The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz - The Hockey Show: It's Deadline Day!

Episode Date: March 7, 2025

The trade deadline is here, and before David, Roy, Rose, and Ethan dive into it, the crew gives their slapshots, winners, and fails of the week. This week features Ethan's hot take about the Carolina Hurricanes trade for Mikko Rantanen, Roy not understanding goaltender interference, David's take on deadline day, and Rose spitting some hockey facts. Then, Nick Alberga of the NHL joins the show to discuss the trade deadline, including what he hopes his Toronto Maple Leafs will do, what the Florida Panthers have already done, and where the Mikko Rantanen saga could rank among the worst trades in NHL history. Finally, the boys discuss the week that was for the Panthers, who have won five in a row and are looking like the Stanley Cup Champions ever since the Four Nations break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Giraffe King's Network. Welcome to the hockey show. Thank you for joining us. My name is Roy. That's David, Rose and Ethan. All right. We are here. I don't want to hear any complaints about my intro. No, it was better than last week. It was better. I don't wanna hear any complaints about my intro.

All right, nothing. No, better than last week. It was better. That wasn't a complaint, that was a compliment. Okay, all right, we're backhanded. Slash shots, hot takes, David, go. All right, my hot take this week, no video. This is just me letting out some gas.

What? It's trade. Not in this room. It's trade deadline day, right? Yeah. We're all excited about trade deadline day. Why are there hockey games on trade deadline day? Why is there anything other than trade deadline on trade deadline day? It should be just trade deadline.

There should be some kind of moratorium on trades for like a couple of days leading up to it so that there's a big backlog and we have a big thing today. And the trade deadline itself should not be at three o'clock in the middle of the afternoon. It should be in prime time. So we can sit here all day watching things happen and then get together for the big finale at the end of the day. We're already super hyped about trade deadline day.

I think they need to soup it up like the Super Bowl and make it a whole thing. That's NHL, your move. You know who does this right? Major League Baseball because they do trades in game and once the trade comes down, the bone call to the dugout. It's the best. Hug watch. I love it. And then the field is if they're on defense, come on in. And then everybody, if it's a home game, everybody gives a standing ovation. Thank you for your time here. Hockey's too serious for that, man.

Can you imagine that on a hockey bench during a game as there's line changes going on? Can you imagine a line change? Yeah. That's crazy. My hot take is we still don't know what goaltender interference is. That's not a hot take, right?

No, I love it. I love it. It's like a balk in baseball. I have no idea what's going on. We know what a balkan baseball is though No, I don't I'm 26 years old. I have no idea what a balk is I'm also 26 and I have no idea what goalie interference is I'll explain the balkan rule to you later But this is from Flames Panthers. All right, this is this and then Panthers the Panthers have a streak going of Goals being challenged was five games now or six games?

It's crazy. Yeah, five. That was insane. That's saved by Vlodar. That wasn't a save. That was a goal. What happened with that? What was going on with Vlodar?

All right, Kevin Ball forced Carter Verhege into the crease, right? Forced him into the crease. Did not allow him to exit. This has been happening increasingly. He's trying to get away. He's trying to get out. And then the goalie takes his place, falls backwards, somehow right, where is it? There, catches the puck. Yes, it's in it. Behind the goal line. Behind the goal line. Behind the goal line. And this is something, side issue for me, I think every

single goalie should have black laces in their glove instead of white laces because that way, in a situation like this No, it's not cheating Bullshit, that's not cheating Part of your equipment you're absolutely you can't do what Patrick why used to do and have giant jerseys and freeze the you know The underarm right do that anymore, but you can put black laces in your glove to hide the puck in those situations So that's not a question. All right, so do you want? Position players sticks did not have black tape because that's hiding the puck

Yeah, but from what and I don't care for the there's no rule against that either. Okay. All right, so Yeah, that's way too low you need to boost that up by the way All right. Yeah, there's my hot take on your hot take. All right, Ethan boys, it's deadline Day and I've got a hot take for you from the deadline. Yeah, you did. You practiced that in the bathroom this morning. I've been thinking about it all morning. In the shower. All morning. I wanted to play the sounder but I don't have control over that. We let Rose have control over the sounds for some reason. I don't know why we did that. Anyway, boys, my hot take has to do with the deadline obviously and it's that this Miko ranton in situation this trade by the Carolina

Hurricanes is going to go down as one of the worst trades Not only in recent memory possibly, but maybe in the history of the National Hockey League. We talking like Chris Wells Okay, maybe not okay Let's go with in recent memory Let's go with in recent memory, and three of the Panthers trained. Let's go with in recent memory and I'm going to tell you why. Because Carolina is a legitimate, everybody believes is a legitimate contender to make a run. I don't know that they're a Stanley Cup contender realistically. We've seen what they do in the playoffs.

But everybody seems to think that they're one of these teams that they're there every year. So yes, there is factor in the Stanley Cup race. They go out, they make this big move for Rantanen. And it seemed at the time like this was going to be them finally getting that star player that they've been missing. They've never had an 100 point player in franchise history. They give up a whole lot to do it. Natchez is a really good player and he's been awesome since going to Colorado.

