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Episode 3 - Canada’s NHL Teams: Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 NHL Season
24 Plays6 months ago
The pre-season buzz is building, and Leo and Landan are back to break down the biggest questions facing Canada’s NHL teams ahead of the 2025-26 season.
From McDavid’s contract uncertainty in Edmonton to Toronto’s post-Marner identity, the boys go coast-to-coast with hot takes, predictions, and key storylines to watch.
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Transcript
Introduction and NHL Canadian Teams Overview
00:00:15
Speaker
Welcome back to the Leo and Lando show. I'm your host Leo Ernewein here with co-host Landon Semenuk. Today we're diving into the biggest questions and storylines facing our and NHL Canadian teams as they gear up for another training camp and the new season. No games played just yet, but the anticipation is building from some contract drama and coaching changes to young stars ready to break out. There's plenty to unpack before the puck drops.
00:00:39
Speaker
Lando, what excites you the most ah to see these teams as they get ready to play? Well, nice to be with you again, as
Impact of Offseason Transactions on Playoff Chances
00:00:48
Speaker
always. What I'm looking forward to this season, not so much as with the Canadian teams, but i'm I'm really intrigued to see how the other teams who missed the playoffs last year, how they're going to do. And...
00:01:01
Speaker
um That's my my biggest takeaway from all this is how how are these teams that missed, like I said, how they're going to miss the playoffs from last year.
00:01:12
Speaker
um How are they going to do this year? they going to challenge for a playoff spot, bump these teams out? That's what I'm really intrigued by. And um i mean, there was quite a bit of transactions over the summer and for everybody.
00:01:25
Speaker
And so that's what I'm really looking forward to. It's it's going to be an exciting NHL season. I can't wait for it to get going. It's only 20 days away from the day we're recording. So, so excited.
00:01:37
Speaker
Yeah, that is, you're right, man. There's definitely some new faces and some new places. So it'll be ah interesting to see how it all pans out for everybody in their new respective homes.
Calgary Flames Analysis: Prospects and Challenges
00:01:48
Speaker
We'll move on to, I guess, the the local team around the area here, the Calgary Flames. Ryan Huska, still the head coach. They had a ah tough tiebreaker loss to, you know, fall short just of the playoffs last year. Do you think that they'll get over the hump this year? Expectations surely are for postseason hockey, right?
00:02:08
Speaker
That is correct. i I am excited for the Calgary Flames this year. I i think they've they've kept the team that they pi had from last year. Obviously, they've drafted a few players in this year's draft that Won't will be in their system.
00:02:25
Speaker
Like I'm really excited about Calgary. I think I think they're doing it right. They're doing it quietly, sneakily good. um And and nobody's really talking about them as much as the other teams that we're going to be talking about in the next little bit here.
00:02:40
Speaker
But I'm so excited for the Calgary Flames. How about you with it being in the local area? They're certainly hedging all their bets with that seven-year deal with Dustin Wolf, right? So I hope that works out because I think he's a really good goaltender. It's too bad he's not Canadian. un I mean, it's too bad any of these good goaltenders right out there aren't Canadian.
00:03:01
Speaker
shouldn't say good goaltenders because there's a few that still hold it down between the pipes, Aiden Hill and stuff like that, Logan Thompson. I'm excited for some young prospects you mentioned. ah guys you know getting drafted last year or this year. i I'm excited for 2024 first rounder Zane Parekh, whether he'll make the lineup or not.
00:03:20
Speaker
A few other guys had some pretty good play in the next-gen Young Guns game versus the Oilers. Adar Sunyev was pretty good in that one. ah Matt Vake-Ridden won a first star. he was He just looked electric on both sides.
00:03:35
Speaker
Not necessarily electric. I should say solid on both sides. Just making the right reads, stuff like that. I'm curious if you have any... ah takes on whether... do you think any of those prospects or even guys that already are on the lineup, like Matt Coronado Connor Zeri, whether they could...
Calgary's Goaltending Dilemma: Dustin Wolf Discussion
00:03:51
Speaker
step up and relief some of the pressure on guys like Nazem Qadri and Jonathan Huberto? I do. I think they're going to have a better year. I think Connor Zeri, with him being injured last year as much as he did, I think he's going to, this will be a big year for him. And he got a new contract.
00:04:05
Speaker
And so I think for him, I think he's going to be, I think he's going to be good. Like, I think he'll do well this year. And I think Matt Coronado made a big step last year. um And I think with what's helped with his game out as being,
00:04:20
Speaker
with Jonathan Huberto and Nazem Khadri on his line. I think that's really helped his game ah this last year. And so that's that's where I feel for both players.
00:04:33
Speaker
Nice to see Michael Backlund sign another two-year contract. So he's going a... ah Flames captain for the next include this year and the next two years after that.
00:04:44
Speaker
So very exciting to see about Michael Backlund. You mentioned about Dustin Wolf ah with ah the lengthy contract and unfortunately him being an an American goalie.
00:04:55
Speaker
um One of the things that I worry about with Dustin Wolf. going forward is we've we've seen a history of prospects and high draft picks do really well in their sophomore season, I guess, if you want to call it that, or their rookie season.
00:05:14
Speaker
And then they get these big contracts and all of a sudden, they start going downhill a little bit. So that's my concern with Dustin Wolf. I think he's a fantastic goalie for his size. um I think he's got lots of upside, but I worry that the pressure is going to get to this kid and they're putting a lot of high hopes on him. So that's, that's my concern with, with Calgary going forward is their goaltending. Is it going to be at par where, or,
00:05:41
Speaker
not at par, but where, where, where they want to be ah going on forward as the, as the seasons go on. Yeah. I mean, I think that's a really great take Lando that, that you mentioned, you know, that the expectations for Wolf will be higher now that he's been paid that kind of money.
