Dan and Sat debate whether or not topics such as the relationship between Rick Tocchet and Andrei Kuzmenko, Shohei Ohtani watch, and much more are overrated or underrated.
This podcast was produced by Josh Elliott-Wolfe.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Dan and Sat discuss the issues that Andrei Kuzmenko is facing and what the next steps for him should be. They also take a look at Elias Pettersson lately and whether the team should be concerned about making a long-term commitment to him. Also, hear from Kevin Woodley of InGoal Magazine (27:00) to talk about Thatcher Demko's recent play, the play of the Minnesota Wild ahead of them playing the Canucks, and more.
This podcast was produced by Josh Elliott-Wolfe.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Matt and Blake discuss the loss to New Jersey, the Hughes Bowl and another defeat for Quinn against his brothers, why the Canucks have been so bad against the Devils, another Andrei Kuzmenko benching and his future under Rick Tocchet, a tough night for Filip Hronek, the promotions for Nils Höglander and Dakota Joshua, Brock Boeser's continued goal-scoring and Canucks prospects at the World Junior Championships. The guys also talk about Christine Sinclair's farewell match at B.C. Place and her unparalleled impact on Canadian soccer.
Frank Seravalli from the Daily Faceoff stops by with updates on international play at the 2026 Olympics, the salary cap, as well as trade talk: is Tyler Myers bound for new pastures this season, Columbus and who's available, Tanev to Toronto?, which goaltenders are on the block and who is targeting them, and why Edmonton is looking to move a former top-10 pick.
David Quadrelli from Canucks Army stops by to account for breaking Matt's studio chair before talking Hughes brothers and the Devils game, Kuzmenko's play, and Hronek needing to anchor his own pair before the Canucks commit big money on an extension. Presented by Applewood Auto Group.
The Columbus Blue Jackets traded winger Eric Robinson to the Buffalo Sabres for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2025, the clubs announced Wednesday.
Columbus will receive the pick if Robinson plays 45 games this season, according to CapFriendly. The Blue Jackets have 56 contests remaining.
Robinson, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound power forward, has managed one goal in seven games this season. He's averaged 12 goals, 14 assists, and 134 hits per 82 games throughout his seven-year NHL career.
The 28-year-old notably scored a hat trick - the only one of his career - last season against the Sabres at KeyBank Center.
Robinson is in the final year of his contract with a $1.6-million cap hit. He'll be an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
This article was written as part of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and To Hockey With Love Mentorship Program. See the bottom of the article for more on the program.
Lacks size.
Too small.
Won't be able to compete against grown men on a nightly basis.
Those are some of the critiques Logan Stankoven heard on his journey to professional hockey. And they're why the diminutive forward fell to the Dallas Stars at No. 47 in the 2021 NHL Draft.
"There aren't a ton of 5-foot-8 superstars in the NHL, and that's why we see guys like Stankoven slip when they do," said Chris Peters, who analyzes prospects for FloHockey.
Nothing about Stankoven's body of work since the 2021 draft suggests he's been deterred by the bias against small players. Now a game-breaking rookie on the AHL's Texas Stars, Stankoven never takes a shift off, and those who know him best say he's never satisfied - he's always trying to get better. Most importantly, he plays much bigger than his size.
Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
With the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, we can now look at how prospects from the 2021 draft were impacted by the temporary shutdown of the hockey world.
Many are still trying to get back on course after losing developmental time. Fortunately for Stankoven, who played only six games in the WHL's shortened 2020-21 season, his trajectory hasn't changed much.
In fact, Stankoven's production took its biggest leap right after the shortened season.
Then 18, the Kamloops Blazers center exploded for 45 goals and 59 assists in 59 regular-season games, before adding 31 points in 17 playoff games. He dominated, and was named 2021-22 player of the year in the 60-team CHL. He also picked up WHL trophies for top and most sportsmanlike player.
"My strengths would be my hockey IQ and the way I see the ice," Stankoven said when asked to evaluate his own game. "My shot, that's another (strength)."
Stankoven was unstoppable in his final WHL season in 2022-23, recording 97 points in 48 regular-season games, and 30 in 14 playoff games. And in the middle of all those multi-point nights, Stankoven won a second consecutive world juniors gold medal for Canada.
