ScuttlePuck NHL Hockey Podcast

Paul Stewart returns to ScuttlePuck to brag about the success of the Tampa Bay Lightning and puts us to the test is special editions of Guess the 5th and Connections. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

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Title Player: Kelly Miller

News

1. Sens and Sharks go helmetless in Vegas.
2. Leafs and Oilers win big - are they past their troubles?
3. Lightning and Avalanche are hot
4. Guest PAUL STEWART!!!

Guess the 5th - hosted by Paul Stewart

Connections: Last Week: What connects Scott Niedermeyer, Darryl Sittler, Reggie Leach and Frank Mahovlich? - All wore number 27.

Canadian Olympic Team Prediction

Next Week -

1. US Olympic Teaam

The PWHL started its 3rd season with a full slate this weekend. The Oilers and Leafs continue to struggle. Did Brad Treliving give Craig Berube the kiss of death this week when he gave a full endorsement in his press conference? Fancy Stats review- who is for real and who isn't? Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Title Player: Darcy Rota

News

1. PWHL
2. Jack Hughes injury
3. Avalanche steamrolling the league
4. Treliving Press Conference
5. Standings - Atlantic very tight
6. Points Leaders

Guess the 5th

Fancy Stats - who is for real and who isn't?

Connections: Last Week: What connects Dit Clapper, Ted Lindsay, Bobby Orr and Terry Sawchuk? All entered Hall of Fame without waiting standard 3 year period.

This Week: What connects Scott Niedermeyer, Darryl Sittler, Reggie Leach and Frank Mahovlich?

Going Streaking

DOPeS

Next Week -

1. Olympic rosters projections
2. Possible guest

After a couple of weeks away due to work and pleasure we're back and there is lots to discuss. Both the Leafs and Oilers have had middling starts to the season and we get into what's wrong and a little on how to fix it. The Hall of Fame inducted this years' new members and there were some real beauties. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Title Player: Cam Atkinson

News

1. 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
2. Bedard Hat Trick
3. Oilers and Leafs Struggles

Guess the 5th

1. Standings review - Atlantic and Pacific significant surprises

Connections: What connects Dit Clapper, Ted Lindsay, Bobby Orr and Terry Sawchuk?

Crazy Stat

Next Week -

1. Full stats breakdown - are the surprises for real?
2. Olympic roster projections

We finally announce the first cohort of ScuttlePuck Milt Schmidt Award winners! We also discuss the underwhelming start by both the Leafs and Oilers and look at the major surprises so far. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Title Player Jere Lehtinen

News

1. Ovechkin closes on 900G
2. Bettman Interview on 32 Thoughts
3. Ducks off to surprising start
4. Leafs and Oilers underwhelm
5. NBA gambling scandaal

Guess the 5th

MILT SCHMIDT AWARD WINNERS

NHL Surprises - East

1. Top 3 in Atlantic includes MTL and DET
2. Last in East is TBL

Connections

Last week - Montreal numbers 9.10.22,44,28,5 - all scored 50G - congrats Jim, Atish, Brendan

This week - What is the connection between Ovechkin, Crosby, Kopitar and Mikael Backlund

NHL Surprises - West

1. Central Utah in 1st
2. Pacific top 3 includes SEA and ANA
3. Last in West is CGY

Crazy Stat

We are 1 week into the new season but the biggest news this week wasn't game results or team performance, it has been some big name signings plus a couple of low-key ones that could prove significant. We have the Milt Schmidt Award nominees. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Title Player Nick Libett

News -

Habs honoured Ken Dryden in home opener - cool

BIG Signings

Lane Hutson - 8 years, $70.8 MM

Jack Eichel - 8yrs, $13.5MM

Kyle Connor - 8yr, $12MM

Oilers Signings

Jack Roslovic - $1.5MM

Mattias Ekhom - $4MM x 3

Leafs 1-2

• stumble with 2 losses to Red Wings
• Easton Cowan (2023 1st rnd) gets call up and plays on top line - 14:05 ice time

Sens - Brady Tkachuk out 4 weeks

Oilers

Goaltending issue gets highlighted in 1st game

Pickard starts game 2

Sabres start 0-3 - ugh - Kevyn Adams is in trouble -

Guess the 5th

Milt Schmidt Award

1. George Armstrong - Maple Leafs

2. Jean Beliveau - Canadiens

3. Joe Sakic - Nordiques / Avalanche

4. Steve Yzerman - Red Wings

5. Stan Smyl - Canucks

6. Bobby Clarke - Flyers

Next Award Idea - Annual award - Best undrafted player of the season - Includes playoffs

2024-25 - Sergei Bobrovsky

Connections

Jim Stecker / Nora- congrats

This Week -What do the numbers 9, 10, 22, 44 have in common for the Montreal Canadiens?

