Episode 190 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 01-02-2026

Hi Hockey Fans, Episode 190 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived, topics include- #1. I have seen nothing from Phillip Danault as yet. #2. How does the acquisition of Phillip Danault actually help the Montreal Canadiens? #3. The Montreal Canadiens paid a steep price. A likely top 9 pick in the 2nd round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and for what. #4. Phillip Danault adds another bloated contract. #5. Phillip Danault adds another underperforming and overpaid veteran to a team that had no such use or need for such a player. #6. The L.A. Kings won the Phillip Danault trade hands down. #7. There does not even seem to be any value in Phillip Danault being able to teach or pass along anything to any center on the NHL roster. The Laval AHL roster or to any prospect within Montreal’s pipeline. #8. There still remains significant screaming and whining to acquire a 2nd line center, even after the acquisition of Phillip Danault? #9. Why is there so much incompetence and underappreciation for Olivier Kapanen?  #10. Oliver Kapanen has done far more than asked or was expected to do. #11. The Montreal Canadiens do not need to acquire anymore has been players who’s careers are clearly nearing there conclusion. #12.  Yet to arrive A-Level prospects include, Michael Hage, Alexander Zharanovsky, Bryce Pickford, Bogden Koshukov, L.J. Mooney, not to mention Adam Engstrom, David Reinbacher, Florian Xhekaj, Sam Harris and Owen Protz.  #13. Take a look at the top 9 producing players on the Montreal Canadiens roster and get a much-needed reality check. #14. Of the injured, Alex Newhook is the player missed. #15 Adam Engstrom would have made any other NHL clubs roster right out of training camp. It took an injury to Kaiden Guhle, for him to get called up from Laval and given his shot. #16. Adam Engstrom has replaced Kaiden Guhle. #17. Adam Engstrom has surpassed Alexander Carrier and Jayden Struble. #18. Does anyone even know about Owen Protz, Bryce Pickford, Bogden Konyushkov or David Reinbacher and do not forget about Carlos Handel, Rasmus Bergqvist or William Trudeau. #19. Michael Hage, Alexander Zharovsky, L.J. Mooney or Sam Harris, not to mention Florian Xhekaj, Tyler Thorpe and Luke Tuch likely all arrive in 2026/2027! #20. Well people can stop whining, as Nick Suzuki has been named to Canada’s 2026 Olympic Roster.  #21. But hold on, Oliver Kapanen, you remember, the guy that has done a far more than adequate job as the Montreal Canadiens number 2 center, has been named to Finland’s 2026 Olympic Roster. #22. Michael Hage, L.J. Mooney, Aatos Koivu and Calos Handel are all playing in the 2026 World Junior tournament. #23. Smartly, the Montreal Canadiens have signed right defensive prospect Bryce Pickford to a 3-year entry level deal, who is lighting it up in the WHL.