The Athletic Hockey Show - Tampa advances, Winnipeg packs up, Dougie Hamilton's future in Raleigh, Montreal awaits a winner between Colorado and Vegas.

Episode Date: June 9, 2021

Scott and Pierre take a look at what's next for the Winnipeg Jets. Should they blow it up and start all over, or stay the course? The guys look at the series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes, and where the prized possession of the NHL off-season, Dougie Hamilton may wind up. Burnsie and Lebrun also address the Golden Knights / Avalanche series, the big win for Vegas in game 5, and the hope for this classic series in the making, go the full seven games.Stanley Cup Champion Vincent Damphousse, now a studio analyst with RDS joins Scott and Pierre to look back on the Habs improbable run which led to the Stanley Cup in 1993, drawing parallels to the Habs current one which sees them in the semi finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs, awaiting an opponent from Denver or Vegas. Finally, Burnside and Lebrun take your questions in Ask the Dorks on topics including the Bolts cap management, the Seattle expansion draft and Seth Jones. Plus the guys discuss the Norris Trophy nominees, Victor Hedman, Adam Fox and Cale Makar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey everybody, Scott Burnside back for another edition of Two Man Advantage, the podcast, part of the ever-growing, the athletic hockey show network. Pierre LeBron, Pierre, I'm so, you know what, I'm always excited when I get to chat with you because, of course, we don't see each other anymore because of the pandemic. But I feel like it's almost like we've been together after we take the podcast and really excited today. Vincent Danfuss going to join us. Of course, long time NHL or Stanley Cup champion, a great, great player, and a long time analyst in Montreal.

And oh my goodness, is there a bigger story in the country, but certainly in Quebec than the Montreal Canadians right now. So I saw a picture, and I wonder, can you see it from your house? Can you see the CN Tower? Red, white, and blue in honor of the Montreal

Canadian. would never have guessed. Tell me, how are you doing, my friend? And can you see the Cien Tower with its blue, blonde, and rouge from your house? Oh, my God, poor Leaf fans. I mean, they're just trying to finally get over over what's happening, and then they wake up last night,

or they look out their window last night, and the Cian Tower in their backyard has the abs colors. That's like someone put a dagger right through their heart. Oh, my, who's, I mean, listen, I know it's a national, it's a national building and it's a pride of all Canadians, so I get it from that perspective, but I don't know PR-wise if that was the best move ever. Like in other words, had they never have done it, it's not like anyone in Montreal would have complained. That's so, that is a weird thing to have done, I must say.

So I'm just curious because, I mean, the idea, this comes up, well, comes up periodically, but not as often as I'm sure Canadians would like to have this discussion because, you know, Canadian teams don't often get, you know, historically, since the HABs won in 93, and I can't wait to ask Vincent Dan Fuse about that experience and maybe shades of what we're seeing now. But, you know, it's been a long drought, obviously, for a Stanley Cup winner in Canada, but even teams going to the final. But every time a team goes deep in the playoffs, there is this discussion, I think, always is this Canada's team? You know, Winnipeg goes to a conference final in 2018.

They lose to Vegas. was Winnipeg Canada's team? Of course, the Canucks going to the final in 2011. You know, I don't, I don't like, do you buy into that narrative? Is there such a thing as Candid's team? I mean, I got to admit, if the Leafs had gone to a final this year, I'm pretty sure there are some people who would have been cheering for whoever they played against, not the least. No question.

It would have been like Vancouver in 2011, where I think half the country wanted the Canucks to win and the other half were cheering for Boston. And, yeah, there's a lot of it. such thing as Candid's team. And, you know, I would have to say that Winnipeg would come closest to picking up a lot of second fans. I think there's just, I think part of it is what's endearing is they lost their team and they got it back. And I just think, generally speaking, their fans seem to be the most likable and so on. So, but other than that, I mean, you know, when the Oilers were in the Cup final in 06, obviously no one in Calgary's cheering for them.

Calgary in 04, no one in Emminthin's cheering for them. And so it goes. And definitely, if the HABs get to the finals, you know, while I think a lot of people in our country, you know, we'll have a spot in their hearts for what they're accomplishing, there'll still be way too many Lee fans and frankly fans and other Canadian markets who, you know, you want it to be your team that ends Canada's street, not another one. basically, I think is what it comes down to. And generally speaking, I think the leaps and the haves because of their gigantic fan bases,

I mean, in Western Canada, when the haves or the Leafs go out and play there, you know, there's a ton of haves jerseys and the Leafs jerse is in their building. So there's no way people in Vancouver, Amden, and Calgary are jumping on a on a house bandwagon right now. I love that. I'd still love that the fact. Now, is that, are, do you know the plans? Like, are they going to run the red, white and blue for the habs right until they're done? Oh, my God.

I don't know. Every day. That's what I want to see. All right. I, you mentioned the Winnipeg Jets. So let's start there. It just feels to me that in this playoff year, that some of the teams that have lost, the losses appear to me to have been felt more deeply.

You know, I think of Edmonton, of course, being swept by Winnipeg. And there goes right. And we see the Leafs losing in game seven to Montreal after leading that series three one. I definitely want to talk about Carolina being dumped. Oh, my gosh, is Tampa good? Holy cow. I just, I don't know what I, I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but of course, Carolina losing in five. But let's start with Winnipeg.

What an offseason for them. Again, they sweep a powerful Edmonton team and then, you know, I don't know about you, but felt to me like a heavy favorite against Montreal in the second round. the Habs coming off a seven game series, literally no rest. And it's over in four games, of course, the March Shifley suspension looming large in that equation, I think. But when you step back and look at this Jets team, I think there has to be a lot of soul searching for a team that I think a lot of us believe were right on the cusp when they

went to a West Final in 2018. And really it's been, you know, lots of factors involved, but still a lot of disappointment since. Yeah, I don't think they were heavy favorites, though, against Montreal. I think going into that second round, you have the third place team and the fourth place team hooking up after upsets. I had it as a coin toss myself. I certainly didn't have it as a sweep either way. So that's the surprising part for me for sure. And it wasn't even close.

Like some sweeps, for example, the Jets sweep over Edmonton was actually quite close. I mean, every game was close and that series could have played out a little differently, potentially. Bounce here or bounce there. But this sweep was, I mean, once the Habs took game one and Shifley got suspended, Montreal just crushed their soul. I mean, the Jets didn't threaten throughout the rest of that series. And, you know, as much as I think you have to give Kerry Price the number one star for leading the comeback against the Leafs, this was not a carry price series.

