Empty Netters Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Title: "The Panarin Trade Is Going To Turn A Playoff Team Into A Champion"
Date: January 22, 2026
Hosts: Dan Powers, Chris Powers, Sean Buffini
Producer: Almost Friday Media

Episode Overview

This tightly packed, boisterous episode revolves around the impending blockbuster trade of Artemi Panarin, the fate of playoff contenders, the swirling Olympic roster news, and classic beer-league banter among hockey-lifer brothers. The hosts deep-dive into possible Panarin destinations, what his departure means for the New York Rangers, and which teams could become instant Cup favorites. They weave in personal stories, fan interactions, Olympic roster heartbreaks, and a debate over the etiquette of Venmo and the group-pay phenomenon.

Main Segments & Key Insights

1. Opening: Kings vs Rangers Game, Fan Encounters, and Ice Breakers

[00:30 - 03:00]

• Hosts recount their experience at the LA Kings vs NY Rangers game, emphasizing fan energy and shoutouts to dedicated listeners.
• Banter on recurring addresses, brotherly chirps, and signature dry humor set the episode’s tone.

Memorable Quote:

“We were walking out and he's like, 'Empty Dadders boys! I love that Sean guy. Where's the Irish guy? I love that guy.'” — Chris, [01:53]

2. Main Topic: The Artemi Panarin Trade Saga

[03:17 - 22:20]

Rangers & Panarin’s Status

• Panarin’s time as a Ranger is over; management won’t extend him.
• Dan’s December prediction (pre-Winter Classic) that Panarin was done in NY is noted, and they joke about "batch" and "baker's dozen" games remaining.

Trade Logistics

[05:30]

• 34 years old, $11.6 million cap hit; 50% salary retention by the Rangers is expected to facilitate a deal.
• Panarin has a full no-move clause, significantly limiting possible destinations but possibly driving a bidding war among his select targets.

Top Destinations Discussed

• Colorado Avalanche: Not a need, but “would be sick.” Panarin could thrive in a stacked lineup with reduced pressure.

  • “If he goes in there with no pressure at all and the Avs are a fucking crab wagon... he’ll go great. That’s awesome.” — Chris, [08:38]
  • But: Making cap room might cost roster staples like Ross Colton or Samuel Girard, raising "culture vs skill" debate.

• Tampa Bay Lightning: Sensible fit; could use another top center/forward but may hold off adding just "depth" as has been their recent MO.

  • “Tampa and Artemi Panarin makes a ton of sense.” — Dan, [13:13]

• Dallas Stars: Top power play, but adding Panarin could make them even more lethal. Cap and pick constraints noted.

• Florida Panthers: Power play struggles make Panarin attractive, but injury to Barkov complicates returns and cap logistics. Lack of near-term first-round picks appears to rule them out.

• Anaheim Ducks (Rogue Pick): Huge prospect/pick pool, deep down the middle, playoff hunt status, and could offer enticing post-trade contract.

  • “Can you imagine?...You add Artemi Panarin and you go, ‘Hey, you remember Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba and Frank Vatrano?’” — Dan, [18:35]

• Pittsburgh Penguins: Off-hand wild card, but unlikely for a Rangers-Penguins trade.

Who Would Panarin Help Most?

• The hosts land on Anaheim as their favorite destination for chaos and hockey excitement, but agree Central “arms race” scenarios (Avs or Stars) would be fun as well.

Notable Quotes:

“Panarin going somewhere where he can play third fiddle, fifth fiddle, seventh fiddle would be incredible for him.” — Dan, [08:27]
“It always felt clear that Panarin would be moved. Now the question is where to.” — Dan, [04:14]

3. Olympic Injury Heartbreak: Sweden’s Woes

[22:36 - 29:30]

• Leo Carlson and Jonas Brodin out of the Olympics: devastating for Sweden, who lose their #1 center and a top defenseman.
• Discussion on the depth of Sweden’s roster, underperformance at Four Nations, and thoughts on replacements (William Eklund, Mojo, Mikael Backlund).
• Emotional focus on how injuries strip big names (like Barkov previously) from their only shot at Olympic medals.
• For Duck and Wild fans, this means their star players stay healthy for the stretch—seen as a silver lining.

Notable Quotes:

“We’ve been waiting 12 years to get NHL players back in the Olympics… and now I’m fucking pissed.”
— Dan, [26:21]

4. US Roster Update: Jackson LaCombe In, Seth Jones Out

[29:30 - 31:43]

• Seth Jones injured; Jackson LaCombe called up.
• Hosts back LaCombe as a legit “two-way” defenseman who fits Olympic needs, address Lane Hutson snub, and praise LaCombe’s “McAvoy-like” stat line.

5. Florida Panthers Dilemma: To Tank or Try Without Barkov?

[32:51 - 39:16]

• Barkov out long-term—should Florida tank for the first time in this championship window? Could use rest and regroup for a real run next year as almost the entire core is under contract.
• Only major expiry: Bobrovsky (and maybe Tarasov) in goal. Debate over priority of pushing for a one-off Cup vs. priming for a rejuvenated window.

