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

Why This Year Could be Different for the Leafs w/ Brian Boyle + TML Quarter Grades w/ Ailish Forfar

JD and Ailish Forfar, co-host of The FAN Pre Game Show , draft their report cards for each Maple Leaf and categorize each player based on their 2024-25 season so far (00:00). Next, Ailish helps set the stage for the upcoming PWHL season, before the duo rifts off an item on their A-List (28:00). Brian Boyle, former NHL forward and NHL Network analyst, breaks down why the Leafs are his current pick to make the Stanley Cup Final (51:30). Brian and JD also chat about setting goals in the regular sea...

Nov 27, 20241 hr 38 min

Romano’s Legacy and Jays FA Wishlist w/ Ben Ennis + The Raptors Ethical Tank’s Greatest Point of Frustration & Lamar’s Moment

JD and Ben Ennis from The FAN Morning Show chat about Jordan Romano's time as a Toronto Blue Jay, his legacy here, and where he ranks among Canadians who have played for the team (5:00). JD and Ben also discuss the Jays' off-season rumours and who they'd like to see sign with Toronto (25:00). JD dives into the Raptors' ethical tank; the team's options in crunch time, what question marks can be answered later into the season, and how frustration might settle in (54:00). JD then discusses Lamar Ja...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 37 min

What the Leafs Learned Without Matthews w/ Kris Versteeg + Young QBs That Were Good Are Bad, and Ones Who Were Bad Are Good w/ Brady Quinn

Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, joins JD to discuss the Leafs' lines when Auston Matthews rejoins the team, Mitch Marner's consistency without the captain, Nicholas Robertson, Nikita Grebenkin, Fraser Minten, and Connor Bedard's position in Chicago (00:00). Then, JD delivers 'Stats You Should Know' from the weekend (44:58). After, NFL analyst for FOX, Brady Quinn, breaks down Week 12 of the NFL with JD including: the New York Giants, Jayden Daniels, Kliff Kingsbury, Bryce Young, CJ...

Nov 25, 20241 hr 38 min

Colby Armstrong Turns Heel + Dan Shulman's Cooper Flagg Impressions and Jays Wish List + Jeff Saturday and Nick Arbuckle

JD starts with his rapid fire thoughts before bringing on Jeff Saturday, former NFL quarterback, Colts Hall of Famer and ESPN NFL analyst. Jeff breaks down the New York Jets' disaster, Aaron Rodgers' ultimatum, if the NFL's lacking true contenders, development of young quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson, and the sanctity of locker-rooms (5:00). Colby Armstrong, former NHL winger and Sportsnet NHL analyst, joins JD to chat about sports debates on social media and clean versus dirty hits in the ...

Nov 22, 20241 hr 38 min

Leafs' Trade Market Targets, Young Gun Impressions and the Knies Hit w/ James Mirtle

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD to discuss Zach Whitecloud's hit on Matthew Knies, the discourse on what is and isn't a dirty hit, Fraser Minten, Nikita Grebyonkin, what the Leafs' stars can gain from the younger players, the team's injuries, and which centres would be the best fit in Toronto (00:00). Then, JD breaks down Joel Embiid's latest comments and the dysfunctional 76ers (44:18). Finally, JD finishes the show with his thoughts on streaming giants entering the sport...

Nov 21, 20241 hr 37 min

A Look at the Leafs Young Guys w/ Jason Bukala + the Matthews Mystery Fallout w/ Frank Seravalli

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli joins JD to discuss and dissect Auston Matthews flying to Germany to see a doctor for his mysterious injury. Why are the Leafs insistent on being secretive? How do injury reports in hockey compare to other sports? What part do sportsbooks play in injury status'? (00:00) Frank also chats about Alex Ovechkin's injury and goal chase, Sidney Crosby's lowly Penguins, and the Bruins firing Jim Montgomery (21:00). JD and producer Armen react to news of Tyrese Maxey calli...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 37 min

How the League Missed on Stolarz, Leafs Goalie Trends and Canada’s Goalie Problem w/ Kevin Woodley + Dark Hour w/ Ben Ennis

Good Hour: Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD to talk about the Raptors' playoff chances, the Indiana Pacers, Auston Matthews' similarities to Joel Embiid, and reckless speculation (00:00). Then, the duo dive into fixing the NBA season, incentives for the NBA Cup, and philosophical takeaways from Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul (31:12). Afterwards, Canucks writer for NHL.com and goalie guru, Kevin Woodley, discusses Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, if evaluating goalies has gotten bet...