00:05:57
Speaker
Whereas if he had a down game last year, you know, people would be like, oh, he's, he's, you know, he's, uh, he's breaking out, right? He's, he's still, he's a young goaltender. He's allowed that sort of stuff. I don't know if he's going to be allowed, uh, that seemed kind of leeway now that he's, you know, facing seven more years on the books that, uh, what was it? Like seven, seven mil or something like that. Yeah. something yeah And the other thing too, that they don't have, uh,
00:06:21
Speaker
is they don't really have a solid backup. I mean, Procesov hasn't really shown much potential to be a really good backup because he's bounced around ah with a whole bunch of teams and everything. So I'm i'm a little worried about Calgary's goaltending because last year they had Vladar backing up Wolfe. And so now it's up to Wolfe to carry the load, right?
00:06:42
Speaker
Can you take... the flames for 60 games, right? i mean, is he going to be in, is he going to be too tired by the end of the season? If the flames are in that tight window, like they were last year, is he going to be able to have enough energy to carry them? So that's my concern with the flames.
00:06:58
Speaker
Other than that, I mean, other than that, they've, they've got a pretty good shot and of making the playoffs this year. I think, I think that's another really good point that, uh, you know, the the the majority of the workload, especially when it comes to crunch time, is going to fall on Dustin Wolf. And as you mentioned, their backup might not be able to to carry as much of the load as Dustin Wolf does.
Oilers' Challenges: McDavid's Contract and Depth Issues
00:07:23
Speaker
Could that affect them in the long run? And also another thing that might, you know, hurt them, there's a lot of trade rumors still about Rasmus Anderson and how he's potentially not re-signing and in Calgary.
00:07:35
Speaker
A lot of people think he's going to be out on the trade block well if he's not already. ah That obviously will you know having a top two defenseman taken out of your lineup will obviously affect some of your, some of the play ahead of you. But, you know, speaking of contracts, we'll, we'll shift gears now to the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid contract situation still kind of unsettled.
00:08:01
Speaker
Landon, do you know, do you think that that contract drama affects much of the team's locker room this year? no i don't, I don't think it will. I think there's enough, enough, you know,
00:08:15
Speaker
enough players on there that I think they're they're going to put that aside. But I think what's going to affect the Oilers this year is i like i that drama of if he's going to sign um or not, I think that's really going to affect you know the outside and the outside noise going in. But like I think it'll be business as usual for Edmonton this year. i i don't think it'll affect them.
00:08:38
Speaker
um But i I want to say this to the other fans out there that I really – I think he has every right to be doing what he's doing. I think he's taking his time this year to see how this team's going to do this week this year. Cause last year they had another tough start after losing the Stanley cup.
00:08:59
Speaker
And is the, is that going to happen again with the, with that them this year? So i that's, that's where I'm at with the Oilers is i I is, and Connor McDavid is,
00:09:12
Speaker
how is their season going to go? And I think that's going to be based on how McDavid signs or not. and and And if he does, it's not going to be an eight-year contract. It's going to be like a three-, four-year contract.
00:09:24
Speaker
And I still think he'll be the highest paid player in the NHL. But if if he does re-sign with the Oilers, that's where I think he's going to – um going to sign is going to be a three, four year window. It won't be like something like what Leon dry style sign.
00:09:38
Speaker
And so it'll be very similar to what like Evan Bouchard signed this off season. That'll be a, like a three, four year contract window there. There, there, there. I don't know what the Edmonton. I think I like, I'm not doing this based on bias because I don't like, I don't like the Edmonton owners, but this is honestly,
00:09:58
Speaker
I think the Edmonton Oilers are in a little bit of a decline. I don't think they have ah enough depth anymore. they had They lost a lot of guys this year. And that's i think I think the Edmonton Oilers are in a little bit of trouble this year. How do you feel?
00:10:14
Speaker
yeah I don't know. i kind of agree with you in that sense that I think the Warriors playoff window, or at least cup contention window, is more shut
Maple Leafs Post-Marner Era and Youth Movement
00:10:23
Speaker
than it was open. But, you know, that tends to happen when you've made the Stanley Cup finals the last two years, right? it's it's not going to The door's not going to stay open forever.
00:10:33
Speaker
So that's to be expected. What more concerns me, I think, is... if you know, um similar to the Rasmus Anderson situation where we're, we're at the hands of time right now, where we're going to wait for rest with Anderson, likely till the trade deadline for him to be dealt.
00:10:51
Speaker
Um, who knows where that goes? Who knows if Calgary is in contention? If, if, if, if maybe, maybe he does resign, you know, maybe he stays in Calgary after,
00:11:04
Speaker
um With McDavid, what concerns me is, you know, whether this season is a success success or not, well, I guess it all all matters on this season because it's surely cup or bust, but what will he, you said you mentioned and he'll probably be the highest paid player after.
00:11:20
Speaker
You don't think he's going to go for some sort of especially if they don't have success or at least playoff success this season. If they don't, you don't think he's going to go for kind of a hometown discount to stay maybe a couple, like a bridge contract in Edmonton? Because I agree with you that I don't think it's going to be eight years. I think he wants to sign ah another deal in his, you know, at least during his prime or close to um besides this one.
00:11:45
Speaker
But because I, you know, he's what, 28, 29, he'll be this three-year deal. We'll get him to 33, 32.
00:11:53
Speaker
um he'd still be in his prime after that. I just think that I would love to see him sign, like ah give him a, give him a Sidney Crosby deal, sign him for 9.7 for four or five years and see how that works out.