And it's made them look really bad with how good he's been since he's been on a line with Nathan McKinnon. It's almost like that helps right? Ran and obviously six points since the trade and everything that's gone on around it. Now we don't know if they're gonna move him before the deadline and if they do you know it depends on what they get back. There's been rumors about we don't know exactly what they would get back But either way if they move him and they end up not even making a run at the Stanley Cup They have him on their team for about two weeks. It feels like right like it's fireable yeah, it's a fireable offense by Eric Tulski to make this move because

Look, you know it seems like they kind of got scared of what happened with Jake Gensel last year. You can't do that. You have to make a run at the Stanley Cup with Miko Rantanen. So to only have him on your team for, what is it, 12 games or something like that, 13 games, something like that, it would go down as an absolute disaster. If I'm them, keep him on my team and make a run. If it doesn't work out in the offseason

Whatever at least I took a shot at it, but to trade them away. It's it's it's almost cowardly I just think this will go down as one of the worst trades that we have seen recently That's hot. That's a hot take right there. Rosie. Oh, thank you Then you gave me my second hot take of today. You take too long for a hot take Yeah, my real hot take is Roy's gonna go learn how to play hockey and I have a feeling he's gonna be good and Then his ego is gonna go up. No See that's a backhanded hot take I think he's gonna be good. Like I think people are... Why is that a hot take? Because he's an athlete. He's six feet tall. A lot of people think no, but I think he's gotta be very, very good.

I appreciate you saying that. I'm 6'2", 190. That's a perfect height and weight for a hockey player. I think Claire's gonna be better than me though. I can tell you that right now, but I appreciate you saying that. I disagree. I think I'm gonna suck. We're gonna get on the ice. I'm gonna put on the goalie gear. You're gonna wear all your player gear. We're gonna have a little fun. Oh yeah, yes. We're gonna have a little fun. Oh yeah. People, you're gonna have fun. We're gonna keep you updated. I can't wait for that. And David and I and Ethan are gonna be your announcers.

Oh great, so that gets started around playoff time. So that's gonna suck if there's a game on the same day. We'll figure it out. We'll figure it out, we'll figure that out. Wins of the week, David. My win of the week, we're going back to the outdoor game in Columbus over the weekend. That was actually a really fun game. The Blue Jackets beat the Red Wings and

I don't think they've won since but during the game Red Wings coach Todd McClellan who is just a general fun cool guy it seems he had a little chirping for Showtime Patrick Kane on the bench I think we have the video if we can play that did you block one so hey did you block one? Is that what you were chirping about? How'd that happen? Oh you got a mark to prove it. Oh it's got bruise. Eye block. I love it. Yeah we're gonna fake that. Yeah yeah I got it. I blocked the shot. No but that's what Patrick Kane, one of the best players in the league. He's been around forever Hall of Fame bound Not not above getting chirped by his coach. Yeah, that you gotta love you gotta love a coach who chirps man

Not like Mike Babcock or anybody like that. No, he doesn't chirp. He just shits on you. Yeah That's not a very good image to have on my head. Thanks. Thanks I'm I one of the week Spencer Knight was traded from the Florida Panthers to the Chicago Blackhawks. He had his first game recently and it was a special one, although the defensive front of Chicago probably should sure that up. 41 saves and a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings and the team celebrate in the locker room. Alright, good game boys. Ready to battle at the end. That's the new deal tonight. uh... the team celebrate in the locker room a championship You know what, this is not our first place loss, we're going to go win now. Nice.

Did you see the interview with him on the bench? No, I did not. Oh man, I don't know if I've ever seen him like that consistent, like that long of a giant smile, his face was lit up, he looked so happy. That made me really, really happy to see him so happy after the way everything played out you know yeah i missed that man already i mean he uh man he should have been the next one should have been the next one but it didn't work out but his time here he's a Stanley Cup champion and now he can be the next one for your Blackhawks yeah which would you

know if he's not going to do it with the Panthers might as well go for the Blackhawks. Yeah. Which would, you know, if he's not going to do it with the Panthers, might as well do it for the Blackhawks. Go do it in the Western Conference. Yeah, do it in the Western Conference. Is that your other team? The Blackhawks are your second team? Yeah, I was originally a Blackhawks fan when I started following hockey and then added the Buffalo Sabres to that repertoire because they're in the Eastern Conference and then we got a hockey team. How did you get them? Oh wow, mine is this year. We don't need to go into it. This is playoffs playoffs This is all playoffs because I started watching hockey when playoffs started So that's that's how that worked mine are the Seattle Kraken. It is a good uniform Yeah, yeah, it's a very good uniform either your win of the week

Yeah, I just want to say I'm so happy for Spencer night, and I wish nothing but the best for him I hope he has all the success in the world in Chicago all right my my win of the week. More young guys, rookies around the NHL. First one, Matvei Michkov. Did you guys see what he did to Connor Hellebuck? How silly he makes Connor Hellebuck look in the shootout right here. Kid's a legitimate Calder trophy candidate. There are some really serious Calder trophy candidates this year. Him, Macklin Celebr brini I think Dustin wolf in Calgary deserves some shout to he's been awesome, but look this is the best coltender in the world This isn't any schlub this is Connor Hellebuck that he just absolutely Crossed up right there made look silly coming in with hands like that and then dropping the shoulder mid

Yeah Is not nasty and that's why you saw Connor Hellebuck's hips kind of fall out of his goalie pants for a second there that was Pretty yeah Mitch cough is absolutely filthy. I'm sorry, but if you do that to a goaltender That other team should get a power play It was I believe it was in a shootout so but still Absolutely filthy alright, and then my other winner the San Jose Sharks how much fun are the San Jose Sharks, right? So we have a text here from Tyler to fully to his wife other winner, the San Jose Sharks. How much fun are the San Jose Sharks, right? We're having fun!

