A New Season Begins With a Blockbuster

Mike Futa returns to The FAN Hockey Show alongside Matt Marchese. They break down yesterday’s blockbuster trade between the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets with thoughts on Matthew Knies’ opportunity in Columbus and what Kirill Marchenko can bring to Toronto. After the break, Matt and Mike make their predictions for this season’s division winners, award recipients, and Stanley Cup champions (25:32). Later, Sportsnet’s Eric Engels (49:56) joins the boys in-studio to dive deeper into the Knies-Marchenko deal, before looking back on Montreal’s near acquisition of Knies at last year’s trade deadline. Eric then outlines the Canadiens’ outlook heading into tonight’s season opener against Toronto, Martin St. Louis’ impact with the group, and the keys to maintaining the momentum of last season. Finally, Sportsnet panelist and former NHLer, Luke Gazdic (1:15:38) joins the conversation to reflect on Knies’ time in Toronto and the Maple Leafs’ roster identity, before setting the stage for tonight’s loaded opening night schedule. 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.