Again, he was excellent. He did what he had to do. But this was Montreal's top four on defense, muscling the Jets forward away from the net. It was unbelievable. It was a clinic for checking. and it was mesmerizing to watch, quite frankly. And you're right. I think that it leaves the Jets in a position now where they got to sort of ask themselves,

where do we go from here? They've got so many good players and such a good court. A lot of them are signed. But, you know, there's a lot of things to look at here. Paul Maurice has another year on his deal as head coach, and then he has an option year after that. So let's see where that goes. I suspect he'll be back.

But I can't say that. 100%. You know, Pierloch Dubois has to show up, right? I mean, that was disappointing. And listen, it's not like the guy he got traded for to Columbus lit it up either. So it's a really weird thing between Liny and Dubois, that blockbuster in January,

how neither player was able to find his footing in their new surroundings. And is that pandemic related? And who knows, it's a weird year. So I think a fresh reset for Pierloch Dubois will be huge because they need him to be a guy. You know, and so, you know, he had the chance in that Montreal series after Shifley was suspended to step up and he didn't. So that's a big storyline for sure. But I think, you know, he's still very young.

I think he will be a heck of a player for Winnipeg in my mind. But, you know, it's not a great blue line. I mean, they've been a pleasant story for how they've been able to have really huge years, you know, from guys like Derek Forward. Logan Stanley is a great story. but in general, and maybe the improvement comes from within, I mean, Billy Inola might get an opportunity next year. Either way, though, the Jets at the end of the day just spent too much time in their own zone this year.

And that has to be an area that it brews. To me, the Jets are, it was interesting when you were talking about their fan base. And really, you're right. Like, how can you not like the Jets, right? Like, you're right. Like, there's just, you know, and you and I've been there for, Some of those playoff series, you know, covered that Nashville, Winnipeg epic series in 2018 and to be in that city. Just amazing.

It's just a great market. But but. And I think, I think almost more than any other team, although certainly, you know, a lot of teams would claim this. But, you know, the Jets not having their sea of white and having their fans during this pandemic, I think was, was a factor. I mean, I mean, one of the most intimidating rinks to play and come playoff. Yeah. No question. And they are, in some ways, they're the model of patients and how often we talked about this with other teams, you know, the rush to, you know, the change in New York with the Rangers and the chain, you know, we've seen changes in different places, Florida where, you know, it seems like there's no runway for teams to put a plan in place and execute it.

But the jets are the opposite, right? Kevin Chevaldey asked him in the GM since the team moved from Atlanta. Paul Maurice, I think this is seven years for him, but a long stretch of time. And, you know, it'll be fascinating to see, you know, because at some point, you got to change, right? Like at some point, you know, you've got to produce and sometimes change is required. And I don't know if this is the time, but it's got to be disappointing. And just before we leave the Jets, do you think this will, I'm curious to see what happens with Mark Schifley next year? And I got to tell you, you know, I've spent a lot of time. I'm often unduly outraged by the Department of Player Safety.

I feel like I'm angry all the time when it comes to some of the decisions made there. But boy, that was swift punishment for a moment where a player lost control. And I don't know if you can quantify how important his loss to the Jets team for the next three games was. But do you think that changes how he approaches a game? I mean, he's an elite player, and he's so important to that team. But do you think, I mean, could this change how, you know, he approaches the game? Or do you imagine this will, he will move on quickly from this starting next season, obviously? Yeah, I don't know how it could change when he approaches the game.

The guy had 12 pelicans, I think, this year. So he's not, this was a complete out-of-character moment for Mark Schifley. I wrote about this last week, and one of the things that jumped to mind for me was being in the rink in Tampa when Nikita Kutjouov came on. Yeah, good point. In game two against Columbus a couple of years ago. And ultimately led to a very serious boarding penalty that could have resulted in a worse injury than it did. And it led to a one-game suspension at a time where the course of lightning needed it most as they went down in a sweep to Columbus. One, the way Kuturov has rebounded from that moment has been spectacular.

There's been nothing but a leader and a superstar and has turned the page. And there's never been even a hint of evidence that he was going to do that again and good on him. And that's what I think we'll see from Mark Schifley. But I draw a line there because in the same way in which Kuthroff let Tampa down in that moment, Mark Schifley let his team down. There's no other way around it. Like I thought Mark Schifley ended himself great in that news conference, very detailed, very emotional. I believe every word he said. But it doesn't change the act.

Yep. And, you know, I think he will absolutely, this is not a, a career defining moment. I think that we, you know, Mark Sheifley is nothing but amazing things ahead of them. And I don't think this is going to honor. I agree. Interesting. I want to talk.

So I'll give you the choice. You know, that Colorado Vegas series has been off the charts. Oh, my, like, there's just been so much going on there. And even in game five in Colorado, Mark Andre Fleury,

giving up a goal to Brandon Saud with what, 1.8 seconds left and you wondered if that might be a, you know, a killer blow. And of course, Vegas coming back with the two quick goals in the third and then winning in overtime. Or Tampa, we talked about them. You mentioned Kuturov and really making short work of a Carolina team that I had picked to win the Stanley Cup. So shame on me. But which do you want to start with? Well, well, my cup picks on the ropes now too in Colorado. Yes, exactly. I got, Although I always knew that that Vegas Colorado series from the get-go, I thought would be seven. And to be honest, one of the reasons I picked Colorado win the Cup is I was waiting to see who would win home whites in that division between those two teams.

Because I figure that would be the only thing that could separate them is where is game seven going to be played, which, by the way, could still be true. But now the avalanche absolutely on the ropes and have to steal a game in Vegas. Yikes in the Lions Den. Tremend tremendous series really hats off to Vegas for the way in which they rebounded from that opening loss. And honestly,

I think have dominated the play for most of the series. Agreed. Yeah, no. Even though it's only 3-2, yeah. So this is quite something. And, you know, Marconjee Flurry was terrific when you had to be last night. Unbelievable.

Early saving overtime. Yes. that yes people know um so yeah here we go and uh of course montreal cheering for game seven no doubt but uh you know although i say that you know it's funny one of the things that's going back to the jets that has come up but not as an excuse but as a fact is that that nine-day layoff didn't seem to have done them much good yeah so i wonder what the what's the perfect thing i mean you want more than 48 hours that's for sure but but maybe you don't want nine days so i don't Maybe the house on Vegas to finish it off on Thursday.

It's always unwise to project. But this will be a very difficult series loss for Colorado. If they, obviously, if they can't force a game seven, then even if they do if they lose in game seven, because this is a series, especially after game one, and then winning again at home to take a two nothing series lead. Jared Bednar calling out his star players early in the series once it moved to Vegas. this will be a very difficult series loss to get over if, in fact, the abs can't come back.

