Makar first $20 million player: Puck Podcast August 29, 2025

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.

Detroit Red Wings’ GM search drags on as Dylan Larkin’s future ignites more chaos in Hockeytown. Could a reconciliation be possible, or are the Red Wings set for a last-minute blockbuster move before training camp? Meanwhile, Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck’s trade rumors swirl as teammates weigh in with revealing comments. Eddie Garcia and Jeff Ponder injury news on Florida Panthers’ Brad Marchand’s surgery and more. PLUS, don’t miss Doug Stolhand's return for our annual Puck Podcast Hockey Movie Review as we take a surprising look at the new "Youngblood remake". Plus listener emails, and off-ice updates. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Detroit Red Wings general manager search takes center stage, with surprising moves that could reshape the team’s future—and the Dylan Larkin saga hanging in the balance. Will the Red Wings move beyond their “legendary” alumni and make an outside hire, or is another franchise icon poised to take the reins? Eddie Garcia and guest host Alex Wiederspiel examine the implications for Detroit’s roster, exploring possible Larkin trade destinations including the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

San Jose Sharks make Macklin Celebrini the NHL’s highest paid player per season with a $94 million extension. What does this blockbuster move signal for the Sharks’ future and the league’s salary trends?Eddie Garcia and Hart Stoffman break down Celebrini’s record-setting deal and its ripple effects across the NHL. The show spotlights Dylan Larkin’s uncertain future in Detroit, possible trades for Connor Hellebuyck and Kirill Marchenko, and notable signings for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks. The hosts tackle international hockey controversies, NHL expansion rumors, and debate the game’s biggest villains—past and present. Plus, Hart Stoffman brings a history lesson on goaltending great Lauren Chabot and offers team-by-team insights heading into the new season. Can the rising salary cap keep up with NHL’s new market for its youngest stars? Will the Sharks’ gamble pay off, and which teams are primed for breakthrough years? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dallas Stars take a high-stakes gamble by retaining Jason Robertson on a one-year, $12 million deal, risking losing a top scorer to free agency. Can Jim Nill secure a long-term extension, or will a midseason blockbuster trade reshape the NHL landscape? Eddie Garcia and Jeff Ponder break down major NHL moves, from Dylan Larkin’s uncertain future in Detroit to Connor Hellebuyck’s likely relocation. The episode features sharp analysis on offer-sheet wars sparked by Philadelphia, Anaheim Ducks’ cap crunch with Leo Karlsson and Cutter Gauthier’s monster contracts, and whether the Chicago Blackhawks’ reunion with Patrick Kane for $8 million is a savvy PR move or cap misfire. Hear insights on Columbus Blue Jackets’ signings, John Tortorella’s coaching drama, evolving TV deals, and the ever-shifting landscape of NHL star power. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We have a very special bonus episode of the Puck Podcast. We commemorate our 20 year anniversary doing the show and...it's Doug's final episode. We share stories of doing the show for 20 years, read LOTS of fan feedback as Doug says good bye. *There is some not safe for work language in this episode. 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 we recap the news from the past week in the NHL including Steve Yzerman out as GM in Detroit. In the second period we are joined by Brian Fisher, one of the hosts of Locked on Detroit Red Wings to talk about what's happening in Hockeytown. In the third peirod we read listener e-mails. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.