. Yes. Yes. Okay, that ship sail Nazem Kadri Zach Hyman. They should be here right now I'm Carlson out of Vegas. Okay. Well, that's the one that's that's what you do. You do the He's got two more years, a little over five. Okay, trade Mitch Marner for that, get him. That's what you need to do. So where does that leave Tavares then?

Third line center, second line wing? What do you do with Tavares now? Well, the wing thing is never, anyway. So if he's a bit of an overpaid third line center, it's still giving you great depth with three centers. What are we talking about Brad Marchand playing on the third line of the Boston Bruins be given that chance and succeeding?

So if Tavares is on a third line because they've upgraded their second, maybe you're overpaying him a little bit, but that's a strong three centers. I'd go with that. Okay, all right. But yeah, I gotta bring that number down as a third line center man now. Okay. Yeah, I had said it last down as a third line centerman now, okay

Yeah, I I said it last week. I don't think it can start with a five if Matt Duchenne's taken four and a half John Devar should be somewhere in that range too Why I don't know when the mark the mark to your Daniel thing comes in play right? We just you want to play somewhere and you take whatever I'm not saying he'll do that I don't know I mean maybe maybe there's something you know Tavaris about a number and because it would be done already if it was If it was if it was a good number for the lease it would have been done already So anyways listen to the music see how fast the hour is. Hey, yeah, thanks. Don't tell her boss We could have done two hours today easy. Don't tell her boss

Thanks to once again to remind everybody this hour of real kipper and born brought to you by bet three six five Hey Gordo great stuff as always man. I could even like your less for parking. I didn't realize we get off the the the the the the the

the the the the the the the the

the the the the the the the the the the Our thanks to Doug McLean always on Off the Rails Friday. We hope you have a great weekend. If you get a chance, give us a rating and review. Love to hear from you. Have a great weekend, everybody.