Hour 4: Weather Team Names

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 4 - Weather Team Names

Release Date: May 8, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Contributors: Michael Kay

---

1. Introduction to Weather-Themed Team Names

The episode kicks off with the trio delving into the topic of sports teams named after weather phenomena. The conversation quickly escalates into a spirited debate about the appropriateness and impact of such names.

• Don Hahn (00:03): Opens the discussion by questioning the sensitivity of naming teams after devastating weather events.

• Peter Rosenberg (03:04): Highlights teams like the Miami Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, pointing out the potential insensitivity behind these choices.

• Michael Kay (03:30): Introduces a fictional team, the Detroit Wind, to illustrate the absurdity of certain weather-based names.

---

2. Critique of Existing Weather-Themed Team Names

The hosts critically analyze various existing team names, assessing their relevance and the messages they convey.

• Don Hahn (03:12): “Hurricanes are pretty devastating. So let's celebrate it by naming teams after it.” He questions the morality of glorifying natural disasters.

• Peter Rosenberg (04:20): Adds, “Hurricanes and lightning are both pretty devastating,” reinforcing the argument against such naming conventions.

• Michael Kay (04:31): Compares inappropriate team names to historical events, emphasizing the inappropriateness of naming a team after the Chicago Fire or LA Riots.

---

3. Exploration of Other Weather-Related Team Names

Expanding beyond hurricanes and lightning, the discussion touches on a variety of weather-themed names across different sports.

• Alan Hahn (10:54): Mentions the Colorado Avalanche, critiquing the team’s logo as unappealing.

• Peter Rosenberg (10:57): Responds to the Avalanche’s logo, stating, “It's like spermatozoa,” highlighting poor design choices.

• Michael Kay (11:17): Brings up the Seattle Storm and Chicago Fire, questioning their suitability and cultural sensitivity.

---

4. The Impact of Team Names on Community and Identity

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of team names on community identity and brand perception.

• Don Hahn (03:27): “But hurricanes can be pretty devastating,” emphasizing the negative connotations associated with such names.

• Peter Rosenberg (05:05): Criticizes the fictional Philadelphia Frio, using it to mock the trend of creating weather-based team names without cultural relevance.

• Michael Kay (11:13): Discusses the Colorado Avalanche’s logo, further criticizing the aesthetic choices tied to weather-themed names.

---

5. Transition to Broader Sports Discussions

While the primary focus remains on weather-themed team names, the podcast seamlessly transitions into other sports-related topics, maintaining the lively and humorous tone of the show.

• Don Hahn (14:33): Shifts the conversation to the New York Rangers' recent coaching changes, tying it back to the main discussion by analogy.

• Peter Rosenberg (15:43): Quotes Jeff Passan on the Rangers, providing insights into the team's strategy and future prospects.

---

6. In-Depth Analysis of the New York Rangers’ Coaching Changes

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the NY Rangers' decision to hire Mike Sullivan as their head coach, replacing Peter Laviolette.

• Peter Rosenberg (14:50): “So that tells you that it doesn't have to be immediately, that ultimately that's the goal.”

• Don Hahn (17:38): Discusses the strategic reasons behind the coaching change, suggesting that Sullivan was always on the Rangers' radar due to his successful tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

• Peter Rosenberg (18:43): Reflects on Joel Quenneville’s potential move, comparing it to Sullivan’s hiring, and speculates about future coaching dynamics in the NHL.

---

7. Fan Reactions and Team Performance Predictions

The hosts predict and debate the implications of coaching changes on team performance, particularly focusing on the Rangers' chances in upcoming seasons.

• Alan Hahn (19:58): Raises questions about whether the Rangers are resetting or rebuilding, considering the length of Sullivan’s contract and the current roster.

• Don Hahn (20:36): Optimistically discusses the Rangers' potential to remain competitive, citing key players like Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox.

---

8. Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts provide teasers for upcoming shows and maintain their signature banter, keeping listeners engaged and anticipating future discussions.

• Peter Rosenberg (21:11): Encourages listeners to subscribe and tune in for more insightful and entertaining discussions.

• Don Hahn (21:09): Reminds listeners about the next episode featuring Jeff Passan and other upcoming segments, ensuring continuity and listener interest.

---

Notable Quotes

• Don Hahn (03:27): “But hurricanes can be pretty devastating.”

• Peter Rosenberg (10:57): “It's like spermatozoa.”

