Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 586: Bill Guerin & Bob Heethuis

Date: October 10, 2025
Podcast: Spittin’ Chiclets by Barstool Sports
Hosts: Ryan Whitney, Paul “Biz” Bissonnette, Keith Yandle, Rear Admiral, Mike Grinnell
Guests: Bill Guerin (Minnesota Wild GM), Bob “Heater” Heethuis (longtime Coyotes broadcaster)

EPISODE OVERVIEW

The Spittin’ Chiclets crew returns with a packed episode covering NHL Opening Week, seismic contract news, and in-depth Central Division previews. Featuring extended segments with Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin and legendary play-by-play man Bob “Heater” Heethuis, the show delivers the outspoken, irreverent hockey talk fans expect, paired with unique insights from two league insiders. The tone swings from roasting Biz for chasing Mitch Marner out of Toronto, to passionate debates about franchise-altering contracts, to classic hockey storytelling.

MAIN SEGMENTS & TIMESTAMPS

1. NHL Opening Week Buzz & Marner Comeback ([03:06]–[14:00])

• NHL is back and the boys are fired up about Opening Week fireworks, standout games, and fresh storylines.

• Biz recounts wearing a Mitch Marner jersey on-air—his tongue-in-cheek apology for campaigning Marner out of Toronto:

  “I’ll spend the rest of my career apologizing to Mitch Marner. I can admit when I’m wrong. Baby, come back. I never meant to hurt you.”
  — Biz [04:25]

• The hosts rib Biz for his past playoff rants:

  “Every year game three, when the Leafs lose, you bash him.”
  — Whitney [08:49]

• Analysis of standout players (Quinton Byfield, Boston’s Jeremy Swayman) and the electrifying pace of early-season games.

• “West Coast bias” comes up—underrated stars being overlooked outside of Toronto and Montreal.

2. Massive Contract Extensions: McDavid, Eichel & More ([14:00]–[31:53])

• Deep dive into the league-shaking re-signings:

  • Connor McDavid extends with the Oilers at $12.5M AAV, sparking debate on its historic value:

    “That’s probably the biggest bargain in league history. Sports history.”
    — Biz [13:34]

  • Jack Eichel stays in Vegas for $13.5M; hosts discuss the impact on superstar movement and the “death of free agency” in the NHL.
  • Kyle Connor (Jets) inks an 8-year deal at $12M AAV.

• The panel unpacks implications for teams’ futures and player legacies:

  “If the Oilers can’t get it done with McDavid... every person in Edmonton should be saying thank you so much.”
  — Whitney [25:33]

• The hosts debate whether McDavid or Eichel left more money on the table and the difference a true cup window makes.

3. Central Division Deep Dive – Team-by-Team Previews

Winnipeg Jets ([34:45]–[40:18])

• The Jets’ consistent regular season dominance, but doubts about their postseason potential.
• Emphasis on Jonathan Toews’ emotional homecoming and Byfield’s emergence.

Colorado Avalanche ([41:00]–[49:47])

• Praise for Colorado’s depth, speed, and top-six firepower, with Cale Makar’s pending contract storyline looming.
• The importance of Brent Burns as a stabilizing veteran; goaltending depth discussed.

Dallas Stars ([49:58]–[56:57])

• Hosts slightly less bullish than past years despite young breakout potential (Wyatt Johnston, Maverick Bork).
• Debate over window status and future of core pieces—can they compete with Colorado, Edmonton, and Vegas?

4. FEATURE INTERVIEW: Bill Guerin, Minnesota Wild GM

[60:38]–[100:23]

Highlights:

• Guerin details the Kirill Kaprizov extension process—emphasizing player empowerment and the evolution of GM-player transparency.

  “He decided to stay in Minnesota because he loves it and he believes in what we’re doing.”
  — Bill Guerin [66:50]

• Insight into building a competitive Wild roster: most core players signed; focus shifts to internal development and integrating prospects (Bouillyam, Rossi, Faber). Guerin urges young players to “kick the f***ing door in.”

• Discussion on the changing NHL culture—less on-ice communication, rarer relationships between players and referees, compared to Guerin’s era.

• Guerin’s off-ice stress outlet: woodworking!

• The importance of embracing roles for the upcoming Olympics and lessons from the legendary 1996 World Cup team.