Do you agree? Yeah, this one will sting. I think in a similar fashion that the way it stinks for Carolina, I think Sebastian Aho, you could see him wear it last night after the game that Carolina, you know, deservedly through the regular season, thought they were right there with the best of the best and had cop aspirations. And, you know, listen, at the end of the day, I, picked the Carolina Colorado Cup final in part because, you know, you're trying to, you know,

did I think that Tampa couldn't repeat? No, of course I think Tampa could repeat, but you're trying to mix it up. And I always thought at the end of the day, Tampa Carolina would be a seven-game series. I felt the same way about that crossroads as I did about Vegas, Colorado, right? Those are the two big series in my mind in the NHL this year that we have seen coming for a long time. So the surprise for me is not the Tampa won because, of course, deep down, you know that Tampa was favored. it was that it was so short. I mean, that really surprised me that the hurricanes and put up more of a fight.

And so I think there's a little soul searching there for the hurricanes about what they need to do to take the next step. And no doubt about that. But, you know, I think the avalanche, it'll hurt even more. You know, I've written a couple of columns this year talking to Joe Sackick. I won at the start of the year. I wrote another one a couple weeks before the playoffs.

They have been very bold and outside. spoken about their desire to win a cup, their belief that they could be that team. They have not, you know, straight away from those expectations. And I love it. I love everything about it because I think it's the kind of team that plays a style that you have to have some brashness to it. So this would really, if they lose in game six in Vegas, this would be a complete body blow to that organization.

Again, even though everyone knew that was going to be a tough second round either way, nothing short of the cup final was going to appease the abs of this year. And because it gets harder now, cap wise for this team moving forward. Kiel McCarres, entry-level deal expires, he needs a big second contract. Captain Gabriel Landisog as a UFA. Philip Grubauer is a UFA. And a year from now, on July 1st, 2022, the Avalanche are allowed per the CBA to extend Nathan McKinnon one year out before the extension of his deal, which I assume they will move heaven on earth to do just that.

So the team will not be as deep moving forward, as my point, which is not to say that I don't think they're going to be a contender for a long time. I think they've built a Tampa-like setup here where they're going to take swings out of it every year. But they may never be as deep as this in my point. To me, it's funny how both, I put both Colorado and Carolina in the same kind of boat because we've, you know, they sort of been the darlings. And last year, of course, they just, they lost the war of attrition in the bubble, right? Just completely, you know, ran out of players, ran out of goalies, ran out of defensive. Like, it was, it was hard for them. But the expectations continue to build for those kinds of teams. And you're right. And now, you know, like, it will be interesting. And I, I'm with you. I think you and I are of the same mind that the change for the sake of change or the knee jerk, oh, you know, fire. the coach or let's do this or, you know, the knee-jerk reaction that will undoubtedly, you know, come or calls for knee-jerk reaction if the abs do lose this, just as there might be calls in Carolina for, you know, how do you get over the hump? But both those teams now, like for me, the honeymoon is over. It's now you, you're in a position. You've been built. You're well coach. But now you have to deliver. And if you don't deliver, then you have to answer the hard questions. And I, And sometimes I think teams struggle with that transition, right?

It's easy to play. I mean, you don't have pressure. Saw that with Carolina. They go to an Eastern Conference final in 2019. But now the expectations are different. And sometimes teams struggle to accept that and to make that transition. Do you think that's fair? Right.

Yeah. And this was really the first year that the hurricanes played with heavy expectations, expectations that they internally embraced, by the way. But I do think there is an adjustment there. And, you know, they're going to have to sit with an offseason in which they contemplate the fact that they lost every game on home ice against Tampa. They had home ice advantage going into this series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. And it mattered nothing despite playing in front of the great crowds in the NHL. So, and again, hats off to the lightning.

And the scary thing about Tampa is they look even better to me right now and they did when they won the cup in the bubble. Could not agree. I'm honest. Yeah. Like they look even more like a juggernaut. And of course, they didn't have access to Stevens to Amco's, other than three shifts last year in that playoff run. But I think there's a confidence, too, from winning the cup.

I think David Savarra has fit in well. Andre de Vasselowski, best goalie in the world. And I say that with all due respect to some amazing performances from Mark Andre Fleury and Kerry Price and Philip Rubauer. And Samian Barlamov, by the way, let's put him in that conversation. but Andre Rasselowski is the best willing the world. And there are moments in that Carolina series where I just think he just said, no, you guys aren't coming back. It was pretty unbelievable to watch you.

Well, I mean, the critical moment, the hurricanes fairly early in the first period, glorious 211 short-handed. And Vasaleski makes an eye-popping save. and they go down the ice and the lightning squad. I think it was Braden Point, who I'm now just looking up here. But I'm wondering, listen, I think everyone knew Braden Point was a terrific player and really sort of on the cost. But boy, like, to me, he shoulders his way into, all right, who are the best players in the NHL? And that's, and I don't think that's hyperbole on my part.

Like, to me, Braden Point is right there. Now it's just 25. but what a player? Like, it's, and I'm with you, Pierre, I do think this team right now in Tampa is better than the team that beat Dallas and the final year ago. Yeah, no question. And, you know, for the hurricanes moving forward, and you've got to be careful here, you know, you just lost the best goalie in the world. So how do you factor that into what you do next as an organization? And what I'm getting to is their own goaltending.

Alex Nadalcovich had an amazing rookie. NHL season in the NHL. Like what else could you ask for from this kid? He's 25. Not a kid, but it's his first full season in the NHL. He's RFA. They're going to, he's, he's going to earn a raise, of course, in his second contract. And what will be interesting to me is how they decide to fill out the rest of the net with him, right?

Peter Morazek's UFC, James Reimer's UFC, you know, I don't know if it's good enough to just say, let's bring the band back together in net. that's the area where I wonder, is there something where they create another one A1B with Nadelcovich but with a different face? I don't know. That'll be interesting. I mean, or they just say that, you know,

a healthy Marazik with Nadelcovich has been up. Let's bring it back. So that's going to be interesting. Yeah, it's hard. And, you know, to me, you know,

you look at all these series. And to me, though, it's what the great, it's the great drama, right? It's the moment where everything changes and, you know,

you go back to, game two, no, game three, you know, the Oilers blow the big lead late and losing overtime and, you know, that change is there. Carolina has a chance to even this series with two wins in Tampa and they score four against Vasilevsky on Saturday. But they don't get to save from Peter Morassick. Now, now, the real story of that game was all. Yeah, Pennsylvania got an incredible Tampa Barrel. Yeah, to your point, though, in that moment where the best goalie in the world has given up four and you have a four-two lead, you have to close the door and you couldn't do it. And so I think you're right.

