32 Thoughts: The Podcast

Sportsnet

Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world. read less

Our Editor's Take

Hockey is one of the most beloved and watched sports across the globe. Many hockey fans are familiar with the sports blog 32 Thoughts on Canada's Sportsnet. 32 Thoughts: The Podcast sees the popular blog expand into a podcast format. The podcast continues the thoughtful commentary that regular readers have come to know. It also sees the same creative team behind the blog working on the podcast. This helps to ensure a sense of continuity and familiarity.

The number "32" in the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast title references the 32 teams in the National Hockey League. Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek host the podcast. Hockey fans, especially Canadian ones, will likely be very familiar with Friedman. The cohost is the author of the blog that inspired this podcast. Friedman has been an on-air commentator for Sportsnet since 2014. He is also on the commentary team for Hockey Night in Canada, one of the country's most popular sports programs.

Jeff Marek has been working as a sports commentator since the late 1990s. In the early 2000s, he began hosting pregame and postgame coverage for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This would lead to him working with Hockey Night in Canada for some time. He is a hockey reporter for Sportsnet in addition to cohosting 32 Thoughts: The Podcast.

32 Thoughts: The Podcast analyzes all of the major news stories in the world of hockey. It contains the same insightful analysis that made the blog popular among hockey fans. The podcast allows Friedman and Marek to build on the stories they discuss online.

One of the ways they do this is by having special guests on the podcast. Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher have been prior guests. This insider access helps to provide additional insight into major hockey stories.

New episodes of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast premiere three times a week. They are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