  “It’s all about building a team. Not just about who’s playing well. We need guys buying into roles.”
  — Guerin on Olympic team-building philosophy [94:13]

NOTEWORTHY MOMENTS:

• Guerin roasting Biz for long-winded questions ([70:40]).
• The camaraderie between Guerin and the hosts—storytelling, chirps, and mutual respect.

5. FEATURE INTERVIEW: Bob “Heater” Heethuis, Coyotes/UH Mammoth Broadcaster

[103:33]–[171:44]

Highlights:

• Heater reflects on his career, working with Biz post-retirement:

  “Biz would have got to where he’s at even without me, but I was there to support him.”
  — Heater [103:40]

• Insightful Utah Mammoth (ex-Coyotes franchise) preview—young talent (Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther), major roster additions, and the franchise’s playoff upside.
• Nostalgic and hilarious minor-league tales—Heater’s early days with Muskegon, player-owner drama, and Christmas party gift-card fiascos.

  “My job was everything to me. I had to have that job.”
  — Heater [144:52]

• Real talk about the challenges and pride of the minor-league hockey journey.

Central Division Continuation

Heater provides detailed, data-rich previews:

• Nashville: Core is aging, entering a probable rebuild; health of Roman Josi and stalwarts like Stamkos, Marchessault, and Soros key to any surprise success.

• Chicago: Youth movement led by Bedard/Nazar/Rinzel; questions about Bedard’s long-term role as No. 1 center; optimism about acquiring Spencer Knight.

• St. Louis: Streaky, wild-card team—playoff fate hinges on Jordan Binnington’s consistency and which version of the Blues shows up.

  “I think a lot hinges on Jordan Binnington and which Binnington you get for the entire season.”
  — Heater [166:30]

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

• “I’m not letting you turn this into trading McDavid in two years, Biz. It’s a celebration!”
  — Whitney to Biz’s doomsday scenario [21:56]
• “With how young [Nathan] MacKinnon is and just where the game’s going with the speed, he is an absolute dynamo.”
  — Biz on Colorado’s outlook [43:35]
• “You want an opportunity? Here it is. Kick the fucking door in and show us that you’re here and you can help us win.”
  — Guerin on prospects [71:36]
• “This is probably the number one thing that stands out—just how fast they are.”
  — Biz on Colorado [44:25]
• On Bedard: “Love the player. Generational talent. True number-one center on a Stanley Cup team? I got questions there.”
  — Whitney [155:56]
• “As a minor-league guy, you did everything... PR, bus driver, program, sales… It was more for experience.”
  — Heater on his early days [135:20]
• “If I don’t get a gift card for Christmas… you’re eating soggy subs at the Olive Garden!”
  — Biz, reliving minor-league tales [146:06]

FINAL PICKS/PREDICTIONS

Central Division Playoff Teams (consensus):

• Colorado (favorites for division/staff’s #1)
• Winnipeg
• Dallas
• Minnesota
• Utah (ex-Coyotes; controversial wild card pick, Heater-bullied!)

Out: Nashville, Chicago, St. Louis (the latter debated)

Key Questions:

• Can Edmonton finally win with McDavid/this group?
• Is Colorado built for another deep run?
• Will superstar player movement actually die off, or are surprise trades looming?

LISTENING NOTES & ATMOSPHERE

• The episode balances deep hockey knowledge, banter, and classic behind-the-scenes storytelling.
• Guerin and Heater both show why they’re beloved personalities: candid, direct, hilarious.
• The host dynamic is as loose and sarcastic as ever, while maintaining sharp, current insight.
• Interviews are long but lively, with notable quotes and plenty of good-natured chirping throughout.

RECOMMENDED LISTENING (SELECTED TIMESTAMPS)

• [03:06–14:00] Marner, Opening Week takeaways
• [14:00–31:53] Contract talk: McDavid, Eichel, Connor
• [41:00–49:47] Avalanche discussion (speed, depth, pressure)
• [60:38–100:23] Bill Guerin interview (Wild, Olympics, GM role)
• [103:33–171:44] Heater interview (Central in detail, minor-league gold)
• [155:56–159:00] Bedard debate: Superstar or wing?

In sum, Episode 586 is a must-listen for any hockey fan—combining knowledge, passion, humor, and heart with one of the game’s most entertaining panels and a pair of excellent guests. The Central Division—and the whole NHL—has rarely felt so wide open or engaging.