Advertise on podcast: 100% Hockey

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta on 100% Hockey for his first conversation with the show since taking over in New Jersey. Mehta discusses the transition from helping build a championship organization in Florida to being the person ultimately responsible for the decisions in New Jersey. Despite years spent preparing for an opportunity like this, he explains why the reality of sitting in the GM’s chair has been even more demanding than he anticipated. The conversation dives into Mehta’s unconventional path through hockey, including his background in analytics, poker, and financial trading, and how those experiences influence the way he evaluates risk and makes decisions as an NHL executive. Mehta also discusses bringing longtime Florida executive Bryan McCabe into the organization, the different perspectives they bring to player evaluation and development, and the importance of surrounding himself with people whose strengths complement his own. John and Daren also ask about Mehta’s relationship with head coach Sheldon Keefe and how the front office and coaching staff work together as the Devils try to establish the identity of this new era in New Jersey. Plus, the guys work through some of the early stories around the NHL, including injuries, the first impressions of the new season, and whether the league’s shortened training camp is already having an impact.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging conversation about the business of the league and some of the biggest issues shaping its future. Before Daly joins the show, John and Daren work through the early headlines of the NHL season, including Igor Shesterkin scoring the first goalie goal in New York Rangers history, Matthew Knies making an immediate impact in his Columbus debut, the latest surrounding Aleksander Barkov, and the early questions facing Edmonton. Daly then joins the conversation to discuss the NHL’s new shortened training camp and preseason format, why the league doesn’t view the condensed schedule as a player health or conditioning concern, and the adjustment teams are making as they transition into the new structure. The discussion turns to the business of hockey, including the NHL’s rising salary cap and the changing financial environment around the league. Daly explains the transition away from the flat-cap years and offers his perspective on how the league’s economics continue to evolve. John, Daren and Daly also debate the increasing importance of no-trade and no-move clauses in player contracts before looking toward the possibility of future NHL expansion, the level of interest from prospective markets, and the importance of ensuring the league has enough talent to support additional teams. The conversation concludes with a broader look at how the NHL tells its stories, the importance of showcasing the personalities behind the players, and why human-interest storytelling remains an important part of growing the game.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are back on 100% Hockey as the NHL regular season gets underway, with Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell joining the show. The guys begin with Jared Bednar’s new four-year extension in Colorado and look back at the first night of the NHL season, including Montreal’s win over Toronto and Vancouver’s overtime victory against Edmonton. Then, Waddell takes John and Daren inside one of the biggest trades of the young season. Columbus acquired Matthew Knies, Emil Andrae, Steven Lorentz and a conditional draft pick from Toronto in a major deal that sent Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins and Miles Wood to the Maple Leafs. Waddell discusses the thinking behind the deal, what made Knies an attractive addition for Columbus, and the circumstances surrounding Marchenko’s departure. He also breaks down how the move changes the Blue Jackets’ roster and where the organization stands as a new season begins. With significant changes in Columbus, the conversation turns to expectations for the year ahead and how Waddell sees the new pieces fitting into a Blue Jackets team looking to take another step forward. Plus, John and Daren break down the early returns from opening night and some of the first storylines of the 2026-27 NHL season.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by longtime ESPN hockey host and play-by-play commentator John Buccigross on 100% Hockey to look ahead to a new NHL season and some of the biggest stories around the league. With opening night approaching, Buccigross shares what has his attention heading into the season as the guys work their way through the teams, players, and coaches facing some of the biggest expectations. The conversation covers the outlook in Washington, questions surrounding Connor Hellebuyck and Winnipeg, Buffalo’s situation in goal, and the uncertainty facing Detroit. They also discuss Edmonton under Mike Babcock, Peter Laviolette’s latest opportunity behind an NHL bench, and what to make of the always difficult-to-define Toronto Maple Leafs. John, Daren, and Bucci also discuss which teams could take a significant step forward, the challenges created by a shortened training camp, and what the opening weeks could tell us about contenders around the league. The conversation also turns to the late Barry Melrose, with Buccigross reflecting on his former ESPN colleague, their years covering hockey together, and Melrose’s lasting contribution to growing the game’s presence in the United States. With the preseason coming to an end and the regular season about to begin, Buccigross helps set the table for another year of NHL hockey.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by Washington Capitals President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan on 100% Hockey as the NHL regular season approaches. Before the interview, John and Daren dig into Adam Fantilli’s new contract with Columbus and what it says about the rapidly changing market for young NHL stars, as teams increasingly pay for what they believe a player will become rather than simply what they have already accomplished. Then, MacLellan joins the show to discuss the state of the Capitals and why he believes Washington has the depth to compete in a difficult Eastern Conference. After a busy offseason, he shares his perspective on the roster, the club’s goaltending depth, and how a rising salary cap is changing the way teams approach building and maintaining a contender. The conversation naturally turns to Alex Ovechkin and his place within a deeper Washington lineup. MacLellan discusses how Ovechkin remains an important part of the Capitals’ identity while explaining why ice time could be distributed differently this season. He also talks about Ovechkin’s approach at this stage of his career and his focus on helping Washington win rather than chasing individual numbers. MacLellan, who spent a decade as Washington’s general manager and helped build the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup championship team, also offers a front-office perspective on managing expectations, maintaining depth, and keeping Washington competitive as the organization continues to evolve around one of the defining players in franchise history.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are back on 100% Hockey as the NHL preseason gets underway, with Seattle Kraken captain Jordan Eberle joining the show. John and Daren start with a look at the value of the NHL preseason and whether teams really need as many exhibition games as they currently play. They also discuss Seattle’s approach to training camp, the value of continuity behind the bench, and what the Kraken need to establish before the regular season begins. Eberle then joins the conversation to discuss his role as captain and the responsibility that comes with helping set the standard in Seattle. He talks about the Kraken’s emphasis on playing with speed, generating more offence, and adapting as the pace of the NHL continues to increase. The conversation also gets away from the rink, with Eberle discussing his family, his connection to Seattle, and what the city has come to mean to him. He also offers his perspective on the Pacific Division and what the Kraken are facing as another season gets underway. Later, John and Daren turn their attention to the future of the league, including the possibility of NHL expansion and potential markets such as Houston and Atlanta, before wrapping up another edition of 100% Hockey.

