While the NHL's best teams are battling it out for the Stanley Cup, somewhere in the league's basement, two GMs are trying to work out a deal to give a franchise player a new home. Jack Eichel is on the move and Anaheim is one of the frontrunners to acquire him. 

Obviously the deal isn't done yet, but it sounds like the LA Kings are officially out of the Jack Eichel sweepstakes. All that remains are Anaheim and Columbus. However, Buffalo would prefer to get Eichel as far away from Buffalo as possible (and I'm sure Jack feels the same way), so Anaheim seems like the likely landing spot. That is, for the right price...

Buffalo wants another high first round pick, which means a deal doesn't happen unless it includes the words "3rd overall pick". But to me, that's worth it for an elite scoring talent! That's something the Ducks have been missing for the last couple seaspns. However, we won't get off that easily. Buffalo will probably want a couple of other players/assets to add to their Swiss cheese roster. But what does that mean? Do the Ducks sell high after Max Comtois' career year? Do we still need Trevor Zegras if we're getting Eichel? Is Jamie Drysdale a surplus piece that we could afford to get rid of?

​Jack Eichel would be nice, but I don't think I'll like what it costs.

Check out the latest episode of The Quack Report wherever you get your podcasts for answers to all this and more! And be sure to follow @QuackReportPod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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​On Episode 167 of The Sota Pod, the boys talk about beer right off the hop! Isha tries his first "Gose" beer...and his reaction is worth listening to this podcast alone! Hoppy continues to sip on Northland Vodka, repaying his debt to Mark Parrish. Hoppy agreed to advertise Northland Vodka until the New York Islanders are eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, IF the Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.

Unlike Isha and Q in this episode, this is a win/win for Hoppy and Parrish.

Q then joins the show for another segment of "Make Good Choices". He talks about how he made a poor choice in agreeing to ride a makeshift roller coaster on a Frisbee Golf Course...Drunk. Joey Nadeau hops on the show in the final segment for another installment of Judge Joey, and puts Isha in a tough spot...

What team will be better off in five years: The Toronto Maple Leafs or the Buffalo Sabres?

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe!

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Don't Fear just drink some Beer, and Stay WILD!

Kirill Kaprizov will re-sign with the Minnesota Wild! Yes "re-sign"... not resign! 

Just breathe everyone.

With news that Kirill Kaprizov's camp is playing hard ball out of the gate in contract negotiations, Minnesota Wild fans are rightfully loosing their minds. 

"All these years of patience for the guy to potentially leave"!? 

Rest assured, General Manager Billy Guerin is going to do everything in his power to both sign Kirill Kaprizov, and make the necessary adjustments to the roster in order to take positive steps forward next season. Further on-ice tweaks are on the horizon. No one wants to be patient any longer, but the light is in view at the end of the tunnel! 

On Episode 166 of The Sota Pod, Isha and Hoppy share some sports-related stories about their Dads in a special Father's Day edition of the #hoppyhour segment. Various topics around the NHL are also covered in the podcast, especially the horrific story coming out of TSN, reporting on the allegations that a former Chicago Blackhawks video coach sexually and emotionally abused two former Blackhawks' players in 2010. James Nichols, editor-in-chief at The Hockey News, and host of the Nassaumen Hockey Podcast also joins the boys to talk about the New York Islanders Stanley Cup Playoffs run thus far, and sits-in on this week's Tim Peel's HOT MIC of the Week segment: John Tortorella vs. Bert Blyleven!

It's time for another player review on the Stick Hungry Podcast! After this past season you would expect most of our reviews to be negative, you would be right, this review however takes the cake. Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a career low year. Not only did his offensive production slip but his overall time on ice fell dramatically. At times this season it appeared as if Vlasic was a fringe NHL defensemen. Moving forward Vlasic may be placed on the bottom pairing for the Sharks making more room for young talent. Can the Sharks afford to commit 7 million dollars on a depth defensemen? My answer is no. 

