Two Man Forecheck

Episode 0201: Steen Retires, Lundqvist Steps Back, Duclair Signs With Florida, NHL May Have a Season, World Juniors, Braden Schneider, Christmas Movies and More!

Christmas is just five days away and the NHL may have given hockey fans the best gift of all...a new season!  We also have the World Juniors to look forward to so hockey is back.  We start of with the retirement of Alex Steen.  Back issues have played a part in the retirement.  We wish him success in all his future endeavors.  Henrik Lundqvist will not play this season as he has a heart condition which requires treatment but is not considered life threatening.  We send well wishes and prayers to him and his family for a speedy and full recovery.  Anthony Duclair has signed a one year contract with the Florida Panthers.  The NHL and the Players Association have a tentative deal to start a new season on the 13th of January.  The World Junior Championships are starting on the 22nd of this month.  We close with a frank discussion of Christmas movies and we each discuss three that we watched.  So Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays whichever you prefer.  We hope all are safe and happy.  Enjoy the show!!

Episode 0200: Adam Fantilli Top 5 Pick in 2023, Luca Fantilli, Team USA Roster Finalized, NHL Selling Ads on Helmets/Unis, Lockout Possibilities, 200 Episodes of Memories and More!

Here it is!  Episode 200!  That's right.  Two hundred shows of Mike and Chris waxing poetic about everything hockey!  We start the show with the Team USA World Junior Roster being finalized.  One name left off is John Beecher, Boston Bruins first round pick.  The collection of players should be of no surprise to anyone as they come from some of the hockey hotbeds around the country.  We move on to ways the NHL could increase revenue...by selling ads on helmets and uniforms.  Also, it has been reported that the NHL could be exploring a lockout if the players won't give more.  Adam Fantilli is a 15 year old who is currently playing in the USHL.  He joined so that he could play with his brother, Luca Fantilli.  He is expected to be a top 5 pick in the 2023 NHL draft. Finally we take a trip down memory lane through 199 episodes of the Two Man Forecheck.  Its a fun ride, with some sad parts, but mostly mirth and mayhem abound!  So sit back with your favorite beverage and give us a listen.  Let us know what you think and Enjoy the Show!  Here's to 200 more!

Episode 0199: NHL Starting vs. Waiting til 2021, Seattle Moving Ahead, Calgary Money Issues, Brett Peterson New Asst. GM, McAvoy Upset Over Krug Loss, Samberg Injured and More!

Here in December we are still talking about when will the new season start.  There are some that are also reporting (Pierre LeBrun for one) that the owners want to wait until next fall to start.  Money and length of season are at issue here as well as players being paid.  Seattle is moving ahead with plans to start as planned.  Calgary is looking at money issues in the next couple years as both Giordano and Gaudreau have contracts that are close to ending.  Brett Peterson, Northborough Mass native has been named the new Assistant GM for the Florida Panthers.  He is the first black assistant GM in league history.  Charlie McAvoy is still upset that Torey Krug is no longer with the Bruins.  Dylan Samberg was involved in a motor vehicle accident.  While his injuries are not severe, there are four other pedestrians with life threatening injuries.  Finally, the Canucks attempted to move Loui Eriksson with no luck.  His contract and lack of production may have had something to do with the lack of movement.  Lots to digest so give us a listen, let us know what you think and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0198: Kraken Can Save the NHL Season, Boychuk Retires, Top RFAs Available, NWHL Season, 2020 NHL Power Rankings, Tim Horton's In Trouble and More!

With Thanksgiving in the books, we all push closer to the end of the year and the hopeful beginning of a new NHL season.  Here are the stories we are working on...We touch briefly on the tradition that is Black Friday matinee hockey, started here in Boston and then "appropriated" by the NHL.  From here we discuss how the Seattle Kraken ownership can help out the NHL by paying part of their expansion fee, which is due before they start playing in the 2020-21 season, now.  Johnny Boychuk has called it a career and all hockey fans are better for him being part of the game.  We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.  There are some RFAs still unsigned and we break down a top ten list headlined by Pierre-Luc DuBois.  The NWHL has scheduled their entire season around a two week bubble at the end of January.  They will have multiple games between teams, a playoff and a champion!  With the start of the season on the horizon, we break down a power ranking list of all 31 NHL teams.  The link is below.  Let us know how you feel about this list.  Finally, Tim Horton's, a coffee chain in Canada, could be in trouble with their hockey card promotion.  Someone is claiming that the chain is cheating its customers out of the hard to find cards.  That link is below as well.  Give us a listen, share your thoughts and opinions, and Enjoy the Show

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/bruins/2020-nhl-power-rankings-where-all-31-teams-stand-new-season-approaches

https://nypost.com/2020/11/28/hockey-fans-cry-foul-over-tim-hortons-nhl-card-promotion-in-canada/

 

Episode 0197: NHL Realignment Issues, NHL Negotiations Turn Sour, O.E.L. Still in Play?, Islanders and Red Wings Make Good Trade Partners and More!

It is the start of Thanksgiving Week here in the states.  Here at the Two Man Forecheck we start the celebration with another episode.  To start with, there have been talks about realignment of the divisions in the NHL and Greg Wyshynski has written a story for ESPN in which he breaks down a four division proposal, which we continue to deconstruct as well as a potential 5 division breakdown.  We also discuss which teams would be playoff teams from each new division.  The talks between the NHL and the NHLPA are turning sour as the NHL asks the players to take a hit on their salaries in the form of how much goes into escrow.  What is the NHL forfeiting in these talks?  Oliver Ekman-Larsson was not traded before free agency, but he could still be in play for the Bruins.  Finally, the Islanders and Red Wings would make good trade partners based on their cap space.  What players would be involved in such a trade?  We discuss multiple options.  All this and more as the crazy holiday season approaches so give us a listen and share your thoughts.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0196: Libor Hajek in Europe, Nugent-Hopkins Needs a Deal, Humboldt Survivors Recuperating, Shortened NHL Season, Duclair Still Unsigned and More!

The Two Man Forecheck is pressing on in this week's episode.  The New York Rangers have a slew of defensemen vying for a spot next to Jacob Trouba.  One is Libor Hajek, a 22 year old currently playing in the Czech league.  Good for him and the team as he gets himself into game shape and put himself into a potential top pair spot.  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins needs a new deal.  His current contract expires at the end of this season and the Oilers need to figure out how to fit him in and give him a raise at the same time.  Tyler Smith survived the Humboldt Broncos crash two years ago.  He is now speaking out, letting men know that it is acceptable to talk about their mental health.  We wish him, the survivors and their families nothing but happiness and success in whatever they do! The deputy commissioner of the NHL has stated that there could be a shortened season this upcoming year, but is it financially viable to do so? Finally, Anthony Duclair has still not been signed by the Senators or any other team for that matter.  Could the Bruins bring him in?  There is a rumor that the B's should trade DeBrusk and Carlo to the Flames for Hanifin and Bennett.  Not a good trade but is there a possible starting point here?  All this and more so listen, comment and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0195: Tampa Bay Potential Moves, Stamkos to Carolina?, Dallas and Klinberg, Glendale and the Coyotes, Free Agents Still Unsigned and More!

As we wade through the fall off-season of 2020, the flat cap and lack of income are playing a part in player signings and movement.  With that in mind, we present the next installment of the Two Man Forecheck.  Tampa Bay still has some unsigned players and possible moves to make.  One of the bigger names is Tyler Johnson who is still part of the team.  Do they want to move him?  Is he moveable?  Where would he land?  Also, there is a story posited by Conor Power that the Bolts should trade Stamkos to Carolina.  What would he cost?  Can Carolina afford him?  We also have a brief discussion on the GM position in Tampa and who is responsible for the latest Stanley Cup victory.  Dallas will have to start finding a way to extend John Klingberg as his contract ends at the end of next season.  Who would they have to move to afford him?  Mike proposes moving Esa Lindell to the Bruins. What would that cost?  Would Sweeney make that move?  The city of Glendale would like to have more commitment from the Coyotes as their current deal with the 'Yotes is a year to year affair.  Does this have anything to do with ownership changes and GM changes within the organization?  Finally, we talk about the free agents (UFA and RFA) still unsigned.  We focus on Anthony Duclair who still has not received an offer from the Senators.  Lots to discuss and comment on for next week so give us a listen and tell us what you think.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0194: Travis Roy Remembered, B's Still in Holding Pattern, Chicago Should Trade Kane, Seguin Surgery on Hold, Expanded Rosters and More!

