Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 542: Featuring Martin Necas and Patrick Maroon

Summary

Summary of Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 542: Featuring Martin Necas and Patrick Maroon

Release Date: January 28, 2025

In Episode 542 of Spittin’ Chiclets, hosts Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and former NHL players R.A. Mike Grinnell delve deep into the latest happenings in the NHL, touching on major trades, player performances, personal health challenges, and behind-the-scenes insights. This episode prominently features interviews with Martin Necas and Patrick Maroon, offering listeners an exclusive look into their professional journeys and personal experiences within the league.

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1. Opening Banter and Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with Ryan and Paul welcoming listeners and referencing the spontaneity of the week’s NHL content. They hint at upcoming events, including the Solar Bears game, and express excitement about the current season's developments.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan Whitney [00:53]: "Holy. What a week. Oh my God. Sometimes the hockey gods just drop content on your lap."

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2. Health Challenges: Biz Nasty’s Back Pain

A significant portion of the early conversation revolves around Biz Nasty (R.A. Mike Grinnell) discussing his ongoing struggle with back pain, specifically an L5 S1 injury. The hosts empathize with his condition, debating the merits of intense workout routines versus incorporating more mobility and yoga to alleviate stress.

Notable Quote:

• Biz Nasty [03:36]: "I just care about getting my workout in. And here I am lying down because my L5 S1 is gone again."

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3. Trade Talk: Sidney Crosby and ABs Deal Analysis

The hosts engage in a heated discussion about the recent ABs trade involving Sidney Crosby. They analyze the implications of trading a superstar, questioning the strategic decisions behind the move and its impact on team chemistry and salary caps. The conversation extends to other key players like Nathan McKinnon and Leon Draisaitl, debating their roles and contracts within their respective teams.

Notable Quote:

• Paul Bissonnette [15:01]: "I think this was a move to make a bigger move. That's... I will say I started shaking because I read originally that it was a three-way move..."

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4. Fitness and Recovery: Balancing Workouts and Injury Prevention

Continuing the theme of health, the discussion shifts to the importance of balancing rigorous training with injury prevention. Biz Nasty reflects on his workout frequency and the toll it takes on his body, contemplating the need for a more balanced approach to fitness.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan Whitney [05:01]: "Yeah, movement. You know, you want to look like you got the muscles, but I think for now, it's just more about efficiency."

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5. Road Warriors Series and Behind-the-Scenes Content

The hosts highlight their Road Warriors video series, which features interviews and visits to various hockey teams. Biz Nasty recounts his experiences with the Surrey Eagles, emphasizing the camaraderie and mentorship he observes within teams.

Notable Quote:

• Biz Nasty [11:14]: "These kids are getting so much knowledge from Gomer and Mots and the rest of this coaching staff."

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6. Trade Implications and Team Strategies

A detailed analysis of the ABs trade continues, with the hosts dissecting the trade components, including other players and draft picks involved. They express skepticism over the trade's benefits, especially concerning salary cap management and long-term team performance.

Notable Quote:

• Biz Nasty [18:34]: "That's what everyone was kind of saying. Maybe Chicago's like has something else in mind."

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7. Interview Segment: Martin Necas and Patrick Maroon

In a special segment, Martin Necas and Patrick Maroon join the conversation. They share their experiences in the NHL, discuss their current roles, and provide insights into their training regimes and personal lives. The interview delves into their perspectives on recent trades, team dynamics, and their aspirations within the league.

Notable Quote:

• Martin Necas [44:51]: "I've always tried to work a lot on edges and power skating since I was young. It's all about efficiency for me."

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8. Fan Engagement and Community Events

The hosts discuss upcoming community events, such as the Solar Bears Pink Whitney night, highlighting the importance of fan engagement and team spirit. They encourage listeners to participate and support their favorite teams through these events.

Notable Quote:

• Biz Nasty [05:49]: "And one of the matches on Tuesday will be for theirs. So hopefully I'm off the IR and worst case, I'll just chip and putt and just talk relentless amounts of dude."

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9. Reflections on Team Performance and Future Outlook

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on their teams' performances, trade outcomes, and what to expect in the coming weeks. They analyze team strategies, player performances, and the overall direction of the NHL season.

Notable Quote:

• R.A. Mike Grinnell [10:41]: "It was awesome to see how into it him and Mots are and how much they care about helping these kids get them ready to play at the next level."

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10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

The episode concludes with the hosts teasing future content, including upcoming interviews and special segments. They express gratitude towards their guests and listeners, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to delivering insightful and engaging hockey content.

Notable Quote:

• Biz Nasty [82:20]: "You can't complain. Are they doing that over in check on the team? You gotta hold that. You gotta do it at the coach's side can't do it at the players."

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Conclusion

Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 542 offers a comprehensive look into the current state of the NHL, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert analysis from both hosts and guests like Martin Necas and Patrick Maroon. The episode seamlessly blends professional insights with personal reflections, making it a must-listen for hockey enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the game and its players.

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Note: All timestamps correspond to segments within the provided transcript and are used to highlight significant quotes and discussions.

Transcript

[Ryan Whitney]

Hey, Spit and Chicklets listeners, you can find every episode on Apple podcasts, Spotify or YouTube Prime.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Ryan Whitney]

It's tailgate time at Raising Cane's.

[Biz Nasty]

Whether you're rooting for your squad or that other team, Kane's craveable combos rally.

[Ryan Whitney]

Every fan for the greatest game day ever.

[Biz Nasty]

Make some epic memories with cook to.

[Ryan Whitney]

Order chicken fingers, crispy crinkle cut fries.

[Biz Nasty]

Buttery Texas toast, and the reigning mvp, that signature Cane sauce.

[Ryan Whitney]

So grab your crew and make your next tailgate a touchdown.

[Biz Nasty]

Game days are better together. Game days are better with Cane's Raising Cane's chicken fingers.

[Ryan Whitney]

One love.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Me and Ryan have been officially welcomed to the jungle that is Barstool Sports.

[Ryan Whitney]

Our white whale, Sidney Crosby. Shave his head.

[R.A.]

Shave his head. Shave his head.

[Ryan Whitney]

Ryan Whitney. Paul Bissonnette, R.A. mike Grinelli. Spittin Chicklets. What is up folks? Holy. What a week. Oh my God. Sometimes the hockey gods just drop content on your lap. And they did this week. And we're here in Fort Lauderdale at Le Casa de Casa de Yandel. Beautiful, beautiful spot. We've been here before, we've crushed an three or four great interviews so far. But now it's time for episode 42, brought to you by Pink Whitney. We're ready to rip it because we got the Solar Bears game. The Orlando Solar Bears, Tuesday night. It's Pink Whitney night. They got the pink Whitney jerseys. They got the pink Whitney socks. They're one and one in their prior two Pink Whitney games. We got to get that record back above 500. We're going to be there meeting fans before 6:30, I believe at the arena. We'll be around the rink all game long. And let's go Solar Bears Pink Whitney night. Go buy your bottle. Go buy your little nip. Go down to the bar, order a pink Whitney. We love you all. Thanks for the support. And guys, what the hell is going on with you two? How you guys doing? One guy isn't doing so good and it's not me, it's the friggin L5 S1.

[Biz Nasty]

No, she's barking, boys.

[Ryan Whitney]

Buddy.

[Paul Bissonnette]

S1 and that.

[Biz Nasty]

I'm in pain.

[Ryan Whitney]

So we're just chatting here. Prior guys at biz like this is actually. He's moving around like a 79 year old man who's had 45 different surgeries on his knees and his hips and his back. And I feel horrible. As Keith said, back pain's the worst. But I think you're working out close to like 12 to 15 times. A week at this point. I think you said double. You said you were doing double sessions.

[Biz Nasty]

No, I did a double yesterday beside the. The main street in Fort Lauderdale in which G recorded. And then. What do you mean?

[Ryan Whitney]

I almost retweeted hurdle.

[Biz Nasty]

No, no, no, no.

[Ryan Whitney]

Shirt off on the sidewalk.

[Paul Bissonnette]

And he sent out a tweet that he was like, I'm going to be working out if anyone wants to come watch me. But we interviewed.

[Biz Nasty]

That is not fucking true. Hey. So it was kind of an overcast day, and all of a sudden the sun opened up and there was a couple closed stores. So there was a strip where there was going to be no cars, and I was getting direct sunlight. So I'm like, well, I only got 45 minutes here before we get going with all these interviews that we ended up banking. So I figured, oh, why not just use that trip? I didn't know where else to go. I don't know my surroundings.

[Ryan Whitney]

The gym that we like the gym.

[Biz Nasty]

Well, I was in the gym. Yeah. But I want to get some sun when I'm down here. I want to get that vitamin D. The.

[Paul Bissonnette]

The beach was right behind where you were standing, too.

[Biz Nasty]

So I asked if there was a boardwalk or like a walk thing, and somebody said that there wasn't. And I. So I was just like, okay, I might as well just stay here. So I guess, yeah, okay, I'm being a hard old, but I just care about getting my workout in. And. And here I am lying down because my L5s one is gone again.

[Ryan Whitney]

And. And what did you say when I just asked you, do you think that, like, how much you work out? Because for somebody who works out the way you do, looks the way you do, doesn't drink, only eats healthy, always gets his sleep. Like you're injured a lot.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, I'm a band aid.

[Ryan Whitney]

And. And what do you think that. That. That is like, what is it because of?

[Biz Nasty]

I mean, there's probably a lot of physio people or doctors listening that'll have. It'll be dming me about what it could be. I think maybe because I had the one knee surgically repaired and I think that one of them is a little bit longer than the other. Not sure which one exactly. You know, when you go into the.

[Ryan Whitney]

Field, I have that as well.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Yeah. And I think that just maybe throws off my. My back and hips a little bit. And then, of course, tightness. I'm just a tense, stressed out guy a lot. I can't explain why I have so much stress in my life. I actually listened to a podcast, forget the lady's name recently on just, like, how to naturally, like, not be so stressed out all the time. But she said that, like, 85 to 90 of, like, adults now just, like, have an immense amount of stress in their life. So I think maybe try to incorporate more yoga, more mobility stuff as opposed to lifting and.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, movement.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, movement. You know, you want to look. You want to look like you got the muscles, but I think for now, it's just more about efficiency. The one. I know we're going long wind on this. The reason it really sucks, though, is what we got going the next two days. And I hope for, you know, I hope maybe with some muscle relaxers and some other meds, maybe a little bit of a little dope in there too.

[Ryan Whitney]

It could be time to hop on the booze train, because that'll loosen you right up. I'm not saying that like, you. You need to do that, but a couple stiffies could end up making you feel a little looser.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, and, and, and the reason why it sucks is because we're going to be going against the Bob does guys in. In some golf matches here. One of us, One of it's going to be for our YouTube channel, and then one of the matches on Tuesday will be for theirs. So hopefully I'm off the ir and worst case, Ontario, I'll just chip and putt and.

[Ryan Whitney]

And just talk relentless amounts of dude. Like, you could be that guy, like, in their face, just waddling over to him. They can't.

[Paul Bissonnette]

They can't handle it. Me and Biz played Joey the other.

[Biz Nasty]

Day, and they can't handle the Joey cold cuts home. I. He had a tough round. He brought a buddy who was a five handicap who had an even tougher round. I golfed.

[Paul Bissonnette]

The Grove had five different handicaps.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. We golf the Grove. I did for the first time.

[Ryan Whitney]

What'd you think?

[Biz Nasty]

I think that MJ Legit designed that course for me.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah, he did.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Text me Memo.

[Ryan Whitney]

It's for Biz. Yeah. Oh, there's even masseuses there, I believe, for when you hurt your L5s. 1. And Keith texted me, I think when you guys were on eight or nine, he's like, dude, biz is like four over par right now. Putting from 30 yards short of the green to two feet.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, I was hitting decent drives. My second shot would always, always be short, but you could Texas wedge everything from about 20, 30 yards.

[Paul Bissonnette]

You're a Link style golf.

[Biz Nasty]

I'm a link style golfer. So I would expect that MJ is going to slide over a free membership at some point, given my performance. And on top of that, we bumped into my boy, Rory McIlroy. I actually met him at the match, when we did it at the. Was it the park?

[Ryan Whitney]

Is that the place?

[Biz Nasty]

And he actually recognized me, so I felt like a badass.

[Ryan Whitney]

Did he?

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's like, what up, Biz?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, he's like. He goes, listen, I know they're my countrymen, but fuck the Irish travelers. He stood up for me.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah, he did, actually. And you know what else Whit would love to hear, too? He said last year, the playoffs, he got super into hockey, Loving it, watching all the games. And guess who his team is? Witty.

[Ryan Whitney]

Say the Oilers.

[Biz Nasty]

The Oilers loves McGee. Loves him. Look at Witty's face. I wish you guys could see it. Listening.

[Ryan Whitney]

God, I want him to get the Masters now. He needs to get them, because if he gets the Masters, you know, that means the Oilers are winning the Stanley Cup.

[Biz Nasty]

Well, the. The best part about it, too, is the fact that you. That morning, sent the. The. The tweet that Bob does, ended up sending out at the fact that he bumped into Rory McElroy at a gas station.

[Ryan Whitney]

I know, it's crazy. And he. I. It was so funny the way that he, like, realized how much he up.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, I think he said, well, we've all been there before.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, of course. But, like, he's like, thanks for all you do for YouTube. And then Bob's describing. He's like, what the am I talking about?

[Biz Nasty]

Is that why there's a big argument going on online right now about YouTube, golfers and the pros right now? Did that spark it?

[Ryan Whitney]

I think it's mainly about how boring the PGA Tour is to watch right now and the pace of play. We talked about it last week.

[Biz Nasty]

I said, who's the new John Daly? And, like, nobody had an answer. There's nobody guy who's a beauty who, like, maybe from time to time rips a few. Few villas and. And. And shows up a little bit late after going and playing. Guilty. Why you left.

[Ryan Whitney]

I think these guys think it's like every sport.

[Paul Bissonnette]

We say it in hockey all the time, too. The game. The games.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. There's not a few guys still left in the league that are like, John Daly. Oh, yeah, right.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. But the fact you're on a team so you can rely on your teammates. Golfers are just, like, in their own world just trying to figure out how to hit a fade and a drawer and Make a seven footer and not puke all over themselves when they're in contention.

[Biz Nasty]

So I know we're kind of going all over the place. Can you explain to people who maybe haven't seen the Bob does clip about how he describes bumping into Rory?

[Ryan Whitney]

He basically said that he. And the best part about this guy is his voice.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, he's a funny basketball he. Delivery.

[Ryan Whitney]

He. He's always like, catching his dad do. He caught his dad stealing chicken fingers from, like, the Whole Foods buffet. He videos his dad playing, like, the Jupiter jackals men's softball over 60 league. Like, he's just. The way he's saying things is the funnies part. And I guess he's like, hey, Rory. Like, I don't remember the clip off the top of my head, but it was like, hey, Rory. And then he's like, you. You heard of Bob Does? Or something like that. Like, that might make him sound like. Like a douchebag.

[Paul Bissonnette]

But he said great job in the video with Grant. Grant Horbat's another YouTube guy.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yes.

[Paul Bissonnette]

He's like, I'm. I do Bob does sports. And he was like, have you heard of us? And he's like, no, I would have rolled up my window and drove with the gas tanks.

[Ryan Whitney]

No. Yeah, I would have poured the gas all over myself. And like, you have a lighter?

[Biz Nasty]

Hey, don't make me laugh. Ow, ow, ow. L5.

[Ryan Whitney]

And then like, on the way out, I think he meant to say thanks for all you do for golf. He's like, thanks you do for YouTube. I think he said Rory was like, what?

[Biz Nasty]

Well, the way things are going, he better transfer over to YouTube. The way you guys were talking about the PGA and how it's not even going to be a thing if these.

[Ryan Whitney]

No, it's going to be a thing. I think the Donald's gonna get them back together with Liv at some point. I don't know. But we have way bigger news, guys. We have way bigger news in the world of hockey. And I know the fact that I.

[Biz Nasty]

Went and visited Scotty Gomez with the Surrey Eagles.

[Ryan Whitney]

Great video.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, thank you.

[Ryan Whitney]

That was awesome.

[Biz Nasty]

Did you have fun watching?

[Ryan Whitney]

That was a great video to watch. I really enjoyed you watch it. I watched it on YouTube, where I believe we have 375, 000 followers.

[Biz Nasty]

74. We're getting close.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, I'm gonna round up here. I'm gonna round up a little bit, but that was awesome. And just to see how into it him and MOTs are and how much they care about helping these kids Getting them ready to play at the next level, Getting them.

[Biz Nasty]

It was awesome.

[Ryan Whitney]

It was just. It's awesome to see those guys. And I mean, neither one of those guys have to do that, right? They wanted to get in coaching. They're starting. Starting in a lower league. Like, not. Not to say it's a low league, but it's a long way from the NHL. And I don't know if they both dream of doing that, but just to give back to the game that way and. And do that. It's. It was a cool thing for you to go out and do. I. I loved it.

[Biz Nasty]

It was a great experience. These kids are getting so much knowledge from Gomer and Mots and the rest of this coaching staff. He was breaking down video much like Adam Oates does. Right. Because he's good, close buddies with him. So same type of formula. So if you guys want to check that out, it's the third rendition of Road warriors where the first one, I went and hung out with Sean Avery for an afternoon. That was very interesting, obviously. Then we had the Newfoundland Extravaganza. That was the second one when I went and saw tr. And then of course, this the third one with the Surrey Eagles. So check it out. Spit and chicklets. YouTube channel. Road warriors, boys, I know we're going to get to Rotten, and you guys are itching to get there. I got another bone to pick. Very un American move by that ice cream shop that we went to last time we were in Florida.

[Ryan Whitney]

No, it's a smart move.

[Paul Bissonnette]

It's a great move.

[Ryan Whitney]

They're going to save with people like you millions a year.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

In ice cream. And the fact that somebody sent me this tweet for what Biz is talking about. We sat on this couch and we had to bring up.

[Biz Nasty]

I got shamed. I got sample shit.

[Ryan Whitney]

An intervention. It was like the show on A, A and E. Like, hey, you come in thinking we're going to have some ice cream, and then you're like, hey, Biz, why don't you.

[Biz Nasty]

The Bonnie blew of samples.

[Ryan Whitney]

It was.

[Biz Nasty]

Just a Comes in one. Just a cum dumpster of samples.

[Ryan Whitney]

Just. Just grabbing the bottom of the barrel. The last scoop, taking a sample for yourself. But somebody sent me a tweet. Oh, no, it wasn't somebody. It was Martin Broder's son.

[Biz Nasty]

No, Barty Broder. Does that mean we're getting him on the pod?

[Ryan Whitney]

I don't think so. But he. He wrote me a DM on Instagram and he's like, dude, look. I was like, what? He's like, this is Sloan's in Del Rey, where biz ate them out of house and home that time trying 50 different samples. Sure. They got a new sign. Two samples per customer. And I. I actually have under, like, good word that they tried to do one. And then, like, one of the owners is like, no, let's go to two. I like biz after the travelers beat him up, like, we'll do two and. But they were gonna go just one sample. And then there were some people on staff that wanted to go no samples. One of them was there the night you were there and was so disgusted, they almost quit their job, saying, I don't want to ever run into somebody like that again. So they've put their foot down and realize, I'm done dealing with Paul L5s1annettes.

[Biz Nasty]

All right, well, I lost. I've lost the battle, but not the war.

[Ryan Whitney]

There were some people on your side.

[Biz Nasty]

Since we did bring up Bonnie blue before we get to rotten, and I guess her and this other speed bag are battling online because Lily Phillips. Lily Phillips. This other speed bag who. Who went a hundred dudes.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Why are we talking?

[Ryan Whitney]

I don't. It's biz, actually, like, can't stop. He wants talking about it. I was like, hey, what are you getting? What? What fish? What are you getting to last night at dinner? He's like, but how about Bonnie, Lily? I'm like, dude, the waiters right there. What do you think? Would you hop in late? The guy's like, what is this talking about right now?

[Biz Nasty]

All right, we're done with the Bonnie blue.

[Mike Grinelli]

Then we'll put her.

[Biz Nasty]

We'll put her in the rafters. Two pieces of remember over you.

[Ryan Whitney]

I think the muscle relaxers hit.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, man. Oh, man. We gotta get to this trade, though, boys. This.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, you know who.

[Biz Nasty]

I thought the big one was coming. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not. I know. We're. We're gonna talk about Ron and age. I thought if he says when I.

[Ryan Whitney]

Heard a three way say this Sid deal again. Wait, I tweeted out. I always thought you were in on the joke, but I actually truly believe you think Sid's gonna get trade.

[Biz Nasty]

I do.

[Paul Bissonnette]

100%.

[Ryan Whitney]

Y is not. Like, he's not.

[Biz Nasty]

I think that this.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's not not ot just like, there's.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Only two samples at Sloan's. It's a hard rule. He's not getting traded.

[Ryan Whitney]

You can't keep bringing it up, biz. I think never going to play for another.

[Biz Nasty]

I think that this was a move to make a bigger move. That's. I'm. I'm going to stick with that, Audrey. But I, but, but I will say I got, I started shaking because I read originally that it was a three way move and when rotten and was on the move, it's like, well, what, what would. What would rotten and fetch? And then that's why my mind went to Sid. So for all the people in Pittsburgh that I riled up, again, my apologies. But like at a certain point, Wayne Gretzky was traded. Sidney Crosby will have to move on to play with his buddy Nathan McKinnon.

[Ryan Whitney]

So I said I had tweeted out like right away, like announce Crosby to the abs, capital letters, exclamation points. That's why I just said it like that. And then I saw you keep going. And I was like, all right. Once I started these tweets, I saw. Started seeing tweets, like the Chicklets guys are talking about it. I was like, okay, I think people aren't realizing we're joking. And then I was like, oh, they don't realize we're joking because Biz is relentlessly discussing Crosby to the apps for years now. And you thought it was the moment.

