The Mask & The Mic

🏒🔥 CUTTER GAUTHIER IS MAKING NHL HISTORY! DUCKS GOALTENDING DRAMA, NHL TRADE RUMORS & A MAJOR NFL SHAKEUP!

Episode 41 of The Mask & The Mic has a little bit of everything as former NHL goaltender Guy Hebert and longtime sports broadcaster Kent French break down the biggest stories around the NHL, the Anaheim Ducks, the NFL and a personal competition with some major stakes!

🎙️ KENT'S TOP HOST JOURNEY — THE FINAL PUSH TO THE QUARTERS!

Guy kicks things off by checking in on Kent's run in the iHeartRadio Top Host competition. With the Group Finals ending Thursday, November 12th at 7 PM Pacific, Kent needs to finish first in his group to advance to the quarterfinals.

What's really at stake? A chance to host a six-episode podcast on iHeartRadio, a conversation with Ryan Seacrest and a $25,000 grand prize!

Kent shares what this opportunity means to him and reflects on the incredible support from family, friends and fans throughout the competition.

🦆 CUTTER GAUTHIER IS ON FIRE!

The Anaheim Ducks have one of the hottest players in hockey, and Cutter Gauthier is rewriting the record books!

After earning NHL First Star of the Week honors, Gauthier's remarkable stretch includes:

• Eight goals in eight games, including two hat tricks and three game-winning goals.
• Becoming the first player in Ducks history to record hat tricks in consecutive games.
• Becoming the first player in NHL history to score multiple power-play goals in three consecutive games.
• Recording three hat tricks in a five-game span, joining an exclusive group of just seven players in NHL history.

And let's not forget Leo Carlsson, who earned NHL Third Star of the Week honors the previous week!

After both young stars signed major contracts during the offseason, Guy and Kent discuss how the financial expectations appear to be fueling their performances rather than creating additional pressure.

🥅 IS THERE A GOALTENDING CONTROVERSY IN ANAHEIM?

With Lukas Dostal and veteran Laurent Brossoit both in the conversation, Guy takes a closer look at the Ducks' situation between the pipes.

Brossoit is off to a perfect 4-0-0 start since his recall, but with Anaheim still working to solidify its defensive play, which goaltender gives the team its best chance to win?

Guy offers his firsthand perspective on managing goaltenders, building confidence and finding the right fit.

🏒 AROUND THE NHL — TRADE DRAMA & UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

The guys also discuss several developing storylines:

Connor Hellebuyck and New Jersey: Why did the Devils decide not to start Hellebuyck in his return to Winnipeg? Guy explores the possible reasoning behind that decision.

Detroit Red Wings: The Dylan Larkin saga continues, while young defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. How much uncertainty can one organization manage?

Philadelphia Flyers: Another challenging season in Philadelphia, with speculation surrounding Matvei Michkov's future. Could another young NHL star be looking for a change?

🏈 NFL SHOCKER — KIRK COUSINS RETURNS TO MINNESOTA!

Finally, Kent and Guy turn to the NFL and the reported trade sending Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders back to the Minnesota Vikings.

What does reuniting with familiar coaches and teammates mean for Cousins? And with Las Vegas turning the page, is the Fernando Mendoza era officially underway?

From historic performances and locker-room dynamics to trade speculation and career-changing opportunities, Episode 41 delivers plenty of hockey talk, football conversation and the perspective you've come to expect from The Mask & The Mic.

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What's happening around the NHL? Some of the league's biggest stars want OUT!

On Episode 40 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French tackle some of the biggest stories shaking up the NHL, including surprising trade requests, franchise-changing decisions and the challenges of keeping a locker room together when star players want a fresh start.

First up: Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After 13 seasons with Tampa Bay, two Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies, Kucherov has requested a trade while entering the final season of his eight-year contract. Why now? Is there a way to repair the relationship? And what would the trade market look like for one of the NHL's most talented offensive players?

Then the guys discuss Connor Hellebuyck's move from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils. With reports of difficult circumstances involving his family contributing to his trade request, Guy and Kent explore the pressures professional athletes face beyond the ice and what happens when personal circumstances influence major career decisions.

In Detroit, things have reached a breaking point with Dylan Larkin. After requesting a trade during the offseason and continuing to play for the Red Wings, Larkin has now decided he won't suit up again until he's moved. The organization has responded with a suspension.

What does a situation like this do to a team? How does it affect the dressing room? And is it better to keep playing a star who wants out—or move on before the situation becomes an even bigger distraction?