As the calendar turns to November we continue on with the fall off-season.  The Boston Bruins have not made any moves with their remaining free agents, Zdeno Chara and Jake DeBrusk.  We talk about the lack of movement on both fronts and what could happen if Sweeney were to make a move.  Having only one viable left defenseman is not an answer.  Could help come from the trade market?  Speaking of trades, Vincent Parise in Chicago suggested a hatred inducing idea...trade Patrick Kane. As we discuss, this is something the 'Hawks should consider doing now.  Where would be good places to land?  The Islanders and Blue Jackets are two spots we posit.  Tyler Seguin was scheduled to have surgery on his torn labrum however this has been pushed back due to the current situation in Dallas.  Should he find the answer elsewhere?  Also, with the announcement of a start date for the AHL, what would happen to prospects not on NHL teams...expanded rosters!  Is this a viable option?  Finally, we remember Travis Roy and wish his family our condolences and prayers.  He touched many lives with his motivational speaking and the Travis Roy Foundation.  We wish him rest in peace, but also a much deserved "Thank You" for all that he has done and accomplished.  Let us know what is on your mind during this break and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0193: B's Signings, Winter Classic Cancelled, Reinhart Signs, Sweeney's Future?, Retro Sweaters, All Canadian Division and More!

Now a few weeks into the "offseason", the stories begin to get thin.  The B's have signed a few more personnel but still have Chara and DeBrusk to deal with.  Has Don Sweeney run his course in Boston?  Sam Reinhart has signed a 1 year contract with the Sabres...for 5.2 million dollars!  Doc Emrick has called it a career broadcasting hockey...we wish him all the best!  The NHL appears to be bringing back alternate sweaters this upcoming season...we break down how good (or bad) they will be.  With the issues facing the NHL and everyone, the Winter Classic has been cancelled, and there could possibly be an all Canadian Division in the NHL.  What would that look like?  Could a team like the Jets make the playoffs in this alignment?  The link to the story is below.  All this and so much more!  Give us a listen, send us your thoughts and Enjoy the Show

https://leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/imagining-an-all-canadian-division-and-how-the-winnipeg-jets-would-fare

 

 

Episode 0192: Defense Carousel Continues, Grzelcyk Re-signs with B's, Mail Bag Question, Dunn A Possibility for B's, Alzner & Vatanen Available, Ceci Signs w/Pens, Krug's Parting Shot and More!

A week after free agency has started and two weeks into the "offseason" have left us with a rejiggered landscape as to who the best teams are in the NHL.  We at the Two Man Forecheck are still figuring it out and this week we talk about the defenseman carousel that has begun with the move of Troy Stetcher to Detroit.  In order to make space for their new acquisition, the Golden Knights have sent Nate Schmidt to Vancouver for a 3rd round pick in 2022.  All three teams filling voids on their teams.  We also talk about Matt Grzelcyk re-signing with the Bruins.  Also on the table are many other d-men who could have been acquired by the Boston franchise.  Sami Vatanen, Karl Alzner and even Vince Dunn are potential targets. We break down the work of the L.A. Kings, a franchise that, we believe, recognizes their situation and where they are going.  We discuss the issue facing the Penguins, bringing in Cody Ceci after parting ways with Jack Johnson and Justin Schultz.  We answer a mailbag question regarding the signing of Grzelcyk and close with a parting shot from Torey Krug to Brad Marchand.  A fun show to be sure, so give us a listen, send us your questions and Enjoy the Show!