Spits & Suds Podcast

Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro are listing their top things the Stars need to do to be successful in 2026-2027. Wyatt Johnston was listed at 18 on the NHL Network’s top 20 centers. Sean details his list. The guys also discuss top free agents still available for the Stars to pursue.

Host Gavin Spittle and Stars Thoughts dot com's Robert Tiffin discuss the recent NHL announcement that all 32 teams will debut "Hometown Remix" jerseys designed to celebrate local culture and fan identity. Addressing an article by Corey Pronman in The Athletic that ranked the Stars 30th in 2026 pipeline talent, Gavin and Robert argue that this low ranking reflects the team's recent NHL success rather than a failure of talent development. The guys also touch on the possibility of side events at the upcoming Stadium Series.

Stars Thoughts dot com’s Robert Tiffin joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss why the Mavs and Stars settled their differences. The guys discuss Jake Oettinger’s ranking on NHL Network's Top 10 Goalies. At just 23 years old, can Wyatt Johnston do more? They also discuss whether the Stars' championship window is closing, as this was a topic on the Wrap Around Podcast. 

Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro reflect on the Spits and Suds live event on Tuesday evening. The guys discuss the Stars' upcoming season and the importance of this team's depth. Gavin and Sean look at the current Stars assistant coaches and whether other teams will interview them for a head coaching job in the future. NHL Network released its top defensemen list. Gavin and Sean give their top 5 in the Central Division. They explain why the Stars had to move Mavrik Bourque this offseason as people still question why they let him sign with Nashville.

Part 2 of the live event from BoomerJack's in Fairview! Listeners asked the panel different Star-related questions.

From BoomerJack's in Fairview, it's Spits and Suds Live!Spits and Suds friends Sean Shapiro, Robert Tiffin, Lia Assimakopoulos, Stephen Meserve, Brien Rea, Brad Lukowich and Cross Hanas join host Gavin Spittle at the first-ever Spits and Suds Live event!

Lia Assimakopoulos from the Dallas Morning News joins the panel and discusses Jake Oettinger and if he has a lot to prove this season. Then the panel gives their thoughts on Jason Robertson and if he will sign long term with the Stars after his one-year deal comes to an end after this season.

Brien Rea has had quite the summer to say the least. He tells Gavin Spittle and the panelists about the crazy summer he's had to begin. Brien says Jason Robertson will be the biggest story this season again because he only signed a one year deal. He gives his thoughts on what he expects from the Stars this season. He says this will be a year of internal growth. Brien also shares his biggest concerns for this season. The guys also debate if Jake Oettinger has the most to prove out of NHL goalies this season after NHL Network's Cory Schneider put him at the top of the list.

At the Spits and Suds live event at BoomerJack's, host Gavin Spittle is joined by Cross Hanas and his dad Trevor Hanas. They talk about Trevor's career and what it was like to coach his son Cross. Trevor discusses Hannah Bilka's hockey play. Cross tells Gavin about some of his teammates with the Texas Stars and what the offseason has been like now that he is going to the Providence Bruins.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro is at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. He joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss the event and highlight some of the top players to watch. Pittsburgh has signed Ville Koivunen to an 8 year deal for $32 million. The LA Kings announced they will retire Anze Kopitar’s No. 11 and unveil his Bronze Statue. The guys also discuss whether Houston is the frontrunner for an expansion team.

We are one week away from the Spits and Suds live event in Allen! Host Gavin Spittle and Sean Shapiro express their excitement for the event. NHL Network put out their “Top 20 Wings Right Now” list and two Dallas Stars made it. Sean and Gavin look at what makes the biggest difference for teams that have gone to the Stanley Cup recently compared to the Dallas Stars. The guys reflect on Jeff Svoboda being let go from his role as the insider with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Gavin shares a hilarious story to begin today’s podcast. Going around the NHL, the Red Wings wished Dylan Larkin a happy birthday on Twitter despite him saying he wants to be traded. The Blue Jackets announced they will be simulcasting their broadcast on TV and Radio. Gavin and Sean discuss the drawbacks of simulcasts. With Macklin Celebrini getting his new contract from the Sharks, what will Jason Robertson’s next contract look like?

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro and host Gavin Spittle give their opinion on Jason Robertson signing a one year contract to stay with the Dallas Stars. Gavin brings up a great point regarding Jason Robertson using the tablet on the bench after a shift and why it’s a good thing. The guys also discuss Chicago bringing back Patrick Kane.

