The Jeff Marek Show

Jeff kicks off the show with Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkell fresh off of a Memorial Cup victory! They discuss the key players he brought in to help Saginaw win the Cup, how ownership spared no expense to help the team host the event, the impact of being the first American OHL team to win the championship, and much more. Then, the first ever captain of the Florida Panthers and two-time Stanley Cup winner, Brian Skrudland joins the program (17:33). He reflects upon some of the most memorable stories from his career, his experience leading the Panthers to their first ever Cup final in franchise history, and the team’s impact on the Florida community. Later, they get into his time in the Panthers front office when they drafted Alex Barkov second overall, along with his time with the Habs, and more. Finally, Matt Marchese joins Jeff to go over their favourite Stanley Cup Finals memories, before reading your answers to today's Question of the Day (50:10)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte kick off the program discussing their favourite Stanley Cup Final memories. Then, they break down the latest coaching news around the league including Toronto’s search for Craig Berube’s staff, Nashville’s prospective bench, and where they expect some key assistants to end up. Later, the pair dive into the big name free agent defenders that could be on their way to Utah this off-season, what is next for Jacob Trouba and the Rangers, and what Igor Shesterkin’s next contract might look like. Jeff and Elliotte end things off discussing if the Stars can hang onto Chris Tanev, as well as if the veteran defender wants to stay in Dallas. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte kick off the show breaking down how the Edmonton Oilers were able to overcome their abysmal start to the season and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. They discuss what changed under Kris Knoblauch after Jay Woodcroft was dismissed, if the Rangers “gifted” Knoblauch to the Oilers, how the Oilers transformed their defensive game, and the group's special teams effort. Then, they discuss if we saw the last of Joe Pavelski in the NHL, before moving on to how the Oilers stack up against the Florida Panthers. They discuss Skinner’s play throughout the postseason, the Cats' defence, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with former Edmonton Oiler and current Sportsnet analyst, Luke Gazdic, as they discuss the Oilers advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals, Kris Knoblauch’s calculated tactics, how the ice time has been split, the best game of Stuart Skinner’s career, the Star's performance in the playoffs and what's next for the team following their conference finals loss. Then, Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito stops by to discuss the moves he made to build the Panthers into contenders, the roster’s similarities to the 2011 Cup-winning Bruins squad, and much more (30:30). Later on, Vince Mercogliano of USA Today joins the program to chat about his time covering Kris Knoblauch in Hartford, what Igor Shesterkin’s next contract will look like, Kaapo Kakko and Jacob Trouba’s future in New York, and what's ahead for the Rangers this summer (49:47). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Brian Lawton of NHL Network as they recap last night’s Game 5 between Florida and New York. They take a behind the scenes look at how the Panthers organization operates on all fronts, before discussing the pressures of being drafted first overall and what's behind Alexis Lafrenière's breakout this season. Then, Matt Marchese joins the conversation to chat about the optimism surrounding Chris Tanev's availability tonight, the media being a important medium for former players who want to get into coaching or management, and potential names for Utah's NHL franchise (32:02). Later, NHL Network's Mike Kelly shares his analytic project on Wayne Gretzky at the Canada Cup, highlighting the dominance of the Smythe Division in the 80’s and Gretzky’s knowledge of goaltending, before diving into the the Stanley Cup Playoffs and what the numbers say about Evan Bouchard (49:56). Former first overall draft pick and Panthers analyst Ed Jovanovski wraps up today's program with his takeaways from last night’s big win for the Panthers, along with why Bill Zito’s squad blooms in the playoffs, Anton Lundell’s development, and how the Panthers can retain their pending free agents (01:20:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Marek and Shayna Goldman of The Athletic kick things off discussing their takeaways from last night’s Game 4 between the Stars and Oilers, Darnell Nurse’s bounce back, and Evan Bouchard’s elite play throughout the playoffs. Later on, they recap last night’s first ever PWHL Final which saw Minnesota beat Boston in Game 5! Then, newly appointed President, General Manager and Alternate Governor of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Don Waddell joins the program (32:21). They discuss his decision to join Columbus, his draft philosophy, what we can expect Rick Nash’s role to be going forward, and the players he tried to pry out of Columbus while managing in Carolina. Next up, after capturing the Walter Cup last night, PWHL Minnesota GM Natalie Darwitz looks back on her team's ‘brief’ win in Game 4, how important first overall pick Taylor Heise has been for the team, and the Sophie Jacques trade (50:09). Later on, Jeff and Matt Marchese discuss the broader impact the PWHL's growth will have on women's hockey, the future between the pipes in Columbus, the Oilers' play short-handed, and Kris Knoblauch’s tactics behind the bench (01:19:20). Jeff concludes today's episode reflecting on the life and legacy of legendary FAN590 personality and radio programmer, Bob Mackowycz Sr. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Senior Vice President of the PWHL, Jayna Hefford! The pair discuss the league's groundbreaking inaugural season, tonight's Game 5 with the Walter Cup set to be handed out for the first time, Alina Muller’s rise to stardom, what’s next for the PWHL, potential expansion, and more! Then, Alison Lukan of ROOT SPORTS joins the show to discuss the Kraken announcing Dan Bylsma as their new head coach, her takeaways from his introductory press conference, and if we should expect a promotion for Jessica Campbell with Coachella Valley (17:20). Next, Matt Marchese checks in to reflect upon some legendary fights from previous decades, before Curtis Pashelka of Bay Area News Group stops by(45:08)! He weighs in on the Sharks signing top prospect Will Smith to an entry-level contract, if San Jose winning the first overall pick helped influence Smith’s decision to turn pro, and what else we can expect from Mike Grier this off-season. Jeff and Matt wrap up today's program debating the pros and cons of both Smith and Macklin Celebrini joining the Sharks next season, along with Darnell Nurse’s ‘sour’ media scrum today. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski with a recap of last night’s Game 4 between the Rangers and Panthers including why fans felt robbed of a penalty shot in overtime. Next, they discuss whether or not Darnell Nurse will play tonight and how he has looked throughout the series, along with what makes Edmonton such a “maddening” team to watch. Later, the pair share their takeaways from the Devils' press conference yesterday announcing Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach, before looking at some of the other candidates the team spoke too, the expectations for New Jersey's new bench boss and if his style of coaching will mesh with the established core. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino to discuss the Memorial Cup in Saginaw. They discuss what it means for Moose Jaw to make it to Saginaw, NHL Draft eligible prospects to keep an eye out for, if London is the favourite, and Michael Misa’s play, before getting into the 2024 NHL Draft and who Chicago will take after trading up to the second overall pick. Then, fresh off of his introductory press conference, New Jersey Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe joins the program (19:32)! They discuss how the Devils job opportunity came to be, if he considered taking some time away from coaching, his use of analytics and how he prepares for games, the in-demand players within the Devils' roster, and his experience coaching the Maple Leafs. Later on, Matt Marchese joins the conversation to discuss what to expect from Keefe in New Jersey with the Devils' plethora of young talent (52:30). Jeff and Matt also go over what the Predators have targeted in potential trades, the big moves the Kings have made in recent years, last night's Western Conference Final and what to expect in Game 4 between the Rangers and Panthers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte kick things off breaking down last night’s whirlwind Game 3 between the Stars and Oilers. They discuss return of Roope Hintz and Adam Henrique to their respective lineups, Jason Robertson’s hat trick, Stuart Skinner’s performance, and much more. Next, the pair weigh in on some of the big coaching news around hockey including Dan Bylsma set to be introduced as the new head coach of the Kraken, if Jessica Campbell could take over as head coach in Coachella Valley, and the Devils officially introducing Sheldon Keefe. They end things off teeing up Game 4 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with The Athletic's Arthur Staple to recap yesterday's Eastern Conference Final matinee between the Rangers and Panthers. They discuss Igor Shesterkin’s dominance, Alexis Lafrenière and Barclay Goodrow’s performance in the series so far, and his thoughts on the Jacob Trouba elbow controversy. Then, recently retired NHL head coach Rick Bowness stops by to discuss his transition from coaching, before getting into the players he has worked with who elevate their game in the playoffs, how close the Jets are to a Cup, and what to expect from Scott Arniel in Winnipeg (17:35). Later, Oilers radio voice Cam Moon tees up Game 3 of the Stars-Oilers series tonight in Edmonton (35:07). He weighs in on Kris Knoblauch’s polite postgame comments on Saturday, Evan Bouchard becoming a well-known figure amongst Oilers fans, and much more. Finally, newly appointed head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, Scott Arniel shares the process that lead to him being named the team's head coach, if we can expect a similar style of play under his leadership, and his expectations for Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi next season (48:54). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Elliotte Friedman as they break down the performance on both sides of the conference finals over the weekend. They discuss the vibes in Edmonton tonight ahead of Game 3, the lineup changes for both the Oilers and Stars, and the comments Connor McDavid and Kris Knoblauch had postgame on Saturday. Next, they discuss the officiating in the postseason, how Joe Pavelski has looked in the playoffs and if his legendary career is coming to a close. Later on, the pair dive into Jacob Trouba's elbow in Sunday's game, Don Waddell's anticipated arrival in Columbus and if there will be big changes on the ice for the Blue Jackets. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal to discuss today's news of Don Waddell's resignation as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. They break down why Waddell decided to leave, his history as an executive, if the GM role is Eric Tulsky’s to lose, and Martin Necas’ future with the 'Canes after multiple trade attempts. Then, PWHL Minnesota Head Coach Ken Klee joins the show ahead of tonight’s Game 3 of the PWHL Finals (16:22). They discuss how the Canada vs. U.S. rivalry and the meteoric rise of the PWHL in it’s first season, before recapping the series against Toronto. Later on, with the interim tag removed, L.A. Kings Head Coach Jim Hiller stops by to discuss what L.A. will prioritize going forward, the development of Quinton Byfield and how close he is to becoming a full-time center in the NHL (47:02). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte kick off the show discussing the breaking news surrounding Don Waddell resigning as the General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. They discuss Eric Tulsky being promoted to interim GM, the search for a full-time GM, Columbus’ plans for their front office, a potential Jesperi Kotkaniemi buyout, and more. Later, the pair recap last night's Game 1 of the Western Conference Final and discuss Connor McDavid’s whirlwind of a performance, before teeing up Game 2 between the Panthers and Rangers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Matt Marchese as they break down Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals including what went wrong at home for the Rangers and the quality of the officiating. Later, the pair discuss Rick Tocchet winning the Jack Adams Award, Gabriel Landeskog's announcement that he will not retire, and much more! Then, former Dallas Stars goaltender and Special Assistant to the President, Marty Turco joins the show to tee up Game 1 between the Oilers and Stars and the players to keep an eye out for throughout the series (31:33). Next up, Sportsnet's John Bartlett recaps last night’s ECF with a focus on the elite goaltending matchup, the referee's explanation on goalie interference, how the Panthers built their team through trades, and more (50:03). Later, Devils reporter Ryan Novozinsky stops by to discuss Sheldon Keefe being named as the Devils new head coach, how he will fit in with his new team, and what we can expect from New Jersey this off-season (01:19:27). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Matt Marchese as they break down their Conn Smythe power rankings ahead of the Conference Finals, before getting into how Bill Zito has transformed the Panthers and the Avalanche's offer for Artemi Panarin in 2019-2020. Next, Panthers analyst George Richards joins the show to tee up Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final (32:20). Later on, former NHL defenceman Chris Wideman stops by to discuss how miserable it is to play against Matthew Tkachuk, embellishment and goaltender interference calls in the playoffs, and his expectations for this round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (50:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Greg Wyshynski kick off the show breaking down how the Rangers current roster was built. They discuss the importance of Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin wanting to come to New York, before teeing up tonight’s Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Panthers and Rangers. Later on, they weigh in on the Canucks' playoff exit, how Vancouver fans should be feeling right now, if the Oilers can defeat the Stars, and much more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with ESPN’s Kristen Shilton as they break down the Maple Leafs' press conference this morning introducing Craig Berube as their new head coach. They look into what Berube brings to the table and if Toronto can become a more predictable team going forward. Next up, former NHL goaltender, Carter Hutton joins the show to discuss what the Canucks have in Arturs Silovs following his performance in the playoffs, his thoughts on the goaltenders remaining in the playoffs, and what the Leafs are getting in Berube (19:00). Then, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com weighs in on Tampa Bay's trade for Ryan McDonough as he rejoins his former team (36:50). To end off the show, Sportsnet’s Mark Spector recaps the Oilers' second round matchup against the Canucks, before teeing up the Western Conference Final between Edmonton and the Dallas Stars (50:23). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Elliotte Friedman as they recap last night’s Game 7 between the Oilers and Canucks. They highlight Vancouver's difficulty getting shots off for the majority of the game, how Evan Bouchard has helped take Edmonton's power play to the next level and what's next for the Canucks. Later, the pair discuss the Maple Leafs introducing Craig Berube as their new head coach, their takeaways from the presser, the rumours surrounding Matvei Michkov heading to North America, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Marek and Producer Matt tee up Craig Berube's introductory press conference alongside General Manager Brad Treliving and Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan. Later on, Jeff and Matt break down their takeaways from the media availability and forecast the job ahead for Berube in Toronto (28:28). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.