[Biz Nasty]

I think that sports is allowed to be somewhat fantasy for some people. Like I treated as fantasy and that is one of my fantasies. Not like, not like that. Not like a Bonnie Blue type fantasy. I'm talking about like, you know, when you read a fiction novel, like that type of thing, like, to me that is something that would excite me. So I, I enjoy talking about it. I can believe in it. I'm allowed to talk about it. I don't mind that you send me hate online if I do talk about it. And the wheel just keeps turning. So let's now break down the actual trade that did involve Sidney Crosby, but a top five player in the league probably over the last five years. The tweet came out from, I think it was Sportsnet Stats where it's over the last five years, I believe McDavid, Dry Seidel, Nathan McKinnon and Rotten. And points like these have been the two best dynamic duos. Duos who have carried the NHL over the past half of a decade. And I was jaw dropped at the fact that they didn't try to work something out. They didn't consult Nathan McKinnon. Bednar was shocked. Every single player in the Colorado Avalanche locker room was shocked. We talked about it last podcast. They have to consult Nathan McKinnon. Because the big thing here is while you can't make more than what is now, I believe the best player in the world. Some of the people will say, McDavid, I believe over the last 18 months the dog has taken that the cons mice.

[Ryan Whitney]

That doesn't have anything to do with the last 18 months.

[Biz Nasty]

Okay, that, that, that is fair. But I think that most people from a full body of work would say that at least they're neck and neck. At least let's say neck and neck. And the fact that they didn't consult him is, is mind boggling to me because I don't think that Nathan McKinnon would have had an issue with his winger making a little bit more than him.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, yeah, I wonder that too. Who knows if we'll ever get the answer. But to just to set up the full trade, the AB sent Mo to the Carolina HU in a blockbuster three way deal. They're receiving forwards Martin Naches and Jack Drury plus a 2025 second round pick and a 2026 fourth rounder from the Hurricanes. Caroline is also getting Taylor hall and the rights to prospect Niels Jerntorp, a 2022 six round pick from Chicago in the deal. And the Blackhawks, the big winners in this. Oh yeah, they're retaining 50% Rontanen's 9.25 million cap it and getting a 2025.

[Biz Nasty]

I got my hand up right now. Do you guys mind if I ask a question?

[Ryan Whitney]

No, go ahead.

[Biz Nasty]

Could Taylor hall just not have fetched a third round pick?

[Ryan Whitney]

That's what everyone was kind of saying. That's why, like what, what. Maybe Chicago's like has something else in mind. But I saw that and I was like, I could think he could have got like a second on his own.

[Biz Nasty]

So I, I am just very bizarre. I'm just like perplexed as to what Chicago's place in this trade was. Obviously retaining half that salary. But craziness to me, do you want to go back to rotten and, and the fact.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, yeah, that like, like, how do.

[Paul Bissonnette]

You call a team? Be like, hey, do you mind paying half this guy's salary? He's not going to play for your team, but do you mind paying half his salary?

[Biz Nasty]

That's what the capologists do.

[Ryan Whitney]

How do they figure that?

[Paul Bissonnette]

Like, I do not understand how stuff gets.

[Ryan Whitney]

You'd be thinking, well, what are we getting? Are you getting the third round?

[Paul Bissonnette]

You're getting rid of Taylor Hall.

[Ryan Whitney]

You're getting a third rounder. I just want to, you know, I don't mean to make this all about the Oilers, but without Leon Draisaitl this doesn't happen. This doesn't happen because Leon signed that ticket and we're set McDavid will sign a bigger ticket. But we don't have a Kale Makar that we need to sign so we can make it work. And without Leon signing this deal, Miko Ranton's possibly, maybe probably a still call, still a Colorado Avalanche. But now he's out of the conference, we don't have to worry about him. He's out east and now the Oilers just churning and just working. All right, I'll move on from off the oars. But that contract was a big deal.

[Biz Nasty]

No, no, for sure it is. But you brought it up this before we even started recording. Like Draisaitl plays center like, like rotten and probably with where the cap's going thought he deserved around that number. But if you're not playing center and you're. And he's not being carried by McKinnon, they both bring a lot to that line. But you have to imagine those numbers are inflated based on playing with them so big time I was shocked. I was shocked that they couldn't land somewhere in that 12 million range. And I don't understand why they didn't wait a little bit longer why they didn't consult Nate and they just kind of moved on. And maybe they maybe rotten and overplayed his hand because I definitely don't see Carolina paying him what he thought he might have gotten from Colorado. So now you got a situation where Carolina last year they trade for Genzel, they don't resign them and now they move on for from a couple big pieces including Nature's who has a very team friendly deal for six and a half this year, next year for a rental. Like I Yance didn't you say that they specifically don't like signing guys long term to these big deals?

[Paul Bissonnette]

Well, that's the way it seems anyways too, right?

[Ryan Whitney]

Like I think this one they're going for it.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I don't know. I could see it same as Gen so last year if not not bringing them back like kind of see how it goes. If they don't maybe if they win, if they go. If Carolina goes out and wins, maybe they sign them long term. But I have a feeling if they, if they don't win at all I think he's gonna. And I actually think he might go back to the, to the abs.

[Biz Nasty]

I I was saying this.

[Ryan Whitney]

How about your case? How about your.

[Biz Nasty]

I mean if you're going to have a guy, let's say let's say playoffs didn't go that positive for the Toronto Maple Leafs and maybe you get this a similar type performance out of Marner that you saw last year where you know we can get into the age old argument like he wasn't like a liability per se but he definitely wasn't regular season Mitch and you know, so if they were to move on for Mitch Marner and not resign him, I would definitely go after Rotten and I would overpay him to do so because then you have a big body like nice who is going to be a stud player. I'm assuming Tavares is going to come back on a team friendly deal. So he's off the books. He's a big player. You have Nylander, he's a big, fast, dynamic player. Matthews, big, fast, dynamic player and then all of a sudden you have Rotten and like that is built like a true playoff team and nothing against Marner and maybe he will end up signing but I would imagine that the pace that he's playing this year he's going to be asking for the same money that that, that Matthews made. Well, that could fetch you Rotten and if they don't, things don't go as positive. Like I said, that should be somebody, somebody that they try and land.

[Ryan Whitney]

You said, you said you would no matter what rather them sign Ronton and then Marner last night.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, I think that still things still have to play out to see what happens this year in playoffs. It seems like Mitch Marner is on a mission. The good news is that they are going to get the luxury of getting to see that play out. But like I said, if it's, it's a less than stellar performance, I would not hand over that money. And especially based on things that, that have kind of circulated where there has been moves where they've tried to make to get rid of Mitch Marner to get more in return like you know, free up cap space, maybe bring in two impactful players at the number that he's making. I would, I would definitely entertain the thought of trying to bring in Ren and I would do everything and I could to bring him in. If things don't work out with Mitch Marner.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah, I think there's 32 teams that would love to have him. Right. Like he's one of those guys. If he's a UFA this summer, every single team's going to want.

[Ryan Whitney]

Correct.

[Biz Nasty]

But if the money is the big issue, it narrows down the teams who are going to be willing to front load and, and really give him that extra Extra money or backload it like.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Frankie B. Oh, or back.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, or back.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Mike, my question is, because we've kind of skipped past it is Chris McFarland. You said Bednard was kind of surprised.

[Ryan Whitney]

I just saw the, the quotes after the Bruins game. It was, it was kind. What did you say?

[Biz Nasty]

Jarring.

[Ryan Whitney]

Almost like they were like sad. They were like, it was like if you're Nexus, you're like, geez. And I get it. The guy won a Stanley Cup. 10 year Colorado Avalanche. Like, it is shocking, but it was like, it was not like we expected this. It was more or less like what the just happened. I never thought in a million years he would leave.

[Biz Nasty]

So yeah, it sucks.

[R.A.]

Was his quotes.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. McKinnon said he called him, they talked for 20 minutes and it was just like he just really looked and I get it. Like you just lost your guy. I mean this is a 50 goal, 105, 110 point player that you lose. My thing is for AVS fans, I'll totally buy. Like if there is any anger towards him, I get that. Because if he wanted to, he was still a Colorado Avalanche. He, he chose that he wants like they. Elliott reported that they went up to 11.75 a year. That's the highest paid winger in the game, beating Panarin. You're not a center. You're not Leon Draisaitl. They, they, they're, they're different. Like, I don't think Rontin is the same level player. I think that it's Matthews, McKinnon, Connor, Draisaitl personally, and Rontin is right beneath them. But if you, if you really wanted to be a member of the abs, you're probably signing that deal and maybe you get him up to 12. And you mentioned the same deal as Nate, I get that. But ABS fans, you gotta realize like he, he chose not to sign there. Like, he chose. I want more. He has the same agent as Leon, so I'm sure he's being told like, you're going to get 13. And he chose like, all right, I, I want that extra dough and I respect the hell out of me. Ufa. I think our Bednar McFarlane said, like, he's a superstar, but he's earned his right to be a unrestricted free agent. But if you're looking at it like if he really, really wanted to stay, he was staying. And you could say the same for Leon. That could, he could have taken a little less, but he was in a position where Evan Edmonton was going to give him whatever he wanted. It's just nuts to me.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, I guess I went, I'm just shocked because they've already won a Stanley Cup. You can keep this going. You have two generational players that you're playing with and like by the, by the time it's all said and done, what everyone ends up probably getting, you're talking probably about $10 million max, maybe even less after taxes. So to not want to, it could.

[Ryan Whitney]

Be like 15 to 16, but still.

[Biz Nasty]

Okay.

[Ryan Whitney]

Because if he gets 14 or 13, eight and they're off in 1175 over eight years.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, but I, but I truly believe that if he, they, he, they, his camp would have said Matt match Nate, they probably would have went to Nate got the okay, which I'm still shocked that they didn't go into him to begin with and they'd be paid the same. And then like I said, after taxes, you're probably looking at between 5 and 10 max. Like, is that really worth risking the fact that you might not end up in a situation that you, you were just in?

[Ryan Whitney]

Like we've talked before, maybe it's that he already has the cup. Oh, remember we said that? I remember who we were talking about. Like, you got your cup, like go get paid. I, I agree with you.

[Biz Nasty]

I mean, I, I don't think you can put a price, especially that low of a difference on, on winning and being in a comfortable situation where you know that your linemate is going to come in the best shape of his life every year over year. And then going back to that stat that I mentioned that you're going to be the top five point guys in the league, like, it's like, like when you have a hundred and twenty million dollars in the bank, is it really that different when you have 125 or 130? I think it's crazy. And I also think it's a risk. And now he's not playing with somebody of Nate's caliber. So what ends up happening if he ends up not even getting what he expected to get in free agency? Like, who is prepared to give, give a winger of his status, 13, 13 and a half million dollars? Do you think anybody's actually prepared to do that?

[Paul Bissonnette]

13 I think's high, but I don't.

[Ryan Whitney]

Want to pay a winger that.

[Paul Bissonnette]

No.

[Ryan Whitney]

Now, like this did come down to they're gonna have to pay McCarr and Makar should get 14 a year.

[Biz Nasty]

Correct?

[Ryan Whitney]

Maybe, honestly, maybe he's got two more years after this one. Makar, he's up in 26, 27. So like he actually might get more than that based on where the cap's going. And he's that good that I'm like, no problem. Give him that. So that's like part of it. Another aspect, maybe this means Landis Gog's close to coming back. Obviously there's. There's just so much unknown with that. Like, how will everything respond? Will he be the player he once was? But at least that might mean that. But this quote right here, but from Nate is, I was trying to go to bed a lot earlier than I ended up Friday night. You're just kind of wound up. Your adrenaline's going, you're upset, you're shocked. It's a lot of different emotions. Like, that is like, oh, my God. Like, yeah, they didn't go to him beforehand. They didn't go to him beforehand. Which. That. That's a GM's right in Chris McFarlane. And I think Joe Sak is president there. Right. But yeah, it was. It shocked the hockey world. And then first you heard it was Neches and Cockton and Emmy, but then you find out it's Jack Drury who's come a long way. That kid keeps getting better year and year out. And McFarlane said, like, like, it was evident to me we are not a deep enough team. So you grab two forwards instead of one. But now you wonder, like, Ronton and McKinnon had this incredible chemistry and it's. It's pretty well known that Nate's a demanding player and expects a lot out of people. And I think him and Ranton and I don't think. I'm. I'm sure that over the years they had some battles on the bench and maybe in practice, but they figured out a way to become champions together. And figured out. And now net just goes in there like he's. He's faster than Ronson. He's not as big and strong. Like, that's just a new thing that the ABs are going to have to figure out is them two guys finding chemistry if they do stay on the same line. So I don't know how this is going to play out. I would think Carolina's nuts to make this deal without being like, we're at least going to throw the kitchen sink at him. But you said we thought that with Gensa last year.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Did it come out. Did they even offer Genzel? Was it even. Was it in the mix of him even signing?

[Ryan Whitney]

I think they offered him, but not what Tampa was willing to pay. But g. Can you look that up quick? Cause I don't remember for sure.

[Biz Nasty]

Can we quickly go back, though, to. To the. If you're on that team, do are you shocked that they didn't at least consult Nate? Like, why would you want that locker room, especially him, like, perplexed and, And. And caught off guard and all of a sudden, like, he's losing sleep over it. And I'm sure he will be for the next couple weeks trying to make sense of all this.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah, I think, like Whit said, McFarlane has that right as the GM and as the president to not, you know, go to the players, go to the coach. It's what he's there for. But I just think the way the league is now, you got to consult your. Your superstar, your guys, even Makar go to him. Like, guys, is this someone we want to have around? Obviously, they want to have him around. Like, okay, but.

[Ryan Whitney]

But devil's advocate, say he goes to Nate, and Nate's like, give him 13 and a half. It's like, all right. Like, well, no. What is my position here now?

[Biz Nasty]

No, it would be more of a conversation where it would be.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Not even money talk. You wouldn't even talk.

[Ryan Whitney]

But that's what it was, was money.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. I would probably ask him, like, well, we're thinking the max we're gonna go is matching what you end up getting paid, which I'm sure Nate would have had no problem with, and just kind of running it by him. Like, I, I. I feel that there's probably a handful of players in the league that have earned that right based on what they've accomplished. And Nathan McKinnon is one of those guys. If you pulled all the other GMs in the league and the front offices, how many do you think would say, oh, yeah, I'd definitely be consulting that guy? Like, would they consult Sid on a move like that? If they're ready to move on from Evgeny Malkin? Do you think Sid's getting called in the room?

[Ryan Whitney]

I would think so, but we were. I thought, the same with Nate and Rantiman.

[Paul Bissonnette]

So, yeah, I think you can't judge this. And, you know, to kind of have McFarlane's back a little bit is till the end of the year, because if they go out and win it this year, then he's laughing at everyone. He's like, if they. If they have a stinker the next couple months and, you know, struggling playoffs and, you know, they're missing that big body winger. My biggest thing for them is the power play. Like, you. You guys all know how power play runs. Like, when it's clicking like that. And those guys, they know where each other is, especially in, in playoffs, you need your power play to be good. So I think you can't really judge this till the season's over, until the Avalanche are either hoisting the cup or, you know, golfing and Cowboys also, I.

[Biz Nasty]

Would say what's even crazier about this whip before you go, is that we actually interviewed nature and he's going to be on this podcast and he was a member of the Carolina Hurricane.

[Ryan Whitney]

We're talking about all his teammates and.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Like, I hate them all.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, yeah. And you know, he was excelling this year, right? At one point he was leading the league and scoring and maybe in years prior it felt like maybe Rob Brindamore, he didn't have his, his full trust maybe and didn't know what his ceiling was and all of a sudden he was starting to show it and then they move off of them. Were you guys surprised that they were so eager to move off of nature? Like what, what do you make of all that? Especially at the fact that they seem to be a team that likes these team friendly deals while he's making six and a half this year and next year and all of a sudden they, they, they're taking that risk that maybe rotten and might not come back.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I think when a team calls you with a guy of, you know, Rantman's caliber, you're probably willing to give up.

[Ryan Whitney]

You know, you gotta give up.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I'd say, besides Aho, is there anyone? I bet it was like, all right, take your pick. Can't touch Aho. Anyone else?

[Ryan Whitney]

Maybe slaving just like D wise, but like now the question that I'm interested to see the answer to is Rontanen's production and an incredible player. Like, like, I, I think he's, he's a truly like elite level talent, but he's had the dog and now you're going, and Aho's a phenomenal player. He's not Nathan McKinnon, but like, do you see the same numbers now? Ronson's first game, granted he flies to, flies to Long island, to that dump. We'll get into that storyline in a little bit. But he didn't have a point, but he had five shots on net. I think he played close to 22 minutes right around there, I believe. And, and I just don't know if he's going to be able to produce points like he did. Like, and I guess him and Sebastian Ajo became good friends back in Finland and then have played World Championships, world juniors, I believe. And then now they're kind of reunited. BXA on Hockey Night in Canada said it. It makes sense too that they did it now based on like all right, well they get a little, they get a little chemistry to go and then they get to play together at four Nation. So it's like for our stretch run at the end of February, March and April, they'll really have known each other, which Vancouver's always done. And we'll get into them. They've made trades early to get more in sync throughout the year instead of just throwing them in with 18 games to go after the deadline or whatever it is. So. But like I don't picture him being 105 point guy without McKinnon. Is that a knock on him or is that just how good Nate is?

[Biz Nasty]

I think it has a little bit to do with how both teams play too and how demanding Rob Brindemore is. So I think if he's an 85, 90 point guy and maybe and not to say he was never engaged defensively, I just think that you know you have to play man on man. There's things that you have to get accustomed to in Carolina. So we'll see how that all that works. But I am just. Yeah, I was just perplexed by this trade and go ahead. Yes.

[Paul Bissonnette]

You know what it's going to do though too for more fireworks for you. The east is going to be. I think all those teams that are in it are going to be trying to make some home run deals here. Like you see Carolina go out get that like you're the Rangers, you're Florida, you're. You have to go out and kind.

[Ryan Whitney]

Of some looking to add.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Nothing, nothing like of salary like that they would need. If they get a big salary guy. There need to be a lot of retention. Call Chicago.

[Biz Nasty]

I think coming into this you specifically said it. I agreed with you is is we thought that after the Gensil move and the fact that he was moving on is that they'd regressed a little bit based on personnel. Would you put this Carolina Hurricanes roster now ahead of last year's and do you believe that they're a top three team in the east now?

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, I do. Like to me I look at like you. I look at, I look at Carolina and I look at Washington and this Washington season. It's. It's awesome to see. Yeah but like I think Carolina would beat them in a 7 game. I agree with you like and maybe I didn't before this deal the nexus things too like, we interviewed him and I don't know if it was right at the time, but it was definitely a point where he was lighting it up like crazy. And then there was a pretty like deep dive a little bit in his numbers. Like his production really like changed over the course of 20, 25 games. I believe. Maybe if it had continued at the level it was like they're not willing to move on, but they saw like, like, oh, is this more who he is? Still an unreal player, but more an 80 point guy as opposed to like a possible 100 point guy. Like the first 25 games, maybe that was something, seeing him slow down a little bit. But like he said, I agree. Like, once it's Ronson and it's like, all right, game on.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Carolina, their biggest issue, and especially the last few years, they've always been that team you talk about. No one want to play them in the place. It's just goaltending for them. I know it's, you know, Freddie Anderson's only played six games this year, you know, so it's, it's one of those things if you get the goaltending when you can and you're adding a guy like rant and you could be an issue in the playoffs.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, I looked at before this deal, I looked at like, wow, Jersey. Carolina in the first round will be unreal and like almost leaning towards the Devils. And now with the size of Rontin and kind of a lack of size in New Jersey a little bit, I'm like, fuck. I think, I think Carolina would beat them. The east is going to be awesome. The east is just so open. It's, it's. It's crazy. Like, forget the wild card. I'm talking like the top six teams, the top three from each division. Like, who's coming out of this thing?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

But I think it. With that we can send it over to Natchez, then we can get into all the news that came out of Vancouver before or after the Ronton trade. Do you have something?

[Biz Nasty]

Well, I was just going to say I think that this opened up the conversation once again that, that I think with the. How secure the league is now and the growth of it financially and the fact that players are in fact to be getting back escrow, and that's probably not going to be a thing moving forward. These types of trades make the league more interesting big time. And they should look to impose a luxury tax and not a hard cap. So it makes these things possible. I know right now you got Chicago having to jump in there to retain salaries. So all this stuff can kind of work and there is a way around it to some degree. But in order for this league to thrive, I think that blockbuster deals is a component that they really, really have to look at in the next CB and how it's all going to work. I still go back to the fact that one guy per team should be able to make as much as a team is willing to pay him, and it should not count against the cap, whatever you want to call it, a franchise tag, blah, blah, blah. I don't think there are enough, like super superstars in the league where you would need more than one per team. So I think that that would be a healthy place to bring it. Where? I mean, look at this. Like, the Internet broke and now you get to see this type of excitement in a team like Carolina. Bring in a top five player in the league and it just. It just makes things more exciting and, and good for Carolina and. And their fan base and their organization for having the balls to get very creative. Shout out to Tuls. Is it Tulski?

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

What a. What a G. Him and the cap. I'll just team like, what a G. I love this guy.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, Pasha's all about like, this is what you got. All these old x players being GMs. This is who's going to take over all the stats, all the analytical guys. I'm like, settle down, Pasha. Like, that just goes into Pasha just thinking like, you can actually decide who the best player is by looking at numbers after a game.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Since when does like cameraman have a voice? Like, why is Pasha even talking like he's a cameraman?

[Ryan Whitney]

Because he's a deranged Devils fan biz. I do think that the. You talk about blockbuster trades with superstars. I agree, like, the cap has a lot to do with that, but these guys all have no move deals. That's. That's a big part of like not having blockbuster deals. You sign these superstars and it's like no movement clause. Can't even send my ass down. So we'll see. But I think we throw it to Martin HS a little bit different of an interview considering he was on the Canes when we recorded this. But a really nice guy. You'll get to know his personality a little bit. So we're gonna throw it over to him right now.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Here you go. For you, abs. Fans, get to know your new player. Sorry, Carolina.

