The Athletic Hockey Show — Atlantic Division Preview (September 29, 2025)
Overview
This episode of The Athletic Hockey Show kicks off the NHL season with a comprehensive deep-dive preview of the Atlantic Division. Hosts Haley Salvian, Sean Gentile, and Max Bultman are joined by top beat writers for each Atlantic team—Shayna Goldman, Arpon Basu, Jonas Siegel, Matthew Fairburn, Fluto Shinzawa, and Julian McKenzie—to break down team outlooks, key storylines, and bold predictions for 2025-26. The episode features rich discussion on injuries, roster moves, team identities, and which Atlantic teams are poised to contend or regress.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Florida Panthers: The Barkov Injury & Its Ripple Effects
Timestamp: 03:13 - 19:10
Barkov’s Devastating Injury
- Sasha Barkov suffered an ACL/MCL injury; out 7-9 months, possibly missing all of regular season and the Milan Olympics.
- “That’s the difference between believing in them as a three-peat champ and not.” – Max Bultman (03:50)
Impact on Cup Chances & Division Power Dynamics
- No longer clear favorites in the Atlantic; questions over whether Barkov will be fully effective if he returns at all.
- “It completely alters...the outlook of the season for not just the Panthers, but for the entire Atlantic Division.” – Sean Gentile (04:43)
Options at Center in Barkov’s Absence
- Panel discusses promoting Sam Bennett or Anton Lundell, moving Sam Reinhart to center.
- “Do not put the Sams together. One Sam per line!” – Shayna Goldman jokes (10:07)
- “I would try Sam Reinhart at center, honestly, why not?...But the big question there will be how much does it weigh on his defense?” – Shayna Goldman (10:07)
Compounding Loss: Matthew Tkachuk Also Out
- Will be without Tkachuk for 2+ months; major depth test.
- Reliance on young players like Lundell and Sam Savoie to step up.
Bobrovsky’s Crucial Role
- More pressure on aging Sergei Bobrovsky with less offensive and defensive help.
- “He doesn’t have the same reliability behind him too…There might be a big difference there.” – Shayna Goldman (15:21)
Predictions & Key Player
- Playoffs likely, but more of a wild-card route; Sam Reinhart becomes most important player.
- “It's gonna be stripped by Cristina Aguilera...we are gonna see how good they are and test their forward depth in a different way.” – Shayna Goldman, on season's theme (18:34)
Buffalo Sabres: Quiet Improvements, Persistent Questions
Timestamp: 19:28 - 34:55
Replacing JJ Peterka’s Offense
- No big free agent; relying on internal growth from Yuri Kulich, Zach Benson, and Jack Quinn.
- “They have no choice but to bank on some internal improvement.” – Matthew Fairburn (19:45)
Defensive Upgrades
- Michael Kesselring is seen as a real top-four defenseman; Bowen Byram joins Rasmus Dahlin to solidify the top pairing.
Alex Tuch’s Contract
- Locking up Tuch—heart of the Eichel trade—is seen as non-negotiable for team direction and culture.
Goaltending Issues
- UPL (Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen) projected as starter but is injured; Alex Lyon and Alexander Georgiev are backup options.
- “That is probably the biggest question facing this team on the ice right now.” – Matthew Fairburn (27:11)
Playoff Prospects & Key Player
- Slightly improved standings likely, but playoff berth still doubtful.
- Tage Thompson named most important to push them over top.
- “You really need 90-point Tage Thompson...there’s a different energy and confidence to this team when he’s rolling.” – Matthew Fairburn (30:51)
- Theme: “Lindy Ruff’s Last Ride”—a potential end note for veteran coach.
Toronto Maple Leafs: A Season of “Nothing Was the Same?”
Timestamp: 34:56 - 47:57
Life Without Mitch Marner
- Marner’s departure has ripple effects on every aspect: “Everything they do right now is connected back to Marner.” – Jonas Siegel (35:32)
- No like-for-like replacement beside Matthews.
New Power Play Quarterback, Defensive Anchor
- Morgan Rielly tasked to drive the power play again.
- Roster's “bottom six” and defense seem deeper and more defined.
Leaning on Auston Matthews
- Team success hinges on Matthews returning to MVP form at both ends.
- “What does it look like if he’s back to being 60-goal Auston Matthews who’s also one of the best defensive players in the league?” – Jonas Siegel (41:27)
Goalie Dependence Remains
- They need the tandem of Solars and Wall to repeat last year’s form; injury or dip would be disastrous.
Prediction & Theme
- Playoffs in view, but fewer points than last year, likely ~100.
- Most important player: Matthews.
- Album: “Nothing Was The Same?”—uncertainty lingers despite changes.
Detroit Red Wings: Year Seven, Still Lots of “Ifs”
Timestamp: 51:07 - 64:34
Did the Offseason Move the Needle?
- Biggest move: acquiring John Gibson in net, hoping for stable starter after years of tandem inconsistency.
- Still have glaring holes at top-line LW and 2nd pair right D.
Internal Improvement, But How Much?
- High expectations on Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider to take another step, but little proven depth past them.
- Prospects Edmondson and Marco Kasper may help, but many IFs.
Patience Wearing Thin
- “Hurry Up and Wait” is Max’s season theme; seven years of rebuilding, but still murky lineup and playoff picture.
- Predicted to finish 6th in the Atlantic (again), missing the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning: “Doubling Down” on a Last Hurrah
Timestamp: 64:57 - 73:47
Still Elite Up Top—But Depth Concerns
- “I’m doubling down on them...Stanley Cup Final.” – Shayna Goldman (65:31)
- Kucherov, Point, Hagel, and Gensel lead an elite top six; third line remains a question (Gourde, Bjorkstrand, Paul).
Defense Rested, But Aging
- Hedman and McDonagh still anchor blue line; can they stave off age-related decline?
- “They're not going to play Florida in round one—that’s going to be a big deal.” – Shayna (65:58)
Deadline Will Be Key
- Expect a major deadline deal to shore up depth, especially defense.
Prediction & Theme
- Win division, strong playoff run expected.
- Most important: Kucherov (“because he can do it all”).
- Album: Turnstile’s “Time & Space”—can the Lightning make use of their last window?
Boston Bruins: “Stronger” But Stuck in the Middle
Timestamp: 75:47 - 86:31
Swayman’s Expected Rebound is Crucial
- All signs point to Swayman returning to form after a disrupted, stressful 2024-25 season.
- “Yes, I think he'll get back...He had a very good reset in terms of World Championships.” – Fluto Shinzawa (76:30)
Three Franchise Pillars
- Passernak, McAvoy, Swayman remain elite at forward, defense, and goalie.
- But depth drops off: 2nd line, especially center and right wing, is uncertain.
Physical Identity Under Marco Sturm
- “Stronger”—team will fight and check, but “without the playoffs.” – Fluto Shinzawa (85:32)
Prediction & Theme
- Slightly improved from last year, but still miss the playoffs.
- Most important: Hampus Lindholm (health and shutdown minutes).
Ottawa Senators: “The Brady Bunch” Steps Forward
Timestamp: 86:31 - 100:45
Core Is Beloved—But Needs to Level Up
- Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson are the key talents.
- Biggest pressure: Dylan Cozens needs to prove himself as a true 2C.
- “Of everyone on that roster, the person that has the most to prove is that guy.” – Julian McKenzie on Cozens (94:07)
Lineup & Center Depth
- Pinto as 3C offers best structure; top 9 is solid if core forwards stay healthy and effective.
Goaltending
- Much depends on trade acquisition Linus Ullmark living up to his rep; if he falters, depth is concerning.
Prediction & Theme
- Projected to make playoffs (wild card or 3rd in Atlantic), but little upward movement.
- Most important: Tkachuk (“the straw that stirs the drink”) and Ullmark.
- Season: “The Brady Bunch”—the kids are all right.
Montreal Canadiens: Coming of Age (“Stand By Me”)
Timestamp: 103:07 - 116:12
The Youngest Playoff Team Gets Younger—and Better?
- Core is one year older; infused with raw talent (Noah Dobson, Ivan Demidov, Zach Bolduc).
- “This is the most talented version of the Canadiens...but are even younger.” – Arpon Basu (103:43)
Risk: Regression, Health, or Both?
- Health was a huge asset last year—can they repeat it?
- Questions remain about Suzuki’s ceiling, Cole Caufield’s finishing, Lane Hudson’s consistency, and the impact of new blood (Dobson, Demidov).
X-Factor: Kirby Dach’s Health & Production
- “If he doesn’t work out, the Canadiens have a massive hole...in their rebuild in general.” – Arpon Basu (113:27)
- Demidov could help take line-driving pressure off Dach.
Power Play Weaponry
- Two stacked PP units; Dobson and Hudson spread out maximize threat.
Playoff Outlook & Theme
- Can/should make playoffs, but won’t climb standings; consistency will be the battle.
- Most important: Dach (“a pivotal, pivotal piece”; 113:27)
- Theme: “Stand By Me”—it’s a coming of age for the kid Canadiens.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “That’s the difference between believing in them as a three-peat champ and not.” — Max Bultman on Barkov's importance to Florida (03:50)
- “This is a coming of age season for the Canadiens.” — Arpon Basu, explaining his “Stand By Me” theme (114:09)
- “Nothing was the same?” — Jonas Siegel, proposing the Leafs’ year as a Drake album with a big question mark (46:43)
- “Hurry up and wait.” — Max Bultman, summing up the endless Red Wings rebuild (64:14)
- “The Brady Bunch.” — Julian Mackenzie, nailing Ottawa's season vibe (100:21)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Panthers/Barkov fallout: 03:13–19:10
- Sabres preview: 19:28–34:55
- Leafs/Marner’s impact: 34:56–47:57
- Red Wings’ endless rebuild: 51:07–64:34
- Lightning window: 64:57–73:47
- Bruins in transition: 75:47–86:31
- Senators and “The Brady Bunch”: 86:31–100:45
- Canadiens “coming of age”: 103:07–116:12
Summary Table — Season Themes
| Team | Season Title/Theme | Key Message | |---------------|--------------------------|-----------------------| | Panthers | Stripped (Cristina Aguilera album) | Depth tested, star-power absent| | Sabres | Lindy Ruff’s Last Ride | Veteran coach's farewell push| | Maple Leafs | Nothing Was the Same? (Drake album) | Uncertain, seeking new identity| | Red Wings | Hurry Up and Wait | Rebuild limbo, patience stretched| | Lightning | Time & Space (Turnstile album) | Last cup window, make it count| | Bruins | Stronger (fitness book) | Tougher, but not good enough| | Senators | The Brady Bunch | Youthful core, needs to mesh| | Canadiens | Stand By Me (coming of age) | Kids must mature, take the leap|
Tone & Takeaways
This episode blends the Athletic’s signature mix of sharp analysis, dry humor, and frank skepticism, with writers candid about both opportunity and doubt facing each Atlantic club. The season themes/album analogies add levity but also distill the essence of each franchise’s mood—whether it’s Florida’s depth trial, Tampa’s last dance, or Montreal’s youthful hopefulness. The Atlantic will be volatile, wide open, and, thanks to these storylines, absolutely worth following all season.