Arden Zwelling, Sportsnet Writer and Co-Host of At the Letters Podcast , discusses Shohei Ohtani's comments regarding the gambling and theft investigation into his interpreter, Kevin Gausman ramping up, updates on Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson, Alek Manoah's status, the most overlooked thing of Spring Training, how the offence can be more productive, what the batting order might look like, and potential surprise stories of the season (5:00). Jackie Redmond chats about notification messes, picki...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 38 min
James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor with The Athletic , discusses his takeaways from the Leafs' weekend, the impact of having three goaltenders on the roster, how Zach Hyman will be remembered in Toronto, if the Edmonton Oilers are legit, the Leafs' blue-line since the trade deadline, and what Mitch Marner's line might look like upon his return (8:00). Ben Ennis, Co-Host of The FAN Morning Show, chats about March Madness, the investigation into Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, his predictions for t...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 38 min
JD starts today's show weighing in on the current state of the Maple Leafs (00:00). David "Funny Dave" Dameshek joins the program to discuss sports fandom and the differences between cities, before sharing his take on the new-look new Steelers era and Kyle Dubas' Penguins (06:00). Mike Bibby, former NBA point guard and Sacramento Kings analyst, talks about the state of college athletics, getting drafted to the Vancouver Grizzlies, advice for the lottery-bound Raptors, and playing against LeBron ...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 38 min
James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor of The Athletic , chats with JD about the Leafs being stuck in the standings (again), potentially changing the NHL playoff format, topics at the NHL GM Meetings, the Leafs' lack of cohesive lines and their defensive core, plus the continued decision-making between Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll (8:00). Craig Berube, NHL veteran and Stanley Cup Champion Head Coach, discusses John Tortorella's thought process benching the Flyers' captain, what he's seen from the...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Riley Cote, former Flyers Forward, Co-Host of the Nasty Knuckles Podcast and Co-Founder of BodyCheck Health , joins JD Bunkis to discuss the Flyers' identity, Philly fandom, reinventing himself after retirement, championing mindfulness and sports psychology (7:00). Justin Bourne, Co-Host of The Real Kyper & Bourne , stops by to chat about the challenge of over-information, the Maple Leafs' powerplay and penalty kill problems, Toronto's injury bug, and the direction of youth hockey (50:00). T...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Ben Ennis, Co-Host of The FAN Morning Show , joins JD Bunkis to discuss getting older than the current generation of professional athletes, Danny Jansen's injury, positioning the Blue Jays' defence, and the future of pro golf (00:00). JD then goes over the positive angles around the Maple Leafs; Mitch Marner's health, a notable Timothy Liljegren stat, balanced scoring, and Ilya Samsonov's sustained performance (55:00). The show ends with 'What We Missed!' The views and opinions expressed in this...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 38 min
JD opens chatting about the Raptors' ugly loss to the Pistons, before MLB.com 's Keegan Matheson checks-in from Blue Jays Spring Training to get into Bowden Francis' spot on the starting rotation, the process of getting Alek Manoah back in the rotation, why Yariel Rodriguez is his favourite off-season signing, the word on Jordan Romano, and other optimism in the Jays' bullpen (9:00). Scott Hartnell, 17 year NHL veteran and Flyers Analyst, talks about John Tortorella's suspension and his culture ...
Mar 14, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Kevin Woodley, Editor of InGoal Magazine, discusses what he's seen in Ilya Samsonov's since his comeback, plus which Maple Leafs netminder has the higher ceiling and better chance of commanding the crease (8:00). Ailish Forfar, Co-Host of The FAN Pre Game , joins JD in-studio to continue the Leafs goalie conversation, before getting into Nick Robertson's fit, the PWHL's injection of talent and room for expansion, and 'What We Missed'! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Ben Ennis, Co-Host of The FAN Morning Show , and JD touch on the Maple Leafs and Gerrit Cole, before getting into the Blue Jays signing Joey Votto (00:00). A.J. Pierzynski, World Series Champion, 2x All-Star and Co-Host of Foul Territory , discusses the evolving voice of MLB players, the MLB's slow free agency and Scott Boras' impact, how Whit Merrifield feels about the Blue Jays, current Jays that have to bounce back, and the elusive Mark Buehrle (50:00). JD gives his thoughts on NFL free agenc...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 38 min
James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor with The Athletic , debates JD about the moves, or lack thereof, that the Leafs made at the trade deadline, plus JD and James discuss which of Toronto's defencemen might be on the outside looking in (5:00). JD then weighs in on Joey Votto, Jamal Murray, and Russell Wilson (50:00). Adam Mares, Host of the All NBA Podcast with Tim Legler & Head of Content for DNVR Sports , evaluates Jamal Murray's standing in the NBA and among Nuggets fans, before debating ...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 38 min
JD gets into his pet peeves from the Maple Leafs' latest loss to the Boston Bruins (00:00). Kris Versteeg, Stanley Cup Champion and Creator of the KLEVR app, discusses Kyle Dubas trading away Jake Guentzel, how the Leafs' core four reacted to the Bruins' toughness, team dynamics that lead to playoff success and the locker-room feelings near the trade deadline (23:30). Mike Futa, former NHL Executive, breaks down front office nuances heading into the trade deadline, the Leafs' roster build and hi...