The Stars have signed Jason Robertson to a one year deal worth 12 million dollars. Gavin Spittle gives his thoughts on the move and how it benefits both the Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson.

Jason Robertson’s arbitration hearing is scheduled for Saturday. Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro discuss the process for the hearing and when the Stars must be cap compliant. Gavin and Sean rank the top 10 current NHL players and top 6 defenseman after a Top 50 list came out and Wyatt Johnston wasn't on it. The guys wrap by looking at the Stars over/under point total for the upcoming season. 

Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro discuss the upcoming August 11th listener event logistics and analyze current streaming challenges alongside NHL scheduling trends with the upcoming 84 game schedule this season. 

Updates on recent NHL contract signings and analyzing the 84 game schedule and expressing concern over the condensed nature of the season and the physical toll on players.

Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro discuss the upcoming August 11th listener event logistics and analyze current streaming challenges.

The NHL has released the schedule for the 2026 season. Host Gavin Spittle and David Castillo from Stars Stack break down the schedule. Gavin gives an update on the August 11th live event at BoomerJack’s. The guys transition to the situation with Jason Robertson. David gives a deep dive on what the Stars would be losing if they traded Robertson. With players coming off the books next season, could the Stars make a move for Connor McDavid in 2027-2028? Gavin and David run through some “finish this sentence” scenarios for the upcoming season. 

Gavin and David run through some “finish this sentence” scenarios for the upcoming season.

The guys transition to the situation with Jason Robertson. David gives a deep dive on what the Stars would be losing if they traded Robertson. With players coming off the books next season, could the Stars make a move for Connor McDavid in 2027-2028?

The NHL has released the schedule for the 2026 season. Host Gavin Spittle and David Castillo from Stars Stack break down the schedule. Gavin also gives an update on the August 11th live event at BoomerJack’s.

Mark Frankenfeld will celebrate his 20th year as the Commissioner of the North American Hockey League next season. He joins host Gavin Spittle on this one-timer edition of Spits and Suds! Mark discusses the league and why it has been so successful. He explains the league's financial model. Mark says the league would favor a North Texas team joining the NAHL. He explains how the NAHL shapes these young men, even outside of hockey. Mark discusses his favorite logos and arenas in the league. Mark reviews his hockey career, from coaching to becoming the Commissioner of the NAHL.

Could the Stars trade Jason Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins? Gavin Spittle and Sean Shapiro propose a trade scenario that would benefit both teams. In 2028, some big names in the NHL will be free agents. Why haven't teams signed some of these big-name free agents yet? Will Connor Hellebuyck stay in Winnipeg?

Spits and Suds is hosting a free event at BoomerJack's Grill in Allen, Texas, on Tuesday August 11th. Host Gavin Spittle gives the details for the event. Gavin and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro then discuss Anaheim matching Philadelphia’s offer to Leo Carlsson. Detroit asked for Wyatt Johnston in a trade for Dylan Larkin. Gavin and Sean give their opinion on the offer and explain why Detroit had to ask for a player like Johnston or they wouldn't be doing their job properly. Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is getting ripped for engraving his entire family’s names on the Stanley Cup.

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro says Jason Robertson wants to be a Dallas Star. He joins Gavin Spittle to discuss the moves the Stars made this past week. They discuss Robertson filing for arbitration, Mavrik Bourque signing with Nashville and Jamie Benn signing a one year deal. 

Robert Tiffin from Stars Thoughts dot com and Gavin Spittle discuss free agency, possible maneuvers, how a Jamie Benn bonus will affect this year's salary cap. The guys also discuss how the Stars stack up compared to the rest of the Central after free agent moves have been made so far. 

Coming back from the NHL Draft, NHL Insider Sean Shapiro discusses the experience and his takeaways from the draft. Should Stars fans think Jason Robertson is holding them hostage? Sean says Robertson is seeking the money he believes he is worth. He’s not holding anyone hostage, he is looking for the best deal for him. Gavin says the Stars could trade Robertson whenever they want, that’s not him holding them hostage. Sean says if Dallas pursues Werenski, Larkin and Knies, they will have to give up Harley and Bourque.

David Castillo from Stars Stack joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the NHL Draft. The guys begin by discussing first-round picks being leveraged in trades. David points out the Sharks had a phenomenal draft. He questions why Chicago traded for Owen Byram when they should acquire a winger to complement Connor Bedard. They discuss the Blues trading for Mason McTavish with the Anaheim Ducks, JJ Peterka moving to Boston and Colorado trading Nichushkin and Drury. David and Gavin transition to the picks the Stars made at the NHL Draft. David loved the Stars' first pick, Jakub Vaněček. He and Gavin break down all of the picks the Stars made. The guys wrap by discussing who they think won the NHL Draft this weekend with the best picks.