I think it's going to be fascinating. And before we leave Carolina, really interesting, I think, what happens with Dougie Hamilton, UFA. And it's, I'm doing this piece that I think they'll post in the later today or tomorrow. Nice. UFA stock up and down. What happens in the playoffs to players, both good and bad, you know, and I think of, you know, Montreal's got 100, they got 100 UFAs. And every one of them, their stock is through the roof, right? Yol Armea.

Well, Philip DeNose, of course, going to be so fascinating because, of course, he, we believe, turned down an offer last fall that was pretty, I think was pretty reasonable. But, again, I love when players believe in themselves. Yeah. So he's done nothing but add to the fact that even though there's little offense there, he is one of the premier shutdown centers in the NHL, right? Yeah. I mean, it really is. So to have done that to Austin Matthews and then to, you know, to all the Jets top stars is pretty remarkable.

Well, Corey Perry, Eric Stahl, well, Eric Stahl, Corey Perry, and Yol Armea have been, you know, were a wrecking crew and all three are UFA. All UFA. Yeah. But I guess my point is, you know, Dougie Hamilton. A stud on the back end, his numbers, you know, speak for themselves, power play, skating, is shot. But I talked to three different sources familiar, who watched very closely, the Eastern Conference and this team. And there is some skepticism about whether you can win if he's your centerpiece defender.

And, you know, whatever the market is, you know, is it eight times eight? I mean, that's John Carlson's number from a couple years ago when he signed his deal as a pending UFA. You know, is Dougie Hamilton in that ballpark? And if he is, if you're Carolina, is that where you want to put your, is that where you want to make your commitment? And there are some skeptics about it. There are. I just think he's not getting eight times eight in Carolina. I absolutely think it's potentially out there on the open market, given his very consistent offensive number.

for several years, but I just don't think it's there in Carolina. Like, if he wants to stay in Carolina, it's going to have to be a different number, is my sense of it. And that, you know, often applies to a lot of players whose deals are up in Carolina. That's not just Doug Hamilton. But, you know, to me, I've reported this before, Scotty, but, you know, those talks broke down early this season and both the hurricanes and Doug Hamilton's camp, led by J.P. Barry decided to shelf talks for half of the season. And I'm pretty confident in saying that I think where each side essentially started ballpark-wise is that Dougie Hamilton's camp started north of eight, pointing to Alex Petrangelo's deal and his numbers. And by the way, as they should.

And I think the hurricanes came back with something closer to Tori Krug's deal in St. Louis, which is six and a half a year over a long-term deal. And I can see their point. So that's a pretty sizable gap, right? That's not like pick the number in between. I think this thing could go all kinds of different ways. And what it really is going to come down to is that I think J.B. Berry will tell his client, I know I can get you $8 million a year on the market. But you're happy here.

And so what's that number? We're happiness for a guy like Dougie Hamilton that's been traded a couple times. You know, Austin, Calgary, has found happiness. So what's the dollar figure to happiness? And that's always a tough decision, right? I am with you entirely. And it's going to be fascinating to see how it goes. Buddy, we're going to talk to Vincent Danfuss.

We're going to take a break first. So don't go away. We'll be right back with the former Stanley Cup champion and longtime analyst Vincent Danfuss. All right, everybody, as promised, joined by Vincent Danfuss. who's a long-time NHL great and studio analyst. Pierre, you guys, you have to speak in English so I can stay connected to both of you, but you guys are colleagues in many ways.

Well, and actually, I will say, first moment, Vincent, merci to us our podcast, de Tréffin'Tapa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a. I will say that I think we're, Veissan, I got to know each other best, and I don't know if Vaisan agrees was during the 0405 lockdown. And Vesan was an integral part of a lot of the NHLPA fabric back in those days

and donated a lot of his time to help the cause. And that was a big moment in Mike Greer too as a journalist. And it was an absolutely fascinating time in many ways. But that was an interesting time. I think we both learned a lot from that moment in time during the NHL. Yeah, this is where we, built our trust up here. Yes.

You know, because as you know, it's important to have a relationship for you guys with players and with GMs, and you have that now with pretty much everybody in the league. It's fascinating to see how you built your network over the years, and I'm using some of that once in a while now with my job to call you and get some information. I was there for you. I always there.

Yeah, well, that's all you've built your relationship. I think as a player during that lockout, you want to send your message, but at the same time, you've got to be able to trust the person that you give the information to. And I think there's a reason why you are where you are now. It's because, you know, you cherish those relationships and you protect the person that gives you the information, which is key, I think, in your field. So that's where we start to know each other. Well, Vincent, I'm really curious about that.

I mean, we're going to obviously talk about, you know, the current Montreal Canadians. But I mean, you had a terrific career, 1,378 regular season games. You played in Toronto and Edmonton, obviously in Montreal before finishing in San Jose. But I was curious what it's like for you, and you've been doing it a long time. But that transition, you know, when you walk across the line to. especially in Quebec, to be a commentator and to offer your opinions. And you've been on both sides of it. And I wonder what that transition was like for you,

understanding what it's like to be a star in top markets like you were. Well, as a player, I understood the job that the media had to do. And I always had time for them because it was part of my responsibility. I saw it when I was in Toronto with some of the key players at the time when I was there. with a lot of media in that market. And then in Montreal, I saw Patrick Gua every day answering questions. They saw Guy Carbano.

So I knew that it was my responsibility as well as a captain there and also just as a French-Canadian player to at least give 15 minutes of my time every day to the media so they can get this story. And I didn't feel that they were against me. I just thought that they had a job to do it. So I had no problem going to the media and be an analyst. And just with my experience, just explain to the fans what I saw.

And if it's good, then I'm going to be the first one to give positive comments about a player. But if it's bad, I think it's my responsibility now to explain. playing it to the viewers and without being, you know, without being a jerk. I think there's a way to say things that are fair for the player and accurate when you speak. If you're just trying to protect somebody when they're playing bad, there's some fans that know the game enough that they can see right through that, and you're going to lose credibility. I would never do that.

Well, and we spoke just a couple of weeks ago, man, for a piece I did on the 93 playoffs, but more to do with the fact that the Leaves and Havs were finally playing in the playoffs series. And, of course, you played for both the Leifes and the Havs. But I don't know if at that time when we did that piece, and I talked to Carboneau as well, and Kirk Muller and Gilmore Clark and Felix Pugman.

It was so fun to hear from all six of you about reliving 93, which became, which was a memorable year for the Leafs, even though they felt shorter. of course, the year for the HABs as far as the last Stanley Cup, any Canadian team has won. But I don't know if I knew then that the HAB would be in the final four a month later, they saw. And not that I didn't think, I mean, I said this on this podcast, as Scotty knows, I thought the HAVs were not a great matchup for the Leafs.

