The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD reacts to the Blue Jays tough loss in extra innings. Tate Frazier, host at The Ringer, breaks down what the Raptors 19th draft pick, Allen Graves, can bring to Toronto. JD then (37:00) asks Tate about the 2026 lottery picks, who outside of the top five could become a star, and which pick was his favourite for fit. JD then goes through a busy trade day in the NHL. 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.

JD reacts to the Ottawa Senators trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. John Gruden, Toronto Marlies head coach, reflects on what led to the Marlies' rise to Calder Cup champions, the development of the Maple Leafs top prospects, how development works for coaches, what impresses him most about Artur Akhtyamov and Easton Cowan, and his impressions of new Maple Leafs head coach, Jim Hiller, who he coached alongside with with the New York Islanders. JD then touches on the Blue Jays weekend and hits 'What We Missed!' 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.

JD reacts further to the Maple Leafs hiring Jim Hiller. Justin Bourne (08:15), co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, joins JD to share what he expects from Hiller, the patience this hire allows Toronto to have, and his likes and dislikes from his time with Hiller. JD and Justin then touch on Gavin McKenna and why he should be the number one overall pick (46:07). After the break, JD talks about the Blue Jays future sans Max Scherzer, Spencer Miles’ impressive season, and the need for a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to hit a homerun. JD and producer Armen wrap up with a preview of Canada’s second game versus Qatar. 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.

JD gives his final thoughts on Mitch Marner, before shifting focus to the Blue Jays (4:30). JD highlights the Jays’ lack of magic compared to the 2025 season, their lack of consistency, and the mounting pressure on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After the break, JD is joined by Blake Murphy, host of Blue Jays Talk Plus (19:00), to get into George Springer’s struggles, Brandon Valenzuela potentially playing first base, and the bat they have the most confidence in right now. The show wraps up with debate about if the Raptors should be interested in De'Aaron Fox. 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.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays series win over the Miami Marlins. Then, JD asks Marco D'Amico, co-host of The Starr and D'Amico Show, why the Montreal Canadiens have struggled to win at the Bell Centre, how the Carolina Hurricanes have taken control the series, what the Canadiens need to do better, if the extra rest between series has helped the Hurricanes, if the Canadiens will be expected to have an aggressive off-season, and what the Canadiens need to become perennial Stanley Cup contenders. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' 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.

JD and Ben Ennis, The FAN Morning Show, discuss sports fandom in the 90's before turning their attention to Maple Leafs fans' feelings as the Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens inch closer to the Stanley Cup Final. Later, JD and Ben debate what societal factors have impacted modern rivalries in sports, discuss the "Enhanced Games" and the Blue Jays chances of coming back to win the division. 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.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays splitting their four game series against the New York Yankees. JD then switches gears to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and wonders if you can be really be a Maple Leafs fan if you are rooting for Mitch Marner or the Montreal Canadiens. Jackie Redmond of the NHL on TNT gets into the weird fan dynamic for Leafs Nation right now, why the revisionist history about Marner's tenure in Toronto is wrong, and how Auston Matthews may feel about seeing his former linemate making a potential cup run. 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.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays fall in the American League standings after another loss to the Yankees in the Bronx. James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, gives an inside look at the Maple Leafs continued off-season turnover. JD asks James if fan or player pressure impacted the firing of Craig Berube, what played into the departure of Brandon Pridham, if the likelihood of Auston Matthews leaving Toronto has increased, and the trade value and interest of Matthew Knies. JD and Producer Armen then discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic collapse. 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.