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.

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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.

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.

The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast

Pre-Draft Shakeup: Peterka to Utah, Kane to Vancouver, and Zegras to Philly. Plus, CBA Rumblings.

Ottawa’s playoff push took a hit with a 3–2 loss to Montreal, as Ivan Demidov scored the winner and goalie Dustin Fowler stood tall for the Canadiens. On a night where Linus Ullmark only allowed 3 goals, the fellas argue it’s fair to question the Senators’ goaltending overall, suggesting even league-average numbers might have them comfortably in a playoff spot. In the West, San Jose sits just one point out of a wildcard with Macklin Celebrini already at 90 points in his second season, though concerns remain about the Sharks’ goaltending and defense, especially when compared to a similarly rebuilding Anaheim team. Tuesday also brought controversy when Nathan MacKinnon received a five-minute major for colliding with Oilers goalie Connor Ingram after a lengthy review; Avalanche coach Jared Bednar blamed Darnell Nurse’s initial contact, and Ray agrees the call was excessive—likely a minor at most. Looking ahead to the GM meetings, Ray hopes the league addresses the ongoing confusion around goalie interference and the frustration of lengthy offside reviews on zone entries that occur long before a goal is scored.

Then, In Ask Ray and Dregs Anything, we talk about good goalies on bad teams and what the Leafs offseason may look like... is anyone safe?

Ottawa&rsquo;s playoff push took a hit with a 3&ndash;2 loss to Montreal, as Ivan Demidov scored the winner and goalie Dustin Fowler stood tall for the Canadiens. On a night where Linus Ullmark only allowed 3 goals, the fellas argue it&rsquo;s fair to question the Senators&rsquo; goaltending overall, suggesting even league-average numbers might have them comfortably in a playoff spot. In the West, San Jose sits just one point out of a wildcard with Macklin Celebrini already at 90 points in his second season, though concerns remain about the Sharks&rsquo; goaltending and defense, especially when compared to a similarly rebuilding Anaheim team. Tuesday also brought controversy when Nathan MacKinnon received a five-minute major for colliding with Oilers goalie Connor Ingram after a lengthy review; Avalanche coach Jared Bednar blamed Darnell Nurse&rsquo;s initial contact, and Ray agrees the call was excessive&mdash;likely a minor at most. Looking ahead to the GM meetings, Ray hopes the league addresses the ongoing confusion around goalie interference and the frustration of lengthy offside reviews on zone entries that occur long before a goal is scored.
Then, In Ask Ray and Dregs Anything, we talk about good goalies on bad teams and what the Leafs offseason may look like... is anyone safe?

Ottawa’s Goalie Problem, Celebrini Keeps Sharks Alive, MacKinnon Major Questioned. Plus, Ask Ray & Dregs Anything!

The guys look ahead to a wide-open Atlantic Division race, where Ottawa’s playoff hopes may hinge on steadier goaltending, Detroit tries to snap a nine-year drought, and Boston faces a tough road-heavy schedule down the stretch. Buffalo, meanwhile, is surging behind a confident, free-wheeling style and a maturing blue line. Injuries are also shaping the playoff picture, with Brad Marchand possibly facing surgery, Jake Sanderson sidelined for Ottawa, and concerns about how a potential Dylan Larkin absence would impact Detroit. In Philadelphia, Matvei Michkov continues to draw attention as Tocchet experiments with him at right wing despite ongoing questions about his fit in Tocchet's system. Plus, a discussion about NHL front offices, debating the value and power dynamics of teams employing both a President of Hockey Operations and a GM.

The guys look ahead to a wide-open Atlantic Division race, where Ottawa&rsquo;s playoff hopes may hinge on steadier goaltending, Detroit tries to snap a nine-year drought, and Boston faces a tough road-heavy schedule down the stretch. Buffalo, meanwhile, is surging behind a confident, free-wheeling style and a maturing blue line. Injuries are also shaping the playoff picture, with Brad Marchand possibly facing surgery, Jake Sanderson sidelined for Ottawa, and concerns about how a potential Dylan Larkin absence would impact Detroit. In Philadelphia, Matvei Michkov continues to draw attention as Tocchet experiments with him at right wing despite ongoing questions about his fit in Tocchet's system. Plus, a discussion about NHL front offices, debating the value and power dynamics of teams employing both a President of Hockey Operations and a GM.

Atlantic Playoff Push, Buffalo’s Breakout Run, Injuries Affect Playoff Hopefuls & Michkov Under the Microscope

A relatively quiet trade deadline was highlighted by the surprising move of longtime Capital John Carlson to Anaheim, where the Ducks leaned further into building an offensive identity. Calgary GM Craig Conroy provided late day drama by sending Nazem Kadri back to Colorado as he chases another Stanley Cup. The Flames also moved Mackenzie Weegar earlier in the week and now sit on a large stockpile of draft picks as they rebuild with a new arena waiting in the wings. Several notable names stayed put, including Robert Thomas in St. Louis and Colton Parayko who declined a trade to Buffalo. Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos, and goalies Sergei Bobrovsky and Jordan Binnington also stayed with their current teams despite the rumour mill. Toronto sold off pieces like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nic Roy while keeping Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Montreal held firm despite exploring a bigger hockey deal as their young playoff window opens. Edmonton added Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson earlier in the week, but with Colorado loading up and Dallas and Minnesota looming, whoever survives the Pacific could still face a Western Conference buzzsaw.

A relatively quiet trade deadline was highlighted by the surprising move of longtime Capital John Carlson to Anaheim, where the Ducks leaned further into building an offensive identity. Calgary GM Craig Conroy provided late day drama by sending Nazem Kadri back to Colorado as he chases another Stanley Cup. The Flames also moved Mackenzie Weegar earlier in the week and now sit on a large stockpile of draft picks as they rebuild with a new arena waiting in the wings. Several notable names stayed put, including Robert Thomas in St. Louis and Colton Parayko who declined a trade to Buffalo. Nashville&rsquo;s Ryan O&rsquo;Reilly and Steven Stamkos, and goalies Sergei Bobrovsky and Jordan Binnington also stayed with their current teams despite the rumour mill. Toronto sold off pieces like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nic Roy while keeping Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Montreal held firm despite exploring a bigger hockey deal as their young playoff window opens. Edmonton added Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson earlier in the week, but with Colorado loading up and Dallas and Minnesota looming, whoever survives the Pacific could still face a Western Conference buzzsaw.

Pre-Draft Shakeup: Peterka to Utah, Kane to Vancouver, and Zegras to Philly. Plus, CBA Rumblings.

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