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The FAN Drive Time Profile

The FAN Drive Time

English, Sports, 1 season, 1478 episodes, 4 days, 11 hours, 40 minutes
About
Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt run down the biggest stories of the day in sports. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 5pm-7pm ET.
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A Look Around the NHL & NBA + A Major MLSE Announcement

The FAN Morning Show heads into its final hour with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discussing the NHL training camps that open up today. Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff NHL insider, delves into the Maple Leafs’ offseason including the signings GM Brad Treliving made, the expectations they come in with, the fan perception, and how far talks about moving on from Mitch Marner went internally. The trio also take a moment to look around the league at some other players with contractual situations still up in the air. Next, Ben and Brent break the news that Rogers will become the majority owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. To end the show today, the duo check in with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk to share how baseball's playoff picture is shaping up (25:53). They look at who should be the proverbial favourites in both the American and National Leagues, how surprising it is to see the Tigers in the hunt for the postseason, along with the historic good and bad things we’ve seen this season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/18/202448 minutes
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Leafs Expectations & Pressure

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on who they are most looking forward to hearing from and what they are hoping to hear. The duo discuss if anything changes for the team or Auston Matthews now that he’s Captain as well as on the other side, if it will be easier this season now for John Tavares without the C. Next, Sam McKee (24:29) weighs in on what he expects today, what can be taken away from it and the preseason.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/18/202447 minutes, 46 seconds
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NHL Camps Open + Bo’s Back

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs as they open with players, head coach and management will speak to the media this morning. The duo discuss what they expect to hear instead of what they want. In the back end of the hour, the boys dissect the return of Bo Bichette to the Jays line-up and his newfound approach to playing as well as Will Wagner & Daulton Varsho getting shut down and their seasons being done.  The pair also took some time to dive into the PGA Tour & LIV merger, which was being held up by money (32:58).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/18/202450 minutes, 56 seconds
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Crosby's Contract Proves Sid's Unselfishness

The FAN Morning Show continues into its final hour of the day looking back with yesterday’s news that Sidney Crosby is re-upping in Pittsburgh. Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss his decision to take a lower cap hit than his worth and if that puts pressure on GM Kyle Dubas to get the Penguins back into the playoffs. The hosts head to Pittsburgh and are joined by two-time Stanley Cup champion, now Penguins radio analyst, Phil Bourque. Phil fills the morning duo in on what the tone was like in the city around Sid’s pending future, what the sense is now that he’s signed, and what it means for the team as they hope to compete for a Cup again. Later on, B&B turn their attention back to the NFL and welcome on NFL Network’s Jeffri Chadiha to help wrap up Week 2 (27:36). The NFL.com writer weighs in on another collapse by Nick Sirianni and the Eagles on Monday night, Kirk Cousins getting his first Falcons victory, the benching of Bryce Young, and if the Chargers can challenge the Chiefs in their division. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/17/202447 minutes, 56 seconds
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Blue Jays Banter on Booing + Fan Perception

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk about some recent quotes that are making the rounds (again) from the Blue Jays’ Chris Bassitt saying that the front office is not the problem and isn’t to blame for the team shortcomings but they are the ones fans like to blame them. The boys break down what they think of that theory. Next, B&B then bring on longtime Star contributor, Damien Cox, to weigh in on Sidney Crosby's re-signing with the Penguins and where he ranks among all-time players in Pittsburgh and the NHL (23:13).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/17/202448 minutes, 9 seconds
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Cousins-Led Comeback + Sidney Signs

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show reacting to the Monday Night Football game that saw Kirk Cousins & the Falcons mount a late game-winning drive to stun the Eagles. At the backend of the hour, the morning duo dives into the hockey news that Sidney Crosby re-signed in Pittsburgh at a very friendly cap hit (31:26).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/17/202450 minutes, 59 seconds
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The Beautiful Dream w/ Atiba Hutchinson

The final hour of The Fan Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continues diving into the NFL alongside Bill Bender, senior NFL writer for the Sporting News. They discuss the teams that have impressed and disappointed through the first two weeks of the season, the latest showdown between Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes, how much trouble Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are in, and if 2-0 teams like the Steelers or the Chargers can be considered contenders. After that, the morning duo welcome in retired Canadian soccer player, Atiba Hutchinson (23:20). The former national team captain reflects on his 20-year career and capturing it all in his latest memoir, The Beautiful Dream. The trio also discuss the incredible growth that Canadian soccer has made in his lifetime, and what its future holds with the likes of a player of Alphonso Davies caliber along with new head coach Jesse Marsch. To end today’s show, B&B go back to the gridiron to discuss the health and future of Tua Tagovailoa and preview the Monday Night's battle between the Falcons and Eagles. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/16/202446 minutes, 45 seconds
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Takeaways After 2 NFL Weeks + a Look Around MLB

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning dive into who the most entertaining & intriguing teams are and which coach is on the hottest Seat. The two hosts also take some time to discuss the end of the LIV golf season and if anyone notices. Later, the boys turn their attention back to baseball and welcome Insider Jon Morosi of MLB Network to look around the Majors. The boys discuss the current Jays team and who has bounced back to give the organization some things to think about for 2025 (25:19).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/16/202448 minutes, 52 seconds
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NFL Sunday Week 2 + Jays’ Teams in the Vlad Era

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show dissecting the Sunday in Week 2 of the NFL. The pair started on the Chiefs who did it again, a late comeback to snatch a victory away from Joe Burrow & the Bengals. They look at the history between the two and if football fans had a right to be upset about a late call in that game that went KC’s way. At the backend of the hour, the morning duo turned their attention to the Blue Jays and with 12 games left of the 2024 season; ponder how this year will be remembered and if it is among the worst we’ve seen during the Vlad Guerrero Jr. era in Toronto (35:05).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/16/202450 minutes, 21 seconds
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Leafs Have Options + Jays Finding Positives

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begins on the Toronto Maple Leafs' page alongside two-time Stanley Cup winning executive, Mike Futa. He shares his thoughts on the team's biggest decisions heading into camp for the 2025 season, the level they can reach if they stay healthy, and what the new signings have to offer. Next up, B&B are joined by former MLB catcher and current Sportsnet Blue Jays Central analyst, Caleb Joseph to chat about the Blue Jays (27:43). After reminiscing and telling stories from his career, Caleb weighs in on what he seen from Bowden Francis in his recent incredible run of starts and if its sustainable. The trio also discuss Bowden’s future with the team and what other guys called up this season could have a role on the squad next year. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliates.
9/13/202448 minutes
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NFL Week 2 Preview/ w Charles Davis

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning are joined by the NFL on CBS’ Charles Davis who will be in Tennessee to call Jets versus Titans. The trio start by looking back at TNF particularly what happened with Tua and if this could be the Josh Allen & the Bills’ year. They then focus on Sunday’s slate and discuss if it is already a MUST-WIN game for Robert Saleh & the Jets. Then, B&B previewed their favourite match-ups this weekend and the games they were most excited to watch in Week 2 (28:06).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/13/202448 minutes, 7 seconds
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The Tribulations of Tua + Treliving Talks

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show and turn their attention to last night’s Thursday Night NFL Game that had a sombre tone after Tua Tagovailoa left it in the third quarter with a concussion. In the backend of the hour, the morning duo dive into some of what Maple Leafs’ GM Brad Treliving said yesterday when talking to the media as he addressed some of the signings and reports that came out this week around his team (28:18).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/13/202449 minutes, 35 seconds
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Leafs Lines, Contracts & Expectations

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning starts with a closer look at the Maple Leafs' offseason as a whole, the contracts they doled out, and what the roster implications are. They bring on Sportsnet's own Jason Bukala to share his take on the Leafs' freshly inked deals, what those new players offer to the team, what it means for some young players awaiting an opportunity, and who could be the odd man out. Later on, Sportsnet's Luke Fox joins the conversations after returning home from covering media day in Las Vegas (28:00). After opening with some NHL expansion talk, the trio focus in on Leafs' storylines heading into training camp and discuss how a certain docu-series could factor into what we find out and think of certain guys this season.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/12/202448 minutes, 6 seconds
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Blue Jays R&D + MLB Playoff Picture

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss the lessons they’ve learned from the Blue Jays this season especially down the stretch with some players whose futures are on the fringe. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to a comment made by DeMar DeRozan that got around yesterday saying he is fully confident that the Raptors would still have become NBA champions if he wasn't traded. Next, the pair turn their attention back to baseball and welcome on MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (26:33) to look around the Majors. The trio looks at the playoff picture and MVP races in both leagues, and they have to discuss Bowden Francis’ recent unreal run and the luxuries it affords the Jays.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/12/202449 minutes, 26 seconds
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Heartbreak for Francis… Again! + Hakanpää Officially a Leaf

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off the show by talking about Bowden Francis who was yet again on the verge of history, carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning for the second time in four starts. B&B then switched gears to talk Maple Leafs after the team finally made the Jani Hakanpaa signing official.They look at the team’s offseason and what contracts look good. The hour ends with the Canadian Football report (26:07).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/12/202448 minutes, 27 seconds
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Breaking Down the Blue Jays and Bills

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning enters today's final hour talking Blue Jays with former Major Leaguer and SN590’s own, Kevin Barker! The co-host of Blair and Barker dives into Bowden Francis’ recent run, if he has solidified his spot in the rotation next season, and Davis Schneider’s struggles, before looking at the team's needs to be competitive in 2025 and where priorities should lie. Next up, B&B shift their attention to the NFL and look ahead to an long standing AFC rivalry set to be showcased on Thursday Night Football. Ty Dunne, national NFL writer and founder of GoLongTD.com, discusses the Josh Allen once again playing the hero for the Bills in Week 1, before taking a closer look at his career path and why Buffalo relies on his style of play (29:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/11/202449 minutes, 13 seconds
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Toronto Perceptions + Canada Soccer’s New Expectations

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss some Toronto sports figures they recall that changed their public perception the most during their time in the city. Next B&B check in with former Leafs’ GM, now host & analyst, Gord Stellick for his thoughts on the latest reports and news regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs. He weighs in on where he thinks Nick Robertson should slot in on this team and if the opportunity is there for him this season under new head coach Craig Berube. Next, James Sharman joins the guys to discuss how the belief in Canada Soccer has been raised and now they are expected to win when they play their North American rivals (21:22).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/11/202445 minutes, 47 seconds
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Leafs Latest Pieces Leave Questions

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the re-signing of Nick Robertson and the report that Max Pacioretty will soon be in the mix. Next, the pair turn their attention to the Blue Jays who won last night. B&B discuss Davis Schneider coming through with a big hit and RBI for the first time in a long time; looking at where things went wrong for him and how he has approached trying to correct it (28:09).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/11/202451 minutes, 47 seconds
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NFL Week 1 Takeaways + Bo's Blue Jays Future

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning heads into today's final hour looking back on Week 1 in the NFL to discuss the best and worst from the quarterback position. Mike Jones, NFL writer for The Athletic, joins the conversation to help break down the Monday's clash between the Jets and 49ers, how Aaron Rodgers looked in his first full game with New York, the likelihood Kyle Shanahan can lead San Francisco back to the Super Bowl, and more. Next up, B&B get back to baseball alongside MLB Network’s Adnan Virk (26:21). After remembering James Earl Jones, the morning duo get Adnan’s take on Bo Bichette's comments that he wants to remain in Toronto long-term and discuss the faith they have in the organization's executives to lock him up this offseason. To end today’s show, Ben and Brent give their thoughts on the breaking news that the Maple Leafs have re-signed forward Nick Robertson. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/10/202449 minutes, 26 seconds
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Believe Bo Bichette Wants to Be a Blue Jay for Life

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning break down Bo Bichette's comments to Shi Davidi about his ultimate goal being to stay in Toronto and win alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Do the boys believe him? The boys get into it all before being joined by Shi Davidi himself to give more insight into his conversation with Bo and what negotiations would look like to extend him this offseason. Also this hour, the morning duo look back at Week 1 in the NFL and ask what they believe to be fact or fiction from what they saw (26:33).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/10/202447 minutes, 33 seconds
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Rodgers Rusty in Return + Robertson Rethinks His Role

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Monday Nighter that featured Aaron Rodgers returning to the field. The morning duo talked about how he looked playing, whether the Jets are actual Super Bowl contenders, and whether head coach Robert Saleh is on the hot seat already. Next B&B turned their attention to the Blue Jays who lost last night in a low-scoring affair as their bats seemed to go quiet. The hour ends with a discussion of Nick Robertson as new reports suggest he has re-thought his role with the Leafs as it is trending for him to return (27:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/10/202449 minutes, 47 seconds
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BNS on Bichette’s Future + James Palmer Talks Week 1 of the NFL Season

