Episode 210 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 05-06-2026

Hey, Coming to you slightly early this week is episode 210 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. Check out these topics. #1. It’s been truly refreshing to finally see positive feedback on a consistent basis about goaltender Jakub Dobes #2. Jacob Fowler has serious competition now to be the Montreal Canadiens number one goaltender of the future. #3. Hopefully, the Montreal Canadiens are planning on retaining and signing interim goaltending coach Marco Marciano to a long-term contract. #4.  Marco Marciano has made and had a tremendous impact since arriving in Montreal. #5. Marco Marciano has had a significant influence on and has been an advantage for Jakub Dobes. #6. Brendan Gallaghers is the definition of what a heart and soul player is all about and supposed to be. #7. Josh Anderson has been outstanding. #8. Josh Anderson has been a tremendous influence on Juraj Slafkovsky and he is learning from Josh Anderson. #9. The Carolina Hurricanes look like the team to beat in the East. #10. Now that Buffalo and Montreal face-off. Expect the series to go to 7 games. #11. In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche look unbeatable. #12. Colorado crushed the L.A. Kings in round 1 in 4 straight games. #13. The Colorado Avalanche are now crushing the Minnesota Wild in round 2 with 9 to 6 and 5 to 2 in the first and second games of this series. #14. SURPRISE! The Ducks and Golden Knights get to face-off. This will be fun. #15. No one can even remotely figure out what the Toronto Maple Leaf’s are doing. #16. Mats Sudin joins the Toronto Maple Leaf’s as their new Senior Executive Advisor. #17. Absolutely, no one in the hockey world can figure out the hiring of John Chayka as  General Manager in Toronto. #18. Mats Sundin joins a long and accomplished list of exceptional player talent that has risen to executive management role after their playing careers have concluded. #19. You have to take a listen to the Leaf’s press conference announcing these hiring, and here what Media member, Steve Simpson had to say about it.  In a word, WOW! #20. Apparently, the issues with John Chayka go far deeper league wide than just within the former Arizona Coyote’s organization/franchise. #21. There is no way that these moves have improved the odds of, or have they even remotely enhanced that chances of team Captain Austin Matthews staying around long-term in Toronto. #22. Is Craig Berube coming back? #23. The Leaf’s somehow won the draft lottery. #24. Does winning the draft lottery influence Austin Matthews decision to stay or go in any way? #25. Changes in Toronto result in a Stanley Cup within 2-years or there are likely a lot more changes coming in Toronto. #26. Victor Hedman was dealing with Mental Health Issues.