• Michael Kay (04:31): “It's the exact same thing. You don’t want to go with something that literally happened in the city.”

• Don Hahn (17:38): “I would not doubt, Alan, that when they gave Laviolette the three-year contract, it probably was a case of we have to have a short list of guys because if this doesn't work out, we're going to be looking for another head coach.”

• Alan Hahn (19:58): “Do you feel like you have somebody in place who's got the resume and maybe the resume to get through what could be, you know, a year of a rebuild.”

---

Key Takeaways

• Sensitivity in Team Naming: The hosts argue against naming sports teams after devastating weather events, highlighting the ethical implications and potential community backlash.

• Design and Branding Critiques: Poorly designed logos and mismatched team names can negatively impact a team's brand and fan engagement.

• Strategic Coaching Changes: Hiring experienced and successful coaches like Mike Sullivan can signal a team’s commitment to long-term competitiveness rather than short-term fixes.

• Community and Identity: Team names play a significant role in shaping community identity and should be chosen with cultural and historical sensitivity in mind.

---

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the implications behind weather-themed sports team names, seamlessly transitioning into broader sports discussions while maintaining a humorous and insightful tone. Listeners are treated to an in-depth analysis peppered with witty banter and expert opinions, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts interested in the intersection of sports, culture, and branding.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by Lifelock. Not everyone is careful with your personal information, which might explain why there's a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Victim of Identity theft every five seconds.

[Don Hahn]

In the U.S. fortunately, there's LifeLock. Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data.

[Michael Kay]

Points a second for threats to your identity.

[Don Hahn]

If your identity is stolen, a US.

[Michael Kay]

Based restoration specialist will fix it, guaranteed.

[Don Hahn]

Or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year by visiting lifelock.com podcast terms apply.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Don Hahn]

Game time is brought to you by telemarketer Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, fellas, I was mic on. It's been a rough day. I'm not gonna lie. The quiet night for the locals. There is A hockey on ESPN.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We heard it.

[Don Hahn]

Game 2 between Hurricanes and Capitals at 7, followed by the Oilers and the Golden Knights. And that will be in Vegas with Edmonton up one nothing in Carolina up one nothing in that series. And this NBA game on TNT got the Warriors.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Michael Kay]

Tnt. Wait.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the Wolves.

[Don Hahn]

And the Wolves. With the warriors leading that series one game to none. That's Telemore Dew. The original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew. Responsible.

[Michael Kay]

Now, Don, you may think the show's had some problems, but tell me it doesn't all balance out from the great camaraderie and hilarity that ensues when we hang out in this office. Look behind me and just look at the good times that exists. All the people, the fan affairs, our co workers all there.

[Don Hahn]

I thought I just saw a tumbleweed go by.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It does feel like that. We always have a great studio audience. That's the best part of it.

[Michael Kay]

I know. I love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, the best is everybody's just hanging on every word of the show.

[Michael Kay]

Well, the best is when the office is full. My favorite thing is that we get outside. There's zero chance that the audio of our show is played loud enough for a human being to hear it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You guys still on?

[Don Hahn]

Hello?

[Michael Kay]

You guys still do radio, by the way?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, there's ways to control that, you know.

[Michael Kay]

Ovechkin looks so old. It's so awesome, man.

[Don Hahn]

He.

[Michael Kay]

It literally looks like an old man is playing in the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, yeah, it's.

[Don Hahn]

It's beautiful. Like, it's tie off again. Did you see that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love that.

[Don Hahn]

Turn around the corner. Minute he walks in the building, rip it off.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, we're tie into arena. I don't need to wear tie into locker room. I love it.

[Michael Kay]

By the way, those jerseys are pretty sweet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The King.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I hate them.

[Michael Kay]

I mean, really. I think it was pretty dumb.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Those are awful.

[Michael Kay]

But they're across the chest. Diagonal canes. Yeah, it's kind of like a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's better just the. The logo. The hurricane logo. That's. That's pretty sweet.

[Michael Kay]

I see. I actually don't like the hurricane logo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really?

[Michael Kay]

It's like nothing to me.

[Don Hahn]

Well, I always. It's kind of insensitive to. The hurricanes are pretty devastating. So let's celebrate it by naming teams after it. Right. Miami Hurricanes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sorry.

[Don Hahn]

Hurricanes are. Sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tampa Bay Lightning.

[Don Hahn]

But lightning.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lightning's pretty devastating, too.

[Don Hahn]

Don't you get struck by lightning? It's. It's really bad. It's a bad day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's really bad.