The final hour of today's FAN Morning Show hosted by Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi kicks off alongside Sportsnet's own Ben Nicholson-Smith. The trio discuss Spencer Horwitz' recent stretch of play, if Yariel Rodriguez has done enough to secure a spot on the Blue Jays' 2025 roster, striking the perfect mixture of left and right-handed pitchers in a rotation and bullpen, and Bo Bichette’s recent comments surrounding his future in Toronto. Later on, NFL insider James Palmer joins the show to share his takeaways from Week 1 of the NFL season (26:13). He dives into the Lions' overtime win over the Rams, the growing rivalry between the two teams, the Eagles' start to their new campaign, who could challenge Patrick Mahomes as the league's top quarterback this season, the Steelers' plans behind centre, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/9/202448 minutes, 23 seconds
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NFL Week 1 Recap w/ Trey Wingo

Brent and Daniele kick off the second hour giving their thoughts on Kendrick Lamar being announced as the SB halftime show headliner. Then, Trey Wingo joins the show to break down his thoughts on the rookie QB’s NFL debut, including Caleb Williams’ win. Next, they discuss the issues in Cincinnati following the Bengals' shocking week 1 loss to the Patriots, Chase’s contract situation and the atmosphere in the Bengal’s locker room. They end the hour continuing their takeaways from week 1 of the NFL season (30:14).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/9/202448 minutes, 30 seconds
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The NFL Is Back + Dak Gets Paid

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi kick things off recapping the first Sunday of the NFL season! They discuss how they take in football on Sundays before diving into the game action. They discuss the Tyreek Hill situation before the game. Then, they discuss the Dallas Cowboys paying Dak Prescott and their thoughts on the historic contract extension for the Cowboys QB. Then, they discuss how the Jays newer faces have looked this season and what the best-case scenario is for them long-term in Toronto (36:09).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/9/202450 minutes, 21 seconds
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Blue Jays Kingmaker Position w/ Dan Shulman + Donte Whitner's Week 1 Preview

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of the week talking Blue Jays with Sportsnet's own Dan Shulman. After some quick preseason Packers thoughts, the trio dive into their takeaways from the final stretch of the season, how Will Wagner fits at second base long-term, and how the last 20 games will impact the team's offseason plans. Later on, 11-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowler turned CBS sports analyst, Donte Whitner joins the guys on the heels of the first game of the season (27:42). They chat about if the 49ers' can overcome their offseason turmoil to remain favourites in the NFC, along with how big of a difference Jim Harbaugh can make with the Chargers. Ben and Brent close out the week with some final thoughts on the upcoming weekend of football! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/6/202449 minutes, 19 seconds
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Analyzing the Chiefs Win + Week 1 Predictions

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show with NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis! They recap the opening game of the season and what they can expect from the Chiefs this year. They then get into the game he is calling this week and what the expectations should be for the Bengals this year. Ben & Brent then get into what they expect from the Eagles, Jets, & Colts. And if the Chargers can finally uncharge this year (31:08).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/6/202447 minutes, 53 seconds
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The NFL Is Back! + Is Anthopoulos the One That Got Away?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Friday recapping everything from the opening night of football! From the Chiefs winning by a tippy-toe to some questionable refereeing decisions, what can we take away from the first game? The guys then get into the Atlanta Braves coming into Toronto. Is Alex Anthopoulos the one who got away? Did the Jays make the right choice in choosing Shapiro’s plan over Alex Anthopoulos? Could this decision be remedied in the off-season? And would he want to come back? (28:09)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/6/202450 minutes, 12 seconds
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A Trip Around the Majors + NHL Mailbag

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of today's program discussing the new contract Matt Chapman signed to stay with the Giants. Jeff Francouer, former MLB player and current Braves TV analyst, stops by ahead of the Blue Jays' weekend in Atlanta to help tee things up, before sharing his takeaways from Toronto's mini-series with the Phillies. Later on, the morning duo get Frenchy’s thoughts on the state of pitching at the MLB level after some comments made by Whit Merrifield. To close today's show, Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox opens up the NHL mailbag to delve into some league-wide stories from this week as we get closer to training camp, along with the latest news surrounding the Maple Leafs (25:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/5/202447 minutes, 49 seconds
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NFL Top Season Storylines

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning give you their favourite storylines heading into the NFL regular season and ask if the two-time defending champion Chiefs can repeat and discuss who is their biggest threat in the league. The boys continue to talk football and welcome Joe House of The Ringer. The trio look at some of the starting lines going into the season and in Week 1 matchups – who is being over or under-valued going into the season? They also review how to handle and view the rookie quarterbacks with three starting in Week 1 (24:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/5/202448 minutes, 10 seconds
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Weighing in on Draisaitl + LIV vs PGA

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with Leon Draisaitl's contract that got signed two days ago. The boys then delve into what it means for the player, the market, Connor McDavid and the Oilers as well as the impact to the Leafs. The morning duo backfills the first hour by discussing their interest in the reported match-up that will see Rory McIlroy & Scottie Scheffler face off against Bryson DeChambeau & Brooks Koepka in a televised match later this year, essentially pitting PGA Tour players versus LIV Golf stars. Is this what golf fans want? They wrap up with your weekly Thursday Canadian Football Report (28:59).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/5/202450 minutes, 46 seconds
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NHL Contract Talk + Taylor Pentrith's Opportunity on Home Soil

The final hour of today's FAN Morning Show hosted by Ben Ennis and Sam McKee kicks off alongside Sportsnet’s own Elliotte Friedman! The NHL insider shares more on Leon Draisiatl's extension in Edmonton including when it became clear he wasn’t going anywhere, how the number got finalized, and what it means for players such as Mitch Marner who are eying their next deal. The trio also get into the structure of Seth Jarvis' contract and why it might be something we see more moving forward. Later, Ben and Sam check in with Canadian PGA golfer Taylor Pendrith, who yesterday was selected to be a part of The International Team for the 2024 Presidents Cup (27:15)! Taylor chats about the honour of the selection, how he found out about his place on the team, and the expectations for the event being played in Montreal. The trio also dive into his great year on the Tour and how he hopes to carry that momentum forward. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/4/202447 minutes, 28 seconds
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Canadians’ Presidents Cup + Blue Jays Future

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Sam McKee discuss the 2024 Presidents Cup and how a trio of Canadians were selected yesterday to play for the International Team. Next, B&S check in with Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi for some more Jays talk. The trio look at Toronto playing out the season and which players they are figuring out can be a part of their future (24:56).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/4/202448 minutes, 10 seconds
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A Tough Entertaining Jays Loss

Ben Ennis & Sam McKee kick off The FAN Morning Show to discuss the Blue Jays loss against the Phillies. They wonder if any positives can be taken away from it for the Jays into next year. They delve into Kyle Schwarber who hit three home runs, Chad Green who had his second blown save and Daulton Varsho who had a home run. At the back end of the hour, the morning duo look at Leon Draisiatl re-upping in Oil Country for eight years with an AAV of $14 million which is the highest in the league and what it means for the NHL moving forward (32:21).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/4/202451 minutes, 24 seconds
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Decision Time for Mike Weir + NFL Season Setup

The final hour of today’s show has Ben Ennis and Sam McKee talking some golf and football. They start with the upcoming Presidents Cup in Montreal as team captains get set to announce their picks later today and discuss if International Team Captain Mike Weir will select his fellow Canadians to his squad. The morning duo then shift over to the gridiron ahead of Week 1 alongside NFL Network’s Judy Battista! They chat about some of the stories of the preseason, the contracts left unsettled heading into Week 1, and expectations for teams including the Jets, Eagles and Packers. In the back end of the hour, the pair reset back to the golf chatter with Sportsnet’s own Adam Stanley (26:07). After recently spending some time with Mike Weir, Adam shares a sense of who will join him on his Presidents Cup roster. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/3/202447 minutes, 52 seconds
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Jays Running It Back + Scheffler’s Historic Season

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Sam McKee return their attention to the Blue Jays especially with their management team being the featured pair of a recent article explaining why front-office changes seem unlikely for most underachieving MLB teams. Next, B&S turn their attention to gold and dive into Scottie Scheffler winning the Fed Ex Cup to cap an incredible season. The morning duo then welcome in MLB Network’s Jon Morosi to dive into what some of the Blue Jays' biggest offseason needs will be once this season ends (26:44).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/3/202447 minutes, 55 seconds
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Jays Rookies’ Potential + McDavid’s Toronto Love

Ben Ennis & Sam McKee kick off The FAN Morning Show by talking about the Blue Jays and looking specifically at the last week. They look at a few of the Jays’ rookies, such as Addison Barger, Joey Loperfido, Leo Jiménez, and Will Wagner, who did something this weekend. They look at their futures, who has the most upside and if the Jays could look to trade them this offseason. In the backend of the hour, the morning pair turn their attention to the hockey offseason. They dissect the Seth Jarvis contract and what circulated this weekend of Connor McDavid & Auston Matthews having lunch. The hour ends with the Canadian Football Report looking back at Labour Day Weekend in the CFL (32:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/3/202451 minutes, 27 seconds
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Bichette's Pending Return + 2025 Jays Questions w/ Jeff Blair

The FAN Morning Show hosted by Ben Ennis and Sam McKee wraps up the week talking Blue Jays with Jeff Blair, Sportsnet MLB writer and host of Blair and Barker and Jays Talk. Jeff dives into Bowden Francis' string of stellar start, how the 2025 rotation is shaping up, Bo Bichette's pending return to the team, the severity of his calf injury and his outlook for next year. Later, the trio look into the uncertainty surrounding the Jays' front office, how that might impact signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term deal, and the consequences of not signing either Vlad or Bo before Opening Day next season. Later on, Ben and Sam reflect on this morning's tragic events involving Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/30/202448 minutes, 34 seconds
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Getting Ready for Week 1 w/ Charles Davis

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Sam McKee look ahead to the NFL season and welcome Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS. The guys preview some of the matchups in Week 1, who some players are to look out for this season, and who are favourites to win the Super Bowl. Ben and Sam then share their NFL hottest takes for the season. The hour concludes with the daily Wake and Rake! (34:11)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/30/202449 minutes, 2 seconds
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Bowden Bleeping Francis

Ben Ennis & Sam McKee kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about maybe the biggest surprise of this Blue Jays... Bowden Francis. They look at another incredible start from the Blue Jays pitcher and wonder if they could have hit the jackpot in what they’ve found in him. The morning duo also take some time to discuss 44-year-old Rich Hill who got into the game against the Jays and looked good. In the backend of the hour, B&S weigh in on reports that Maple Leafs are one of the teams seriously pursuing veteran UFA forward Max Pacioretty and wonders if he could help the team (31:14).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/30/202449 minutes, 4 seconds
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A Look Around the Majors Starting With the Jays

The final hour of today's FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Sam McKee begins on the Blue Jays' page with a look ahead at some of the decisions facing this team rest of season and into next year. The duo enlist the help of Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, who is in Boston with the team, to give us his first hand account of Bo Bichette re-joining the Jays, what the expectations are for him to close out 2024, and what's next for some of Toronto's newer players and bullpen arms. The baseball banter continues in the back half of the hour, this time alongside MLB Network’s Adnan Virk (26:40)! The trio take a look around the majors and hit on things like another historic season for Shohei Ohtani, what a dream World Series matchup would be, and the best ballparks around MLB.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/29/202446 minutes, 31 seconds
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Jays Dream Offseason + Leafs Camp Questions

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Sam McKee give their idea of what a dream offseason would look like for Toronto. The duo discusses what the team needs to add to be competitive in 2025. Next, the hosts turn their attention to the Maple Leafs, whose camp is quickly approaching and wonder with drama around players like Nick Robertson and Mitch Marner, how much of a circus it could be. The guys then bring on Jason Bukala. The guys give their thoughts on Robertson to move on from Toronto and when the Mitch Marner situation needs to be addressed (27:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/29/202449 minutes, 12 seconds
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Pitching Duels...Hitting Blues

Ben Ennis and Sam McKee kick off The FAN Morning Show starting on the Blue Jays who lost 3-0 to the Red Sox despite a strong start by Chris Bassitt. The pair discusses whether they enjoy watching pitchers' duels and whether Toronto getting shut out is just an anomaly based on how good the offence has been. B&S also talk about their confidence in Bassitt when he’s on the mound and if they need to see Jake Bloss at the major league level by the end of the season (31:00).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/29/202449 minutes, 16 seconds
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Toronto Contracts + Rookie QBs

