The FAN Hockey Show

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa get to a head coach edition of the Futa Five, as Leafs head coach Jim Hiller benched Gavin McKenna late in what would become an OT loss, and Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet being on the hot seat after a winless start. Plus, they discuss the Mammoth continuing to play well to start the season. Afterwards, they visit with Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (16:19) to chat about asset management across the league, how the Senators have been playing recently under Travis Green (59:18) and with a hot Linus Ullmark, Anton Frondell looking great in Chicago, and more. 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show alongside Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino! Together, they look into the ongoing mystery surrounding Connor Hellebuyck’s future, the Red Wings’ next steps after signing Alex DeBrincat to a long-term deal, the biggest surprises from the first few weeks, what’s behind Evan Bouchard’s hot start, if Connor McDavid can set a new career-high point total, and what’s in store for the reigning champion ‘Canes. After the break, Matt and Mike touch on the Maple Leafs’ roster needs (42:32) and set up tonight’s NHL schedule. Later, Kraken analyst Alison Lukan (50:23) looks into Seattle’s 5-2-0 start and shares what’s driving this team and how the group can maintain their form deeper into the season. Finally, former NHL player, coach and executive, Barry Trotz (1:20:21) catches up with the guys and shares some memories of Alex Ovechkin as he enters his final season and what Jim Hiller brings to Toronto’s bench. 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 affiliate.

Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to recap his Frozen Frenzy experience. Friedge shares how Alex DeBrincat’s extension in Detroit came together, before getting into his highlights from last night’s busy NHL schedule. He breaks down how dire the Flyers’ disastrous start is, the state of the Hurricanes with Jordan Staal’s injury, the Rangers’ early success this season, the Mammoth’s narrow victory over the Maple Leafs, and Samuel Ersson’s difficult night against the Blues. They wrap up with thoughts on Rick Bowness’ fiery postgame comments, Devon Levi’s strong night in goal, and more. 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa revisit Thanksgiving weekend with the Futa Five before bringing on Sportsnet senior columnist Mark Spector (16:27) to discuss how the Edmonton Oilers have dialed down the high scoring rate on their own end, the battle in net between Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry, facing off against long-time Oiler Darnell Nurse, how Mike Babcock could juggle his lines when Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are ready to return, Vasily Podkolzin's first impressions with his new team, Evan Bouchard's historic start, and previews their matchup against the L.A. Kings to close our their road trip. Then, Sportsnet's Leafs reporter Anna Dua (47:15) stops by to chat about the Maple Leafs' start to their season, their win in Colorado against the Avalanche, why there's a different feel within the group, Jim Hiller's impact, Gavin McKenna's comfortability on and off the ice, and her early pick at which team could be a strong candidate for the Stanley Cup. 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.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode with a look ahead to the weekend on the Futa Five! Jason Bukala (15:07), Sportsnet analyst and founder of the Pro Hockey Group, joins the boys in-studio to take a look around the league and chat about Alex Ovechkin’s final season, Utah as a potential landing spot for Connor Hellebuyck, Jim Hiller not utilizing Gavin McKenna in overtime, and much more! After the break, the boys sort through some early season storylines to determine which are a hot take or a realistic outcome (43:58). 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 affiliate.