I said that many weeks leading into it that I thought that was a danger one for Toronto. I didn't ultimately think the Leaves would lose, but I thought it was going to be seven. and it certainly was even more than that for Montreal. How would you put in the words, were the HABs have come, because we saw what happened in the regular season, the ups and downs and the coaching change and the crazy schedule and honestly a bit of a gong show at times, and here they are in the Stanley Cup semi-finals?

Well, it just shows how anything can happen in the playoffs. The Canadians were the last team to qualify. They're the worst team during the regular season in the playoffs out of the 16 teams. And I had the same as you as when I evaluate the series. I thought the least would win, but they would have, they would lose games to Montreal. I thought it was Toronto and seven. But as it turned out, they were able to, just like we did in 1993, there's a lot of similarities to what I live when I won the cup to what's going on this year. We were down in 1993 in the first round to Quebec.

0 and 2, and nobody in the promise thought we would win before it started. Then imagine after losing the first two games, there was nobody beside the players in the room, Sir Chavar and Jacques de Mercer still believed that we could come back. And it's the same thing with the Canadians on the leaf. Nobody thought that Canadians could win game five, let alone the series. So I think it's just they turned it on at the right time. I think the turning point in that series was the giveaway by Galciniak at the blue line.

I don't like to point out a player, but when you look at this series and why Galchiniac has trouble getting established in the NHL, it's because of those risky plays that comes back in Hansom. And that play across the blue line that was intercepted by Caulfield, and they were down, they came down two on O with Suzuki, and they scored. turn a series around. And you look at the way the Canadians are playing now, they won seven in a row. They are no risky plays.

They are no flashy plays. It's all about grinding the team down and waiting for their opportunities. They're very disciplined in their play, very disciplined and not taking penalties and feeding some good power plays in the north. I mean, Toronto had a good power play and Winnipeg a good power play,

but they had two or three a game. So they were very well coach. I thought Disham is putting a game plan that's excellent. And great goaltending and top four defensemen that are logging 90% of the minutes. And I said that before the series started. They were giving a lot of ice time to Romanov and to Ketanyemi and to the kids. But when it came down the playoff, Mark Berzmer had built that team

with some veteran players that were going to play. And when Stubb, he got traded to Montreal, he was struggling. He could not, he scored on his first game. Then he didn't have a point for,

I don't know, I think for the rest of the regular season. And everybody thought that he should even play. But they put him in game one and, and put, he can't give me in the stands. They put Gustafson on defense, put Romanov in the stands.

dance and went with the veteran players and hoped that the experience would help the team. And they got some players that won the cup. They got Perry, who's playing great. He got Stahl, that's playing great. To Foley was amazing. He scored the overtime winner. Edmondson, all guys that won the cup and went through some adversity. And when it was one three, there was a meeting in that room.

And the veteran players spoke about the fact that they weren't out. Yeah, one win could turn a series around. That's exactly what happened. Vincent, I'm curious, you know, when you think back to that 93 run and, you know, very, you know, a lot of parallels, right? As you mentioned with the Leafs jumping out to that lead this year over the Canadians and, and you guys going down to nothing to a really good Quebec team and, you know, what a what a series that was. Was there a moment, you know, was it someone speaking in the room? or was it a moment that sort of changed the feeling or at least allowed you to believe in that room that it was possible to come back and in short term to beat that Nordique team? Was there a moment that you remember as being sort of a defining moment in that series?

Well, it was a defining moment for me because I scored the overtime winner in game three. I was going to bring that up on the wraparound, I think. Yeah. It was a kind of a spin, and I went back, and it, Exthal made the save. It hit Bussarov skate and went back in. So anyways, it was kind of a flaky goal, but it turned a series around for me because I didn't have a point in the first two games. I remember having a conversation with Chalk theverse, and he said, Vinny, we need you. We need you to come through.

We need you to play better. And that was in the morning skate, and I felt that I needed to step up my games. So it could have gone either way in game three. Just like in game five against Toronto, they could have finished it right there in overtime. But we got the break. We got the overtime win. And that started 10 win in a row,

overtime sequence 11 games in a row that we want. Think about that. We won four games against Quebec in a row. Then we swept Buffalo in the second round. And we won the first three against the Islanders in the semifinals. So we won 11 games in a row. before beating the outmenders in five and winning in five against L.A. in the finals. But Montreal now has won seven games in a row, three of them in overtime.

So when I talk about similarities, I mean, they're on a role. And I wouldn't have a hard time taking Vegas or Colorado in less than seven games again because I think that's going to be a very difficult challenge for Montreal, all, especially with pitry being hurt. But I still believe that the Canadians will win some games. And even against Vegas and Colorado, two of the best teams in the league. Yeah, and that series is so huge right now.

I mean, I think the Stanley Cup is, I mean, Tampa might have a say in this, but I feel like the Vegas, Vegas, Colorado is almost a mini-Stanly Cup final. But we'll see. And listen, the house will be huge underdogs. And the interesting thing, if we keep drawing parallels between 93 and today, that's where the story changes a bit. And I know you've told me over the years, you would have loved to have had a chance to play Mario and the Penguins in 93. So it's not like, you know, it's not like you're happy with the way things played out.

You were going to play any team you got. But that would have been a great challenge for you and the rest of the team. But I guess when I look at Colorado and Vegas, I see a bit of a 93 penguin roster. So you're not getting the 9-and-3 Islanders next for Montreal, I guess it would be the point I'm making. Well, I think it would be, you know, I hope nobody takes away from our Cup year because some of the best teams got kicked out. Of course. And if Colorado wins or if Vegas win, I hope they're not going to say, well, you know what, Toronto wasn't in the semifinals. It's just the way it plays out every year.

There's some surprises. So for us, we, yeah, for sure. when Pittsburgh got kicked out, it opened the door for us. There's no question. And Pierre-Tur Jean-Far the Islanders got hurt. And, you know, so there's some things that happens during the playoff that changes things. And Tavares getting hurt early in the series certainly hurt the chances for the Leafs.

But that's just the way it goes in the playoffs. And for Montreal, they don't have the luxury to lose one of their key guys. When I talk about key guys, it's price, it's the top four defense. Bittery now, I don't know how good he's going to be when he comes back with the crazy injury in the whole of the camera. They're crazy, but it happens. So they're going to have to, the other guys will have to step it up until he comes back. But they have a very, very strong lineup across the board.

