Episode 221 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast July 9th 2026

Hello hockey fans welcome to episode 221 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast, this week’s topics include- #1. Montreal did not miss out on any kind of upgrade by not signing defenseman John Carlson. #2. John Carlson made it clear he wanted to return to the east Coast of the U.S. How was this a miss by Montreal? #3. John Carlson has earned the right to do what he wants. #4. Montreal 11 NHL caliber and ready defenseman. #5. Montreal is loaded at defense like know other club.  #6. Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Jakub Dobes to a 3-year contract worth? #7. Jakub Dobes is clearly the starting goaltender in Montreal. #8. The Philadelphia Flyers offer-sheet’s Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson showing pure stupidity. #9. The Philadelphia Flyers apparently has a very deep rift with Anaheim. #10. I have absolutely nothing against Leo Carlsson at all. However, he’s done absolutely nothing in his career to this point to warrant an offer sheet or contract of that magnitude. #11. Leo Carlsson is coming off a 3-year entry level deal that paid him $925,000.00 are you kidding me. #12. Do not confuse Leo Carlsson in any wat with? #13. No Montreal Does not need to jump into the RFA market because of anything. #14. Anaheim signs Pavel Mintyukov, avoiding another possible offer-sheet. #15. The Utah Mammoth have matches New Jersey’s offer sheet. #16. Arber Xhekaj has decided to not file for salary arbitration in a classy move. #17. Kirby Dach had filed for arbitration. #18. Kirby Dach is not even worth the 4-million dollar qualifying offer that the Montreal Canadiens made to him. #19. Kirby Dach has been completely unreliable. #20. Kirby Dach’s decision to file for arbitration says a tremendous amount about his character. #21. Shane Wright has proven Montreal Management correct. #22. Claude Giroux signs a new1-year contract with the Ottawa Senators. #23. The Calgary Flames have locked up recently acquired Simon Nemic to a new 5-year contract.  #24. Daniel Alfredsson signs with the Toronto Maple Leaf’s as an assistant coach, along with former Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden and Brad Werenka. #25. One must wonder what Ottawa Senator fans think about Daniel Alfredsson going to the Toronto Maple Leaf’s of all teams? #26. Toronto releases previous assistant coaches Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde. will not be returning for next season. #27. The news of Connor Beard must be a significant concern to the Chicago Blackhawks. #28. Montreal does not need to acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. #29. Montreal does not need to acquire Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust from the Pittsburgh Penguins. #30. There is a plethora of talent in Europe that could be signed, that would do a far better job than any of these must-have options would do, and cost Montreal nothing in assets or players.