We have a text here from Tyler Toffoli to his wife, which says, I gotta have a sleepover with Will Smith and Mack, Macklin Celebrini tonight. His wife is like, what are you talking about? Will said on the bus last night, if all three of us score, I have to sleepover with them. This was against the Buffalo Sabres. Before their game against the Buffalo Sabres. Sure as hell, Macklin Celebrini, Will Will Smith and Tyler to Foley all score in this game and what happens? Let's see this Instagram post here. I love the text like follow through all three of them have a sleepover They rolled a cot. I mean they got this is more than a cot. This is a full-on, you know They've got for her Tyler to Foley, but Tyler Tafoli posts on his Instagram reporting for duty.

Will Smith comments, a bet is a bet. I love this stuff. This is great team camaraderie here. And the Sharks are just, they're bad. They're really, really bad. But they're really, really fun. But they're really, really fun. And these guys are having a great time.

And so the San Jose Sharks. I love these young kids we've got coming up in the NHL right now. And Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Matt Veymichkov are three of the best so What are they wearing pajamas? You know they were up giggling all night just like just laughing like idiots they said they were up until two o'clock in the morning. Two o'clock in the morning? The guy practiced. I can't even stay up that late now. No I can't do that. Rosie? My win of the week of course it comes from the one and only Sasha Barkov

Against the Lightning with the same game where Dan banged the banger. The drum? The drum, sorry. The banger? He was the banger of the drum. Look at that, look at that, look at that man Look at his beauty and then yeah, that assisted, oh goal! Alexander Barkov had two goals in that game, by the way. Yeah, exactly. Guys, and then yeah, and then the sister, oh, goal! I think Barkov. Alexander Barkov had two goals in that game, by the way. Yeah, exactly. Guys.

And I missed them. What if we had a sleepover? No. In the studio. No, no, no, because if not, I cannot be there, because I cannot have a sleepover with you guys. No, don't do it. Just in the studio.

Co-ed sleepover? Just the four of us. I'll take a couch, somebody can take the table in here. What are we watching on our sleepover? Under where Willow usually sits. What would we watch? Miracles. Fiskengeniality.

We're watching Miracles. Miracle? Yeah. What did you say? Miskengeniality? Oh, but Miskengeniality 2 is your favorite. Oh, Sandy, but Sandy? Well, I do like that William Shatner

is in the Miskengeniality movie. He's pretty funny. The thing is, one time Lucy asked me, hey, which one is your favorite comedy movie? But my favorite, it's in Spanish. So she was like, no, one in English that I know. So I'm like, oh, Mis one is your favorite comedy movie? But my favorite, it's in Spanish. So she was like, no, one in English that I know. So I'm like, I'm Miss Congeniality 2.

The sequel, not even the original. Yeah. Oh, it's funny. You know, one of the rare instances where the sequel holds up to the original. Oh, yeah. Yeah, like Terminator 2. Yeah, OK. OK.

Now we're going to go to our Fail of the Weeks. Terminator and Godfather are like the top of that list. Fails of the Week, David, for crying out loud. All right, my fail of the week comes from another Panther game this week. Jake Gensel, you poor, poor guy. First he gets high-sticked, an uppercut high-sticked in the goal, right in the top of the goal crease.

Double minor on that one. But now look, Braden Point comes in, Gensel's on the ice in pain, doink, hits him right in the head with a shot. In the span of what, five seconds, not even the guy takes a stick to the mouth, gets a puck to the head. Thank goodness it was a backhand shot. Yeah, if that was a wrister, even if that was a snapshot, that would be a lot worse.

Oh man, would have cracked his head like Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. But that, I just felt bad for Jay Kensal. And then they didn't even score on the power play. They didn't score on any power plays in that game. No, they did not. No, they did not my fail of the week The New York Islanders this has been like weeks in a row. Yes. Yes We're gonna start getting mail from the Islanders. Like why are you hating on us so much? They know why I'm hating on them. Poor Matt Barzol. Poor Matt Barzol. I'm gonna continue this into the regular season probably because

Embarrassing moments happen to them a lot. This is what happened to him, all right? That did off his head. It's a great header. Yeah, I mean, exactly. That went off his head. The Ollenders were at the garden against the Rangers and a deflected puck bounced off the head of Will Cooley and into the net.

It's a shame he wasn't more headstrong. Now the Ollenders, okay. Now Now the Islanders lost to the Rangers again. They are 0-3 and 0 against the Rangers. The Rangers are 3-0 and 0 against the Islanders. This season have won by a combined score of 14-3. He'll never be the head of a major corporation. That header was good enough to make Olivier Giroud blush. That was a great hitter. My fail of the week, this guy. I'm so tired of this guy. Matt Rempe. He is too tall. It's ridiculous already. It's enough. This is a nasty hit. I have no idea how he got suspended for it. Of course he gets his ass whooped in a fight like he always does. Because he can't touch. Because he's not actually a good fighter. He's just big. Look at this. Extends the arm,

comes in, right to the chin. I mean, he's prepping to throw this elbow at the bottom of the face-off dot, basically, already. At the goal line, he's got his elbow out there, right to the chin. I have no idea how this was in a suspension. In the first place, then you take his history into account. It's getting ridiculous. I'm getting into like throw this guy out of the league territory. It is crazy how he continually does shit like this

every single time he's on the ice seemingly. It's terrible. John Scott, Tate Thompson, Zedeno Chowder, these are all tall guys. And they haven't done half the stuff that this guy, Matt Rempey, has done. Well, he doesn't really have the hockey skills that well, I mean, John Scott. He doesn't have the hitting skills. He's not a hockey player.

