Episode 222 of the Hockey Free Fort All Podcast 07-17-2026

Hello hockey fans out there. Episode 222 of the hockey free for all has arrived for you. This episode’s topics include- #1. Hayley Wickenheiser dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leaf’s #2. Apparently G.M. John Chayka has different plans and a different vision. #3. The Toronto Maple Leaf’s are cleaning house administratively. #4. The Toronto Maple Leaf’s are leaving no stone unturned. #5. The Montreal Canadiens sign defensive prospect Bogdan Konyushkov. #6. Bogdan Konyushkov will play in the KHL with the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in 2026-27. #7. The right and left sides of the defense are equally as strong in Montreal. #8. With signings and arrivals of Bryce Pickford and Bogdan Konyushkov, David Reinbacker has some serious and very real competition, and his clock is now ticking. #9. First round draft pick are not the only prospects that have real opportunity to make it in the NHL. #10. David Reinbacker is 6’ 03 207lbs, that’s not enough. Pickford and Konyushkov bring a lot more. #11. In Addition to Bryce Pickford and Bogdan Konyushkov, Montreal selected Right-Handed defensemen Timofei Runtso and Cooper Cleaves in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. #12. Of the top 17 picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, David Reinbacher has played the least amount of games in the NHL. #13. Bogdan Konyushkov and Owen Protz would be a scary pairing on the Montreal defense. #14. The battle of Reinbacher Vs. Engstrom. Which one or do both make the 2026/2027  roster? #15. The Canuck’s new coaching staff is now filled out. #16. Dylan Larkin is not the perfect match for the Montreal Canadiens and why. #17, The Montreal Canadiens biggest need is grit. Not a 2nd-line center, not another defenseman. #18. Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes were important contracts. Kirby Dach, not so much. #19. Stop! The Montreal Canadiens do not need and not have any need for Mikeal Granlund at all. #20. Anaheim would make extremely excessive compensation demands for Mikael Granlund. #21. Anaheim matches Philadelphia’s offer-sheet to Leo Carlsson. #22. Philadelphia has destroyed Anaheim’s cap management. #23. The Montreal Canadiens have replaced Trevor Letowski with Derek Lalonde and what he brings. #24. Martin St. Louis, Rod Brind’ Amour and Andre Tourigny are the top 3 coaches in the NHL. #25. So many have forgotten Oliver Kapanens’ excellent regular season that far exceed expectations, why? #26. The Montreal Canadiens have 8 centers; how many do they need? That’s 2 sets of starting 4 centers that they can ice. #27. The Montreal Canadiens do not need Kirill Marchenko either, Stop! #28. John Davidson is back in hockey. #29. Steve Yzerman is out in Detroit. #30. Does Detroit step outside the box or go traditional with their G.M. hiring? #31. Thankfully, Anthony Mantha signed a 2-year contract with the New Jersey Devils.  #32. You really don’t want to trade Arber Xhekaj and here’s why.