The FAN Morning Show's final hour begins with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning looking at the Blue Jays' chances of extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the fanbase's view on the situation, and how it compares to the conversation surrounding fellow Toronto superstar Auston Matthews. Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman, looks back on his unique experience calling Monday's resumed suspended game at Fenway Park, before getting into Vlad's contract, what factors will be in play, the vibes around the team, and the impact of the Jays' new younger lineup. Next up, Ben and Brent stay in the Massachusetts area to check in with three-time Super Bowl champion and ex-Patriot, Matt Chatham (28:45)! After some good advice on grilling and smoking meat, the trio get into how strange and different it is watching a New England team not led by Bill Belichick and debate rookie Drake Maye's case for the starting quarterback spot. Before signing off, B&B react to Jeremy Swayman's comments amidst his contractual battle with the Boston Bruins. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/28/202448 minutes, 4 seconds
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Bo’s Return + All-Time Toronto Sports Weird Vibe Players

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning turn their focus to the return of Bo Bichette around the team. They look at the tough season Toronto’s shortstop has had, if it's important to have him around the current squad as well as why or what we hope to see when he returns to the line-up. Next, they welcome Joshua Kloke of The Athletic to talk about his recent piece on the Canada Soccer drone scandal that has questions still regarding John Herdman’s role in it (26:23).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/28/202448 minutes, 11 seconds
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Invested in These New Jays + Robertson Vs. Leafs

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking Blue Jays. B&B debates why they are so checked back into this team that is nowhere close to the postseason. In the backend of the hour, the morning duo turn their attention to the Leafs with a report that Nick Robertson is sticking to his stance and the idea that he’d like to play somewhere other than Toronto next season (31:44).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/28/202449 minutes, 56 seconds
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NHL & NFL Executive Decisions

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning goes into its final hour today talking about contracts and money in both the NHL and NFL. First up, two-time Stanley Cup-winning executive with the L.A. Kings, Mike Futa weighs in on Jeremy Swayman's $10 million asking price, the value of goaltenders around the league, what a vulnerable yet volatile position it is for teams, and where the Maple Leafs stand in that regard. Next the boys switch to NFL talk with former Packers executive, Andrew Brandt (24:03). The Sunday Seven publisher and The Business of Sports podcast host gives his thoughts on the contract CeeDee Lamb signed with the Cowboys and where it sets the wide receiver market, before looking into some quarterback play around the league and how teams decide between an established core or going younger and cheaper.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/27/202447 minutes, 6 seconds
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Blue Jays Goodwill + Vlad Among the Best

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start by giving their thoughts on a quote that just came out from Vladimir Guerrero Jr that he gave earlier in the month. "In my mind, i'm the best in the world." B&B discussed if he has a right to feel like he is and what, if anything, this mind frame tells us about where he is in terms of an extension talk. Next, the boys check in with MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi (23:25). The trio also looks at which Jays’ players have increased their stock recently and down the stretch of the season.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/27/202447 minutes, 54 seconds
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A Bizarre Monday in Boston

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show reflecting on a historic but weird Monday in Boston for the Blue Jays as they pick up two wins. At the back end of the hour, the guys find out Jeremy Swayman is asking for ten million a year. The morning duo gives their take on it, the ask and if it's warranted as well as where it leaves the Bruins going into this season (28:48).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/27/202449 minutes, 35 seconds
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NHL Shortcomings + Blue Jays Rest of Season Benefits

The FAN Morning Show enters its final hour with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning talking NHL and their dedication to growing the game with a look at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off! The pair take some time to discuss if what will factor into the international roster decisions, before welcoming on The Star contributor, Damien Cox. The hockey historian weighs in on the NHL’s past of sending players to major competitions and the benefits of their involvement, as well as the pros and cons of league expansion. Next, Ben and Brent turn their attention back to baseball alongside Blue Jays Central analyst, Caleb Joseph (25:30)! He looks back on a fun weekend down at Rogers Centre featuring Bowden Francis' stellar outing, what’s led to his dominating success, and Taylor Ward’s post game comments downplaying Bowden’s one-hitter. Caleb also shares some stories from his playing days and the pressures that come from catching big games. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/26/202447 minutes, 27 seconds
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Leafs' Roster Composition + Jays in 2025

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning turn their attention to hockey & the NHL. B&B started with the Maple Leafs after Elliotte Friedman reported that they may want to add a left winger. They also discuss comments from Bill Daly that further NHL expansion is likely. At the back end of this hour, the boys are joined by SN590’s own Kevin Barker to get back into some Jays' talk. The former Big Leaguer gives his take on why Bowden Francis has been so dominant in his recent starts, and the confidence it gives him and the team in his ability looking towards 2025 (25:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/26/202449 minutes, 47 seconds
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A Fun Weekend at Rogers Centre

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by discussing the Blue Jays sweep against the Angels. They look at some of the highlights from it led by Bowden Francis’ near no-hitter, Joey Loperfido & Addison Barger's power surge and what their Blue Jays’ futures look like. At the back end of the hour, B&B dive into a new report regarding TFC using a drone recently raising new questions about their manager John Herdman. They wrap the hour with the ‘Canadian Football Report’ (27:06).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/26/202449 minutes, 51 seconds
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Joey Votto's Legacy + Jays Future

The final hour of the week for The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi begins revisiting Joey Votto’s decision to walk away from the game and retire. The pair reflect on his career and are joined by someone who covered him throughout & wrote numerous articles about him, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. The trio reflect on what made Joey special in his career, what makes him a Hall of Famer, how crazy some of his stats are, his unique personality, what endeared him to Cincinnati fans and his journey becoming more comfortable with the media and public eye. Next B&D turn their attention back to the Blue Jays with MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson (24:55). Besides some particulars from last night’s game, the three dive into Ernie Clement’s season and outlook for 2025, if or when we’ll see Jake Bloss this year, what a move to third is dependent on for Vlad Guerrero Jr., and the franchise’s possible future with Arjun Nimmala. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates
8/23/202445 minutes, 57 seconds
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What Bo Bichette’s Return Means + Hated Franchises

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Daniele Franceschi look ahead to the seemingly approaching return of shortstop Bo Bichette.  B&D debate if how he plays on his return impacts how the Jays will handle him in the offseason and into next year. At the back end of the hour, the pair return to talking baseball and are joined by Robert Flores. The trio discuss the biggest disappointments of the Major League season, what stories may be underappreciated and which young superstars are breaking through in 2024 (28:20).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/23/202451 minutes, 58 seconds
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Jays Takeaways + MLB Rule Changes

Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show by talking Blue Jays. They look at Toronto beating the Angels in the first game of their series. Later, the guys spring a conversation about a possible MLB rule change regarding taking the bat out of the hands of a player everyone is there to see. Would you agree? At the back end of the hour, B&D get into Chad Kelly's returns for the Argonauts; looking at if this Toronto team did something not every pro sports team would do in allowing him to come back and if the Argos loss the momentum they had building last season with his suspension (32:28).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/23/202450 minutes, 31 seconds
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A Missed Votto Opportunity as Joey Decides It’s Time

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour focused solely on Major League Baseball. Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start on the local Blue Jays team, the curiosity of pushing their starters back a day and what it could mean. Is it an opportunity to have Jake Bloss make his first Blue Jays start? They then take some time to look at Toronto’s bullpen after their implosion last night to discuss who they trust right now and see a place for next season. The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath stops by to chat about Joey Votto's retirement announcement, the Canadian's legacy in the game, trying to make it back up to the majors with his hometown club, and what stands out most from his 17-year MLB career. Later, B&B bring on MLB Network’s Adnan Virk to dive deeper into Votto's retirement and career; is he a Hall of Famer (25:35)? The trio pivots to Aaron Judge's incredible season and his current level of stardom within the game, before we get the latest update on the “Summer of Adnan”. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/22/202448 minutes, 5 seconds
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Biggest Storylines Heading Into Leafs Camp

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk about what they see as the major storylines around the Leafs heading into training camp. The boys give their take and bring on former Leafs’ GM, now analyst & host, Gord Stellick, to weigh in on it. How different will this team be? Will there be a different vibe around them given everything? The trio discuss that and expectations for this team in their division and conference (24:14).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/22/202448 minutes, 28 seconds
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Jays Lose to Reds…. And Votto Too

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking Blue Jays. They touched on the loss to the Reds in the series finale yesterday at Rogers Centre but maybe the bigger loss on the night was Canadian Joey Votto, who retired from baseball. The two hosts look back on the full year for the 17-year MLB veteran and 2010 National League MVP. B&B debate if he is a sure Hall of Famer. At the back end of the hour, the morning duo talk Niko Sigur filing a one-time switch to represent Canada and being the first of what they hope are many dual national recruits to do that (29:29).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/22/202450 minutes, 33 seconds
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A Suddenly Busy NHL Offseason + Blue Jays Biggest Needs

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning enters today's final hour revisiting a busy week in the NHL offseason. Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala gives his thoughts on the offer sheets around the league, Edmonton not matching St. Louis bid for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, and where it leaves both the Blues and Oilers, before weighing in on some recent movement and trades including a demand by a young goalie and what his ceiling could be. Next, we turn our attention back to the Blue Jays with former big league catcher and current Sportsnet broadcaster, Joe Siddall (25:20)! The trio discuss the Jays' recent power surge, the starting rotation’s future and the team's biggest needs if they want to compete with the powerhouses in the division such as the Yankees and Orioles. What’s his comfort level with moving Vlad Guerrero Jr. to third base full time next season if it means adding a legitimate power bat at first? Tune in to find out! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/21/202446 minutes, 54 seconds
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NFL Preseason, Rookie Starting QB's + Owning a Rival Team

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning bring on Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS. The trio start on the Kelce brothers and Tom Brady transitioning to work off the field in a post-playing career and some of the examples of it in the past. They then also take some time to discuss some of the quarterbacks being named as starters especially a few rookies and what the expectations are for them both personally and for their teams. After the break, the boys switch gears for a fun chat on the heels of reports that Jeff Bezos was interested in the Celtics (30:43).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/21/202449 minutes, 48 seconds
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Blue Jays Deja Vu + Offer Sheets Not Personal

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by talking about the Blue Jays who slugged 5 home runs last night to rout the Reds. At the back end of the hour, the morning duo turn their attention to the NHL season. They discuss if it makes sense for Edmonton to have not matched the offer sheets presented by St. Louis and whether or not they believe Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong on it not being personal (29:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/21/202450 minutes, 22 seconds
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NHL Offseason Insight + Jays Future Discernment

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning diving into the NHL offseason. They start with the Oilers' impending decision this morning on two young players who signed offer sheets with the St Louis Blues. NHL Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff shares his thoughts on the dilemma, the likelihood that Edmonton will not bring back either, and the Oilers' missteps that lead up to it, before taking a look at some other news around the league including the Habs' trade for Patrik Laine and the Leafs' situation with Jani Hakanpää. In the back end of the hour, the morning duo dive back into baseball and bring on Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith for his insight on the Blue Jays (27:10). The trio discuss if Chris Bassitt regrets his comments on the state of the Jays in 2024, the likelihood of Vlad Guerrero Jr. signing an extension this offseason and playing more third base moving forward, what the rotation might look like in 2025, and if calling up Joey Votto in September could hinder any of the young players getting an opportunity right now. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/20/202446 minutes, 45 seconds
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Vlad Jr Staying In Toronto… and at Third Base (?!)

