The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: The Hockey Show: Training Camp Is Here, McDavid And Kaprizov's Contracts Are Not
Date: September 19, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, David Drucker, Roy Bellamy, Ethan, Rosie
Guest: David Pinota (The Fourth Period)

Episode Overview

This episode marks the kickoff of hockey preseason and training camps, with the panel dissecting the league’s biggest offseason storylines: drawn-out contract talks for stars Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild) and Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), media day reveals, early injuries, team outlooks, and a detailed inside look at the evolving player market from NHL insider David Pinota. Energy is high as the team debates who’s set for another run, who’s facing tough roster questions, and what subtle off-ice shifts (like the end of rigid grooming policies) signal wider league changes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Arrival of Training Camps & Fun Traditions

• The annual release of Brandon Tanev’s headshot is cited as the true start of the season, with jokes about his notorious "lunatic" expression and the Utah Mammoth's logo (“It almost looks like the Mammoth logo is looking down like, ‘Oh, he’s doing the face again.’” – Roy, 02:19).
• New Utah Mammoths jerseys are praised for their updated logo and color scheme (Ethan, 02:28).

2. Buffalo Sabres Positivity & Nostalgia

• David compliments Buffalo, one of his favorite teams, and highlights goalie Alex Lyon’s mask tribute to Dominik Hasek (03:04).
• The panel reflects on Sabres fandom, their quality, and aesthetics in the new season.

3. Contract Stalemates: Kirill Kaprizov & Minnesota Wild

Main Developments:

• Talks are private, with the GM stating, “Things are fine. The most important thing is that we want to sign Kirill. He's a franchise player.” (Bill Guerin quote, 04:10).
• Kaprizov, the panel agrees, is saying "all the right things," but skepticism lingers:
  “It does not sound good. … feels like they’re about to post that ‘this is fine’ meme.” – Roy Bellamy, 04:41
• Ethan notes Caprizov’s agent appearing unannounced at camp as a positive, but the public statements are tinged with uncertainty.
  “That Garen quote did not sound overly confident at all.” – Ethan, 06:05

Locker Room Dynamics:

• Players want their guy to get paid, but there is awkwardness facing teammates after turning down league-high deals.

• “You want to probably use his contract as a comparable, but you don't talk about another teammate’s contract.” – David Drucker, 07:24

• The panel foreshadows that McDavid’s contract will likely shape how (and if) Caprizov signs.

4. Contract Stalemates: Connor McDavid & Edmonton Oilers

McDavid’s Vague Messaging:

• Quoting McDavid’s recent comments emphasizing love for Edmonton and desire to win, but leaving the future “to be seen”:

  "We have time. It's our decision, basically. We've earned that and we're going to take our time with it."
  — Connor McDavid, 08:00

• When asked if the team needs to do more to keep him, he deflects:

  "Nothing. All the pieces are here for 25, 26. It's going to be a feeling… But as of right now, just excited to get the season going."
  — Connor McDavid, 08:29

Panel’s Anxiety:

• “If you’re an Oilers fan, I’m freaking out. That’s the last thing you want your star player to say.” – Ethan, 10:37
• Zach Hyman’s injury and the Oilers’ slow start history are highlighted as additional worries for Edmonton.
• Rosie jokes McDavid should "go to Florida if he wants to win" (11:23), cueing laughter and debate about salary caps and the appeal of South Florida teams.

5. Florida Panthers Media Day & Injury Updates

• Bill Zito’s updates on injuries: Matthew Tkachuk (returning December), Tomas Nosek (out a few months) (12:16).
• Roy shares Brad Marchand’s frank comments on the league’s “no tax” teams:
  “It’s not so much about the no tax, it’s about the competency in the front office that makes players want to come.” – Roy, 12:42
• The crew ponders Marchand’s long-term impact if the Panthers enjoy more Cup success.

6. Anze Kopitar’s 20th Season and “Mr. Team” vs. “Best Player” Debate

• Kopitar is called “the greatest Los Angeles King of all time” (not “best player to play for the Kings,” à la LeBron vs. Wade with the Miami Heat) (15:19).
• Analogous comparisons draw laughs and agreement.

7. Fan Q&A (15:55)

• Chances of the Florida Panthers three-peating? “Definitely get into the conference final. Biggest competition will be Carolina.” – David Drucker, 16:10
• Dallas Stars’ playoff outlook? Ethan expresses skepticism about their defense and ceiling.

8. Wins and Fails of the Week (16:51–24:25)

Wins:

• End of the Islanders’ Facial Hair Ban:
  Players celebrate the end of Lou Lamoriello’s “no facial hair” rule.

  “Let’s bearded up! Dumbest rule ever. I’m so glad it’s over.” – Roy, 17:14

• Visibility for Black Players:
  Senators prospect Jabril Torre wears a do-rag after losing his helmet in a prospect game.

  “As a black player, I just want to bring my culture. I should showcase that for future kids to come.” – Jabril Torre via Julian McKenzie, 18:23

• New Jersey Drops:
  Panel loves the new Centennial uniforms from the Red Wings, Rangers, and Capitals (“These should be their permanent home look.” – Ethan, 19:12).