Gavin and David wrap by discussing who they think won the NHL Draft this weekend with the best picks.

David and Gavin transition to the picks the Stars made at the NHL Draft. David loved the first pick for the Stars, Jakub Vaněček. He and Gavin break down all of the picks the Stars made.

David Castillo from Stars Stack joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the NHL Draft. The guys begin with first round picks being leveraged in trades. David points out the Sharks had a phenomenal draft. He questions why Chicago traded for Owen Byram when they should be going after a Wing to complement Connor Bedard. They discuss the Blues trading for Mason McTavish with the Anaheim Ducks, JJ Peterka getting moved to Boston and Colorado trading Nichuskin and Drury.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle from Buffalo for the NHL Draft. They discuss Seattle and St. Louis taking a stab at Robertson and Robertson turning them both down. Sean gives his opinion on the entire Jason Robertson situation and what he thinks will happen. Will any team give up 4 first round picks for Robertson? The Avalanche traded Val Nichuskin to the Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets are shopping Connor Hellebuyck. 

Robert Tiffin from Stars Thoughts dot com joins host Gavin Spittle. The guys discuss teams reaching out to the Stars asking about Jason Robertson. Robert believes Dallas will not let Mavrik Bourque walk but they have to get the Jason Robertson situation figured out first to see how much money they can offer him. Gavin and Robert go through lots of tweets from the listeners. 

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss the latest on the Jason Robertson negotiations with the Dallas Stars. Sean says Robertson turned down a 12 million dollar offer but that doesn’t mean he won’t come back. He says Jim Nill has taken phone calls from other teams that want to trade for Robertson, but that doesn’t mean the Stars are going to trade him. Sean believes the Stars and Robertson are going to get a deal done. Gavin and Sean discuss Ottawa pursuing Robertson and him not wanting to sign a long term deal with the Senators. Gavin brings up the scenario where if Ottawa can’t land Robertson, could they pursue Mavrik Bourque? News came out that Dylan Larkin wants to go to the Dallas Stars. Sean says the Stars can use Larkin as a plan B if the Robertson negotiations go South. 

The Florida Panthers made a splash on Sunday by trading for Brady Tkachuk. Host Gavin Spittle starts with Florida trading Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken for a first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick. Gavin says the Panthers got a great return on the trade and then flipped that pick for Brady Tkachuk. He looks at the projected lines for the Florida Panthers and they are absolutely loaded. On top of both Tkachuk’s, Alexander Barkov is coming back. David Pagnotta reported that the Ottawa Senators are trying to make a play for Jason Robertson. Gavin asks if this speeds up Jim Nill’s timeline to sign Robertson to a deal. 

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle on a Friday edition of Spits and Suds. The guys begin with Kelly McCrimmon's comments regarding widespread league criticism, which McCrimmon attributed to jealousy over the team's success. They give their thoughts on the Golden Knight and Toronto Maple Leafs hiring new coaches. They also discuss the NHL clearing Mike Babcock to return to the league following an investigation. Gavin and Sean review two trades, Michael Kesselring to the Sharks and Ross Colton to the Predators. Then they transition to the PWHL draft process, specifically confusion over the lack of a revealed draft order until the last minute and the unexpected movement of players like Hilary Knight to Detroit. Sean expresses concern over the single-ownership model and the nature of player movement between teams. Gavin shares projections from AFP Consulting regarding Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, estimating a market value of $96 million with a $12 million average annual value (AAV), and compares this against tax implications in various NHL markets. Sean argues that state tax advantages are overblown.

Gavin shares projections from AFP Consulting regarding Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, estimating a market value of $96 million with a $12 million average annual value (AAV), and compares this against tax implications in various NHL markets. Sean argues that state tax advantages are overblown.

Gavin and Sean review two trades, Michael Kesselring to the Sharks and Ross Colton to the Predators. Then they transition to the PWHL draft process, specifically confusion over the lack of a revealed draft order until the last minute and the unexpected movement of players like Hilary Knight to Detroit. Sean expresses concern over the single-ownership model and the nature of player movement between teams.

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle on a Friday edition of Spits and Suds. The guys begin with Kelly McCrimmon's comments regarding widespread league criticism, which McCrimmon attributed to jealousy over the team's success. They give their thoughts on the Golden Knight and Toronto Maple Leafs hiring new coaches. They also discuss the NHL clearing Mike Babcock to return to the league following an investigation.