00:12:07
Speaker
Like I, I can't speak for Connor McDavid cause I don't know where, it where he's at, but I just know based on the interviews that I've, I've listened to of him from, you know, Ryan Rashog and, uh,
00:12:18
Speaker
you know, Ellie Friedman and Kyle Bukoskis, that it doesn't sound very promising what he's talking about going forward with the Edmonton Oilers. Like, I mean, when you think you think about all the guys that they've lost, you know, Dylan Holloway, which had career year with St. Louis, along with Philip Broberg.
00:12:39
Speaker
I mean, they they traded Warren Fogel to Los Angeles, then got Victor Arvidsson back, and then they traded Victor Arvidsson basically for nothing to Boston for a fourth-round draft pick.
00:12:51
Speaker
And, you know, they they lost Connor Brown. They they traded Evander Kane away. Corey Perry signed with the Los Angeles Kings. I mean, yeah, they brought in Maji Apani. They signed Kaepernick.
00:13:03
Speaker
they brought They signed long-term with Trent Frederick, and they signed Curtis Lazard. There's not a lot of depth on this team. So I i don't i don't know. i think there's a little hesitation on on McDavid. I think that's why i think he's just going to hold off and see how the season goes and see what see how the how the pieces line up and and go from there. that i think i think his frustration of not winning is winning the Stanley Cup the last two years. I think that's and it's definitely showing.
00:13:34
Speaker
i I think I'm going to agree with you there too, man, with all the names you listed on the way out there, Connor Brown, Warren Fogold, you know, Evander Kane. Those are, I wouldn't necessarily call them high scoring guys, but they bring some grit. They bring some toughness. Those guys go into the corners and win you those battles, right?
00:13:52
Speaker
The names that are coming in, I'm not sure if that's going to necessarily replicate the same kind of success. i I'm concerned about the Edmonton Warriors again this year. um We'll switch gears to a team that I'm way more concerned about, though, out east, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
00:14:08
Speaker
you know Mitch Marner obviously signing with Vegas in the offseason after that whole drama and playoff exit. Lando, with Marner gone, do you see anybody stepping up to fill that offensive void out in Toronto?
00:14:20
Speaker
Well, that's a pretty tough one to to fill into the void, isn't it, right? Like, yeah that's ah i mean that that's a lot of goal scoring. That's a lot of assists and everything.
00:14:31
Speaker
i think what i'm I'm really intrigued with the Toronto Maple Leafs is how they go forward without them. um Now it's not the core four anymore. ah It's now the core three. And I don't know...
00:14:47
Speaker
I don't know if they have enough goal scoring on their team to carry the team to carry them going forward. I don't think they have enough grit. I don't think they ah really did anything to improve themselves.
00:14:59
Speaker
I mean, the yeah, they signed John Tavares, which is great. He had a great year last year. But they they really haven't improved their defense. They haven't improved their goaltending. They haven't really done anything to really improve themselves.
00:15:12
Speaker
And when you have the up and comers of the Ottawa senators, ah the Montreal Canadians, and, you know, obviously the Florida Panthers are still going to be probably phenomenal this year. And you still, Tampa Bay is still knocking on the door and eventually Detroit will.
00:15:30
Speaker
ah And, i they they're I think they're in a little bit of trouble too, just like Edmonton. I think, you know, long-term contracts with all these players um are really affecting the Toronto Maple Leafs' ability to do anything.
00:15:45
Speaker
And that's where I'm at with the Toronto Maple Leafs. I know you're a big fan of them, Leo. What's your take on your favorite team in the NHL? Easton Cowan for rookie of the year, baby.
00:15:58
Speaker
Let's go. Number one. No, I'm just kidding. um Yeah, i'm I'm seriously concerned about this team. Like, as you mentioned, ah you know, you're kind of comparing them to the Oilers a little bit. I am too, in the sense that their window is on its its it's closing, man. And it's closing faster than I would like. As somebody who didn't really like or didn't really agree with the idea of the core four and locking up that much...
00:16:24
Speaker
of your salary cap based off of that little amount of players, even though the talent is there. It just, to me, it never made sense when it comes to spreading talent across a roster for guys that I think would step up this year. Matthew Nyes to me,
00:16:39
Speaker
I think he's just poised for a breakout year. you know, he's big, he's strong. Toronto has been lacking that kind of power forward style player pretty much my entire career or my entire life following them, not my career, but I'm really hoping that he can make the next step again.
00:16:58
Speaker
I don't think he's Canadian though. So, boo. No, just kidding. I love you Americans. But yeah. Anything else you want to add on the Maple Leafs there, Landon? Well, I think it'll be definitely... I think Craig Berube is definitely going to have a little bit more better handle of the team. And I i think i think the team drama...
00:17:18
Speaker
is definitely going to be out out out of this team. I don't think, I actually think Mitch Marner was definitely a poison on that team. yeah I mean, you could, you definitely could see it in their play and how they finished the year off last year that I think, think mark I think the Toronto Maple Leafs were due for a change with their roster. And we'll we'll see, we'll see. I mean,
00:17:39
Speaker
Teams out teams are out that that are assembled, they're always there to to prove us all wrong. And there's always surprises. So, i mean, if Toronto and Edmonton have a phenomenal start, you know, I will come back on our podcast and say I apologize to every single Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs fan out there.
00:18:01
Speaker
Well, like you say, one one man's trash can be another man's treasure. or In the case of the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers, one man's trash can be another man's captain,
New Leadership and Development Under Adam Foote
00:18:12
Speaker
i guess. ah You know, and life after JT Miller, as he was announced as the New York Rangers captain a couple days ago, Vancouver Canucks new head coach Adam Foote at the helm.