Let us know what you think of pickles season! Comment below

Be sure to follow us on social media @stickhungrypod 

Watching underdogs succeed in professional sports is truly spectacular.

In the case of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders are demonstrating that chemistry and heart can be more valuable than pure talent, when competing for Lord Stanley. 

More on the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders series in the next The Sota Pod Podcast episodes. Right now it's all about Minnesota Wild Contract talk baby!

Friend of the show, Ross Brendel joined The Sota Pod, and OH BOY did he pick a good one to ride shotgun for! As always, the debate was heated between Hoppy and Isha. They argued about Kevin Fiala's future with the Minnesota Wild organization. When Kirill Kaprizov came up, they disagreed on contract structure, the dollar amount, and ripple effects of Billy Guerin conceding to the demands of Kaprizov's camp.

Unfortunately for Ross, he was caught in crossfire...However, he knew what he was getting himself into! 

In Episode 165 of The Sota Pod, Ross Brendel, host & producer of Minnesota Sports Chat & Development Specialist for KBEM FM joins the boys to chime-in on the Minnesota Wild Contracts Poll Question Thread. The boys also put the "Cider Pronunciation" debate to rest, and talk about Local Craft Beers & Frozen Pizza (7th Avenue Pizza being the GOAT of course)!

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe

REMINDER:
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Make sure you follow The Hockey Podcast Network on Twitter @hockeypodnet as well as your favorite host @TheSotaPod.

Show:
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Host: @VISportsTalk & @stateofhoppy @BrendelRoss

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Don't Fear just drink some Beer, and Stay WILD!

​Summer has arrived! 

Nothing screams summer more than Beer, MLB Baseball, and a Minnesota Wild early Stanley Cup Playoff exit! Between Hoppy asking for cocktail suggestions at a wedding to our guest bringing the first Beer Cup Snake to Target Field, there was plenty to celebrate over the warm weekend. We close it out with a BANG on the latest Episode of The Sota Pod Podcast. 

On Episode 163 of The Sota Pod, the boys are joined by Jack Leverentz (@bossman_10k), co-founder & CEO of the Minnesota-Based Media Company, 10k Takes!

Jack talks about his birthday bash which included organizing the first Beer Cup Snake at Target Field during last weekends' Minnesota Twins game against the Houston Astros. He shares the entire story on The Sota Pod, including how he was tipped-off that an over-priced Gatorade could get him Jumbotron screen-time. 

The boys then dive into the NHL Seattle Expansion Draft, and discuss who they think will be selected. 

Finally, Isha asks Hoppy and Jack which "Tim Peel's Hot Mic of the Week" selections reign supreme: 

Adrian Dater going full Bill O'Riely VS. Shaq sucking poison from...YOUR WIFE! 

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe!

REMINDER:
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Make sure you follow The Hockey Podcast Network on Twitter @hockeypodnet as well as your favorite host @TheSotaPod.

Show:
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Host: @VISportsTalk & @stateofhoppy @10k_takes

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It's the offseason and that means its time for season reviews for the Sharks roster. On Episode 55 Season 2 of The Stick Hungry Podcast Nick Flohr & Dylan Keyzer breakdown the career year for Evander Kane. Evander Kane was able to produce at a high level all season for the San Jose Sharks, putting up 22 goals, 27 assists for a team best 49 points. Kanes 49 points put him at a 72 point pace over a regular 82 game season which would have been Kane's career high. Kane has also gained the trust from his coaching staff, Nick Flohr notes in this episode that Kane had a dramatic increase in defensive zone face-offs vs offensive zone face-offs. A dramatic decrease in penalty minutes is surely another reason for Kanes new found trust with the coaching staff. 

Report Card:
Dylan: A
Nick: A+

What grade would you give Kane for the 2020-2021 season? Comment below!

Follow the Stick hungry Podcast on twitter @stickhungrypod

Listen Here: ​https://link.chtbl.com/stickhungrypodcast

Friday Sota Pod's are ALL about the Minnesota Wild!

