Episode 234 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 10-09-2026

Hello Hockey Fans episode 234 of the Hockey free For All Topics is here and it’s like mid-season already. #1. Absolutely not. Alexander Nikishin is not even remotely worth Adam Engstrom and multiple 1st round picks. #2. Montreal does not need Alexander Nikishin. #3. I wouldn’t even trade Kaiden Guhle even up for Alexander Nikishin. Because when Kaiden Guhle is healthy, he is clearly a better defenseman. #4. 16th overall in the 2020 NHL entry draft, is not a fair trade for 69th overall, in the 2020 NHL entry draft. #5. Montreal has 8 legit defensemen on the left-hand side. #6. Montreal has 9 legit defensemen on the right side. #7. That is 17 and they do not need to trade any of them away or acquire any others from anyone else. #8. Really, now it’s Dalibor Dvorsky to Montreal? Come on, give a rest and at the same time, grow up. #9. Montreal does not have 6 difficult player decisions to make in 2027 and here is why. #10. Physicality of the future is Tyler Thorpe, Florian Xhekaj, Gleb Pugachyov and Hayden Paupanekis, all forwards yet to arrive address the same size and skills and have higher upsides and in some cases are even bigger and Owen Protz and Arber Xhekaj. #11. The Montreal Canadiens have 13 centers. Just to clarify and put an exclamation point on that, that is 3 sets of starting 4 centers plus and extra. #12. Montreal has 6 starting left wingers, not even on the team! #13. Montreal has drafted not just well, but exceptionally better than all other clubs in the league and has an exceptional talent pool that spans every position. #14. It’s official. The 2026/2027 season will be the final season for Alexander Ovechkin. What an amazing player and career and why. #15. If the Montreal Canadeins do not win the Stanley Cup in 2026/2027, I hope the Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup and Alexander is the MVP of the regular season, The Conn Smyth winner of the playoffs and walks away a Stanley Cup Champion. #16. Stop with Dylan Larkin, Montreal does not need Dylan Larkin for any reason. #17. Montreal does not need Mark Scheifele either in any way, for any reason or to fill any so-called believed voids. #18. Dylan Larkin, Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck are not even remotely worth what their clubs are asking for and expecting in return. Their ages and productivity do not justify the trade package demands. Regular seasons have been far more consistent than the playoffs for Dylan Larkin, Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck.