The JD Bunkis Podcast - podcast cover

The JD Bunkis Podcast

Sportsnetwww.sportsnet.ca
JD Bunkis breaks down the biggest stories in sports every weekday morning. Honest, direct, and a touch of diablerie. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN from 9am-11am ET.
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Episodes

Marner Schedule Fumble, Five Most Important Jays Stretch Questions w/ Rob Longley + Kadri, Rielly and Scheffler Thoughts

JD starts with his thoughts on the NHL schedule release, the potential lack of anticipation for Mitch Marner's return to Toronto, and the comparison to John Tavares' return to Long Island after signing with the Maple Leafs (00:00). Rob Longley, Toronto Sun Blue Jays reporter joins the show to chat about JD's burning questions for the Jays heading into the unofficial second half of the MLB season (07:04). They discuss the need for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to improve at the plate, the situation the f...

Jul 17, 202549 min

The All-Star Game’s Big Win + Ariel Helwani on the UFC’s White House Road, Knicks-Leafs Parallels + a Stagnant Heavyweight Division

JD opens with his thoughts on the MLB All-Star Game, the addition of the ABS system, and the efficiency of more technology in sports (00:00). Ariel Helwani, Creator of Uncrowned , joins to chat about the New York Knicks offseason following their Eastern Conference Finals loss and the comparisons to the Toronto Maple Leafs, before getting into the state of the UFC Heavyweight division, the rumoured event taking place at the White House next year, the trilogy match between Dustin Poirier and Max H...

Jul 16, 202549 min

Biggest Blue Jays Pre-Deadline Stretch Run Questions w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith

JD discusses his feelings towards the MLB's Home Run Derby ahead of the All-Star Game tonight, as well as the possibility that the Canadian anthem was omitted as the festivities began, before turning his attention to the Blue Jays position in the American League heading into the break (00:00). Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to chat about the Blue Jays' options in the starting pitcher trade market, an update on Max Scherzer's health, what constitutes success for this group as we l...

Jul 15, 202549 min

Jays at the Break, the Two Bats They Need + Reaves and Kadri Make Headlines

JD opens the MLB All-Star break with his thoughts on the Blue Jays series loss to the Athletics, John Schneider's decision making with rest coming to the core players, and the direction the team should be headed in the unofficial second half of the season (00:00). JD takes a look at the available starting pitchers ahead of the trade deadline and what Toronto will consider moving in order to upgrade the roster, before singling out Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s production this season and what seems to b...

Jul 14, 202549 min

Matt Murray: Wearing the Maple Leaf, Woll and Why Goalies Aren’t Cool Anymore

JD opens the show with his thoughts on the news that Ryan Reaves has been traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the San Jose Sharks. Matt Murray, former Maple Leaf and new Seattle Kraken goaltender, joins to chat about his decision to head west, his Stanley Cup champion teams in Pittsburgh, the difficulties of playing goalie in today's game, the lack of dominant Canadian goalies, as well as his experience playing in Toronto and his relationship with Joseph Woll (00:00). Later, JD discusses his ...

Jul 11, 202549 min

Vladdy Narratives and Expectations + an Early Look at MLB’s Next CBA w/ Jeff Blair

JD takes a look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s recent string of play amidst the Blue Jays hot streak and how to approach the topic when he's seemingly underperforming (00:00). Jeff Blair, host of Blair and Barker , joins the show to continue the discussion on Vladdy's performance of late, whether or not he can return to his MVP-candidate form, what the front office should be looking to add to the roster at the trade deadline, the chances of a baseball work stoppage coming up in the next few years, h...

Jul 10, 202549 min

Jays Roster Untouchables and the Best Video in Internet History w/ Ben Ennis

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show , open the show by breaking down the viral golf fight video making the rounds on social media, before diving into the Blue Jays' 10-game win streak following their rainout victory over the Chicago White Sox (00:00). They discuss the contributions from everyone on the roster, the ascension of Addison Barger in 2025, who should be playing the most at second base, and the expectations for the front office as we approach the trade deadline with Dault...

Jul 09, 202549 min

A Signature Blue Jays Team + Michael Pezzetta on Coming Home

JD deep dives into the Toronto Blue Jays' unexpected nine-game win streak, the contributions from players up-and-down the roster, comparisons with the 2015 Blue Jays, and where things are headed as we inch closer to the MLB Trade Deadline (00:00). Michael Pezzetta, newly signed Maple Leafs forward, joins the show to chat about his decision to sign with the Maple Leafs, what it means to him to get the chance to play for his hometown team, as well as his physical style of play and his experience f...

Jul 08, 202549 min

The Best Jays Series in a Decade + Is There Pressure on Treliving, an Early Look at Leafs Lines and Off-Season Questions w/ Justin Bourne

JD breaks down the Blue Jays' four-game sweep of the Yankees at Rogers Centre, and looks back to compare this series with other memorable Jays moments in recent years (00:00). Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne , joins the show to discuss the Maple Leafs' offseason so far, what they've lost with Mitch Marner heading to the Vegas Golden Knights and what can be done to replace him, before looking at the roster heading into next season to predict what the lines might look like (09:13)....

Jul 04, 202549 min

Playoffs in July, What Makes This Jays Team Special and if It’s Sustainable w/ Joe Siddall

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' crazy win over the Yankees with Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, Joe Siddall (00:00). They discuss the energy at the Rogers Centre after the Jays got out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning, the scrappy offense becoming more consistent amongst a lack of power in the lineup, George Springer's return to form in 2025, what's led to the team's improvement this season, and the direction the pitching staff is going with the trade deadline looming. Later, JD compares the Milwaukee...

Jul 03, 202549 min

Big Jays Energy and the Summer of George + Where Things Went Wrong With Marner and the Leafs Silent Free Agent Win

JD opens with his thoughts on the Canada Day victory for the Blue Jays over the Yankees at Rogers Centre, the belief that the team can be competitive after a tough start to the season, George Springer's renaissance at age 35, and the direction they're headed as we get closer to the MLB Trade Deadline at the end of July (00:00). JD dives into the deals signed during the first day of NHL free agent frenzy, the Maple Leafs' moves including bringing in Michael Pezzetta, letting Pontus Holmberg walk ...

Jul 02, 202549 min

Hour 2: Leafs Targets, the Trade Market and Blame Pie w/ David Pagnotta

JD continues the deep dive into the pre-free agency moves across the NHL with David Pagnotta, Editor-In-Chief at The Fourth Period (00:00). They discuss the moving parts around the Mitch Marner trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, what led Marner and the Maple Leafs to this point, and how Toronto could replace him in free agency. They shift to the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, and their ability to hold onto key players like Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, before looking at t...

Jul 01, 202547 min

Hour 1: Piecing Together the Leafs' Moves and Marner's Legacy w/ Luke Fox and Colby Armstrong

JD breaks down the latest moves ahead of NHL Free Agency, including Mitch Marner being dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights (00:00), before Luke Fox, Sportsnet NHL writer, joins the show. He continues the conversation around Marner's departure and legacy, what the Leafs have done so far this offseason, and who they might be targeting in free agency. Colby Armstrong, NHL analyst for Sportsnet and the NHL on TNT, joins JD in-studio to chat about Marner's chances of winning in Vegas, what the Leafs li...

Jul 01, 202550 min

The Leafs Extension Wins, How Knies and Tavares Got Done and Offseason Plan A vs. B w/ James Mirtle

JD dives into the John Tavares and Matthew Knies' contract extensions with the Maple Leafs, before James Mirtle (00:00), senior writer at The Athletic, joins the show to chat about what Tavares could've gotten on the open market and what the deal means for Tavares' legacy in Toronto, before assessing the Knies extension. Then, they take a look at Mitch Marner's situation, the odds a sign-and-trade gets done with the Vegas Golden Knights, what the tampering allegations change about the negotiatio...

Jun 30, 202550 min

Surprise Masai Goodbye w/ Michael Grange + Frank Seravalli on the NHL’s New CBA and Latest on Tavares and Knies

JD goes through the Blue Jays win over the Cleveland Guardians, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Jose Ramirez both getting beaned, and how to view this Jays team as we approach the MLB trade deadline (00:00). Frank Seravalli, President of Hockey Content at Daily Faceoff, joins the show to chat about the upcoming CBA announcement, and the latest updates concerning the Leafs' negotiations with John Tavares and Mathew Knies. Later, Sportsnet's Michael Grange jumps on to chat about the breaking news around...

Jun 27, 202549 min

Raptors Pick and NBA Draft Breakdown w/ Tate Frazier + the Mad Max Plan

JD and The Ringer's Tate Frazier break down the first round of the NBA Draft, including the Raptors taking Collin Murray-Boyles out of South Carolina and his initial reaction (00:00), the talent taken at the top compared to projections, the astonishing trade between the Hawks and Pelicans, the Brooklyn Nets using all five of their acquired first-rounders, and the continued influx of Canadian talent into the NBA. Then, JD takes a look at Max Scherzer's return to the mound for the Blue Jays and wh...

Jun 26, 202549 min

Raptors Draft Scenarios, the Trade “Plans” and the NBA's Regrettable Cap w/ Blake Murphy

JD and Blake Murphy, co-host of Jays Talk Plus & The Raptors Show , discuss the activity in the NBA trade market ahead of the Draft, where the Raptors fit within all of the recent player movement, and some potential targets for Toronto with the ninth overall pick, before touching on the Blue Jays' options as we get closer to the MLB Trade Deadline (37:20). Later, JD hits on the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class, including former Maple Leafs forward Alexander Mogilny finally getting inducted (44...

Jun 25, 202549 min

Jays Deadline Strategies and Front Office Trust w/ Ben Ennis

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, debate the Blue Jays needs at the MLB trade deadline (00:00) and the sustainability of the starter depth with Eric Lauer and Max Scherzer starting consecutive games, before taking a look at the front office's off-season additions as the Jays approach the mid-season mark. Later, JD and Ben discuss their differences in handling sports-pain amidst JD's Oklahoma City Thunder trauma (39:31). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those ...

Jun 24, 202549 min

Leafs Negotiation Updates and Pivot Plans w/ James Mirtle + Shai's Ceiling

JD breaks down the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA Championship win in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, with thoughts on the prolific season from the Thunder and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (00:00). James Mirtle of the Athletic joins JD to chat about the rumours surrounding John Tavares, whether or not they can come to a team-friendly agreement, and the lack of centre depth available in free agency (10:32). JD and Mirtle shift to the Matthew Knies situation, what's led to the expected divor...

Jun 23, 202549 min

The Tavares Contract is About More Than Money + Siakam vs. Shai, the Return of the Specialist and Raptors KD Rumours w/ Michael Grange

JD discusses how Matt Duschene's contract extension in Dallas should be viewed here in Toronto (00:00). JD then shifts focus to the NBA Finals and brings on Sportsnet's Michael Grange (12:00) to get into the Indiana Pacers forcing a Game 7. JD and Grange discuss Pascal Siakam's case for Finals MVP, if Siakam has more love in Canada then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, TJ McConnel's allure, the keys in Game 7, and the Raptors' chase for a star. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those ...

Jun 20, 202548 min

The Best Teams of the NHL Cap Era + What Now for McDavid w/ Kris Versteeg

JD is joined by Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg, to list and debate the best teams in the NHL's salary cap era (00:00). JD and Kris also discuss the make-up of the Panthers and whether Connor McDavid's time in Edmonton is running out. 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.

Jun 19, 202549 min

Do the Raptors Have a Plan? The Shai and Williams Statement, NBA Conversation Problems and It's Fine for Marner to hate Toronto, but Why the Leafs?

JD reacts to the Oklahoma City Thunder taking control of the NBA Finals in game 5, then gives his thoughts on the NBA's parity era and what the Raptors plan is as they "lurk" in sweepstakes for seemingly every star. Later (36:00), JD clarifies his stance on Mitch Marner. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (46:30). 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....

Jun 17, 20251 hr

Marner Fatigue, the Devers Deal + Blake Wheeler on Marchand, McDavid and If the Oilers Missed Their Chance

JD reacts to reports that Mitch Marner is unwilling to communicate with the Maple Leafs (00:00) and the Boston Red Sox trading Rafael Devers (6:00). Blake Wheeler, 16-year NHL forward and former teammate of Brad Marchand, gets into (9:00) the transformation of Marchand, what teams from the past mirror the current Florida Panthers, judging Connor McDavid's performance in the Stanley Cup Final, what makes Leon Draisaitl great, and working around shoddy goaltending. Later, JD gives his thoughts on ...