He's just a big dude. Like, he literally just skates around, throwing his giant body into people and injuring people and throwing dangerous hits like this. He's this was almost almost gonna be my hot take to throw him out of the league, but I had something else for trade deadline day. Look, it's crazy that this is still persisting. He needs to figure his shit out

and stop trying to hurt people. Yeah, it was fun last year when he first came up and it was like, who is this mammoth guy fighting Ryan Reeves? And I enjoyed it, but I think now the novelty is is worn off and if it's just gonna be him hurting guys like it's dangerous I said the same thing about Ryan Hartman and we're in that situation right now like I mean he's a repeat offender and it's time that the league actually does something about this you got to protect your

players yeah Rosie prepare to be dazzled prepare to be dazzled and not overcome Sam Ernson's rough start so they lose to the flames six three and he played the least in this game because he was pulled at minute nine he only have two saves and the other goalie had 25 so I think that was a fail of the week because it was just a 60, 40% thing. Look at my stats. So the pulling of a goaltender. So the effort by Sam Erson. Yeah.

Rosie digging into the box score here today. I'm impressed. I mean, if you're going to do that, you might as well bring up the Maple Leafs score the Knights game. Hey, hey, that's my fail of the week. And good for the Flames. They had a three streak of losing,

but they already lost to the Dallas. So maybe they're just gonna get again into that path. But look at me, numbers 60-40. Look at Rose. 60-40. And she said his name right too, Samuel Erson. Oh did I? Oh nice.

Be proud of yourself. Yeah, thank you very much. Your fail was a win. Wow, that's hockey numbers for you because I got someone saying you interrupt with our hockey things. I know hockey. I'm back. Coming up next, Nick, our burger from the NHL is going to join us to talk about trade deadline day.

Howdy, everybody. It's Mike Ryan. Have you heard of Gold Belly? I hope you have, because that means you listen to our show and you know how much I love this amazing site that I order from all the time. Where you can get some of the most iconic famous foods from restaurants all across the US and they will ship it to your front door for free anywhere in the country. I'm telling you I've received iconic foods from all across the country. Wings, BBQ. It doesn't matter Gold Belly has me covered, Gold Belly will ship you iconic deep dish pizza from Chicago from Lumal Notties, or New York's best, most famous cheesecake from Junior's. If you're craving BBQ, they ship the legendary Franklin's BBQ straight from Texas to your door. And you have to try the one and only world-renowned stone crab delivered from Joe's right here in Miami. Whether it's a dish from that one of a kind restaurant or meals from world-famous chefs, Gold Belly has you covered. So if you're looking for that perfect gift or want to impress your

friends and family with an epic meal the next time you host, go to goldbelly.com and get free shipping and 20% off your first order with promo code DAN. That's goldbelly.com code DAN for free shipping and 20% off your first order. Dick Alberger works for the NHL and it's Trade Dateline Day so we are going to go through the trades right quick but before we do that, nobody talks about the human aspect of these things of being traded from team to team and this tweet from Lexi Brown who's the Seattle Kraken's analyst JT Brown's wife basically sums it up perfectly. We always see these players as commodities that you can keep and drop and transfer, right? So we never talk about them being traded. So this tweet from Lexi Brown, the worst part of the trade deadline

is when you get your bestie traded. Like I don't care if her husband is almost an unrestricted free agent having the season of his career and has been traded to a cup contender, her and I have brunch this weekend. Like, this is a family situation, right? The kids are in school and everything. I mean, it's the middle of February. It's the middle of school for them. So what exactly happens when a player gets traded? How does the family react to this Nick? Yeah it's interesting right because I think I always like the humanized situations again thank you for having me. When you look at trades go down in any sport specifically the NHL you sort of take that aspect out because you're just looking for your team to get better

but the humanizing part is always a peculiar situation, especially for somebody who has a family, has a wife, has kids, the relocation. There's so many moving parts that people don't really stress or look at behind the scenes. Like a guy automatically I thought about as you asked that question was Luke Shen the other day, signs a three-year deal with Nashville and now in year two he gets dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that's on the outside looking in when it comes to a playoff spot and it's like what do you do? Are you going to stay in Pittsburgh? Are they going to you know pawn them off again? There's just so many moving parts so that is an astute point to bring up. It's an important point to bring up too. Nick, I wanted to talk to you about the team as we look at your background, the team that you cover,

the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team in your your backyard I know we're not gonna get too much into the deadline things to happen because timing of recording this and everything Toronto I feel like just based off what's happened already what Florida's been very busy a lot of teams in both the Atlantic and the Metro have been busy leading up to the deadline Toronto not so much lately as they I don't know are they leading the Atlantic today are are they one point back? I'm not sure. Two points back after the Panthers won on Thursday. Thank you, Ethan. Amazing contribution to the segment. So being that Toronto is right

there, they've been in first or second all year, are they going after a center? What moves do they need to make for you to feel comfortable for them heading into the playoffs? Well firstly, I'll say it's an utter grind, right? You look at one through three right now in the Atlantic division separated by three points. Those pesky Tampa Bay Lightning, they just win and win and win every team in this division, quite frankly. The top three just win and win and win. To answer your question, I think it's

been a goal for the brain trust of this organization to get a top nine center, if you will. And that's been sort of the focus since I think day one of the season that hasn't changed recently. It's been Max Domi up the middle. He's had a very disappointing season. He's better suited to play on the wing. So that's probably where I would look from the Maple Leaf's perspective.