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-visit Chris Bassitt’s recent appearance on The Chris Rose Rotation. This time, though, the hosts looked past the comments that went viral and delved into what he had to say about Toronto cornerstone & superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. B&B then gave their thoughts on Vlad & his future in Toronto. Next, Jon Morosi (26:43) of MLB Network joins the guys for his thoughts on what problems need fixing for Toronto this offseason as well as the futures of Vlad, Bo Bichette and also team president / CEO Mark Shapiro.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/20/202450 minutes, 27 seconds
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The Jays’ Un-Fixable Problems + NHL's Atlantic Division

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show focused on the Blue Jays. The pair breaks down some comments made by starter Chris Bassitt on a podcast. They look at what he initially said with Chris Rose and how he tried to clarify those comments pre-game to Shi Davidi & Arden Zwelling. In the back half of the hour, Ben & Brent turn their attention to the NHL offseason after a trade yesterday that brings Patrik Laine to Montreal and the Atlantic (26:47).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/20/202449 minutes, 21 seconds
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Going Around the Horn + More Jays Talk

The FAN Morning Show goes into Monday's final hour with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning joined by a few friends. They start by bringing on SN 590’s own Sam McKee to go around the horn on a bunch of recent sports topics starting with the Blue Jays and if fans should care about seeing Joey Votto up in the majors. They then head to the NHL to discuss the Oilers' offer sheet dilemmas and some quick Leafs chatter, before wrapping with some dialogue on the PGA Playoffs. In the back half of the hour, Sportsnet's Blake Murphy joins the boys in-studio to dive deeper into the Jays' final stretch (26:15). The trio get into Bowden Francis' recent run on the mound, the team's offseason priorities, and what's ahead for Joey Votto and Davis Schneider, before analyzing the reports that MLB is looking to impose a six-inning minimum for starters. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/19/202449 minutes, 15 seconds
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Jays Clubhouse Culture + GM Musings

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning turn back to the Blue Jays. They start by discussing the team returning home to play the Cincinnati Reds and question if the organization owes it to fans to call up Canadian Joey Votto from Buffalo to play his old team. In the back half of this hour, the B&B boys go back to the NHL season and are joined by former President, GM & Head Coach in the League, Doug MacLean. The trio re-visit the Leafs' decision to give Auston Matthews the captaincy and if there will be any hard feelings from outgoing captain John Tavares (23:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/19/202446 minutes, 58 seconds
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Blue Jays Lessons Learned + Offer Sheet Etiquette

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by discussing the Blue Jays. They look at yesterday’s series finale where the Jays managed to squeak out a 1-0 win over the Cubs to take at least one game from their weekend at Wrigley. In the back half of the hour, the morning duo delved into the decision facing the Edmonton Oilers today regarding matching a couple of offer sheets to the St. Louis Blues. They discuss who or what should be the priority and if it means anything that Canadian teams have factored into a surprising number of offer sheers that have happened (26:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/19/202450 minutes, 11 seconds
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Pitching, Pucks & Ponies

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour of the week with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning talking baseball alongside MLB Network’s Adnan Virk! The trio take a look around the league to discuss the recent report that MLB is considering a six-inning minimum for starting pitchers, along with how to grade Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s incredible second half of the season while the Blue Jays are out of the postseason hunt. Next up, Ben and Brent are happy to welcome on longtime NHLer and former Maple Leaf, Eddie Olczyk on his birthday no less (23:58)! He shares his take on Auston Matthews becoming Toronto's new captain, before shifting gears to chat about Saturday’s King's Plate with his expectations for the big race. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/16/202444 minutes, 38 seconds
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Giving up the “C” + MLB Pitching

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the news of the week with the Leafs making Auston Matthews their Captain. The boys dive into some other aspects of the announcement including wondering if John Tavares should have been so willing to turn over the C and have it taken away. Next, they bring on longtime Toronto Star contributor, Damien Cox for a chat. The Leafs historian starts the convo with the guys discussing the appeal of old stadiums and arenas that are still in use before the trio gets into why the Toronto organization would decide to make this change now (28:33).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/16/202451 minutes, 12 seconds
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Leafs’ Uncomfortability + Jays Level of Compete

Ben Ennis is back! and is joined alongside Brent Gunning to kick off The FAN Morning Show. Ben gets to weigh in on the Leafs transferring the captaincy from John Tavares to Auston Matthews. The re-united morning duo ponders whether this counts as making things uncomfortable for this group of TML players and what its effect is on Auston Matthews. They then turn their attention to the Blue Jays and their recent record against subpar squads, which usually keeps teams in the postseason hunt and if it tells us anything about this franchise being able to compete next season (31:03).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/16/202449 minutes, 53 seconds
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The Futures of JT and Vlad Jr. + NFL Talk

The FAN Morning Show with Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese enters the final hour alongside Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox to further discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs transitioning their captaincy from John Tavares to Auston Matthews. He shares his biggest takeaways from yesterday's presser including how excited Matthews was to get the "C", what JT’s role will look like now, and how much Brad Treliving as imprinted himself on this team. Next up, theScore's Brandon Wile looks into what Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s next contract might look like, how his stellar 2024 season has impacted the value, and some comparable contracts around the league (18:16). Later on, former NFL executive and current analyst, Jim Monos dives into some of the latest trades and rumours circling the league, the expected play of certain quarterbacks, and which teams are legit Super Bowl contenders (29:50). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/15/202446 minutes, 26 seconds
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The Leafs Are Now Treliving’s Team + PGA Playoffs

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese discuss what it means for the man handing over the captaincy in JT; does it mean a reduced role? Will he sign again and stay in Toronto after his current contract?  B&M talk about how he can still contribute and what he will feel he has to prove next season. Next, the boys turn their attention to the world of golf and welcome Sportsnet’s own Adam Stanley (28:15). They discuss the PGA playoffs and get his thoughts on who the top golfer is right now.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/15/202449 minutes, 49 seconds
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TML Captaincy Succession Story

Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese kick off The FAN Morning Show on how the organization and the 25th captain John Tavares handled handing over the “C” to Auston Matthews. The pair dissect some of the comments made especially by General Manager Brad Treliving. They also look at what it means for AM34 for next season and the rest of his career. On the back end, the morning duo get into the Blue Jays, who are fresh off a road sweep of the Angels that saw a dominant start from Jose Berrios in the finale. This hour ends with the Canadian Football Report (34:30).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/15/202449 minutes, 38 seconds
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How Changing Captains Can Change a Room

The FAN Morning Show with Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese begins the final hour discussing the Maple Leafs' change of captaincy that will be made official today. The pair offer their thoughts on who will be part of the team announcement, how they expect it to look, and what they expect to hear from all parties involved. Next, the hosts welcome on two-time Stanley Cup winning executive and current NHL analyst, Mike Futa for his perspective on the move and if it changes anything in Toronto. Futes shares some stories from his time in Los Angeles with the Kings when they made a similar move, but under very different circumstances, before looking back on some other notable captaincy changes during his time in the league. Later on, the morning duo turn their attention to the NFL as they check in with longtime league exec, scouting director and current NFL Network analyst, Marc Ross (27:11)! The two-time Super Bowl champ tells the boys his main storylines heading into the season, his takeaways from preseason camps, the teams and players to watch ahead of Week 1, and who's truly in the window of competing for a Super Bowl. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/14/202446 minutes, 21 seconds
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NHL Offer Sheets Obstacles

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese start by breaking down the St. Louis Blues tendering offer sheets to two Edmonton Oilers players. Next, the morning pair keep the hockey talk going as they welcome on senior writer for Sportsnet.ca, Ryan Dixon (26:57). They get RD’s thoughts on Matthews being given the C and offer sheets in general in the NHL. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/14/202450 minutes, 42 seconds
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Matthews’ Captaincy Effect

Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese kick off The FAN Morning Show by getting into their expectations at today’s team press conference to make it official. B&M look at what the impact could be on the other TML players especially Mitch Marner & future. In the back end of the hour, the morning duo turns their attention to the Blue Jays who got another win over the Angels in Anaheim. They look at Kevin Gausman & Vladimir Guerrero staying hot as well as what set off George Springer enough to get ejected from the game for only the second time in his career (34:18).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/14/202450 minutes, 36 seconds
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What Changing Captains Means For the Leafs' Locker Room

The FAN Morning Show goes into the final hour fully focused on the report that Auston Matthews will be named the Maple Leafs' next captain on Wednesday. Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese dive straight into it with NHL Insider, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff for his take on the “C” changing jerseys. The trio get into if the curious timing, head coach Craig Berube's role in the decision, and how some of the other players (most notably Mitch Marner) will feel about it. Next up, former NHLer John Scott offers a player’s perspective on some of the captains he's had in the league, how different players bring different things when wearing the "C", and what it's like in the room when the title changes hands (16:08). Brent and Matt wrap up the show with some final thoughts on the move and the expectations for the team going into next season (33:03). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/13/202448 minutes, 1 second
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Auston Matthews Is the Captain Now

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese welcome former Leafs’ GM Gord Stellick to weigh in on Auston Matthews being named the new captain. They look at the direct impact on both players and those around them. Next, the boys welcome insider Jon Morosi (26:57) of MLB Network. The guys discuss Will Wagner’s impressive MLB debut; re-visiting the assets they got at the deadline and who could be playing for a position on next year’s squad.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/13/202450 minutes, 34 seconds
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A New Day in Leaf-Land

Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese kick off The FAN Morning Show giving their initial thoughts on Auston Matthews being named the next Toronto Maple Leafs captain. The guys discuss if it can be viewed as stripping the C off of John Tavares. The guys discuss the importance of who is in attendance and at the podium for it. They also look back on Tavares’ tenure as the Captain (29:04).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/13/202448 minutes, 38 seconds
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Olympic Recap with Andi Petrillo + Michael Grange Talks International Basketball

Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese kick things off with CBC Sports’ Andi Petrillo as they recap the Paris 2024 Olympics. They discuss what goes into prepping for Olympic coverage, the biggest storylines for Canada, the controversies throughout the games, the investments into field events, and why this was our nation's most successful Summer Games in history. Later on, Sportsnet's own Michael Grange joins the show to discuss Team U.S.A.’s Olympic basketball dominance, France’s performances in the tournament, the lack of minutes for Jayson Tatum, which country Joel Embiid will represent in 2028, if he has become the biggest villain in basketball, and what R.J. Barrett’s success on the international stage means for the Raptors (26:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/12/202448 minutes, 32 seconds
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Trey Wingo on Caleb Williams Expectations

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent and Matt discuss the first full week of the NFL preseason before welcoming Trey Wingo to the show. They discuss the hype surrounding Caleb Williams ahead of his rookie season. Then discuss the Brandon Aiyuk trade situation, and whether he will stay with the 49ers. Finally, they discuss the Olympic Basketball tournament, Joel Embiid representing America, Olympic golf, and more (27:06).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/12/202447 minutes, 46 seconds
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Jays Tough Weekend + The Future of Breaking

Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese kick off The FAN Morning Show recapping a busy sports weekend. They recap the Olympics, their NFL preseason viewing habits, and the Jays weekend series against the Oakland A’s. They analyze the team’s deadline moves, how the Jays performed this weekend, and talk about their favourite summer Olympic events. Next, the guys get into Phil Wizard winning Gold at Breaking, how Breaking fared in its Olympic debut and what the future has in store for the sport (28:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/12/202450 minutes, 54 seconds
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Around the Horn: NFL, Olympics & Blue Jays

In the final hour of The FAN Morning Show this week, Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese start off on the Blue Jays’ page discussing Vlad Guerrero Jr. and his incredible hot streak at the plate. They welcome on Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith to share his thoughts on what this recent run could mean for Vlad's off-season trajectory, before getting into the need for management to build around him. Next, we turn our attention to Paris 2024 and chat with Canadian Olympian and World Champion Hurdler, Perdita Felicien, who is working as an analyst for CBC during the Games (16:48). She offers some great insight into being an athlete competing with an aggravated injury (i.e. Andre De Grasse) or an illness (i.e. Noah Lyles), before discussing what it will take to medal in the 4x100m relay for both the Canadian men's and women’s teams. To end the week, the duo check in with veteran NFL linebacker turned analyst, Sam Acho, for some of the main training camp storylines, before sharing how much stock players actually put into the preseason (31:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/9/202447 minutes, 59 seconds
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To Be a Maple Leaf or Not to Be

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese check in on the Olympics and what’s on tap today at Paris 2024. They then decide to switch gears completely as the two hockey enthusiasts dive into the Maple Leafs offseason and specifically the curious case of Jani Hakanpaa. Is he a Maple Leaf or is he not? B&M also looks at the Leafs' offseason and what lesson GM Brad Treliving may have learned from last season. The writer of the Leafs Notebook, Anthony Petrielli (27:06) checks in with some summer thoughts of his own on Toronto’s offseason and what they’ve done.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/9/202448 minutes, 16 seconds
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Vlad Jr: Man on Fire + Sports Revisionist History

Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese kick off The FAN Morning Show talking Blue Jays and more specifically their superstar, a man on fire right now, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They look at his current 20-game hit streak, his upcoming free agency and what it means in terms of the jays extending their cornerstone. Next, the boys turn their attention to Paris 2024 and some things that stood out to them yesterday and looking forward to today. B&M end the hour with a little Sports Revisionist History (27:03).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/9/202450 minutes, 54 seconds
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Shapiro Speaks + NHL Development

The FAN Morning Show’s final hour starts with Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese diving back into the Blue Jays and the comments made by Mark Shapiro. They bring on Sportsnet own MLB Insider Shi Davidi for his thoughts on what he heard from the team’s President and CEO. The trio discuss the chain of command within the organization, how much they’ve learned from this year’s disappointing season and what the main priorities this offseason need to be. They also look at how viable it is that the Blue Jays can re-vamp themselves to be competitive in 2025, especially in the American League East. After that, Brent and Matt check in with another show favourite, Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala (31:08). The founder of the Pro Hockey Group joins freshly off a plane having taken in some of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament to give us his thoughts on the “next one”, Gavin McKenna, and what makes him special for a winger. The three get into a discussion of what they think is the best process for the Maple Leafs to proceed with some of their top prospects, along with thoughts on overall development in the NHL with high end talent. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/8/202448 minutes, 16 seconds
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NFL & Olympic Reports