Nov 19, 20241 hr 38 min

Argos' Championship, Tyson's Flop, Raptors' Ethical Tank and How to Fix the NBA Cup w/ Blake Murphy + Does This Bills Win Mean Something Different Come Playoff Time? w/ Brady Quinn

The Toronto Argonauts are Grey Cup Champions! (00:00) Blake Murphy, co-host of The Raptors Show , joins JD to discuss the boxing and MMA fights from the weekend, the real win for the Raptors, RJ Barrett's progression and role on the team, how to fix the NBA's Emirates Cup, and stats you should know (5:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and FOX Sports analyst, breaks down how the Bills ended the Chiefs' undefeated streak, the surging Steelers, the AFC North, and a positive sign for Caleb Wi...

Nov 18, 20241 hr 38 min

Monster Fight Weekend and the True Jon Jones w/ Ariel Helwani, the Big Three in the NFL w/ Steve Palazzolo + Travis Dermott

Creator of Uncrowned, Ariel Helwani, joins JD at the start of the program to chat about Jon Jones, UFC 309, the new 'old' gloves, what Jones next fight could be, expectations for Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, and the Knicks and Bills confidence levels (00:00). Then, JD talks with Edmonton Oilers Defenceman, Travis Dermott, about media markets, Toronto, Edmonton, the rivalry between the two cities, and Connor McDavid (49:27). After, co-host of "Check the Mic," Steve Palazzolo, talks with JD about the...

Nov 15, 20241 hr 37 min

Chael Sonnen + James Mirtle on Knies’ Importance + Will the Leafs Scoring Return

James Mirtle, senior NHL writer for The Athletic, joins JD to talk about Matthew Knies and his consistent spark in the Leafs lineup, discuss if Toronto has the forward depth to bolster the bottom six, ponder what could be ailing Auston Matthews, Max Domi’s scoring slump, Toronto’s offence and style of play, and Jani Hakanpaa (45:08). Then, JD chats Klay Thompson’s return to Golden State and the rarity of players retiring with one franchise (49:38). After, former UFC superstar and host of the You...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 38 min

Blue Jays Rumour Mill w/ Robert Murray + Is It Too Late to Fix the NBA and the Future of Player Pods w/ Bomani Jones

JD starts the show going over the Leafs 3-0 loss to the Senators (00:00). Bomani Jones, host of The Right Time with Bomani Jones, joins JD to delve into the NBA's Emirates Cup, why professional sports are always chasing something "better", the NBA's style of play problem, how storytelling around the NBA has changed and podcast's hosted by active athletes (7:00). Robert Murray, MLB Insider with FanSided, breaks down the Blue Jays interest in Juan Soto, how the Jays can create flexibility, who asi...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 38 min

Jays Conspiracy Corner w/ Ben Ennis + Trevor May on How to Pitch the Jays, World Series Fallout and Soto

Co-host of The Fan Morning Show, Ben Ennis, joins JD at the top of the program to talk about their Blue Jays conspiracy theories, their belief around Juan Soto to Toronto, Max Fried, and Chris Bassitt (00:00). Then, the two give their thoughts on a tanking season and the NBA Eastern Conference (41:41). After, JD speaks about the juice left in the Battle of Ontario (50:55). Finally, former Major League Pitcher Trevor May joins JD to talk about the Dodgers' World Series win, Shohei Ohtani, a Brent...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 39 min

Which Depth Forwards Can Step Up for the Leafs w/ Justin Bourne + Contenders and Pretenders w/ Brady Quinn

JD gets into the Maple Leafs third consecutive victory without Auston Matthews. Justin Bourne, co-host of The Real Kyper and Bourne, and JD get into the Leafs depth questions, including a closer look at Max Domi, Nick Robertson, and Bobby McMann (5:00). JD and Justin also chat about the Leafs sudden spark on the power-play, incorporating Matthews back into the lineup, if they've noticed something different about Mitch Marner, and Connor Timmins. JD lays out some stats you should know from the we...

Nov 11, 20241 hr 39 min

Deep Dive Into a Deep RFA Crop w/ Luke Fox + What the Jays Have In the Cupboards & Realistic Fixes w/ Kiley McDaniel + Bengals' Window & Likely Letdown Teams w/ Charles McDonald

NHL writer for Sportsnet, Luke Fox, joins JD at the top of the show to talk about the amount of RFAs in the NHL, deal trends, Evan Bouchard, Matthew Knies, Leafs duos, and how Toronto will split the net (00:00). Then, ESPN MLB insider and prospect specialist, Kiley McDaniel, talks with JD about the Blue Jays' farm system, Jake Bloss, Toronto's offseason, and the MLB reliever market (32:00). After, NFL writer for Yahoo, Charles McDonald, joins the program to speak about the fallout for the Bengal...

Nov 08, 20241 hr 38 min

Nazem Kadri + Raptors Red Flags w/ Matt Bonner

JD opens the show explaining one thing that makes sense about the Blue Jays offseason, before sharing his confusion about why the Raptors have the worst defensive rating in the NBA (00:00). Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames forward and author of Dreamer: My Life On The Edge , joins JD to discuss why he got his book out before retirement, his battles for a spot and recognition in the NHL, showing personality in the league, Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel, how his tenure ended with the Toronto Maple Leafs,...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 38 min

Leafs Most Encouraging Signs w/ James Mirtle + Jays Rumours from GM Meetings w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith + NFL's Buyers Market w / Bill Barnwell

James Mirtle, senior writer with The Athletic, analyzes the Maple Leafs after an encouraging 4-0 victory over the Boston Bruins (5:00). JD and James theorize why the Leafs are so successful without Auston Matthews, debate line combinations, and discuss the Atlantic Division, how to get the most from Max Domi, Anthony Stolarz' workload and modern day goaltending science. Ben Nicholson-Smith, Blue Jays and MLB reporter with Sportsnet, checks-in from the GM meetings to chat about the general tenor ...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 38 min

Good Hour: Most Exciting Team in Toronto Sports and Can We Even Talk About Soto? + Brady Quinn on the NFL’s QB Development Problem

Ben Ennis of The FAN Morning Show joins JD at the top of the show to talk about contenders for Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani trauma, Tyler O'Neill, a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract, and the fallout from the World Series for the Yankees (00:00). After, the two speak on the NBA ratings and analytics in sports (38:10). Then, FOX Sports NFL Analyst Brady Quinn joins the program to talk Todd Bowles' decision, NFL coaches and analytics, quarterback play, and feast or famine at the trade deadline (50:27). F...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 38 min

What's Up With Matthews and How Much Has the New Coach Mattered w/ Kris Versteeg + Vince, DeMar, and Drake

JD gets into the Maple Leafs' busy weekend and brings on two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg, to discuss the captaincy's weight on Auston Matthews, Matthews sticking up for Mitch Marner, Ryan Reaves having no fights yet this season, what's different and the same under Craig Berube, Max Domi as the third line centre, and William Nylander asking for more ice-time (00:00). JD then gives his takeaway's from Vince Carter's jersey retirement and Drake's comments (38:00). Herm Edwards, ESPN an...

Nov 04, 20241 hr 38 min

How the Leafs Better Develop Defencemen & the Nylander Coaching Question w/ Justin Bourne + Zach Bogosian + What Matters Most for the Shorthanded Raptors w/ Michael Grange

Justin Bourne, co-host of The Real Kyper & Bourne , joins JD to discuss William Nylander asking for more ice time, Timothy Liljegren's perception and criticism about the Leafs drafting and development (10:00). Zach Bogosian, defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, joins the show to chop it up about Toronto media, being roommates with Mitch Marner, being a professional athlete in the social media era, defending Marner and Halloween (25:30). Michael Grange, Sportsnet's senior Raptors columnist, ana...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 37 min

The Yankees' Choke and World Series Legacy Swings w/ Chris "Mad Dog" Russo & Ben Ennis + Most Desperate NFL Buyers w/ James Palmer + Goodbye Liljegren

JD reacts to news of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading Timothy Liljegren (00:00). Christopher 'Mad Dog' Russo from Mad Dog Radio joins JD to dive into the results from the World Series. JD and 'Mad Dog' discuss the memorable collapse by the Yankees in Game 5, the pressure on Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone, where Juan Soto could end up, and where Freddie Freeman's performance ranks in World Series history (5:00). JD then gets into news of Scottie Barnes' orbital fracture and what it means for the next...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 37 min

Joe Girardi + Dallas Braden on Yankees fans, Roberts' Punt and the Most Legendary World Series Performances

JD explains why a small part of him is now cheering for the Yankees in the World Series (00:00). Frank Seravalli, Hockey Insider at Daily Faceoff, analyzes Nick Robertson against Max Pacioretty, Timothy Liljegren's value and trade market, what Matthew Knies' next contract could look like, Connor Bedard's standing in Chicago, the Oilers' slow start and Connor McDavid's injury timeline (10:00). JD then chops it up about Joe Mazzulla's crazy idea (40:00). Joe Girardi, former World Series Champion w...

Oct 30, 20241 hr 38 min

Where the Leafs Are Winning and the Most Obvious Hole w/ James Mirtle + Eric Hosmer on the Judge Disappearance, Umpires and World Series Winners

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD at the top of the show to talk about the Maple Leafs' 6-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets. They get into penalties, Jake McCabe, the balance on the blue line, conserving Chris Tanev, William Nylander and John Tavares together, spreading the talent out on three lines, Nicholas Robertson's start to the season, and Steven Lorentz (00:00). Then, JD gives his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets (46:19). After, World Series Champion and host of the Diggin' ...