I'm not sure if they're going to go big or go small. It is a seller's market. So I don't know at this point in time, as we have this conversation, if they want to pay the Piper, pay the price to get a Lawton, to get a Braden Shenz. So maybe they, they, they bite around the edges a bit. Maybe a Luke Cunning in San Jose makes sense.

Like there's going to be some fits. I think Toronto is going to make, you know, something happen here, whether it's a blue liner, a center or both. But I think, you know, there's a lot of, you know, people wondering how big the move is going to be. And I just don't know what it's going to look like considering, as you mentioned, I think there has to be an element of response considering what the Panthers and Lightning have done this week.

What do you, what will need to happen for you to feel confident with Toronto heading into the playoffs? Because obviously, I mean, I feel like every year it's shittered off the pot for Toronto, but as competitive, as you just obviously, I mean, I feel like every year it's shittered off the pot for Toronto, but as competitive as you just mentioned, as competitive just as the Atlantic division is, let alone the entire conference, what needs to happen for you to be confident, okay, this could be our year?

I'm probably the wrong person to ask this question because I'm not a big believer in the trade deadline to begin with. I'm in the minority where I think the guys internally can get the job done. I don't care if they add. I think at the end of the day, there are four players you pay on your roster in excess of 40 million bucks per season.

If they pull their weight in the playoffs, this team could go very, very far. They have the goal-tening this year. As you guys know, Anthony Stolar is in Florida backing up Sergei Bobrovsky. He's been impeccable this season, a great one-two combo with Joseph Wall. We have OEL in the mix now.

Like he's been a very hard nose, steady, stay at home type guy. Tana has been a great addition. I feel really, really good and comfortable for the first time in a long time with Toronto's blue line, their crease. And the big story this time of year, or playoff time for the Maple Leafs,

can they score enough? And that still remains a question again, which gets back to the broader point about the big guys. can they score enough? And that still remains a question again, which gets back to the broader point about the big guys. Can they elevate? Can they be difference makers? Nylander, Matthews, Marner, Tavares. I think therein lies the answer. I think people are making way too much to conversation about who are they going to add, who are they going to add when they're not looked directly in the mirror. And I think they should. All right. Let's talk about what the Florida Panthers did just this week

over the span of six days all right it was started March 1st they got Seth Jones in a fourth round pick in 2026 from Chicago for smithson night and a uh 2026 first round pick now they traded night they needed a backup gold turner they had to call out Chris Drieger now to do that they needed money in the salad cap so they had to make a little move of Matthew Kachuck going to a long-term injured reserve. So they had to do that to get the money. They signed Jesper Bochrest to a two-year contract and then they acquired VTEC Vanecek from San Jose for Patrick Charles. They signed Jesse Puyo-Yarvey to a two-way contract. And then they acquired Nico Sturm in a 20-27 seven-round draft pick from San Jose for a 20-26 fourth-round pick and acquired Capo

Coquinin from the Jets for Chris Dreager who they... Sending him back home. ...sending him back home. So yeah, kind of busy. And they're not done because they have $4.1 million left in the cap to make a move. What do you think is going to happen? Yeah that's exactly it. I think Florida still has one more move up their sleeves. I don't know who it's going to be. I think they were in on Miko Rantan and we'll see how that situation plays out. I could see a Ricard Raquel. I think somebody who makes money and I think it works out perfectly not to stress. I mean, but the injury to Matthew Kachuck is a polarizing one.

It's a big one. It's it's it's important. Like if Matthew Kachuck can't play in the playoffs, the Panthers I think are in big-time trouble, but I like what they've done. I mean, I think they've been missing a guy since Brandon Montour left for Seattle. Like they just haven't been able to replace Montour at all. And you bring in a guy, a motivated, a hungry guy like Seth Jones. I think he's going to be a perfect fit on that team.

Um, let's not forget Echblad and Sam Bennett are free agents following this season. So there could be a bit of roster turnover, but they fortified the crease a bit. We all know it's Bobrovsky's crease, but you're going to need some guys to play some games down a stretch to keep them fresh. That's why they brought in Vanecek. You add some depth in, in Kacken and behind him and Nico Sturm is a guy who's not really talked about a lot but he's like a depth guy who I think you could rely on a bit down the stretch

and maybe into the Stanley Cup playoffs. You can never have enough depth across your roster and that's become crystal clear in how Bill Zito and company feel about this Florida Panthers team but I think without question they put themselves in a position to potentially repeat this season, not to mention who they have to go through. As you guys talked about in the Atlantic division, whether it's a Tampa, whether it's a Toronto Maple Leafs, I think they're in a really good position and I'm still looking for that next move for the Panthers here. Nick, I have a question.

I don't know much about hockey, but don't you think moving, like doing the trade of Spencer Knight was a bold move since Bobrovsky is going to be gone like soon? Yeah, that's a good question because I was wondering the same thing, but like I think to get a defenseman like Seth Jones, you have to give up. And I thought it was actually pretty good piece of business by Chicago because it sounded like Jones Jones, you have to give up. And I thought it was actually a pretty good piece of business by Chicago because it sounded like Jones only wanted to go to Dallas or Florida.

And the fact that one of those two teams picks up the phone offer Spencer Knight, who's at a volatile start to his career granted he's 23, right? So I think once he gets to the age of 25, 26, I think he fits more in line with what Chicago's starting to build or trying to build. We're like Florida, it's cup robust every season. Not to mention, I understand what you're asking, Bobrovsky's got a couple of years left on his contract, but the way things are trending, he's a future Hall of Famer.