[Ryan Whitney]

Guys, before we continue, I need to talk to you about Rocket Money. The start of a new year is the Perfect time to get organized, set goals and prioritize what matters most. For me, a top priority is my financial wellness, which feels more important than ever. Rocket Money is a personal finance app that helps find and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so you can grow your savings. I hopped on Rocket Money last year and immediately was told that I probably was double paying for six to seven different things. I had no idea Rocket Money made it so simple. They go in, they cancel everything, they do it for you. You see all of your subscriptions in one place and know exactly where your money is going. For ones you don't want anymore, Rocket Money can help you cancel them. Rocket Money's dashboard gives you a clear view of your expenses across all of your accounts. Easily create a personalized budget with custom categories to keep your spending on track. See your monthly spending trends in each category to know exactly where your money is going. Rocket Money has over 5 million users and has saved a total of 500 million in canceled subscriptions, saving members up to $740 a year when using all of the app's premium features. I was right around 800 bucks a year, so I was above the average. So join that and get involved in saving money. Easily cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com Chiclets today. That's RocketMoney.com Chiclets RocketMoney.com Chiclets it is an honor right now to be joined by one of the hottest players in the National Hockey League. A guy who has come out of the gates like a rocket ship lighting up the entire league right now. Maybe the best 3 on 3 overtime player these eyes have ever seen. Carolina Hurricane star forward Martin Naches. What's going on, buddy?

[R.A.]

What's up, guys? Thank you. Thank you for having me.

[Ryan Whitney]

So. Oh, well, thank you very much. We appreciate it. And I guess we'll kind of start off. We've been told by a couple people that your nickname's Gary, but we have no clue why. What's. Where did Gary come from?

[Paul Bissonnette]

You don't look like a Gary.

[R.A.]

Oh, my God. I mean, a couple of teammates were snitching on me. I guess so.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, it's something that can be talked about or not be talked about.

[R.A.]

I mean, it's just a. I had a bunch of nicknames around here in Carolina. Now it's a couple guys. Couple guys call me Gary. But most. Mostly it's naturally. But I know, I know the guy. Who is it Coming from, It's coming from everybody. From Jordan Martin, that's the guy. We kind of call each other like that.

[Ryan Whitney]

So right when you signed on to this, the zoom we're doing, I noticed that that's the same background that that Seth Jarvis had when we interviewed him. And you said, yeah, a bunch of you guys live together. That must be incredible. Just in the same apartment complex, living it up. It's a really close knit group, huh?

[R.A.]

Yeah, I mean, you know, you guys visited Raleigh. It's not a, it's not a huge city. So there's a lot of many apartment buildings to live in, I feel like here. And you know, this is one of the newer ones. So I think four or five guys live here and you know, nice to see each other here as well and hang out, you know, sometimes.

[Biz Nasty]

Who's the one throwing the after hours when you guys end up back there?

[R.A.]

Oh, I mean, you know Prolajari, he's, he's also single. So, you know, you see him, you see him getting loose here a little bit. Other guys that have girlfriends, it's a little different story. So mostly him. But I would say you pray often. Hang out to KK's. KK's is like a spot where, you know, he's, he has the golf sim and he lives like two minutes from here. So days off like this, we go to his place and chill there.

[Biz Nasty]

So that's Seth's date spot, is the simulator. He's bringing the girls over the simulator. Having a couple pops.

[Ryan Whitney]

Want to play pebble beach, babe?

[R.A.]

I don't, I don't think so there. The problem is KK has a girlfriend too, so he's doing on his own and you know, we just go hang out there. He's a, he's got a nice sauna there, so we always go chill now, hit the sauna, maybe a couple of drinks and all day like this. It's, it's beautiful.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Well, speaking of golf, a little birdie told me earlier that you played around with Harry Styles.

[R.A.]

Yeah, we actually, we did. I don't know how long is it ago? I think two or three years ago. Me and Sebastiano and Justin Villains, we got to play with him. It was pretty cool. It was pretty cool. At the time I was still pretty bad at golf, so I wasn't as excited as the other guys. But you know, it was cool to meet him.

[Biz Nasty]

How was he like as a golfer?

[R.A.]

He was not bad. I think he plays quite a bit. He wasn't bad. Start at the start, he wasn't he wasn't great and he wasn't talking that much, but then he got a little loose. He figured out we're not like, you know, the fans that he has, the crazy fans, and we're just, you know. Yeah, we're just normal guys trying to enjoy round. And yeah, she opened up. He thought quite a bit too, and yeah, it was cool.

[Biz Nasty]

By the end of the round, he's slinging back the pops, calling you Gary. Did he. Did he open up that, you know.

[R.A.]

No, no, no. I mean, Gary, that's only one teammate that's called me. Only one guy in the rope pro is calling me that. And that's. That's Marty from our loc room. So nobody else calls me that.

[Ryan Whitney]

It's been in such an incredible start for yourself and. And the team. Everyone's playing great. I'm wondering, like, it was probably a weird camp because you lost guys, Gensel's gone, and all of a sudden these. These guys who've been a big part of your team with Pesci, they're not there anymore. Like, was something said about how it's just such a new beginning for you guys or was it business as usual with Rod the Bod there?

[Mike Grinelli]

I think.

[R.A.]

I think we're confident coming in a year. I feel like obviously we lost some guys, but we. We brought you. And you see, you know, you see their guys like Ghost or they've been great additions. And, you know, he's been. He's been really getting power play. And not just him, but other guys as well. And the. The other guys like me. Jari, Swe, if you can. If you could step it up a little bit. We still, you know, we can still be good. And that's what I feel like we showed in first quarter and feel like we're only getting better.

[Biz Nasty]

Marty, what do you think the reason is for your breakout? Do you feel like you've been given maybe a little bit more opportunity this year and gotten a little bit more trust from Rod the Bod? Like, what do you think the reason is for the breakout all of a sudden? We knew you had all the skill in the world, but it seems like really this year it's all coming together and the world is seeing the player that you are.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I mean, you guys know how it is when you get on a first power play. Maybe, maybe not, you biz, but.

[Biz Nasty]

Okay, we got them warmed up. Let's go, baby. Let's go.

[Ryan Whitney]

But, you know, or the second or the second unit. Marty.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[R.A.]

Every time there's a power Play, you just. You don't even think you jump on the ice and, you know, you get those touches and, you know, every. Every time. Yeah, you just don't think you play in the zone. And that's how I felt so far this season.

[Biz Nasty]

That.

[R.A.]

Nothing in too much. Just playing my game and, you know, being on the. On the ice way more too. So that's been great. And I've been enjoying.

[Ryan Whitney]

I always wonder when, When. When you see guys that. That skate the way you do. I mean, you're one of the best skaters in the league, one of the fastest players. Like, was there anything you did in particular as. As a young kid, or is that just something you're kind of born with it a little bit? Like, was there. Was there a special skill coach or skating coach you had, or was it like, almost. This just kind of came pretty natural to me.

[R.A.]

Yeah, maybe. Maybe a little bit bold. But ever since I was young, I always tried to work a lot on edges and kind of work on the. What do you call it, the power skating. And, you know, I was always tiny till I was like 17. So I always work on the, you know, those tight turns and being good in. In the crossovers. And then once I get a little stronger, I feel like, you know, then my speed really got. Got better. And yeah, for me, it's all about the. The adjacent. If I can. Instead of losing speed and the crossovers, you know, gaining some. That's. That's the, that's the key for me.

[Ryan Whitney]

I always wonder like. Or. Or have thought that it may help when. When you mentioned that you were really small and then had a growth spurt. Now I think you're six, three, a big guy with. With that long frame to get the speed. But do you think it helped almost being smaller until you were 17, to learn how to play the game that way and. And kind of have to use your size disadvantage and still be able to score. And then all of a sudden you get the height and it's like, wow, this is even easier because I had to learn as I was younger.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I mean, it's definitely. It's definitely easier, I would say, you know, being younger and you know, at the time, maybe it's not, but being smaller and kind of thing. The thing about the game and thinking. Yeah, thinking. Thinking more than just playing, you know, the old muscle guys and stuff like that. So that was always my game. And then I grew and, you know, it became a little easier. So that was definitely me. I was, I think when I was drafted, I was 165 pounds. And I kind of started growing. So definitely, definitely a big, big difference once you start, start getting stronger and the game's easier.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I remember talking to Vinnie Trocheck and you know, you were obviously a great player, drafted super high. And I remember saying, I'm like, why isn't this guy playing every other shift? Like, I thought you were one of the best players, but you weren't really getting that opportunity. But you also never heard you complaining about it on the ice. Is that, you know, from what you kind of grew up with, just kind of earning your spot or is that come from, you know, the Hurricanes and how they run their, the, the program there?

[R.A.]

I mean, obviously we had a, you know, really good team and lots of players here, so it'd be probably easier for me to, you know, play way more on some teams, like, I don't know, the, the teams that are not making playoffs. And I could maybe break out a little earlier, but better this way, you know, to be playing playoffs every year. And I always wanted to play as much as possible, but with so many good guys, good players we had two seasons ago, I got the opportunity in the first power play as well, and they kind of, you know, made me feel good. And then, you know, this year has been the biggest, biggest change. I'm, you know, I'm not 18 year old anymore. I'm 25 and I know played in this league for six years and finally I'm earning it.

[Ryan Whitney]

There was some talk and, and I'd love to get your opinion on it because you never really know what to believe when there's reports out there. But it was like nature's may be traded that there's, there's discussion that he might be moved. And then all, there's, there's all this news about how many teams would want and when you did come back to camp and there wasn't a trade, was there a discussion between you and Rod Brindemore in terms of what he needs from you to, for you to get that 22, 23 minutes of ice time and then you, you were able to give a little bit of a, a back and forth to what you thought or, or was that discussion that I kind of heard about all, all fake news?

[R.A.]

Yeah, definitely. I mean, I wasn't happy with, you know, the way I played and how much I played and same thing with Roddy after, after last season, you know, that was possible. There's going to be some changes, but, you know, the way free agency went, we figured out to, you Know, keep me in rally. And then we had to talk with rally for sure that my, my role is going to be way bigger and I got to be more responsible and nice. The biggest thing is to play game after game, you know, not being really good for one game that kind of don't show up for a couple. So definitely gave me, gave me this role and that's the way I always wanted to be. So he made me comfortable and definitely progress from, from both sides.

[Biz Nasty]

I mean you got also got to be thrilled and kind of buttoning up this subject at the fact that you end up signing a, basically a two year bridge deal. I mean it's a, it's a wicked bargain contract for the Carolina Hurricanes. Were you okay taking that or were you maybe a little disappointed where they didn't invest in you and believe in you, maybe long term? Or were you like, no, I understand the business. I'm going to take this bridge deal and I'm going to show them exactly what I'm made of. And July 1st, yeah, don't bring me to ARB and don't call your lawyer.

[R.A.]

Honestly. I also, there are talks about long term as well, but I never wanted the long term. After, after last season I felt like I can, that my game is better than what I showed so far and I can earn a better contract or whatever and you know, and the most most important thing to kind of establish my, my role on the team. Right. Like I would only play on a third line for next eight years. I want to, you know, get the first and second line and you know, being the guy and then you know, be here for long term. So I was happy with two year deal. That's, that's where I wanted, I wanted to bridge deal and you know, we'll see what's going to, what's going to happen next.

[Biz Nasty]

Where does that strong mindset come from? It seems like you're very confident in your abilities. Is that something you've always had from a young age? Have you always, you know, obviously you're putting in the work in the off season but that's like you're putting your nuts on the line like that. That's, that's ballsy move.

[R.A.]

I mean I'm, I'm always trying to be confident. Not cocky, but confident. And I, I always felt I knew what I can do and you know, but this opportunity I'm getting here right now is something that I always wanted and just like I said, that's what, that's where I feel good. So you know, I was Confident in taking care deal and you know, still young. Still young. And I can buy longer, longer deals.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Later on being 6:3. Being able to skate like the wind and shoot the puck like a animal probably helps the confidence too. Bizarre.

[Ryan Whitney]

Where does number 88 come from? I mean, obviously pasta. You guys are Czech and won. Won the gold medal together at the world. Do you wear that because of him or is that just your favorite number growing up as well?

[R.A.]

No, I mean he's only. He's only three years older than me. So.

[Ryan Whitney]

True.

[R.A.]

Have it from. Don't have it from him. But actually ever since I was young, I always. My idol was OB. And when I came to Czech league AO stake and so I just double A to KD8 and kind of stuck ever.

[Biz Nasty]

Ever since that.

[Ryan Whitney]

So going back to. To your youth and. And checking. We've been lucky enough to interview Patrick Eliash. We've talked to a bunch of guys. We had. We had Yarmer Jagger on once. And it was so different for those guys. Right. Like communism. And so much has changed for you when you were growing up. But what was it like growing up in Czech and playing like, did you have great programs? Were you given gear? Like who was your biggest influence and who you looked up to in the game besides ovi? I mean, someone in maybe the local community and. And where you were playing as a young kid?

[R.A.]

Yeah, I grew up in. In a small city and the team then, you know, I played for until I was 15. I. I think on every category we had only two lines. So I was playing a lot. And you know, playing hockey and shag is really cheap compared to here us. What I. What I see how much. I mean, Bernje's got a kid that's, you know, Jagger. He's 14, 15 years old. I see how much they pay for travel and everything, which in Czech I think you pay like a fee that is around 800, $900 a year. So. And that's. That's basically covered everything. I think all you gotta buy is skates. So it's definitely way cheaper. And you know, for me just playing a lot when I was young, instead of playing four lines, I would play two, three times a weekend. And playing on two, playing, you know, two lines, double shifting every. Every game. That was. That was huge.

[Biz Nasty]

How do you pronounce the like on hockey? DB the name of your hometown. It's kind of a. It's pronounced. It's like four different words.

[R.A.]

Yeah. Which is. You'd probably, you know, sounds like a one word, but it's yeah, it is actually. It is actually forwards and you know just a small, small count that's about 25000 people. I think they're probably playing the third highest league in Czech and it's more about the little kids growing up.

[Ryan Whitney]

Any other NHLers from. From that town?

[R.A.]

There was Martin Calvage was. He was drafted in Colorado first round. He played earn all my games about around 50, 60 games. Now he's back in check. He was my. So we grow, we grew up together. Obviously he made it. Now he's back in check. And then I think it was Martin Loic which I think he played like a couple games. But yeah, we actually had quite a few. Few guys that's playing in Czech league and around Europe. So quite successful team for you know being basically a willage.

[Biz Nasty]

I noticed on your club team, I mean it was probably great exposure for you. The name of the team is Bernal Cometa and my understanding is Martin Erat was a good mentor to you and you guys became very close and and I was just going to ask you about that and how did you end up committing to that club team in which you won back to back championships your draft year and then the year after?

[R.A.]

Yeah, so When I was 15 I had to move somewhere because there was. There wasn't an under 16 category, there wasn't the highest league. So I had to move somewhere and that team was closest to me and I felt like, you know being close from my hometown is a good thing and move there and I was 17, I started playing there with the, you know, in the men's league and Marty Rob kind of took care of me.

[Mike Grinelli]

He.

[R.A.]

He showed me the way. He showed me through learn from him, play on the line with. With him. When I was 17, it was unbelievable. Did you play with Marty?

[Biz Nasty]

He was in. Yeah, he was in Phoenix for a hot minute with us. Yeah, wasn't he. He was a great guy. I want to say. He came over from Washington.

[R.A.]

Yeah, he was, he was trading. He was traded for Forsberg right there.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah, that's right.

[Biz Nasty]

That's right. So he came over from Nashville to Washington.

[R.A.]

Yeah, yeah, he came to. I don't know. I think he was watching Arizona Nashville helping me 17 year old and you know basically teaching me everything in men's hockey. It was, it was huge. And we still talk actually we. He just texted me today we're going for dinner in Nashville. Mary played our day before Christmas and you know what a great guy he is.

[Ryan Whitney]

We've talked a lot about on this show. About development in the AHL and how, yeah, there, there's Crosby and Mc David and, and they don't need to be there a year, but you're kind of proven you can still like be a superstar and, and spend that year or two in the ahl. Your first year over here, you had an unreal year there, but you were down there. I think besides maybe a couple games, like was that disappointing to you or, or, or were you okay with it? And, and looking back now, do you agree that, that most guys, if not everyone, could really benefit from a year of becoming a pro playing in the American Hockey League?

[R.A.]

Yeah, I started a season and in NHL I played seven games and I got sent down. They, they told me I'm going for a weekend, just play a couple games, couple back to back games and never came back. So you know, it was tough. It was tough for me being, I think I was 18 or 19.

[Ryan Whitney]

And so you were rattled at the time? A little bit.

[R.A.]

I was definitely rattled. I mean, I wanted to come back. I think I was pretty good a year there, but it was good because we had a good team, we had a good coach. And just playing here in a small way is definitely different than Europe and not straightforward. At the time I was, I don't know, 170, 80 pounds. So wasn't huge. And kind of learning the way how to play was great. You know, the winning color there was fun too, but obviously wanted to be NHL, but definitely, definitely helped a lot. And it's, I would say it's, it's the second best league in the world. It's, you know, I played in Czech and HL is definitely stuck with love of that.

[Ryan Whitney]

Good friend of Keith and I, Ryan Wasofsky, he's now the head coach in San Jose. He was your assistant that year in Charlotte. Could you, could you have seen him going on and becoming a head coach in the NHL at such a young age? I mean, obviously usually have a better relationship with assistant coaches than head coaches. So I don't know if you kind of could have seen what, what, what, what his future had in store.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I mean, Morzi was great. He was, you know, at the time he was assistant, so he was more like joking around and yeah on the ice kind of doing drills, videos and stuff. So he was great. And definitely you could see, you know, how ash he is for the game and how much he loves it. So you could definitely see there was a future and you know, good friend, good friend. He's either his hackles there and you know, he's got some great feature on.

[Mike Grinelli]

The head of him.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah, I also think too, just even playing in that in the minors, like you said, they told you you're going down for the weekend, you stay the. The rest of that year. And it, I know it did for me too. Like, when I got called up that second time, I was like, I never want to go back there. Never want to be on another bus. Obviously it's a great league and it's there for a good reason, but it just. Just lights you even more that next summer I remember being like, I gotta, you know, start working out more with wit and get in the gym and. And find my way back up to the NHL. So I never get sent down.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I think so too. I mean, it's a great experience. And after, after you see, you know, the NHL life and then you go to HL and you see like all the traveling on the, whatever commercial planes and busing, it's then you appreciate NHL a lot and you never want to go down.

[Biz Nasty]

You got the chance to win a world championship on home ice last year. You had to do it with Posternach. There was an unreal celebration. I want to know about that experience, but does it kind of make you a little sad that they didn't incorporate you guys in this four nations? Like, are you texting with all the other Czech guys being like, fuck, wait till we get the Olympics so we can spank these guys around?

[R.A.]

Yeah. I mean, obviously it sucks, but I think at the same time it was. It's not ihf, so it's just their NHL. And I think at the time we have like this season, we have three or four demons that could play for us. So, you know, we probably couldn't even make the team because we had, you know, I think a lot of loads of fortress, but not an MD and in the NHL right now, which kind of sad, but it's the way it is and you know, maybe the only way he could have made it, obviously Russia could be there that it could be maybe Team Europe or Czechoslovakia.

[Ryan Whitney]

Bis brought up the, the. The gold medal on home ice though. And, and we saw pasta with the beers after on stage and the town square, the city square. Like, what do you remember from that? How exciting was it and how special was it being able to celebrate the win in your in check?

[R.A.]

Yeah, I think, I think a couple days after he was making something or you guys, right? I think we were.

[Ryan Whitney]

I think it was the next day.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I think we were at the pub. He was like, he had to go in the back, know, do something.

[Biz Nasty]

You guys, I hadn't seen him that drunk since the sandbagger we did with him. That was the day of the skills competition.

[R.A.]

I seen. I seen that too. Right. It was. It was pretty funny. But. But I mean, the winning it and in Czech, it was unbelievable. It was, you know, best moment basically in my life. It was the party we threw out. It was. Was crazy and motivation to, you know, you know, do this in rally and celebrate here.

[Ryan Whitney]

So now you mentioned, like you came in the NHL, got some games, 18 now 25. Best year of your career. What do you think you most improved at from the beginning? Like, what is different now for your game? I mean, obviously size and strength has changed, but is there anything in particular with your actual game that you're like, wow, like seven years later, I'm so much better at this?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. What is Rod yelling at you less about? Is what he's asking you?

[R.A.]

Maybe a little bit my defense, but from my perspective, I would. I would say kind of slow the game down a little bit. Obviously I know I can skate fast, but I kind of figure out when I came to it, when I came over here, I felt like every. Everywhere I just gotta go super fast. Now I feel like, you know, it's better to kind of pace the goal a little slower, a little faster. And there is way better demands than in Europe. So I figure out the way I can create speed and then kind of slow down. I can make more plays and wait for, you know, the Newman to jump in the place and always trying to look for a second waves and stuff. So there's one thing I would definitely say that, you know, slow the game down a little bit.

[Biz Nasty]

We talked about mentors earlier in Martin Erat. Now your father, from my understanding, was a professional hockey player as well. Like, what type of advice growing up and what was it like being around the rink with him? And I'm sure that he was probably a very close mentor to you as well. And you know, was. Did he push it, push you very hard? Was he very easy on you?

[Ryan Whitney]

No.

[R.A.]

So he was actually professional cross country ski. He never. He never played hockey. He never. Yeah, he never. He never, never played hockey.

