100% Hockey

John Shannon and Daren Millard welcome Doug MacLean back to 100% Hockey, and as always, Doug arrives with no shortage of stories, strong opinions, and plenty to say about the state of the NHL.
With his new book, Game Day: The Uncensored Life of an NHL GM, set for release, MacLean takes John and Daren behind the scenes of hockey management, drawing on his experiences running the Columbus Blue Jackets and the lessons learned throughout his career.
The conversation quickly turns to today's NHL, with Doug weighing in on Philadelphia's early struggles, the New York Rangers' strong start, and how he sees the divisions shaping up. He also shares how he would approach some of the league's biggest player-management situations, including Dylan Larkin in Detroit and Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg.
From managing difficult personalities to constructing a competitive roster, MacLean offers his perspective on what it really takes to run an NHL franchise, mixing firsthand experience with the candid commentary that has made him a familiar voice in hockey.
Doug also discusses the upcoming launch of Game Day, written alongside Greg Oliver, and the opportunity to meet readers in Toronto.
It's another classic Doug MacLean appearance, with John and Daren doing their best to keep up, and mostly just letting Doug be Doug.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by recently retired NHL forward Ryan Reaves on 100% Hockey for a candid conversation about his decision to step away from the game after 16 seasons, the evolution of fighting in hockey, and what comes next.
Reaves reflects on the physical demands of his career and how an injury ultimately influenced his decision to retire. He discusses the changing role of the NHL enforcer, the importance of knowing when to move on, and his interest in exploring opportunities in hockey media while spending more time with his family.
The conversation also looks back at some of the most memorable chapters of his career, including why his time with the Vegas Golden Knights stands out as his favourite. Reaves shares stories from his years around the league, his experiences playing alongside stars like Sidney Crosby and Auston Matthews, and the differences between playing hockey in Canada and the United States.
Beyond the stories, Reaves offers his perspective on hockey culture, the relationships built inside NHL dressing rooms, and how the game has changed throughout his career.
Plus, John and Daren discuss the latest around the NHL, including the New York Rangers' situation following Igor Shesterkin's injury and what it could mean for the team's outlook in a competitive league.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by longtime NHL coach, former general manager, and current Nashville Predators advisor Barry Trotz on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, winning culture, and his evolving role in the game.
After stepping away from the GM's chair in Nashville, Trotz reflects on the transition to an advisory position and the challenge of moving from making decisions to offering perspective. He discusses the Predators' direction under new management, the importance of establishing a strong organizational culture, and the role veterans like Ryan O'Reilly and Roman Josi play in setting the standard.
The conversation explores how hockey organizations have evolved, including the growing emphasis on player health, wellness, and mental health support. Trotz also compares the demands of coaching and management, sharing lessons from his decades of experience in both roles.
Barry reflects on his relationship with Alex Ovechkin, the impact the legendary goal scorer has had on the NHL, and the character behind one of hockey's most recognizable figures. He also shares his admiration for Pekka Rinne, discussing the former Predators goaltender's humility and his upcoming induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
After the interview, John and Daren turn their attention to the latest around the NHL, including Vegas' comeback against Toronto, Tampa Bay's recent performance, and a debate about the potential impact of a major offer sheet on the Philadelphia Flyers' dressing room.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by former NHL goaltender and Clear Sight Analytics CEO Steve Valiquette for a deep dive into the position and some of the biggest goaltending questions around the NHL.
With Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg uncertain, Steve breaks down what makes the three-time Vezina Trophy winner so valuable and why he believes Carolina could be an ideal fit. The guys examine Hellebuyck’s numbers, the teams that could benefit most from adding him, and what an elite goaltender can change for a contender.
Steve also gets into the details of modern goaltending, explaining the importance of positioning, angle control and playing off the old crease line. He breaks down how a goalie’s depth changes as a rush develops and why seemingly small positional decisions can have such a significant impact.
The conversation then dives into the numbers behind scoring. Steve explains the work being done by Clear Sight Analytics, how the company evaluates scoring opportunities, and what the data can tell us about where and how goals are being created across the NHL.
Plus, John, Daren and Steve discuss some of the major stories around the league, including the latest injuries and Alex Ovechkin’s announcement that this season will be the final one of his legendary NHL career.

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta on 100% Hockey for his first conversation with the show since taking over in New Jersey.
Mehta discusses the transition from helping build a championship organization in Florida to being the person ultimately responsible for the decisions in New Jersey. Despite years spent preparing for an opportunity like this, he explains why the reality of sitting in the GM’s chair has been even more demanding than he anticipated.
The conversation dives into Mehta’s unconventional path through hockey, including his background in analytics, poker, and financial trading, and how those experiences influence the way he evaluates risk and makes decisions as an NHL executive.
Mehta also discusses bringing longtime Florida executive Bryan McCabe into the organization, the different perspectives they bring to player evaluation and development, and the importance of surrounding himself with people whose strengths complement his own.
John and Daren also ask about Mehta’s relationship with head coach Sheldon Keefe and how the front office and coaching staff work together as the Devils try to establish the identity of this new era in New Jersey.
Plus, the guys work through some of the early stories around the NHL, including injuries, the first impressions of the new season, and whether the league’s shortened training camp is already having an impact.