100% Hockey

Former NHL player, agent, and general manager Brian Lawton joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to break down the NHL trade deadline from a business perspective.
Lawton analyzes a deadline market that strongly favored sellers and explains why disciplined teams like the Carolina Hurricanes were able to maximize their leverage. He also discusses why some organizations — including the Toronto Maple Leafs — may have missed opportunities in a market that rewarded patience.
The conversation also explores the broader business landscape of the NHL, including:

The increasing value of NHL franchises

Why the salary cap could reach $125 million in the coming years

The evolving economics behind trade deadline decisions

Potential expansion markets, including the possibility of a future team in Texas

How front offices balance competitiveness with long-term asset management

Veteran NHL coach Pete DeBoer joins Daren Millard and John Shannon on 100% Hockey to discuss the trade deadline from the coach’s point of view.
Rather than focusing on specific deals, DeBoer shares what deadline day is like behind the bench — drawing on nearly two decades of NHL coaching experience with the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars.
The conversation explores:

How coaches communicate with players during the uncertainty of deadline week

The relationship between coaches and general managers when moves are being considered

Why culture fit often matters as much as talent when acquiring players

The challenges of integrating new players into a team mid-season

Stories and lessons from DeBoer’s many deadline experiences

DeBoer also reflects on his recent time coaching Canada at the Olympic tournament and discusses what he’s looking for as he considers his next coaching opportunity.
A thoughtful look at one of the NHL calendar’s busiest days — from the perspective of someone behind the bench.

Nick Kypreos joins Daren Millard and John Shannon on 100% Hockey to break down the latest developments ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
Kypreos offers his perspective on the current market, explaining how new league rules and cap realities are shaping team strategies and limiting the movement of high-end players. The group discusses the difficulty of acquiring elite talent and why the deadline landscape may look different this year.
They also explore:

The possibility of a major move involving Robert Thomas

Teams to watch as potential buyers and sellers, including the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, and Carolina Hurricanes

How trades impact team chemistry and locker room leadership

Contract structures and the challenges of moving high-value players

The broader playoff implications across the Eastern and Western Conferences

Jarmo Kekäläinen, General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres, joins Daren Millard and John Shannon on 100% Hockey for a candid conversation about Buffalo’s transformation and the philosophy driving it.
Kekäläinen reflects on his journey from consultant to general manager, outlining his belief that character, competitiveness, and culture must come before pure talent. He explains how those principles have shaped the Sabres’ recent success and why maintaining standards inside the room is central to long-term growth.
They also discuss:
- Player evaluation and what separates good teams from contenders
- The relationship between management and coaching staff
- Trade deadline strategy and roster construction
- Lessons learned from international hockey and Olympic experience
A thoughtful look at how Buffalo has reshaped its identity — and why Kekäläinen believes the foundation is now in place for sustained success.

Jim Rutherford, President of Hockey Operations for the Vancouver Canucks, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to discuss the organization’s decision to enter a full rebuild.
Rutherford explains the rationale behind moving key pieces and shifting the franchise’s focus toward young assets and draft capital. He outlines the long-term vision for the club, emphasizing patience, player development, and building from the back end out.
The conversation covers:

The current NHL trade market and why movement has slowed

How new league rules impact roster construction

Confidence in the Canucks’ emerging defense core

The desire to reshape the team’s identity moving forward

Reflections on the Olympic tournament, including the strong showing from Filip Hronek representing Czechia

Rutherford remains optimistic about Vancouver’s trajectory, explaining why he believes the franchise is positioned to become competitive again in the coming years.