[Ryan Whitney]

But cross country skiing might be the hardest sport on the lungs, like in the world. Like, that guy must have been a beast.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I mean, he. The comment is more right. He. The way it worked for him, he had to do it. He had no. No other options. He had to go cross country ski because he was in area where they didn't So I think when he was like fight, six, seven, equit. And he started like he was always playing soccer and other sports. So ever since I was young they brought me to hockey and relationship with him. We've always had more like a father and somebody always had like buddies and I think I feel like that's right now too. He, he knows that I know hockey better than him. So we more talk about hockey like, like friends and he's trying to give me some advice and I can't talk back to him about that. So you know, trying to open a little bit of door with the team that he's GMO as well in my hometown. And yeah, I mean he's a, he's a great guy and just like I said, it's more like them. He would never, he would never really yell at me only you know, when I was young if I would do something stupid but really friendly. Our relationship.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Did you ever cross country ski for your VO2 to get in better shape?

[R.A.]

Yeah, but no, I mean that's something that I never, never liked and he never really pushed me into it because that might be one of the hardest scores ever. It's just.

[Biz Nasty]

You're just a husky, basically.

[Ryan Whitney]

It actually looks like working. It looks like one of the most miserable sports. Most miserable sports in the world. Maybe like.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, like.

[R.A.]

I don't know. I don't know. What do you enjoy about it? At least you know, if you have biathlon, you, you get to shoot the gun and that's kind of something that breaks it down. But like this for a couple hours, it's. It's exhausting and you know, the work they have to put in is. It's crazy.

[Ryan Whitney]

Our producer told. Told me that you're an enormous Liverpool fan in the Premier League. Like how did that come about? I know all the euros I played with her enormous into soccer or football, whatever you call it. And, and I. Have you been to a game there? Like my Chelsea club, they're. They're kind of on your heels right now. I don't know if we can get that done. But how did that come about where Liverpool is your squad?

[R.A.]

Ever since I was young, I always supported Liverpool.

[Mike Grinelli]

I don't know. I don't really know why.

[R.A.]

I don't really know the, the answer but always like that. But you know, a pretty, pretty good team, I would say. I. I actually never been to the game there. I go every summer I go to. We go to London actually watch our team Chelsea because actually we have a buddy, Peter Czech who was a legend goal. Legendary goalie. He always gets us tickets there and we go spend the weekend there, throw a little party and enjoy a couple games. So with. With a lot of guys actually from. With a lot of Czech NHL players. We're playing the Premier League. Fantasy Pasta's in there. Mazik Qatar. We have a chat that we always chat during the. During the weekend when we watch. When we're watching the games. You know, it's something that I like to do when I'm on all days and I have to think about hockey.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Have you ever got on Peter Cech? I've seen him on the ice. I think it was with Chicago, right?

[Ryan Whitney]

He's boys with darling.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Oh, is that what it is? Like he. I mean, he looks like a legit hockey goalie.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I skated him a couple times. I skated him with him I think this summer or last summer. He's actually pretty good, man.

[Mike Grinelli]

He's.

[R.A.]

He's huge. And he's all. He would always send Peter mar. Like you always send him videos, like what kind of drills he's doing and like he's doing all this crazy stuff. It's. He's. He's very passionate and I think he's playing like his first or second league and England.

[Biz Nasty]

So this guy's name is Peter Cech. He's from Czech. He played for Liverpool as a goal goalie and now Chelsea.

[Ryan Whitney]

Chelsea.

[Biz Nasty]

Chelsea.

[Ryan Whitney]

He wore a helmet.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Town is called Peter.

[R.A.]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you don't know nothing about soccer. He was, he's. He's probably that Ever, ever played actually.

[Biz Nasty]

Were. Were those guys making the dough in the Premier League back then when he was playing? Oh, so he's just.

[Paul Bissonnette]

He just retired.

[R.A.]

Big time. Big time.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Biz played in that England league. He's playing in the league that you played in during the walkout, I think. Seriously.

[R.A.]

No, he's actually playing. I think he's playing for Belfast or something like that.

[Biz Nasty]

No. Hey. Okay.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Started playing hockeys in the same league.

[Ryan Whitney]

Biz had over a point per game there. Just put it that way.

[Biz Nasty]

I was the Martin of the EIHL. Are you kidding me? PP1. Now, I know you're still a growing boy, but like, I've been getting massive complaints from guys in your team about you clogging the on the team flight. Like, what's up with you? I mean, come on, Gary.

[Paul Bissonnette]

You don't like to hear that.

[Biz Nasty]

You can't complain. Are they doing that over in check on the team? You gotta hold that. You gotta do it at the coach's side can't do it at the players.

[R.A.]

This guy always brings on all the players. I saw the episode with Jarvia. It's the same thing. You gotta get him on podcast and we're gonna tell you all the stuff that, that he does.

[Paul Bissonnette]

He's too ugly.

[Biz Nasty]

He had the bird. He had the Birdman podcast. When he was on, he was like this like tree and it had like a parrot in it, didn't it?

[R.A.]

I just remember that. I didn't see that.

[Ryan Whitney]

I thought he. Jarvis.

[Biz Nasty]

No, when we got, when we had Marty on.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh yeah, I remember that.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, he was like. He was like. And I'm like, hey, man, you. You mind moving spots here? Your pet parakeet keeps interrupting our stream. Yard nose. He's at the zoo like, so you must love playing there. I know it's not the biggest market, but the fans are so hardcore. Like we went to a game there.

[Ryan Whitney]

Not too long ago with Edmonton Biz.

[Biz Nasty]

Against Edmonton and they are just rapid and it's just such a rush going in that building and I don't think it gets a respect it deserves from the kayaks.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I mean, it's definitely gotten so much better over the years. When I was drafted, honestly, the team kind of sucked, so it wasn't. It's always, you know, when the team's doing good, it's. It's way better. And now we build into the position where I think it slow down with every game. You know, the building's loud. The building's loud, the players are crazy. And you know, it's a passionate fan base now. It's actually a nice combination of really good fans and still in the, in the city being kind of free and not many people recognizing you. So yeah, I love it here. The battle is great. The team's great. So, you know, hopefully we can keep this going and we try special to, to.

[Biz Nasty]

When they come here, do they still have the cheerleaders in the crowd? Because I remember when I was playing there, I'm like, God damn, there's some beautiful women down here. And they got them like shooting off the T shirt guns. They're in these like awesome outfits. They're doing the dances. I would say outside of Dallas, Yan, they might have had the best ones.

[R.A.]

I was playing Dallas is the. Dallas has the ice girls, right? I don't think we have the. I don't think he.

[Biz Nasty]

No, yours aren't skating. That's why I gave the upper hand and then.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, that's why he saw him because he was in the crowd with him.

[Biz Nasty]

I don't think anywhere scratch you. I was scratch a lot in Carolina. For whatever reason, they're like, ah, this is a fast team. We're gonna, we're gonna sit you out on this one. Have fun eating popcorn with the, the cheerleaders. Now when you go to Dallas, are they still in the hallway? The, the ones that skate on the ice with the shovels?

[R.A.]

Think so. We only go there once a year, so I actually think so. They're always there in the corner where they get it going.

[Biz Nasty]

And I think that they're there to distract the away team because they smell they put this perfume on and it just distracts you when you're going out. So that's why I was asking you do they still have them position in that tunnel? I think that like opposite team should call the league. It's, it's too much of a distraction or at least for me. And I wasn't even playing. I was warming up.

[R.A.]

We might have to sign you on our team for, you know, take the, take care of them and let's play some hockey.

[Biz Nasty]

What do you mean by that?

[R.A.]

Well, whatever, whatever you take.

[Ryan Whitney]

We interviewed Patrick line A the other day. We were kind of talking welcome to the NHL moment or more so like you ever gotten crushed by anyone? And he's like, yeah, Jake McCabe just murdered me center ice one time. Like do you remember first year or two just getting lit up by somebody or, or, or a welcome to the NHL moment when you, when you think of that question.

[R.A.]

Yeah, I think my first year, I think it was the, the year when I get sent down, maybe it was the first game against Montreal. Shaw member gave me a cross chick in front of the net and I almost like from in front and then I end up in the corner. I was like, oh my God, this guy, this guy was so strong. I'm, I'm glad he's not playing against us anymore because those shots and those cross checks were crazy. And there was the one guy that you were actually scared of going in front because you know, he was just way too strong.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, he was intimidating.

[Paul Bissonnette]

He was scary, man.

[Ryan Whitney]

Him being in the hall of Fame is just makes total sense to me. Like I think just thinking of how he played the game, it was a guy like, oh fuck, I just get out of the way if he winds up. That was it. I luckily was never in front of the net to get cross checked by him.

[Biz Nasty]

But.

[Paul Bissonnette]

So yeah, obviously it stinks that we're not going to be able to watch you in the Four nations and your other teammates. But what's, what's your plan for the little break that you guys got? You're gonna go golfing anywhere, beach it up somewhere.

[R.A.]

We're gonna go to Anguilla. We were there last year and you know, it's beautiful spot. Just enjoy for five days. They have a nice golf course there as well. So there's gonna be a bunch of us and let's have a little fun. Watch jarvislavo fishy play, play the four nations and then come back and guess we're gonna have to practice for a few days because the break is, is long.

[Ryan Whitney]

Do you guys ever tee it up during the season in Raleigh, like play some golf? Or is it kind of hard like off days you're gassed or do you guys get out there a little bit?

[Biz Nasty]

Do you ever play with Williams or does he have too much PTSD from getting waxed by us?

[R.A.]

And the sandbagger, I saw that too. It really just, just a little bit. But during the season, I think KK and Jarv didn't play today. This, this morning or actually I think right now they're finishing. So I was, I was, I was gonna go with them. But you know, wow.

[Ryan Whitney]

What a guy.

[R.A.]

What a g. I chose you guys. I chose you guys. But there's not that many times during the season that we play, but on days like this we have a day off today, then just practice tomorrow. So. So it's actually right now around. I don't know where is it? 75 degrees some. I don't know what is it? It's 20, 20 degrees Celsius. I'm still in the Celsius, so quite nice here.

[Biz Nasty]

I don't know either.

[R.A.]

Yeah, it's quite nice here and we don't get to play too much. But as days like this, it's definitely go time.

[Ryan Whitney]

Do you know the trick, do you know the trick to go Celsius to Fahrenheit?

[R.A.]

I don't.

[Ryan Whitney]

Times two plus 30 times two plus.

[R.A.]

Oh. So yeah, so it's 70.

[Ryan Whitney]

70.

[Biz Nasty]

This guy's a genius.

[Ryan Whitney]

I appreciate you coming on because I'm the host of the show and I skip it for golf. So the fact that you, you, you gave away a day of golf with Jarvis, all you probably like. I can't stand Jarvis. I'm enough, I'm enough around him, enough in the room. I don't need to be with him on the course today. He's just, he's non stop. Huh.

[R.A.]

He's like. He's my favorite guy ever. Like he's, he's unbelievable. He's such a, such a good teammate and such a funny guy and just, you know, easygoing and you guys, you guys had him and you guys definitely heard of him too. So you know, what a, what a great player and you know, the best teammates that you, you can, you can ask for.

[Biz Nasty]

Did you ever get stallsy to laugh? He seems like a pretty, pretty serious guy. He's pretty, pretty even keel. You ever open him up a little bit?

[R.A.]

Yeah, Steelzee, we, we get him going, we get him going, we get him going. Especially the younger guys. We try to get him going in the, in the super bowl, which we play before the game. We always try to kill him when he, sometimes you see him, he comes rattled, then you kill him a couple of times, he's mad and like we gotta, you know, we gotta slow down a little bit but you know, he gets it going and he's, he's low key, he's, you know, he doesn't talk that much in locker room. He talks only when it's, when it's needed. But super, super nice guy and you know, what a unit he is on the ice. He's cool, he doesn't need to skate, he just protects the puck and guys I know him around and you know, he gets his momentum going so it's, it's pretty impressive and it's pretty impressive and what kind of shape he is, spying in his ear and ears and yeah, great guy.

[Ryan Whitney]

You gotta ask him. Cause his rookie year I, I played with him, he had 29 goals and I, I, I don't remember exactly what he said but, but I think an empty net goal, like just missed the net or something like that. He's like I didn't want it anyways or something like I didn't need it. And then he ended up with 29 and like we were just busting his balls. But you got to ask him if he remembers that he kind of jinxed himself from getting 30 as an 18 year old. But what you say is true, like he's just so big. He's just a mountain. You can't move him when you try to push him. He just walks around his thick legs. And as he's gotten older, I mean he's, he's probably what, 35, 36. He's played like 1200 games too, so it's crazy to see how, how easy the games come to him and just being very comfortable with like a shutdown center role always.

[R.A.]

Yeah, it's, it's pretty impressive. On just see him like his line is right now, him, Marty and, and Carrier and seeing them playing against the top lines, it's, you know, I feel like every time some top players can play against us, especially at home, when we can in the matchup and they play against them the whole whole game is like a nightmare for him because you know, the puck's flying around the boards, they go on the forecheck, they back check, they, they hit you. And it's just something that as an offensive guy you hate to play against. And also he wins, you know, almost every face off. So quite a, quite a special defensive player and you know, he's a big part of our team.

[Ryan Whitney]

Looking right now at your draft, you're the, you were the 12th pick. You're the fourth. You have the fourth most goals from that draft right now. And it seems like you're really hitting your stride now like going back to the draft. Do you remember as the Carolina pick came up like you knew it was going to be you, did you think you were maybe going to go earlier? Like it's always interesting for me to hear like the memories from the draft and how it kind of all came about for you to get selected where you did.

[R.A.]

I had no idea who take me only, only team that I was. I kind of thought and I talk a lot with before the trap was Detroit, which I think they picked, I don't know, 11th or 10th, something like that.

[Ryan Whitney]

They picked ninth.

[R.A.]

Oh, ninth, ninth. So. And then I kind of found out they wanted bigger guys so they got Rasmussen and then, then actually I had no idea. No idea. I was just, you know, happy to get drafted and you know, quite, quite nervous at the, at the time.

[Biz Nasty]

As good as this season's going, does it intimidate you that you're going to have to negotiate a big contract with this guy, Eric Tulski?

[R.A.]

Yeah, I don't know. I don't know. Not really thinking about the contract that much. He's a, he's a really smart guy as you, as you can see.

[Biz Nasty]

He looks like he's like the, like a brainiac.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, he looks like a mad scientist.

[Biz Nasty]

He looks like he runs a Fortune 500 company. Company.

[R.A.]

I mean he is. He. I don't know. I don't know.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh yeah, he is actually.

[R.A.]

Yeah, he is.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, he's like a full on genius.

[Ryan Whitney]

He has like patents and like copies like invented things.

[R.A.]

Yeah, exactly.

[Mike Grinelli]

Like.

[R.A.]

I don't know exactly. I don't want to say the wrong things, but you know, he sues you some Crazy, crazy schools. And he is super smart, and he's run good with numbers, so we'll see once we go negotiate. But, you know, I get. I got one more year after this, and let's see what's going to happen.

[Biz Nasty]

All right, well, we hope you get your ticket come July 1st, buddy. We appreciate you coming on. Didn't like the jab early, but you're.

[Ryan Whitney]

Right, I loved it, Gary.

[Biz Nasty]

I didn't play power play, but I didn't.

[R.A.]

Yeah, everybody's chirping, man.

[Biz Nasty]

So I did on the eihl, and I bet you I could light up Peter check if I tried.

[Paul Bissonnette]

No chance.

[R.A.]

I don't think so. We'll have to lots of gongi ice or ones.

[Ryan Whitney]

Peter, check. Like, wore a helmet playing soccer goalie. He'd be like, I don't even need it. If business shooting on me. Like, I'll just go, no dome. Like, this guy can't even lift the puck. So, Gary, Marty, we appreciate you coming on. It's a. It's a blast watching you play, man. So. Yeah, and stop on the plane, bud.

[R.A.]

Oh, sit on this. Come on. Let me be freaking Marty.

[Biz Nasty]

I hate that guy. No, I actually love it.

[R.A.]

Thank you so much, guys.

[Ryan Whitney]

Thank you, buddy.

[Mike Grinelli]

Brother.

[Ryan Whitney]

Guys, before we go any further, I want to talk to you about Roback. If you're watching on YouTube right now, you can see I'm pointing at the Roback logo. And let us introduce you to Roback Activewear. If you've seen that little dog or those two stripes on the back of shirts, you've seen Roback. It's everywhere. People are coming to realize how great Roback is, and we couldn't be more fired up to be rocking Roback because the quality is unmatched between the hoodies, joggers, tees, and Polos. They have the best fabrics and the best fitting gear out there. So comfortable, you want to lay around, watch a movie. Rollback. You want to go out to dinner and look classy. Rollback. You want to be comfortable on a flight roll back. So use code chiclets on rollback.com for a generous 20% off your first purchase through the end of this week. That's C H I C L E T S on R H o b a c-k.com code [e-mail] 20% off all hoodies, joggers, and more with code Chiclets. And I'm telling you, you will not be disappointed. The fabric, the material, how comfortable it is. Roback.com Code Chiclets thank you so much to Marty Natchez, Karen. Colorado Avalanche winger who interviewed us and I believe a Carolina Hurricane's hat and shirt. So thank you very much to him. Him. Great guy. I'm sure his teammates will miss him. Did you see Bronson and meeting the Hurricanes? And he. And Rossovich is like, hey, where's my watch? Because he gave him number 96. He's around. So. The craziest thing about Ronton and meeting all those guys is he is a monster.

[Biz Nasty]

I'll buy you one when I sign with the Leafs.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's a monster, though. He was towering over guys.

[Biz Nasty]

He's a beast.

[Ryan Whitney]

It looks like he's about 230, so.

[Biz Nasty]

Can't wait to see him.

[Ryan Whitney]

A machine. Yeah.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I was wondering.

[Biz Nasty]

I can't wait to see him in Bonnie Blue.

[Ryan Whitney]

I was.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I was wondering if they. Because they showed something on Instagram of him getting off the PJ and then they just showed Halsey kind of like at the hotel. Did they not send.

[Ryan Whitney]

No, he's on, like, Spirit. He's like, look, he's. He's paying 25 cents to use the overhead compartment.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, he hitchhiked like Dale Talon.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Oh, I didn't know that.

[Biz Nasty]

We interviewed Dale Talon, by the way. I cannot wait for you guys to hear this one. We got some. We got some wily veterans. Veterans. We got Mike Keenan. I like to tease these. Mike Keenan, we got Dale Talon and Hall of Famer Pierre Turjon, who actually just called Yans and all on this coach.

[Paul Bissonnette]

So Dale. Dale, who's.

[Ryan Whitney]

What, how old is 75?

[Paul Bissonnette]

75. Mike Keenan, 75. You know, been in the game a long time. All their bodies are in better shape than biz.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Legit. Oh, yeah.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Aren't giving out, like.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

You know, because they're not working out twice, too.

[Biz Nasty]

That's why my back got thrown out. I was carrying the interviews.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I know you're single, but dad bods are kind of in right now. Single life. I'm.

[Ryan Whitney]

And I think he said, like, 80% of adults, like, have, like, a lot of stress. It's like, I don't think, like, most of them are single, rich and good looking. Like, it's like kids in money.

[Biz Nasty]

Hey, I'll take a tire pump. When I hear one. I'll take a tire pump.

[Ryan Whitney]

I'm always pumping your tires, buddy.

[Biz Nasty]

I'm a soft seven.

[Ryan Whitney]

You're a soft seven.

[Biz Nasty]

I'm a soft seven.

[Paul Bissonnette]

With your bank account personality.

[Ryan Whitney]

And then bank account brings you like a 9. 9.1, maybe.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, 9. We should yeah, well, I mean, I guess we can. We can move on.

[Ryan Whitney]

I guess there's. There's some issues that could bring you back down.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Bring up time for the Weekly Vancouver Canucks. J.T. miller, Elias Pederson, rumor mill drama.

[Biz Nasty]

It sounds like there's another Elias Petterson.

[Ryan Whitney]

That's crazy.

[Biz Nasty]

They brought another one in.

[Ryan Whitney]

J.T. miller's just shaking. Ah, no.

[Biz Nasty]

Wow.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's like, wait, what's your name? He's like, el Patterson. You.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. They're like, abuse this one for a few weeks until we get rid of the other one.

[Ryan Whitney]

They changed his name.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

But it sounded like that Pederson to Carolina, like, was close to getting done.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Which one? Number 40.

[Ryan Whitney]

I don't know which one. I think it's the.

[Biz Nasty]

The one that makes it because now it's Buffalo. Always going to.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, now you hear Buffalo, but with Miller, Frank S. Reported, it sounds like the Rangers and the Devils are in the mix, and then the Bruins are a dark horse biz.

[Biz Nasty]

You've.

[Ryan Whitney]

You've made it clear that you've been told or heard that Drury would do anything and really wants J.T. miller in a Rangers jersey. I think he would really help the Devils. And the fucking storyline of him going to Pasha's team, after all Pasha does is shit on 100 points player. It would be just a dream come true for me. But I guess that if Pederson was going to be moved over to the Hurricanes and then Ronton and all of a sudden became available, they were. They were thinking we'd rather him, I would assume.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, I. Yeah. I mean, and then also Kevin Weeks quote tweeted Callahan, who posted a picture of the Pittsburgh skyline. So I don't know, maybe there's a world where JT ends up back in his hometown of Pittsburgh, where that would be a perfect little revamp for the Pittsburgh Penguins, where now all of a sudden they would have a nice one, two punch down the middle and that.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Would make more van.

[Biz Nasty]

No, Sid would be actually staying in Pittsburgh in that situation. And from my understanding, Vancouver is looking for a defenseman. And speaking of Annetter Pedersen, the defenseman.

[Paul Bissonnette]

For the Pittsburgh Penguins of Vancouver, Pederson.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, that would be. That would be insane. It's like Pederson overload. So, yeah, so there's just like a lot of like, like rumor mill action going right now. But it feels like after this rotten and trade now, you're going to see things start taking effect and trickling in.

[Ryan Whitney]

So do you think Vancouver would take.

[R.A.]

Back Eric Carlson if.

[Ryan Whitney]

If Pittsburgh Eats some. No, I. They got. By the way, Quinn Hughes had one of the best games anyone in the league has had on Saturday night. He beat the Capitals. He legit. He scored one of the sickest backhand goals I've ever seen a defenseman score, then walked the line with his head up the entire time and just shelved one from the point.

