Episode 2029 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 05-01-2026

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.