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese welcome Charles Davis, analyst for the NFL on CBS as well as NFL Network. The trio get into the top storylines and positional battles heading into the season as well as the future of Brandon Aiyuk and where he could end up. After that, B&M turned their attention back to the Olympics, and for that conversation, they were joined by Kate Van Buskirk (28:23), an Athletics analyst and broadcaster working for CBC. The Canadian Olympian shares some stories of her days of competition as well as what are the underappreciated stories of Paris 2024.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/8/202448 minutes, 51 seconds
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Team Sports’ Consistency Floors

Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese kick off The FAN Morning Show by reacting to some quotes they heard from Blue Jays president & CEO Mark Shapiro. It leads the duo to see what happened to the Jays this year, which should give us a greater appreciation for the consistency we see from the Toronto Maple Leafs every year even if it is limited to the regular season. In which case, the Raptors enter the conversation as well in terms of appreciation. In the back half of the hour, the boys turn their attention to Paris 2024 with only a few days left of the Games and update listeners on some good things we’ve seen on the track and in athletics this morning (32:25).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/8/202451 minutes, 23 seconds
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Racing to the Finish w/ Donovan Bailey

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour of the day focused on the Paris 2024 Games. Hosts Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese give their take on the Canadian Men’s basketball team following their surprising exit from the Olympics, including the future of the program and what it will take to get them to the next level. They bring on Sportsnet contributor and writer of “Raptors in 7” on Substack, Vivek Jacob, for his thoughts on the team's performance and the job Jordi Fernández did with this squad. Later on, Canadian Sports Hall of Famer and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Donovan Bailey joins the program (25:53)! The sprinting legend and current CBC analyst offers his takes on all things Team Canada, helps tee up today’s 200m semi-finals that features two Canucks, shares some stories from his Olympic days, and discusses what differentiates sprinters from other athletes. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/7/202447 minutes, 26 seconds
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Blue Jays & Basketball

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese look at the Blue Jays playing spoilers to the Orioles in the first game of a home series. They look at the incredible start from Chris Bassitt ending his recent slide and the other guys who came through for him in the likes of Daulton Varsho, Addison Barger & Alejandro Kirk. Brent & Matt turn their attention back to basketball and check in with Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange. The trio discuss the disappointing overall Games for Canada as a whole when it came to basketball. In the back end of the hour, today’s morning duo welcome on MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (26:20). The three men look at the landscape in the American League East and what the Jays will have to do to compete with the Yankees & Orioles in 2025.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/7/202448 minutes, 49 seconds
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How Far Canada Men’s Basketball Has Come

Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese kick off The FAN Morning Show diving into the loss of Canada vs. France. They discuss if it is a major disappointment or if there should be some pride taken away from that. At the back end of the hour, today’s morning duo continued chatting Olympics with who, if anyone, has been the standout star of these Games and which other sports they hope to see in the next one (24:27).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/7/202449 minutes, 42 seconds
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Major League Conversations

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour of the day with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning talking baseball. They start Blue Jays focused; who and what is left for the team to play for this season and what fans should hope to see. They look back on Toronto's weekend in New York and check in with The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath who was on the road with the team. The trio discuss what names, both recently acquired and already in the system, are showing they can contribute next season, as well as John Schneider’s future and if it's determined down the stretch. Next the boys check in with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk for his take on the state of Major League Baseball (24:30). The trio delve into how historically bad the White Sox have been this season and if the league should implement more punishment for teams that continue to fail, as well as the Blue Jays' weekend series in New York and how they handled Aaron Judge. They also take some time to chat about one of the super positives of the season and the incredible year Bobby Witt Jr is having in Kansas City. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/6/202447 minutes, 27 seconds
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Heading to Paris for Analysis

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start on men’s basketball with the tall challenge ahead today for the Canadians taking on Victor Wembanyama. Next, Ben & Brent take some time to dissect what they saw in golf at the games. They look at whether Scottie Scheffler’s “golden” performance makes him the clear golfer of the year and where it leaves fans viewing Jon Rahm after his collapse. Next B&D heads back to France to check in with Canadian Olympian, Phylicia George, who is currently working as a special analyst for CBC at Paris 2024. They get into the mind frame of the athletes there and how Andre De Grasse can bounce back from the disappointment of not making the 100m Final with a strong performance in the 200m one (26:26).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/6/202449 minutes, 3 seconds
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Olympic Weekend Recap + Blue Jays Watching

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show re-capping what stood out to them at the Paris 2024 Games. They then turn their attention to the day’s event headlined by the Canadian men’s basketball team who takes on the host country France in the quarterfinals. In the backend of the hour, the morning pair turn their attention to the Blue Jays and what it's like watching this team right now. They get into some of the players at all levels trying to make an impact and impression on the Major League team. The hour ends with a Canadian Football Report (27:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/6/202450 minutes, 34 seconds
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Future Scenarios for Canada Basketball & the Blue Jays

Final hour of the week for The FAN Morning Show has Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning looking towards the future. They start with the Paris 2024 games, previewing the Canadian men’s basketball team’s final group game today. They head to France to check in with a couple of people on scene covering and watching them play. B&B start with Nabil Karim, reporter for NBA TV and the NBA on TNT, who is currently for CBC on their Olympic coverage (2:28). The trio discuss how good Canada has looked; who has really stepped up and impressed as well as what the ultimate ceiling is for this squad. After that, they check in with Raptors’ broadcaster & Canada Basketball board of directors member, Paul Jones, who has also been taking in the Games live (14:30). They go over the scenarios that face Canada in the next round and what best case is for them in trying to bring home a medal. The trio also look at the carry over effect a strong performance in the Olympics can have on a player heading into their next NBA season (looking specifically at the Raptors’ RJ Barrett). To close out the week, B&B turn their attention back to Jays. This time their focus is the return and assets they got at the deadline; they welcome on Sam Dykstra of MLB Pipeline for his thought on which players acquired have the biggest upside and ability to be Major League contributors (29:00). They look at how improved the Blue Jays farm system is post-deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/2/202447 minutes, 43 seconds
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Jays Questions That Need to be Answered

The FAN Morning Show continues with its second hour with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning turning their attention to the Blue Jays, who are back in action in New York for a weekend series against the Yankees. The boys start by asking what questions this team needs answered by the end of the season, before ranking the eight former Jays that were traded away this week in terms of who they’re cheering for to have success with their new club. They continue the baseball talk with Sportsnet 590’s own and former big leaguer, Kevin Barker (24:00)! The host of Blair and Barker weighs in on Toronto's approach to extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and what it will take for the Jays to get back on track to compete in 2025. The hour ends with the daily "Wake and Rake" looking at the Jays’ series opener against the Bronx Bombers tonight. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/2/202447 minutes, 19 seconds
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Canada Basketball Confidence

Friday's edition of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning tips off with thoughts on the Canadian Men’s Basketball Team as they close out their group play today with a game against Spain. They talk about their confidence in watching the team at these Games and the importance of point differential, before getting into head coach Jordi Fernández's mentality facing off against his home country. The duo also takes some time to discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; if he’s replaced Giannis Antetokounmpo as Masai Ujiri's ultimate dream to bring to Toronto. In the back end of the hour, the boys turn their attention to football and the Hall of Fame Game last night which kicked off the NFL preseason and gave us our first look at the new "dynamic kickoff" (34:50). Later on, they weigh in on Nathan Rourke and discuss if the Canadian QB should give up on his NFL dream. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/2/202451 minutes, 42 seconds
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Vlad's Extension + Canada Soccer's Future

The FAN Morning Show's final hour has Ben Ennis & Sam McKee back to baseball. The duo starts on the Jays, their future along with that of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They discuss if Toronto has any choice but to re-sign their superstar especially with promises to compete in 2025 and where that leaves the organization with Bo Bichette. B&S bring on MLB Network’s Adnan Virk to weigh in on the topic and get his thoughts on what Jays’ GM Ross Atkins did at the deadline (9:50). The trio discuss the position the team is in after the deals, heading into the offseason and the faith fans should have in the general manager righting the ship. After that the morning pair turn their attention back to what was the story of the last 24 hours: the Canadian women’s soccer team who seemed to do the impossible and advanced in spite of the heavy sanctions placed on them. For this chat, Ben & Sam welcome on former Canadian national player, Craig Forrest (29:10). The now host on Footy Prime the podcast weighs in on what the women had to overcome and how incredible it has been watching them as well as the scandal as a whole and the fallout from leaked emails released yesterday in relation to the controversy. The trio discuss how it could have been handled better and what it means for Canada Soccer moving forward.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/1/202447 minutes, 9 seconds
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Teeing off on the Olympics

The FAN Morning Show continues into its second hour of the day with Ben Ennis and Sam McKee diving into the Olympic Games. They discuss what attending and medaling means to certain athletes compared to their regular competition, before getting you set for today's action in Paris featuring Summer McIntosh, Corey Conners and Félix Auger-Aliassime. The hosts head to France and check in with CBC's Devin Heroux, who shares his impressions from his first week around the Canadians and dives into some of the spectacular performances we’ve seen thus far. The trio focus in on Summer McIntosh and her stardom at these games, already going for her third medal on Day 6. Later, Sportsnet’s own Adam Stanley stops by to preview Olympic golf and what's ahead for Canadians Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson specifically (21:20). The hour ends with the daily "Wake and Rake" looking at NFL Futures and current Super Bowl odds with the Hall of Fame game taking place tonight. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/1/202447 minutes, 51 seconds
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Canadian Women's Soccer Carries On

The FAN Morning Show today has Ben Ennis joined by Sam McKee. The pair start on the Canadian women’s soccer team who advanced at Paris 2024 despite their six-point deficit to start the Olympic Games. The guys talk about how emotionally invested they are now in this team after the scandal and discuss if, maybe retrospectively, it was a good thing for the players and fans alike to be “all in”. The morning duo then take some time to look at the latest in the controversy with the appeal being denied and inside emails being leaked, as well as what this means for Bev Priestman and John Herdman. In the back end of the hour, the boys give you a guide to watching the rest of the Blue Jays' season by ranking the things they’re most excited to see play out down the stretch (31:20).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/1/202451 minutes, 22 seconds
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Dissecting The Jays' Deadline

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show is almost entirely focused on the Blue Jays. Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi start by reporting on the recently announced ruling of the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team’s appeal, and the hosts react to the news. Are they surprised it was dismissed? Find out. After that, it's all about the Blue Jays as the pair connect with Sportsnet insiders Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith in Baltimore. Shi leads off by joining Ben and Daniele to reflect on the deals made by Toronto, particularly the job done by GM Ross Atkins in unloading expiring contracts and other players he signed this past offseason (3:00). The trio examines what the Jays’ front office has learned from this past season's disappointments and discusses how they might address issues previously overlooked. Next, the morning duo transitions from Shi Davidi to Ben Nicholson-Smith (27:46). With the co-host of the At The Letters podcast, Ben and Daniele dissect the trade market and whether the Jays made out well. Could they have gotten more by shopping a pitcher like Chris Bassitt? You'll be interested in the answer. To close, the trio looks at the organizational future: how both Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. fit into it, as well as the potential cost to extend and keep both. Do Jays fans want both back after this season?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/31/202447 minutes, 8 seconds
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Jays Additions to Watch + Canadian Men’s Basketball Impressing

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Daniele Franceschi continue to dissect the Blue Jays trade deadline. They focus on the return assets the team got in dealing with eight of their players. B&D then dive into the biggest needs for the Blue Jays this offseason and if GM Ross Atkins has learned from the past to address them at whatever cost necessary. At the back end of the hour, the morning duo head to France to check in with Dan Shulman (24:46). The trio get into how impressive the Canadian Men’s team was yesterday in their victory over Australia and where it leaves them sitting at 2-0 so far at the Games.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/31/202447 minutes, 32 seconds
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The Atkins Accountability Tour

Ben Ennis is joined today by Daniele Franceschi to kick off The FAN Morning Show as the two go over what is one of the busiest Deadline days we can remember for the Blue Jays. They weigh in on what they heard from Jays’ GM Ross Atkins apologizing and taking accountability for the disappointing season this year; discussing if he’ll be back and what that means for 2025. At the back end of the hour, B&D turned their attention to the Olympic games to talk about a couple important Canadian teams: the big win for the Men’s Basketball crew yesterday and the important game later today for the Women’s Soccer squad (36:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/31/202452 minutes, 15 seconds
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Countdown to the MLB Deadline