Jun 16, 202549 min

Is Oilers-Panthers the Best Final in the Cap Era? Draisaitl’s Legacy and Edmonton’s Turning Point Game

JD reacts to the Edmonton Oilers stunning comeback victory in game 4, Connor McDavid's performance, how Leon Draisaitl will be remembered and a sign of rising popularity for the NHL (00:00). Later, JD and producer Armen get into the off-putting change in basketball development and Adam Silver's comments on NBA expansion (30:00). 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 affili...

Jun 13, 202549 min

Are the Jays Good? What’s Sustainable, What Do They Need and Will Championships be as Meaningful in the Parity Era w/ Ben Ennis

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show , admit they were wrong about the Indiana Pacers (00:00), talk about the complicated feelings when sports franchises relocate, and debate if the Blue Jays are a good baseball team? (13:00) JD and Ben evaluate Spencer Turnbull's debut, Alejandro Kirk's stardom, the starting rotation and who the Jays can trade for. Later, the duo discuss how ring culture may start to change (43:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ...

Jun 12, 202549 min

The One Certainty from the Jays Hot Streak + Jackie Redmond on the Ingredients to a Perfect Stanley Cup Finals + Raptors Rumour Reasoning

JD rides the high of the Blue Jays securing their fifth-straight series victory (00:00). Jackie Redmond, from the NHL on TNT, checks-in from Florida to dip into the stakes in the Stanley Cup Final (5:00). JD and Jackie chat about the storylines surrounding Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, plus thoughts on Brad Marchand or Sam Bennett signing with the Maple Leafs. Later, JD gets into the latest buzz around the trade markets for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant (38:00). The views and opini...

Jun 11, 202549 min

What Feels Sustainable for the Jays + Old DAWGS and Stanley Cup Takeaways w/ Kris Versteeg + Tax Talk

JD reacts to another comeback win from the Blue Jay and why this hot stretch of play feels sustainable (00:00). Two-time Stanley Cup Champion, Kris Versteeg, joins JD (7:00) to get into the depth of the Florida Panthers, if and how Connor McDavid can will the Edmonton Oilers back into the series, the Conn Smythe race, if older NHL players are valued more than ever, and turning frustration into production. The show ends with reaction to Gary Bettman's defensiveness when asked about addressing sta...

Jun 10, 202549 min

Latest Leafs Rumours & Offseason Scenarios w/ James Mirtle + Solving the Francis Problem and NBA Finals Game 2 Takeaways

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' mostly good weekend and the obvious trade that needs to materialize (00:00). The Athletic's James Mirtle checks-in from the NHL combine to discuss the buzz among front offices (3:00) including teams interested in Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett's rising stock, plus the positioning of John Tavares and Morgan Reilly. JD and James finish the conversation deliberating who or what would actually change the Maple Leafs DNA (30:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast...

Jun 09, 202549 min

The Cardiac Pacers, Marner Rumours, a Blue Jays Truth and a Steelers Nightmare

JD reacts to the historic comeback win from the Indiana Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton (00:00). JD then goes through his feelings following the report of Mitch Marner, his relationship with the Maple Leafs and his looming free-agency (20:00). The show ends with JD's gripes following the news of Aaron Rodgers finally signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers (34:00), along with Gary Bettman addressing the media. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do no...

Jun 06, 202548 min

Oilers-Panthers Takeaways, Lazy Leafs Bennett Fears + Giannis/Raptors Murmurs and NBA Finals Preview w/ Michael Grange

JD goes over the dramatics in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, along with the "what if" of Sam Bennett signing with the Maple Leafs (00:00). JD then shifts focus to the NBA (12:00) as Sportsnet's Michael Grange checks-in from Oklahoma City to chat about the Raptors' chase for a star, if a NBA title will change Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's connection with Canadian fans, how the Indiana Pacers can make the finals competitive, and the NBA's parity era. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast ...

Jun 05, 202549 min
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