00:18:22
Speaker
What kind of changes do you anticipate from the Canucks this year under Foote's leadership there, Landon? Well, I don't think there's going to much, but also I want to congratulate JT Miller for being captain of the New York Rangers, right? I mean, a great great guy. I mean, again, another American story. Sorry to our American listeners.
00:18:39
Speaker
We're picking on you tonight. What just happened today? We were just, it's just one of those nights. It's been, it's been a whirlwind for for the United States last little bit. So I think we can throw a little comedy just like Jimmy Kimmel did over the last little bit that we can throw a little comedy at, at the Americans, but, and we do apologize. We're we're doing it for fun guys. So just just don't cancel us.
00:19:01
Speaker
Yeah. Just don't cancel us. Exactly. But and back to the Vancouver Canucks, like i I think this is a very big year for everybody. And not just for, I don't think Adam Ford is going to on the hot seat, but this is going to very big year for everybody.
00:19:17
Speaker
Now that this whole JT Miller, Elias Patterson drama has is out the door, This is going to be, like I said, this is going to be a very big year for all of them. And with Besser being signed long-term, Elias Pedersen, I'm told, has gotten bigger, as in more muscle, which is... yeah you probably thirteen pounds Yes, that's insane. 13 pounds. So that's, that's great to hear that maybe he won't get injured as much. Maybe that's something that i he needed improve on from last year was that he needed to get stronger. So he's, Elias Patterson is going to have to have a big year.
00:19:59
Speaker
Just like, you know, anything, just like what we talked about with ah Rasmus Anderson with the Calgary Flames and Connor McDavid with the Edmonton Oilers, what's going to happen with Quinn Hughes, right? Like yeah Quinn Hughes is due for a contract at the end of this season, I believe, Leo, I think, if I'm not mistaken, or if not next year. I think i think this is his final year of this contract, but and I apologize I don't have the info in front of me. You're going to correct me when you have your take.
00:20:31
Speaker
Next year. Is it next year? At the end of next year? Okay. So he is due for a new contract in two years, which is great. um So they have them for two more years. But ah like I said, this is going to have to be a turnaround year for Vancouver. And I actually think Vancouver is going to make the playoffs. I think they they've got enough enough talent on their team that they can turn this around.
00:20:55
Speaker
And with having an Evander Kane as your kind of your grit guy, I think that'll really help this team What's your take? what's your take Yeah, I think I'm going to have to agree with you there, Landon. You've been pretty much spot on today there, man. Like Evander Kane, he's getting second. Oh, I don't if he was getting second line minutes at the ah day one of Canucks training camp that was out in Penticton today.
00:21:20
Speaker
He was on the ice with Philip Eitel and Jonathan Lekermacki. They all practiced together as a unit. ah Line one looked to be Elias Pettersson with Jake DeBrusque and a broke but Brock Besser, of course.
00:21:33
Speaker
um You know, Canucks still open their preseason action on Sunday at five when they visit the Kraken. I think the Flames are doing a a split squad, inter-split squad game against the Oilers. One in Edmonton at Rogers Place at six and the other one in Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome at six.
00:21:49
Speaker
um But yeah, I'm not sure if ah For me, I think Vancouver just has to stay healthy, man. they They've been getting that injury bug...
00:22:02
Speaker
that have bitten them, whether it's Thatcher Demko or, you know, other guys and stuff like that. And then you mentioned Quinn Hughes too, with the, you know, that talk about his younger brother, Jack, him, they wanted to play together. And most people I think know that it's likely not going to be in Vancouver. If those brothers do link up, especially with Luke and Jack already on the devil's roster.
00:22:27
Speaker
Yeah, it would be unfortunate. i' I would hate to see Vancouver lose, you know, probably i would say the second best defenseman in the league behind Cale McCarr. That would be absolutely devastating. i agree.
00:22:41
Speaker
Yeah. Speaking of devastating somebody with a solid year last year, solid regular season, at least Winnipeg Jets, you know, president's trophy winner and have ah faded a little bit in the
Winnipeg Jets' Playoff Hopes Amidst Injuries and Changes
00:22:52
Speaker
playoffs there, Landon. Do you think they have the, you know, how can they translate their regular season success to the end of the postseason this year?
00:22:59
Speaker
Well, Winnipeg's another one that I'm i'm a little 50-50 on too because, I mean, shout out to Jonathan Tace for coming back, right? like i That is so exciting to see him back.
00:23:11
Speaker
It's too bad that you know he had to um be away for a couple years because of long-term COVID. But it's nice to see him back. ah He looks rejuvenated. He looks...
00:23:23
Speaker
excited to be back and he's playing for his hometown team. So john having Jonathan Tays on your roster as a leader and, you know, hopefully he'll be able to contribute and in a lot of different ways. It'll be interesting where theyla where they slot him in.
00:23:37
Speaker
um i think what's going to hurt Winnipeg this year is Adam Lowry is going to be out for a good chunk of the start of the year, of their captain. That's a huge blow for the Winnipeg Jets. And that's going to be a huge blow for their third line to fill in that void for the first, at least for the first couple months of the regular season.
00:23:59
Speaker
um I don't know where Winnipeg goes. I, they've lost a lot of their players as well. um And I, I think another, problem that winnipeg has is i don't really have a lot of faith in connor halibut i i don't i think he's overrated and i don't think he has enough between the ears to carry the team to the promised land and you need solid goaltending not only just in the regular season i mean he's obviously proven it in the regular season that he can be a regular goaltender uh throughout the rate or excuse me he can be a ah consistent goaltender is what i'm trying to say
00:24:38
Speaker
yeah with Connor Hallibuck in Winnipeg. But when it comes to the playoffs, he's an absolute no-show and he struggles. And so thats that's the part that I'm worried about Winnipeg is if they make the playoffs, are they are they going to be the same story, get bounced out the first or second round? That's that's my concern with the Winnipeg Jets.
