Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 2: Mathieu Darche & Talk About It Tuesday
Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of sports topics, with a particular focus on the New York Islanders' prospects in the upcoming NHL draft, the evolving landscape of sports media, and updates on the New York Mets. The discussion is enriched with insightful commentary, expert opinions, and interactive segments that shed light on both current events and long-term strategies within the sports world.

NHL Draft and Islanders' Strategy

Discussion Highlights:

The podcast kicks off with a deep dive into the NHL draft, emphasizing the New York Islanders' advantageous position with the first overall pick. Don and Peter discuss the implications of this pick and the potential strategies the Islanders' General Manager, Matthew Darsh, might employ.

• Don LaGreca ([01:20]): Expresses excitement about hearing from the Mets' GM, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of team strategies.

• Peter Rosenberg ([02:22]): Highlights the Islanders' recent decision to forgo their 12th pick as part of the J.T. Miller deal, anticipating a strong selection this year.

Notable Quote:

Don LaGreca ([05:18]): "It's pretty cool to have the first overall pick. But this team is not that far away from 20 and 21 when they went to the third round and lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning."

Interview with Matthew Darsh

Episode Segment:
At [13:16], Matthew Darsh, the General Manager of the New York Islanders, joins the podcast to discuss the team's current standing, draft plans, and future aspirations.

Key Points:

• Team Outlook: Darsh reflects on the Islanders' near-playoff performance in the 2020-21 season and outlines his vision for rebuilding and strengthening the team.

• Draft Philosophy: Emphasizes selecting the best available talent, aiming for players who can make an immediate impact. He states,

  Matthew Darsh ([15:12]): "I'm picking the best player available... I know I'm gonna get a special player that hopefully plays on the island for 10, 15 years."

• Coaching Alignments: Highlights the alignment between himself and Coach Patrick Waugh, focusing on a dedicated and winning mindset.

Notable Quote:

Matthew Darsh ([17:07]): "One of Kloop's biggest strengths is his emotional intelligence... he's been extremely good at finding how to get everyone to buy in."

Sports Media Saturation and Football Dominance

Discussion Highlights:

The hosts engage in a critical discussion about the oversaturation of sports media, drawing parallels to the 24-hour news cycle. They argue that the relentless coverage, especially of football, diminishes the significance of other sports and events.

• Peter Rosenberg ([34:03]): "Sports is a lot like news... they just want to keep you locked in all day long."

• Don LaGreca ([31:07]): "The draft goes away in April and then the minicamps begin. Or OTAs, minicamps. Who's showing up, who's not, who's holding out, who's not. It's a never-ending story."

Notable Quote:

Matthew Darsh ([28:18]): "It's just too much. I love the game. To me, it's the number one sport, there's nothing better, but it's too much."

New York Mets Updates and Player Injuries

Episode Segment:
Towards the latter part of the episode, the conversation shifts to updates on the New York Mets, focusing on player performances and injuries.

Key Points:

• Sean Manaia's Injury: Discussed Sean Manaia's elbow injury and the team's plans for his rehabilitation.

  Carlos Mendoza ([43:23]): "He had a cortisone shot yesterday so they're telling me that he should be fine for the rest of the year."

• Team Performance: Analysis of the Mets' recent slump, attributing it to multiple factors rather than a single issue.

  David Stearns ([45:07]): "When you go through a stretch like this, it's generally a number of different areas of the team that aren't performing up to strength."

Notable Quote:

David Stearns ([47:34]): "To be a really good offensive team, we need one through nine contributing more nights than not."

Conclusions

The episode effectively captures the dynamic nature of sports management and media, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the strategic decisions shaping teams like the New York Islanders and the New York Mets. The hosts' insightful discussions highlight the complexities of team building, the challenges of media saturation, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports.

Final Thoughts:

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg continue to provide a platform where sports enthusiasts can gain in-depth understanding and stay updated with the latest developments, all while maintaining an engaging and conversational tone.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Don LaGreca ([05:18]): Discussing the Islanders' first overall pick.

• Matthew Darsh ([15:12]): On draft philosophy and team building.

• Peter Rosenberg ([34:03]): On sports media saturation.

• Matthew Darsh ([28:18]): On the overwhelming nature of constant sports coverage.

• David Stearns ([45:07]): On the Mets' team performance challenges.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast episode, offering a structured and comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.