100% Hockey

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging conversation on the league’s present and future. Bettman discusses the depth of talent across the NHL, pointing to the balance between established veterans and a growing wave of young players who continue to raise the level of play league-wide. He also addresses expansion, noting that the talent pool could support additional teams while making clear there are no immediate plans to move in that direction. The conversation turns to the Olympic Games, where Bettman shares both the league’s support for player participation and his concerns around infrastructure and readiness. Other topics include the NHL’s outdoor game strategy — with events planned in Florida and the possibility of a game at Jerry Jones’ stadium — as well as the league’s approach to sports betting, stressing the importance of oversight and responsible engagement. Bettman closes with his assessment of the NHL’s overall health and where he sees the league heading next.

Brian Lawton joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to break down one of the biggest moves of the season — the Vancouver Canucks trading Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. Lawton explains why he believes the deal makes sense for both sides, crediting Jim Rutherford for committing to a clear direction in Vancouver while positioning Minnesota, under Craig Leopold, as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. The conversation digs into what Hughes brings to the Wild, how prospects like Ziv Bouilliam and Marco Rossi fit into Vancouver’s future, and why this trade reflects two organizations acting decisively with different timelines in mind. Lawton also weighs in on the separate goalie movement involving Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner, questioning whether the deal truly solves either team’s needs while acknowledging Edmonton’s urgency to stabilize the position around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Chris Pronger joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to break down which teams are starting to separate themselves from the NHL’s crowded middle — and why. Pronger looks at the Boston Bruins, explaining how leaning into the identity Marco Sturm is trying to establish has given them clarity, and compares that approach to Colorado and Dallas, two division rivals built very differently but with similar playoff expectations. Chris shares what he believes truly translates when the games tighten up in the postseason. The conversation also turns to the ongoing Jonathan Toews discussion, with Pronger offering perspective on how difficult it can be for a player of Toews’ age and medical history to step back into the league at full speed. The episode takes a timely turn when news breaks mid-interview of the Edmonton Oilers trading Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh, prompting Pronger to assess the move in real time and explain how — if at all — it helps both teams moving forward.

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet joins the show to break down his team’s recent matchup with San Jose, highlighting the Flyers’ strong energy level and the scoring chances they generated, while noting areas where he’d like to see more sustained aggression. Tocchet discusses the importance of balanced ice time and improved play without the puck to better support his goaltenders, and shares what he enjoys about living in Philadelphia and working within an organization that provides strong support from top to bottom. The conversation shifts into leadership, with Tocchet explaining how the Flyers’ identity has developed organically as young players step into bigger roles. He talks about Trevor Zegras embracing the team’s culture and learning from elite players, and offers insight into Matvei Michkov’s progress — particularly his defensive improvements and the developmental steps still ahead. Tocchet also addresses the team’s recent struggles and stresses the importance of building a strong leadership foundation for the Flyers’ younger core.

John Davidson joined John in Daren’s absence for a wide-ranging conversation on 100% Hockey. The two Johns start with a quick look at the Columbus Blue Jackets and the progress the organization has made, before shifting into league-wide topics. They dig into the challenges of the NHL’s “mushy middle,” the timing and philosophy behind bringing prospects into the league, and their preferences when it comes to draft age and development paths. Davidson also reflects on his memories from the broadcast booth and shares what it has been like returning to the screen on Prime’s Monday night hockey broadcasts.