00:25:04
Speaker
Um, and you know, they are playing in a very, very tough central division with Colorado, Dallas, that I, Utah is going to make a step up. Uh, the, the Utah mammoth are going to make a step up, like I said, but yeah they have Nashville, St. Louis made a big step last year. So this is a very tough division. So I don't know.
00:25:26
Speaker
i don't know where Winnipeg is going to sit. Um, this year i don't know if they have enough goal scoring i guess it's going to be how far can strife lee and con and connor's take them is basically what i i think is going to happen with winnipeg another american kyle connor's of course he led the team in goals last year with like 47 or something like that yeah and as you uh and connor hallebuck and connor hallebuck an american goaltender again yeah um At least Jonathan Taves is Canadian, you know, Captain Sirius back in his hometown, which is a pretty cool story.
00:26:01
Speaker
Senator Adam Lowry is going to be out till probably October, early November with hip surgery, it looks like. So as you mentioned, that'll be a... definite blow yeah it's it's tough to see winnipeg at least for me repeating success atop the league i mean that division is just stacked i always have dallas and colorado one and two either you know interchangeable at the top of that division there um And i think it's going to be a tough go for those jets continuing forward here.
00:26:36
Speaker
We'll move on to the Ottawa Senators' stable ownership now in place with the ownership settled.
Senators' Playoff Prospects: Leadership and Goaltending
00:26:43
Speaker
Can the Senators build on last season's success and make the playoffs again, Landon, do you think?
00:26:49
Speaker
I think they can. Yeah, i think I think that was a big step forward, what they did last year. I mean, they definitely pushed Toronto to um game six, and they they gave Toronto lots of what's of trouble.
00:27:03
Speaker
um But I think what dug themselves in a hole last year was being down 3-0 to Toronto, and that's a lot to come back on. But my my and here's my concern with Ottawa.
00:27:16
Speaker
i I have lots of faith in Travis Green as their head coach, but here I have a problem with their captain. And again, I don't know why we're picking on American study. It's hilarious how we're how we're doing this. But matt Brady Kachuk is the captain of the Ottawa Senators.
00:27:35
Speaker
I don't know if he's the leader that they need in Ottawa. I don't know if he's... a strong like he's not a i don't think he's a strong leader i think he he causes lots of problems for that team and do i do i think he's a good hockey player yes i do but i my pro i don't think they have enough leadership on that team and now they're putting a lot of faith on uh jake sanderson as their you know their puck moving defenseman um
00:28:08
Speaker
And then, you know, and I think also Linus Allmark is a question and mark with goaltending, right? Like everybody has lots of excitement for him from coming from Boston, you know, being that dynamic duo in Boston.
00:28:22
Speaker
But when you look at when you look at Linus Allmark last year, he had an injury-plagued year last year. And so can he stay healthy? Can he lead this team um again into the playoffs and stay healthy?
00:28:38
Speaker
because they don't have Anton Forsberg as their backup like they did last year. So that there's a lot of question marks with leadership on that team and goaltending again for that team. again for that team so But do I think Ottawa can make the playoffs? Yes, I do.
00:28:54
Speaker
I think they've got enough talent on their team. But like I said, I think leadership and goaltending is a problem with Ottawa. Here's where I'm going disagree with you for the first time. I don't think Ottawa makes the playoffs this year.
00:29:09
Speaker
To me, I think Klojiru has another year where father time kind of catches up to him. Same with David Perron, where they just continue to slow down. um i kind of agree with you on that Brady Kachuk take, where I don't know if he's necessarily the leader that they need.
00:29:24
Speaker
They need a bit more of a... I'm not sure if a quiet guy is the right response, but Brady Kachuk kind of strikes me as a bit more of like a Brett Hall guy, where he's... He's an awesome score, top line player, yada, yada, yada. But he's, he's not going to be your captain, right? You want like a Stevie y something like that.
00:29:40
Speaker
ah here's for Tim Stutzel to be captain. No, I'm just kidding. but He could be. I love Tim, Timmy Steve. he's he's He's good. I really like him.
00:29:50
Speaker
um Jake Sanderson, Artan Zub, probably to be the top pairing. ah Nick Jensen out with a major injury as well. That'll be a a big blow to them. I think he's got a hip replacement surgery or something like that. So not sure when he's coming back, but...
00:30:08
Speaker
You know, who who goes with Thomas Chabot when... when and to pair with them, right? like And then you mentioned Linus Allmark as well. He's got, i think he's now hitting that new, what is it, like $8.3 million dollars cap hit in his new contract or something like that.
00:30:26
Speaker
So certainly if he doesn't perform between the pipes, there's going to be some questions raised there. And Anton Forsberg no longer is their backup goalie. I think it's Levi Merrillanen, 23-year-old, doesn't really have a lot of experience.
00:30:40
Speaker
I mean, he could be a breakout story for them. Another thing with ah know Nick Jensen, potentially not going to return to the ice soon. Former Hitman player Carter Yakumchuk and a former first-round pick for the for the Ottawa Senators could ah potentially make the roster, and that could be kind of a cool story. He's he's pretty good. he's got a rich he's i don't know if he's right or left shot, actually, but he's a pretty good defenseman.
00:31:05
Speaker
Two-way defenseman. Yep. And also they have Bernard Docker. Shout out to a Canmore boy. I don't know if you know him, Leo, from ah the Canmore minor hockey days, but shout out to him. And he hopefully makes the roster, actually, because he's been kind of in and out of the and NHL and the American Hockey League, right? so Yeah, shout out Jacob Bernard Docker. That's cool.