They're young guys. They're playing amazing. Kentucky Amy came back. He played great. Caulfield. I'm so impressed by that kid the way he plays. He doesn't score. Everybody thinks he's just a score,

but everything else that he does is bang on. He's so responsible in his own. That line with Tufoli and Suzuki has been a big, great. The veteran line with Stahl Armia, who's having great playoff. He's doing a lot of damage. They're all big, they're all strong. They grind things down and the cycle down low.

So I think they're firing on all cylinders right now. They're going to be huge underdogs, but I wouldn't be that surprise if they pull another upset. Vincent, I'm curious what you feel when you're sort of out and about and you're going to the studio. And I know things are just slowly opening up in Quebec, but is there a way to describe the feeling in Montreal, the feeling in the province for what is happening here,

and maybe how important it is given all that we've all been going through for the last year and a half or so. But I wonder if you get a sense for what it's like in the community, and if it's different than what you guys went through when you were living at in 93, for instance. Well, it's different. It is totally different. It's not with how the fans react to the Canadians being the semifinals,

because the city is going nuts. But what's the difference is that it's been so hard for the past year. Everybody was kind of down and trying to get through this. And now there's some excitement. And I think it's great for the city. It's great for the restaurants that are opening up, the terrace, the bars. Everything is opening up this week. And as of Monday, it's going to be even more open.

So I think it's going to be great for the businesses that have been struggling around the city and around the province. Because everybody is going to be watched. the game, having a beer, and then I saw outside the Bell Center after the win. There was so many people outside. Like, I hope the government will open it, opening up the, so for the fans to be more than just 2,500 in the building, because I've been to game three in game four at the Bell Center, and I've been to Costco as well, and there's a lot more people in Costco running around with one bathroom than there is.

No, but I'm serious. I don't understand. Like, why are we holding off on, there's like 10,000 people outside jumping up and down, but you could be more in a control environment inside the building with some, I mean, has done a great job explaining the protocol of how a game will take place and how the fans will be safe.

And I hope that when I see Vegas, and they've got a full building, and the crowd's going nuts. I said, wow, I hope they can open up a little bit so the fans of Montreal can enjoy. And the team could feel that what it is when you're in a semi-final of the playoff, the crowd going nuts. I hope they feel it at home, not just on the road. Well, and it's a good segue to my last question for you, Mesa. You know, I've talked to players over the years that have won Stanley Cups,

and, you know, I've had different answers from them over the years. There are some who will admit to me years later that they didn't grasp in that moment, even though they were so excited to win the Stanley Cup, that they cherish it even more looking back because it would end up being, you know, the moment in their careers. And I wonder, looking back now, last Canadian team to win a cup, you know, you talked about the crowd. I still remember, you know, the crowd at the Montreal Forum in that final minute against L.A. in game five. And first of all, that building, having one of its last moments, it would be replaced three years later.

But do you ever look back at that clip and remember what you felt in that moment? Oh, absolutely. I felt privileged to be in Montreal all with my parents in the building and so many friends. And my brother was there, my uncle, I was able to win in Montreal at the forum

and have everybody that was close to me inside the dressing room. So my first thought when we won was to find them and to lift a cup front of them because I knew where my seats were. So it's a privilege. Usually you win when you're not at your hometown playing or you went on the road and then

then it's a world win and you don't have time to really share that with your close ones until a few days later. But I was able to live it in that moment. And I remember when my dad came in in the dress room, I started jump. I jumped in his arm and I started crying because all the emotions of, uh, of everything that we live and I was a kid with my brother and my dad, watering the backyard to get a rink in the backyard for us and all the time and the energy that my parents put to get us to that moment.

You know, I was so happy to share with them. Because it's you win the cup, not just for yourself, but for your whole family as well. So that's what I was thinking. Yeah. Vincent, I'm curious then. do you, where is the ring? And do you take it out? Are there moments?

Like, what do you, what do you do with your ring? Tell me, tell me the story of your ring. Well, the ring is in the safe. I don't, I don't wear it. Something that I obviously keep a very secure place. But it does come out once in a while when I represent the Canadians. And sometimes I, the players in the room

because we get invited once a year, not this year, but some of the alumni get invited in the dressing room for lunch with the actual players every year. And Jeff Moulson brings us in the room, presents the player, the alumni to the actual players, and we share lunch and we talk, and then we go on the ice and with the fans

and get a different table. So it's a day that we spend with the team. So they feel the history of the Montreal Canadiens. And when I go to that lunch, I wear my ring. That's when it comes down. Just to show the guys, you know, that the expectation in Montreal are different than from other teams. And I felt that when I played during the cup run,

they were always showing Jean-Believo on the cameras and ovation. and it was Maurice Richard, and it was Henri Richard, it was Gila Fleur. So you felt the responsibility when you have that jersey on, that, you know, you got to show up and you got to do your part

to keep that tradition going. So I hope that we were presented last game in the alumni box, which I thought was great. The first game in Montreal, they showed Cornwallier-La Fleur and Reginalaud. And last game on Monday. They showed Mario Chamblay, Chris Nylin, Breezebois, Carbono, myself.

And the players on the bench stood up and they start, you know, I think they, I think it's great that the team is doing that just to show the kids, listen, there's other guys that came before you and we're cheering for you guys. We want you guys to be successful. We want you guys to break that streak of Canadian teams not having success. And I really hope in the room that the message is that, listen, there's nobody left that are superhuman. They're all can be beat. And that's a message I remember for us when we're O2 against Quebec is like enough talking about them.

They're not like, they're not superhuman. They can be beat. And that's how we turn it around. We believe in ourselves and start worrying about. other teams and I hope that's what they're doing. They're full of confidence right now. They can beat anybody, I'm telling you. And what a way to end it.

And ironically enough, the lessons of that painful first round loss for Joe Sackick and that young Nordic's team would pay dividends a few years later as the Colorado Avalanche, of course, the Nordiques moving to Denver, unfortunately. But, yeah, Pierre-R-Laquois best trade, my ex-agent, you know, unfortunately passed away. but his best trade was that one. Patrick Coyne and Mike Keene, don't forget Mike Keene, what a player he is in that trade.

And brought some leadership and some great goaltender, one of the best clutched player I ever played with. Well, there's a number 31 trying to make his best impression of Patrick Gua right now, that's for sure. Yes. Well, listen, Vincent, I'm sorry. It's a be a lot of fun to be able to talk to Canadian. Thanks for your time.

I know still lots of work ahead for you and everyone are already yes here and look forward to hearing that. And thanks for taking some time with us. Any time for you, Pierre. Okay. Thanks, guys. Yes. Thanks, Vincent. All right.