As a former NHL player, Guy brings his firsthand perspective to the complicated relationship between players, management and teammates.

Then it's time for something a little more fun! 🦆

The NHL has unveiled its new Hometown Remix jerseys for all 32 teams, and the Anaheim Ducks have delivered a nostalgic tribute to their Mighty Ducks roots!

Guy was there for the unveiling, got to try on the new sweater and shares why this throwback design might be his favorite yet.

Trade drama, superstar contracts, locker-room dynamics, NHL history and some incredible new jerseys—it's all part of Episode 40 of The Mask & The Mic!

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30 years behind the microphone. A lifetime in baseball. One incredible family legacy.

Veteran MLB broadcaster and former Major League player José Mota joins Guy Hebert and Kent French for a special Episode 39 of The Mask & The Mic!

Fresh off completing his 30th year broadcasting Major League Baseball, José brings a unique perspective to the game—from growing up around the Los Angeles Dodgers as the son of legendary player Manny Mota to carving out his own career on the field and eventually finding his voice in the broadcast booth.

The guys open with a look at the World Series and a fascinating question about the future of baseball: Have analytics changed the game too much?

José discusses what makes successful teams different, the balance between statistical analysis and baseball instincts, and whether a more traditional approach to playing the game could influence how teams build their rosters and compete.

The conversation also turns to the Los Angeles Dodgers, their postseason performance, Shohei Ohtani's health, the team's biggest needs and what lies ahead for one of baseball's most recognizable franchises.

José also weighs in on the possibility of another MLB work stoppage, the challenges facing the sport and why protecting the relationship between baseball and its fans is so important.

Then we turn back the clock.

José shares the unforgettable story of receiving his first call to the Major Leagues, the emotional reaction from his family and what it meant to his father, Dodgers legend Manny Mota. He also recalls the support he received from the Dodgers family, including the legendary Tommy Lasorda.

From there, we explore José's journey into broadcasting.

What was it like growing up around the game, listening to baseball on the radio and learning from some of the greatest voices in sports? José shares the influences that shaped his broadcasting career, including Vin Scully, and the lessons he learned about storytelling, preparation and connecting with an audience.

Finally, José talks about what it meant to come home to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022—returning to the organization he grew up around, sharing the broadcast experience with his father and having the opportunity to see him almost every day.

From the World Series and the future of Major League Baseball to family, broadcasting and the unforgettable people who shaped his career, José Mota shares stories and perspective from a lifetime spent around America's pastime.

🎙️ José Mota joins The Mask & The Mic for Episode 39!

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17 seasons. One franchise. One unforgettable legacy.

Anaheim Ducks legend, Stanley Cup champion and longtime captain Ryan Getzlaf joins Guy Hebert and Kent French for a special Episode 38 of The Mask & The Mic!

Drafted 19th overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2003, Getzlaf spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the organization, including 12 seasons wearing the captain's “C.” Now, with his jersey retirement approaching, Ryan sits down with the guys to reflect on his remarkable career, the people who shaped him and what life looks like after hockey.

Ryan takes us inside his world today, from raising four kids with his wife in Nashville, Tennessee, to coaching youth hockey, working with the NHL Department of Player Safety and helping develop the next generation of talent with Hockey Canada's World Junior team.

Then we turn back the clock.

Ryan shares memories of his 2003 NHL Draft experience, his first training camp and the unforgettable journey to winning the 2007 Stanley Cup with Anaheim in just his second NHL season.

The conversation also explores how the game has changed—from today's massive contracts for young players to what it really takes to earn a roster spot and establish yourself in the NHL.

And, of course, we talk leadership.

What does it really mean to be an NHL captain?

Ryan reflects on being named Ducks captain at just 25 years old, the responsibility that came with wearing the “C,” the veteran leaders who influenced him and the lessons he learned during his 12 seasons leading the team.

Finally, we look ahead to two historic nights at Honda Center: the 20th anniversary celebration of Anaheim's Stanley Cup championship on January 28, 2027, followed by Ryan Getzlaf's jersey retirement on January 30, when his number will rise to the rafters alongside Ducks legends Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer.

For Ryan, Anaheim was always more than just the place he played hockey. It became home.

From a teenage draft pick to Stanley Cup champion, franchise captain and one of the most respected players in Ducks history, Ryan Getzlaf shares the stories, memories and perspective behind an extraordinary career.

🎙️ Ryan Getzlaf joins The Mask & The Mic. This is one you won't want to miss!

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The Anaheim Ducks are off to a strong start, the NHL is already full of surprises, and ASK THE MASK makes its official debut!

