On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Craig Simpson, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 6-4 loss to the Lightning on Wednesday, Nikita Kucherov joining the 100-assist club, his overall assessment of the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign, how the Leafs might deploy their forward lines in Round 1 against Boston, and the coaching battle between Sheldon Keefe and Jim Montgomery. Later, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange stops by to chat about Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA, the Raptors’ response and handling of the situation, and what this incident could portend for the NBA’s future relationship with gambling partners (24:30).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

How Do the Leafs Stack Up Against Boston? w/ Craig Simpson

Start your day with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning in the mornings! The guys tackle everything Toronto sports and beyond live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 6am-9am ET.

Sports

The FAN Morning Show's final hour kicks off with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning looking back on the Maple Leafs' week that was with Star contributor and Sportsnet's own, Nick Kypreos! They discuss Craig Berube's job ahead as the team's new head coach, Brendan Shanahan's tenure at the helm, how the “Shana-plan” has changed over the years, and what changes to expect this off-season. Next up, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk stops by to share his experience after his show MLB Tonight received a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Daily Studio Show (26:57). After some insight into the awards show, Adnan delves into Major League Baseball with a focus on why this upcoming stretch of games is crucial for the Blue Jays to make up ground in the standings.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

How Much Does the "Shana-Plan" Change? + Emmy Award Winner Adnan Virk

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning go over some recent news starting with Sheldon Keefe taking the Devils' job in New Jersey. They also discuss Rick Tocchet winning the Jack Adams Award and what it would take for Craig Berube to win it next season. Next, the morning duo gets back into the Blue Jays and is joined by Rob Longley, beat writer & columnist for the Toronto Sun & Postmedia. They look at the return of the Home Run Jacket, how close we think this team is and how much this group of players feel they have something to prove especially after last season’s playoff loss (24:45). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

How Close is This Jays Team? + Looking at NHL Coaching Changes

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off the show on the return of the home run jacket! B&B discusses what it means especially for the players themselves especially after a recent quote from Kevin Gausman. They also talk about the off day George Springer had and if more of those could be coming.  Before the hour ends, the morning duo also hit on the conference finals games in both the NHL & NBA as well as the news that former Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe seems to be the next bench boss of the Devils (28:11). 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

The Home Run Jacket is Back… So is Sheldon Keefe

The final hour of today’s The FAN Morning Show focuses on the Leafs’ latest hire in coach Craig Berube. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the hour by checking in with their “Leafs historian” and Toronto Star contributor, Damien Cox. The trio look at if, and why, maybe this time will be different than past Leafs’ regimes; if they will be held accountable and what exactly that means. Next, 17-year NHL veteran winger turned NHL Network analyst, Scott Hartnell, who played under Berube, offers some insight into what the coach brings to Toronto and his relationship with his players (15:06). Later on, former NHL defenceman and current NHL Network analyst, Jason Demers stops by to discuss what's most important in a new coach; how a new voice and style could affect players, and which players on the Leafs will have to adapt to a Berube system of hockey (29:15). The trio also weigh in on the Stanley Cup Conference Finals and who maybe holds the advantage in a run to a championship.  

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Leafs' Berube and Accountability Era Begins

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss a recent MLB report from an unnamed exec saying that the Jays have had discussions about the possibility of trading their supposed “core” pieces in Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr. They delve into what the market would be for either and/or both as well as when the jays would make that decision to pull the trigger on making a deal. Next, the morning duo delves more into the Jays with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (26:33) who looks at their offensive woes and when a team would start to evaluate breaking it down. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

How Do the Leafs Stack Up Against Boston? w/ Craig Simpson

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