Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 571 Summary

Release Date: June 30, 2025
Guests: Michael Misa, Jason Greger & Elliotte Friedman
Hosts: Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and Mike Grinnell
Platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

I. Introduction

In Episode 571 of Spittin’ Chiclets, hosts Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and Mike Grinnell engage in lively discussions about the recent NHL draft, free agency implications, and significant changes in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The episode also features an in-depth interview with Michael Misa, the second overall pick by the San Jose Sharks, providing listeners with exclusive insights into his journey and aspirations.

II. Highlights of the NHL Draft

A. Decentralized Draft Critique The hosts express significant dissatisfaction with the NHL’s decentralized draft approach:

• Ryan Whitney [11:08]: "It was a comedy show. It was an absolute goon squad of errors."
• Jason Greger [11:10]: "They kind of dragged it out and it became way too long."

B. Key Picks and Emotional Stories

• Matthew Schaefer – New York Islanders (First Overall):

  • Michael Misa [14:26]: "Seeing the emotion he showed seeing his ribbon and his mother's initials on the Islanders jersey... it was just world class."
  • The draft was marred by technological glitches and mishaps, but the emotional pick by the Islanders stood out as a memorable moment.

• Michael Misa – San Jose Sharks (Second Overall):

  • Ryan Whitney [17:43]: "Michael Misa, an absolute stallion of a player... very excited to chat with this kid."
  • Misa’s exceptional performance in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) positioned him as a top prospect, generating excitement among Sharks fans.

C. Islanders' Successful Draft Strategy The Islanders were lauded for their strategic acquisitions:

• Gregor Wyshynski [30:37]: "They have two legit defensemen and a scoring prospect... a home run win for the New York Islanders."
• Trades involving Noah Dobson and selections like Victor Eklund and K’Sean Akichin showcased the Islanders' depth and future potential.

III. Interview with Michael Misa

A. Personal Background and Journey Michael Misa shares his upbringing and path to the NHL:

• Michael Misa [50:32]: "Since I was seven years old, I played a year up with 2006 sports... building a rink in the backyard."
• Growing up in Oakville and playing minor hockey for the Senators, Misa's dedication from a young age was evident.

B. Draft Experience and Reflections Discussing the draft day emotions and being selected second overall:

• Michael Misa [49:58]: "I have a good camp here. So my goal is to play for the Sharks next year, so I gotta prove myself."
• Overcoming the disappointment of not being invited to World Juniors enhanced his determination.

C. Future Aspirations and Development Misa outlines his goals and preparation for the NHL:

• Michael Misa [58:20]: "This summer I’m going to get bigger, stronger for myself... the goal is just to get bigger, stronger."
• Emphasizes the importance of physical development and readiness for the competitive nature of the NHL.

IV. Free Agency and CBA Changes

A. Term Lengths and Contract Strategies The hosts discuss the implications of shortened contract terms in the new CBA:

• Paul Bissonnette [80:03]: "After the age of anybody who signs after the age of 27 free agents is maximum five years."
• Ryan Whitney [80:10]: "I wouldn’t mind if they bumped it one more time after this... maybe on the next one where it was five and then six."

B. Impact on Dead Cap and Team Flexibility Shorter contracts reduce dead cap space, offering teams more flexibility:

• Paul Bissonnette [80:46]: "They just have to give me a reason to leave Florida... unless he's going to Colorado, he’s downgraded in skill."
• Emphasizes the strategic advantage for teams to manage salaries effectively without long-term burdens.

C. Player Contracts Analysis Discussion about specific players and their contract statuses:

• Jason Greger [34:24]: "Lane Hudson's got to compete... it’s a weapon they’ve added right now defensively."
• Analysis of Evan Bouchard and his contract reflects on performance versus salary expectations.

V. Team Strategies and Player Trades

A. Potential Trades and Team Needs

• Jason Greger [21:02]: "He might become a studio whip and just be like, no, I’m not gonna go there."
• Speculation around Mitch Marner’s potential move to the Vegas Golden Knights amidst tampering concerns.