Take care. Good call by you, Pierre, to have Vincent Danfuss join us. That was great. That story about him looking for his dad and the stands in 93 and then seeing him in the dressing room and breaking down. Wow. That's great stuff. That's, you know, every player wins the cup, you know, regardless of your nationality and your background, that's the unifying moment for any player wins the cup is looking for their parents and what their parents did for that player to get to where. I've seen that.

You and I have been allowed to be on the ice when the team wins the cup over the last 15 years or so. And to see the interaction between the player and their families in that moment is surreal. I mean, that's always been the best moment of the year. and to have done it in his hometown, as he described, at the Montreal Forum. Just, I mean, that's pretty unbelievable feeling. And it's interesting to hear him talk about this year's abs. And yeah, they're going to be crazy underdogs in the next series. But, ooh, it gave you talking about their journey 93, right?

Yeah. Yeah, I can't wait. And certainly when you and I chat next week, we'll be into it. But, yeah, I think if we've learned anything from watching this habit, team through the first two rounds is to stop underestimating them. And it's going to be great drama and great theater. And I'm with Vincent. I hope, you know, I hope things continue to go well in Quebec and certainly across Canada

where, you know, maybe this becomes a moment where the entire province, the entire community can share in this in a way that they haven't been able to really until this point. So hopefully that happens. All right, my friend. Got a bunch of nice questions here for the dorks, you and I. I kind of like that. Again, I keep wishing somebody should be sponsoring this segment alone. But anyway, what are I?

This one comes from Lucas Hibbs. And you and I've talked about this a little bit, but the question is wondering whether you think anything will come at the end of this playoff run, and specifically the Tampa Bay Lightning Run, and whether the NHL will take a little. look at cap rules and I assume they're referring to the use of LTIR and players, you know, sort of being sheltered or immune to the cap while they're recovering from injury like Nikita Kuturov, certainly Stephen Stamco's was absent during the latter stages of the regular

season for the lightning. Do you think there'll be any changes to that? Or do you think this is this is how the system is designed to work. Yeah, so Lucas should go back and if he feels like it, give a read to the column I wrote about this one week into the playoffs because I knew this was going to become a huge story. So I really went deep on the whole Kuthorov issue. I quote Bill Daly in it, I quote Stan Bowman. Yes, because Stan Bowman went through this with Patrick Kane in 2015.

And also, you know, I outlined the fact that while there were other G. who didn't want to be quoted that there are some who want to bring this up at a future GM meetings again that they're not quite sure that That the system is working the way it should in this vein and so the answer is yeah that I think some GMs want to talk about the skin It's not just Tampa I mean the Leafs got some scrutiny as to how they massage the trade deadline and LTIR You know even the some degree Montreal with Brennan Gallagher You know coming back to the time of the playoffs right and his injury allowing them to go out them to go out and get, you know, Gustafsson and John Merrill at the deadline, etc. So the whole LTI thing is, I think there's a couple of GMs that have told me they'd like to get

it on the agenda yet again. But if you look at the quote from Bill Daly in that piece, I mean, he goes to great length to say that they are satisfied after investigating the whole thing that Tampa did know wrong. And I guess some people just don't want to let it go. That's a good point. You know, again, I think it, I mean, the system is, I mean, the system is, I mean, I mean, it's not a surprise to anyone, right?

The system is what it is. And if, you know, the league does take, you know, pays close attention, they scrutinize where players are at in terms of their rehabilitation. And I think that's what you have to trust that that's what's happening. Right. And I think the big thing to retain here is that it's not cut and dry. Like, you know, could Kutcheroff or Gallagher or, in fact, Freddie Anderson did play before they had the way of the season for the least,

which is even more in some ways mystifying because I don't exactly know how that work, Capways. But, you know, could Gallagher and Kuturoff have been ready to play a game or two for the other season? I bet you the answer is yes. But in that particular instance, I think the league has some leeway for teams. Like if we're talking a week, I think the league is like, you know what? Especially given that this particular regular season got extended because of all the COVID cancellation.

So in other words, when Tampa put Kuturoff on LTI at the start of the season, and they had a certain projection for his potential return, and the start of the playoffs shifted time-wise. So it's a bit of a weird year that way, I think. But again, I do know that there are some GMs who want to talk about this. So it would be interesting. This one is an interesting one from Michael O'Brien. If offered the chance, how many NHL teams do you think would switch places with Seattle

and build a roster from scratch through the expansion draft? It's interesting. And I assume it certainly is a fair question when you see what has happened to Vegas in the very short time since their expansion draft in 2017. But do you think there would be teams if you had the chance? Are there teams that would say, yeah, count me in. I would go for that. Yeah, I think actually there would be, believe it or not. You know, I think in a flat cap environment world especially where it's so difficult to move money that if you're a team that's deciding to rebuild here soon, let's say.

but you've got a couple of contracts that are going to be almost impossible to who you'd rather be Seattle than be in your situation yeah right for sure um so from the flat cap perspective i think it's especially accurate but at the end of the day you know what will interest me is and that's why there's so much pressure on vegas to win right now but i don't know how you feel about this scott but their window to win i don't think is as long as people realize in my mind now they've made so many great moves from the outset. Maybe they can stick handle their way around all this, but they're not a young team.

Like, that's the interesting thing about this. They're going for it. It's what Bill Foley wants, and that's tremendous. I mean, is there a better building atmosphere right now than Vegas? But if they don't win a cup in the next two or three years, I think it gets interesting in a hurry. Well, and certainly the advantages that they've enjoyed. as an expansion team, not having to pay the fee and also not having to expose a player in the Seattle draft.

I mean, these are, you know, again, this is all benefits to a team that, you know, charge right out of the gate, you know, from their very, you know, first moments of existence. Well, well, they paid 500 million to get in. Oh, yeah. No, but again, but they also paid 150 million less than Seattle is paying to get in to the same club. So, yeah, no, I'm with you. And I, you know what, I know you talked to Bill Foley, you know, a few months ago and I've spent a fair amount of time with Bill over, you know, since this really became a possibility. And, you know, I just love the enormous passion he has to go all in, right? This is, there's this is not a cautious kind of process for them.

