The FAN Morning Show

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour by welcoming Joe Thomas, NFL Hall of Fame left tackle. He shares his insights on some key Week 16 storylines including Rams vs. Seahawks, the NFC and AFC landscapes, some standout defenders and quarterback situations around the league, and his own career comparisons. After the break, they’re joined by the co-host of The FAN Hockey Show and two-time Stanley Cup champion, Mike Futa (24:15)! He breaks down the Maple Leafs recent form, Auston Matthews’ play, the team's brewing leadership concerns, and more! Ben and Brent wrap up today's show with the Canadian Sports Moment of the Day.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the second hour by discussing Auston Matthews’ relationship with Maple Leafs fans. They touch on his recent emotional reaction after scoring, growing market pressure, health concerns, trade value, and whether he has reached his limit in Toronto. They also debate whether the Blue Jays risk losing Bo Bichette by waiting on Kyle Tucker's market to develop. After the break, Sportsnet NHL analyst Jason Bukala (25:32) joins to break down Team Canada’s win over Sweden, their outlook heading into the World Juniors, and expectations around Gavin McKenna. The conversation then shifts back to the Leafs’ matchup with the Capitals, Matthews’ recent play, potential trade scenarios, possible disconnects between coaching and players, and whether deeper, long-standing issues continue to hold the team back.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open Thursday morning by sharing their last-minute Christmas shopping still needing to be done, before turning to the Blue Jays’ holiday wish list. They look into the impact of Bo Bichette potentially playing second base and how that affects his value and Toronto’s plans. They also discuss the controversy around the Seattle Kraken and Lane Lambert limiting media questions to team employees. After the break, the guys break down NFL news heading into Week 16, including the Dolphins benching Tua Tagovailoa and what it could mean for his future, as well as Joe Burrow’s recent comments and growing uncertainty surrounding his long-term outlook with the Bengals.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning finish off the morning by welcoming NHL insider Frank Seravalli from Victory+. Frank shares his thoughts on the win yesterday over the Chicago Blackhawks and discusses Auston Matthews’ recent play, if Craig Berube calling him out played a role, what it will take for Matthews to return to the conversation as the best player in the league, and what has happened to the aura surrounding him. They explore whether the issue is physical or something bigger, including the possibility of a DNA change as Brad Treliving previously hinted at. Frank also weighs in on whether Matthews would still be the choice as Team USA’s captain for the Olympics. The guys then get into the Canucks’ decision to move on from Quinn Hughes and whether they sees him in Minnesota long-term. Later, Sam McKee (26:19) of Leafs Talk and Real Kyper and Bourne shares his thoughts on the Leafs’ comeback last night. He chats about if the win changed his feelings about the team’s long-term outlook, the constant cycle of believing this could be the turning point, and Matthews’ form of late. The guys close out the morning with the Canadian Sports Moment of the Day.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the second hour alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs general manager and friend of the show! Gord shares his thoughts on the Leafs’ win over the Blackhawks last night, including their third period comeback, Auston Matthews’ emotional response to the fans, the state of the power play after finally scoring, and how much the team can rely on Joseph Woll down the stretch. Gord also discusses "Holy Mackinaw Night" honoring of Joe Bowen and reflects on some of Joe’s great calls throughout the years. Ben and Brent then chat about the idea that Craig Berube’s criticism may have motivated Auston Matthews and whether that kind of approach is needed consistently. After the break (30:50), the guys look at how the Knicks celebrated winning the NBA Cup and debate whether it was fair or foul. The guys also react to Jim Bowden’s comments about team allegiance, discuss whether his take is correct or offensive to fans, explore whether people who work in sports truly understand fandom, and consider whether it’s possible to truly switch teams.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.