On Episode 37 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down the Anaheim Ducks' 4-2 start to the NHL season and the impressive early performances of Leo Carlsson and Beckett Sennecke.

After signing a massive contract in the offseason, Carlsson hasn't let the pressure of heightened expectations affect his game. Meanwhile, Sennecke continues to show why the Ducks are so excited about their young talent.

Injuries have also created opportunities for Anaheim's next generation, including Roger McQueen, the Ducks' 10th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, who makes his NHL debut.

Then it's time to go Around the NHL! 🌎🏒

From early struggles for the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers to goaltending adversity in New York, there's no shortage of headlines. Guy and Kent also discuss the NHL's Frozen Frenzy, featuring all 32 teams playing on the same night, and the Tkachuk brothers putting on a show against Columbus.

And now it's time for something new…

🎭 ASK THE MASK!

Our brand-new segment officially debuts as Kent puts your questions to former NHL goalie Guy Hebert! Want to be part of a future episode? DM us your questions for Guy or both of us, and we'll do our best to answer them on the show.

Plus, Kent gives an update on his iHeartRadio Top Host competition, where he's hoping to earn a spot in the Top 20! The first round ends Thursday, October 15 at 7 PM Pacific, and you can help by voting FREE every day.

And before we go…we tease our next special guest. Let's just say he's a former captain of the Anaheim Ducks. 👀🏒

Ducks hockey, NHL headlines, fan questions and a little mystery—all on Episode 37 of The Mask & The Mic!

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The contracts are signed. The expectations are high. Now it’s time to play hockey.

The NHL season is underway, and the Anaheim Ducks are off to a hot start.

On Episode 36 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down Anaheim’s season-opening wins in Vegas and at home against the Florida Panthers—and the early impact of two players carrying some very big expectations: Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier.

After an offseason dominated by contracts and conversations about the future of the franchise, both young stars played pivotal roles in the Ducks’ first two wins. It’s a small sample size, but Kent and Guy discuss why getting off to a strong start matters—and whether signing those big contracts actually allows Leo and Cutter to stop thinking about expectations and simply go play hockey.

The Ducks are betting on another young player as well. 22-year-old defenseman Tristan Luneau has signed a six-year, $43.2 million contract despite having only 14 NHL games under his belt when the deal was signed. Is this becoming the new NHL philosophy—paying young players for what you believe they’re going to become rather than what they’ve already accomplished?

Guy also takes us behind the scenes of opening night and shares what it’s like to serve as an Anaheim Ducks ambassador, including what his night looked like during the home opener.

Then we introduce something new: ASK THE MASK! 🎭🏒

Kent fires some of the biggest stories from around the NHL at Guy for his perspective—and now we want YOUR questions. DM The Mask & The Mic with something you want to Ask The Mask, and your question could be answered on an upcoming episode.

Finally, Kent shares a very different competition he’s entered: Top Host, presented by iHeartRadio, On Air with Ryan Seacrest and RØDE. The grand prize includes a six-episode podcast produced by iHeartRadio, a conversation with Ryan Seacrest and $25,000.

Kent explains why he decided to jump in—and how The Mask & The Mic audience can help him along the way.

Ducks hockey is back, the kids are delivering, Ask The Mask has arrived…and Kent needs your vote!

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The Finnish Flash is here!

Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup champion and Anaheim Ducks legend Teemu Selanne joins Guy Hebert and Kent French for a special Episode 35 of The Mask & The Mic.

Teemu gives his perspective on the upcoming Ducks season, including Mikael Granlund being named captain and the wild summer surrounding Leo Carlsson and Philadelphia's massive offer sheet.

The conversation then turns to the future of hockey in Southern California. Teemu discusses his involvement in bringing the USHL to California, how fellow Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille helped spearhead the effort, and what it means to have Teemu involved with an Orange County team while Joe Sakic is part of the new San Diego franchise.

And then come the stories. 😂

Teemu and Guy trade memories about hockey superstitions, former teammates—including a hilarious Corey Perry story—and what life behind the scenes was really like. Teemu also shares some unforgettable memories of rooming with his longtime teammate and friend Paul Kariya.

Finally, the guys look ahead to two special celebrations on the Ducks calendar: honoring the 20th anniversary of Anaheim's Stanley Cup championship and the upcoming jersey retirement of Ryan Getzlaf.

Ducks hockey, Hall of Fame stories, old teammates, superstitions and plenty of laughs with one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Teemu Selanne joins The Mask & The Mic. You won't want to miss this one.