[Biz Nasty]

17 players.

[Ryan Whitney]

I know. And it was labeled where the crossbar meets the post. It was unreal shot. And he's just. The fact. The fact that he's doing this and like, they're still like in the race because of this one guy.

[Biz Nasty]

He.

[Ryan Whitney]

He probably deserves like MVP discussion, correct? Like if the award is most valuable to your team, he's that right now.

[Biz Nasty]

What I respect most about him too, is throughout this whole chaotic situation, he has remained so calm, so well spoken and just going about business as usual. He is. He is. Yeah. I think that he seriously deserves consideration for mvp. And that would make two defensemen in the league at the top of my list, at least in the top five, because what weren't he's doing in. In Columbus. And they are not slowing down either. It's just remarkable, especially with the news that Monahan is now out for, I think, six to eight weeks, which is absolutely devastating. But. But yes, Quinn Hughes has just been. He's been. His season's been a masterpiece.

[Paul Bissonnette]

It's got to be a lot from. And you saw it when they did the. Was the Amazon like the. When they followed the guys around and like how, like, you know, he's well read. You know, he's reading all these books about leadership and, you know, taking that into his own craft. So you got to give him a lot of credit because the media up there and the way he's been handling it and being able to produce the way he is on the ice is very special.

[Ryan Whitney]

There's army generals who are probably like, I can't help you out, buddy. You're in the right.

[Paul Bissonnette]

David Goggins is like, no.

[Ryan Whitney]

David Goggins is having a milkshake just listening to the stories. I can't do this.

[Biz Nasty]

Can you stop yelling at me, sir? I like to keep my heart rate down.

[Ryan Whitney]

The news with Quinn. Quinn Hughes doesn't stop there because that takes you back to Thursday night where I think it was Corey Perry's masterpiece. This game. This game. First off, he's in warmups and the camera's in his face and he just gives the biggest smile. Almost like, wait till you see what I'm going to do tonight. And he has the quotes prior to the game talking about the league doesn't protect its stars, it's got to protect his stars. Next thing you know, he's body slamming Quinn Hughes and nobody does a thing. Elias Petterson watches it and he's like, just like reaching in. It's like, oh my God. Your entire team is getting abused by 39 year old Corey Perry, who the fact is, like, is playing out of his mind this year. Like, people were like, I don't know, do you resign him? Like, thank God they did 750. Just causing an absolute shitstorm against the Canucks. And I mean, I also think like people were like, he's asking for the stars to get protected more and then he's choke slamming one down. It's like, well, he said he wants penalties called on the stars and he got a penalty on that play. So it's like he's obviously still going to continue to try to abuse anyone he's playing against. Are you surprised by this?

[Paul Bissonnette]

And he's also got a leg to stand on too, because he was a superstar. Yeah, I mean, not saying that he isn't anymore, but he was mvp. He was an absolute superstar in this league. But he also played with some jam too. So you never, he was never getting taken advantage of. Right. Like he was diving around like my.

[Ryan Whitney]

Year and such a talk against, talk.

[Biz Nasty]

About a guy willing to, to transform his game in order to stick around. Like he's, you know, he's not above doing anything for his team in order to win. It's, it's, it's, it's very admirable.

[Ryan Whitney]

He would for sure play for free. Like 1000%. He might, he would play for free.

[Biz Nasty]

He might, he might be like Gordy.

[Mike Grinelli]

How.

[Biz Nasty]

Like the way that he stretches in his routine and by the way, the way my back is, maybe I should text him and get to know what his routine is. The fact that he could still move around out there and perform the way he does. He could fucking play till he's 50 years old. He could be the modern day Gordie Howe.

[Ryan Whitney]

I hope he does imagining like he's able to be a rat off the ice too. You text him and he can get like a virus put in your phone immediately. This guy, he's relentless. But he, he, he's done a great job.

[Biz Nasty]

Another vd.

[Ryan Whitney]

The Oilers wax the, the, the Canucks in that game, but a big win for them against the Cavs and I guess finishing up on the Canucks. It's, it's like, I know you said now Rontinen's move. We'll see more things happen. Possibly. But like, uncle like. And you're like, all right, they're going to choose one. JT or Patterson? Like, no, they're shopping them both. It's just like, I think every fan of the Canucks just needs this to end with one of them being traded.

[Biz Nasty]

G has a question.

[Ryan Whitney]

Just real quick. I mean, you just mentioned Sean Monahan getting hurt in the Columbus Blue Jackets. I think they are a very interesting team for J.T.

[Mike Grinelli]

Miller.

[Biz Nasty]

Wow.

[Ryan Whitney]

They need help up the middle.

[Biz Nasty]

They have where he can like get away a lot of media attention.

[Ryan Whitney]

They're on the rise. They could use some veteran leadership.

[R.A.]

I'm sure in that locker room right now.

[Paul Bissonnette]

He's got a relationship with Rick Nye, played together in New York. Gee, that's a very.

[Biz Nasty]

I don't know where you're hearing that one, G. But also Butcher Gross tweeted something out about maybe them going after Brock Nelson as well. I mean, they have some young guys in the pipeline, maybe some assets they can move over to Long island where I His comments were the fan base deserves it and they have all the rest of their team that are all in and then all of a sudden you'd get Monahan back. I would really love to see Columbus do something. So great job, G. But before we move on from Edmonton, you have to answer for this. What the hell's going on with nacho gate? Why are fans throwing 25 nachos on the ice?

[Ryan Whitney]

I have no idea. But like, I was watching the game and Perry like opens up for one time. I'm like, what the hell is that, dude? I think his. I think it was like in the middle of his feet too. Like he somehow like maneuvered around the nachos. If he had scored that goal and then re reached down and dipped a nacho chip in cheese, I think it would have been an all time NHL moment. Yeah, but Logan Thompson's like flipping out about. It's like, buddy, it hit your shoulder and went in. Like you got to stop the puck there. Like, I understand. You're like, oh, there's nachos on the ice. Which just sounds crazy to say, but yeah, I don't know how you're spending that much dough on nachos and then chucking them on the ice. The guy must have been pissed off about something. I'm assuming he got kicked out of the game. We'll see. Apparently, final news with the Patterson situation is it gets Buffalo is very, very interested. G has here in the outline possibly what Maybe Cousins and Byron for Pedersen. I think that's just kind of maybe you reaching and thinking of possible deals. I don't know.

[Biz Nasty]

That would be. That would be such an incredible trade. I think for. For Vancouver. I would make that trade in a second. I think that, that. I think that even just like Cousins and someone of. Not of. Of Byram status could get.

[Ryan Whitney]

What about power for Pedersen? Straight up. Wow.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Oh, my God.

[Biz Nasty]

I would obviously rather Byrom and Cousins as a package.

[Ryan Whitney]

Is that for Vancouver?

[Biz Nasty]

You're saying for vancouver? Because vancouver, 100%. Vancouver has to address their. Their back end. But they also would. You would need a guy. You would need a center. If they're still looking to compete, you would also need a centerman. So.

[Ryan Whitney]

Hey, by the way, like, this was the house. That was the seat G was in when he said Monty was getting fired and Sacco was getting hired. He might have just called the J.T. miller to the Blue Jackets right there.

[Biz Nasty]

I have a weird possibility.

[Ryan Whitney]

I don't know. Like, I have a weird feeling.

[Paul Bissonnette]

That's his Nancy.

[Ryan Whitney]

That's his seat, dude. That's his GM seat. Yep. He's back, Tony. Donald Trump gets elected and Tony D's home from Russia. And who signs him? Lou Lamorello. The left is furious, folks. Tony D's back in the game. He had a point per game with St. Petersburg. He can still produce in the NHL. And he's back. And it's. It's. It's. I'm very happy for him. Tony's a good guy. I got to know him at Kevin Hayes's wedding. The hatred for him online is, like, ridiculous. I think you can hate whoever you want, but it's like all politically based. I think. I believe. And he signed for 775, prorated for the remainder of the season. Like I said, he was in St. Petersburg. 32 points in 34 games. I think he came home because his grandma's sick. Wants to be around his family a little bit. So thinking of him and. And his family, but the Islanders, I mean, they're just. They're truly like a pathetic team right now. I don't know what Lou's doing, but at least they're making a little news. Trying to help out the pp, bring in a guy who can move the puck. But the biggest news for the Islanders, me this past week was Matt Barzell, your star player. And I don't blame this guy one bit. I don't blame him one bit because the minute I went to that arena, UBS arena, we did the fdny NYPD game. And the game ended and we tried getting home. I said, what the were they thinking putting this arena here? It's in the middle of like six different highways. You can't get an Uber out of there. You walk about 700 yards to the Uber stand and then you're waiting forever. As they're sitting in Long island traffic and no fans are showing up. And the fans, they kind of turned a little bit pissed off when the news broke of what Barzel said. I'll get to in a minute. They're like, we'll start playing better and we'll fill the arena. He's sitting there looking, and I think they just tied it up or took the lead. And somebody caught on Twitter. He's sitting there talking to someone. He's like, this place is empty. What a joke. And then I saw the clip lip of the. It was like half empty, I think.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah, it's been brutal.

[Ryan Whitney]

And so they decided. And it's a nice arena. Like, I actually, I like it.

[Biz Nasty]

25 bars in it. People can have access to booze.

[Ryan Whitney]

They got. They have like a beer. What are those. What are the. What are they called? Yeah, that's like, almost like a brewery. Like beer garden. What beer garden? Beer garden. They have this huge beer garden behind one that's. I like the arena. It's just where it is and the team is not exciting to watch. But it's like, like, oh, boy, what are the islanders doing? Like, they got to start moving some pieces. If I'm a GM around there at his price tag, I'm calling non stop about Barzel. Yeah, non stop. And then, like, somehow, like, just finagle away. Like, I don't think they'll trade him, but, man, you come out and you see this guy just being. This is a joke.

[Biz Nasty]

It would be cool to see him go back home to Vancouver. I wonder if that's something that could get fetched out. But I just think that they're wasting his prime. I don't. I. I can't stand the way they play. They're so boring. You're just waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen. It never does. It's not even like they fucking play tough either. It's just so vanilla. And listen, Lou's done so much in the game. He's a Hall of Famer. Like, how much longer do you think he's going to be at the throne there? Like, do you think this is just going to continue till he.

[Ryan Whitney]

As long as they'll pay him.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah. I think I get it.

[Ryan Whitney]

If I'm him, I ain't going anywhere making big dough running a team. It's like, I'm not gonna quit. You're saying more like, when do you let go of them?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. And maybe make them like a consultant or something. I just like the direction of the team. I mean, it's been downhill ever since they went to the Eastern Conference finals. Where would they lose to a. By a goal in the. In game seven at Tampa Bay.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. And they. And that was the cup final that year.

[Biz Nasty]

Right. And. Yeah, and, and, and it's been all downhill from there. So not to rag on the guy, but like, he's got to get creative here and do something.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's got to just get young, just try to start over a little bit. You got all these like 33 year olds that awesome careers, these guys. But it's just like, this isn't working for this team anymore. And the thing is, they like might sneak into the playoffs, but first round it's going to be like, all right, that's a loss.

[Paul Bissonnette]

But if you go young, say they are doing rebuild, do you get rid of Barzell, your best player there, or is that a guy?

[Ryan Whitney]

No, you don't.

[Biz Nasty]

I mean, for me, it's more about. It just doesn't seem like the way that he wants to play and his creativity is able to shine there. And I think it's being wasted. And if I were him, my frustration would continue to mount where it's like, not only are we losing, not only is our building empty, it's not exciting our team. Like, I want to go have fun and, and play and be creative and use my speed. And I know he's a lot more of a pastor than a shooter that goes, go, go get him with a sniper. Go get him, go get him paired up right. Get, get, get his dynamic duo going. So I just think, yeah, his, his prime's being wasted and I would like, I would love to see him back in Vancouver, back on home soil.

[Ryan Whitney]

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[Biz Nasty]

Probably we're gonna sound like a broken record, but that's not the only team in the East. No fan issues is.

[Ryan Whitney]

I've been a library.

[Biz Nasty]

I've been. I've been seeing this from the mountain forever.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Like, you said this before it was even a thing.

[Biz Nasty]

I think Jason Demers hopped on it recently. There's this guy who goes viral all the time who actually got blocked by a beer brand for doing the cellies at home. Gee, you'll probably have his name that you could pull up, but he's always got the Leafs jersey and gear.

[Ryan Whitney]

His basement's his.

[Biz Nasty]

His basement.

[Paul Bissonnette]

The guy who wears a helmet and gloves in his basement?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, and he. And he wore it to the game the other night.

[Ryan Whitney]

He has, like, 500 jerseys in his basement.

[Biz Nasty]

He posted a video in the lower bowl trying to get everybody going, and they were just like, shut up. Yeah. And it's. It's a snooze fest. And I don't think it's going to get any better. In fact, I think it's going to get worse. I was talking with. With my buddy Jeff Jacobson, and he's like, man, with the economy and everything.

[Ryan Whitney]

Everything.

[Biz Nasty]

Like, I think it's. The only people who can show up to Leafs games right now are rich people to begin with. And given that the way Canada's going, it's going to get quieter and quieter. And Matthews was not happy. We should probably roll the. The quote of him talking About Ryan Reeves's first fight, trying to get that building in the team ignited.

[Ryan Whitney]

And then with Olivier too, like, another heavy.

[Paul Bissonnette]

And you think, like, New York, like the bottom row there is all suits and it's loud.

[Mike Grinelli]

It's loud.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Since when can rich people not scream and cheer?

[Biz Nasty]

Like, I don't know. I don't know if they got coke, I can't open it and get loud enough, but too stressed out. Maybe they got L5s1 problems. Let's roll that clip from Auston Matthews.

[Ryan Whitney]

Though you like to love to see that. Would like a little more energy, you.

[R.A.]

Know, from the crowd after that. I thought, you know, it was a.

[Biz Nasty]

Little quiet tonight, especially after, you know, a guy, you know, two guys like that go at it, you know. But it was, I think, a great moment for.

[Mike Grinelli]

For him.

[Biz Nasty]

Thought gave us some energy on the bench and obviously, you know, he's been.

[R.A.]

Looking for one for a while.

[Mike Grinelli]

So you got to give kudos to.

[R.A.]

The guy on the other side as well.

[Biz Nasty]

I mean, so there you have it. I think it's a great scrap with Olivier. So shout out to Revo for finally getting his first one in and talk about tough customers to, you know, break the ice for your first season.

[Ryan Whitney]

Did Leafs fans, were they, like, upset by that? Were they, like, Leafs fans? Yeah, like, like upset by Matthew Santa or is it more fans that are like, I know, I know we can't go to the game.

[Biz Nasty]

No.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Because saw them in Ottawa.

[Biz Nasty]

Bingo. I was just going to mention that. So then all the videos and pictures from Ottawa fans being like, this is where Leafs fans, the hardcore ones, they travel and for a flight, hotel and tickets, it's cheaper than even getting in the Lower bowl in Toronto. So all the hard, hardcore, noisy ones, they go on the road and they went to their Battle of Ontario mate in Ottawa and Basie took over the other night on Saturday night, ended up losing the game, I believe, two one. But nonetheless, like, there are hardcore Leafs fans, they've just been priced out. So all you suit fucks that won't take our advice, start giving up your tickets if you're going to bring no energy.

[Paul Bissonnette]

My thing is, like, I went to a Heat game the other day and I'm a Celtics fan. They were playing, I don't even know, San Antonio or something. Like, if you go to a sporting event, like, are you too cool to cheer? Like, I was up chair and like, shit going on. Like, no one is. Like, if you're going to a sporting event, you go to cheer on your team or boo the other Team like, you got to be involved in it, be invested a little bit. It's not a work meeting.

[Ryan Whitney]

I think. I think so many of them are work meetings. I think Toronto and I think a lot of arenas like it is, you're bringing clients, you have those tickets to bring clients, show them a great night. And you're sitting there talking and. Yeah, I agree with you.

[Biz Nasty]

You're trying to close a deal. The guy throws a. Throw some nachos on this. What the fuck? How'd the meeting go? The partner got kicked out for throwing nachos at Corey.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, this guy, he brought me to the game, but he didn't cheer after Revo fought Olivier, so I left. Left his company. Tough night for him. Yeah, I guess that didn't work out, but Curtis from Alberta is the least. Curtis from Alberta. I can't imagine. Because Edmonton was nuts with Leafs fans when you were on the Coyotes. It must have been full blown.

[Biz Nasty]

Like Chicago and Detroit were probably the worst. Probably Chicago.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, really?

[Biz Nasty]

Especially Chicago.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Vancouver, too, was bad.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Or Calgary was pretty good, but it was just because there's a lot of transplants.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

In Arizona from Chicago. And that was when they were going through their reign.

[Paul Bissonnette]

It was more Toronto when I was here in Florida, that would travel down.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yes. Marner and Joseph Wool, they were singing with Kygo, oh, wow. Stage the other night. Yeah. Oh, yeah. And then I saw a clip of Nice ripping it up at the club. He was dancing and singing to Tina Turner, I believe. What a player.

[Biz Nasty]

They did a collab song on Kygo and Tina Turner.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, that was the same night.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Nice was at the concert as well. Oh, he just didn't go on stage. Okay. He didn't go on stage.

[Biz Nasty]

Up tune with Tina. Love Tina. You know that Tina Turner didn't become famous and. And start touring and doing all that till she was about 50 years old.

[Paul Bissonnette]

So she met Ike.

[Biz Nasty]

I don't. But it took her later in life. So it's just a little lesson for you people out there. It's. It's never too late.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I like.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, it's never too late. It's never too late to get your back fixed.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. If you're 35 years old and you're like, I'm not crushing it in my industry yet, buddy. Most people don't start making big dough and really becoming titans in their workspace till they're 50, 60 years old. Like, just take your time, be patient, put the hours in, stay on the grind. David Goggins can't even help the Canucks. Adam Fantilli scored a hat trick last week. He's like turning into a player, which I think everyone knew would happen. But we just want to shout out Columbus again. 7, 2 and 1. In their last 10. The Washington Capitals had contract talks with goaltender Logan Thompson. Pierre Lebrun said this. The Capitals would like to sign Thompson before the four nations face off if negotiation negotiations progress. Well, the tournament ends September. Oh, wow.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Hey, Biz, breaking in the news.

[Biz Nasty]

Pump the brakes here, buddy. Trying to read a little deep breathing.

[Ryan Whitney]

The tournament begins February 12th. In March. Montreal. What would the deal look like? No idea. For goalies now, I can't guess. I would want to give a goalie like 5 million a year. I swear to God. Like, I know like the best guys are making 9, 10, but the position's bizarre. One year you're nasty, the next year you stink. Besides, like four guys. So I'm really not like that confident in Logan Thompson all of a sudden. I'm giving them like six years times six a year.

[Biz Nasty]

I was literally just, just gonna say I would consider giving him, with his athleticism, if it were to command that. I think six times six would be a fair number.

[Ryan Whitney]

Pretty young too.

[Paul Bissonnette]

A lot of years for a goalie.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, it's more the term that you worry about.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. And I guess you also, if you're the Washington kind of worry, you did give Darcy Kemper the 5 times 5, 27, and that kind of backfired on him. So, yeah, maybe they can kind of. Yeah, maybe they could keep him under that, that six million dollar number. But mean, based on what he's done so far this year, his numbers suggest that he deserves a lot more than, than 5, 6 million.

[Ryan Whitney]

So was that him or Lingren in Vancouver Saturday night? You see that save? They were pulling him. I think it was Lingren. They were Lingren. It was Ling. They were pulling him to get the extra guy on the ice and he pulled back and just made a diving unreal save. If he was a, if he wasn't a silly sider, I don't know if he saves that.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Right, right.

[Ryan Whitney]

Or I guess you could throw the blocker out, but it was, it was pretty cool video, I think, I think.

[Biz Nasty]

Think based on what he's been through and, and moving around and you know, what he went through with the trade from Vegas, I think, I think that he would probably take a team friendly deal. I bet you he's just happy to be in the mix and being able to start a lot of games these days. So who knows?

[Ryan Whitney]

I, I totally jinxed Team Sweden's goaltending situation. When I mentioned last week that we really hadn't had like an injury and I was. I was actually more speaking at Team USA and Team Canada. But then, boom. Team Sweden gets hit with a four nations guy getting injured. Jacob Markstrom's out for a little while for the Devils, so they're gonna really rely on Jake Allen for a bit here. But that sucks for Markey. We had talked to him this year. He was so excited about the tournament. He would have been their starting goalie. And then also, Olmark, you don't. You don't want him going if you're Ottawa. Right. So, like, I don't know what they're gonna do with the goaltending situation there. The NHL is starting to think about, like, without Gary Bettman, the Athletics, Michael Russo and Chris Johnson had an article where they talk about basically that it's not imminent, but in. In the next few years, Gary Bettman will take. Be taking a step back. Who should the next commissioner be? Do you guys have any.

[Biz Nasty]

I put my resume in. You did? Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Okay.

[Biz Nasty]

It's all about the clips.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Say Bill Daly. Right.

[Biz Nasty]

I don't think from what I hear, he's not interested in that.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, really?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, that's what I heard. I could be a rumor boys thing, but I mean, that would be the. The obvious choice. He's been, you know, hand in hand with Gary for. For a long time and I'm sure they share a lot of the same values and philosophies and I mean, say what you want about Gary, there's some. Definitely some things that he's missed on, but he's helped grow this league to. To a very healthy place and he deserves to be commended for that. I just don't know enough about who would they would want taken over. I mean, would Steve Mayer be a guy that does it? I know he's kind of more. More involved on the. The entertainment side of. Of the NHL and how that's taken.

[Paul Bissonnette]

In, but that's a big thing for the league to make their money is, you know, those TV deals and stuff like that is getting. Yeah, I don't get that.

[Ryan Whitney]

Gary Bettman came. He was from the NBA.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

So maybe they look outside the league and they look at somebody who's just crushing whatever they're doing and being a CEO or a president of another industry or something. I don't know. That is a good question.