John Shannon sits down with Stanley Cup champion Taylor Hall at Carolina Hurricanes media day for a conversation about finally reaching hockey’s summit, the evolution of his game, and the challenge of doing it all over again. Hall looks back on a summer unlike any other, including 13 hours with the Stanley Cup at his cottage in Muskoka and taking the Cup out for a boat tour on Lake Muskoka. After 17 years in the NHL, he reflects on what it meant to finally become a champion and how much he has changed since entering the league. Once known for the “flash and dancing” in his game, Hall discusses his transformation into a more physical power forward and the veteran role he now embraces alongside younger teammates like Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. He also explains what makes Rod Brind’Amour such an effective motivator and how the Hurricanes maintain their intensity over the course of a long season. With Carolina now entering the season as defending champions, Hall talks about going from the hunters to the hunted in a competitive Eastern Conference and the challenge of matching the standard that carried the Hurricanes to the Cup. The conversation also turns to the next generation, with Hall offering advice to Gavin McKenna on handling enormous expectations and the pressure that comes with playing in Toronto. Daren Millard joins John for the top and tail of the show as 100% Hockey gets ready for another NHL season.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by Mike Zeisberger on 100% Hockey to set the stage for a new NHL season and break down some of the biggest stories emerging around the league. Fresh off the NHL Media Tour in Las Vegas, Zeisberger shares what he heard from players as another season approaches, including candid comments from Tom Wilson about the changes in Washington and Mark Scheifele’s perspective on the situation surrounding Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg. The conversation also dives into the NHL’s rapidly changing contract landscape. With young stars commanding increasingly significant deals, the guys discuss what that means for teams trying to build sustainable contenders and the decisions facing organizations like Montreal and San Jose as their young cores develop. From there, they tackle some of the league’s biggest individual storylines, including Quinn Hughes’ contract situation, Mike Babcock beginning a new chapter behind the bench in Edmonton with Connor McDavid, and the expectations surrounding Gavin McKenna in Toronto.The group also looks at which teams could make noise this season, including an improved Washington roster and Carolina’s chances of defending its Stanley Cup championship, while examining the questions still facing Detroit and Edmonton as opening night approaches. The offseason is almost over. Now the expectations, pressure, and biggest questions around the NHL are about to be answered.

John Shannon and Daren Millard open 100% Hockey by remembering Barry Melrose and reflecting on his impact on the game, particularly his years at ESPN and the role he played in helping grow the NHL’s profile in the United States. John then sits down with Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon to discuss an offseason of significant change in Vegas.McCrimmon talks about the roster turnover facing the Golden Knights, including the trade that sent Pavel Dorofeyev to the New York Rangers, and the challenge of maintaining the organization’s identity and expectations as important pieces move on. The conversation also turns to new head coach Ryan Craig. McCrimmon explains why Craig was the right choice for the job and reflects on a relationship that stretches back decades, from Craig’s playing days in Brandon through his years developing as a coach within the Golden Knights organization. They discuss the importance of continuity, communication, and maintaining the culture Vegas has worked to establish. With training camp approaching, McCrimmon also looks ahead to the challenges of preparing the Golden Knights during a shortened camp and preseason schedule, while discussing the role families and organizational culture play in building a successful team. The interview closes on a personal note as McCrimmon reflects on his late brother Brad, his impact on Kelly’s life and hockey career, and the memories that remain 15 years after his passing.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by former NHL player and longtime broadcaster Ray Ferraro on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging conversation about just how much the game has changed, both on and off the ice. Ferraro looks back on his playing career, including his signature breakaway move and whether he'd even be allowed to pull it off in today's NHL. That leads into a fascinating comparison of different eras, as Ray recalls scoring 40 goals and seeing his salary jump from $125,000 to $200,000, a far cry from the contracts being negotiated by today's stars. The conversation shifts to the current NHL landscape, including contract negotiations involving some of the league's biggest names and the difficult decisions facing general managers around the league. Ray, John, and Daren also discuss the uncertainty surrounding Detroit's front office and what teams are facing as rookie tournaments give way to training camp and another NHL season. Ray also talks about his son Landon beginning a new chapter of his own with a full-time broadcasting role in Winnipeg. John offers his thoughts on developing chemistry in the booth and the value of working alongside an experienced broadcaster like Dan Robertson. From stories of Ray's playing days to the money, management and media shaping today's league, it's a conversation spanning generations of NHL hockey.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill on 100% Hockey to discuss a busy offseason in Dallas and the challenges of keeping a Stanley Cup contender together. Nill takes the guys inside the Stars’ offseason, including the trade talks surrounding Jason Robertson and why a potential deal ultimately never came together. He also discusses how dramatically the NHL’s salary landscape has changed, and the increasingly difficult balancing act between paying star players and maintaining the depth needed to compete for a Stanley Cup. The conversation turns to the roster, with Nill providing an update on Tyler Seguin’s recovery from ACL surgery and his expected return for the beginning of the season. He also explains how the NHL’s shortened four-game exhibition schedule will change the way teams evaluate players and prepare for opening night. Away from the ice, Nill discusses the Stars’ plans for a new arena in Plano, the upcoming Stadium Series game at AT&T Stadium, and even life as the self-described “fun grandpa” to six grandchildren.Despite some significant offseason departures, Nill believes the Stars have what it takes to remain among the NHL’s elite and make another run at the Stanley Cup.

