Episode 173 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 09-05-2025

Hello hockey fans, as August is now in the rereview mirror, and September has arrived, so has Episode 173 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast. Topics include- #1. Saku Koivu was an awesome player, but best and most beloved captain of all time? #2. Is Saku Koivu the best Captain and most beloved of recent times? Ok, that’s a valid discussion. #3. Has everyone forgotten about John Beliveau? #4. Is Carey Prices contract the contract that the Montreal Canadiens really needs to get out from under and trade? #5. Other than reaching the bottom limit of a team cap, what else does acquiring Carey Prices contract do for the acquiring team. #6. The last year of Carrey Price’s contract can be easily buried in LTIR. #7. Instead of trading Carey Prices contract and possibly having to throw in a draft pick or prospect of any kind, how about trading Patrik Laine and his contract to the Anaheim Duck, enticing Anaheim with the possibility of what Patrik Laine and Leo Carlsson might be able to do and look like on the same line? #8. How about the Montreal Canadiens trade Patrik Laine to the Anaheim Duck for Center Nathan Gauncher, who is 6’ 03, 222lbs, is 21-years old, and was the 22nd pick overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and oh by the way is also a RIGHT HANDED Shot and a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft from Anaheim, why not make this trade? 8.7 million comes off Montreal’s cap, Montreal doesn’t have to throw in anything else, and Laine is 27-years old. #9. Moving Laine’s contract is far more advantageous for Montreal. Relieves cap space and net’s Montreal a need asset in the minds of many. #10. Patrik Laine is not the perfect pairing partner for Ivan Demidov. Doesn’t anyone remember the me, me, me and disingenuous behavior and remarks made by Patrik Laine when Ivan Demidov first arrived? Laine was extremely jealous of Demidov immediately! #11. Aggressively look to move Gallaghers and Anderson’s contracts at the 2026 trade deadline, which is going to be tuff to do without a specific need that another club has. #12. Hat’s off to the NHL for putting in place cap compliancy that carries into and throughout the playoffs and Stanley Cup finals as well. It’s been long overdue, as there has been extremely questionable ethics, integrity professionalism by many.