Mar 08, 2024•2 hr 26 min
Jeff Marek, Host of The Jeff Marek Show and 32 Thoughts: The Podcast , gets into his favourite trade of the week so far, the NHL's salary cap and weaponizing the LTIR, plus who the Leafs could be shopping for (5:00). Nick Kypreos, Co-Host of Real Kyper and Bourne , breaks down how Kyle Dubas' transactions handcuffed the Leafs and the legitimacy of the latest rumours in Toronto (52:00). The gents end the show with 'What We Missed!' The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the...
Mar 07, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Frank Seravalli, Hockey Insider and President of Hockey Content with Daily Faceoff , discusses the current prices in the trade market, the Vancouver Canucks' push for Jake Guentzel, what route the Pittsburgh Penguins can or should take, odds the Leafs' add a defensemen and who it might be, the value of Nick Robertson and Timothy Liljegren, and what else Brad Treliving is keeping tabs on (5:00). Luke Fox, Sportsnet's Senior NHL Writer, discusses the Maple Leafs: the best blue line targets, the im...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD to chat about how Josh Donaldson's Toronto legacy and how the team should honour him, plus how Jason Kelce's speech is relevant to the Leafs (00:00). Sportsnet's NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman on the Leafs' trade targets, front office deadline pressure, Nick Robertson, the goaltending battle, plus the latest buzz around Sidney Crosby and the Penguins (50:00) . Andrew Raycroft, former NHL goaltender and current analyst for NESN, breaks down the ...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 38 min
James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor with The Athletic , joins the show to get into the pressure on the Maple Leafs' front office and the urgency to make a deal before the trade deadline (7:30). Plus, JD and James discuss Morgan Rielly's subpar return and the Leafs' goaltending situation. Next, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith checks-in from Blue Jays Spring Training to get into the team's health, pitching depth, why Matt Chapman didn't return, and Daniel Vogelbach (50:00). JD then touches on Sco...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 38 min
JD starts with Ilya Lyubushkin's return to the Maple Leafs (00:00). Don Le Greca, Co-Host of the Michael Kay Show on ESPN radio and the YES Network , checks-in from New York ahead of the Leafs heavyweight battle against the NY Rangers on Hockey Night in Canada (6:00). JD and Don discuss the trade deadline, Matt Rempe's potential tilt with Ryan Reaves, and America's relationship with Auston Matthews. JD then touches on his current choice between Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll (35:00). Next, Ramona...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 37 min
Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup Champion and creator of the KLEVR app, joins JD to debate if and how the Leafs are getting better coaching of late, John Tavares' new reality, Patrick Kane vs. Auston Matthews, and being teammates with Jaromír Jágr (5:00). Next, Jackie Redmond, WWE reporter and host of The Jackie Redmond Show, checks-in to chat about the different emotions in sports, travel quarrels, and big picture feelings on the Leafs (50:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcas...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Ryan Callahan, 13-year NHL veteran and ESPN Analyst, joins JD to discuss how it is returning home after a road trip, thoughts on this version of the Maple Leafs, how U.S. hockey alumni are feeling about the return of best-on-best, and memories of being teammates with Jaromír Jágr (8:00). Next, Jason Bukala, Sportsnet's prospect and hockey analyst, comes on the show to discuss Easton Cowan's growth, strengths, and what pick he'd be in this year's draft (50:00). Jason and JD also discuss how NHL t...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Former NBA assistant and video coach Steve Jones Jr. joins JD to analyze the Raptors' young core, what they can mold into, Darko Rajaković's imprint, Scottie Barnes' next steps, Immanuel Quickley's ceiling and more (6:00). After the break, the gents continue the conversation around Gradey Dick and the Raptors' future. Next, Brian Boyle, former Maple Leaf forward and NHL Network analyst, checks-in with JD to describe the locker-room feeling of a team on a win streak, the mentality of depth player...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 38 min
JD starts the week with thoughts on the Maple Leafs' seven game winning streak. Justin Bourne, co-host of The Real Kyper and Bourne , joins JD to discuss the Leafs' potent powerplay, Mitch Marner's recent juice, where Bobby McMann fits, Sheldon Keefe's mindset, John Tavares' new role and Tyler Bertuzzi's importance (11:00). Next, MLB Insider with FanSided , Robert Murry checks-in to breakdown Cody Bellinger's frugal contract, why the Blue Jays didn't beat the offer, if there will be repercussion...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Anthony Petrielli, writer with Maple Leafs Hot Stove , joins JD to discuss if the Leafs have found something during Morgan Rielly's absence, if TJ Brodie should stay on a line with Timothy Liljegren, and penalty kill problems (00:02). JD then tees-up the return of the Raptors and comments on JJ Redick's media criticism. Next, Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling, comes in-studio to get into the Blue Jays' start to Spring Training (50:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the h...