[Biz Nasty]

My thought process would be that he would stick around to solidify all the next TV deals and then he's he's done because the, the, the Sportsnet deal is up at the end of next year. That really big one they signed. I my guess would be is he's going to try to do it kind of like the American market where you have ESPN carrying it, TNT carrying it, where I think that it would probably be Sportsnet, TSN and maybe Amazon and Amazon as players where there's way more access because like you look at TSN like they have an incredible panel and they have a lot of talented people where they're not being able to get as much access to the games as Sportsnet is based on that deal. I think for the growth perspective of the game to snap it around more to all the networks, including obviously Amazon, who's going to become even an even bigger player. I think that's going to be his approach. That's going to be what he locks in and then he's going to say, hey, see you later. So I would, I would assume probably what, three years from now.

[Ryan Whitney]

Three years.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

I think it's now time to throw to Pat Maroon. And guys, we've had Pat on this show I think like three or four times. But the first time he ever came on with us it was a joint interview with Cam Jansen. And then every other time he came on it was like mid bender after winning the cup 15 years in a row. This interview is unreal. Pat goes in to tell a story that I had never heard about his time with the Philadelphia Flyers organization and what happened to him there. This is a great interview and message to a lot of younger kids and it was an awesome sit down a few weeks ago in Chicago. So we're going to send to him right now and I highly recommend listening Pat Maroon. Before we go any further, I want to talk about DraftKings. This ain't that little itty bitty teeny tiny bowl. This is the Super Bowl. Get in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of Super Bowl 59. Scoring touchdowns is key to hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy. And you have a shot to score big by betting on them at DraftKings Sportsbook, the number one place to bet touchdowns. Are you ready to place your first bet? Try betting on something simple like a player. To score 6, go to the DraftKings sportsbook app and make your pick. And new DraftKings customers can bet $5 to get 200 in bonus bets. Instantly a $5 bet, all of a sudden you got $200. You can bet on your favorite player to score a Touchdown, download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use code Chiclets. That's Code Chiclets. C H I C L E T S For new customers to get 200 in bonus bet bets instantly. When you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings sportsbook, the crown is yours.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text hopeny467-369 In Connecticut, help is available. For problem gambling, call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Boyden, Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG CO Audio.

[Ryan Whitney]

We are pleased now to be joined by a very good friend of the show, good friend of all of ours, and a new guy in the media landscape while playing my job, the Big rig, Patty Maroon. What's going on, buddy?

[Mike Grinelli]

What's up, fellas? How are we?

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, we're doing great, thanks. Thanks for swinging by. You got the Winter Classic coming up. We're in Chicago, but we were talking right beforehand that once a week you've been going on Morning cup of Hockey with Colby Cohen and Johnny Lazarus. Have you enjoyed that? Kind of just chatting about the game in the league while still playing?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I have, honestly. Just gets away from the game a little bit. Just talk about the game, enjoy it. You get to watch more hockey like you guys. I mean, I haven't watched more hockey than I had this year, but.

[Ryan Whitney]

Really?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I tune in a lot because, I mean, obviously they're going to cue me up with something.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, you don't want to sound stupid.

[Mike Grinelli]

Sounds stupid.

[Biz Nasty]

So I should probably start watching more, too.

[Mike Grinelli]

I look at the Twitter feeds all the time, see what's going on around the league. But I really like it. I enjoy it. So maybe it's something I embrace after hockey.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, we were saying that you'd be perfect as a guy who, you know, doesn't look like the Hawks are going to be in the playoffs this year, but like a guy who would hop on during the playoffs, TNT or ESPN or something. I think you'd be great at that.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, it was great. I just had a beer with Wayno over Christmas.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Because he was in St. Louis. Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

So what was he doing there?

[Mike Grinelli]

He lives there.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, he lives there part time in.

[Mike Grinelli]

The Summertime, he lives there and he goes back there for Christmas because Janet's mom's 103, so.

[Ryan Whitney]

Wow.

[Biz Nasty]

Still going.

[Mike Grinelli]

Still going. It's awesome. So I got the chance to have a beer with him and he was talking about it.

[Ryan Whitney]

So what's great here is you're with your son Anthony, right?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

So big kid. I, I, Last time I saw him, he was just tiny, but now he's turned into a really good player. Drafted by the London Knights and playing for the Long island goals. That must be cool to watch.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, it's awesome. Obviously, watching him grow up, he just started loving the game, though. Like, literally, I would say three years ago, it just started taking off. He was just okay. Didn't really find a passion or love for it. And then all of a sudden, something click. I don't know what happened. And he took off. In the last, I say year and a half, he's been taking off with his game. So it's been fun to watch as a dad, to watch your kids succeed and, and, you know, try to follow, you know, the old man's footsteps. But I always tell him it's hard, man. It's, it's, it takes, it's a marathon, it's not a sprint.

[Ryan Whitney]

And it takes some luck, too.

[Biz Nasty]

We just had Shane Pinto on, and he talked about how he wasn't really hockey obsessed until about 15, and then he obviously dove in hardcore. So it was nice he got to be a kid and where now he's a little bit more hyper focused on it, obviously making a big commitment by moving away from home. And he's actually living with Josh Bailey on Long Island.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. So thanks to them, Meg and Josh Bailey have done a great job of taking him on, and he loves it. They have three kids. The two boys love having Anthony there, shiny sticks all day, cleaning up all the Kleenex.

[R.A.]

And.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah, I just, I walked in.

[Mike Grinelli]

I went to his house, and Mag's folding his clothes. I'm like, aunt, you're 16. Like, come on, do your own laundry, man.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah, you got him.

[Mike Grinelli]

You got to.

[Biz Nasty]

You got him.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's handing her his dishes after he eats.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Were you like that as a kid? Like, not or from when you started, you were full blown wanting to play in the NHL or did it hit you at a later age?

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, I wanted to play roller hockey.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

You want to make it through?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, if the roller hockey had a NHL.

[Biz Nasty]

So you're still going in the summers. You love it.

[Mike Grinelli]

You don't see my highlight reels?

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, I See them on Instagram.

[Biz Nasty]

It's probably nice because it's a little bit different. You get to be a star there and you keep up with the cardio, which is something you desperately need. Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

It'll come off the ice. It's kind of nice.

[Biz Nasty]

Okay.

[Mike Grinelli]

I play the whole game.

[Biz Nasty]

Okay.

[Mike Grinelli]

It's not like me and you when we're sucking up four or five minutes.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

And you're freezing on the bench.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. I would have sucked a dick for five minutes. I was just lucky to get in the line. We were joking this morning. I had more healthy scratches in my career than games played.

[Ryan Whitney]

That's crazy.

[Biz Nasty]

I know. It's nuts.

[Ryan Whitney]

Crazy.

[Mike Grinelli]

At least your pension's looking nice.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, it didn't matter. The checks are still clearing. So. It was great. It was great.

[Ryan Whitney]

But do you think playing roller hockey that that had to have make your hands so silky? Because you've always had great hands. Just from all that stuff playing on the rollerblades growing up, I think it.

[Mike Grinelli]

Helped me a lot. I mean, I fell in love with it right away. So my best friend, his dad owned roller hockey rink in our neighborhood. So we went there. Now my uncle took it over.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, really?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. So it's, it's. I've played it since I was 4 years old. That's all I loved. And I hated ice hockey. I hated going to practice, I hated going to Dryland. I was like, like, I just want to go play roller hockey and just have fun.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

Like screw all this commitment. So I just loved it. You know, I just every in the summertime, it was funny. Every day from Monday through Friday, I would go up there, my dad would give me three bucks and I would stay from, you know, 10am to 4. My dad would come pick me up and I would just use those three bucks for Cheetos and a soda and just sit there and rink right all.

[Biz Nasty]

Day, get some electrolyte lights in you.

[Ryan Whitney]

Would there be a. But like you mentioned your best buddy and then there's a bunch of other kids your age.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Just play games.

[Mike Grinelli]

We'd go up there, play one on one, two on two. It was fun. So that's how I got the liking of the game. And then when I made the AAA blues, I got cut three times and then finally made it. And then Jeff Brown pulled me into his office. It's actually a good story. You guys know Jeff Brown, right?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

So he pulled me his off. He's like, yeah. He looked at my dad, he's like, your son's too Slow to play forward. So I'm gonna play him at dude. I was a defense.

[Ryan Whitney]

I can't even picture you skating backwards.

[Mike Grinelli]

He couldn't, he couldn't.

[Paul Bissonnette]

It lasted a day.

[Ryan Whitney]

You just, you just let guy goes around you so you can pivot and skate forward after.

[Mike Grinelli]

He just wanted to move the puck up.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

But yeah, I played D all the way like my peewee year all the way up to my major junior year.

[Biz Nasty]

So he was, he probably the biggest like help for your development.

[Mike Grinelli]

Jeff Brown, I would say him and Kelly Chase.

[Biz Nasty]

Chaser.

[Mike Grinelli]

Chaser's been like his second father really. He's been my go to guy. He's the one that first one that saw me and believed in me and took a liking to me and every time when our team moved to St. Louis for the Bandits, he would have, you know, the Blues GM come watch or other players can watch. And what do you think of this kid? I think he's going to have something special in his game and no way. And I, I would say he's probably the reason why I got drafted. He called Paul Holmgram and I was like, you need to take this kid. And he's always been so close to me and he's always believed in me and he's always been there for me. So it's, it's one of those things like you guys said, you just need someone in your corner, no doubt to like you or take a liking to you, to you know, get you through that process and get you to that next step. And he was the only one that really. And Jeff Brown obviously was one of the reasons too. But Kelly's the one that, that you know, threw his body online.

[Biz Nasty]

Were you scrapping a lot back then? Like were you, were you playing that game? Because I thought you would have made the perfect flyer. I played against you when you were playing for the Phantoms and you were a f. You were yappy, you were a piece of. To play against. And I was surprised that you never got called up there where you ended up going over to Anaheim, right?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. I mean obviously I don't know if you guys know that story about me getting sent home, but obviously it didn't end well in Philly. I get sent home and for what? I was on my couch for three months before I got traded to Syracuse and I thought my career was over. I'd have. My son Anthony's here now I have a. Not even a two year old and I'm calling my dad. It's my third year, my entry level contract. So I'm like trying to go overseas.

[Biz Nasty]

That's crazy.

[Mike Grinelli]

They wanted to happen to me. Yeah. During season they wouldn't send me down to the coast. They wouldn't do anything with me. So no, I went to my agent at the time, Aline, wait. I said go out east. So my mom's from New Jersey. So I went out to my aunt, uncle's house and I just stayed there. And I was skating with Montclair State.

[Ryan Whitney]

No way.

[Mike Grinelli]

Partying up with them in their dorm, sleeping in their dorm rooms.

[Biz Nasty]

That's crazy.

[Mike Grinelli]

I thought my career was over. I was like, this sucks. I'm calling my dad. I was like, I'm coming home like this.

[Ryan Whitney]

Do you not want to say what.

[Biz Nasty]

Happened the third year of my entry levels when I got.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, but that wasn't mid season. That was at camp, right?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, it was, it was at camp and I didn't ended up going to skate that. What was it?

[Ryan Whitney]

Western seven for seven.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, we're not going there. It was during frosh week. So it was the perfect week to go over to university. Yeah, but so, so like you just went skated there. Try to stay in shape. Obviously you're probably having a little bit of fun too. What was the reason that you guys had the falling out?

[Mike Grinelli]

There was this one. We had a dry land and this is the only time I ever been late in my career and I was barely late. I was a half a second late roommate and my roommate at the time, Ryan Dingle, which I'm still mad about it. We went out the night before. He doesn't wake me up before he leaves. So love him. Great roommate, great guy. But I'm like God damn it, why didn't you just wake me up? So I, they rushed my gets to the dry land. I show up, I'm late. I'm still a young kid. So you know the Flyers organization, it's old school mind. Like they didn't like that and it just whatever the falling out there, Greg, Me and Greg Gilbert, the head coach really didn't get along that well. And listen, I was a punk. Like I was seeing other kids getting called up. I didn't, I didn't know like you don't learn until like you're truly get to that next level to be a veteran, how to be a pro and how to be a good teammate. And I see, I saw their side of it and then another incident with. We go up, we had, we had to do a power skating and I was like, this is like my rollerblades. Why am I coming in here at 7am like why isn't anyone else coming in? Like it was just felt like punishment a little bit and I was taking it the wrong way. It was like them trying to help me a little bit. And I still remember to this day. I mean there's more to the story, which is off topic, but there's. They. I go get called in. We. We've bus into Bridgeport and we. We get in at 4 in the morning. Me and Andres know the only two that says on the board. We go put her. You know how you bring your gear and hang it up yourself. 7am Pat Maroon and Andres Nor will come to the ring. We come in, we ride the bike and then we just go on the ice and they're just skating us laps. No pucks, no pucks. And finally I just snapped. There's. I'll just tell you a story since Bond and I shot a paw at.

[Biz Nasty]

The coach.

[Ryan Whitney]

In the vicinity.

[Mike Grinelli]

Brother, I think that was the last straw.

[Ryan Whitney]

But this was also the year after you had 75 points in the AHL, right?

[Mike Grinelli]

No. Well, after.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. Did you. Did you. Had you lit? Not. The one year you had in the AHL was insane. Was this before or after that?

[Mike Grinelli]

After that.

[Ryan Whitney]

So you're already like, why? Yeah, but I had nine goals in.

[Mike Grinelli]

Nine games that year in October. And then I get sent home, so.

[Biz Nasty]

And then you're seeing these others guys get called up and. Yeah, we've. We've all been there as like you said, these young punks and we think, you know, it's our turn. And. And maybe they didn't like the attitude at that point. So just the. The constant butting heads. And then that boiled over and then all of a sudden you're.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, and then I got. I got. We. We had practice the next morning and the video coach is like, hey, Jim's on the phone. I was like, I'm getting called up. This is great.

[Biz Nasty]

Nope.

[Paul Bissonnette]

You go to Montclair State.

[Mike Grinelli]

I'm going to.

[Ryan Whitney]

Who was the GM then?

[Mike Grinelli]

Paul. Homegrown.

[Biz Nasty]

And he just said, go home.

[Mike Grinelli]

He said, you'll never wear a Flyers uniform ever again.

[Ryan Whitney]

That's a panic, dude.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, it was a bird drop. Yeah, I was embarrassed. I was more embarrassed, man, because I was a father to Anthony. I was just embarrassing him. Everything I worked for, you know, I wanted him to have a great life. And it's just like I embarrassed my mom and dad. Like that's not how they raised me. So it was tough for me in the beginning, but it was good. John Paddock Called me because he was my coach my first year in the American. He's like, hey, man, keep your head up. We'll sort this thing out. Obviously, two months later, I get traded in December to Syracuse. But, man, it was. I wish in time now I can take back what happened because I'm embarrassed. I was, I was. That's not how I want my career to be. Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

But you know what's cool from that is, like, there's a lot of kids who don't learn from it. And you did, like, you, You. You realized I up and then look, look at what's happened since. So it's pretty sweet to see. But I guess when you got to Syracuse, did you look at it like, hey, I up. Like, I'm gonna be a different person and a different player now. Like, did you know, like, going in there, like, this is kind of the last chance?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, this was my last straw. Like, I had to go in there and it was funny. This is actually. We go in. Mark Hollock was a coach. I sent his office. I don't know what you did, but we just traded for traffic. Trevor. We just traded Trevor Smith back the other way. He was our best forward.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, no. No pressure.

[Mike Grinelli]

And that was it. Now you go, all right, thanks.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, at least you know that means I'm gonna play.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I mean, it worked out well. But like you said, like, when I got there, I was like, man, I. This is it for me. Like, because your entry level contract, they might not qualify you.

[Biz Nasty]

So, like, that's what I was worried about.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

And then. And then other teams maybe hear about the. The attitude problem or you being a punk, and they're like, well, well, we have enough draft picks and other guys. And at that point, I hadn't really accomplished anything even in the American hockey. Not even close to the mountain. You. I was basically playing in the coast.

[Ryan Whitney]

Wait, you. That year you got sent home was also your contract year.

[Biz Nasty]

End of the third year of my entry level. And I went from being sent home to all of a sudden, halfway through the year, I'm now playing forward, a completely different position I'd never played before and fighting. And they were calling me, like, Todd Richards was the head coach. They were calling me Biz Richards because all of a sudden the head coach then loved me. So it was a complete 180. And like you said, like, that something. And an experience like that will definitely, like, make you learn. I mean, you look forward here, though, Patty. I think we were just checking it out before you came in I think over 160 playoff games you had, you had 98 in a four year span when you won three Stanley Cups. So what a whirlwind from, from that moment there. Looking, looking to what you've accomplished now.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I mean it's been nuts. And like, listen, we all want to play in the NHL, we all want to and you know, but we don't realize how good it is when you're in the American League and you're still grinding it out. You're enjoying the bus rides. Because those are the dog days. Yeah, those are the days you have to sacrifice and put your head down and just work hard, be a good teammate. And I didn't. And that was the thing. I just. You get a little taste of it, you get a little taste of getting points and then all of a sudden you see other guys. We don't realize like now it's like game has changed. Like when I, when Trent, when Trent Yanni took over for me and that was a year ahead. 70, I think 79 points in the American League. He's like, hey man, like if you want to play in the NHL, you gotta start fighting.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's like, because you're not gonna be able to do this at the next level what you're doing here.

[Mike Grinelli]

And I just started fighting American League and then Bob Murray took a liking to it and called me up. So Trent Yanni has a big role into that too. Like he was just always had my back, he believed in me and like he's like, just start fighting man. Show toughness and fight and fight. So I was, I got gotten. I had 162 PIMs that year than 70 on with my points and, and.

[Biz Nasty]

Those are some hard bus rides though, like learning the hard way because there were some tough guys in the American Hockey League. And at the time in Syracuse, did they still have the Zen and Canopkas and the Derek Dorsey?

[Mike Grinelli]

No, we had Morasty.

[Biz Nasty]

Okay, so he was he helping you out, learning?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, he was.

[Biz Nasty]

And how to grapple?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. But I'm still a terrible fighter, Sam.

[Biz Nasty]

I was brutal to survive.

[Mike Grinelli]

I just eat punches. Just you know, willing to do it.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Though, which is happen the battle.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I know. I mean that's the thing. You got to take a liking to it because. And I think now we were just talking before we were on air. It's. The game has changed. Like no one wants to adapt to the new, like to the NHL anymore. Like these kids want to get up and they want to go right away and like be first Line, like, eat your eight minutes right now. It will. You'll get rewarded.

[Ryan Whitney]

Look at Maron.

[Mike Grinelli]

Like, you'll get rewarded. You'll get rewarded. And I. It just drives me nuts now that, like, no one wants to do that. And it honestly pisses me off because, like, you got. You can make such a good living. If you just eat your minutes now and sacrifice just half of it, then.

[Ryan Whitney]

The team staff loves you even more. They're like, this kid just grinded the. The management's like, this kid's a beast. Like, he's not whining, he's not complaining. It makes them want you to be even better and better. Like, they're looking for you to take a bigger step because of how you've approached being a third and fourth liner 100%.

[Mike Grinelli]

And the game's not tough anymore. So, like, just go run around and. Who cares?

[Ryan Whitney]

It is easier said than done, though.

[Mike Grinelli]

Like, it is easier said than done. I agree.

[Ryan Whitney]

Because it's so easy to sit back being retired and be like, why isn't this guy. Just go. Start running people? But I never did it, and there were plenty of coaches that told me to do it. It's just. It's a lot harder than it looks.

[Biz Nasty]

But.

[Ryan Whitney]

But going. I'm looking right now. So that year when you got to Syracuse, you lit it up. You actually played. Unbelievable. But then the next two years, it was ahl all those years, too. Like, yeah, you still probably had a little bit of, like, two years later. Like, I don't know if I'm ever gonna make it. Yeah, you were producing.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. I mean, it was tough, but, like, like you said, like I said before, and like, you guys, sometimes you just gotta. Your time will come, right. You don't know when, but I ended up playing two games, so I got a taste of it that. That one year at 79. So that was fun to get a taste of it. And like. Like, you know, and my dad always said when I left the game against Chicago, he's like, no one's ever going to take that game away from you. So he's like, just embrace that moment. He's like, you did what you had to do to get here. Look where you came from. He's like, if you don't play another game, you can say you played one game.

[Biz Nasty]

How has it been for you? Like, evolving now is basically like a mentor. Like, I know you're on the back nine, and that's not an insult. It's been a hell of a ride.

[Mike Grinelli]

No, I am on the back.

[Biz Nasty]

You might be on 17, 18 right now. You might be on 19 actually feel.

[Mike Grinelli]

Extra hole right now. Machine with a clown, you have to put it.

[Ryan Whitney]

You're back in Monclair state.

[Biz Nasty]

But I mean, hey, you're still getting. Hey, still riding on the private jet still. I need the clown to yell.

[Ryan Whitney]

You clown.

[Biz Nasty]

But I mean, you're a mentor now, so is a lot of it can communicating to these younger players and helping them evolve in their careers as well as protecting them?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, for sure. I think the biggest part for me is just showing my leadership and, you know, playing the right way and, you know, making sure like if a young guy gets called up, he's on my line. Hey, listen, this is your job. If you stay, just don't pout. And we'll get her. We'll get our minutes. If we play well, we'll get our minutes. But just do our job. Get pucks in, work hard winter puck battles. Don't get scored on little things that like, like, you know, on the fourth line, if you get scored on your.

[Ryan Whitney]

That's it.

[Mike Grinelli]

You're painted. Yeah. And I just. We. I just gotta, you know, try to resonate with them because I know they want to go out there and produce and do all those things. But I say if you play the right way and work hard, we'll produce. But you just. It's. You gotta have patience. I think that's the biggest thing. You gotta have patience in this game and especially for young kids. Like right now, I have this Lucas Reichel. He's going to be a student. He's been on my line all year and. And he's been adapting so well. That's been fun to see because his attitude's good. His attitude's great. He loves.