He's been awesome the last couple of years. I could easily see the Panthers bringing back Bobrovsky just because of his importance to the team. His play hasn't dipped whatsoever. So that's the way I looked at it. I think you're bettering your roster on the back end and you have a really, really strong asset that teams are always looking for a young prospect, elite netminer. And so I thought it was very smart by both sides. Nick, you mentioned Miko Rantanen and the possibility that the Florida Panthers were looking into him. Doesn't seem like that's really going anywhere, but it does seem like Nico is Miko, Miko, excuse me, is going to be on the move again.

Where would this rank in terms of all time bad trades if the Carolina Hurricanes end up without Miko Rantanen for the rest of the season? So that's a really good question because like part of me is like props to the Carolina Hurricanes for taking their swing We saw the same thing last year when they picked up Jake Gunsell from Pittsburgh didn't work out didn't resign him And now we saw that you know out of nowhere a trade where I think it's insane that you make a trade for Miko Ranton you give up natus you gave up Drury You give up a pick and you don't even ask him like if he's looking to resign or what his numbers are. But now it sounds like Dallas is doing the same thing.

Like are these GMs, you know, just hoping on a prayer that the guy's going to come there and I think in Dallas' point of view, and you guys know this in Florida, I think the state tax will work in their benefit and I think they'll find a way, just my opinion, to get this deal past the finish line when it comes to the Dallas Stars. But to answer your question full circle got to wait until I see the potential return if it's Dallas you know banding a lot of people I know in the industry last night it sounds like it's going to be a pretty decent return if there's a extension attached to this which it sounds like this deal is contingent on an extension so I would look at Logan Stankovic, Wyatt Johnston, Maverick Bork, at least one of those youngsters I think will be involved and recouped here from the Carolina Hurricanes.

But it's a massive Joey Gallo swing and a miss I would say by the Canes here guys. And that's a big whiff. That was a good reference. Big whiff boys. Blue Jays reference. Do you think that you mentioned the Gensel trade, do you think that maybe that scared Carolina because all they were able to get was a seventh round pick when they moved into the lightning right before? Like, do you think maybe they went too far in being scared and instead of making a run at it with Miko Rantinen and this great team you have, they got a

little scared and were like, Oh my God, we have to trade him. Well, personally, I think what happened here is you're like Sebastian Ajo is best friends with Miko Rantinen. Let's get his best friend into the fold and he'll resign here no problem but then it's like no they sort of forget the internal cap and Rantinen I think in the open markets getting probably over 14 million bucks and they come in with a lowball offer what do you expect to happen? On top of that I think if a guy's a couple months away from free agency he's probably gonna elect the market regardless of the team specifically a team that we've all been known to nickel

and dime people in the Carolina hurricane. So that's probably, um, you know, what happened in that scenario. I, I just, I think there are just so many moving parts to this thing. And I think the Gensel one is one of them because you think back to last year, and let's not forget it's Eric Tulsky now running the show, not Don Waddell. But for me, that would be lingering in the back of my mind where it's like, I took this massive swing, I got Jake Gensel, thought I'd re-sign him, it didn't work out. Now we've done it again with a bigger and more polarizing player. You have to find a way to bring in assets. I think it's a tough job because Carolina, I think all would agree,

are a bona fide cup contender. And now to turn on the fly the way they did the last couple days is insanity to me. And it's a big conversation about asset management as well, guys. Finally, the New York Rangers have scratched and clawed their way back to a playoff spot. They are tied with the Ottawa Senators currently. Ottawa has a game at hand. That's why they own the Wild Card spot. What are they going to do down the straight dent line deadline because they've already put Chris Crider on IR Yeah, the Rangers like are fascinating to me because we have this conversation every day

I'm sure you guys do covering the Panthers who's the first round opponent going to be and the Rangers I think are in the periphery of a wild card position Maybe they moved up move up now with New Jersey losing Jack Hughes for the season. Dougie Hamilton's out long term, but they would scare me. I wish I had a crystal ball and answer for you because Chris Drury, I have no clue what he's doing. It's been a tumultuous season. Having said that, JT Miller has been an awesome acquisition. I mean, as expected, he leaves Vancouver. He's turned back into the elite JT Miller, which is good news, but

there's just so many guys up and down that roster who haven't played up to their potential among them as the goaltender, as you guys can allude to, you get solid goaltending. You can go very, very far in the playoffs. And I think when you look at the Rangers, you look at Igor Shosturkin, you look at Adam Fox, you look at Panarin, Zabantajad, there's so many star-studded players on that roster. You almost feel inclined to go for it, but it's been weird the last couple days where they've

moved some bodies in and out and they've been linked to some other names, so I think they're trying to turn over their roster on the fly while recouping some picks with some guys they don't see their long-term, so I know they've been linked to JJ Peturka among others with Buffalo, we'll see what the Rangers do, but you would have to think the mandate from the owner there is like, let's win, let's win every year. And I don't think that's changed at all this year. It's a busy day for your neck. We appreciate you joining us.

The Dan Levitard Show with StuGots is sponsored by BetterHelp. Who's in your support system and how have they changed your life? Think about that your favorite leaders, mentors, idols, they don't all have the answers, but they do know when to ask for help. In a world that glorifies hyperindependence, we sometimes forget that we thrive with support. We're stronger, healthier, and more resilient when we have people to lean on. Therapy is one of the best ways to build that support system. It helps with positive coping skills, setting boundaries, and becoming the best version

of yourself. Here's the thing, therapy isn't just for those who've experienced major trauma, it's for everybody. Whether you're facing a big life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or just want to grow, therapy can help. That's where better help comes in. With over 30,000 credential therapists, you can find somebody who truly understands you. It's fully online, making therapy accessible, affordable and convenient. No waiting rooms, no long commutes, just the support you need, whenever and wherever you need it. And by the I talk to you about Miller time all the time, but we're in the winter time right now and Howdy folks, it's Mike Ryan. I talk to you about Miller time all the time, but we're in the winter time right now.