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Episodes

Are You a Club or Are You a Team?
Today
Are You a Club or Are You a Team?
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman highlight Connor Hellebuyck's outstanding season before revisiting the Vancouver Canucks' wild travel-day win over the Toronto Maple Leafs (3:38). Then the guys delve into Cutter Gauthier's return to Philly and the outstanding atmosphere (9:09). After the Philly chat, the guys focus on Ryan O'Reilly trade speculation (22:02). They also talk about the Seattle Kraken whose playoff hopes are teetering. Will they sell before the deadline? (27:00) Kyle and Elliotte update listeners on Evander Kane's injury situation (32:50).  The fellas talk about the Pacific Division leading Vegas Golden Knights (37:45). After, Elliotte talks about the US juniors head coaching position after David Carle confirms he wont return for a run at a 3-peat (44:45).  Kyle Bukauskas discusses his takeaways from Steve Staios' mid-year address in Ottawa (51:11). The Final Thought focuses on the Boston Bruins' tumultuous season and a report of instability within the locker room (59:37). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (1:08:33).In the final segment Kyle and Elliotte look forward to our live show this Thursday night in Canmore Alberta (1:35:30).Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail.This podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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;
A Tight Playoff Race at the Halfway Mark
3d ago
A Tight Playoff Race at the Halfway Mark
Links to donate to LA fire relief efforts: Support LAFD & American Red CrossIn this episode of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman begin things with an in-depth look at how tight the NHL standings are near the halfway mark of the season, and how that race is holding up big trades across the league. The fellas key in on the Ottawa Senators who have cooled off after the Christmas break (7:33). Elliotte interjects to update the latest Dylan Cozens trade speculation (16:19) and they also talk about Michael Andlauer's recent comments on the future of the Sens' downtown arena development (21:13). Elliotte wonders about what the Bruins do with their coaching staff beyond this season (26:00). Afterwards, the guys talk about John Gibson's future (28:40), before delving into how trade-values are trending across the league (33:54). The Final Thought focuses on Connor Hellebuyck's 300th career win (45:10). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (53:14).In the final segment, Kyle and Elliotte look ahead to Saturday's cross-country showdown between the Canucks and Leafs (1:13:40).Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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
The Rise of David Carle
1w ago
The Rise of David Carle
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman highlight the NHL demand for Head Coach David Carle who just secured his second straight World Junior gold medal for the USA. Once the fellas finish opining over the World Juniors, they focus on Auston Matthews' first two games back with the Toronto Maple Leafs (10:20). That makes way for a conversation about the crossroads that the Boston Bruins are facing (15:00). Kyle and Elliotte talk about the Ottawa Senators who are firmly in the playoff race out East but without Linus Ullmark. Do they go out and get a stopgap (17:21)? The guys delve into the intricacies of Frank Vatrano's extension and the future of deferred salaries in the NHL (27:16) and Elliotte highlights Canes forwards Eric Robinson as a player to keep an eye on with regards to a contract extension (41:30). The Final Thought focuses on the continued drama surrounding the Vancouver Canucks' two star forwards (45:11). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (51:22).In the final segment, Kyle and Elliotte focus on the Montreal Canadiens' outstanding road trip across four different time zones (1:07:50).  Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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
Czechmate
03-01-2025
Czechmate
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman unpack Canada's disastrous World Junior tournament showing, the public sentiment, and the social media impact on player morale. Afterwards, Elliotte breaks his self-imposed suspension and speaks on the turmoil in Vancouver following GM Patrik Allvin's candid interview with Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre (22:01). That is followed by a conversation about Zach Benson's controversial goal against the Avs on Thursday and the fallout (39:03). Kyle and Elliotte discuss Jonathan Toews interest in making an NHL comeback (50:52) and Elliotte unveils that the NHL is leaning towards two outdoor games in the state of Florida in 2025-26 (54:07). The Final Thought focuses on our time in Chicago for the Winter Classic and how the league can build upon the successes of the event to make it better in future iterations (56:04). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (1:10:59)In the final segment Kyle and Elliotte are joined by Hockey Hall of Famer and St. Louis Blues legend Bernie Federko (1:29:47).Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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
Live From Chicago, It’s 32 Thoughts
30-12-2024
Live From Chicago, It’s 32 Thoughts
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman set up Tuesday's Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Afterwards, they delve into the Dallas Stars potential punishment for informally skating on Boxing Day (14:40), before unpacking the firing of Derek Lalonde in Detroit (23:27). Elliotte touches on the home-and-home between the Hurricanes and Devils, while also highlighting the Washington Capitals' success (34:13). Kyle and Elliotte also take time to talk about Peter Laviolette landing on the hot-seat in New York (39:04). The fellas give Jakub Dobes of the Canadiens his flowers after a shutout in his first career start (45:30). Elliotte hones in on Ty Emberson and Edmonton trying to get an extension done after January 1st (54:00) and he also breaks his one-month ban on talking about the Canucks to weigh in on their injury troubles with Pettersson and Hughes (55:08). Kyle and Elliotte talk about the players that are stepping up for the Ottawa Senators amid their injuries woes (57:57). The Final Thought focuses on the World Juniors and Latvia's historic win over Canada and the fall out (1:03:23). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (1:12:40).In the final segment, Kyle and Elliotte sit down with Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson (1:25:23) before wrapping the podcast with broadcast legend Darren Pang (2:25:13).Kelly Hrudey in Reading Rainbow (https://youtu.be/elI4kf9JxqU?si=1ttzVGomfPL-_aFO)Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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