[Michael Kay]

It's worse than the show.

[Don Hahn]

But. But, you know, hurricanes can be pretty devastating.

[Michael Kay]

The problem.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What other weather teams do we have out there?

[Michael Kay]

That's a great point. Well, the Detroit wind.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They don't count.

[Michael Kay]

I mean, I made it up.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a cyclone.

[Michael Kay]

It counts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Brooklyn Cyclones.

[Michael Kay]

Brooklyn Cyclones.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that's. Isn't that named after the ride?

[Michael Kay]

Thunder. Okay. What about the thunder?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, the thunder.

[Michael Kay]

That's truly hard.

[Don Hahn]

Thunder's never thunder.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thunder doesn't hurt anybody.

[Michael Kay]

Thunder's nothing scares you, by the way. It's a perfect. It just makes a loud noise. Nothing actually happens.

[Don Hahn]

What's the Chicago team in the wnba? Are they. The fire?

[Michael Kay]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, That's. That's named after, like, one of the ground.

[Don Hahn]

So let's just. Chicago Fire is the soccer team, Right?

[Michael Kay]

Soccer.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Chicago sky is. The sky is the Seattle Storm.

[Michael Kay]

Seattle Storm.

[Don Hahn]

Storms are okay. Sometimes. They could be fun.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Sometimes.

[Don Hahn]

You like a good storm, burn right to the ground.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, that's a great point.

[Don Hahn]

So let's name the team after. Yeah, for the surviving members.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah. It's like naming a team the LA Riots. I mean, it's just not a problem. That's right there. Chicago Fire.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Inappropriate.

[Michael Kay]

It's the exact same thing. You don't want to go with something that literally happened in the city.

[Don Hahn]

That is horror.

[Michael Kay]

Chicago's fire is the most famous thing. Maybe about Chicago. Right this side of Michael Jordan or the Artist Formerly Known as Redacted.

[Don Hahn]

Are you ready for some day?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, let's do it. Is that Is that all of the weather related nicknames in sports?

[Don Hahn]

I'm sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Miami heat. He's oppressive.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, but. But there's. Is one of the soccer teams. The earthquakes. Is there an earthquake? San Jose earthquake.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's San Jose, of all places. What are you doing? What's the mascot?

[Michael Kay]

What about the. There's also the Spanish soccer team in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Frio. I made that up. There's no Philadelphia Frio.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The way you said it though, it's so sincere. Oh, wow. Muir's got to get. Somebody's got to get on the hair on this one.

[Don Hahn]

Really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Look at that.

[Michael Kay]

I don't know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's fly aways all over the place.

[Don Hahn]

It's been a long day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah. You can't let him go on the air like that. That's.

[Don Hahn]

You really want to know the San Jose mascot's name?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I don't.

[Michael Kay]

I do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He goes by Q because the name is Quaxitis Mascoticus.

[Michael Kay]

Quaxitis Mascoticus.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm so glad I asked.

[Michael Kay]

Brilliant. I can't believe they have an earthquake in San Jose.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's just this.

[Michael Kay]

It's not right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What are we doing?

[Michael Kay]

It's not right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The unveiling of that one was seismic.

[Michael Kay]

And to think they made the. They made the Bullets change their name to the Wizards, which basically killed them dead as a franchise.

[Don Hahn]

Right?

[Michael Kay]

Killed them dead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They've never won again.

[Don Hahn]

But the Astros, remember the Astros, they first came into the league. They were the Houston Colt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

40:45. Right.

[Michael Kay]

And by the way, the bullets is really stupid too, because if it was the gun. More of a conversation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

45.

[Michael Kay]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

That. I get it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

But the bullet is nothing without the gun. Let's be honest. Just a little piece of metal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm so glad we had this conversation. We were able to really get to the bottom.

[Don Hahn]

Now we've covered a lot of sports that we don't really get a chance to talk about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You guys don't talk soccer? Yes.

[Don Hahn]

We did the whole segment on the earthquake. We even brought up their mascot. We rang it out.

[Michael Kay]

No, the only way we cover soccer. It's a countdown to World Cup. And that will include Michael getting on the air and complaining about the clock. And the clock and stoppage time.

[Don Hahn]

The impropriety.

[Michael Kay]

A four year tradition unlike any other. Michael complaining about the way stoppage time works.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is like you in opening day. In baseball, it's the same thing. Opening day in baseball is like one of the greatest days in sports. And you're like, I'm good.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, I'm Good. It's too early. Talk to me in September.