Despite Stankoven's run of individual and team success, some still felt he wouldn't be able to produce at a prolific rate in the AHL, his next stop.
He's proving doubters wrong so far.
Stankoven, officially listed at 5-7 and 170 pounds, broke a Texas Stars franchise rookie record by recording 14 points in his first 10 games. With 14 goals and 26 points in 19 games, the Kamloops native leads all AHLers in goals and is tied for the league lead in points with teammate Mavrik Bourque. Stankoven's essentially been unstoppable for two months.
"It's funny. I'm not surprised at all," Shea Van Olm, Stankoven's old junior teammate, said of his hot start. "He's such a weapon."
Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images
Stankoven's tenacious playing style has been key to his dominance. As Peters puts it, he's "not just flash and dash." He's got a "bulldog" mentality and often uses his low center of gravity to fend off larger players.
He competes. He battles. He's unafraid of taking pucks into traffic.
"When you're a smaller guy, tenacity can be your equalizer," Peters said.
"Size isn't an issue for me when you compete and play with pace, when you're hungry and able to win battles," added Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham, who mentioned Tampa Bay Lightning star Brayden Point, who's 5-10 and 178 pounds, as an example of a player who's undersized but has the drive and skill set to contribute in all three zones.
Stankoven's also armed with a lethal shot and high-end hockey sense. The clip below, from a recent game against the Grand Rapids Griffins, is a prime example of those attributes working in concert to turn defense into offense:
One too many passes in the offensive zone leads to a turnover and the AHL rookie leader in scoring Logan Stankoven makes Grand Rapids pay. The Stars take a 3-2 lead late into the first period.#GoGRG#LGRWpic.twitter.com/aYtUnpoEJG
As the clip shows, Stankoven (No. 11 in purple) surveys what'll happen next as he backchecks. He then puts his stick in the perfect position to break up the Griffins' attempt to feed the high slot. The steal leads to a three-on-one counter rush where Stankoven shows off his elite shot. He snaps the puck quickly and decisively - the goalie has no chance of saving it.
Counting regular season, playoff, and tournament action at the WHL, AHL, and international levels, Stankoven's scored a whopping 171 goals in 248 games over the past four-plus years. That's seven every 10 games.
But what will take his game to new heights and eventually the NHL?
"I can continue to work on my straightaway speed - being able to get around defenders," Stankoven said. "I think also my wall battles (aren't competitive enough right now). Being a smaller guy in a new league against grown men, I've gotta keep working on winning my walls and becoming a good winger (who) can be relied upon."
Peters echoed Stankoven's sentiments: "He's made some significant strides in his skating ability, and he's getting a better push off of that (as a pro). Part of that comes from improved strength."
Ross Bonander / Texas Stars
Off the ice, the transition hasn't been as smooth for Stankoven, who played for his hometown club in junior. "It’s been hard," said Stankoven, who turns 21 in February. "I lived at home my whole junior career. I had home-cooked meals. I got to sleep in my own bed."
Stankoven's coach hasn't seen any glaring issues, though.
"Stanks has done a really nice job. We've stepped back as a staff and as a team to really address some of the things that occur away from the rink for these young men," Graham said about his squad filled with rookies. "Living in your own place, getting food, furniture, bills. We've tried to do our best to prep them but, in all actuality, you give full credit to these young men for being able to do this in the first couple months of the year while keeping a focus that hockey is a job now. It's fun - don't get me wrong - but it's a job and it's a job that you get paid to do. And he's done a great job acclimating."
As for his initial NHL future, Peters projects Stankoven to be a middle-six forward with power-play utility. The Dallas Stars are in an enviable position as an organization, simultaneously contending for a Stanley Cup and building for the future. Unlike most other clubs, they appear in no hurry to rush a prospect like Stankoven.