It’s Time to Move On in Vancouver
23-12-2024
It’s Time to Move On in Vancouver
In this episode of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman unpack the Elias Pettersson-J.T. Miller drama in Vancouver and prescribe a solution moving forward. They delve into Ottawa's impressive win over the Canucks and talk about their assentation into playoff contention (15:01). The Winnipeg Jets also get attention as they drubbed Minnesota 5-0 (20:00). Afterwards, they talk about Matt Rempe's 8-game suspension (25:08) before discussing Auston Matthews aggravating an injury (30:51). Kyle and Elliotte give Yaroslav Askarov his flowers after a 41-save effort Saturday (40:50) before discussing John Klingberg's attempt at a NHL comeback (42:27). The Final Thought focuses on the legal strife between the OHL and the USHL as a pair of American teams attempt to make the switch (45:00). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (52:48).In the final segment, Kyle and Elliotte pay tribute to the late Ricky Henderson before announcing and hearing from the winners of our live show ticket contest (1:12:27). Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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
Couple Clubs Reach Their Tipping Point
16-12-2024
Couple Clubs Reach Their Tipping Point
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman talk about the struggling Buffalo Sabres and their 10-game winless skid. Elliotte throws out a wild trade idea between the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks (7:05). The fellas then shift focus to the Vancouver Canucks, their struggles on home ice, their lack of emotional investment, and what Jim Rutherford's plans are with the roster (12:11). They talk about the struggling New York Rangers who are "open for business" (26:00) and Elliotte highlights possible trade targets ahead of Friday's Christmas roster freeze (32:56). Kyle and Elliotte talk about Linus Ullmark who is thriving for Ottawa (38:00) and dive into the feisty Sharks-Utah HC tilt on Saturday (42:30). The Final Thought focuses on a crucial board meeting for the USHL as some of their member clubs look to leave (52:00).Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (54:44). In the final segment, Kyle and Elliotte focus on the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Panthers and Oilers (1:12:58). Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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
The Importance of the Emotional Linchpin
13-12-2024
The Importance of the Emotional Linchpin
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman delve into the return of JT Miller to the Vancouver Canucks following an almost one month absence from the team. They also talk about the importance of the emotional leaders on NHL franchises (5:00), before unpacking what the Canucks are searching to add to their roster (9:00). Afterwards, they talk about the injuries to Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz (18:03) and Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (25:15) before speculating on the future of John Gibson (29:34). They talk about the Calder race between Celebrini and Michkov (34:24) and Kyle and Elliotte discuss the big blowouts from Thursday night. Mainly, the Islanders almost blowing a 5-1 lead followed by an angry Patrick Roy at the post game podium (39:15). The Final Thought focuses on the fellas' main takeaways from the BOG meetings from Florida this week (46:36). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (1:04:33). Kyle wraps the podcast by teeing up this weekend's action (1:24:51).Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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.
Empire State of Pressure
29-11-2024
Empire State of Pressure
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman begin things by delving into the New York Rangers' struggles and Chris Drury's league-wide trade memo. Then, Kyle and Elliotte talk about Filip Hronek's injury and the struggling Canucks defense (17:38). Plus, they discuss Kyle Dubas's attempts at turning the Pens roster over (19:00). The fellas unpack the Panthers latest performances amid some struggles (23:09) and delve into the Brady Tkachuk discourse (29:00) before unpacking a league wide warning about tampering (31:49). Kyle and Elliotte play with the idea that Joey Daccord could suit up for Canada at the 4 Nations Faceoff (38:12) and the Final Thought focuses on the Anaheim Ducks and their struggle to balance learning lessons with a positive atmosphere in the room (43:13).  Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions in the Thought Line (52:36).In the final segment of the show, Kyle and Elliotte are joined by David Amber as the three of them select and debate all four 4 Nations Faceoff rosters ahead of the official announcement this week. (1:05:52).Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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.
Utah Should Keep HC?
26-11-2024
Utah Should Keep HC?
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman kick things off with the St. Louis Blues hiring Jim Montgomery as their new head coach following his departure from the Boston Bruins. Afterwards, Elliotte ponders aloud whether Utah Hockey Club should just stick with their current name (12:49). Then, Kyle and Elliotte delve into the Toronto Maple Leafs who have won seven of their last eight without Auston Matthews (20:05). That makes way for a conversation around the Canucks-Senators game from Saturday night and the opposite directions both teams are heading in (25:19).. Elliotte provides an update on Kirill Kaprizov's injury (33:18) and unpacks the latest developments with David Jiricek (38:16). The Final Thought focuses on Joe Thornton and his jersey retirement in San Jose (40:18).  The Final Thought  focuses on Joe Thornton and his jersey retirement in San Jose (40:18). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions in the Thought Line (50:37).In the final segment, Kyle and Elliotte talk about the OHL's plans for aggressive expansion (1:09:05). Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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.