[Don Hahn]

Every four years, or actually every two years. You got the winter and then the summer.

[Michael Kay]

Commercialism draped in the flag. You get to count that day.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, my God. Richard in Manhattan. Give me that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, Don.

[Alan Hahn]

Peter Allen. The Colt 45s going to the Astros. And the New York Titans going to the New York jets. Same year. And both are the only two teams changing their names without moving, without politically correct reasons. Colt 45s went to the Astrodome, so they wanted that. And the Titans went to Shea Stadium. Jets wanted to rhyme with the Mets. Don, you mess. You missed one Yesterday. Joe Job, 1973, only Yogi Berra. Yogi Berra choked games. They were up pregame. Situ going back to Oakland. He pitched Seaver for no reason on one day, short rest instead of George Stone, who had pitched well in game two. Then they got Seva, got cleaned in game six. Then he pitched Matlock in game seven. Didn't have to pitch him. Ignored George Stone. So that was bad on Yogi's part. Now, I listened to the game last night on radio as I did 55 years ago, listening to mob. And Marv did it all by himself. By the way. Jack Twyman's co host. No, Jack Twyman was Schenkel's color commentator on Channel 7. Jack Twyman was the guy who organized those games up in Kutchers for Maurice Stokes, who had a stroke. Anyway, last night Monica and Tyler did a better broadcast than mob did 55 years ago. The Knick game. And I'll tell you why they were so great. They were on top of the Knicks winning the game throughout the third and fourth quarter. I couldn't believe it. Even when they were down by 20. Monica would say, if they can get a stop here, I can see that the Celtics are tight. They're going to lose. They were cheerleaders throughout the game. It was unbelievable. I listened to the game start to finish. They were so great. You got to get them on. I've never heard a broadcast like that. Where they were so prescient that they knew what was going to happen. Now, if the Knicks win this four game series, the greatest series. And I've seen all of them since 62. Basketball, hockey and baseball. Greatest four game series victory that New York has ever, ever had. Now, you guys are forgetting these Villanova guys are champions. They've won multiple times. They beat the Big east, the sec, the acc. You think they're worried about a Celtic team? You guys are crazy. Now, as far as MVP on the Yankees. Judges. And even the MVP on the Yankees, the MVP is freed.

[Don Hahn]

8.

[Alan Hahn]

And oh, and I love what Boone did with the bullpen last night. He.

[Michael Kay]

I love Richard. I love Richard. But he's wrong on multiple counts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, first of all, we did. We did have. I just brought Tyler and Monica on.

[Don Hahn]

Of course.

[Michael Kay]

And I just brought up. I mean, Richard we know doesn't listen. I just had the conversation about the Villanova history of championships and their pedigree. Now, I still don't think winning college championships makes you go, you think we even think about the Boston Celtics. It's a little different. And also, I'm not going to do a huge argument about this. I can't and I won't. But I'm sorry. You're. You're. You're. Play your best player. Everyday player mashing. Hitting 400. Don, I will always take over MVP over a guy who starts every.

[Don Hahn]

And let's not Forget, Grisham's got 10 home runs, which is ridiculous. You know, Freed's been amazing, but MVP of the team.

[Michael Kay]

I got news for you, Richard. If Freed continues to play the way he's playing and Judge continues to play the way he's playing, I'll tell you.

[Don Hahn]

Who the MVP is going to be now. Evan. And Farmingdale's got a good one. As far as names are concerned, teams go ahead. Evan.

[Michael Kay]

Better than the Frio.

[Don Hahn]

Evan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, guys.

[Alan Hahn]

Hey. So speaking of local team names. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The regionality is just terrible.

[Alan Hahn]

The Colorado Avalanche I think are one of the like.

[Don Hahn]

And their logo looks like spermatozoa.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah. It's not. No, it's not great. It's not great. Wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't think I'd hear that.

[Alan Hahn]

How many people there that are probably affected by that. But I also had a quick Knicks Pacers point answer and debate between me and my friends. I'm a Pacers fan. They're all Knicks fans. Do you think that if the Knicks get by the Celtics, Pacers get by the Cavs and the Knicks lose to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, it would be more disappointing than if.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They were to just lose a competitive.

[Alan Hahn]

Series to the Celtics?