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour, 60 minutes closer to MLB’s trade deadline later today. Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning begin the hour by welcoming on Sportsnet’s own Jeff Blair to join the conversation (0:33). The host of Blair & Barker weighs in on the deals the Jays have made thus far, especially the return they got in the Yusei Kikuchi trade as well as other names he thinks the organization should be listening on. Blair and the hosts look at the big picture of the organization – starting with the executives at the top in Mark Shapiro & Ross Atkins. The trio get into what they’ve seen from them in their almost decade long tenure, who’s team it really is, who might (or could) lead them into the next chapter of the franchise and the decisions that need to be made on superstars Bo Bichette & Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Next the boys continue the baseball chatter; this time with former big league catcher and now one of the hosts of the popular Foul Territory podcast, Erik Kratz (29:24). They look around the Majors and what teams could still get some big deals done today. Then, the morning duo get Kratzie’s thoughts on what the Blue Jays have done so far at this deadline, if this team could be a winner, and where things went wrong for the franchise. They look at who may have worn out their welcome in Toronto as well as missteps management made in not bringing back certain players. Erik ends by telling some stories and relaying what it's like for a catcher changing teams in the middle of season and having to learn a whole new pitching staff.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/30/202449 minutes, 9 seconds
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The Future of the Blue Jays

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning focus on GM Ross Atkins and whether he’ll be back at the helm for next season. They consider the decision to keep him and let him make these deals for the organization. B&B welcomes Doug Smith to get his thoughts on what he saw from the squad in that first win over Greece. At the backend of this hour, Ben & Brent focus on their superstar and cornerstone of the franchise, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They ask if his extension is the biggest thing facing the organization this offseason and the likelihood it gets done as well as how pricey it would be (31:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/30/202447 minutes, 48 seconds
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MLB Deadline Day & Jays Deals

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the doubleheader split Toronto had yesterday and start on the deals the team made yesterday sending Justin Turner and Yusei Kikuchi to other teams. They look at both guy's tenures as Blue Jays and the seasons involved. At the back end of the hour, the duo update you on Canada’s medal count and what stood out on Day 3 (33:34).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/30/202448 minutes, 57 seconds
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Blue Jays + Canada Basketball Takeaways

The final of the hour of The FAN Morning Show starts with Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning diving more into the deadline for the Blue Jays. They dive into how the team will stack up moving forward and if they will acquire anything by tomorrow's deadline. The morning duo head to Baltimore to check in with The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath as the trio discuss watching guys like Danny Jansen and Nate Pearson get dealt, what it was like watching them come up in the system and what kind of major leaguers they turned in to (9:42).  They also re-visit Yusei Kikuchi's tenure in Toronto that contained both ups and downs, as well as if he could be a clear candidate to re-sign with the team in the offseason. They also look at which call-ups could be viewed as contributors in 2025. In the back half of the hour, Ben & Brent welcome on Michael Grange to get into the Olympics and specifically the expectations around both Canada’s men’s & women’s team (26:20). The three guys discuss the tough groups they both face and the accomplishment it would be to get out of them as well as which players are the most important to team success.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/29/202447 minutes, 33 seconds
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Jays’ Sell-off Underway

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Blue Jays' sweeping the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers. Next, they dive into the sell-off the organization is having ahead of this year’s MLB Trade Deadline tomorrow and the names that have been unloaded in Yimi Garcia, Nate Pearson & Danny Jansen. They look back at the tenure with the franchise of all three. They also give their expectations ahead of the deadline tomorrow and who else we could see ago. The morning duo then welcome baseball insider, Jon Morosi (23:52) from MLB Network for his take on all of the above as well as the trade market as a whole around the Majors.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/29/202448 minutes, 33 seconds
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Canada’s Olympic Start: Good, Bad & Ugly

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show starting on the Olympics and Canada specifically. They talk about how it started with the darkness over the Canada Soccer scandal and all the infractions placed on them. B&B discuss how it was handled, what other backlash we could see and how now after 2 wins, the women’s national team has the potential to be one of the “feel good” stories of the Games. They also look at the medals Canada has already won and what’s on the table for Day 3. They also delve into Canada's men’s basketball team and takeaways from them after their first game in Paris 2024. The back end of the hour has the morning duo quickly discuss a Maple Leafs’ signing from the weekend and what it means as well as a quick Canadian Football Report that wrapped up Week 8 in the CFL (13:25).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/29/202446 minutes, 20 seconds
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Olympic Draft, Canada Soccer Speaks & Dan Riccio on CanWNT Fallout

Brent Gunning and Sam McKee close out this week on The FAN Morning Show drafting their favourite Olympic sports! Why isn’t the 100-metre dash at the top anymore? The guys then discuss Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue's statement to the press following the program's cheating scandal. Brent and Sam question if the Canadian 2020 gold medal is tainted now, what this means for Canada's Copa América run this year, and if it speaks to a larger issue within Canadian soccer as a whole. Later on, Dan Riccio of Sportsnet 650 shares his thoughts on the sanctions Canada could face from FIFA, if former coach John Herdman bears any responsibility, and what comes next for the program (32:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/26/202448 minutes, 12 seconds
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Jays Get Destroyed by Rays w/ Ben Shulman

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Sam McKee go over the Blue Jays dismantling at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays. Is this rock bottom for the 2024 Blue Jays or will the trade deadline leave them more depleted? Did Chris Bassitt have it right in his assessment? And what does the Tampa Bay Rays sending Randy Arozarena to the Mariner’s mean for the division? The guys then welcome on voice of the Toronto Blue Jays Ben Shulman (26:32) to talk about the virtues of the pitch clock! They then get into if they think baseball will be in the Summer Olympics.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/26/202448 minutes, 10 seconds
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Canada’s Sporting Disgrace + Stan Bowman Fallout

Brent Gunning is joined by Sam McKee for the Friday edition of The FAN Morning Show. The boys jump into the ‘Drone gate’ surrounding Canada soccer right now. What was the reaction from the guys when they found out the news? Does this put a damper on Canada’s summer of soccer? How will the new Canada Soccer CEO, Kevin Blue, handle the controversy? The guys spend the second half of the hour talking about Stan Bowman being hired in Edmonton and if this is the right move going forward? (34:22)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/26/202450 minutes, 16 seconds
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Adnan Virk on Importance of Sox-Yankees & Adam Stanley on Canadian Open

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of the FAN Morning Show talking about how the Yankee’s have recently struggled. Should there be cause for concern? The guys then welcome on MLB Network host Adnan Virk (4:16). He shares his thoughts on the Yankee’s recent struggles and if he thinks they will miss the playoffs. The guys then go over Mike Trout’s recent injuries and what his legacy looks like now. Later, Adan goes over how excited he is for the start of the Summer Olympics and what event he is looking forward to most. Ben and Brent close out the hour with Adam Stanley from the Canadian Women’s Open in Calgary (28:11). How are the fires affecting the tournament? Is Brooke Henderson actually underrated by Canadians? And has Xander Schauffele taken the reins in the player of the year debate? Adam also gets us prepared for the Olympic Golf tournament and what we can expect in both the Men’s and Women’s draws! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/25/202447 minutes, 28 seconds
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Kevin Kiermaier's Legacy + Damien Cox on Canada at the Olympics

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the second hour looking at how Kevin Kiermaier will be remembered after announcing that he will retire at the end of this season. Do advanced defensive metrics make you appreciate him more? The guys then turn their attention to the Jays' win over the Rays yesterday, what Yariel Rodriguez' emergence this year means for the ballclub going forward, and Ben Nicholson-Smith's latest report about Danny Jansen's future in Toronto. Later, long-time Toronto Star contributing columnist and Executive Director of the Northern Star Award committee, Damien Cox joins the guys to share his thoughts on Canada Soccer's cheating scandal and the 2024 Paris Olympics as a whole (26:40). The fellas close the hour with the daily Wake and Rake and taking a look at today's Jays-Rays rubber match! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/25/202449 minutes, 10 seconds
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Canadian Villains + Stan Bowman Gets Hired in Edmonton

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are reunited on The FAN Morning Show! They kick off Thursday looking at the backlash surrounding the Canadian women’s soccer spying scandal. Does this make Canada the bad guys now? The pair get into where this cheating scandals ranks in the bigger picture of all time cheating controversies, along with how this moment could rally the Canadians to a better performance. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the Oilers hiring Stan Bowman as the franchise's next general manager (24:55). They debate if the organization did the right thing here morally, if Bowman deserves a second chance, what this means for Joel Quenneville going forward, and how Edmonton's new leader will handle the Leon Draisaitl situation. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/25/202450 minutes, 17 seconds
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Jays Deadline Plans and "Running it Back"

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show today starts with Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi discussing the common theme with Toronto teams and “running it back” after down seasons and believing in the “cores”. They look at which out of the major three (Leafs, Raptors & Blue Jays) seems to frustrate them the most. B&D then settle on the Jays and delve into what “running it back” next year means and could look like. They enlist the help of Sportsnet baseball insider & Jays reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith for his thoughts (8:13). The co-host of At The Letters tells the morning duo what he’s been led to believe the Jays & GM Ross Atkins’ main objectives are at the quickly approaching trade deadline, what it means and how “competing” in 2025 is at all viable. Brent & Daniele close the hour diving into some implications from the dispute between the CRA and John Tavares over his bonus money; how it could possibly affect athletes moving forward who want to play in Toronto and other Canadian cities (30:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/24/202448 minutes, 30 seconds
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Canada Soccer and Basketball Updates

The FAN Morning Show continues with some breaking news off the top. Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi share the latest on the Canada Soccer scandal with news of some self-inflicted penalties by the organization. Next up, friend of the show and analyst for the NFL on CBS and NFL Network, Charles Davis dives into NFL preseason storylines and dissects this year's interesting AFC East division. Next, the boys check in with Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange about Canada Basketball and the latest on Jamal Murray (32:07). He lays out the expectations for the guard, what limitations, if any, are being placed on him and how important his contributions are to the team’s success. Later, Grange takes some time to talk about the hopes for both the men’s and women’s teams at the 2024 Olympics, as well as Canada's options for flagbearer ahead Friday’s Opening Ceremony. The hour concludes with the daily Wake and Rake looking at the the second game in the Jays-Rays series. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/24/202450 minutes, 1 second
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A Canada Soccer Scandal + A Blue Jays Runback

The FAN Morning Show starts today on the first scandal of Paris 2024... and it involves Canada. Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi share what we know about Canada Soccer's surveillance of New Zealand's practice and delve into their thoughts on it. Next, the pair turn their attention to the Blue Jays after dropping their first game of their series at home against the Rays. B&D discuss José Berríos' start last night, his future with the team, and the state of the ballclub as a whole now less than a week until MLB’s trade deadline. They look at the increasing possibility and reports that Toronto's management is looking to run it back one more time with their current core, and share their level of belief that the team can compete in 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/24/202446 minutes, 44 seconds
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Jays Deadline Paths + LeBron & Scottie Scheffler

In the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi bring in Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi to discuss if he expects a full rebuild from the Blue Jays, the complications trying to replace Danny Jansen and the challenge of building pitching depth mid-season (1:08). They ask what indication there is that suggest the Blue Jays want to compete next season and how Bo Bichette’s personality impacts his current situation with the team. To close the show, Sam McKee, co-host of The Golf Show, chats about LeBron James as the American flag bearer and if Scottie Scheffler’s dominant run is over (29:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
7/23/202446 minutes, 43 seconds
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Where the Blue Jays Stand in the A.L. East + Pivoting to 2025

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi lead-off the second hour discussing the Blue Jays' precarious position in the American League East. The gents get into potential paths for future contention, how the third Wild Card slot has influenced decision making, if a ‘soft sell’ at the trade deadline is the most appropriate strategy, and if the Jays will actually feel like they pivoted in 2025. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi joins the show to share his surprise that teams haven’t started dealing already, the value of Toronto's starting rotation, and how the team can re-stock their pitching cupboard (30:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/23/202450 minutes, 14 seconds
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Who Could Be Canada’s Flag Bearer? + Another Highest-Paid NFL Quarterback

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi dive into the process of picking an Olympian to bear the flag at the opening and closing ceremonies at the Olympics. The pair get into news of LeBron James being voted as the male flag bearer for the United States and what role popularity could play in the decision, before weighing their favourite options to bear the flag for Team Canada at Paris 2024. To cap off the hour, Brent and Daniele discuss Adam Schefter’s report that Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers are close to reaching a contract extension and what rushed the Packers to make Love the highest paid quarterback in NFL history (33:32). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/23/202449 minutes, 56 seconds
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A Player's Perspective w/ Frank Catalanotto & José Cruz Jr.

