Hellebuyck traded, Tkachuk's return: Puck Podcast October 25, 2026

The Edmonton Oilers rally to top the Carolina Hurricanes in a 6-5 shootout, as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each power the comeback with five-point nights. Can this high-octane offense translate to postseason glory, or will lingering goaltending questions hold them back? Eddie Garcia and Jeff Ponder break down the week’s biggest NHL headlines, from Brady Tkachuk’s dramatic, hostile return to Ottawa with the Florida Panthers to the blockbuster Connor Hellebuyck trade sending the elite goalie to the New Jersey Devils. Key topics include Utah Mammoth’s hot start sparked by Dmitry Simashev’s heroics, Nikita Kucherov’s Lightning franchise scoring record, and injury updates on Linus Ullmark and Nick Suzuki. Will deadline moves reshape the playoff landscape? Get unparalleled insights and sharp analysis as NHL action heats up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars battle in a heated home-and-home series, with Nathan MacKinnon’s surprising fight against Roope Hintz stealing headlines. Are these two Western Conference powerhouses set for another playoff showdown? Hat tricks fly as the Florida Panthers make NHL history, led by Brady Tkachuk’s back-to-back natural hat tricks. Eddie Garcia and Dr. Brian Kennedy break down the week’s marquee matchups, including Connor McDavid’s blistering five-point night for the Edmonton Oilers. Connor Hellebuyck saga with the Winnipeg Jets is discussed. Plus analysis of the Detroit Red Wings’ major contract for Alex DeBrincat, growing pains for the LA Kings, and milestone moments from Sidney Crosby. Plus can’t-miss fan emails. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eddie Garcia and guest co-host Thomas Harrington analyze the Capitals’ improved roster, the Oilers’ hot start under Mike Babcock and Dylan Larkin’s rollercoaster week. Key stories include Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending injury. Standout moments—from hat tricks by Kirill Kaprizov and Brandon Hagel to Jake Oettinger’s pair of shutouts. Plus: historic milestones for Steven Stamkos, updates on Connor Bedard’s imminent return, and listener reactions to the chaotic state of the Detroit Red Wings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alexander Ovechkin’s farewell tour headlines a wild opening week as the Washington Capitals’ icon announces his final NHL season. Are the Florida Panthers’ playoff damaged by Alexander Barkov’s latest injury? The Detroit Red Wings spiral into chaos amid “Sell the Team” chants and Simon Edvinsson’s trade demand. Can Toronto’s blockbuster deal for Kirill Marchenko stabilize their season? Eddie Garcia and guest host Alex Wiederspiel offer sharp insights into Igor Shesterkin’s historic goalie goal for the New York Rangers, and Evan Bouchard’s record-setting start for the Edmonton Oilers. Hot topics include the fallout from key injuries across the league, Boston Bruins’ new captain David Pastrnak, and the shifting battle for playoff spots in the Metropolitan Division. Don’t miss this fast-paced breakdown of the NHL’s top stories and early-season surprises. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Columbus Blue Jackets lock up young forward Adam Fantilli with a six-year, $82.5 million deal, making him the franchise’s highest-paid player. Will this blockbuster contract help propel Columbus in the right direction? Eddie Garcia and Hart Stoffman discuss the evolving NHL salary landscape, and Dylan Larkin’s expanding list of trade destinations. In preseason action rookie Ivar Stenberg dazzles with a hat trick for the San Jose Sharks. Key discussions include the latest on Connor Hellebuyck’s standoff with the Winnipeg Jets, new captaincies for Macklin Celebrini and Mikael Granlund, and the NHL cracking down on jersey regulations?! Plus a Central Division preview and an over/under point totals for every NHL team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Winnipeg Jets suspend Connor Hellebuyck after the star goaltender refuses to report for training camp. Can Hellebuyck’s gamble force a blockbuster trade, or will the Jets hold firm and wait for the right deal...no matter how long it takes. Eddie Garcia and Jeff Ponder debate the fallout in Manitoba, break down the latest updates on Dylan Larkin’s future with the Detroit Red Wings, and analyze Cutter Gauthier’s surprising new deal with the Anaheim Ducks. Plus, hear the latest coaching extensions, and the inside scoop on key injuries, including Matthew Barzal and Brad Marchand. Also, Division previews continue with a look at the Atlantic Division as the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Buffalo Sabres battle for dominance. The hosts spotlight Nikita Kucherov’s contract situation, Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster overhaul, and the high expectations for Montreal’s young core. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Montreal Canadiens land Chris Kreider after the Anaheim Ducks terminate his contract, shaking up the NHL preseason buzz. Are the Ducks making the right moves to remain cap compliant after the blockbuster Leo Carlsson offer sheet? Eddie Garcia and Thomas Harrington debate Kreider’s impact in Montreal, Anaheim’s rapidly changing roster, and the pressure rising on Ducks management to finalize a Cutter Gauthier deal before the deadline. The Pacific Division preview spotlights the Vegas Golden Knights’ Mark Stone extension, the Calgary Flames’ uncertain rebuild, Connor McDavid’s future with the Edmonton Oilers under Mike Babcock, and whether the San Jose Sharks are poised for a breakout. Plus, injury news threatens the LA Kings’ depth, retirements from John Klingberg and Connor Ingram, and the latest on the Detroit Red Wings’ GM and Dylan Larkin saga. Is this the most volatile division heading into the new NHL season? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first period special guest co-host Alex Wiederspiel joins Eddie Garcia to discuss the sad news involving Arizona State hockey player Matthew Mayich, the Zeev Buium contract and the rest of the news from the past week in the NHL. In the second period we start our division previews with a look at the Metropolitan Division. In the third period we read listener e-mails plus give you a recap of the Puck Podcast Hockey game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cale Makar makes NHL history with an 8-year, $163.2 million contract—are mega-deals reshaping the future of the salary cap era? Eddie Garcia and Dr. Brian Kennedy break down the Colorado Avalanche’s big move, spotlighting Makar’s elite status, ripple effects on players like Quinn Hughes and the growing tension between superstar paydays and team-building strategy. The conversation also questions where Connor Hellebuyck will land after officially requesting a trade from the Winnipeg Jets—is Buffalo his next destination, and does he have what it takes to change his postseason legacy? Dr. Kennedy takes listeners on a journey through the legendary 1972 Summit Series, revealing its lasting impact on hockey culture. Plus, lively fan feedback, collecting card chatter and fun behind-the-scenes stories make this episode a must-listen for true hockey diehards. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anaheim Ducks young star Cutter Gauthier rejects a $52 million contract offer—are escalating salaries and offer sheets reshaping the NHL’s power balance? Eddie Garcia guest co-host and Thomas Harrington debate the impact of blockbuster deals for Leo Carlson and dissect Ducks management’s hardline tacticsAnalysis spotlights Detroit Red Wings’ search for a new GM, the looming expansion into Houston or Austin, and what’s next for teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets as Elvis Merzlikins faces injury rehab. Plus, don’t miss standout entry-level players to watch on every roster, and bold predictions on which Captainless teams—like the LA Kings or St. Louis Blues—should hand over the “C” to next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.