New Uniforms - will review a couple each week

Good - Blues - beautiful - liked previous but these are great - cool STL logo on pants - can be creative and look good

Bad - Oilers - 3rd jersey - retro style - bland cream colour- cool shoulder yokes - why? Not near as good as regulars, no history

Crazy Stat

Next week - narrow down Milt Schmidt to a winner including listener feedback

• Big Games to watch - Rangers @ Leafs / TBl v Det / Rangers v Habs - great jersey matchup -

2 Days before the season was to start for him, Connor McDavid gave the Oilers the best news possible by signing a 2 year extension at the same pay that he has been getting for the past 8 years. It's huge news for the Oilers and their fans. Mike was away in Detroit and recorded remotely to discuss the news. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Title Player- Jyrki Lumme

News

McDavid - $12.5MM x 2

Bowman presser -

McDavid - "Everyone understands the situation. We want to win here. We want to bring it back here and make the city proud. But mostly for the guys in this room. We've been through a lot together, and to see it through together is important. Does it lend urgency? That's a good byproduct. i guess."

Jake Walman - $7MM x 7

Great signing

Trade for Connor Ingram

102 games

.907 for AZ

Masterton trophy

Zero risk acquisition - will go to Bakersfield

Guess the 5th

Tampa Bay / Fla games

Offender / Entity

Penalty / Suspension / Fine

Reason / Notes

Scott Sabourin (TB)

4 games suspension; forfeits ~$16,145.84

Match penalty for ungloved "sucker punch" to Aaron Ekblad early in the game. Scouting The Refs+3ESPN.com+3The Hockey News+3

J.J. Moser (TB)

2 games suspension; forfeits ~$35,156.26

Boarding hit on Jesper Boqvist; major + game misconduct. Scouting The Refs+3ESPN.com+3The Hockey News+3

Roman Schmidt (TB)

Fine of ~$2,098.52

Cross-checking Carter Verhaeghe (major + game misconduct). The Hockey News+2NHL Media+2

Gage Goncalves (TB)

Fine of ~$3,125.00

Cross-checking Evan Rodrigues (major + game misconduct). The Hockey News+2NHL Media+2

Lightning organization

$100,000 fine

For "actions culminating in the events" of the chaotic game. NHL Media+2The Hockey News+2

Jon Cooper (TB, head coach)

$25,000 fine

As bench boss, penalized for team conduct. NHL Media+2The Hockey News+2

• Total financial cost for Tampa Bay plus players/coaching: looks to be in the ballpark of US$181,525.62 (suspension forfeitures + fines) per one report. Scouting The Refs

• The fine from the NHL to the club (and Cooper) was directed toward the Club Fine Fund (for charitable purposes) and the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, per league rules. NHL Media+1

Of note: no Florida Panthers players were suspended or fined in relation to this game, at least according to public announcements

Connections:

Last week William Nylander, David Pastrnak, Patrick Kane, Andrei Vasilevskii - correct answers - Paul Stewart, David Huyben, Jim Stecker

This week: Ed Belfour, Dino Ciccarelli, Adam Oates, Marty St. Louis

Elliotte Friedman has suggested twice in the past week that the Kirill Kaprizov contract situation makes him believe that there is tampering going on. Will the NHL do anything about it? Can they? It's been a tough month for hall of fame goalies as Bernie Parent and Ed Giacomin passed away last week. All this plus we look to the upcoming season and what we might expect with some off the wall predictions. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Title Player Dallas Drake

Shoutout - Nathaniel from Edmonton -been listening Sending stickers

News

Kirill Kaprizov - turned down 8 x $16,000,000

Friedman: ON 32 thoughts said his take was that since it didn't get accepted, Kaprizov's camp must believe they have an offer higher elsewhere.