Daren Millard and John Shannon bring together two of the NHL's most respected head coaches — Paul Maurice and Pete DeBoer — for a rare and candid conversation about a friendship that stretches back nearly four decades. The two trace their bond to 1985 and the Windsor Spitfires, where they crossed paths under Jim Rutherford's leadership, eventually both finding their way to Stanley Cup championships.  DeBoer shares the little-known story of how a contract negotiation falling through led him to law school — and how that detour ultimately opened the door to his first coaching opportunity alongside Maurice. They open up about navigating the early challenges of coaching together, their contrasting philosophies on the bench — Maurice trusting his instincts, DeBoer keeping his emotions tightly controlled — and how both have leaned on their wives through the inevitable lows of being fired. The conversation closes with honest reflections on what it's like to compete against your closest friend at the highest level of hockey, and how their relationship has grown and deepened through every chapter of the game.

John Shannon closes out the Remembering HNIC series alongside two of Hockey Night in Canada's most enduring voices — Chris Cuthbert and Dave Hodge — for a final, emotional tribute to the show that defined Canadian sports broadcasting. The three reflect on their first memories of Hockey Night, from auditions and debut broadcasts to the significance of slipping on those iconic powder blue jackets for the first time. They share candid stories about memorable interviews, challenging moments, and the unspoken bond that existed among everyone who had the privilege of working on the broadcast. The conversation turns to the show's profound place in Canadian culture — not just as a sports program, but as a weekly ritual that connected generations of fans from coast to coast. As the series comes to a close, Chris, Dave, and John grapple with the emotional weight of Hockey Night's conclusion, celebrating everything it gave to the game and to the country, while acknowledging that some things simply can't be replaced.

Daren Millard and John Shannon welcome two familiar voices to the Remembering HNIC series — Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond — for a warm and revealing look at what it meant to be part of Hockey Night in Canada. Mickey traces his entry into broadcasting back to 1979, stepping behind the mic after a playing career and finding his footing alongside legends like Bob Cole and Danny Gallivan. Ken shares how he got his break in 1990 hosting Coach's Corner, and credits John Shannon directly for the support that helped him transition into play-by-play — a move that shaped the rest of his career. The conversation covers the evolution of the broadcast, from the beloved baby blue jackets to the CBC Sports rebrand, and the distinct culture that made working on Hockey Night unlike anything else in Canadian television. Mickey opens up about his eventual departure from the show over creative differences regarding language and style, while Ken reflects on his journey from Hockey Night to the Detroit Red Wings broadcast booth — where, fittingly, he and Mickey work side by side to this day, carrying forward the traditional Hockey Night broadcasting style that fans never forgot.

Remembering HNIC: Mark Askin and Glenn Adamo on the Innovations, the Icons, and the Legacy of Hockey Night John Shannon sits down with two of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Hockey Night in Canada history — longtime producer Mark Askin and former NHL Vice President of Broadcasting Glenn Adamo — for a fascinating look at how the show became a national institution. Mark opens with his childhood memories of waiting for the broadcast to begin, a feeling shared by millions of Canadians, before pulling back the curtain on what it took to produce the most successful primetime sports show in North America. Glenn discusses his unique experience bringing American broadcasting standards to NHL coverage while being careful to honour the distinctly Canadian soul of Hockey Night. Together they trace the show's landmark innovations — the net camera, the infamous fox puck experiment, and the creation of Hockey Day in Canada — and reflect on the art of storytelling that defined the broadcast, built around celebrating the game's best players rather than dwelling on mistakes. The conversation also touches on working with the legendary Don Cherry and how Hockey Night's approach to coverage quietly shaped and influenced American sports broadcasting for decades.