[Biz Nasty]

That's why you invited him over for Christmas.

[Mike Grinelli]

I did invite him over. You know, he's a good kid. You know, he's German. He's. He was on Christmas by himself. So I just said, hey, why don't you just come to Christmas with me and, you know, enjoy it and you know, get away from Chicago, get away from the game. Because listen, these. Like I said, like, like he wants to play, he wants to be on the top line. But he's been playing so good right now for us and he's been good at. In his role. Now he's getting PK time, now he's getting power play time. So now he's. Things are starting to roll for him. So he's still on the fourth line, but still he's getting more touches and more looks and he's. His game is just involved over the, you know, over the course of 35 games. So it's been fun to watch, and I. I really enjoyed it. And I really enjoy, you know, if a kid gets called up for my line, he's doing something well, and it makes you feel happy because, like, you want to see them, you know, succeed. So I. I just enjoy doing it now. And, you know, my role has taken a dramatic turn. But, you know, you got to stay in the game somehow, and I think got to evolve. Yeah, you got to be leadership and, you know, be present in some way and help these guys.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Who were the guys for you that. Because I feel like if you're a guy doing that for the young guys, somebody did it for you, because it's usually the guys who get treated like that treat the younger guys like. So I would imagine that there's someone who helped you out.

[Mike Grinelli]

Well, yeah, I mean. I mean, Gutsy and Perry have. Were awesome for me, and I was. Saku Timu was great. Saki was great. Cogs was awesome for me. Even Sheldon Surrey was awesome. Like, an opportunity to play with those guys. But even in Anaheim, like, when I first got called up, I was playing up and down. I was on fourth line, first line. And those guys just helped me so much. And like. Like, just to be. Just to put your head down and just work, like. And I just always learned from those guys. And like, Teemu being so nice to me. Like, I was driving a Kia and he comes in with a Dodge Ram. Brand new, fast Dodge Ram, I think. Was it SVT or something?

[Ryan Whitney]

One of those fast ones, 20 cars.

[Mike Grinelli]

And he just brought it in. He's like. I didn't even tell me he was doing. He's like, hey, here's the keys. Take. Get rid of that Kia. And, you know, stuff like that that just, you know, people that go out of their way to help you and Timu all the time would invite me out to dinner on the road. And, you know, you just learn. You just learn stuff from guys like that, that appreciate. Appreciate the young guys. And I think that's the biggest thing. You want to make the young guys feel comfortable and make sure they can come in and say good morning to you. You know, like you said, there's dicks out there that don't even say hi to you in the morning. These young guys are just, like, petrified. So I just think, you know, learning from those guys have. Have made me eval. Evaluate myself in a way where I need to do that myself. So it's, you know, and it's been fun for me to do it because you. I enjoy and I embrace it a lot.

[Ryan Whitney]

And it's cool to see, like, how much it means to the guys. Like, it's. It's like nothing for you. But then you see, like, it makes a guy feel that much better who might be a little uncomfortable or young and not confident. It's like, oh, I can make a difference in this kid's life the way Teemu did to me.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

100. I think swagger, too. You come into the rink, you feel a little more confident as a younger guy. And I think if you have swagger in the room, you're gonna have swagger on the ice. I think if young guys have swagger in the room and have confidence and, like, have that mentality, like, all right, like, I, you know, and I make them feel comfortable and confident. I think that translates on the ice, and I think that's a huge thing.

[Biz Nasty]

This is your eighth team. That's not a chirp either.

[Mike Grinelli]

Nice.

[Biz Nasty]

Ninth. Oh, nine. I'm sorry. Well, if you. If I met. NHL. Oh, yeah, yeah. Sorry. Is this your first experience with a first overall pick and a phenom like Bedard or David McDavid? Oh, that's right. Okay. You went through it before.

[Mike Grinelli]

27.

[Biz Nasty]

Not a big deal.

[Ryan Whitney]

27 backdoor tapings.

[Biz Nasty]

How's it going?

[Mike Grinelli]

It's been good. Listen, I mean, it's hard for these young guys. I mean, and it's hard for these young guys to come in, but it's been fun to watch Connor and, you know, play his game and his skill and his vision, his work ethic and everything he has that comes with him. I mean, everything you see is pretty advertised on him. So it's been fun. Obviously, he's been teeter totten a little bit this year, but I think, you know, he'll find his way. You know, this league's hard, and I think he's got to realize that this is a hard league and he matches up against every top line and every top deep parent. So it just gets harder and harder for these guys. So. But he's going to be a hell of a player in this league, and I can't wait. And these are the. These are the times where you see, like, these players that, you know, hit it into how they come out of it. Right? And he's been doing a good job of handling, handling himself this year because, listen, I'm sure he wants to be scoring at will right now, but. But, you know, Like I said, he's still 19 years old.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, you go from like every shift in junior to just like dominating pucks on your stick, and then all of a sudden, like you said, you're just going against these guys night in, night out. There's no escaping it. No, like, no, no, like, no insult to the Chicago Blackhawks, but you guys don't necessarily have the depth where he can escape it. Right. So he has to be taking those reps. And I mean, it's hard, man. These guys are heavy, especially in the Western Conference.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. So. But, man, he's going to be a hell of a player. I mean, listen, like, obviously our year has been our year right now, but, you know, it's hard. I mean, you know, losing hockey sucks. Right. And it can probably weigh on some players and can probably weigh on him too. Like, you know, he's competitor just like all of us, and he wants to win hockey games. He wants to be the guy that, you know, wins it in overtime or wins that next player, you know, steals a hockey game for us. Right? So, you know, he's. He's just getting better and better, but he's handled it so well this year and he's going to be a hell of a player, man. I just, I can't wait to see him evolve, you know, as a player.

[R.A.]

You.

[Ryan Whitney]

You brought up that year with Edmonton, 27 goals. You brought, you brought it up. That's how good McDavid is. Was there ever a chance that you.

[Biz Nasty]

Playing with an anchor, like, were you.

[Ryan Whitney]

Ever offered a contract with them? Like, how, how did you end up being traded to Jersey, I believe from Edmonton?

[Mike Grinelli]

I did.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. So you, you were offered a contract? Turned it down?

[Mike Grinelli]

No, I wouldn't say I turn it down, but me and my agent had talks and he's like, you know, keep playing, keep finishing out the year. It was the year after the 27, so my last year of my deal, so he's like, just finish it out. And I listen, I knew where I was at, like with Connor and Leon and playing with those guys, like, listen, like, it's obviously fun. They can turn into something. Right? So. And you know, I, I wanted to stay. I did. And it just didn't work out.

[Biz Nasty]

Was there a number that was offered to you?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. 3.

[R.A.]

5.

[Biz Nasty]

3.5. For how many years?

[Mike Grinelli]

Three years?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Just over 10.

[Mike Grinelli]

That'd be richer.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Okay. Maybe not the cups.

[Mike Grinelli]

No. But listen, I. Me and my agent talked about it. I love Al. He's the best. Just obviously I'm not with him. Anymore, but I knew where my number was at and he thought my number was higher. And maybe we didn't agree on it, we disagreed and I disagreed with him on certain things and. But you know, just didn't end working out. And I ended up firing them during free agency because, you know, I hired mine. Well, I hired my new agent. I guess they were asking for a high number and I knew where I was at. Like, I knew I was like a 2 to 2, 5 to maybe a $3 million player at that time. But I also have to consider it where I was, who and who I was playing with.

[Ryan Whitney]

Right.

[Mike Grinelli]

So you can't really justify of like, maybe if I was playing with someone different, I wouldn't have those numbers. Right. So I think I was in the back of my mind, like, I don't want to get overpaid and then go somewhere and then get on. Right. So yeah, I wanted to be in the low, low, high twos, low threes maybe. But listen, it didn't work out.

[Biz Nasty]

At the end of the day, I just gotta ask. So like then you go into that free agency and then like the number that was originally offered doesn't come up. Like from a personal standpoint, like did that affect you? Like was there any like depression that came with that?

[Mike Grinelli]

I thought I was over because I.

[Ryan Whitney]

Was getting nothing into August.

[Mike Grinelli]

No, I was late. I was like eight days after free agency. I didn't have nothing. I ended up firing my agent and then he started working the phones and then we got to a number and then we started getting offers like New Jersey, 3 million, Arizona 2 years times 278. And then St. Louis is 175. And then I think Philly came in a one year deal, but I didn't really have a long term deal, it was just more like. And I thought I was going to az, to be honest with you, I thought that was a spot lot, But I honestly. St. Louis, my son lives there. I'm from there. I haven't been with my son for a full year and I don't even know how long. So at that time, so.

[Biz Nasty]

So you signed that deal like right away. Can you change the mindset or is it maybe something that lingered with you like into that season? Or were you just happy to be home, happy to be playing on a winning team and then obviously what happened, happened were you go on to win three Stanley Cups and you know, you say that, you know, it was your fate, but like how, how long did it take you to finally just like let it go and get over it.

[Mike Grinelli]

Well, my mentality was going to St. Louis and because I had a meeting army, we. He had all the lines out for me and like where he had me, you know, pegged in. And my. That year was supposed to be, okay, let's have another good year and then get your big deal. That was supposed to be like my mentality. And then our team sucked and I sucked and everything kind of fell because I didn't have a goal until January.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh my God, dude, you're like, I'm really done.

[Mike Grinelli]

I'm really.

[Ryan Whitney]

We're in last place and I stink. Dude, that, like, we talked about the fight and we've had you on and chatted about this. It's been so long. But Sanford and who was Bertuzzo and that the, the way that, that all switched around that quick and Barubi comes in like, like, did you guys. You knew you weren't a last place team, but did you know, like it would happen that fast, that quick and get rolling the way it did once you started winning a couple? Like, what was the locker room like at the beginning? And then towards.

[Mike Grinelli]

Well, we knew what Chief was like. We knew what Otter was like. Like those guys would come in the sauna with us and Chief would be riding the bike. Talk. Yeah. Full of talk. Yeah. What you just say talk. Well, you didn't say it like that.

[Biz Nasty]

That. No talk. Yeah, I said.

[Mike Grinelli]

You mumbled it.

[Biz Nasty]

Well, I kind of try to say it under my breath like nobody would hear it, but I'm speaking right into it. I would imagine Chief's got an absolute weapon on him too.

[Mike Grinelli]

But like he came in, ripped the standings off the boards and he's like, listen, if you don't work hard for me, you're. You're sitting. And that was a mentality. He's like, we're going to play the right way and this is how we're going to play. And if you don't play like that, I don't give a. Like you're out of the lineup up. And he had that mentality. He wanted edge. He wanted edge to our game. He wanted toughness, he wanted sandpaper hockey grind teams down low, play heavy down low. And it was just like, go, go, go. Right? And people taking a liking to that. And when I love Zach, I love boards. But that was awesome. Like we needed that little shake up, little fight. And like they were friends right after that. But I think Zach had a of conky after that. I want to say they let into the.

[Biz Nasty]

To the parade the back seat of.

[Mike Grinelli]

The car of the driver.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah, he was so. Oh, yeah, you got beat. The sun beating down on him.

[Mike Grinelli]

You know, those are the stories you talk about because, you know, Zach went through a tough time. You know, he lost his dad and, you know, he's. He scores the Stanley Cup. He scores a goal in the Stanley cup finals in game seven in his hometown. Like, all that stuff leading up to it gives me chills because, like, you know, obviously that fight, you can say it was a turning point, but, like, all that stuff leading up to it and then seeing that, like, Otter was crying on the bench, dude, like, it hit. Like, that's real stuff. Like that's. That's emotion. Like, that's like what you think about as a kid. And, you know, to not have his father there to witness it and to him do that and host the Stanley cup in his hometown, in his home, a team that's probably. He grew up watching. Like, you can't make that shit up. Like, that's like the stuff you dream of. That's. For me, it's just like that turning point. And then him doing that was just like, fucking awesome.

[Ryan Whitney]

And you can't make up that, like, hometown kid from St. Louis playing for the Blues, that double overtime game winner in the second round of game seven, I think. Right. Oh, my God. Like, thinking back to that game, did they have any, like, great chances that. That Bennington made a save?

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

Had Jamie. Ben had a wraparound.

[Biz Nasty]

God, yeah. It was crazy.

[Mike Grinelli]

I couldn't believe it just stayed underneath his toe. It almost creeped in.

[Biz Nasty]

It's crazy. I couldn't believe it.

[Ryan Whitney]

But after that game.

[Mike Grinelli]

What about Cogs? Cogs had a two on one, if one. Honest, on edge. He missed the net completely.

[Ryan Whitney]

The net was wide open in the first overtime.

[Mike Grinelli]

In the first overtime.

[Ryan Whitney]

Holy.

[Biz Nasty]

And then you guys score right off the face off. Wasn't an offensive zone.

[Mike Grinelli]

Face off play. Off the. Yeah, off the face off.

[Ryan Whitney]

Who was your line for that run?

[Mike Grinelli]

Thomas and Bozak.

[Ryan Whitney]

Thomas was what, a rookie?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, he was good.

[Ryan Whitney]

He was good right away.

[Mike Grinelli]

He was good.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's a sick player.

[Mike Grinelli]

Bozak's great. Just a savvy vet.

[Ryan Whitney]

Last year, Kevin Hayes was like, Robert Thomas is so nasty. I don't know if you watch us play that much. This guy's insane.

[Mike Grinelli]

He's so good.

[Biz Nasty]

He's a bit of a throwback, too. He's got the big sausage fingers, too. Huge paws on old school.

[Mike Grinelli]

Loves his beers.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah. Throws both ways. I saw him at the Calgary Stampede. He was with Chucky and just like, you just tell. He's like, as young as he is. He seemed like a wily veteran. I mean, we've already, like, touched on your time in, in Tampa. But just getting to play with a guy like Kucherov and the fact that he's doing it year in, year out, too, like, what a sick puppy that guy is. He's an Assassin.

[Mike Grinelli]

I mean, he only takes two weeks off after the season. He gets right back on the ice.

[Ryan Whitney]

Really?

[Mike Grinelli]

My skate with him in the summer. I mean, I'm there. It's just only me, him and Calorn. And dude, he.

[Biz Nasty]

That's quite the group.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

Were you passing pucks?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, no, that's what we do.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's telling you what to do, where to stand.

[Mike Grinelli]

No, I, I call him, like, he's like my, a coach. Like, I've learned so much from him over the past, like, few years, man. He, he's the best player I've ever seen pick up a puck on the wall.

[Biz Nasty]

It's insane.

[Mike Grinelli]

I've never.

[Ryan Whitney]

On his backhand, too.

[Mike Grinelli]

So he does a drill. You rim it around a hundred times, picks it up, sauce passover. It could be a net or it could be anything. It's like in his power play spot. He'll rim it around, pick it up, turn around, make a pass. Like, everything's a rim. And the way he picks it up in his edge work and everything he does, it's just like, it's crazy to me, like, how he sees the game and like how he visualizes everything. Detail. The detail breaks down every game, every position he's going to be in. That's what he does. That's how he works on his craft. And it's like, for me, it's, it's fun to watch because I get to bring Anthony out there. And yeah, he, he pulls Anthony aside and like, teaches him. So it's really cool for me to have that experience for him to see, you know, how he sees the game. And man, it's, it's impressive, man. Like, I've never seen anyone like that before.

[Biz Nasty]

Just like the work ethic and the time he's putting in. Is it off ice too, as far as, like, in the gym as well?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I think I, I, I mean, I, I think he does.

[Biz Nasty]

I mean, but more solely the on ice stuff, where it's more.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, so he'll go from like 10 to 12, two hours a day. On the ice.

[Ryan Whitney]

On the ice.

[Paul Bissonnette]

And he'll skate by himself, too.

[Mike Grinelli]

He'll skate by himself, too.

[Ryan Whitney]

So he Loves the game.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. We'll have like the trainer come out and pass pucks to him. And that's where he puts his nets out and that's. He. He visualizes everything and he passes pucks to the net. Like, he goes to every spot where he's going to, like where he's going to be. And like. But the rims, the way he picks up, the way he turns on pox, the way he sees it.

[Ryan Whitney]

His edges are insane.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

There's no wasted motions.

[Mike Grinelli]

No.

[Ryan Whitney]

So on the walls, is it just how he angles his stick so when it hits the toe of the stick, it's gonna bounce a certain way.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. So there's. There's a lot of spit on the puck. He was saying. So every time he picks it up, it's a stick handle and then a pass. So it's.

[Ryan Whitney]

Settle it down.

[Mike Grinelli]

So he, when he picks it up, he turns. He makes the puck turn to where he's going.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

You're like, I'm just trying to make my body turn into which way I want to go.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. So he like picks it up on his. If it's his toe, he'll scoop it and it'll angle it to where his feet, his position of his body, where it's going to go.

[Biz Nasty]

It's kind of like when a soccer player kicks it cross field and the way they're able to like hit it with their foot and then it just like dies there.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

Unbelievable.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. That's. Oh, yeah. When they're accepting. Okay.

[Paul Bissonnette]

He knows the. Where the spin's going, where he knows.

[Mike Grinelli]

Where everything things going.

[Biz Nasty]

Since you're, you're getting into the media side, what did you make of the whole Stamcoast thing? And you know, do you think that they maybe should have brought them back? Do you think they lowballed them? Like a little bit of disrespect shown in the way they handle the situation? Like, how do you view all that?

[Mike Grinelli]

I mean, I think you. You have to bring a franchise player back. I. You have to make it work. I don't know. Obviously have a good relationship with coup and, you know, Julian. But I, to me, at the end of the day, a player like that, a captain, a guy that's been there 1, 2 Stanley cuts for you, has every record in the organization, like, you have to bring a guy like that back. I just didn't see why it didn't happen. It's unfortunate because, like you to me, I think a lot of those guys in that locker room wanted him back. And it Seemed like they wanted to go a different route, which to me, I didn't like that. But. But, you know, just being there in Tampa, you can see, you know, guys got really pissed off about it. So it's unfortunate because obviously I. It's so weird seeing Stammer Nashville.

[Biz Nasty]

It just like feels like it's. It's not right. I almost want to see him go back.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, me too.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, they realized quick they needed McDonough back. Yeah, it's wild.

[Paul Bissonnette]

It's like. It's like Shane Doane when he was getting around in Arizona. I remember, like there's certain. Certain guys in the league that have done so much for organizations. Like if he wanted to go play goalie for a year, they should have let him. You know what I mean?

[Ryan Whitney]

Like, they screwed around with him there, buddy.

[Biz Nasty]

They had John Chaika meet him at the like 38 degrees or whatever the breakfast place is there. Great spot to basically. Unreal. At least they got him a nice breakfast on the way out.

[Ryan Whitney]

Fresh.

[Biz Nasty]

No, he OJ they basically were like, yeah, we're good. Thank you for everything you've done for the. Imagine having a new GM. Like I think he was like 30. 30 years old.

[R.A.]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

And they were like, we're done.

[Biz Nasty]

And then it's. That was it. That was how his career with the Coyotes ended. Unbelievable. I couldn't believe it.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I forgot that it was disgusting.

[Biz Nasty]

Disgusting.

[Ryan Whitney]

At a breakfast joint.

[Biz Nasty]

At a breakfast joint.

[Mike Grinelli]

After everything.

[Ryan Whitney]

It's like Jerry Maguire when he brings him to a populated restaurant. So you can't flip out when Bob Sugar gases him.

[Biz Nasty]

That's probably what he was thinking because I would. I could only imagine the restraint on daughter and having put that much time and effort, but also taking team friendly deals like they didn't have a lot of money there. Like the league owned the team. I think at that point it had been bought. But just. Yeah, just. It just like didn't sit right. Right. With a lot of people, as you mentioned in the locker room.

[Mike Grinelli]

It's just. It didn't at all. And the city.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. One of your. One of your 15 stops was Minnesota. Your suitcase. But you got to see Capri soft.

[Ryan Whitney]

Another Halsey was just talking about him.

[Biz Nasty]

He says he's just a machine. And you talk about the details to Kucharov, his game. The same thing with Caprisov.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I would say it's the same. They're different styles of players. I feel like I would. I don't know if they're like the same style, but Caprioff is the way he 10 and twos it and the way he gets around the pock and skates, the motion he gets in the offensive zone. But he sees the game so well, man. Like he like does that one touch pass off the rush. Like it's the little things that he does. I mean he's fun to watch. I mean it's different though because I feel like Cooch is more of a glider, like smooth, you know, season effortless.

[Biz Nasty]

More of a bull bull.

[Mike Grinelli]

Like he engages and finds places. But he, when he gets zipping around that ozone dude, it's sickening.

[Biz Nasty]

The tornado, the Tasmanian devil and you.

[Mike Grinelli]

Got Zuccarello just sitting in the corner.

[Ryan Whitney]

Zip to the cross five feet and.

[Mike Grinelli]

Then zuk, zip, zips it right back. I mean but his 10 and 2 and the way he can get around guys and the way he can create offense for himself, like it's impressive. Like the one on ones, like he goes one on one, there's no doubt he's either getting a shot or he's scoring. So I think the way he does that stuff is pretty unique.

[Ryan Whitney]

Faber had a legendary rookie year. Like just for you. Like wow. Like I can't believe how good this kid is this early, this young.

[Mike Grinelli]

He's a student.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

The way he can skate, so that's.

[Ryan Whitney]

What everyone mentions when they talk about him is his skating where he's got the big legs and it's just like, you hear it like cutting into the ice.

[Mike Grinelli]

A machine. Dude, I don't even think he gets tired.

[Ryan Whitney]

Really.

[Mike Grinelli]

He's a machine. I mean his goal last night was nasty. Yeah, but I, I, he's just the way he defends, the way he, he plays hard.

[Ryan Whitney]

Not that big either.

[Mike Grinelli]

Not that big. But the way he defends like, like one on one. He's always in your face like you can never get through him. He breaks up plays all the time like, and he can just jump up in the play. It's like so effortless for him, you know that for that four man rush, I mean he's up there non stop and they just create so much offense like that. But I mean he wasn't even on the power play for us last year until the end of the year.