He then said on The Fan Hockey Show - "I do believe there has been tampering going on. I'll never be able to prove it, but I believe it."

Will this be the case where the NHL finally gets to drop the hammer on teams.

Who is it?

Oilers

McDavid - waiting for Kaprizov to sign largest deal?

Friedman says he thinks when McDavid signs, we will be very surprised at how low it will be

Zack Hyman - will be out for a month at least recovering from wrist surgery

Key Departures / Losses

Player

Role / Impact

What the Oilers Lose

Evander Kane

Big, physical winger; provided playoff grit; scored some clutch goals in their run. New York Post+3ESPN.com+3NHL+3

Loss of experience, net-front presence, and some scoring ability on the wing. Cap space freed up. Puckpedia+1

John Klingberg

Veteran defenseman, could move the puck and helped on power plays. Daily Faceoff+1

Leaves a gap in puck-moving defense; need someone to replace his skill set. Daily Faceoff

Corey Perry

Veteran winger, presence in locker room; some scoring and depth contributions. ESPN.com+1

Less veteran depth up front; more need for younger players or middle-6 to step up. FlamesNation

Major Additions & Re-Signings

Player

What They Bring / Role

Expectations or Potential

Andrew Mangiapane (F)

Free agent wing; solid two-way game; brings energy and speed; adds depth to forward group. NHL

Likely to slot into middle-6; expected to provide secondary scoring and help in puck retrieval/forecheck. NHL

Curtis Lazar

Depth forward; solid veteran; can move between lines; helps with penalty killing or bottom-6 work. NHL+1

Probably not a game changer offensively, but gives the Oilers more stable options in depth and more flexibility in line matchups. NHL

Evan Bouchard (D)

Re-signed to a long(er) deal; one of their young top-defensemen; carries big responsibility. NHL+2Puckpedia+2

Expected to be a top pairing or heavy minutes defenseman; important part of their transition and stability at blue line. Puckpedia+1

Vasily Podkolzin (F)

Signed a 3-year extension; was fairly productive; brings physicality (hits/blocked shots) as well as modest offensive contributions. Reuters+1

Should see him keep developing; potentially more trusted in key situations; might take on bigger role if injuries or slumps hit. Reuters

Defense & Goaltending

• Defense: Largely stable. Outside of Klingberg's departure, many of the same names remain. There's some competition for depth defense spots: Ty Emberson is in the mix, as is Troy Stecher. Daily Faceoff+1
• Key defensemen (like Bouchard, Ekholm, Nurse, Kulak, and Jake Walman) will need to hold up; some have had criticism but generally the group is considered good, if not perfect. Daily Faceoff
• Goaltending: The plan is to stick with Stuart Skinner as the "starter" with Calvin Pickard backing him up. The Hockey News
• They brought in a new goalie coach (Peter Aubrey) to try to improve that tandem rather than making a big signing or trade in that area. The Hockey News

Cap / Roster Space & Composition

• The Oilers are tight on cap space. They currently project very little wiggle room (just a few hundred thousand) under the cap. Puckpedia
• They added some depth cheap, and held on to core players like Bouchard, Draisaitl, McDavid, etc. Puckpedia+2NHL+2
• The forward group has been revamped a bit — more balance, more depth. Mangiapane and Lazar add to that. NHL+1

What to Watch / Weaknesses & Question Marks

1. Goalie performance — with essentially the same tandem, how much improvement will come from coaching changes vs. in-net execution? If Skinner or Pickard struggle, the team may regret not pursuing a more proven backup or starter.
2. Defensive consistency — the blue line has high expectations, especially with departures and aging players. How well do the depth defenders perform? Will the pairings hold up under playoff pressure?
3. Secondary scoring / depth contributions — losing Evander Kane is a noticeable hit in terms of grit and clutch goals. The burden will shift more onto middle lines and depth forwards to chip in.
4. McDavid contract / future — McDavid enters 2025-26 in the final year of his current contract. There is active discussion / confidence from management that he'll sign an extension, but the uncertainty looms. Reuters
5. Special teams — penalty kill was mediocre last season; power play always under the microscope with McDavid/Draisaitl. How much the coaching tweaks help will be critical. Daily Faceoff

LEAFS

Major Departures

Player

Role / Impact

What They Leave Behind

Mitch Marner

Top-6 forward, key playmaker. Trailed Auston Matthews on many scoring charts.