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The Anaheim Ducks have their new captain. 🦆🏒

On Episode 34 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French react to the announcement of Mikael Granlund as the 10th captain in Ducks franchise history.

At 34 years old and with 14 seasons of NHL experience, Granlund brings leadership, character and a veteran presence to a young Anaheim roster. Guy and Kent discuss why he makes sense for the role—but also explore the other side of the decision. With young cornerstone players like Leo Carlsson and Jackson LaCombe locked into the Ducks' future, why not hand the “C” to the next generation now?

Then the guys tackle another NHL question: Do we still need the preseason?

With the preseason already shortened and players training year-round, Kent and Guy debate how much value exhibition games still provide. Are they necessary for evaluating players and preparing for opening night, or does putting established stars into games that don't count create unnecessary injury risk?

From the ice, it's onto the golf course as the guys preview the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club. What's the difference between the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup? Why has the U.S. historically experienced different results in the two competitions? And after crowd behavior became part of the conversation at the 2025 Ryder Cup, what kind of atmosphere can players expect this time around?

Finally, Guy shares his experience participating in an important charity hockey tournament and talks about his recent appearance on the Hockey Dads Podcast.

Ducks leadership, the future of the NHL preseason, international golf and giving back to the hockey community—we cover it all on Episode 34 of The Mask & The Mic.

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The deal is DONE. 🏒

After weeks of speculation, Cutter Gauthier has signed a six-year, $81 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks, and the timing couldn't be more important with training camp getting underway.

On Episode 33 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down the deal, what a $13.5 million annual commitment means for Anaheim's future, and how locking up Gauthier alongside Leo Carlsson shapes the next chapter for the Ducks.

Then the conversation turns from contracts to leadership.

With Connor Bedard being named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks at just 21 years old, Guy takes us back to another 21-year-old captain he knew very well—Paul Kariya. What was it like watching Kariya take on that responsibility with the Mighty Ducks? Why was he ready for it? And what does Guy remember about the way Paul handled the pressure that came with wearing the “C” at such a young age?

That leads to another big question: Who should become the next captain of the Anaheim Ducks?

Guy also takes us behind the scenes of a busy week on the golf course, including the Anaheim Ducks' annual charity tournament and an event benefiting CureDuchenne, a cause close to Troy Terry and his family.

Then Kent and Guy cast a wider net across the sports world. They debate the impact of international travel, time changes and preparation after two very different approaches to an NFL game in Australia, talk about the remarkable return of Patrick Mahomes following knee surgery, revisit the US Open tennis finals, and finish with college football, Arch Manning and the unique pressure that comes with carrying one of the most recognizable names in sports.

Hockey, football, golf, tennis and plenty of stories along the way—Episode 33 covers it all.

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From Honey Deuces at the US Open to breaking Ducks news in the middle of the show—and a potentially franchise-changing development for the Angels—Episode 32 of The Mask & The Mic covers a lot of ground.

Guy Hebert is back from New York and takes Kent French inside his trip to the US Open Tennis Championships. From the matches he and his wife watched to the food, drinks and overall atmosphere, Guy shares what it's like experiencing one of tennis' biggest events in person.

And, of course, we have to talk about the Honey Deuce. 🍹🎾

The conversation also turns to the growing presence of influencers and content creators at major sporting events. Phones, cameras and TikTok dances are becoming increasingly common as creators compete for the perfect shot—but at what point does creating content begin interfering with the experience of the fans around them or even the athletes competing? Guy and Kent discuss the changing dynamic between experiencing a sporting event and documenting it for social media.

Then it's time for hockey.

With NHL training camps about to open, there are still some major loose ends around the league—including the Anaheim Ducks' negotiations with restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier. The guys discuss the escalating contract situation and what it could mean for Anaheim's salary structure when, right in the middle of the conversation, breaking Ducks news hits.

Chris Kreider is being released, creating additional payroll flexibility and immediately adding another layer to the Gauthier discussion. Guy and Kent react to the news in real time and consider what it could mean for the Ducks as training camp approaches.

Finally, the conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Angels and potentially one of the biggest changes in franchise history: Arte Moreno's agreement to sell a majority interest in the club to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

What could new ownership mean for Angels fans, the city and the future direction of the franchise? Kent and Guy look at Stan Kroenke's remarkable portfolio of sports organizations and discuss what a track record of investment and championship success could potentially bring to Anaheim.

From New York and the US Open to NHL contract negotiations, breaking Ducks news and a new era potentially beginning for the Angels, it's another wide-ranging edition of The Mask & The Mic.

🎙️ Watch the full episode on YouTube.

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