Glenn James / Getty Images
Forwards Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnston, defensemen Miro Heiskanen, Nils Lundkvist, and Thomas Harley, and goalie Jake Oettinger are all 27 or younger, and Dallas hopes the following youngsters will soon support that core: forwards Stankoven, Bourque (30th overall in 2020), Antonio Stranges (123rd in 2020), and defenseman Lian Bichsel (18th in 2022)
Stankoven and Bourque have been skating together in the AHL; they'll ideally graduate to the NHL together to help ease the jump. One day, the Stars could have a line of Stankoven-Johnston-Bourque, which would be a throwback to when Stankoven and Johnston played together at the 2021 U-18's (held in Texas, of all places).
The Stars, who made the 2020 Stanley Cup Fiinal and 2023 Western Conference Final, are operating on two exciting timelines: the present and the future.
"The nice thing about when you're a contending team and you land a pick like Stankoven is that you don't have to rush him," Peters said. "You don't have to immediately thrust him into the NHL before he's ready."
Stankoven understands his time will come. And he knows patience is a virtue.
"You gotta earn your opportunity, and nothing comes for free," he said.
This article was written by Michael Pagani, who's part of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and To Hockey With Love Mentorship Program. The program pairs aspiring writers with established members of the association across North America to create opportunities for marginalized people who aren't traditionally published on larger platforms covering hockey. To Hockey With Love is a weekly newsletter covering a range of topics in hockey, from the scandals of the week to critical analysis of the sport.
Patrick Kane will make his Red Wings debut Thursday at home against the San Jose Sharks, the team announced.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion signed a one-year deal with a $2.75-million cap hit with the Red Wings on Nov. 28 after recovering from an offseason hip procedure. He'll become the third player in NHL history to play after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, joining Ed Jovanovski and Nicklas Backstrom.
Kane, 35, recorded 57 points in 71 games last season split between the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers. He racked up 92 points the year prior.
He's expected to play right wing on the club's second line, with former Blackhawks running mate Alex DeBrincat at left wing and J.T. Compher at center.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg will undergo season-ending hip surgery at the end of December, general manager Brad Treliving announced Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Joshua Kloke.
Klingberg has been out of the lineup since Nov. 11 and was placed on long-term injured reserve Nov. 23.
The Maple Leafs now have added flexibility to make a move with Klingberg's $4.15-million cap hit on LTIR for the remainder of the campaign. The club has been searching for help on the blue line, as it reportedly tried to land both Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames before the latter was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks.
The Blues have been a roller-coaster ride this season, seemingly following every win with a loss and vice versa.
I don't think it's a worthwhile trend to bet on but believe it says a lot about the Blues' lack of quality.
St. Louis ranks near the bottom of the league in terms of five-on-five shot share. The same can be said of expected goals.
It's not a good team at full strength. Only one team - the Capitals - has scored fewer goals while on the power play. There isn't much to get excited about.
The Blues essentially win if the goaltending is very good and lose if it isn't. You can't rely on grade A netminding every night, hence the fluctuation in their results.
They ground out a win against the Golden Knights last time out, but it certainly wasn't deserved. Vegas dominated the puck and piled up the chances throughout, winning the expected goals battle 4.85-2.52.
I think that discrepancy shows how much of a gap there is in quality between the two sides. The Golden Knights are also as consistent and structured as they come. They often respond immediately following a loss, and I expect no different this time around.
Back the Golden Knights to flex their muscles at five-on-five and take home two points inside 60 minutes.
The Hurricanes dominate territorially every night. They've controlled 57% of the expected goals share at five-on-five this season, and those numbers are trending upward. Their xG share sits above 60% over the past couple of weeks.
Carolina is generating substantially more than it gives up regardless of the caliber of opponent. In their most recent game, the Hurricanes outshot a strong Jets team 43-22 in Winnipeg. Impressive stuff.
Although that didn't translate to a victory, they did everything but convert. That shouldn't be as much of an issue against the Oilers.
Stuart Skinner owns an .881 save percentage through 17 starts and ranks dead last in goals saved above expected at -9.2, putting him a couple goals clear of the next closest goaltender, Vitek Vanecek.
Shot volume is rarely an issue for the Hurricanes. That means a lot is going to be put on Skinner's shoulders - and we have no reason to believe he'll be able to handle it.
Although the Oilers are a strong five-on-five team in their own right, they aren't at the Hurricanes' level. They don't have the same depth up front and aren't as structured on the back end.