[Don Hahn]

Evan, we talked about that earlier. I mean, it's folly. They haven't been to the third round.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Since 2000 and you get to the conference final. You like, come on, we got to stop.

[Michael Kay]

But listen, I love that Muir's the night they don't know what to do to talk about the Pope anymore. He's just hanging out with cute chicks were on vacation. He's just like, so what do you think about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you think of the Pope? They can't take their eyes off the flyaways. His hair. It's whatever gak they put in his hair. The poor man has no idea what he looks like right now.

[Don Hahn]

And meanwhile, off camera, there's cars ready to talk.

[Michael Kay]

I know.

[Don Hahn]

Or there's a couple of hot tourists.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, they're on vacation, though. Where are you guys staying?

[Don Hahn]

Airbnb, 1-800-919-3776. It's all about you with the phone calls until 7:00. Then it's Dan Grasse on ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, everybody, it's Alan Hunt. I want to tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. They remodeled a bath in my home and my wife Stephanie is so excited about this. So we updated this bath that was by our pool and we converted a tub into a shower. The tub. This is a bathroom that was like from the 90s. The tub was disgusting and nobody wanted to use it. But you know, when you come out of the pool, you want to clean off, get the chlorine off you and all that stuff. And it's a good guest bath. So this now has made it very usable and something that I think even the family wants to use. Summer comes, we got the pool open, the guests can use this. We have kids in their sleepovers and now we're no longer embarrassed with this bathroom. And this was so easy. A Bath Fitter consultant took us through the process with their free in home consultation to pick the style and color as well as all the specifics and accessories to update our bath, customize the way that Stephanie wanted it. Bathfitter worked fast, delivered the highest quality work without delay. Bathfitter, by the way, is a permanent solution. It's a one piece seamless wall for a watertight fit and a lifetime guarantee. Lifetime guarantee. You can trust the Bath Fitter team like we did because they've been in business for 40 years with millions of happy customers. And right now you can save up to $500. Start designing your bath like we did. Visit bathfitter.com for more details. There is only one Bath Fitter. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don Hahn]

Don on in Rosenberg. Take up to 7 o' clock and then it's Dan grass until 9 grasser. But kind of a quiet night locally Although there are playoff games in both the NBA and the NHL. And then tomorrow we got Jeff Passon on right out of the box at 3 o' clock. Love in baseball. Mets and Yankees both in first place.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It wasn't not news today though.

[Don Hahn]

No. Mike Sullivan was introduced as the head coach of the New York Rangers, 38th head coach in franchise history. And he spoke which a lot of Ranger fans excited about this and he's making a ton of money but it doesn't matter. It doesn't count towards the cab. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So that's what you're supposed to do, aren't you? Right. You get the best if you can and whatever it costs, it doesn't matter. You just get the best.

[Don Hahn]

Well, the revealing thing is he considered.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One of the best.

[Don Hahn]

Well, yeah, he won back to back cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was an assistant coach with John Tortorella here. Fabulous coach. He did a great job. I thought with Team USA and the four nations coming with overtime, loss of winning the whole thing and I think there'll be some accountability. Rumor is it's a five year contract after Laviolet only got a three which tells you yes, that there was, there was a window to try to win. But he is going to be given some time and there's a lot of rumblings. Larry Brooks wrote that there might be an exit strategy for Chris Kreider. So there might be some changes here. The coach is going to be in charge and. And he spoke today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's Shelley just talking about his view of the Rangers from where he was in Pittsburgh.

[Jeff Passan]

Well, I think they're a really talented group and I think they've been knocking on the door to the Stanley cup for, for a number of years now. Every time we've played against this group of players. They've been fierce battles and I've grown so much respect over the years for the talent that the Rangers have. I look forward to the opportunity to get to know some of these guys on a more personal level. I look forward to the opportunity to work with them both on the ice and off the ice to try to become the most competitive team that we can come and ultimately challenge for a Stanley Cup. I think that's why we're all in it. That's what drives us every day when we get up in the morning. And the possibility or the prospect of working with this group of players to try to accomplish something special is exciting.

