The Athletic Hockey Show – Episode Summary

Date: November 13, 2025
Hosts: Haley Salvian, Sean Gentile
Guest: Mike Russo
Main Topics: Wild’s interest in Jordan Kyrou, Olympic roster debates, U.S. and Canada women’s hockey, Minnesota Wild season struggles, tribute to Larry Brooks

Episode Overview

This episode of The Athletic Hockey Show features hosts Haley Salvian and Sean Gentile joined by Mike Russo. The discussion ranges across the latest NHL news, the Olympic rosters, in-depth women's hockey coverage, the Minnesota Wild’s early-season difficulties, and a heartfelt remembrance of legendary hockey writer Larry Brooks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shane Pinto's Extension & Olympic Prospects

• Contract News: Shane Pinto signs 4-year, $30M extension with the Ottawa Senators. Seen as a pivotal third-line center.
  • “This is a guy that is on paper probably your third line center … still young, he's only 25.” (07:00) - Haley
• Olympic Roster Debate: Debate over whether Pinto should make the U.S. Olympic team.
  • “I don't think Shane Pinto should be on the American national team… They have largely better options.” (05:23) - Sean
  • Consensus: He’s on the shortlist but faces stiff competition due to the U.S. depth.

2. U.S. Men's Olympic Roster Bubble Talk

• Injury concerns for top U.S. players (Matthews, Quinn Hughes, Demko).
• Cole Caulfield remains a controversial Olympic selection.
  • “Caulfield is one that's going to be a lightning rod… if they are healthy, I don't think he is making the Olympic team.” (08:26) - Mike Russo
  • Value as a “13th/14th forward” for emergencies, likening his case to Connor Bedard for Team Canada. (11:25)

3. USA-Canada Women’s Rivalry Series Takeaways

• Russo shares experiences covering the Women’s Rivalry Series with Haley:
  • “I was blown away by how good the US women were… how formidable of a team they'll be in Milan.” (14:29) – Mike Russo
• Notable USA players:
  • Abby Murphy: Labeled as a “shift disturber” with elite skills – compared to Tkachuk/Marchand types.
    • “She is truly a unicorn and going to be an X factor for the Americans… the only player who brings the OG hatred to the Canada USA rivalry.” (16:39) – Haley
  • Layla Edwards: Homecoming storyline; rising star and NHL-draft hopeful.
    • “This is a huge year for Layla… she had over 100 friends and family in the building.” (24:01) – Haley
  • Caroline Harvey: Touted as a top draft prospect; immediate talent evident to Russo and others.
    • “Who is number four? Like, she is one of the best skaters I’ve ever seen.” (17:47) – Mike Russo
• Canada’s approach: using early rivalry games for auditions and talent evaluation.
  • Captain Marie-Philip Poulin: “Games weren’t shitty… They had a good start, they have a good team. So do we.” (21:29) – as recounted by Haley

4. Minnesota Wild Season Update

• Early Struggles: Wild started with optimism after re-signing Kaprizov, but fell into an early tailspin.
  • “They start off with a 5 nothing shutout in St. Louis and then just had a bit of a tailspin...” (27:50) – Mike Russo
  • Power play has been a rare strength; five-on-five play and goaltending have struggled.
  • Modest recovery underway; defense pairs reconfigured to shelter young defensemen (Spurgeon/Middleton reunited).
• Key Players:
  • Brock Faber: Shaky start but recovering; high future value.
    • “He's a true pro and I think he's just going to be, he's the least of their worries right now.” (33:33) – Mike Russo
  • Z Bouilliam (rookie): Improving quickly, adapting to NHL speed and toughness.
    • “He is going to have a long, long career where he’s going to do things for the Wild they've never had before from the back end.” (34:42) – Mike Russo

5. Trade Rumor: Jordan Kyrou’s Fit in Minnesota

• Wild interested if Kyrou is available; challenge is fitting his $8.1M salary under the cap and having the right assets to trade.
  • “If he's available, there’s no doubt the Wild will be interested… just whether or not they have the assets to get it done.” (40:28) – Mike Russo
  • Bill Guerin wants a “big game” addition to the top-six, not incremental changes.
• Noted Kyrou isn’t “grit first” but has improved defensively and has a history of tormenting the Wild.
  • “He loves to score against the Wild, so.” (44:04) – Mike Russo

6. Tribute to Larry Brooks (46:51–57:53)

• The hockey world mourns the passing of Larry Brooks, legendary New York Post columnist.
  • “He was a gatekeeper… a legend in our business.” (46:48, 50:09) – Mike Russo
  • Memories shared of his influence, writing style (“hunt and peck” typist!), mentoring young writers, and infamous run-ins with coaches like John Tortorella.
  • Tributes read from Gary Bettman and Jimmy Vesey.
    • “When you read his work, you always knew where he stood. He was a staunch advocate for the players and the reporters who cover the game.” (Bettman, 55:28 - read by Haley)
    • “He was a legend and one of one. Rest in peace, my friend.” (Vesey, 55:45 - read by Haley)
  • Encouragement to read Molly Walker’s moving tribute.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Abby Murphy:
  “She is legitimately one of the most talented players in the sport, and she's also one of the most irritating to go up against… she is truly a unicorn and going to be an X factor for the Americans.” – Haley (16:39)
• On Kyrou Trade Possibility:
  “There’s no doubt the Wild have shown interest and are interested. It’s just whether or not they have the assets to get it done.” – Mike Russo (40:28)
• On Larry Brooks:
  “He was always generating his own stuff… much rather be respected by those that I covered than liked.” – Mike Russo (47:44)
• On Women’s Hockey Storytelling:
  “You don’t want to just write boring game stories… you want to tell really good features.” – Mike Russo (19:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Shane Pinto Extension & Olympic Team Discussion: 04:39 – 12:32
• US Women's Rivalry Series Recap: 12:32 – 25:10
• Minnesota Wild Early Season Analysis: 26:51 – 39:59
• Jordan Kyrou Trade Rumors: 39:59 – 44:08
• Tribute to Larry Brooks: 45:52 – 57:53

Tone & Style

The episode balances sharp hockey analysis, light banter, and poignant storytelling. The tone is conversational, insightful, occasionally humorous, and at times emotional, especially during the segment honoring Larry Brooks.

For Listeners:

This episode is packed with current hockey insights, prospect evaluations, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. The tribute to Larry Brooks offers a moving narrative about journalism, tradition, and mentorship in hockey.

(Note: Commercials and non-content segments have been omitted from this summary.)