In Episode 19, Jeff and Elliotte discuss the newest GM of the Maple Leafs and the franchise’s future in the executive suite, preview the 100th Memorial Cup, and highlight junior coaches ready for the NHL. They are also joined by Martin St. Louis, who talks about why teams are better on the road in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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3:00 Elliotte and Jeff reflect on seeing stars like Dale Hawerchuk and Sidney Crosby in past Memorial Cup tournaments, and recount some of their favourite memories from the tournament’s history.
9:20 Jeff wonders if a coach like Hamilton Bulldogs bench boss John Gruden could get a shot in the NHL, and the duo discuss the larger possibility of junior coaches moving to the pro level. They also set up the Memorial Cup and make their championship picks.
19:30 The pair talk Fortnite, how it’s taking hold among NHL players and fans alike, and why video games can have a negative impact on junior players.
24:20 Kyle Dubas has taken the reins as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Where do we go from here? How is he going to run the team? Elliotte asks what kinds of things Dubas is going to do that will be different: “Because I know he thinks differently. How can you really think differently in hockey?”
30:15 Is Eric Joyce still being groomed to take over the Florida Panthers’ general manager role? Elliotte says it’s more likely former NHLer Chris Pronger will get a look first, and Bryan McCabe will be considered too.
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31:40 How does Dubas coexist with Mark Hunter? What will the dynamic be between Dubas and head coach Mike Babcock? “I think a lot of people are expecting Hunter to leave,” Elliotte says, adding he believes Lou Lamoriello will go to the New York Islanders. Could Hunter and Lamoriello both end up on Long Island?
39:40 Tampa Bay Lightning legend Martin St. Louis joins 31 Thoughts to break down the advantages of playing on the road. The freedom to go over the boards without worrying about opposing matchups made him prefer playing on the road, St. Louis says. Elliotte also asks the former Bolts winger about his future coaching plans.
58:34 The pair discuss the verdict of the ‘lick or hit’ debate and Brad Marchand‘s controversial act: “It’s gross for everyone, for all around.”
59:39 The #Ask31 segment looks into the rise of Germany as a new force in hockey, the legalization of sports gambling in the U.S., the chances John Tavares signs a two- or three-year deal, and a few potential trades.