[Don Hahn]

No, he said ultimately. So that tells you that it doesn't have to be immediately, that ultimately that's the goal. But he also talked about this group of players, too. So a lot of more guys are going to be staying.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Showed a lot of respect. I think that's the most important thing. Like, he wasn't, he wasn't about to start saying, like, yeah, we got to make some changes. Like, he, he knows, like, again, he's, he's been around long enough to know how to handle this stuff. Of course, he's a terrific frontman. Speaking of frontman, so Chris Drury discussed the decision to bring in Mike Sullivan. As I said in last week's press release, I truly believe Mike's a premier coach in the National Hockey League. His resume, both in NHL and international play, speaks for itself. The second Mike was available, we quickly and aggressively pursued him, and we're certainly thrilled that that pursuit led us to this moment today. There's a lot of work to be done, and I'm very excited to be partnering with Mike as we collectively try to achieve our goals here in New York. Do you not sound naive? But I'll ask you, do you think they had an inkling that he'd probably be available and that's why you move on from La Violette? Because I don't, like, I don't think Peter Laviolette did anything to deserve to be fired. But if you hear, you know, through the grapevine, you know, I think, you know, Sullivan and Pittsburgh might have a party of ways. Agents always talk. Do you, do you then say, well, I mean, we can get him, let's get him.

[Don Hahn]

I would not doubt, Alan, that when they gave Laviolette the three year contract, it probably was a case of we have to have a short list of guys because if this doesn't work out, we're going to be looking for another head coach.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Blow it up.

[Don Hahn]

I think the reason Laviolette didn't come back is he had one year left on his contract. Are you going to have him be a lame duck coach?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

Or are you going to give him a contract extension? Can you give a contract extension to a coach that missed the playoffs in the NHL? The answer is no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

So I'm sure that they were looking at this probably in season when it looked very clear they weren't going to make the playoffs. There were reports that the Devils tried to get Sullivan last year, like, so the writing seemed to be on the wall that his days in Pittsburgh were numbered. Yeah, because they were. They kept missing the playoffs. They kept doubling down to try to get Crosby another cup. It wasn't working out. And the feeling was, eventually this guy's going to become available. It's just a matter of when. And you know, the Rangers I guess were fortunate enough that it happened this year. But the Devils were knocking on the door when they before they hired Sheldon Keefe if you listen to the reports. So I think he was on everybody's radar. Joel Quinnville who was hired by the Ducks today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, how about that?

[Don Hahn]

I wouldn't doubt if he was on the short list. There were rumors that there was speculation about them going to Quinville when they let Gret Gallant but he wasn't available. The NHL hadn't cleared him yet. And also it's Rangers are too high profile a job with Joel Quinville and of course you know the controversy in Chicago with Beach and that. And that's why he lost his job in Florida because he was in Chicago when that controversy had happened under his watch. Under his watch and under the watch of Stam Bowman who also lost his job. Anaheim's the perfect place. Right. There'll be people that'll help raise an eyebrow or maybe protest. But it's the perfect spot for Quinnville to go as opposed to New York where there'd be more of a spotlight on him. But he's a heck of a coach. I mean three time Stanley cup winner did job good job in Colorado, St. Louis and Florida as well. But no, this was the logical choice and we'll see if he can do it. But Allen, I thought Laviolette was the perfect. I had no problem with the gland hire when it happened. So it's really hard to tell.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It ends up being more about the roster as well. But you feel like you have somebody in place who's got the resume and maybe the resume to get through what could be, you know, a year of a rebuild. I mean Don, do they put a letter out like is this going to be another one of those situations with the Rangers?

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like you feel like you have a coach but like can you re what is it reset rather than rebuild when you know that some of these contracts.

[Don Hahn]

To move or Garden likes the reimagining like when you've got Igor Shusterk in between the pieces. Remember when they sent the letter out you knew that Hank was on. Yeah. The towards the end of his career.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

You've got a world class goaltender. Hopefully Adam Fox is healthy. I mean you've got pieces here to maybe not win a cup but I think compete for a still be competitive. So I don't think there's going to be any letter coming out but I do think the when you look at the length of the contract that and this hire is not about a quick fix. Let's win a Stanley Cup. This is about we're in this to really give it a few years.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's develop a system, let's develop an identity. Let's become a team that I think the jury probably would prefer to have, which is, I believe, more north, south.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, easily. And that's why I, I haven't heard anything. So don't, don't hold me to like, like I'm giving out any reports. But I just wonder if Artemi Panarin is somebody that could get moved just because you can get something for him. He's only got a year left on his contract, so he might not be here when they finally turn the corner. So get something now rather than have him walk as a free agent. So listen, lots to get into tomorrow at 3 o' clock, Jeff Passon will join us. Alan, get some sleep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nah, I want to watch some basketball.

[Don Hahn]

And Dan Gross is coming up next year on 880 ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.