Spits & Suds Podcast

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?  

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro breaks down what he has seen this year from Logan Stankoven with Carolina. The Texas Stars re-signed Curtis McKenzie to a one-year contract. Sean brings up how this will be hard for some people to watch the Stanley Cup because Carter Hart is in net for the Golden Knights. He shares his thoughts on Nils Lundkvist's play this season. Gavin and Sean remember Claude Lemieux after his tragic passing on Thursday. 

Andi Petrillo from Amazon Prime’s Monday Night Hockey & Thursday Coast2Coast joins host Gavin Spittle on this edition of Spits and Suds. Andi had Dallas winning the Stanley Cup this year and was stunned they were a first round exit. Gavin and Andi discuss her book "Just Call Me "Andi": Sports Stories from a Trailblazer.” Andi explains the transition from radio to television and what her first show was like. She shares a story about Mats Sundin when she worked in Toronto for the Maple Leafs. She also shares some stories about her husband, retired goalkeeper Jon Conway. Andi explains why not all of Canada is rallying around the Montreal Canadiens. She explains why she thinks the Captain role has evolved over the years. Gavin and Andi share some stories about Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Ron MacLean. 

*Host Gavin Spittle is joined by NHL Insider Sean Shapiro. The guys discuss the Memorial Cup tournament. Sean explains what makes Junior Hockey so exciting. He says it's one of the most thrilling products to watch. Then they discuss the Jordan Tourigny ejection for stomping another player with his skate. Sean expresses skepticism about the value of fighting in junior hockey, questioning if it has a positive impact on the sport. Gavin notes the vital role junior hockey plays in developing NHL talent.*Gavin questions the validity of the "Presidents' Trophy curse," noting that the 2012-2013 Chicago Blackhawks were the last team to win both the trophy and the Stanley Cup. Sean pushes back on the severity of the curse, citing data from 1971 to 2024 showing that the number one seed wins the Stanley Cup roughly 32% of the time, suggesting the "curse" is an overblown narrative rather than a mathematical reality. Regarding the series between Vegas and Colorado, the guys discuss the current NHL playoff format system failing to reward regular-season performances. They note that high-performing teams like Dallas and Minnesota were forced into an early-round matchup.*Gavin and Sean analyze the contract situation for Jason Robertson, comparing his value to Mitch Marner's eight-year, $96 million contract. They believe a decision regarding Robertson's future—whether an extension or a potential trade—will likely be resolved before the draft. They also preview Carolina/Montreal game 4.

Gavin questions the validity of the "Presidents' Trophy curse," noting that the 2012-2013 Chicago Blackhawks were the last team to win both the trophy and the Stanley Cup. Sean pushes back on the severity of the curse, citing data from 1971 to 2024 showing that the number one seed wins the Stanley Cup roughly 32% of the time, suggesting the "curse" is an overblown narrative rather than a mathematical reality. Regarding the series between Vegas and Colorado, the guys discuss the current NHL playoff format system failing to reward regular-season performances. They note that high-performing teams like Dallas and Minnesota were forced into an early-round matchup.

Host Gavin Spittle is joined by NHL Insider Sean Shapiro. The guys discuss the Memorial Cup tournament. Sean explains what makes Junior Hockey so exciting. He says it's one of the most thrilling products to watch. Then they discuss the Jordan Tourigny ejection for stomping another player with his skate. Sean expresses skepticism about the value of fighting in junior hockey, questioning if it has a positive impact on the sport. Gavin notes the vital role junior hockey plays in developing NHL talent.

David Castillo from Stars Stack and D Magazine joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss why the Stars need to re-sign Jason Robertson. They also discuss coaching vacancies in the NHL. David gives his opinion on Adam Foote and Kris Knoblauch being let go by Vancouver and Edmonton. Since Knoblauch was let go from a team that made it to the Cup the last two years, Gavin asks David if Glen Gulutzan has a short leash in Dallas, given that Knoblauch was fired after a first-round exit against Anaheim.  