Well, most of the time...

This particular The Sota Pod Podcast, the pronunciation of "cider" became the main focus of the show. No matter where the conversation went, it somehow came back to how Americans and Canadians pronounce "cider".

Hoppy even brought the conversation to Twitter:

But don't worry! Plenty of Minnesota Wild topics were covered to fill out this banger of a podcast that kicked off the weekend! 

On Episode 162 of The Sota Pod, the boys alongside Dylan Keyzer, co-founder of The Hockey Podcast Network, talk about Dean Evason being a finalist for the NHL's Jack Adams Award. They also dive into what Minnesota Wild expensive forward is most likely to be moved if Matt Dumba stays with the organization. Finally, Isha attempts to provide some late NHL potential first-round draft prospects for the Wild at the center and winger position.

Though he nailed the segment, he butchered the names:

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe

REMINDER:
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Make sure you follow The Hockey Podcast Network on Twitter @hockeypodnet as well as your favorite host @TheSotaPod.

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Host: @VISportsTalk & @stateofhoppy @joeynadeau

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In my very first blog post for The Hockey Podcast Network, I am choosing not to write about the Tampa Bay Lightning's current playoff run. Rather, I would love to introduce some names to be on the lookout for in the coming years within Tampa's system.

When you are in the midst of prime championship contending years, you will find that your teams prospect cupboard is often a bit barren. As we have seen with out Lightning, many first round picks have been moved in the process to win the Cup in 2020 and in the process to defend that championship currently in 2021. A price has to be paid when you are in a "win-now", and that price is usually prime draft capital.

Nevertheless, here are some names worth keeping an eye on as a Lightning fan. *Note - this list will not include any prospect that became an NHL regular this year such as Cal Foote or Ross Colton.

1. Samuel Walker, Forward - University of Minnesota (NCAA)
Sammy Walker is a name that many Lightning and NCAA fans might already know. A 7th round pick in 2017 out of Edina High School in Minnesota, Walker captained one of his home state colleges, the University of Minnesota, this past season where he scored 13 goals and 16 assists through 31 games and finishing second on the team in scoring. He is a dynamic scoring forward who has always had a knack for putting up points, never finishing below 26 points in his three collegiate seasons. Walker's good skating skills combined with smooth hands help him overcome his smaller stature, being sub-six foot and roughly 170 pounds. I expect Sammy to return to Minnesota for his senior season before turning pro full time.

2. Taylor Raddysh, Forward - Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
Raddysh is an older prospect with three seasons of pro hockey already under his belt. When Taylor was drafted in the 2nd round in 2016, it was expected that he would soon become a full time NHL power forward with a scoring touch. This, however, has not been the case. Raddysh has taken his time developing after an underwhelming final junior hockey season and disappointing second pro hockey season. 2021 seems to be the year, however, where Raddysh has been able to put the pieces together. Though he is 23 and has yet to play an NHL game, Raddysh is a member of the Black Aces for Tampa this year after finishing with 12 goals and 17 assists in 27 games with Syracuse. It seems that he has been able to put together the offensive side of his game and will look to translate that into a full time NHL role next season.

3. Antoine Morand, Forward - Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
Antoine Morand holds one big difference from the rest of the names on this list: Tampa Bay did not draft him. Rather, he was acquired in the Volkov trade earlier this year. For anybody unfamiliar with Morand, use this as your introduction. Antoine Morand is a former 2017 2nd round pick out of the QMJHL by the Anaheim Ducks. After being drafted, Morand failed to improve his production in the Q, following up a 74 point draft year with 76 and 70 point seasons. These numbers still do indicate a good player, but the lack of growth was concerning. Regardless, Anaheim signs him and gives him the opportunity to develop in San Diego, but seemingly to no avail. It took a change of scenery and arriving in Syracuse to help spark some on Morand's offense. After only scoring 6 points in 21 games for San Diego, Morand arrived in Syracuse and produced 5 goals and 7 assists in 19 games. Antoine Morand's is regarded as a two-way forward who has been gifted with great offensive tools. For whatever reason, he has struggled using those tools correctly and must continue to develop his skillset in order to become that legitimate middle-six center he was expected to be.