Feb 22, 2024•1 hr 38 min
James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor with The Athletic , joins JD to get into Morgan Rielly's unsuccessful appeal, potential trades for the Leafs, the success of Simon Benoit and Bobby McMann, and Auston Matthews' case for the Hart trophy (8:00). Next, ESPN's Frank Isola, coming off a trending interview with Doc Rivers, checks-in to analyze Rivers' comments, the dysfunctional Milwaukee Bucks, the fallout from an uncompetitive All-Star game and the next face of the league (50:00). The gents end t...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show , joins JD in-studio to get into Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, plus what Blue Jays narratives they are buying or selling (00:00). Craig Simpson, Sportsnet's Colour Commentator and Stanley Cup Champion, checks-in to analyze what's behind the Leafs' recent strong play, Ilya Samsonov's resurgence and the evolution of Auston Matthews. (50:00) The show ends with debate about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steve Nash. The views and opinions expressed in this podca...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 38 min
JD starts the show with thoughts on the NBA's underwhelming All-Star Weekend (00:00). Hailey Salvian of The Athletic joins JD to contrast the popularity of the PWHL to past professional women's hockey league's and apply Brad Treliving's trade history to predict his current situation with the Maple Leafs (15:00). Next, Dan Bylsma, Stanley Cup Champion and current Head Coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL, speaks on the hockey market in southern California, coaching the younger gener...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 38 min
JD opens the show with his thoughts on Pascal Siakam's tenure and reception Wednesday night in Toronto (00:00). Kelly Hrudey, Sportsnet Hockey Analyst, checks-in to break down Ilya Samsonov's rollercoaster ride, mental health training for athletes, which Leafs goalie has a higher ceiling, and the value of Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin (10:00). Raptors reporter Vivek Jacob spends the second hour with JD getting into Siakam's return, his fit with the Pacers, the Raptors' outlook heading into the Al...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 38 min
James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor with The Athletic , discusses why the Leafs are upset about Morgan Rielly's 5-game suspension and why it's a good time for Brendan Shanahan to speak, before sharing more about the Leafs' depth and trade whispers (07:00). JD then gives his thoughts on Pascal Siakam's return and Scottie Barnes' accountability. Ariel Helwani, host of MMA Hour , checks-in to get into the latest happenings and upcoming fights in the UFC (1:00:00). The views and opinions expressed ...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show , joins JD in-studio to discuss the most exciting athletes to watch live, Scottie Barnes' body language, and mentality for the rest of the season (00:00). Cam Janssen, former NHL forward and co-host of the Cam & Strick Podcast, checks-in to share his take on the Rielly-Ridly incident, the suspension process with the NHL's Department of Safety, and how Craig Berube fits with the Maple Leafs (52:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast ar...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 39 min
JD starts the show with his initial Super Bowl thoughts (00:00). Matthew Barnaby, former NHL forward and author of Unfiltered, joins JD to discuss the Morgan Rielly-Ridly Greig incident, before zooming out to determine just how good the Leafs are (10:00). Next, Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and Monday Morning Insider, analyzes what effected the outcome of the Super Bowl, the future of the 49ers and Chiefs, and Patrick Mahomes' G.O.A.T. case (50:00). The gents end the show with 'What We Mis...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Blake Murphy, Co-Host of The Raptors Show , joins JD in-studio to get into the Raptors' roster management and their identity moving forward (00:00). Next, Brady Quinn, former quarterback turned NFL Insider, comes on the show to tee-up the Super Bowl and give his final score prediction (50:00). The show ends with debate about the best way to watch the big game Sunday night. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the positi...
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff's President of Hockey Content, joins JD Bunkis to break down what trade(s) would move the needle for the Maple Leafs, and if John Tavares' battle with the Canada Revenue Agency will affect future athletes coming to Toronto (00:00). Later, JD touches on his frustrations with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s arbitration (40:00). Next, Super Bowl Champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, joins the show to chat about the winning recipe for the Chiefs, t...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 40 min