And one of my favorite past times is to crack open a Miller light and enjoy myself some Miller time during the winter time because when there's a brisk chill in the air, it just makes everything right. My friends and I who live down here in South Florida can actually sit outside because it's not super muggy. We can thoroughly enjoy our Miller Time together. And for you listening, I know there's a lot of things going on right now. Sports chief among them.

Nothing more important than sports. From basketball and hockey to game night, winter means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Make these moments even better with Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer for people who love beer. Now's the perfect time for friends, family, and a great tasting light beer for people who love beer. Now's the perfect time for friends, family, and a great tasting light beer. Taste like Miller Time.

And you know Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than other light beers and at just 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs per 12 ounces, Miller Time is always a good time. Miller Lite, great taste, 96 calories. Go to MillerLite.com slash Dan to find delivery options near you or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer.

Taste like Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Alright, so I'm going to what the Panthers did this week as far as games played and we're gonna start with Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames which they won 3-0 and that was Ryan Lumborg's return and That was that was a special one because Lumbi They gave him the video the trivia video and then he did a lap On the ice. No, you could tell that he didn't necessarily want to he was just kind of waving at the crowd Well, McKenzie Wieger waved him out and when he took his lap I mean I was there for the Montour one. The Montour one was loud

I was also there for the Lombard one It didn't even compare that was and then late in that game the Panthers were dominating You got some we want Lombard or we miss Lombard chance or whatever it was like He will forever be a fan favorite in Florida It was an awesome moment for him And that was the only positive moment for the flames in that game because as Ethan said they were completely dominated I mean look at the counting stats here. The Panthers have 42 shots on 76 attempts The flames had 23 shots and 42 attempts. So they locked him down defensively

Scoring chances is 41 to 12 in favor of the Panthers and 16 to 9 high danger that's just that's just terrible and the flames are not that far away I mean they're really really close to the last spot in the playoffs in the Western Conference so it's been bad for them starting to see the Panthers go to that place that they like to go around playoff time they're taking all their opponents there. Roy, you know what I'm talking about. That was one of the city shutdown city.

That was one of my, I thought I left that game and I said that was the Panthers best performance of the year. They absolutely dominated flames. Bobrovsky was amazing chances galore. If Vardar or whatever his name is, didn't play out of his mind, out of his mind, one of the craziest performances I've ever seen by backup goaltender. Like that three nothing score line was very flat. No, it should have been six nothing. As was a game later in the week.

Yeah, we'll get to that a little bit, but first, the big game. The game against Tampa. It was a bit quiet in that game though. I mean, not a lot of physicality in that game, in my opinion. A lot of hitting, a lot of physicality, but everybody was kind of behaving themselves. I think Paul Maurice kind of summed it up well afterwards that that was like a playoff game. It was.

Where like the last time they faced each other, there was a lot more of the extra-curricular stuff. This time, both teams are fighting for their position. Tampa-based trying to get into the top two with Toronto and Florida in the Atlantic division. And that was also a new guy's first game with the Panthers, and he fit in pretty well too. Yeah, Seth Jones' first game with the Panthers,

although his first, I would say the first period was not great for him or Nico Michola. Michola took two penalties in that period, and they weren't good ones either. But hey. Oh, allowed Jones the chance to step up on the PK. He had over four minutes of penalty kill time that night. Florida went up, what'd they go?

Seven for seven on the penalty kill against Tampa and Tampa has the best power play in the league on the road. Fourth best overall, at least that's what it was when they played the game. So, I mean. I'm going in. Penalty for time. Turn on your mic when you talk.

I told you, I told you I was gonna go in. It came from a face side across the street. I'm so sorry I told you I was going to go in. Sorry CCJs just who stole. Alright well look we're through two of the three games. We're half way done. I know you said that I wouldn't interrupt but I told them prior to it so. Alright fine. Go.

Fine. Alright the Lightning wrote an eight game winning streak into that game and that... That was a huge win for the Panthers because the Panthers could have been like the Lightning could have basically caught the Panthers if they had won that game they would be within a point right now yeah that was a huge win for the Cats that was a great performance the third period was terrifying being being down in that end I was at that game because we got thank you to the Panthers for the tickets because Dan Dan of course bang the drum that night So we got some tickets and it was great But anyway the point being I'm down in that end and two shots go right off the post

We both everybody thought we're in on both of those shots if either of those crossed the line the Panthers birth both of those Cross the line the Panthers lose that game. So Bobrovsky was great The Panthers were great, but they also kind of got away with one that night. Yeah, I don't know why it just doesn't feel terrifying to me. It doesn't feel terrifying anymore to me. They've kind of been pretty good in those situations. Because nobody scares us, Roy. Nobody scares us. Nobody scares us. Who scares you?

Vegas? I was saying us. Biased. Um, yeah. Um, by the way, Alexander Barkov, as Rosie pointed out earlier in the show, two goals. Two snipes. Yeah. Shoot the f***ing puck. Yeah, he hit a post that game too? Yeah, sure have been.

