Season Premiere: Kopitar Farewell Tour & Extension Speculation: Kaprizov, McDavid, Hughes, Connor
The boys are back! In our season premiere (beginning around 9:45), we look at Anze Kopitar preparing for a retirement tour after a Hall of Fame–worthy career, while big contract questions swirl around Kirill Kaprizov and Connor McDavid. Mitch Marner’s move to Vegas raises questions about fit and what the Golden Knights had to part with in order to fit him in, and in Toronto, Brad Treliving and Craig Berube face tough questions about replacing Marner’s production. We touch on Jonathan Toews in Winnipeg, the Jets’ looming Kyle Connor extension, and the future of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang in Pittsburgh as the Penguins try to stay competitive in the later years of their legends' careers. Plus, Ask R&D Anything!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
53:40
--------
53:40
Pre-Draft Shakeup: Peterka to Utah, Kane to Vancouver, and Zegras to Philly. Plus, CBA Rumblings.
The Sabres and Utah Mammoth kicked off pre-draft activity with a notable trade sending JJ Peterka to Utah for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan, with Peterka then signing a 5-year extension. Buffalo’s next move may involve Bowan Byram, with several teams circling. Jamie Benn stays with Dallas on a 1-year deal, and their coaching search narrows to two candidates. Evander Kane heads to Vancouver for cap relief, likely filling a top-six role, while Trevor Zegras lands in Philly with low risk for the Flyers. The Leafs could eye Brad Marchand if Florida can’t re-sign him, though expectations should be realistic for the 37-year-old. Off the ice, future expansion is still a hot topic with Atlanta in the forefront of the chatter, a nearly-finalized CBA, and a possible 84-game season in '26-'27, though Ray would rather see more playoff games instead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
40:24
--------
40:24
Dynasty Building in Florida, Big Questions in Edmonton after Panthers go Back-to-Back.
The Oilers fell to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year, with Florida delivering near-perfect performances in Games 5 and 6 and showing superior depth, structure, and goaltending throughout the series. Injuries mounted on both sides, but Florida’s culture and cohesion carried them through, while Edmonton struggled without Zach Hyman and leaned too heavily on McDavid and Draisaitl, who couldn’t singlehandedly turn the tide. Sam Bennett earned the Conn Smythe with a historic playoff performance, and GM Bill Zito now faces the challenge of re-signing Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad. Meanwhile, the Oilers enter a pivotal offseason with key extension talks looming for McDavid and Bouchard, major cap questions, and ongoing uncertainty in goal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
49:40
--------
49:40
Oilers, Draisaitl Make History in Game 4 Win. Pickard Stars in Relief. Kreider Traded to Ducks,
The Oilers clawed back from a 3-0 first-period deficit to win Game 4 in overtime, marking the first comeback of its kind in Stanley Cup Final history. A strong pushback, a timely goalie switch to Calvin Pickard and a spark from veteran Corey Perry’s locker room speech helped shift momentum. Blue-liner Darnell Nurse bounced back with a standout performance, Leon Draisaitl’s greasy OT winner capped the effort and despite continued discipline issues from Evander Kane (and others), Edmonton may hold a slight edge in the now best-of-three series. Meanwhile, the Rangers shake up their core, trading Chris Kreider to Anaheim in a bid to retool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
43:50
--------
43:50
Stanley Cup Final Rematch! Oilers vs. Panthers Round 2. Coaching, Goaltending, X-Factors. Who has the Edge?
The Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Panthers and Oilers will begin Wednesday after nearly a week-long layoff, giving players rest but leaving everyone itching to play. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl appear calmer and more mature under the bright lights and the pressure of expectations this playoff season. The Oilers appear confident, despite missing Zach Hyman, while Florida enters the Finals healthy and battle-tested. Goaltending could be pivotal, with Stuart Skinner now facing a crease-crashing Panthers team and Sergei Bobrovsky posing a tougher test for Oilers shooters. Coaching styles also clash: Maurice is philosophical and chatty, Knoblauch quiet and methodical. With deep lineups and playoff experience on both sides, who will the X-Factors be... and what are Ray & Dregs Stanley Cup Final predictions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ray Ferraro & Darren Dreger, two of the biggest names in the game join forces for The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast. Providing expert insight, analysis and opinions on what's happening on and off the ice in an entertaining personality-laden style that you won't find anywhere else.
Canada - english