Episode Details

Hello Hockey Fan’s Episode 209 of the Hockey Free For All podcasts is here for you to listen to and enjoy.

#1. Is Dach done in Montreal? The 2025/2026 playoffs will determine that.

#2. Who is the solution as the opposite winger to Cole Caufield on Nick Suzuki’s line, Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook?

#3. Who is the solution at center on the 2nd line to feed and distribute pucks to wingers Ivan Demidov and Jaruj Slafkosky? Is it Alex Newhook or Kirby Dach.

#4. Does Alex Newhooks speed and hand skills make more sense on Nick Suzuki’s line or does Kirby Dach’s size and previous chemistry make more sense?

#5. Is Alex Newhook’s speed more valuable in between wingers Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov or is Kirby Dach’s size and previous chemistry with Juraj Slakovsky more valuable on the 2nd line?

#6. Oliver Kapanen needs to take a seat and watch the playoffs and learn. Great regular season, not having a good playoffs at all.

#7. Where does Zack Bolduc fit into Montreal’s lineup. He has not found his role or spot on the team at all.

#8. Zack Boldus play has simplified the contract process for the Montreal Canadiens as his current contract concludes at the end of the 2025/2026 season. Bolduc’s play has significantly lowered any contract demands that he or his agent can make.

#9. Does Montreal let Zack Bolduc test the market this summer?

#10. The roles and futures of Zack Bolduc, Kirby Dach and Oliver Kapanen have changed with the decisions of Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky.

#11. Is Juraj Slafkovsky hurt?

#12. The bottom 6 offensive spots are even more interesting than the top 6 offensive spots are.

#13.  Florian Xhekaj and Sam Harris are serious 3rd line considerations in 2026/2027.

#14. Montreal’s defense looks really good.

#15. Mike Matheson needs rest.

#16. Noah Dobson should only return when he absolutely ready and can play his game, not a version of it.

#17. Adam Engstrom should be inserted into the lineup, or everyone needs their minutes adjusted and balanced better.

#18. It would be great to see Nick Suzuki win the Fank Silk Trophy this year.

#19. It would be great to see Cole Caufield the Lady Bing Trophy this year.

#20. Montreal now leads Tampa 3 games to 2 in their series.

#21. Philadelphia takes out Pittsburgh in 6 games by taking their series 4 games to 2.

#22. Carolina took out Ottawa in 4 straight games to win their series.

#23. Buffalo now leads Boston 3 games to 2 in their series.

#24. Minnesota now leads Dallas 3 games to 2 in their series.

#25. Anaheim now leads Edmonton 3 games to 2 in their series.

#26. Las Vegas now leads Utah 3 games to 2 in their series.

#27. Colorado sweeps L.A. in 4 straight games.