If the Hurricanes can stay disciplined and avoid parading to the box against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they have a very good chance of snapping Edmonton's four-game winning streak.
Bet: Hurricanes (-105)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ToddCordell.
We swept the board with our player props Tuesday night as the Hughes brothers and Jeff Skinner came through with big shooting performances.
We'll look to keep the ball rolling with three more plays for Wednesday's card.
Aleksander Barkov: Over 2.5 shots
The Stars are a strong defensive team, but their shot-suppression numbers are much worse away from home. They concede only 29 shots per game in Dallas compared to nearly 33.5 per game on the road. That ranks 27th in the NHL, just ahead of teams like the Canadiens, Senators, and Islanders.
Dallas is also vulnerable against opposing centers. It allows nearly 12 shots per game to the position, which also puts it in 27th place.
All of this should be music to Barkov's ears. He registered at least three shots in seven of his past 10 games and in four of the last five on home ice.
The Panthers center has been especially good in Florida, averaging 4.2 shots - and well over seven attempts - over his past five games.
He's a powerful player who goes to the dirty areas of the ice. Put another way, he often generates his shots close to the net so he doesn't need as many attempts to get the job done.
Odds: -135 (playable to -150)
Brayden Point: Over 2.5 shots
Point's volume at home compared to the road is night and day. He averages 3.2 shots per game at home and has gone over his total in 69% of his contests. He's produced just 2.3 shots per game on the road, and his 46% success rate is a 23% decrease from at home.
Those drastic splits are nothing new. Since the beginning of last season, Point's hit rate is 16% higher in Tampa Bay than on the road.
He's well-positioned to continue his success Wednesday night against the Penguins. They've quietly bled shots of late, allowing nearly 34 per game over the last 10. That ranks in the NHL's bottom five.
Point has a strong history against the Penguins as well, going over his total in five of the past seven head-to-head meetings.
Odds: -140 (playable to -160)
Sebastian Aho: Over 2.5 shots
Aho is a shooting machine right now. He's recorded three shots or more in five of the past six games, piling up a total of 27 on 42 attempts.
What I love to see is that Aho hasn't just benefited from soft matchups. He's put forth monster six-shot performances against the Flyers and Jets during this stretch. Both teams rank in the top six in shot suppression this season, which bodes well heading into a matchup against the Oilers, another team in the top six.
Edmonton doesn't have a lot of burners on the back end. I think that could greatly benefit a player like Aho, who can turn on the jets to create some separation and lanes to get his shots off.
He isn't a perimeter player, either. He'll work to get to the dirty areas of the ice and be ready to pounce on any loose change Stuart Skinner spits out.
Odds: -140 (playable to -150)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ToddCordell.
The winningest bench boss in franchise history is rejoining the club as a senior adviser to D.J. Smith's coaching staff, the team announced.
"We're very pleased to welcome Jacques back to the Senators," president of hockey operations and interim general manager Steve Staios said in a statement. "Not only will his extensive expertise provide invaluable guidance, but his strategic vision and leadership are qualities that are certain to amplify our group. Jacques' proven track record, the foundation of which was built here in Ottawa, will be of significant benefit to D.J. and our entire coaching staff."
Martin was the head coach of the Senators from 1996-2004. During his tenure, he coached 692 games, winning 341 of them - both are the most in club history. He led the team to eight playoff berths, including a trip to the 2003 Eastern Conference Final and three division titles. He also won the Jack Adams Award in 1999.
Martin grew up about an hour outside of Ottawa in Saint-Pascal, Ontario.
He's held various roles since his dismissal from the Senators, including head coach and general manager of the Florida Panthers, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, assistant coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers, and, most recently, senior adviser for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs.
The 71-year-old was also an assistant for Canada at the 2002 Olympics, 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and 2006 Olympics.
Martin has specialized in the defensive aspects of the game throughout his coaching career - an area in which the Senators have struggled under Smith. The team has allowed the ninth-most expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five this season, per Natural Stat Trick, and owns the league's 28th-ranked penalty kill.
The Senators hired Smith in May 2019, making him the seventh-longest-tenured coach in the league. However, he's never led them to the playoffs, and the team sits 14th in the conference in points percentage with a 10-10-0 record this season.