I'm not gonna believe that. I like aggressive Barky. Thank you for not believing that. Yeah, we need more aggressive Barkov because he needs to shoot the puck. He's been too passive. You know, he's been trying to set up his teammates, he's been trying to set up Ryan Hardy. He can do it all. Been shooting it recently. It wasn't just that game. It was the game last night. Like he's shooting the puck more aggressively. Yeah. Did they play last night? It's been great. They did. Did something happen last night? They

played Columbus. That was also a big game. Another playoff team. Yeah, another playoff team. And Panthers won three-nothing. And that was a special team theme to this one because really the Panthers bullied Columbus. But earlier in this game, three penalties in the first six minutes. And one of them was from a challenge, which I understand why they tried to do it, but not in that situation. I had to give them two penalties. I don't know what they saw that let them think like that.

Because usually like for these things, like they're pretty cut and dry. Yeah. But that one was, from every replay I saw, was way too hazy to see if the puck hit the netting. And that's tough to pick out anyway, because hey, black netting, black puck, wake up, goaltenders. What I really loved about that game, and as I was watching it, I'm kind of thinking of it from a Columbus perspective, frustrating.

Like, they couldn't do anything. They had zero space with the puck. Every single Panthers player was moving their feet They were on top of the balls of their feet Carol or Columbus is usually early really early Panthers outshot them 36 to 16 Yeah, 16 saves for Sergei Bobrovsky name really I mean you could have picked anybody else for a star in that situation Actually, how good that defense was Panthers? I might have done okay in that game Yeah, I think so Jonah Gadgeubich two fights in the first period.

Yeah. My favorite thing about that game was seeing Reinhardt back on the score sheet. It had been eight games, 12 if you include the Four Nations, hadn't scored in a long time, got back on the score sheet immediately, had two assists in this game as well. Really great, another great performance by the Panthers like could put it right up there with some of their best performances of the year and it's good because you know we'll take a look at this in a second they've got a big stretch coming up. Six game road trip after this game against Buffalo on Saturday. They get three road trips left this season. And it's Toronto is in here, Montreal is in here, the Islanders, Columbus, Washington, a lot of important

games coming up for the Panthers. A current affair. Whoa, that's the breaking news sound. That's breaking news. I'm not going to be with you guys for four weeks, so it's just going to be hockey, so miss me. I'm not done. Oh, sorry. For fuck's sake, dude. The Panthers have allowed more than two goals once in the last eight games. They gave up how many goals in those three games we just talked about? I don't know. I don't have that stat. They gave up one goal. Yeah, just one goal in the last three games. Two shutouts and the single goal to Tampa.

So they're rounding into form at the right time of the season, Roy. They haven't lost back-to-back games since January 11th and 13th, and since then they've won 14 in the last 19. They have had one losing streak this season. It was a four game losing streak earlier in the season. They've only lost back-to-back games five times this season so when they lose they quickly rebound. Yep and in six games since the Four Nations break they've allowed one goal or less in four of them. They lost to the Kraken two to one and they let up three to Edmonton every other game They've allowed one goal or less. We got Buffalo. I said we again by it's okay

The Panthers have Buffalo on Saturday. That is tomorrow Buffalo has lost five in a row including last night when they blew a 5-3 lead Buffalo starts the season on a five game losing streak like opening night They've already lost five in a row like Buffalo. I feel bad for man. They don't have any bad karma They haven't signed any people that you hate. Yeah, that's that's come on Buffalo. That's true But still it's just bad for no reason bad for no reason I mean they have to be bad. I feel bad for them. It's just terrible and this is as a fan of the Sabres growing up. So I feel bad for them. But that's tomorrow. And that looks like a win for

the Panthers. And I said that in the first matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. And of course, that did not happen. But anyway, that's the show. That's Dave, that's Rose. Thank you very much for listening, people. Bye. Bye. I'm trying to close the show here. I mean, come on. Howdy, folks. It's Mike Ryan.

I talk to you about Miller time all the time, but we're in the wintertime right now. And one of my favorite pastimes is to crack open a Miller light and enjoy myself some Miller time during the wintertime because when there's a brisk chill in the air it just makes everything right. My friends and I who live down here in South Florida can actually sit outside because it's not super muggy. We can thoroughly enjoy our Miller Time together. And for you listening I know there's a lot of things going on right now. Sports? Cheap among them! Nothing more important than sports! From basketball and hockey to game night, winter means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Make these moments even better with

Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer for people who love beer. Now's the perfect time for friends, family, and a great tasting light beer. Taste like Miller Time! And you know Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than other light beers and at just 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs per 12 ounces, Miller Time is always a good time. Miller Lite, great taste, 96 calories. Go to MillerLite.com slash Dan to find delivery options near you, or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. The Dan Levitard show with Stu Gotts is sponsored by Better Help. Who's in your support system? And how have they changed your life? Think about your favorite leaders, mentors,

idols, they don't all have the answers, but they do know when to ask for help. In a world that glorifies hyper independence, we sometimes forget that we thrive with support. We're stronger, healthier and more resilient when we have people to lean on. Therapy is one of the best ways to build that support system. It helps with positive coping skills, setting boundaries, and becoming the best version of yourself. Here's the thing, therapy isn't just for those who've experienced major trauma. It's for everybody. Whether you're facing a big life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or just want to grow, therapy can help. That's where BetterHelp comes in. With over 30,000

credential therapists, you can find somebody who truly understands you. It's fully online making therapy accessible, affordable and convenient. No waiting rooms, no long commutes, just the support you need whenever and wherever you need it. And by the way, if you ever feel like switching therapists, it's no cost to you whatsoever. Build your support system with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com slash DLB today to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelp, H-E-L-P dot com slash DLB.