Big offensive void, particularly in assists and secondary scoring. Reuters+1

Ryan Reaves

Enforcer / physical presence, veteran depth forward. NHL+1

Less physical grit, fewer intimidation matchups. Need others to pick up that edge.

Pontus Holmberg

Depth forward, role player. NHL+1

Loss of depth, especially useful in centre / bottom-6 roles.

Max Pacioretty

Veteran winger, scoring ability though recent decline. NHL+1

Leaves space for younger wingers or new signings to step up.

Others also left / not re-signed: some depth forwards, fringe roster spots. hockeypatrol.com+1

Key Additions & Signings

Player

What They Bring

Role / Expectations

Nicolas Roy

Acquired in the Marner trade. Good two-way forward, can chip in scoring from bottom 6. Reuters+1

Matias Maccelli

Younger forward, decent upside. Could slide into top-6 if needed. NHL

Dakota Joshua

Physical forward, heavy hitter, adds depth. Reuters+1

Henry Thrun

Defenseman acquired from San Jose. Adds youth / depth on the blue line. NHL

Michael Pezzetta

Signed to a two-year deal. Depth forward, physicality. NHL

Re-Signings & Extensions

• John Tavares agreed to a 4-year extension. Provides veteran leadership and scoring. Reuters
• Matthew Knies signed a 6-year, $46.5M deal, becoming more of a foundational piece. The Times of India
• Goaltending: Anthony Stolarz is in contract extension talks after a strong season. The Times of India

Roster & Cap Implications

• The team loses a high-impact forward (Marner), which both frees up some cap & puts pressure on finding or developing scoring elsewhere. The Hockey News+2hockeypatrol.com+2
• Expect more responsibility for existing players (e.g. Knies) and for new arrivals like Maccelli or Roy to fill the offensive gaps.
• Depth players and prospects are in line to get more opportunity. Names like Easton Cowan, William Villeneuve, etc., are under watch. NHL

What to Watch / Question Marks

• Who steps into top-6 scoring alongside Matthews and Nylander. That line is going to be more scrutinized this season.
• How the Leafs adjust defensively with the incoming younger D-corps (Thrun etc.), and whether the blue line depth is improved.
• Goaltending consistency: Stolarz's extension talks suggest they want stability there. Joseph Woll's role likely stays important. The Hockey News
• Whether the loss of Marner and Pacioretty will hurt in the playoffs more than during the regular season, especially in tight matchups.

Goalie deaths - Bernie Parent, Ed Giacomin passed away - 3 legendary goalies in a short span

Guess the 5th

Off the Wall predictions - provide 3 - we can go back and forth alternating our predictions. Discuss each and the likelihood of happening.

ChatGPT's

1. Goalie hits 10 points
2. 100 point Defenceman - Makar, Hughes, Fox?
3. NHL Game gets retro-outdoor twist - wooden sticks, old padding,

Cannections:

Last week Ken Dryden, Vladislav Tretiak, Eric Lindros, Jarome Iginla - none of them played for the team that drafted them

This week - William Nylander, David Pastrnak, Patrick Kane, Andrei Vasilevskii

Crazy Stat - There are more coaches entering their first game with current team than there are coaches who have been with their team for 2 or more years.

NHL Legend Ken Dryden passed away this weekend and we discuss the remarkable hockey career and post-hockey career he had. Carey Price's contract got traded and Connor McDavid's next contract has yet to be signed. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Title Player - Dennis Hextall

News

Carey Price Trade to San Jose -

McDavid watch - why hasn't he signed?

Marner Interview with Mark Masters - puff piece extraorinaire

CBA - implementing new rules this year -my Tkachuk theory is shot down!

Teams can send one 19 year old to AHL instead of Junior

Retention rules changing - must be 75 days between retentions (3 way trades done)

Karill Kaprisov rumours - $16MM? Is McDavid waiting for this to be completed?

Guess the 5th

Ken Dryden -

Played 8 seasons, won the cup 6 times.

