The FAN Morning Show

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome Craig Simpson to discuss the Leafs’ start to the season, the state of the goaltending, and whether there’s any reason for concern nine games in. They also dive into Gavin McKenna’s early development, his recent benching, Jim Hiller’s handling of the situation, and the impact of the Matthews-Nylander pairing. Plus, could Connor McDavid really push for 200 points? Later, Jason Demers (32:31) joins the show to preview Sharks vs. Leafs, compare the trajectories of both franchises, assess the loss of Chris Tanev, and discuss the McKenna-Ivar Stenberg matchup. To close, Ben and Brent debate: Would you rather be the Leafs or the Sharks over the next five years? 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin this week with a look back on the Maple Leafs' 4-1 loss to the Islanders on Saturday. The guys gauge their concerns surrounding the team's play and consistency, look into how Gavin McKenna and Jim Hiller handled their first bit of adversity, and debate where the rookie best fits into the lineup. They also touch on the importance of the team's power play, how the group compares to last season, impressions of Auston Matthews and William Nylander on the same line, and Sergei Bobrovsky's play in his age 38 season. Should the team have any buyer's remorse? After the break, Ben and Brent discuss the Rays moving within one game of the World Series. They break down Drew Rasmussen's dominant performance, as well as how a potential Rays-Brewers finale could impact the league's upcoming labour dispute. The guys wrap up with thoughts on Connor Hellebuyck returning to the Jets, before debating if Connor McDavid can reach 200 points this season. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning break down the Leafs' OT loss to Buffalo, including another blown lead, questions about their late-game approach, Gavin McKenna’s limited ice time, and growing concerns in net. They discuss whether McKenna’s usage could become an unnecessary storyline and how much confidence the Leafs can have in their goaltending moving forward. Later, NFL insider Tom Pelissero (25:15) joins the show to discuss Bo Nix and the Broncos, Sean Payton’s offence, Sam Darnold’s health, the impact of injuries around the league, the NFC East race, and what Marvin Harrison Jr. could bring to the Texans. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show alongside Jim Ralph to discuss the Maple Leafs’ turnaround from last season, their renewed offensive attack, Auston Matthews looking more like himself, and whether the goaltending tandem can sustain its strong play over the course of the season. They also debate whether Toronto is poised for another playoff appearance. Later, Luke Fox (25:05) joins the show to break down the Leafs’ start through seven games, why there are more reasons for optimism this year, the need for added defensive depth with Chris Tanev sidelined, and what to watch for in tonight’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show with a preview of tonight's Maple Leafs vs. Sabres clash. The guys review what we've learned about Toronto's group on their road trip, the major strengths and weaknesses of this roster, and the keys to a successful homestand kicking off tonight. After the break, the guys share their thoughts on the Brewers' 6-2 victory in Game 3 of the NLCS to move within one game of the World Series. They break down how Milwaukee's bats have been able to attack the Dodgers' pitching staff, what's gone wrong for LA as they sit on the brink of elimination, and what to expect in the American League ahead of this afternoon's Game 3 between the Guardians and Rays. 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.

Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis begin the second hour alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs GM and friend of the show! Together, they break down last night's 5-4 loss in Utah with thoughts on Anthony Stolarz's play, the ideal split between Toronto's two netminders, and if the team can stay afloat on the blue line without Chris Tanev. They also touch on John Tavares' return to the first power play unit, Gavin McKenna's bid for the spot, and how Leafs Nation should feel after collecting three points on the road trip. After the break, the guys chat about the NHL's Frozen Frenzy with all 32 teams in action last night. Ben and Brent debate if hockey is suited for multiple screens, if it works as a TV spectacle, and whether it's conducive to displaying the sport at its best. The guys wrap up with thoughts on who will record the Maple Leafs' first fight this season, along with Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness' reaction to his team's loss last night. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of the morning by welcoming on Sportsnet NHL insider Frank Seravalli. They discuss the Leafs losing Chris Tanev, whether the Leafs will look into the trade market for another defencemen, Auston Matthews' start so far and Dylan Larkin's reception in Montreal. After the break, the guys are joined by MLB Network host Adnan Virk (25:38) What has Adnan made of the start of the championship series, the Brewers approach against the Dodgers and whether this is almost a last dance for the Dodgers? They also touch on Vladdy's Lasik eye surgery and if it could lead to different results next year? The Guys close out the hour by setting up the Leafs final game of the road trip! 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off this episode with a look back on the Maple Leafs' 6-3 win against the Avalanche over the weekend. They reflect on the team's play over the course of the road trip, William Nylander’s hot start to the season, and how Jim Hiller is utilizing Auston Matthews to get this most out of him. They also touch on the team's play without John Tavares on Saturday, Sergei Bobrovsky's ability to make a big save in a big moment, and the level of concern surrounding Chris Tanev's latest injury. After the break, the guys take a look at the American and National League Championship Series. They break down how the Brewers jumped ahead to an 2-0 series lead over the Dodgers, how they can carry over that momentum on the road in Game 3, and how a Guardians vs. Brewers World Series would impact how the league views a potential salary cap. Ben and Brent wrap up with thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. undergoing laser eye surgery. 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.

