106: Jim Rutherford on Quinn Hughes, Canucks’ Roster & Season Expectations

Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to dig into the question on every Toronto fan’s mind — what’s going on with the Maple Leafs? The group breaks down the team’s recent struggles, looking at how new head coach Craig Berube is trying to establish structure, accountability, and identity within a lineup that hasn’t found its rhythm. They discuss issues with puck possession, defensive zone clears, and leadership inside the dressing room, while comparing Toronto’s approach to teams like Florida and Boston — clubs that seem to have figured out how to play to their strengths. The conversation wraps with thoughts on the Leafs’ long-term outlook, the pressure on their core, and whether this group can still attract and retain the top-end talent needed to compete.

14 Marras 1h 8min

Wayne Gretzky joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, legacy, and the modern game. Gretzky reflects on the current NHL landscape and what’s changed since his playing days — from how young stars handle pressure to how team dynamics shape success. He shares personal stories from his time as a captain and team selector, including his experiences building Team Canada’s 2002 Olympic roster, where difficult calls — like choosing Theo Fleury and weighing Wade Redden against Ed Jovanovski — helped define the team’s championship character. Wayne also talks about his advice to Connor Bedard, urging the young star to enjoy the journey rather than carry the weight of expectations, and recalls his visit with the Canadian squad ahead of the Four Nations Face-Off game against the U.S. He describes the emotion in the room, his faith in Canadian goaltending, and the pride he still feels representing the country — while explaining why he prefers to stay out of political debates and focus on the game itself.

12 Marras 51min

Hockey writers Scott Burnside and Eric Duhatschek join John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey ahead of tonight’s Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Toronto. The group talks about the scheduling conflict that sees the ceremony overlap with several NHL games, and what that says about the league’s priorities when it comes to celebrating its history. They also discuss the significance of this year’s Hall of Fame class, reflecting on the careers and personalities being honoured — including Joe Thornton — and what goes into the selection process for the 2025 class. From there, the conversation shifts to the state of the league, Team Canada’s Olympic roster outlook, and how the modern NHL continues to evolve both on and off the ice.

10 Marras 1h 1min

Kris Knoblauch, head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to talk about the team’s start to the season and the challenges that come with change. Despite holding their best record through this point in three years, the Oilers have struggled to close out games, and Knoblauch explains why — from blown leads and turnovers to stretches of lost focus. He discusses the process of integrating seven new forwards into the lineup, finding chemistry through line adjustments, and maintaining patience while defining roles. Knoblauch also talks about the ongoing debate around pairing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, balancing that temptation against the need for a deeper, more sustainable team structure. The conversation rounds out with his take on early-season trends across the NHL and how the salary cap continues to shape roster building league-wide.

7 Marras 53min

Daryl Reaugh, the newest recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to reflect on his journey from the crease to the broadcast booth. Reaugh talks about his early admiration for Ken Dryden, how that inspired his transition from playing to broadcasting, and the formal training that helped shape his on-air style. He shares stories from his decades covering the game, the influences who guided his approach to commentary, and the unique perspective goaltenders bring to analyzing hockey. The conversation also touches on the state of the league, the ever-tight NHL standings, and a few classic behind-the-scenes stories from his time around the rink.

5 Marras 1h 9min

Mark Messier joins John Shannon on 100% Hockey to open the week, with Daren Millard away. The two talk through some of the biggest storylines around the league, starting with Sidney Crosby’s standout play at 38 and what it takes to stay elite at that age. Drawing from his own experience as a captain and leader, Messier shares his thoughts on the Maple Leafs’ struggles, the Mitch Marner trade, and how a team can regroup and respond after moving a core player. The conversation wraps with a quick check-in on Messier’s five years in broadcasting and how the transition from the ice to the studio has changed the way he sees the game.

3 Marras 51min

Barry Trotz, General Manager of the Nashville Predators, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to talk about where his team stands in the early stretch of the season. Trotz shares his thoughts on how the group is handling adversity, the slow start from Steven Stamkos, and why he remains optimistic about the direction of a young, developing roster. The conversation also touches on some of the league-wide trends catching attention — unusually low power-play numbers, the crowded middle of the standings, and how Nashville is preparing for its upcoming trip to Sweden. Trotz gives a candid look at the challenges of building momentum in a compressed schedule and what it takes to keep a team steady when the results don’t come right away.

31 Loka 53min

Nick Kypreos, former NHL forward and Sportsnet analyst, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to dig into the league’s growing parity and the questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs. The group looks at why the Leafs have stalled out, whether Auston Matthews has shown the kind of leadership Toronto needs, and what happens when star players reach the end of their contracts without a Stanley Cup to show for it. Nick also weighs in on how front offices navigate those high-pressure moments and what it takes to keep elite players motivated when expectations outweigh results.

29 Loka 52min