Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

The NHL Draft is here and we look at the chaos and surprises that are expected to follow. We discuss the lack of consensus after the Toronto Maple Leafs take Gavin McKenna first overall and the way the first round is likely to unfold.

Plus, we break down teams like the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks who have multiple first round picks and how they can control the course of round 1 while teams without a pick like the Detroit Red Wings and Vegas Golden Knights could be trying to trade back in to the first round.

And we look at some potential trade targets like Detroit's Dylan Larkin, Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck and more that could have a huge impact on the draft and the future of the NHL.

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Rachel Donner and Gil Martin.

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On today’s episode of Locked on NHL, hosts Nick Zararis (Locked on Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked on Penguins) break down a truly historic week in the National Hockey League. With the salary cap soaring to a projected $104 million, teams suddenly have the financial flexibility to weaponize cap space—and star players are officially taking control of their own destinies. 

We dive deep into the shocking Bowen Byram trade to the Chicago Blackhawks for the 4th overall pick. Did Chicago GM Kyle Davidson give up way too much for a tantalizing defensive project? Plus, we react to the Washington Capitals' aggressive roster overhaul, trading for Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch. Are the Caps a legitimate threat in the Metropolitan Division, or will Tuch's massive $10 million AAV contract age poorly?

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano break down the latest NHL trades, rumours, and draft buzz. From the Brady Tkachuk blockbuster to top prospects, goalie market shifts, and potential Maple Leafs moves, they cover all the top stories ahead of the NHL Draft and free agency.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Brady Tkachuk shakes up the NHL by landing with the Florida Panthers, reuniting with his podcast co-host and igniting questions about player trade protection. Will this blockbuster deal set a new precedent for star players dictating their destinations and reshape the Florida Panthers’ title push?

Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the implications of Tkachuk’s move, potential fallout for the Ottawa Senators, and which big names could be next on the trade block—including Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Elias Pettersson, and Zach Werenski. The conversation also covers the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class announcement featuring Keith Tkachuk, Patrice Bergeron, and Carey Price, while speculating on Rod Brind’Amour’s likely Hall induction. With draft day approaching and the trade market heating up, don’t miss this fast-paced look at hockey’s latest seismic shifts.

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The Florida Panthers have acquired Brady Tkachuk for a big package of draft picks and will reunite him with his brother in South Florida.

Armando Velez of Locked On Florida Panthers joins us to discuss the impact of the trade for the Panthers, which players benefit the most and how Brady Tkachuk fits into their lineup. Plus, how will the Panthers handle their goaltending situation?

Meanwhile the Ottawa Senators face a new era after trading their captain for a boatload of draft picks. Who steps up to be the next captain of the Sens?

Brandon Piller of Locked On Senators joins us to discuss the direction of the team and the impact the trade will have on the team and their fan base as they look forward. 

The Edmonton Oilers have big questions to answer after extending Jason Dickinson. They still don't have a coach, officially, and the Mike Babcock rumors and surrounding controversy aren't going away. Plus, they are looking to trade Darnell Nurse.

Nick Zararis of Locked On Oilers joins us to discuss the team's outlook heading into the draft and free agency when a lot of changes will be coming to the organization. 

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Gil Martin.

Hims
To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

Odoo

Indeed

KALSHI

FanDuel

5-Hour ENERGY

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh in a trade and sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed him to an 8-year contract. We discuss the implications of the trade for the Leafs and where the team stands at this point in the offseason.

Plus, the Mike Babcock saga continues in Edmonton, will the Oilers hire the controversial coach now that he's been cleared to interview by the NHL? The Buffalo Sabres are listening to offers on Bowen Byram plus Patrice Bergeron will have his number retired by the Bruins this season and will Bergeron be part of the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 which will be announced Monday? We look at some of the top other top candidates.

And it's the end of an era as Hockey Night in Canada will be heading off CBC where it's been since 1952. We discuss the implications of that on today's show. 

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Rachel Donner and Gil Martin.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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On this special LockedOn NHL Mock Draft Show, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel go through the top lottery picks with our local hosts to project and analyze what could happen in the early first round of the upcoming NHL Draft. Can Gavin McKenna be the franchise changer? Who will be the next best prospect from the class? How much will a shake up within the first few picks change the rest of the draft and maybe even NHL history?

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

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The Carolina Hurricanes are officially your 2026 Stanley Cup Champions! In this episode of Locked On NHL, hosts Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down exactly how the Hurricanes rewrote the NHL script to lift the hardest trophy in sports.

We dive deep into why persistence matters, how Eric Tulsky’s front office aggressively tinkered with the roster, and the incredible depth that outlasted the Vegas Golden Knights in a dominant 19-game playoff run. Plus, we look at the exact player personnel moves that put them over the top.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano break down new NHL head coach hires in Toronto and Vegas, discuss recent trades including Joseph Woll, and preview the upcoming NHL draft, focusing on teams and players to watch.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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