Host Gavin Spittle and David Castillo discuss coaching vacancies in the NHL. David gives his opinion on Adam Foote and Kris Knoblauch being let go by Vancouver and Edmonton. With Knoblauch getting let go from a team that made it to the Cup the last two years, Gavin asks David if Glen Gulutzan has a short leash in Dallas if Knoblauch can get fired after a first round exit against Anaheim. 

Host Gavin Spittle finds himself in a predicament with who to root for in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro is rooting for Carolina and Logan Stankoven. Bruce Cassidy confirmed this week that he’s not allowed to interview with other teams yet. Sean breaks down the process and why it doesn’t make sense from a Vegas standpoint. John Tortorella declined to speak with the media after the Golden Knights advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Sean and Gavin share their opinions on that. They give their picks for the Jim Gregory GM Of The Year. The guys wrap with the founder of Elite Prospects, Johan Nilsson, passing away this week after a 9 year battle with colon cancer. 

Stephen Meserve from 100 Degree Hockey joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the 2026 Texas Stars season. Stephen explains what changed with the team, from the sluggish start at the beginning of the year to making the playoffs. Gavin brings up Scott White being pursued by other teams and Stephen shares how much he has meant to the organization. They transition to the players who stood out this season on the Texas Stars. Stephen picks 3 players from Texas that could potentially play for Dallas next season. 

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss Kade O’Rourke having his exceptional status denied by the OHL. He will return with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens next season.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss Kade O’Rourke having his exceptional status denied by the OHL. He will return with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens next season. The guys discuss Sean’s latest article from D Magazine “It’s Up To Jamie Benn To Save the Stars From Themselves.” NHL Trade Rumor dot com floated the idea of San Jose weighing trading their second overall pick for Jason Robertson. Gavin and Sean say they would do that without hesitation, if they were the Sharks. The guys wrap up by discussing the fascinating goaltender matchups among the teams remaining in the playoffs.

NHL Trade Rumor dot com floated the idea of San Jose weighing trading their second overall pick for Jason Robertson. Gavin and Sean say they would do that without hesitation if they were the Sharks. The guys wrap up by discussing the fascinating goaltender matchups among the teams remaining in the playoffs.

The guys discuss Sean’s latest article from D Magazine “It’s Up To Jamie Benn To Save the Stars From Themselves.”

Jim Nill spoke with the media today to put a bow on the end of the 2025-2026 season. Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro go through what Nill had to say. Glen Gulutzan and  Nill both want to see Jamie Benn back on the Stars next season. The guys give their thoughts on that. Sean thinks the Stars are aiming to get a deal with Jason Robertson done before July 1st so they can get that done and then address the rest of the roster. If they were to trade him, what team will offer the Stars a package that is a fair return for Robertson? Could Dallas land McDavid in a hypothetical trade with Edmonton? Gavin and Sean give their thoughts on this. 

Stars broadcaster Brien Rea joined K&C Masterpiece on 105.3 The Fan in-studio for the hour to discuss the Stars season and dip into some Gridiron Gravy!

The Stars had their exit interviews on Monday. Glen Gulutzan said Jamie Benn should come back next year. Gavin and Sean Shapiro give their thoughts on the future of Jamie Benn. Jake Oettinger said he wants to get advice from Ben Bishop this offseason and wants to accomplish more goals for next season. Mavrik Bourque wants to return to the Stars next season. Gavin runs through the list of players that are locked up for next season. The Stars bring back all of their defensemen, but Tyler Myers really struggled after being traded to the Stars. Will Lian Bichsel get his minutes increased? Sean throws that out as an option. The guys transition to the other playoff games. They give credit to the Montreal Canadiens and Martin St Louis for the season they have had and advancing to the second round with just 9 shots on net. They look at the second round matchups and discuss how well the ratings will do for these games.

The guys transition to the other playoff games. They give credit to the Montreal Canadiens and Martin St Louis for the season they have had and advancing to the second round with just 9 shots on net. They look at the second round matchups and discuss how well the ratings will do for these games.