Notable Quotes:

“If Alexander Barkov is out...the Florida Panthers should tank and miss playoffs because without Barkov they can't win the cup.” — Former NHLer (paraphrased), [33:25]
“Winning a cup without Alexander Barkov is such an important, impossibly tall task.” — Dan, [38:22]

6. Professor's Puck Line: Betting, Recaps, and the "Friday Fade"

[40:26 - 53:59]

• Lively segment reviewing betting results (humorous self-flagellation for losses), laying out this week's “Friday Fade” bets, and previewing upcoming parlay picks.
• Includes zany rhyming intros for each bet, banter over “Life on the Line” picks, and a breakdown of trending teams.

Timestamps for Segments:

• Hot Ice Recap: [40:26 - 40:49]
• Mega Parlay Results: [40:49 - 41:46]
• Friday Fade Debate: [43:28 - 46:10]

7. Venmo Debate: Modern Etiquette of Paying Friends

[58:37 - 78:08]

• Hilarious and impassioned debate on acceptable Venmo request amounts, the “leave a penny, take a penny” ethos, and when requesting small amounts crosses the line.
• Anecdotes about secret tracking of group debts, late Venmo charges (e.g., $800 golf day months later), and stories about epic tabs never recouped.

Memorable Moments:

“Less than $10, I am enraged. The fire of 10,000 suns blows up. Less than $10, I'm like, are you fucking shitting?” — Dan, [68:42]

• Practical rules discussed:
  • Sitting at a dinner = Venmo fine
  • On-the-go/single drinks = let it slide

8. Game Time: What’s the Connection? Hockey Trivia

[79:19 - 85:03]

• Nine-question trivia—final answer connects all previous answers ("Game of Thrones" themes like “Seven,” “Egg,” “Twins,” “Wolf,” etc.)
• Dan solves it; hosts riff on the challenge.

9. Wrap-up & Future Teasers

[85:08 - End]

• Promos for coming player interviews, Olympic coverage, and more “bets, banter, and tape-to-tape talk.”

Highlighted Quotes & Timestamps

• On Panarin’s possible fit:
  “If he goes in there with no pressure at all...He’ll go great. That’s awesome.” — Chris, [08:38]

• On trading with the Central Division:
  “More of an arms race in the Central. Be fun to watch.” — Dan, [20:59]

• On Olympic heartbreak:
  “Devastating for Sweden…They’ve lost their number one center.” — Dan, [22:55]

• On Venmo etiquette:
  “If someone Venmos me for like $1.25, I’m like… chill, chill.” — Sean, [67:27]

Episode Flow: Segment Breakdown with Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | Main Discussion Points | |-----------------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Opening Banter, Fan Encounters | 00:30–03:00 | Kings/Rangers game, fan shoutouts, tone set | | Panarin Trade: Impending Drama | 03:17–22:20 | Why trade is happening, destinations (Colorado, Tampa, Dallas, Ducks, etc) | | Sweden’s Olympic Injury Heartbreak | 22:36–29:30 | Carlson/Brodin injuries, implications for Team Sweden | | US Olympic Roster Tweaks | 29:30–31:43 | LaCombe replaces Seth Jones, Lane Hutson snub | | Panthers: Tank or Try? | 32:51–39:16 | Barkov’s injury, Florida’s rest vs. push philosophy | | Bets & Professor’s Puck Line | 40:26–53:59 | Week’s betting recap, "Friday Fade," upcoming picks | | Venmo Etiquette & Group Debt Management | 58:37–78:08 | Friend group economics, minimum requests, late charges, etiquette debates | | Game Time: “What’s the Connection?” | 79:19–85:03 | Game of Thrones-themed hockey trivia | | Closing, Promos, Next Week Teasers | 85:08–End | Upcoming guests, Olympics coverage, farewells |

Tone & Style

• Signature mix of lighthearted chirping, “beer-league locker room” energy, and deep hockey IQ.
• Hosts blend sharp analysis, sharp-tongued banter, and relatable real-life anecdotes.
• Frequent sidebars and irreverent riffs, but tightly looped back into the main themes.

Listen If You Want To…

• Know which teams could instantly become Stanley Cup contenders with the Panarin trade.
• Hear authentic behind-the-scenes thoughts on NHL trade logistics and player mentality.
• Get the pulse on Olympic roster heartbreaks and what they mean for the NHL season.
• Laugh about hockey’s unsung debates—beer tabs, Venmo etiquette, and gut-check group dynamics.
• Get in on the Empty Netters’ legendary bets—chaos, wins, and legendary fades.

Closing Thought

This episode, more than any other, blends the high stakes of NHL roster drama with the relatable reality of friendship and fandom, topped with the kind of chirps only real brothers (in blood or on the bench) can throw.

Final words:

“Let’s hit all these bets, let’s enjoy ourselves, and while we do it, skate hard.” — Dan, [85:16]