[Ryan Whitney]

I know. And he's playing 26 minutes.

[Mike Grinelli]

He's playing 26 minutes.

[Biz Nasty]

Did, did Flower ever prank you?

[Mike Grinelli]

Someone was pranked of me last year. I just didn't for sure never found.

[Ryan Whitney]

Out what were they doing.

[Mike Grinelli]

Dude, they take my laces out of.

[Ryan Whitney]

My shoes every day as a three time cup champ. That's when you start overreacting.

[Biz Nasty]

You're like, boys, no respect.

[Mike Grinelli]

And then they would wear Velcro shoes and then they would relay some and put the upside down, upside down on the bottom.

[Biz Nasty]

Kind of cool.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

Pisses me off.

[Paul Bissonnette]

It could be Zuk. He's. How funny is Zuk when he imitates people? Like, he doesn't get talked about as a funny guy.

[Ryan Whitney]

He imitates guys that's like.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Like skating around their voices, their mannerisms. He's so funny, man.

[Ryan Whitney]

The best.

[Mike Grinelli]

It could have been him too. I didn't know who it was, to be honest with you.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Zook would be a guy that would do it and not tell anyone. And just everyone's like, who the is doing this?

[Mike Grinelli]

And he's just like, honestly, I didn't have patience. I can't. I have a bad back. So I was like, it. I'll just slip my shoes on.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

I'll just buy new ones.

[Mike Grinelli]

But the problem is I'd bring a new pair of shoes home and they'd do the same fucking thing off.

[Ryan Whitney]

You're too old, dude. Getting pranked like that. Yeah, but you got moved over to Boston, got to experience a Maple Leafs Bruins first round.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh God.

[Ryan Whitney]

I mean, that had to be great. It was a panic for a little bit there, but what you think of that series and. And how intense that was.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, it was great, dude. Just playing for Boston's. Unbelievable.

[Ryan Whitney]

You loved it?

[Mike Grinelli]

Oh, I loved it. The. Just the fans. The city's great, actually. People are actually friendly in Boston. I was kind of shocked. But you know, the organization as a whole is great. The players, you can see why they're where they're at. You know, all those Stanley couple of parents, their veteran leadership and how they handle themselves. But to witness, you know, it's funny because like all those guys are like, oh, we went Toronto. They never beat us and they own Toronto. Yeah. And like, like everyone was so confident in that room. Like, we're not losing this game. Like game seven. There's no way we're losing. Everyone's just like, we're not losing. You fail biz. Like, I just think like, like Jake DeBrus, Jake DeBruck was. He was like, I own Toronto.

[Ryan Whitney]

That's so great.

[Mike Grinelli]

I own Toronto. And he was out of the gates. He came out hot too. He was scoring. I was like, this is great. Like these.

[Ryan Whitney]

He knows, he does like.

[Mike Grinelli]

But obviously it was a panic. When we're down 3:1, they kind of played really good without Matthews for there for a second. You Know, they got to their structure, they got to their game. But Suma was nasty for us. He. You know, he stole some games for us. But, you know, that Game seven was epic. Like.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, and it was after Pasta been called out by Monty, too.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

And, like, I don't know if the team ever talked about that or Pasta said anything, but he, of course, buries that winner.

[Mike Grinelli]

He. He was just. He doesn't really. That stuff doesn't bother him. He's like, I gotta be better. I gotta be better.

[Ryan Whitney]

Who. Who made that pass? Was it Lindholm?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

That was sick.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, that one goal. You want back, though? Busy. The first goal.

[Biz Nasty]

Which one?

[Mike Grinelli]

Lindholm.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah. When he walked over the blue. That was a squeaker, right?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, the short side. Muffin.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, it was a muffin. I think he just walked inside the blue line. He was like, yeah, it was such a far distant shot, but, yeah, that one sucked. That one was tough. I thought that was their year, but this year's our year, so it doesn't matter.

[Mike Grinelli]

Jesus.

[Ryan Whitney]

Did they go up one Nothing in game seven?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, yeah. And then they. And then they responded within.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

And they responded quick.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, they did.

[Biz Nasty]

Like, it was within, like, a couple minutes. Right? You guys got it right back.

[Mike Grinelli]

And then it was a muffin.

[Biz Nasty]

What was said. What was said in. In between, in periods, like, just, like, same thing. Cockiness. Like, we got these guys right where we want them.

[Mike Grinelli]

No, I. Yeah, I mean, I. You know, I've never been in a Boston Toronto series, so, like, to have that much confidence, like, going into the series is awesome. Obviously, we were up 3:1, and we kind of blew it, you know, the last two games here. But I think going into game seven, everyone had this mentality, like.

[Biz Nasty]

Well, I meant more so, like, before the overtime.

[Mike Grinelli]

Oh, yeah. We. We knew. Like, we were like, all right, boys, who wants it? Who's scoring this game?

[Biz Nasty]

Were you like, yeah, I want it?

[Mike Grinelli]

No, I was gonna get a shift.

[Biz Nasty]

I like your honesty. I like your honesty.

[Mike Grinelli]

I did get a shift, though.

[Biz Nasty]

You did?

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I got one.

[Biz Nasty]

How tight was your.

[Mike Grinelli]

It wasn't. I almost talked.

[Biz Nasty]

You almost did.

[Mike Grinelli]

I was scored. Yeah, it was me and pasta. Dude, he put me on pasta. I was almost tucked.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, he's thinking back to the blues one. He's like, maroon will bury one.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

Florida was just. You probably were like, they're winning it all after that series.

[Mike Grinelli]

Dude, we played actually really good Game one.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh, you owned them.

[Biz Nasty]

You guys beat.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, you guys, we great Game five, too.

[Biz Nasty]

Great.

[Mike Grinelli]

Game five. But if you look back on it, we were up every game until third period.

[Ryan Whitney]

Really?

[Mike Grinelli]

We blew it. Game six and game five.

[Ryan Whitney]

Game six. I remember you blowing it. Game five. You won.

[Mike Grinelli]

No, sorry. Game four. What is the game four at home?

[Ryan Whitney]

Yes. Yes. They went up three.

[Mike Grinelli]

One, and they wanted three.

[Biz Nasty]

One.

[Mike Grinelli]

But we. We. We knew. I mean, listen, they're good. They're. They all play hard. They run around, they're in their face, like, they have that mentality. They play the same way. No one changes. They don't change their system. They know they're coming in waves. Like, they'll dump it in hard, rim, boom, get it back up to the point. They just play solid hockey. Like, there's no. There's no holes in their game ever. And it's Honestly remind me of Tampa when we were going on those runs. Like, there was no holes in our game. Like, the first line obviously did their thing, and then third, second, third, fourth line, just dump it in, go to work. Dump it in, go to work, and just fucking. Our offense will take over. And they just stuck with that. I mean, they're hard. They come in waves, and they hit like trucks. They defend good.

[Ryan Whitney]

Every line's good.

[Mike Grinelli]

Every line's good. And they, you know, they had that swagger to them. Them, you know, just remind me, like, I said, Tampa, they had swagger to them. Like, they had piss and vinegar. Dude, they were coming and, like, just never stopped. And, like, obviously, the. The Marshy hit, obviously, that kind of. Everyone up a little.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. What were you guys saying about that? Because, like, I think army was the one who picked it up, where people.

[Ryan Whitney]

Just thought it was like, that.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, it was accidental contact. Army's like, no, no, I've seen that. I've actually done that before for. And then when you guys see that sucker punch, like, were you hoping for league discipline? Like, are you guys out for vengeance? Like, what was.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, I mean, I didn't see it. I was on the bench, and then Kels was like, hey, you know how there's TVs in the. On the bench? So they're like, rewind it. Rewind it. Because they wanted to see it. And then Marshy went out there. He came back. He's like, I don't feel right. Like, this sucks. Sucks.

[Ryan Whitney]

Like I'm conquered.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah. And like. And then we watched, and we're like, what the, dude? Like, and it was tough because we were in the lead at that time, so I didn't want to go out there and do something stupid. And then they Go on the power plane. I'm toast.

[Biz Nasty]

Right?

[Mike Grinelli]

And I knew everyone wanted me to do it.

[Biz Nasty]

It's a no win situation for a guy.

[Ryan Whitney]

You were the guy too, that everyone's like, maroon's gotta do something.

[Mike Grinelli]

The whole building wanted me to do something. Even after the game, I. Everyone was blowing me up. Like, why didn't you do anything? I'm like, listen, we. We had the lead at that time and I probably wasn't gonna get another shift in the third period against him anyway. So, like there's. We wanted to win the hockey game, we didn't want to lose, so I didn't want to put them, you know. And I talked to Monty after. He's like, dude, it's fine. Like, don't worry about it. Like, we'll sort this thing out. And then Monty did end up putting me out there against him in game, I don't know, game six. I don't even know when that happened. Or game four. But, you know, I tried, but like, again, like, I. I didn't want to hurt the team. I didn't want to put the team in jeopardy.

[Biz Nasty]

There's no more like vulnerable spot there is to be in that one where you can't it up and take a penalty and you can't get your vengeance back.

[Mike Grinelli]

Trust me. I felt bad. I texted Marcy. I talked to Marshy on the side. Like, I wanted to help, but he's like, dude, don't worry about it. And it's tough for me because that's. Obviously it's my job, but it's my job to do it the right way and not up the team. Right?

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Paul Bissonnette]

If it's game 48, you can take a five minute install, but if it's playoffs, it's a series baseball swing.

[Biz Nasty]

I'm like, Squanto wits kid. Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

You know, you just drop your gloves at that point, chase around the ring. Right. So I think you take a four game suspension. Right. I know Frederick tried to go after him this year a little bit, and then him and Kachuk got in the middle of it. But.

[Ryan Whitney]

But still an all time video when Biz is interviewing him or the TNT was interviewing him.

[Mike Grinelli]

No. That's hilarious.

[Ryan Whitney]

I didn't, I didn't mean to do that.

[Biz Nasty]

I was like, you should be a.

[Ryan Whitney]

Lawyer if you watch it and you don't laugh. He's like, no, I just. It was totally la. He's like, I think he believes himself.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Full fledged psychopath right there.

[Mike Grinelli]

Full fledged.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Mike Grinelli]

He meant to do that.

[Biz Nasty]

Bennett, the Menace. That's why they call him.

[Ryan Whitney]

He was the most perfect, like, little sucker punch of all time. He's like Bink.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

At the perfect time.

[Mike Grinelli]

And his hand was broke, so he prayed. Little cast on his hand.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah. Metal. Metal pegs on fingers.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Brass knuckles.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Whoopsie.

[Ryan Whitney]

Ben the Menace.

[Paul Bissonnette]

I. I just wanted to ask you just about the St. Louis thing. Like, you're kind of a. We're from Boston, where it's, you know, Ben, hockey guys been drafted, you know, forever. But like, you see the growth of St. Louis, what it's become since you've started, like, you must take some pride in that.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, for sure. And I think obviously Cam kind of started that. Mike McKenna, Paul Stasney, Chris Butler. I mean, you can. There's a list of guys that kind of like, paved the way for us to like, you know, St. Louis was kind of on the map. And then I think the. The Brady Kachuk draft of like, Luke Kunin. Brady Kachuk, Logan Brown, Kells. Clayton Keller. I'm missing one more. Trent Frederick was the 30th pick for Boston.

[Ryan Whitney]

Five first rounders.

[Mike Grinelli]

Five first rounders out of St. Louis. And then Joseph Wall was second or third rounder to Toronto. So we had this like a pavement of kids that just came out of nowhere. And I think it's because all the alumni stay. They all stay in St. Louis. They love St. Louis and they help with minor hockey, they coach minor hockey, and they help these kids get to the next level. So, I mean, it's been fun to watch, man. Like, like all these kids. I feel like I play a new team. There's a St. Louis kid on there now, so that kind of helped pay. I mean, those guys are now paving the way. Like the Kellers of the world. The Fredericks of the world, Luke Kunin. Like, those guys are paving the way. They're doing a great job. Like, Kels is a stud, man. I don't think he gets enough recognition.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, he's. He's really dug in, like, every facet. Like all the stuff he does off the ice, from like, mental coach to. To training to. To diet. It's just like he's all in.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah, no, he's. I love watching.

[Biz Nasty]

And I would imagine it's. He's probably got a pretty big chip on his shoulder after not being named to the Four Nations.

[Mike Grinelli]

Oh, yeah. I think he should have been named.

[Biz Nasty]

I just think that, like, I think that he cares a lot.

[Mike Grinelli]

I think USA is kind of iffy.

[Biz Nasty]

I think that it's Going to light an even bigger fire underneath his ass to. To make that Olympic team next year, so.

[Ryan Whitney]

Well, Matthews was also talking about, hopefully him being on the team, I think with an interview with army before the season on the couch.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

So obviously, you know, if he's saying that, I think they're best friends, right?

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

They're very close, so he knows how much he wanted. What do you mean? They're iffy.

[Mike Grinelli]

I like Canada. They're more sandpaper. Really? Really. Even with the goaltending and the goaltending's iffy, but USA's got the best goalies. Yeah.

[R.A.]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

The Kachuks will add enough sandpaper.

[Mike Grinelli]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

They got Bennett the Menace.

[Mike Grinelli]

They got Bennett the Menace in the Kentucky.

[Biz Nasty]

The neutralizer her.

[Mike Grinelli]

But is Matthews gonna play?

[Ryan Whitney]

That's a biz biz hopes not.

[Biz Nasty]

I said set out. Save yourself the embarrassment.

[Mike Grinelli]

Did you text?

[Biz Nasty]

No, I don't.

[Ryan Whitney]

That might make.

[Biz Nasty]

I think he's got my number not to play.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's like, I'm in.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. I'm too big of a leaf stock sniffer. I think he's got me on the no fly list.

[Paul Bissonnette]

You got the blue jacket, though.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, yeah, Actually, I got the ambassador jacket. Well, Patty, we can't thank you enough for. For coming in and chatting with us, buddy. Like, congrats on. Obviously, Hell of a career, and hopefully it can keep going. I don't know how many more deals you can keep getting. Oh, your. Your new agent's doing a hell of a job. Holy. Hell of a job.

[Ryan Whitney]

Some contenders bringing you over this.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Oh, yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh, yeah. You think? Yeah. Maybe something 100%.

[Mike Grinelli]

I have no idea.

[Ryan Whitney]

100.

[Mike Grinelli]

I'm just happy to still be playing biz.

[Biz Nasty]

I know. I can't believe it.

[Mike Grinelli]

You can't?

[Biz Nasty]

Well, I'm saying is I was 32. I couldn't even move out there. Like, I don't know how you. I don't know how you do it.

[Ryan Whitney]

He doesn't move. How old are you now?

[Mike Grinelli]

You don't need to move with hockey sense, dude.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah, I didn't have. I didn't have that. I didn't have that at all.

[Ryan Whitney]

Cooch taught him when he was ultimate pass.

[Paul Bissonnette]

That's why he's so good at rimming. It just rimmed it. To Cooch.

[Ryan Whitney]

Patty Maroon. Thank you so much.

[Biz Nasty]

Thank you.

[Ryan Whitney]

Guys. This show is brought to you by Body Armor Sports drink. Real hydration, real ingredients packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and nothing artificial. Right here is the fruit punch. My favorite flavor is strawberry banana, but right after that, it's the fruit punch. I feel great. I feel energized, and I feel like I can crush the day because of body armor. Body armor sports drink has great tasting flavors. Like I mentioned, strawberry, banana and fruit punch are my two favorites, but also orange mango. Orange mango is sneaky, sneaky, delicious. Give it a try. And body armor just keeps you hydrated.

[Biz Nasty]

You.

[Ryan Whitney]

You have a big night out. Boom. You wake up, you crush a body armor. They got the regular water, they got the sports. The sports super drink. Get yours at a Walmart or local. Local grocery store near you. Body armor is where it's at. We're so lucky that they sponsor our podcast. We're always fueling up with body armor. Go right now to Walmart or a local grocery store near you to grab some of your own body armor. Thank you so much to Pat Maroon. Pretty crazy story. I mean, he. He, for a minute there, thought he was done as a pro hockey player. And what he's done since has been been amazing to watch. He's such a good guy, such a beauty.

[Biz Nasty]

And, and also, you know, he's obviously on the back nine. I think that he would be a tremendous guy in the hockey media landscape once he retires. He's already kind of dipped his toe in the podcast he's doing. Maybe he could be the commission. Maybe he could be all of a.

[Ryan Whitney]

Sudden, like, every team has beer fridges in the locker room again, players like, this is unbelievable. Also cool message for kids listening. Like, his. His son was with him. He said his son like, like talking and played. But just in the last two years, I think when he was 12 or 13, like, fell in love and he was picked by the London Knights. I guess he's. He's a really good player. His son Anthony, we got to hang out with him for a minute, so good luck to him. Brad Marchan, guys. He took his glove off and choked out a man. He straight up grabbed Nick Cousins, and what a guy to get. He grabbed him by the throat, was choking him out. I've never seen this. I thought he might get suspended for it. Like, I.

[Biz Nasty]

He didn't even get a minor penalty.

[Ryan Whitney]

Didn't even get a penalty because the ref's like, oh, it's Cousins. That's okay.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

But he. He was like this. I don't know what cousin said to him. Maybe he brought up what Bennett did to him, like last year when Cousins was a part of the Florida Panthers.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

And. And Marshy just snapped. But that was so funny, like seeing a man just take off his Glove and straight out. Choke out a guy by his larynx.

[Biz Nasty]

I like. I think that you need a Nick Cousins on every team.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh yeah.

[Biz Nasty]

I don't know how close you. You are with him considering he played here. Never met him. Oh my God. He can say some really mean. On the ice, the guys. Just when you think it's boring and you can hear a couple crickets in the crowd, this guy's in the middle, the middle of the scrum.

[Ryan Whitney]

Cousins.

[Biz Nasty]

Yeah. Ruining a guy's life, putting him in therapy. He's. Yeah, he's a gamer.

[Ryan Whitney]

He'll cut you to the core with stuff.

[Biz Nasty]

Oh my God. I've. Buddy, Buddy. I won't say what it was, but there's been a player who went down after a game to the other locker room to find him. That's how bad he was cutting deep. So yeah, he's a gamer. I said it. I know he. I know. Cuz this is mad at me because of when I called him a diver when he did the like when he got hit in. In Arizona. But I like I said, I'll still pump his tires any day of the week. He's a pest.

[Ryan Whitney]

The women's Bean Pot guys. The Bean Pot is a local college hockey tournament in Boston. They have a women's version. And I had some friends go. So it was BU and Northeastern in the final. And last year, I believe a bunch of guys went with their daughters that I know that play hockey. And it was like, it's general admission. You just go in and it wasn't very, very full. And this year they went back, same thing. There was 14, 000 people there. So like it's been. I had a friend reach out. He's like, dude, you got to mention this. It's unreal what's going on with women's hockey. I think the pro league, like that has worked like they. There are so many young girls playing that now have girls to look up to as pro players. And the college game's great. So like 14,000 at the Garden for the women's bean pot final. Like, I don't think next year they'll be able to do general admission on all of a sudden that that'll probably be sold out next year.

[Paul Bissonnette]

That's awesome.

[Ryan Whitney]

Based on the jump that it's made. So shout out to all those girls and where women's hockey's at right now. Drew Doughty return looks very imminent. Kings have been the best home team in the NHL as of late. And the Kings are hosting a charity game benefiting the LA Fire Department on February 23rd as announced.

[Biz Nasty]

So they're not selling tickets. They're allowing all the, the firefighters and people who have been fighting these all across California. California. All the families like I talked to Luke Robitaille on the phone. He goes biz. He's like all these families that are displaced from their homes and like living wherever, whether it's in these like big, you know, gymnasiums or, or this place or that place. Like they, you know they have to like they're giving them merchandise so they have clothes on their back and stuff like that. It's just so sad to see. So they're opening up the doors and they're going to put on a fun night of hockey to, to try to take their minds off of, you know, this, this horrible thing thing that they're going through. So I'm gonna be actually there.

[Ryan Whitney]

Nice.

[Biz Nasty]

Yes. Because February 23rd, that afternoon the Ontario Reign was going to host The Manchester Monarch's 10 year anniversary call their cup team. So a bunch of us are going in. From my understanding is they're bumping back the Ontario game to later that night so we can all attend the, the game at. What do you call it now? Crypto. Crypto. Crypto Center. And the night before actually the Kings are playing as well. So as our whole group's going to get to go to that and then go experience everything the next day. I want to say TNT is in talks with Gary Bettman and the league to potentially televise that game because there's a double header going on the TNT broadcast afternoon. I was missing it for that 10 year anniversary. So hopefully we're able to just bring awareness to it, televise it. Maybe they get Bieber, Will Ferrell and a bunch of other celebrities to show up and they raise a ton of money for these people who have been put in this horrible situation.

[Ryan Whitney]

I could see you guys like doing a picture as a team. Like everyone put their rings forward and they're like biz, where's yours? I sold. Yeah, I, I was down on my.

[Paul Bissonnette]

Luck and I to pay my lawyer for seven guys.

[Ryan Whitney]

I got, I got 198 bucks for it. All right guys, we gotta catch a train right now to Orlando. Like the bright line Keith's telling us, oh, I pray my back's healed. Socks doing right. But we gotta go. We got Bob does Sports. We got a back to back match with them Monday, Tuesday on their YouTube channel. The rematch will be on our YouTube channel. Hopefully Biz is able to swing the.

[Biz Nasty]

Clubs fat Perez, you're going down. Joey Cole cuts. I'm bringing the heat.

[Ryan Whitney]

Road Warriors. Check it out at In Surrey, British Columbia, with Mots and Scott Gomez and Biz. It was an awesome video. Great job. Fish and Chicklets, you.

[Biz Nasty]

That's a posh.

[Ryan Whitney]

That's posh of it. Shoto Posh in Minnesota this weekend checking out the Gophers facilities. Good job with that G. We love you guys. Thank you so much for listening, and we'll be back to you next week.