It’s the final hour of The FAN Morning Show at the 29th Annual Jays Care Golf Classic with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning! The hosts welcome on Frank Catalanotto, former Blue Jay, to pick his brain about his memories in Toronto, the current playoff format in MLB, and what he would do to make the game more exciting (0:20). After, they welcome on José Cruz Jr. to discuss how he became a switch-hitter and the difficulties that arise approaching the plate from both sides (24:16). Later, they analyze the Detroit Tigers' third-round pick in 2020, Cruz Jr.'s son Trei Cruz, and how being the son of a Gold Glover may have aided his path towards the majors. The trio end the show looking at the increased velocity being seen from pitchers in the modern MLB era.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/22/202448 minutes, 25 seconds
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Xander Schauffele’s Big Win + How to Manage The Blue Jays

The FAN Morning Show continues live from the 29th Annual Jays Care Golf Classic with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning. The pair welcomes Joe House, host of the Fairway Rollin’ Podcast, to discuss Xander Schauffele’s big win at the The Open Championship (1:00). The trio discuss Schauffele’s play at the Royal Troon Golf Club and his bid for the World Golf Hall of Fame. They look at Scottie Scheffler’s dominant season despite his 7th place finish in Scotland before moving onto Tiger Woods’ career and if he is now at a point of “ceremonial” golf. Later, B&B welcome Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Whitt who shares his experience as a player and coach (27:30). They ask the former Blue Jay about his take on the current iteration of this Toronto team, the atmosphere of the clubhouse, and the proper way for a manager to handle the situation the Jays currently find themselves in.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/22/202450 minutes, 1 second
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The Future of the Blue Jays

The second hour of The FAN Morning Show continues with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning live from Rattlesnake Golf Club for the 29th annual Jays Care Golf Classic. They begin on the Blue Jays' page and look ahead to the upcoming trade deadline with some names expected to be on the move. The pair then get into a recent report addressing the futures of the Jays’ two cornerstone pieces in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, along with what's in store for the front office following this season. Later, Ben and Brent serve up today's Wake and Rake focusing on some MLB futures. After the break, Jays Care Executive Director Robert Witchel sits down to chat with the guys about the Foundation and Golf Classic, as well as some new initiatives including a mid-season auction and the involvement of some current players (31:55).   To make a donation to support Jays Care, please visit:  www.jayscare.com/donate. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/22/202445 minutes, 13 seconds
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Live on Location for Jays Care

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning is back in action live from Rattlesnake Golf Club in Milton, Ontario for the 29th annual Jays Care Golf Classic! The pair kick things off discussing the Blue Jays, who avoided the sweep on Sunday by winning the final game of their weekend series with the Tigers. They get into George Springer's major role in the victory, smashing two home runs on the day. Ben and Brent also touch on Yusei Kikuchi's form as of late, which of the Jays’ call-ups this season they expect to be in the lineup everyday next year, the future of manager John Schneider, and the latest on Joey Votto. Afterwards, the duo share their thoughts on this past weekend's Open Championship. With it being the last men’s major, the duo debate who had the better year: this weekend’s winner Xander Schauffele or Scottie Scheffler, who had an amazing run earlier in the season. The hour ends with the weekly Canadian Football Report. To make a donation to support Jays Care, please visit:  www.jayscare.com/donate. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/22/202452 minutes, 54 seconds
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Yusei Kikuchi & The Jays + The Conditions At Royal Troon

In the final hour of the week, The FAN Morning Show with Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi are joined by Kaitlyn McGrath, Blue Jays writer for The Athletic, who provides insight into Yusei Kikuchi’s season and if we may see him on the move ahead of the July 30th deadline (1:17). The discussion then shifts to the current state of Toronto’s catching position and the organization's path forward. Later, they welcome on Golf Digest’s Stephen Hennessey to dive into the 152nd iteration of The Open Championship, starting with the difficult conditions at the Royal Troon (26:11). The trio weigh in on Tiger Woods’ struggles before contrasting it with Scottie Schefflers’ consistent dominance. B&D end the show looking at the constantly changing expectations for Rory McIlroy. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/19/202449 minutes, 11 seconds
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Blue Jays Second Half Preview + Micheal Grange on Canada's Exhibition Game

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi kick off the second hour of The FAN Morning Show with a look in the Blue Jays' second half. They go over what to expect from the Blue Birds down the stretch, if a full fire sale is needed for them to retool next year, and their thoughts on the team's starting rotation. Later on, Sportsnet's Micheal Grange joins the guys to discuss Canada Basketball's exhibition games, his expectations heading into the Olympics, the team's chances in their pool, and the country's appetite for the national team (25:35). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/19/202447 minutes, 43 seconds
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Open Championship Round 1 Thoughts + Who's the Best Athlete of 21st Century?

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi kick off your Friday recapping everything from Royal Troon in Scotland! The pair get into Shane Lowry's opening round, the Canadians Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Connor's chances, and what to think after Tiger Woods' rocky start. Is he diminishing his legacy by continuing to play? Later on, the guys then get into who they think the best athlete of the 21st century is thus far (30:55) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/19/202450 minutes, 19 seconds
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The Future of Canada Soccer w/ CEO Kevin Blue

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour of the day with Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi talking about the summer of soccer that Canada is currently experiencing. They are pleased to be joined by General Secretary and CEO of Canada Soccer, Kevin Blue. Kevin discusses his short time at the helm of Canada Soccer and what the priorities have been. B&D ask him about recruiting Jesse Marsch and how seeing him as the right man for the job is paying great early dividends. They delve into the success of the men’s team at COPA AMERICA, what it means for the program and organization as well as how they keep that momentum going to 2026. The trio also takes time to discuss the women’s national team as they get set to compete at the Paris Olympics and why they seem set for success in a post-Christine Sinclair era. In the back end of the hour, the morning duo are joined by MLB Network’s Adnan Virk, recently back home from being at the All-Star festivities in Arlington. They take time to go over what stood out during his time there including diving into Teoscar Hernandez’s Derby win, Paul Skenes starting the game for the N.L. and maybe the biggest talking point, the ASG uniforms! The trio manage to sneak in some pop culture TV talk as well.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/18/202447 minutes, 11 seconds
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Jays Blueprint to Contention + More Open and Tiger Talk

The FAN Morning Show continues into its second hour as Brent Gunning continues to give you the latest updates from The Open Championship. Daniele Franceschi joins the conversation as they switch gears to baseball, discussing the Blue Jays ideal path back to contention as they get set to start their second half. Later on, Sportsnet’s Adam Stanley stops by to offer his insight on The Open, expectations around some of the big names in the tournament, and how much Tiger Woods has left in the tank. After the break he two hosts continue looking at Tiger’s longevity in the sport and how much he still moves the needle, before wrapping up the hour with the daily Wake and Rake (29:45)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/18/202451 minutes, 24 seconds
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The Hour About (Sports) Nothing

The FAN Morning Show gets started with Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi a little peeved at the lack of sports happening at the moment. With the same issues arising every year around the MLB All-Star Break, the pair wonder why certain leagues don’t take more advantage of the lull in the sports calendar. There is still one more day until the Blue Jays are back in action, but Brent and Daniele give some thoughts and expectations for the second half of the season and as a team destined to be “sellers". What could the Jays get in return for some of their expiring contracts at the trade deadline? Later on, Gunning shares a quick update on The Open Championship, before ranking his favourite Majors in both tennis and golf. The hour ends with the Canadian Football Report (hint: there’s no CFL game tonight either, but get ready for a double-dip on Friday). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/18/202448 minutes, 47 seconds
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Kyle Brandt's First Pitch + Teeing Up The Open

The FAN Morning Show wraps up with Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi analyzing the future of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and weighing the possibility of the Blue Jays star slugger re-signing. They are joined by NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt to discuss what it feels like to have their very own bobblehead night and the nerves ahead of throwing out the Ceremonial First Pitch for the Buffalo Bisons on their “Buffalo, Mount Up!” night (9:51). The trio dive into C,J, Stroud & the Texans, and if Josh Allen has enough weapons around him. After, they are joined by Sportsnet resident golf expert Sam McKee to get his thoughts on The Open, Rory McIlroy, and his thoughts on the conditions at the Royal Troon Golf Club (28:05).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/17/202447 minutes, 42 seconds
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Vladdy Jr.'s Future Most Likely Not in Toronto

The FAN Morning Show continues into its second hour with Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi talking about the future of the Blue Jays' one and only All-Star in 2024, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They discuss the possibility of an extension for Toronto’s first baseman and look around the league to see what some comparable contracts are for him. They talk about what should be considered by the Jays' front office, what his ceiling is at this point, and if can he be the “face of the franchise” and a leader in the clubhouse. Jon Morosi of MLB Network joins the conversation to share his view on Vlad's path ahead, along with the impending decision to be made on Bo Bichette (23:43). The hour ends with your daily dose of the Wake and Rake, looking ahead to the first round of The Open Championship. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/17/202448 minutes, 21 seconds
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All-Star Games, Breakout Stars & Playing in T.O.

The FAN Morning Show is back with Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi surviving the rain and flooding that went on around the city of Toronto yesterday. After some thoughts on that, the duo get into last night’s MLB midseason classic and All-Star Games in general to talk about if MLB’s version is different than others and maybe a bit more refreshing with the players embracing and happy to be there. They look at how Paul Skenes lived up to the hype, starting for the National League and what he did in the first inning. B&D look at the Pirates’ pitcher’s trajectory to stardom already in this his rookie season, if he’s the fastest breakout star they’ve seen in baseball in recent history and if it could be comparable to the likes of LeBron, Sid the Kid & McDavid. In the backend of this first hour, the morning pair look at athletes, hockey players in general, and how they view coming to play in Toronto. They wonder if having a coach like Craig Berube come in for the Leafs with expectations to hold players’ more accountable helps or hinders that narrative.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/17/202449 minutes, 24 seconds
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Growth In Canadian Sports + How a GM Views the All Star Break

The Fan Morning Show goes into its final hour with Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi continuing to examine how far Canada Soccer has come as of late and how to keep that momentum going up to the 2026 World Cup. They let you hear a some of the sit-down Sportsnet’s Arash Madani had with manager Jesse Marsch before bringing on the trepid SN reporter on. Arash tells the boys how Jesse has endeared himself to the nation already and why he seems to be the right man to continue pushing the program to its highest point (11:27). They talk about the obstacles that face Canada Soccer and if there are any parallels to the recent growth by Canada Basketball as well as make some other comparisons to where the program currently is. Next the morning pair turn their attention back to baseball and are joined by former Blue Jays GM, J.P. Ricciardi. The host of The Brushback with JP gives some insight into what the All-Star break means for a general manager in terms of evaluating his team heading into the second part of the season and how trade talks are started as well as the difference on those calls between being a “buyer” & a “seller” (31:18). They also get his take on the current playoff format in Major League Baseball and how they have embraced the All-Star Game as a true showcase of its talented players. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/16/202448 minutes, 13 seconds
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How Much Coaching Matters + Berube's Potential Leafs Impact

The FAN Morning Show continues into its second hour with Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi looking into the importance of coaching. They start by examining Canada Soccer’s new manager Jesse Marsch and his immediate impact on the program which was quite evident at Copa América. That leads the pair down a path to look at a certain local team that also has a new coach: the Toronto Maple Leafs. They delve into what they hope Craig Berube can bring to the team and their culture in year one, the situation is he’s walking into, the obstacles that face him and what areas in particular need improvement or a shake-up. Who will be his players to rely on? For that conversation, Brent and Daniele enlist the help of Anthony Petrielli, writer of Leafs Notebook on Maple Leafs Hotstove, for his thoughts on the team’s off-season so far, why this year could be different for the boys in blue and white, and how close they are to Stanley Cup contention (21:42). The hour wraps with the daily Wake and Rake featuring some expectations for tonight’s MLB All-Star Game.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/16/202445 minutes
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The Horror Season for Jays Fans Continues

The FAN Morning Show welcomes back Brent Gunning to the host's chair, who is joined by guest host Daniele Franceschi! The duo start by discussing last night’s MLB Home Run Derby and the appeal of the event in relation to other All-Star competitions, most notably the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. They also relish in the fact that a former Blue Jay, Teoscar Hernández, won the showcase; just to rub it in for Toronto fans. The pair also weigh in on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wearing an old t Blue Jays Teo jersey as he cheered him on from the sidelines, along with some comments he made to Sportnset's own Shi Davidi regarding the upcoming trade deadline and his future in Toronto. In the back end of the hour, Gunner shares his observations he made out West about Alberta sports fans in relation to both the Blue Jays and hockey (37:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/16/202451 minutes, 41 seconds
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The Jays’ Draft, English Heartbreak & Canadian Pride