It’s officially the off-season for the NHL after Carolina won the Stanley Cup on Sunday night. Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro discuss the excitement for the fans in Carolina. Rumors are circulating that the Ducks could shop Mason McTavish. Could the Stars make a trade for him? What will it take for Liam Bichsel to move up to the second defensive pairing? Looking at Jason Robertson's timeline, Sean thinks Jim Nill has already decided against trading him and is now working on offering him a new contract.

Gavin Spittle and Joey Erickson from Locked On Stars hand out season awards for the 2025-2026 Dallas Stars. They also touch on the Dallas Stars offseason stories with the new arena being in Plano and Jason Robertson contract negotiations. 

Gavin and Joey are giving out awards for the Dallas Stars from this past season. They pick who they think deserves the Norris Trophy, Selke Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Lady Byng & Masterton Award. 

Gavin and Joey are giving out awards for the Dallas Stars from this past season. They pick who they think deserves the Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and Calder Trophy.

The Hurricanes are one win away from winning the Stanley Cup. Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro break down the series. Sean compliments Carolina's switch to Brandon Bussi in the series, noting it has worked. Dylan Larkin and Darnell Nurse are both looking to be traded. Given Nurse's salary, Sean points out that the return Edmonton receives will not meet their expectations. If the Stars can acquire him for half his yearly salary, the guys would make that deal. Does Nikita Kucherov get overlooked by fans? Jason Robertson made the “First All-Star Team” at the NHL awards. Gavin and Sean say this will only increase his stock during negotiations for a new contract. The guys discuss their expectations for Tyler Seguin this year as he returns from injury.

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins Gavin Spittle to discuss many different topics. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is reportedly willing to be traded to one of three teams: Minnesota, Vegas, or Florida. Sean noted that while those three teams are being reported, there are other interested teams. There are rumors linking Joe Pavelski to a potential head coaching role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gavin and Sean reviewed reports linking Peter Laviolette to the LA Kings and discussed the rumors regarding Mike Babcock potentially joining the Edmonton Oilers. Gavin highlighted that Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between Carolina and Vegas averaged a 2.4 rating, marking the most-watched Game 2 since the 2015 Blackhawks-Lightning series. Sean credited this viewership growth to the high-quality play on the ice. They also confirmed that the Plano City Council voted unanimously to approve the development of a new arena. 

There are rumors linking Joe Pavelski to a potential head coaching role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sean noted that Pavelski lacks the professional coaching background. Both Gavin and Sean agreed that the high-pressure environment of the Toronto media market is significantly different from the conditions Pavelski experienced while playing in Dallas or San Jose. Gavin and Sean reviewed reports linking Peter Laviolette to the LA Kings and discussed the rumors regarding Mike Babcock potentially joining the Edmonton Oilers. Sean expressed significant concern regarding the ethical implications of recent NHL hiring practices.

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins Gavin Spittle to discuss many different topics. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is reportedly willing to be traded to one of three teams: Minnesota, Vegas, or Florida. Sean noted that while those three teams are being reported, there are other interested teams. He explains Jim Nill keeps things quiet. The Stars could be interested in Larkin but Dallas currently lacks significant cap space for such an acquisition and is prioritizing the contract renewal of Jason Robertson over pursuing other trades. Gavin explained a "trickle-down theory" regarding trade rumors.

David Castillo from Stars Stack and D Magazine joins Gavin Spittle. They discuss what the Stars need to improve on for next year so they have a better chance at playing in the Stanley Cup. What is the Stars identity? Gavin says when they’re physical they’re very effective, but they have not been able to use that. The consistent identity of this team is currently a mystery. David says they’re not a forecheck team. He thinks the Stars lacked chemistry on their lines this season and need to find a way to mesh better together. Gavin and David also touch on the Stars prospect pool rankings for 2026.

Live from the NHL Draft Combine, NHL insider Sean Shapiro joins Gavin Spittle to talk about the event. Sean gives his opinion on the controversial goaltender interference call in game 2 of the Stanley Cup. He thinks Allen Texas native JP Hurlbert could go in round 1 in the NHL Draft. Dylan Larkin has requested a trade out of Detroit. Could Dallas make a play for him? The guys break down possible trade scenarios and why Larkin wants out of Detroit. Brayden McNabb took a puck to the face and had to go to the hospital. Sean explains the current NHL rule with cage protection on the helmet. If they’re allowed to do it in College, why won’t the NHL allow it? Could a USHL team come to Frisco in the future?