00:31:33
Speaker
We're done. So we'll jump over to the Montreal Canadiens here. that I think they surprised many and probably themselves last year with a little bit of a playoff experience. in what we playoff I think they surprised many last season, maybe themselves with a ah playoff appearance and what should have been or what we were expecting a rebuild year. Landon, do you think the Canadians can repeat a playoff run again this year? We'll feel more like it should be a rebuild the year.
00:32:02
Speaker
like it would have been last year. Yeah, I know what you're saying.
Canadiens' Young Core and Playoff Potential
00:32:06
Speaker
With Montreal, Montreal I think is probably, of all the Canadian teams, I think they're going to be the most exciting to watch.
00:32:13
Speaker
But here's the thing with Montreal. can they Can they continue? like This is going to be another big year for them too. Can they make that next step to be one of the, I would say, the middle of the road um in the pack when it comes to the Eastern Conference?
00:32:31
Speaker
um i I think, you know, Cole Caulfield, Nick Suzuki, Slikovsky. I mean, they've added their stud defenseman, Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders.
00:32:44
Speaker
Do I think they have enough on their team to carry them? Yes, I do. Do I think they have goaltending? Yes, I do. um But do they have enough goal scoring is going be the problem with Montreal.
00:32:56
Speaker
That's what have killed them last year in the playoffs against Washington is that they didn't have enough size. They didn't have and enough grit. to tangle with Washington and, you know, like Tom Wilson ran all over him last year. Right. I mean, you remember in the playoffs, Tom Wilson just absolutely barreled through guys all, but all series and it really, and he was a difference maker. And so that's where I'm at with Montreal is I, they have so much in the cupboards when it comes to prospects and they have so much talent on their team.
00:33:31
Speaker
like I said, from the top with Montreal, can they get into now from being kind of on the cusp the playoffs and being wildcard team, can they...
00:33:43
Speaker
take that next step and be kind of in the middle of the pack. I think Montreal is going to make the playoffs. I do. I think, I think that division is definitely on a a little bit of a i shift when it comes to um where teams fit in the playoffs.
00:33:59
Speaker
That's where I'm seeing Montreal. What's your take? i You know, I'm kind of torn because as a Leafs fan, I don't really want to see Montreal make the playoffs. but i You know, their core is so much more exciting than what Toronto has or than what most of the Canadian teams have. I mean, Nick Suzuki and...
00:34:21
Speaker
and you're off. Sokoski are a year older. ah you know, Demidov will probably see a full year of, which will be great. That'll be really exciting. Cause you know, him in the playoffs last year was, was something else.
00:34:33
Speaker
Question marks around Kirby doc, whether can you stay healthy? Yeah, exactly. Whether he'll be able to manage that kind of workload. And what kind of version of Patrick Lonnie will we get as well? Right? Like, can he stay healthy?
00:34:48
Speaker
ah Exactly. anything else you want to touch on about Montreal? Well, I, like, I think this is going to be a big year for Sam Monteball too, because with the Olympics coming up, I mean, he was in the Hockey Canada orientation camp or however you want to call it.
00:35:05
Speaker
I think this is going a big year for Sam to show, can he make it, make that Olympic roster like he did with the Four Nations faceoff? And can he push maybe one of the goaltenders out?
00:35:18
Speaker
I think Aiden Hill and, uh, Jordan Bennington are still their one-twos. But, I mean, this is going to big year for Sam Montable to prove everybody wrong. that yeah Can he push one of those guys out to be the backup and a for Hockey Canada?
00:35:34
Speaker
And also, can he stay consistent like he did last year? I mean, ah he had a phenomenal year last year. I think... That's where my take on Montreal. and i And it's nice to see Martin St. Louis. i think he's a great fit for those young young players in Montreal. So, like I said, i i think they've got like I think they've got a lot of upside with Montreal.
00:35:55
Speaker
And I think what of all the Canadian teams, like I said, I think they're going to be the most exciting to watch and going forward this season. I agree with you. And I think, you know, that'll be probably the case for the next couple of years here. And it's just whether St. Louis and the team can avoid like a slow start like they had last year, where they like four, nine and two or something to start the season. And it wasn't, they didn't come out of the gates roaring, ah but likely some consistent goaltending play will help steady the hand there. So hopefully that'll be the case for the Montreal Canadiens.
Surprise or Underperform: Canadian Teams Speculation
00:36:32
Speaker
We'll jump into segment two here. ah Bold predictions, Lando. Which Canadian team will surprise you the most? Is it the Canadians there? i think that team i think the team that might might surprise all of us is I think it will it'll be Vancouver.
00:36:47
Speaker
i think i think I actually wanted to touch a little bit more about Vancouver a little bit. I think Jake DeBrus is going to have a little bit better of a year this year. i think last year being on a new team, new city, trying to feel everything out, I think he's going to have a better year.
00:37:01
Speaker
I actually think Demko is going to be okay this year too as their goaltender. So I think of all the teams that I think that we've touched on, I think Vancouver will surprise a lot of us and be kind of where they were two years ago.
00:37:14
Speaker
i think the team that's going to slip a little bit this year is going to be Winnipeg. I think they're of all the teams that are going to slip, I think it'll be Winnipeg um based on you know, how tough the the division.
00:37:26
Speaker
And so my my my my my seven kind of, you know, how they do that, you know, ranking the one to seven for the Canadian teams. I think the first place team that's going to be the top of the league Canadian teams ah as far as, you know, standing and everything. I still think your Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be number one.
00:37:49
Speaker
I think, god um I think, I still think Edmonton might be two or three. Calgary is going to be maybe two, three. Vancouver is going to be three, four.