I mean, they have, they've gone right after it. And the fans have responded to that. I think it's been tremendous there. And there's no greater, I think the greatest example of what their constant vision has been from the outset may present itself in a perfect way, in a perfect way next round if they beat Colorado and they play Montreal, is a trade that has truly benefited two franchises, in many ways. Max Patch Ready has been amazing from the day he got to Vegas. It continues to be amazing.

but how can you not love this trade if you're the Montreal Canaanans? Nick Suzuki, you have a star center now for the next how many years. Thomas Satar gave you great service now. He's fallen out of favor, but he had a bunch of 20 gold years for them, right, as a throw-in to that trade. And the extra draft pick that's in that trade ended up being two draft picks, and it's a four-asset haul in the end for Montreal from Maxxarach-Raddy. You know, I think that's a trade that has been. tremendous for both franchises, which is very interesting heading into a potential

playoff series between the two teams if, you know, if Colorado doesn't come back. Good point. All right. Let's finish up with this one. And I should mention Mattias Norlander is one of the young defensemen, the recently 21-year-old Swedish defenseman who has a bit of promise to him. So he's another player from that trade. Look at you talking about prospects. That's not really. It's not really. It's rare for me. I know. Your wheel. In fact, I am avoiding a question about Luke Hughes and where he might go on the draft just because it's not really... I'm not a draft group. That is, that's Corey Promon, Bob McKenzie, Craig Button, Scott Wheeler territory. There's a reason people specifically do that for...

All right. Well, that question about Luke Hughes was coming from John Benckhard. So I... That would be neat that the devil's at... Well, so, yeah, let me ask it this way. He wondered the likelihood of the devil's taking Luke Hughes at number three so he can develop and eventually play with Jack. But I will modify it. Which, where would be a better fit for Luke Hughes, do you think? Jersey to play with Jack or in Vancouver to play with Quinn. I think it's, I think the teams, there should be an agreement. He's got to go to one of those two teams, right?

It's got to be the brother situation. It's going to be like when Brian Burke was the GM of Vancouver, and orchestrated the draft to get both Sedeen twins, Either the doubles or the Canucks have to make sure that they end up with the... Yeah, exactly. All right. But, you know, I will say about this draft, I mean, even though I don't do deep dives on it, like so of people I mentioned, I think there's a lot of...

I was talking to, you know, a bunch of GMs for the piece that I did on Mark Bergerzvin that was published today. But a lot of them were calling after hours and hours and hours of being on Zoom calls this week. talking to Braspect. Yes, yes. Like the, it's never taken on more. I mean, there's no combine. A lot of these players barely played, depending on where they play. These calls are super important to prep for this draft.

There's so much uncertainty with this draft this year. No, it's, yes. And it's, you know, it's going to be another remote draft. And remember when we had Bill Dalyon not too long ago, I mean, he promised the second day would be faster than the one last October. But yes, it has challenged everyone within the machinery of the NHL and, of course, the prospects themselves and their families and their agents. But, yes, it will be fascinating, you know, just how the teams sort through what will be a completely unique situation in making those picks. All right, let me finish this. This will be the last question. And this comes from Steve Hases.

What, his question is about the cost of acquisition of Seth Jones. And I just want to sort of expand it a bit because to me this is going to be such, I'll ask it as a question to you, but to me he is one of those domino players that will affect a lot of things around the NHL, that Seth Jones, what happens to Seth Jones will impact a lot of different things and whether it's vis-a-vis free agency or how teams are built or players they're looking after. Do you think he is that kind of figure and the understanding being that the Columbus Blue Jackets will, do their very best to move him before the, obviously, before the start of next season. Well, I think they have to move him. Like, I don't know how the trade gets better if you wait until the trade deadline when he's a pending U.S.A.

with a few months left. Like, I think you, you know, because you lost Panarin and Vrovowski, you know, losing Vibrovsky now, I was looking at as much of a loss. I understand that. But Panarin was huge. You know, you're kind of forced into a Josh Anderson trade, which hasn't worked out great. And again, we had Yarmal Keak Alinan on a podcast. tremendous guy you know sometimes you get put in a corner in some of these things right and

and certainly lining for duboa who knows both of those guys had bad ears um i think you have to trade stuff jones because you need a return and and and so what you do of course is i think is that you're obviously the team that's trading for him gets to sign them because then you maximize your return yeah um and then you go from there and listen though It'll be easier to name the teams that don't call than the teams I will call. So you're going to see all kinds of teams linked to them over the coming weeks. But a team that makes so much sense to me, and I mentioned this in my Flyers column last month when I interviewed Chuck Fletcher after the Flyers season ended, Seth Tronels makes so much sense for Philly.

The hole on the right side and the fact that the Flyers have realistic pieces that can work now for Columbus, as opposed to a total futures deal, right? And so listen, other teams are going to try something similar for sure, but that's certainly a team I would keep it on. If you're Yarmalkekeleana, do you have to start with a with a top center or someone who can fill that, you know, it's been an ongoing, you know, void within the organization? I mean, is that, or can you narrow it down that much if you're Yarmal Keckelaine? Like, is it if you have maybe there are two or three NHL ready pieces, does it need to be a center or can you narrow it down if you're Yarmal Keckleana? normal, do you think? I think it really depends on each team's, you know, I don't like, I don't like when teams approach a trade like this by saying here's the specific, you know, has to be this guy.

It may be that another team's best offer has a different position attached to it. And by the way, if there's a young defenseman attached to it, that's probably a need now. Well, yeah, exactly. So, so who knows? I mean, yes, number one center is the number one thing for Columbus, but there may be other ways to get full value here would be my answer. And by the way, before we go here, we really need to wrap up the NHL just as we finished taping. announcing the Norse trophy finalists. And the top, the three names were the top three of my ballot.

So there you go. It doesn't always happen that way. Don't keep us in suspense. Victor Hedman, Adam Fox, and Kail McCarr were the three finalists for the Norse. And I won't tell you in which order, but those were the three names in my top three along the five names that I had on my. Well, and I don't mind. And, you know, I'm a completely, well, we're always transparent because the votes will be, will be revealed at a later date. But my number one guy, not even in the finalist.

I had Charlie McAvoy at number one. So there you go. That's off the board. I don't think off the board. I mean, it's just a. No, he had a great year. But, I mean, I don't think you saw him being pushed as hard as other guys. And you're right.

We do have to wrap up. Other podcast information, the athletic hockey show expanded to five days a week. That's a lot of podcasts. You should be getting in on all of that. Monday with Ian Mendez and Haley, Salvin, Tuesday with Craig Custin's and Sean Gentilly, All-American, all the time. I can give them a little plug there. The two-man advantage, of course, you and I on Wednesdays, Thursday, Ian Mendez,

and down goes Brown, Sean McIndoe. Great stuff there. And Friday, the new prospect. series with Max Boltman and Corey Prondman, as you just mentioned earlier, for Pierre Corey at the top of his game at this time of the year. And you should check out our comments section for each podcast episode at The Athletic app and rate and subscribe to the athletic hockey show on Apple. If you aren't already a subscriber, go to theathletic.com slash hockey show and receive a subscription for $3.99 a month. Great work by you, my friend.

Right on, right on.