Mike Futa and guest host Gord Stellick kick off today’s show chatting with Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino live from Winnipeg. They discuss latest rumblings about goaltending Connor Hellebuyck and what a potential deal might look like, along with whether the Jets can get back to their Presidents Trophy form of 2024 and what’s ahead for Scott Arniel entering his final year of his contract (34:35). After the break, the guys look back on the Oilers’ 5-2 victory over the Ducks, before setting up tonight’s Maple Leafs vs. Golden Knights clash. Later, Kevin Allen (51:42) of Detroit Hockey Now gauges the vibe of the Red Wings’ fanbase and looks back on the timeline of what led up to this moment. Finally, Sportsnet’s Eric Francis (1:19:56) checks in on the Flames’ rebuild, highlights the importance of developing the group’s young talent, and shares the latest on the construction of Calgary’s new arena. 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a recap of Tuesday night’s NHL action, starting with the Maple Leafs’ comeback victory over the Predators. Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet NHL insider and host of 32 Thoughts, joins the conversation to reflect on Gavin McKenna’s first career goal, along with the Red Wings’ scrappy first win of the season. The boys also gauge some precarious goaltending situations around the league with Connor Hellebuyck still on the market, look into the recovery timelines for Sasha Barkov and Brad Marchand, and highlight Alexis Lafrenière’s hat trick in the Rangers’ 5-2 victory. Friedge wraps up by sharing his biggest surprises from the first week of the season and some names on the market to watch out for, before news breaks of a trade between the Penguins and Oilers. 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open this episode with a look back on the first weekend of the NHL regular season on the Futa Five. Justin Williams (16:58), three-time Stanley Cup champion and Monday Night Hockey analyst, catches up with the guys, chats about the impact of the shortened preseason and the ‘Canes path ahead as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title, and shares some stories from his time in the league. Later, Matt and Mike set the stage for tonight’s NHL action (51:24), gauge their concerns for some clubs around the league, take a look at Gavin McKenna’s slow start in Toronto, and more! 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open Friday’s show with recapping a busy Thursday night in the NHL, starting with the Oilers’ track meet against the Canucks. Mike then looks ahead to the weekend of hockey ahead on The Futa Five. Sam Cosentino (24:22), Sportsnet NHL analyst, joins the boys to joke about Sergei Bobrovsky’s warmup routine not wavering for Gavin McKenna’s rookie lap. Sam also chats about how Kirill Marchenko and Matthew Knies are fitting into their new teams, before diving deep into some potential landing spots for Connor Hellebuyck and what a trade might look like. Matt and Mike wrap up the week by sharing their picks for each division winner and playoff team around the league (56:48). 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a look back on all the action from Wednesday night. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins the show to chat about the state of the game entering the 2026/27 season. They touch on the rising salary cap, potential expansion, no-trade clauses, Canadian markets, and growing the game for future generations to come (41:41). Later, Jason Bukala (50:53) of the Pro Hockey Group and NHL on Sportsnet joins the program to chat about Easton Cowan’s play in Toronto, the state of the Oilers in goal, the Protas brothers playing alongside Jordan Kyrou in Washington, Utah’s path to contention in the West, and the Flyers’ outlook this season. Later, Producer Mike “Eye Candy” Gentile (1:21:35) drops by the studio to ask Matt and Mike some questions from the Candy Jar! 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Mike Futa open today’s show with a look back on all the action from opening night in the NHL! They touch on the Panthers’ OT victory over the reigning champion Hurricanes, the Canadiens’ narrow 3-2 victory over the Maple Leafs, and the Canucks’ back-and-forth contest with the Oilers. Andrew Raycroft (27:06), NESN analyst and former NHL netminder, joins the boys to share his takeaways from the Bruins’ opening night shutout over the Rangers and dive into the team’s identity this season and outlook this season. Later, NHL on Prime analyst and former Islander, Thomas Hickey (51:28) checks in ahead of tonight’s season opener against the Maple Leafs. They chat about Matthew Schaefer’s outlook heading into his sophomore season in the NHL, the importance of Ilya Sorokin’s health and Semyon Varlamov steadiness in relief, and the key players down the lineup that can drive the Isles’ success. 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 affiliate.

Matt Marchese and guest host Luke Gazdic begin this episode with some NHL training camp stories, before being joined by EJ Hradek (12:54) of NHL Network. He discusses the latest on the reigning Stanley Cup champions in Carolina, the appeal of Columbus’ Kirill Marchenko, and what’s next for Dylan Larkin in Detroit. The guys also chat about which roster raises the most concern around the league, if the Maple Leafs’ offseason moves will be enough to move the needle, and the intrigue surrounding the Capitals entering this season. Later, George Richards (45:40) of Florida Hockey Now sets the stage for the Panthers entering this season with a look at the team’s new additions and opportunity to bounce back. 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 affiliate.

Jason Bukala, Sportsnet NHL analyst and former Director of Amateur Scouting with the Panthers, joins Matt Marchese and Gord Stellick to look ahead to the 2027 NHL Draft class and identify some players to keep an eye on. Jason also checks in on some recent top-end draft talent to project who’s in line for a breakout season. Later, Producer Mike Gentile (16:59) joins the guys for another edition of The Candy Jar featuring questions about coaches waiting in the wings, the teams on the fringe of being competitive, the NHL playoff format, and more! The guys wrap up today’s show by responding to your texts as we ramp up towards opening night (50:04). 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 affiliate.