00:38:01
Speaker
Um, Montreal, I think, is going to be around 3-4. Ottawa is going be kind of maybe 5-6. That's kind of where I'm i'm i'm at. I think i think that the team that's going to be the most surprising will be Vancouver.
00:38:16
Speaker
and i And then I think, can Montreal, like you said to ask me, can Montreal be the most exciting Canadian team we have? i I think they will. For me, I think it's going to be the Calgary Flames. I just think that they've solidified their goaltending and hopefully that'll continue to be the case.
00:38:35
Speaker
And whether question marks still linger around Rasmus Anderson's contract, they still have one of the most solid decors in the league. So hopefully I think Calgary will take the next step forward and get us some playoff hockey out West this year.
00:38:50
Speaker
I think for my one to seven, I'd probably go Edmonton. Number one, Toronto two Calgary three, and I'm kind of interchangeable between Montreal and Vancouver here. I think much, I think Vancouver has the,
00:39:03
Speaker
more likelihood to have a better season, but I think Montreal is the higher long-term upside. it's just whether they'll get it together this year or not. And then of course, uh, I got Winnipeg also falling down quite, quite down the list there.
00:39:16
Speaker
And then the Sands at the bottom, just cause I, uh, I don't believe in Brady Kachuk, right? Tim Stutzel. Yeah. ah opponents But do you have a bold rookie of the year breakout pick or anything like that?
00:39:29
Speaker
I don't, but it'd be interesting to see what that that Howard guy, um I forget what his first name is, but his last name is Howard. they The Edmonton Warriors picked him up.
00:39:40
Speaker
from the Tampa Bay Lightning over the – oh, Isaac Howard, I think his name is. Isaac Howard, yeah. Yes. It'll be interesting to see how he fits in with the Edmonton Oilers this year.
00:39:54
Speaker
um i don't think a lot of the rookie guys are really going make the teams – I and don't think they're really going to um make any – splashes as far as as far as you know rookie race and scoring leader that I can think of I mean I think you know as the season goes on we'll talk more about that I'm about how the rookies are doing and see where they're at and it's really hard to really hard to pick right now because you know training camp just just started we don't know which players are going to make the teams or anything like that but I would be interested to see how this Howard guy for the Edmonton Oilers where he fits
00:40:33
Speaker
How about you, man? Yeah, I like Howard as a winger. He's, you know, he's bringing some youth to that team, which I think is, you know, Edmonton's made the finals last two years when they're talking about blue chip prospects. It's not a bad problem to have on where to fit him in, right? So I think that's a good thing.
00:40:50
Speaker
For me, the rookie of the year, I think the clear favorite's got to be Ivan Demidov, right? I think he's going to get at least top six minutes, probably right behind Nick Suzuki at that center position or if not, out on the wing.
00:41:01
Speaker
A sleeper, though, I'd put Jimmy Snuggerud from the ah St. Louis Blues. ah Just an awesome shot. And I really like his name, so that's why he's my sleeper.
00:41:13
Speaker
Zane Breck would be really cool if he made the lineup for, or if he made the roster out in Calgary. Not quite sure where they'd fit him in, but he's got a lot of yeah offensive skills, right shot defenseman. i'd I'd kill to have him on the Maple Leafs. That's for sure.
00:41:26
Speaker
I just wanted to hear your
Sidney Crosby's Potential Move to Colorado
00:41:28
Speaker
thoughts. you You had some stuff about the Avalanche and Penguins that you wanted to mention. we talk i like to talk about Pittsburgh because I think Sidney Crosby is kind of in the same boat as Connor McDavid, right? like But the only difference between McDavid and mcdavid and Crosby is that McDavid's on a, you know, quote unquote Stanley cup can end contending team where Pittsburgh, they are in a full on rebuild.
00:41:55
Speaker
And it'll be very interesting to see ah how Crosby handles it this year. He seems to be very positive about going forward. um I think he's kind of in the same boat. I think,
00:42:10
Speaker
I think it'll be interesting to see how Pittsburgh goes. They've got a new coach. How is Crosby and him going to get along? Is it going to be the same, know, is it going to be same great relationship that he and Solvin have with Crosby and Hughes?
00:42:27
Speaker
I don't know. i think Pittsburgh's window is definitely closed. I think the the elite team, three or core three.
00:42:38
Speaker
I think they're, the age is definitely caught up to them. And I think Crosby will probably be on a different team by the end of the year. And that's where I'm at with Pittsburgh. I think that's, yeah, I think Crosby is going to be on another team.
00:42:52
Speaker
And why, why I think, why I want to talk about Colorado is I think that's where Crosby is going to go. I, I think, I think with Colorado, with Nathan McKinnon and how McKinnon and Crosby, um,
00:43:06
Speaker
got along at the four nations and how they did so much together. i think it'd be very, very cool for those two, those two players to, to play. And I think Colorado still has lots of Stanley cup aspirations. Still. I think they still have a lot in the tank.
00:43:23
Speaker
And I think that's where Crosby, I think might go um to try at least challenge for the Stanley cup. Then I think he might go play with his childhood team in Montreal as a free agent, may it possibly sold.
00:43:36
Speaker
That's my bold prediction. Colorado, I think, is going to be really fascinating this year because they keep getting bounced out of the first round after they've won the Stanley Cup.
00:43:47
Speaker
Obviously, everybody who knows me, they are my favorite team. They're my number one team. um I think Colorado still has a lot in the tank left. Now, their depth is definitely going to be challenged because I think they're still going to have to ride their stars a ton this year.
00:44:03
Speaker
And I think what I'm really excited about is actually getting a full, full season of Gabriel Landeskog. He's back. And I guess he had a great offseason this year.