Fails:

• Goalie Own Goal:
  Anaheim Ducks prospect goalie Thomas Sushanikoler accidentally scores on himself in a prospect game (21:20).
• Duclair–Patrick Roy Fallout:
  Patrick Roy publicly criticized Anthony Duclair while he was playing injured, but later apologized in person.

  “As the head coach…how could you not know Duclair wasn’t fully healthy?” – David Drucker, 23:13

• Football Woes:
  Ethan laments as his college football teams underperform and Matthew Tkachuk snubs his Gators as College GameDay guest picker (23:41).

9. Hot Topics with NHL Insider David Pinota (26:55)

Carter Hart (and other players) Re-Entry

• Multiple teams (Utah, Carolina, Minnesota, Nashville, Vegas, Pittsburgh) have inquired about goalie Carter Hart. Expectation is for a multi-year deal, with readiness only after several months of platoon play due to his long absence. (27:16)

Assistant Coach Mitch Love Suspended

• Ongoing NHL investigation into previous relationship behavior; all prospective teams informed, with the Capitals taking a cautious approach (29:55).

Kaprizov & McDavid Contract Risk Analysis

• Pinota predicts McDavid signs a shorter (2-4 year) deal, likely at $16-17M, not the max 8, to maintain leverage.
• Kaprizov is likely maneuvering for either higher AAV given an uptrending salary cap or a shorter term.

  “If I’m taking $16 million now, that’s going to be equivalent to $19 million in six or seven years.” – David Pinota, 33:00

Would Kaprizov Get Traded?

• Yes, if a deal stalls, expect a bidding war with Carolina and the Rangers among top suitors. No grand slam return, but still a premium (34:21).

Rangers’ Outlook and Artemi Panarin’s Future

• Don’t expect a fire sale; Panarin’s extension talks will depend on first-half results, and a Caprizov trade could shift priorities. Must watch if the Rangers rebound from last year’s down season, and how the team balances offense with evolving roster depth (36:29).

Other Trainings Camp Holdouts & Team Concerns

• Ducks’ Mason McTavish likely to remain unsigned longest, with disconnected expectations over both contract value and on-ice usage (38:38).
• Nashville and New Jersey handle their own moderate holdouts, but not as worrying.

Toronto Maple Leafs Without Mitch Marner

• Can't fully replace Marner’s production; success depends on Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, and promising young players like Matthew Knies. Team has gone for more physical, depth-heavy lines to compensate (40:20).

Sidney Crosby Trade Rumors: Dead on Arrival

• Pinota gives a firm “no” to the idea Crosby leaves Pittsburgh midseason, out of respect for Malkin’s potential last season and Penguins management’s plans—even if they end up “riding out” a rough campaign (42:09).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Caprizov’s contract:
  • “This is as close as you’ll get. Can’t just assume you’ll ever get closer than you are right now.”—Ethan, 10:58
• On Islanders new freedom:
  • “With Lou Lamoriello gone, the current Islanders players are leaning into the fact that they can now grow their facial hair out…Good for you Islanders. Enjoy it. Bearded up!”—Roy, 17:14
• On diversity:
  • “As a black player, I just want to bring my…culture. I should showcase that for future kids to come.”—Jabril Torre, quoted by Roy, 18:23 (Julian McKenzie story)
• On McDavid’s contract philosophy:
  • “I’m expecting two, three, four years as a bit of a feeling out. … I anticipate that being around that $16, $17 million mark over a shorter term deal.”—David Pinota, 31:52

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:11 – Buffalo Sabres & Alex Lyon’s Hasek tribute
• 04:10–06:22 – Kaprizov/Minnesota contract storyline
• 08:00 & 08:29 – Connor McDavid speaks on future and “all the pieces” in Edmonton
• 12:16 – Panthers media day injury updates
• 15:19 – Anze Kopitar: “Greatest LA King”
• 19:12–20:12 – New jersey (uniform) drops around NHL
• 21:20 – Prospect game goalie own-goal
• 23:13 – Patrick Roy and Duclair: injury fallout
• 27:16–35:54 – Pinota on Carter Hart, Kaprizov, McDavid, and trade markets
• 36:29 – Pinota on Rangers and Panarin’s future
• 40:20 – Pinota: Maple Leafs’ Marner replacement dilemma
• 42:09 – Pinota: Crosby trade not happening

Tone and Style

The panel maintains a blend of humor, banter, and sharp hockey analysis, frequently poking fun at both league quirks (bad headshots, grooming bans) and the sometimes frustrating circumnavigation of stars during contract talks. Pinota delivers detailed, well-connected insider information, while the primary hosts keep the mood lively, relatable, and rapid-paced.

In Summary

From the zany start of training camps (and Tanev’s annual mugshot) to the looming uncertainty around two of the league’s biggest stars, the panel lays out the key power dynamics, player movements, and team shifts for the coming NHL season. Highlights include insightful contract breakdowns, an in-depth look at locker room culture, and an appreciation for ongoing league evolution, both on and off the ice. For fans seeking a smart, entertaining catch-up on what matters most in hockey’s preseason, it’s all here.