Episode Details

Hello Hockey Fans. Episode 196 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast arrived for you to catch up on what’s happening in the hockey world. Episode 196 is going to be a rapid fire episode.

#1. How refreshing to see at least a few other people talk about how destructive it would be to the Montreal Canadiens to speed up the window and trade aways a significant amount of what they have built in players, prospects and future draft capital to acquire other players from other clubs, that are not better than what they already have, who are underperforming and would carry bloated contract with them.

#2. Does the combinations of Brendan Gallagher, Phillip Danault and Josh Anderson the  create the perfect 3rd line as it’s being referred to as?

#3. Nice to see Oliver Kapanen is finally getting his game, production, presence and consistent play, as well as the impact that he has given too the team every single game in the 2025/2026 season recognized!

#4. Oliver Kapanen has more than adequately filled this season as the number 2 center and has been better than anything the Montreal Canadiens could have traded for and brought in.

#5. Keep your attention focused on Michael Hage at the University of Michigan.

#6. Don’t lose track of Alaxander Zharonovsky, just because he’s playing in the KHL. He is every bit the real deal.

#7. What’s with the continued trade insanity. Kirby Dach is back, Patrik Laine still hasn’t returned, and Alex Newhook still hasn’t returned and there is not room for all 3 of them, let alone other acquired players.

#8. Trade Laine and Dach and load up future draft capital, not other clubs players

#9. Lots of teams expressing interest in Laine?

#10. The 2025/2026 season is truly a defining season for both Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher for the now and the future.