00:44:15
Speaker
um He was able to actually do for full-on workouts this year or this summer to get himself ready for training camp, which is great to see. No injuries, no nothing.
00:44:28
Speaker
Great to see um to see him doing so well. And I think for Colorado, i like I said, they're going to be, they still have a their Stanley Cup window is still open.
00:44:41
Speaker
But I think for the first time in 10 years, I think Jared Abendar is on the hot seat. Interesting. So Crosby potentially out the door in Pittsburgh. if If the Penguins get another another first overall pick, I'm going to rage.
00:44:59
Speaker
um And you are absolutely spoiled with the success that the Avalanche has given you over the course of your life. God, I wish I picked them as my favorite hockey team. That would have been cool. loved Joe Sackett as a kid.
00:45:10
Speaker
you know Watching him and Milan Hayduk and Peter Forsberg. you know guy Former Flame Alex Tangay was part of that roster for a time. Chris Drury. They had Adam Foote on the D-line with Rob Black. Go on and on. That team was electric, man. They were fun to watch. And Patrick Waugh.
00:45:28
Speaker
Oh yeah. they You can't forget about Patrick. wall right They, they had, they've had some good years and, but you know what, they also, because of those good years when the salary cap came or when the salary cap came around in 2005, 2006, that really hurt them because they were an older team and they had to cut some guys out from their, you know, their Stanley cup winning window. And,
00:45:55
Speaker
they traded a lot of draft picks away that they really had to rebuild. And there was some ugly years in, in Colorado, let me tell you, but they've turned it around a little bit in it. And it's been very exciting and within the last, since Jared Bender has taken over that as head coach, it's been an absolute upswing, but like I said, it's going to be, I think for the first time, i don't, I don't know why, but I think I've heard lots of rumors that, you know, Jared Bender is going to be on the hot seat this year. If he can't at least,
00:46:24
Speaker
get Colorado to the Western Conference final. I'd probably agree with that, man. They have the talent to get there. It's, ah you know, sometimes when when the job isn't done, somebody's got to take the blame. And usually it's the GM or a head coach that gets fired as the scapegoat,
Kopitar's Legacy and Kings' Stanley Cup Aspirations
00:46:41
Speaker
right? So one other thing here that I wanted to touch base on before we wrap things up, Anzi Kopitar, number 11 of the LA Kings, wrapping up his career after this year.
00:46:51
Speaker
It'll be his 20th year in the league. You know, Kopitar is an absolute legend. He still played at an elite level last year, notching, what was it, like 67 points, something like, something close to that.
00:47:03
Speaker
Kopitar is also... 40th in NHL history and points with like 1,278. And he's also the leading scorer in Kings history, franchise leader in games played as well with 1,454 leader in Kings assists with 838 was their leading scorer in 15 of his first 19 seasons there. That guy's just a staple in LA. Surely they're going to be retiring as number 11. What do you got to say about Rense Kopitar?
00:47:31
Speaker
Yeah, you know what? Kopitar is one of my favorite hockey players. I mean, he he's the reason why i started liking Los Angeles again because of him. I mean, obviously, having Mike Richards and Jeff Carter there um kind of helped that a little bit too. And, you know, Drew Doughty. But Anze Kopitar, I mean...
00:47:52
Speaker
he He led the Los Angeles Kings to two Stanley Cups where Wayne Gretzky couldn't even do it, right? I mean, Jose Koberdor has been a phenomenal hockey player. He's been, you know, he works very hard. He's a leader.
00:48:07
Speaker
And i it'll be sad to see him go at the end of the year. And way before... you know, Anze Kopitar announced his retirement. I actually had Los Angeles as the Stanley Cup winner, to be to be honest with you this year. I actually think they've got enough talent and enough grit on their team that I think they can actually push for to make it to the Stanley Cup final and actually win it. So that's my bold prediction this year is Los Angeles is going to be the Stanley Cup winner this year.
00:48:39
Speaker
Quinton Byfield for Art Ross Trophy. Yeah, I could see that. I could see that too, actually. Yeah, I could. like yeah there's There's lots of upside in Los Angeles. Nobody's really talking about them, right? I mean, we they don't get much media attention from out east because of where where Los Angeles is on our continent.
00:49:01
Speaker
Lack of superstars too. I think Drew Doughty having your the biggest name on your team as a defenseman with two myths missing teeth. right like Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, shud I'm glad you brought up Wonsei Kopitar because if you weren't going to do it, I was going to do it.
00:49:18
Speaker
So I'm glad you did it. Cool.
Conclusion and Listener Engagement
00:49:21
Speaker
Yeah, well, ah that's a wrap on episode three here, the Leo and Lando show. The preseason almost here, and the storylines might set the tone for an exciting NHL season. Any final so thoughts or shout-outs there, Landon?
00:49:34
Speaker
So my shout-out to everybody is that my special shout-out is going to be... To a former co-worker who she retired.
00:49:50
Speaker
She has not missed our episodes yet. And she's out in France right now. And she's touring around in France for... majority of the summer going into just before Christmas.
00:50:01
Speaker
I want to make a special shout out to my former coworker and really good friend, Jesse cherry. I hope she's having so much fun in France. I've been kind of messengering her back and forth sporadically over the summer. So I want to make a special shout out to her, uh, to her, uh, to her, um, to say hello and thank you for listening.
00:50:27
Speaker
Awesome, man. Shout out Jesse Cherry. Yeah. Great on. Thanks for tuning in, folks. Don't forget to follow the show and leave a rating and share your thoughts on the upcoming season.
00:50:38
Speaker
What are you most excited to watch for in this NHL twenty twenty five for the sixth campaign? Thanks for listening. Catch you next time. Thanks for listening, everybody. Take care.