B. Analysis of Specific Players

• Paul Bissonnette [93:22]: "If you sign him, he’s definitely going to elevate the team... he's got to be a fascinating locker room addition."
• Examination of players like Sam Bennett and their value in free agency highlights the strategic decisions teams face.

VI. Player Development Paths

A. Junior vs. College vs. AHL Debate over the best path for player development:

• Jason Greger [85:09]: "Players are going to go play college, which you’re going to see. There’s like 120 kids this year going from major junior to NCAA."
• Elliotte Friedman [59:50]: "I love watching any type of playoffs. This year was incredible. But yeah, in general, love watching it."

B. Exceptional Status Players Highlighting Misa’s early entry and development:

• Elliotte Friedman [50:55]: "I was thrown my name in the hat. It ultimately worked out nicely."

VII. Goaltending Position Analysis

A. First-Round Goalies and Their Success Rates Critique on the unpredictability of drafting goaltenders early:

• Jason Greger [40:14]: "More of the difficulty in the goaltending position... they're very fickle."
• Ryan Whitney [41:31]: "I'd be curious to know how many first-round goalies actually pan out."

VIII. State Tax Issues and Team Advantages

A. Impact on Player Decisions Discussion on how state taxes influence free agency choices:

• Paul Bissonnette [88:43]: "They need to give a break to players going to higher tax places... it's going to create a competitive advantage for certain teams."
• Ryan Whitney [139:11]: "What do you think they're going to do? Apply Jon Adams?"

B. Long-Term Implications Concerns about escalating costs due to state tax differences:

• Ryan Whitney [141:07]: "Do you think Yzerman's feeling the heat a little bit?"
• Paul Bissonnette [141:24]: "If things stay like this for five more years, then we'll see if they might deal with it."

IX. Miscellaneous Topics and Humor

A. Light-Hearted Banter and Stories Hosts share humorous anecdotes and playful interactions:

• Ryan Whitney [144:43]: "You have to be a big hard guy if you're Marcel and handle that stuff in halts."
• Biz Nasty [149:18]: "That's what we're saying. Just as Biz said, make things up, and you're like, oh, I knew I was getting it wrong."

B. Podcast Dynamics Discussion about behind-the-scenes aspects and podcast production:

• Biz Nasty [146:32]: "We’re lucky we work in a market where people love sports... it's fun."
• Michael Misa [149:07]: "Did I hit the greener?"

X. Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing gratitude towards their guests and listeners. They highlight the importance of staying informed about the NHL developments and the evolving dynamics within the league. The humorous exchanges continue, underscoring the hosts' camaraderie and engagement with the audience.

• Ryan Whitney [149:19]: "You’re a legend. Oh, you’re first in my books."
• Paul Bissonnette [150:03]: "We can have a conversation right now about free agency and who's going to be the contract that ages the worst."

The hosts sign off by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes, highlighting ongoing discussions around the NHL landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ryan Whitney [14:26]: "Seeing the emotion he showed seeing his ribbon and his mother's initials on the Islanders jersey... it was just world class."
• Jason Greger [11:10]: "They kind of dragged it out and it became way too long."
• Paul Bissonnette [80:03]: "After the age of anybody who signs after the age of 27 free agents is maximum five years."
• Elliotte Friedman [50:55]: "I was thrown my name in the hat. It ultimately worked out nicely."
• Michael Misa [58:20]: "This summer I’m going to get bigger, stronger for myself... the goal is just to get bigger, stronger."
• Paul Bissonnette [88:43]: "They need to give a break to players going to higher tax places... it's going to create a competitive advantage for certain teams."
• Ryan Whitney [141:07]: "Do you think Yzerman's feeling the heat a little bit?"

Final Thoughts

Episode 571 of Spittin’ Chiclets offers a comprehensive analysis of the recent NHL draft, insightful discussions on free agency and CBA changes, and an exclusive interview with rising star Michael Misa. The hosts provide a balanced mix of professional commentary and entertaining banter, making it a valuable listen for both avid hockey fans and casual followers seeking to understand the intricacies of the sport.