Ben Ennis and Sho Alli welcome Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi to examine the Division Series, Cleveland's unconventional use of its starting rotation and bullpen, and whether this postseason's results could influence baseball's upcoming labour negotiations. They also discuss Davidi's latest reporting on how Kazuma Okamoto's success could help the Blue Jays attract coveted Japanese free agents, including Teruaki Sato and Kaima Taira, as Toronto prepares for a pivotal off-season. Later, NFL insider Tom Pelissero (28:07) joins the show to get everyone set for Week 5, beginning with Tampa Bay's surprising Thursday night victory over Dallas. He examines the Cowboys' struggles, the state of the NFC East, plus the latest injury developments around the league and the biggest storylines heading into Sunday's slate. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show to with Jason Bukala to discuss Gavin McKenna's first NHL goal, whether a breakout is on the horizon, and if adding more size should be a priority next season. The conversation also turns to the Maple Leafs' lack of defensive depth, potential blue-line trade targets, and the importance of Auston Matthews returning to peak form this year. Later, Alanna Rizzo (25:08) breaks down the Yankees' ALDS sweep, what's next for the club, the impact of Aaron Judge's absence, and why the Dodgers continue to set the standard after another trip to the NLCS. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Thursday morning with a look ahead to tonight's reunion with Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights. The guys chat about the storylines ahead of puck drop, why tonight is a measuring stick game for Toronto, and how Jim Hiller will roll out his lines. They also debate whether Gavin McKenna’s first career goal can act as a launching pad for him to go on a run, before taking a look at some of the other action from around the NHL last night. After the break, Ben and Brent break down the Yankees' elimination at the hands of the Rays, the costly fan interference call on Anthony Volpe's potentially game-tying home run, and if the loss signals change coming to the Bronx. Would Jazz Chisholm make sense on the Blue Jays? They also touch on the Dodgers knocking out the Braves, LA's pitching staff leading the charge, and whether the Brewers can stop their march to the World Series. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin this episode alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs GM and friend of the show! They dive deeper into last night's 5-4 comeback win in Toronto and take a closer look at Gavin McKenna playing with confidence after getting on the scoresheet, Jim Hiller's deployment of his roster in the extra frame, and Auston Matthews' big night to wrap up the homestand. They also touch on Anthony Stolarz getting the start in goal and Darren Raddysh finding his footing with his new team, before looking ahead to the Leafs' upcoming stretch on the road. Later, Ben and Brent debate what to do with McKenna as they team heads to Vegas to take on the Golden Knights tomorrow night. 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.Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin this episode alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs GM and friend of the show! They dive deeper into last night's 5-4 comeback win in Toronto and take a closer look at Gavin McKenna playing with confidence after getting on the scoresheet, Jim Hiller's deployment of his roster in the extra frame, and Auston Matthews' big night to wrap up the homestand. They also touch on Anthony Stolarz getting the start in goal and Darren Raddysh finding his footing with his new team, before looking ahead to the Leafs' upcoming stretch on the road. Later, Ben and Brent debate what to do with McKenna as they team heads to Vegas to take on the Golden Knights tomorrow night. 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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Frank Seravalli to discuss Gavin McKenna's slow start and debate whether there's any reason for concern, including if a move down to the third line makes sense or if fans need to stay patient with the young star. The guys also explore the likelihood of the Red Wings moving Simon Edvinsson and whether the Maple Leafs have the assets to make a deal. Plus, they react to Gary Bettman's latest comments on no-trade clauses. Later, Hal Gill (25:14) joins the show to share his perspective on McKenna's early struggles, how he overcame tough stretches during his career, the importance of chemistry between Darren Raddysh and Morgan Rielly, and his thoughts on Bettman's remarks. 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.