Oct 29, 20241 hr 38 min

Good Hour: Will Yankees Fans Boo Judge and the Biggest Remaining World Series Questions + NFL Week 8 w/ Brady Quinn

Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show , joins JD in-studio to banter about the 2024 World Series. JD and Ben discuss Freddie Freeman's historical walk-off, expectations on Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge's legacy and what would make Yankees fans boo him, and some familiar Maple Leaf feelings (00:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and our Monday Morning Insider, analyzes the hopes for the Dallas Cowboys, Tyrique Stevenson's bone-headed taunt, the sophomore quarterbacks and the most disappoi...

Oct 28, 20241 hr 38 min

What Needs to Change for the Leafs, UFC 308 Star Stock w/ Aaron Bronsteter + Leafs-Bruins Non-Rivalry w/ DJ Bean

Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne , joins JD to talk about the Leafs' blowout loss to the St. Louis Blues, Toronto's lack of chemistry, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Joseph Woll's return, how to fix the powerplay, and what Jake McCabe's next contract could look like (00:00). Then, Aaron Bronsteter, Sportsnet MMA reporter and broadcaster, joins the show to talk UFC 308, Max Holloway, Ilia Topuria, the repercussions for a Magomed Ankalaev win, and selling stock in Khamzat Chimaev (33...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 37 min

Woll’s Return and Pending Leafs Questions w/ James Mirtle + Its One Game but… Raptors and NBA Immediate Takes w/ Joe Casciaro

JD is joined at the top of the show by theScore's lead Raptors and NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro, to talk about the Raptors' season opening loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jamal Shead, Scottie Barnes, fans' interest level in the team, Evan Mobley, Victor Wembanyama, and thoughts from around the league (00:00). Then, Senior Writer for the Athletic, James Mirtle joins the program to talk about Joseph Woll, the goalie split, Dennis Hildeby, pressure on Nick Robertson, Jani Hakanpää and Conor Timmi...

Oct 24, 20241 hr 38 min

Mats Sundin + Kris Versteeg

JD begins the show discussing opening night in the NBA (00:00). Mats Sundin, Maple Leafs all-time leading scorer, joins the show to get into the foundations of his new book 'Home and Away'; the new generation of hockey players, the professionalization of hockey, parting ways with the Maple Leafs, the final years of his career, the return of international hockey and what being Canadian means to him (11:00). Kris Vertseeg, two-time Stanley Cup Champion, analyzes the buttons Craig Berube could pres...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 37 min

Raptors and NBA Season Preview w/ Blake Murphy + Zach Harper

The Raptors Show co-host, Blake Murphy, joins JD at the top of the program to preview the Raptors' season. The two talk about the team rebuilding, expectations for the core in '24-25, and what they need to see from Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes (00:00). Then, the Athletic's Zach Harper joins JD to talk about their overrated and underrated storylines including Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama's connection, the new wave of players, Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets, Joel Embiid and the 76ers, th...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 39 min

Jays Nightmare Bowl World Series, Leafs Third Line Pressure Points + NFL Week 7 Winners and Losers w/ Ben Ennis and Brady Quinn

Ben Ennis, co-host of the The FAN Morning Show , joins JD to kick off the week with Good Hour! JD and Ben react to the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees meeting in the World Series, Juan Soto's value and upcoming payday, what the Jays can take from the Yankees success (00:00). JD and Ben then debate if you can be a 'choker' even if you weren't expected to win (35:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and our Monday Morning Insider, breaks down Patrick Mahomes' season thus far, what's l...

Oct 21, 20241 hr 34 min

Breaking Down the Leafs' Net w/ Carter Hutton + Playoff Chokers, the Clutch King and Greatest Game of the MLB Playoffs w/ Corey Kluber and Ben Ennis

Corey Kluber, 13-year MLB veteran and two-time Cy Young Award winner, joins the show to get into the miraculous walk-off comeback by the Cleveland Guardians, Jose Bautista's bulletin board material, defining clutch, and the novelty of Shohei Ohtani (3:00). The conversation then switches to the Maple Leafs and the thought of signing Brad Marchand as a 2025 free agent if a deal with Mitch Marner never gets done (30:45). Ben Ennis from The FAN Morning Show chats with JD about the Guardians' comebac...

Oct 18, 20241 hr 37 min

Early Leafs Surprises w/ James Mirtle + The NFL’s Developing Trade Market w/ Dan Graziano

JD is joined by James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, to talk about Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, Max Domi, William Nylander, if Anthony Stolarz can lose the net, expectations for Joseph Woll's return, the Maple Leafs being the heaviest team in the league, and Phil Kessel (00:00). After, NFL insider for ESPN, Dan Graziano, joins the show to talk about Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, the Deshaun Watson situation in Cleveland, options for the Kansas City Chiefs, and if Russell Wilson will...

Oct 17, 20241 hr 37 min
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