4. Jack Thompson, Defenseman - Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
The Ontario Hockey League was unable to play games this year, so 2020 3rd round pick Jack Thompson instead had to take a detour in Sweden before inking his first NHL deal and joining Syracuse to end the season. A former guest of the Bolts Broadcast, Thompson is an instinctive two-way defenseman with solid size and an offensive upside to his game. Last season as a 17 year old in the OHL, Thompson scored 13 goals and 19 assists from the backend through 63 games. He followed that up this season by being a point-per-game in all of the leagues he played in - 18 through 18 in Sweden (with 9 goals) and his first North American pro hockey assist in his lone game with Syracuse this year. Thompson is somebody who will return to Sudbury next season and likely will need some development time in the AHL before he can make the jump to the NHL.

5. Eamon Powell, Defenseman - Boston College (NCAA)
Eamon Powell was one of my mid-to-late round targets in the 2020 NHL draft, and Tampa was lucky enough to snatch him up in the 4th round. Though he is a slightly smaller defenseman at 5'11" and 170 pounds, Powell approaches the game a way that every coach loves. He is incredibly confident with the puck and possesses great skating skills, but he also plays hard and never is one to shy away from the physical side of the game. Powell impressed as a true freshman at BC this year, scoring 2 goals and 12 assists through 24 games. As he continues to refine his game in the college ranks, Powell has a legitimate chance to fight for a spot on Team USA for the 2022 U20 World Junior Championships. Eamon Powell likely will be an NHL defenseman one day with true top four defenseman potential. Add him to the list of draft day values for Tampa over the years.

6.  Hugo Alnefelt, Goalie - HV71 (SHL)
The final name on this list is at a position where Tampa seems to be pretty solidified at the top. With Vasilevskiy being the best goalie in the world, 2019 3rd round pick Hugo Alnefelt is in no rush to become an NHL goalie. Alnefelt has been one of the best young goalies in Sweden for a few years. Playing 10 games over the last two World Junior Championships as well as 40 games over the last two Swedish Hockey League seasons, Hugo has showcased high-end athletic ability combined with technicality and size that you love to see in goalie prospects. As a 19 year old playing on one of the worst teams in the Swedish league, Hugo produced  a 5-16 record with a 3.16 goals against average and .904 save percentage. It is common to see at these levels of hockey a stat line like this in elite talents. Goalies whose true talent lives in the 3.00 or worse GAA often have a sub .900 SV%. When the save percentage directly contradicts the goals against, there is high optimism in the talent. Hugo will likely split duties in Syracuse next season after signing his ELC in May. Hopefully playing on a better team with more talent in front of him will help better develop the tools he already possesses.

The game show SWEEPING THE NATION is back! Judge Joey, with your host, St. Mary's Hockey Legend: Joey Nadeau. 

As always, Joey facilitates a debate of epic proportion between Isha & The StateofHoppy. Every week, on The Sota Pod Podcast Judge Joey gives us his verdict, on various topics in the world of Hockey. However, his opinion means nothing compared to those of the listeners. So please chime-in on Facebook & Twitter! 

Isha: 2011 Boston Bruins (Winning the Stanley Cup against the Vancouver Canucks)
Hoppy: 2021 Montreal Canadiens (Advancing to the Second Round beating the Toronto Maple Leafs)

On Episode 161 of The Sota Pod, Joey Nadeau is back to facilitate Judge Joey Season Two #1. Let us know who YOUR best come back playoff team is and vote on who won this round of Judge Joey! This week, Judge Joey asks the boys: What team had the best NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs' in History? 

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe

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