Mitch MarnerThe future of the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and what to think of the Carolina Hurricanes are topics that spark interesting discussion and lively debate when NHL.com editor Mike Zeisberger is hosted on this week’s episode of “NHL @TheRink” podcast.
Zeisberger, who joins co-hosts Dan Rosen and Shawn P. Roarke midway through the episode, gives some details on how the Maple Leafs asked the forward if he would be willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to the Carolina Hurricanes in a trade for the forward. Mikko Rantanen.
As Zeisberger says on the podcast, Marner, of course, said no to Toronto, and instead Carolina traded Rantanen to the Dallas Stars, who signed him Friday to an eight-year contract worth $96 million.
But what does all this mean for Marner’s future with the Maple Leafs, which could end on July 1, when he will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent? And are the criticisms made by Marner in Toronto justified?
Zeisberger provides the answers.
Plus, the Hurricanes conversation gets lively with Roarke, Rosen and Zeisberger offering opinions on what to think of Carolina now after trading futures. Martin Necas to the Colorado Avalanche to pick up Rantanen, then return him to the Stars for a forward package Logan Stankoven and draft picks, two who are in the first round.
Listen in to hear their thoughts on the topic.
Before welcoming Zeisberger, Rosen and Roarke explain why they believe the Avalanche and Stars are now the two best teams in the Central Division, even though the Winnipeg Jets have held first place all season.
They disagree on Boston Bruins trade captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers, with Rosen saying he can’t believe they did it and Roarke taking the opposite position.
The show ends with Rosen and Roarke talking about Alex Ovechkinthe pursuit of Wayne GretzkyThe all-time NHL goals record, with the Washington Capitals nine goals away from breaking it.
Rosen, as he has predicted for months, says Ovechkin will break the record this season and he hopes to do so. Roarke says he won’t and hopes he doesn’t because he wants Ovechkin to have a stage to himself, and that won’t happen if he shatters it at the end of the regular season with the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There are many more in this episode of “NHL @TheRink” podcast, which is free and listeners can subscribe on all podcast platforms. It is also available on NHL.com/multimedia/podcasts and the NHL app.