Just a Couple Chill Guys With Hockey Thoughts
22-11-2024
Just a Couple Chill Guys With Hockey Thoughts
In this episode of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman begin by discussing the start of the Joe Sacco, Boston Bruins era (4:15). Then, the fellas delve into the upstart Calgary Flames (9:38) and their recent opponent in the New York Rangers (12:34). They shoutout Marc-Andre Fleury for his 1000th NHL start (17:31) and then Kyle and Elliotte discuss the Ottawa Senators after their tough loss to Vegas and Travis Green's tough-love approach (22:37). Elliotte talks about the struggles the Canucks have been facing this season (29:12). The guys talk about what the Hurricanes will do during Frederik Andersen's absence (31:55) and  Kyle and Elliotte unpack the video that NHL Player Safety put out about contact with the head moments this season (36:13). The Final Thought focuses on Jonathan Toews after his inspiring Instagram post about his healing journey (44:46).Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions in the Thought Line (52:36).In the last segment, Kyle and Elliotte speak with the Tampa Bay Lightning's Ryan McDonagh  in partnership with AstraZeneca's Get Body Checked Against Cancer campaign which encourages fans across the league to get screened (1:13:30). In partnership with the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer™ initiative, the campaign uses the familiar concept of body checking to emphasize that while a well-timed check can save a game, a well-timed body check can save a life. Check out the link for more information. www.getbodychecked.com Link to Casey O'Brien's amazing survival story www.stillstrongfoundation.org/obriensurvivor/Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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.
Can You Take the Salary Cap Higher?
18-11-2024
Can You Take the Salary Cap Higher?
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman begin the podcast by unpacking the latest developments surrounding league revenues and the potential ramifications for the salary cap. Afterwards, the guys delve into Oilers-Leafs on Saturday night (18:30) and look forward to Jets-Panthers on Tuesday (23:41). Kyle and Elliotte talk about Connor Bedard's homecoming on Saturday in Vancouver and the difficulties of rebuilding a franchise, and the pressure it puts on a star like Bedard (30:00). The guys run through some "quickies" from Headlines on Saturday, including what the Preds are shopping for, the future of Jiricek in Columbus, and the state of the Boston Bruins (42:00). Kyle and Elliotte talk about the suspension to Ryan Reaves for his hit to the head of Darnell Nurse (45:00). The fellas finish the opening block of the pod by focusing on some goaltending. First, they touch on the return of Jack Campbell from the player assistance program (49:00). They make sense of the Hurricanes goaltending rotation (53:00). In the Final Thought, they talk about Logan Thompson's return to Las Vegas after being traded to the Washington Capitals this offseason (58:00).Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions in the Thought Line (1:02:04).In the final segment Kyle congratulates the Toronto Argonauts for winning the 111th Grey Cup (1:18:25).Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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.
The Tortured Insiders Department
15-11-2024
The Tortured Insiders Department
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and noted Swiftie Elliotte Friedman open the proceedings with Producer Dom's public apology to the Grunge community. The fellas delve into the hockey talk by focusing on the Pittsburgh Penguins possibly notifying the league of their direction with the Lars Eller trade (7:00). Kyle and Elliotte talk about Colorado who have won three in a row (18:00). They also delve into solutions for video review and how it's slowing down the game too much (23:00). Elliotte unpacks the Matvei Michkov healthy scratch (32:30). He also talks about where things are headed between the Blue Jackets and David Jiricek (35:00). The fellas talk about Connor McDavid reaching the 1000 point milestone on Thursday night (39:11). That's followed by a conversation about the struggling Boston Bruins (44:20). They also talk about the New Jersey Devils who are flying at the moment (46:45), and a big night for Mika Zibanejad who needed something to go his way (50:50). The Final Thought focuses on the future of the Commissioner position as the league's head office promotes a few names to new positions (54:00). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions in the Thought Line (58:43).In the final segment Kyle and Elliotte speak with CHL President Dan MacKenzie about the new rules giving CHL players NCAA eligibility (1:14:14).Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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.
Hurtin' for Hagens
11-11-2024
Hurtin' for Hagens
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman open things by focusing on Alex Ovechkin creeping closer to Wayne Gretzky's goal record. Afterwards, the fellas unpack whether the Montreal Canadiens should "Hurt for Hagens" as they sit dead last in the NHL standings (15:45). Kyle and Elliotte talk about Shea Weber ahead of induction to the HHOF (30:00) and they talk about teams starting to look at possible coaching replacements (36:00). Elliotte scolds Kyle for suggesting it would be challenging for MacKenzie Weegar to crack the Flames lineup (40:00) and Kyle then gives it back for Elliotte's mishap with Dante Fabbro's waiver potential (42:00). The guys talk about the Winnipeg Jets who are off to the best start in NHL history through 15 games (46:50). The Final Thought unpacks the ongoing story now that the NCAA has opened eligibility for CHL players (55:55). Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions in the Thought Line (1:01:18).The guys close the podcast by featuring Rick Tocchet's polar bear white fleece and encourage him to bust it out again to encourage the team back into the win column (1:18:45). Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemailThis podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.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.