Conn Smythe before Calder

5 Vezinas

Record 258-57-74

Playoffs 80-32

quit for a year to get law degree

MP

Author of The Game -

Connections -

Last Week Marcel Dionne, Peter Sarno, Cory Locke, Mark Savard

This Week -

Ken Dryden, Vladislav Tretiak, Eric Lindros, Jarome Iginla

Not much going on in the NHL but author Aaron Bell has a new book out titled "Junior Hockey Giants" and he joined us to tell us all about the book and regale us with tales from his time working for the CHL. Plus we have a lively discussion on who should win the inaugural Milt Schmidt award. Listen Here: Apple Podcasts Direct MP3 iHeart Radio

Get ScuttlePuck merch at our store here.

Visit Aaron Bell's website Hockey Docs

Buy Aaron's Book "Junior Hockey Giants"

Title Player Mark Johnson

News:

McDavid contract watch continues - things pretty quiet but "insiders" expect something before training camp in 3-5 year range

Tkachuk - surgery needed but waiting - why?

INTERVIEW: Aaron Bell - Junior Hockey Giants -

Guess the 5th

Milt Schmidt -

Potential Inaugural Recipients (Past or Present):

1. Patrice Bergeron – Boston Bruins

• 20-year Bruin, ultimate team-first player, Selke legend, captain with quiet strength, community leader.

2. Steve Yzerman – Detroit Red Wings

• 22-year playing career in Detroit; transitioned to front office. Humble, tough leader. Maintained loyalty even post-retirement by returning to Detroit in GM role.

3. Nicklas Lidström – Detroit Red Wings

• Entire 20-season career with the Wings. Graceful, steady, classy. Embodied humility and professionalism.

4. Dustin Brown – Los Angeles Kings

• Longtime captain, two-time Cup winner, played entire career with LA. Quiet but fierce leadership.

5. Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers

• Though retired with a heart condition before playing a game for the Capitals, his loyalty to the Rangers was unwavering. Iconic presence and community figure.

6. Shane Doan – Arizona Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets Franchise

• Stayed with the franchise through relocations and struggles. Embodied loyalty, leadership, and class.

7. Jean Béliveau (Posthumous) – Montreal Canadiens

• A legend whose playing, executive, and ambassador roles spanned decades. Perhaps the closest parallel to Schmidt in character.

8. Stan Smyl – Vancouver Canucks

• Played entire career with Vancouver, then served in many off-ice roles. Loyal servant to the franchise through thick and thin.

9. Craig Anderson – Buffalo Sabres (Honorary for Ottawa)

• While not a full-career one-team player, could be considered for special service and character with Ottawa during their rebuild years.

NHL Players with 10+ Seasons All with One Team

Player

Team

Seasons

Years Active

Steve Yzerman

Detroit Red Wings

22

1983–2006

Nicklas Lidström

Detroit Red Wings

20

1991–2012

Henri Richard

Montreal Canadiens

20

1955–1975

Jean Béliveau

Montreal Canadiens

20

1950–1971

Joe Sakic

Quebec/Colorado

20

1988–2009

Stan Mikita

Chicago Blackhawks

22

1958–1980

Mario Lemieux

Pittsburgh Penguins

17

1984–2006*

Gilbert Perreault

Buffalo Sabres

17

1970–1987

Daniel Alfredsson

Ottawa Senators

17

1995–2013*

Rod Gilbert

New York Rangers

18

1960–1978

Ken Daneyko

New Jersey Devils

20

1983–2003

Shane Doan

Winnipeg/Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes

21

1995–2017

Alex Delvecchio

Detroit Red Wings

24

1950–1974

Bob Gainey

Montreal Canadiens

16

1973–1989

Denis Potvin

New York Islanders

15

1973–1988

Patrik Elias

New Jersey Devils

20

1995–2016

George Armstrong

Toronto Maple Leafs

21

1949–1971

Henrik Lundqvist

New York Rangers

15

2005–2020*

Craig Ramsay

Buffalo Sabres

14

1971–1985

Pekka Rinne

Nashville Predators

15

2005–2021

Thomas Steen

Winnipeg Jets

14

1981–1995

Borje Salming

Toronto Maple Leafs

16

1973–1989*

Connections: Marcel Dionne, Peter Sarno, Cory Locke, Mark Savard