The Stars had their exit interviews on Monday. Glen Gulutzan said Jamie Benn should come back next year. Gavin and Sean Shapiro give their thoughts on the future of Jamie Benn. Jake Oettinger said he wants to get advice from Ben Bishop this offseason and wants to accomplish more goals for next season. Mavrik Bourque wants to return to the Stars next season. Gavin runs through the list of players that are locked up for next season. The Stars bring back all of their defensemen, but Tyler Myers really struggled after being traded to the Stars. Will Lian Bichsel get his minutes increased? Sean throws that out as an option.

Getting you ready for a pivotal game 5 tonight from the AAC. Host Gavin Spittle sets the stage with an injury update on Roope Hintz and Nils Lundkvist. Mats Zuccarello practiced and could play in game 5, Gavin says that is a massive development for Minnesota's power play if he returns to the lineup. Broadcaster Bob Wischusen of the The NHL On ESPN joined Shan and RJ on 105.3 the Fan to preview game 5.

The Stars fell to the Wild in overtime 3-2 and the series is tied headed back to Dallas on Tuesday. Host Gavin Spittle recaps the game. The penalty kill continues to do its job. They held Minnesota 0/4 in the game and the Wild are 1 for their last 15. Gavin points out how massive losing Nils Lundvkist was in this game and it made the Stars have to play with 5 defensemen for the rest of the game. The goaltending in the game was incredible. Gavin gives credit to both goalies and points out how Oettinger struggled in game 1 but has been absolutely brilliant in the rest of these games. He wraps by answering tweets from the listeners. 

Robert Tiffin from Stars Thoughts dot com joins host Gavin Spittle to preview game 4 of Stars/Wild. The guys talk about late puck drop times in the playoffs and how it keeps impacting the players and fans. Robert explains why we haven’t seen Michael Bunting in this series. They transition to Jamie Benn taking bad penalties and how he needs to be smarter with those in the playoffs. Matt Duchene has come into his own as a playoff competitor and Gavin attributes that to his playoff experience. It’s a game 4 preview with Robert Tiffin on this edition of Spits and Suds!

Our NHL insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the Stars' double-overtime win against Minnesota. The guys discuss how fast players are developing from the AHL to the NHL in the Stars organization. Wyatt Johnston's game-winner evoked shades of Joe Pavelski. Gavin and Sean compare Johnston to Brayden Point and review the numbers that back up the comparison. They transition to Miro Heiskanen and question why people still underrate him. Jamie Benn continues to take bad penalties, what should the Stars do about this? Sean wants to see a little bit more from Thomas Harley in these playoff games. The guys also touch on the proper time to ask a question at a press conference and when to hold back. 

Wyatt Johnston wins it in game 3 for the Stars in double OT against Minnesota. Host Gavin Spittle points out the special teams being the story of the game. Dallas held Minnesota to 1 for 7 on the power play and Dallas went 3 for 8 on the power play. Gavin says the Wild let off the physicality because they wanted to stay out of the box but it didn’t work. He has wanted to see Miro Heiskanen take more shots from the point and it worked for the Johnston goal. Spittle addresses Jamie Benn’s penalties and how Glen Gulutzan should handle that. Gavin wants to see Michael Bunting in the lineup. He ends by going through tweets from the Sudsies.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the game 2 win for the Stars. They talk about the late night start time for two teams in the Central time zone. The guys go through comments from Nick Foligno and Brock Faber after the game. Should the Stars switch anything up in their lineup even though they just won in game 2? Sean gives his thoughts on Mikko Rantanen’s penalty after Matt Duchene’s goal. Sean and Gavin give their thoughts on the play of Nils Lundvkist and Jake Oettinger. Sean notes that Oettinger doesn’t have back to back bad games. Oettinger elevates everyone's game when he has performances like he did in game 2. Sean also gives his thoughts on if either team should make any lineup adjustments for game 3.