The final hour of today's FAN Morning Show kicks off with hosts Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi sitting down in-studio with fellow SN590 host, Sho Alli of Jays Talk. The trio dive into their takeaways from the Blue Jays' unofficial first half and the disappointment of the season thus far, before looking ahead to if and how this franchise can be competitive in 2025. Next up, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, who is in Arlington for the All-Star festivities, gets into everything Blue Jays from their farm system to the picks they made at last night's MLB Draft (18:10). Later on, James Sharman of the Footy Prime podcast looks into Canada's showing in the third place match at Copa América, England once again finding a way to break his heart in the Euro Cup Final, and the future of both programs moving into the future (29:50) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/15/202446 minutes, 36 seconds
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How Far Canada Soccer Has Come + Copa “Unprofessionalism"

The FAN Morning Show continues into the second hour with hosts Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi offering some quick follow up thoughts on England’s loss in the Euro 2024 Final. Does their supporters' heartbreak compare to that of Leafs Nation? Next, they turn their attention to Copa América and what we saw from Canada Soccer in the battle for third place against Uruguay. The pair discuss the effectiveness of Canada's lineup with some new faces getting an opportunity to start, why they deserved a better result than losing in penalties, the work Jesse Marsch has done in around two months on the job, and why he is the right man to keep the momentum moving forward. Later, they take a closer look at last night’s final, but stealing headlines from the game itself was the debacle before kick-off, as people rushed the gates and terrorized Hard Rock Stadium to get into the match. In the back end of the hour, the duo preview tonight's MLB Home Run Derby; what they think about the event and some moments from the past that stand out (32:55). In today’s Wake and Rake segment, Matt and Daniele give you the odds for the participants and who they like to show out tonight in Arlington. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/15/202448 minutes, 18 seconds
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Blue Jays at the Break + Spain’s Euro Dominance

The FAN Morning Show is back from the weekend! Hosts Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi start off with the Blue Jays, who narrowly avoided a sweep in Arizona by holding off the D-Backs to win on Sunday. Despite the victory, the team heads into the All-Star break at the bottom of the American League East. The pair offer their biggest takeaways from Toronto’s unofficial first half of the season and ask for audience texts on what they’ve seen or learned about this team. Was not enough done in the off-season, or is this group just not good enough? In the backend of the hour, Matt and Daniele get into yesterday’s Euro 2024 final with thoughts on Spain’s domination throughout the tournament, as well as England's heartbreaking loss and not being able to “bring it home” (35:49). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/15/202452 minutes, 7 seconds
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Canada Soccer's Success + Blue Jays Shortcomings

Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi wrap up this week on The FAN Morning Show looking ahead to Canada's chance at third place in the Copa America tournament Saturday against Uruguay. They enlist the help of a man who has played for the program in the past, Canadian international goaltender and now part of the Footy Prime podcast, Craig Forrest! The trio discuss the bright spots they saw in this tournament from Canada, how far they have come already under Jesse Marsch and where they can still grow to compete with the best in the world. In the back half of this final hour, the morning duo take some time to talk baseball, starting with the phenomenon that is Paul Skenes (30:05). Blue Jays beat writer, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun and Postmedia, joins the conversations to talk about what Toronto faces heading into the deadline, next season and beyond. The trio discuss the shortcomings in development and in the farm system, especially under this current regime, and who currently on the team is part of the future. How soon can the Jays compete again?  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/12/202446 minutes, 59 seconds
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MLSE Changes Coming + the Legendary Peter Drury

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi start on the changes at MLSE as they announce mutual parting ways with the Argos & TFC president. Next, the guys are joined by legendary soccer broadcaster Peter Drury from Sky Reports & NBC Sports. The lead commentator for the Premier League & Champions League helps preview this weekend’s Euro 2024 Final which he will be on the call for (34:20).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/12/202451 minutes, 5 seconds
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Making the Jays’ Important Decisions + What Third Means to Canada Soccer

Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi kick off this Friday edition of The FAN Morning Show by talking Blue Jays. The boys look at what the two series wins in a row mean if anything and how certain players are finding their groove just before the all-star break. At the back end of the hour, Matt & Daniele turn their attention to Canada Soccer and what Saturday’s third-place game means for them as well as what is at stake for the program as a whole beyond the prize money (31:06).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/12/202449 minutes, 7 seconds
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Looking for Hope Around the Jays

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi moves into its final hour looking into the major decisions facing the Blue Jays organization. Sportsnet’s own Blake Murphy joins in-studio to inspire some hope within the team's farm system after Orelvis Martínez and Ricky Tiedemann's setbacks, before examining the franchise's problems and their best plan of action heading towards the trade deadline. Later, Ben and Daniele take some time to pick Blake’s brain about Canada Basketball’s Olympic roster; how they fit the international game and what realistic expectation of this team should be for Paris 2024. Afterwards, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk takes a look around baseball to offer some potential destinations for Blue Jays on the trade block, which teams could be the most aggressive before July 30th, and if Toronto should care if those trade partners are within their division (29:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/11/202447 minutes, 18 seconds
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Jays Deadline Reports & Theories

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Daniele Franceschi look at what the Blue Jays could do at the deadline. The duo wonders if they’ll listen if people call on Vladimir Guerrero Jr & Bo Bichette and how viable it is to keep or trade both. Then, ahead of this weekend’s MLB Draft, Ben & Daniele look back at the draft history of the Mark Shapiro-Ross Atkins regime. Near the end of the hour, the morning hosts check in with Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland (32:42) on their recently announced partnership with Sportsnet and some of the intriguing races left on the schedule this year in horse racing.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/11/202447 minutes, 23 seconds
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Blue Jays & Canada Basketball Takeaways

Ben Ennis & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show starting on the Blue Jays who won their game in San Francisco by scoring their highest run total since May 26. They discuss Chris Bassitt grinding through five innings but still picking up the win and wonder if he could be coveted at the deadline. At the back end of the hour, the morning duo took some time to delve into Canada basketball as they announced their Olympic roster and had their first exhibition match against the United States (31:27).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/11/202450 minutes, 39 seconds
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Canada Soccer's Bright Future

The FAN Morning Show continues into its final hour of the day with hosts Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi talking Canada Soccer, their success in this tournament and the future of the program. They check in with two former Canadian Internationals, each with 40+ caps for the national team, to get their thoughts on what they’ve seen, how far the program has come and just what the ceiling is for them at the 2026 World Cup. First up, the boys check in with David Edgar, current assistant coach at Forge FC in the CPL. David talks about how great it is to see a lot of excitement and support locally for soccer these days in Canada, the importance of having a global superstar like Alphonso Davies and other players playing abroad, along with the benefits of a strong domestic league like the CPL to help develop national team members. Next up, Jim Brennan of the Footy Prime podcast offers his take on the great advances Canada has made under Jesse Marsch and the tactical difference he’s noticed since he took over with Canada. He also talks about the best use for Canada’s best players including Davies and Jonathan David, along with the need for more help upfront. The morning duo also discuss with both guests how much Saturday's third place game mean to both the players and the program; how it could start to inspire and push a younger generation into soccer in this country. Before the show wraps, Ben and Daniele share their take on some comments from former Blue Jays’ third baseman Matt Chapman in regards to his free agency this past off-season and why he didn't return to Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/10/202445 minutes, 20 seconds
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The Future of Canada Soccer, Canada Basketball & the Jays

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Daniele Franceschi look at where Canada Soccer can improve in goal scoring. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to Canada Basketball who take on the United States in an Olympic tune-up tonight. The back end of the hour is Blue Jays-centred as Ben & Daniele check in with MLB Network insider Jon Morosi. The trio discuss which Jays players would be high on postseason bound teams’ wishlists and what their values would be (26:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/10/202449 minutes, 23 seconds
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A Canada Soccer Loss but a Win for the Country

Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show with a little disappointment after Canada Soccer’s men’s national team loss to Argentina in the semi-finals of the Copa America. In the back end of the hour, today’s morning pair dive into the Blue Jays who also lost last night after a walk-off by the Giants in the ninth inning. They look at the great start by Yusei Kikuchi and if it increases his value heading towards the deadline and discuss if Spencer Horwitz is now an everyday player and the confidence in Bo Bichette returning to form (24:28).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/10/202449 minutes, 22 seconds
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Canada Soccer's Chances + A Blue Jays Breakdown

On the final hour of Tuesday’s FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning focus in Canada's huge soccer match tonight as the men’s national team takes on Argentina in the semi-finals of Copa América. The boys spend some time previewing the contest and discussing the expectations for the squad with The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke and James Sharman of the Footy Prime podcast. Josh kicks things off with his firsthand impressions of the mood around the Canadian side in New Jersey ahead of tonight's game. Later on, James takes a step back to reflect on how far the program has come and where they now rank in the North American landscape (16:00). Finally, B&B circle back on the Blue Jays and enlist the help of Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith to dive into what we saw from the team in Seattle and decisions that lie ahead for the organization (28:40). The co-host of At The Letters also weighs in Bo Bichette's season and if it's likely he will bounce back in the second half, before getting into the idea of utilizing Nate Pearson as a starter once again. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/9/202447 minutes, 11 seconds
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Canada’s Biggest Upset Opportunity + Raptors Future

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Copa America Semi-Final tonight between Canada and Argentina. B&B look at the opportunity in front of the Canadians; they ask if they win tonight, would it be the biggest upset in the history of our country in sports? At the back end of the hour, Ben & Brent turn their attention to the Raptors with the re-signing and extensions for Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley (34:11).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/9/202447 minutes, 49 seconds
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The Progression of NHL Players w/ Bryan Trottier

In the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi are joined by six-time Stanley Cup champion, Bryan Trottier! The three reflect on his legendary career, his friendship with the late great Mike Bossy, and the progression of NHL players today. Next, three-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Recchi joins the show to discuss his championship run as a coach with the Boston Bruins and playing alongside Sidney Crosby (17:20). Finally, the boys spend the final segment talking about Mitch Marner and his potential future with the Toronto Maple Leafs (30:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/8/202441 minutes, 21 seconds
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Tough Decisions for the Blue Jays + Being a Captain in Toronto w/ Rick Vaive

On hour three of The FAN Morning Show, Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi discuss the Toronto Blue Jays' series win against the Seattle Mariners. The two dive into whether Yariel Rodriguez has become a full-time starter, as well as if the Blue Jays should trade Danny Jansen ahead of the trade deadline. Next, Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Rick Vaive joins the show to discuss his 50-goal season with the Leafs, what it meant to do so in Toronto, and what it's like to be a Maple Leafs captain (23:30). Finally, Leafs legend Doug Gilmour stops by to discuss his difficult adjustment to life after hockey, the differences between hockey cities, and his confidence in the current Leafs club (42:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/8/202453 minutes, 29 seconds
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Life After Hockey + Pressure on Canada to Win?

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi are joined by former Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Glenn Healy. The three talk about life after hockey, keeping up with former teammates, and his time in the NHL. Next, John Molinaro (28:39), founder of TFC Republic, joins the boys to analyze Canada's stunning win over Venezuela. The three discuss if this is the biggest win in Canadian soccer history, if there is pressure on Canada to beat Argentina and Alphonso Davies' stunning goal. The hour concludes with the daily Wake & Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/8/202449 minutes, 47 seconds
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A Galvanizing Moment for Canada Soccer

Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show the huge win by Canada Soccer Friday night in the Quarter-Final of Copa America 2024. They talk about how Jesse Marsch’s squad pulled it off and what awaits them in Tuesday’s Semi-Final. They also look at the parallels between Canada Soccer & Canada Basketball; the opportunity in front of both organizations to galvanize the youth and ensure the continued growth & strength of their respective programs. That leads to today’s morning pair picking up on some b-ball talk including learning of Canada Basketball’s group at the Olympics and if it is really a “group of death”. They also take some time to discuss Team USA’s hierarchy and Bronny James’ Summer League debut (33:11).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/8/202452 minutes, 42 seconds
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Canada Soccer's Heritage Moment + MLB Contract Talk

Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi wrap up this week on The FAN Morning Show focused on a potential heritage moment for Canada Soccer tonight. The boys go into preview mode of Canada versus Venezuela tonight from "Jerry World” AT&T Stadium in Texas alongside James Sharman of The Footy Prime podcast. They discuss the keys to tonight’s game for Jesse Marsch’s squad and the importance of Alphonso Davies, as well as the historical significance and opportunity ahead for the program. Later, the morning duo bring on The Athletic's Joshua Kloke to look at what has gotten Canada Soccer to this point; taking them farther in the tournament than both USA and Mexico (14:14). The trio also talk about the squad rallying around Tajon Buchanan following his tough injury in training, as well as who could step up for Canada in his absence. Finally, Brent and Daniele sneak in some baseball talk with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk (33:50). They get into the league's young stars and their impending contract extensions; specifically Juan Soto and if the Yankees would consider offering him more money than Aaron Judge. Later, the boys circle back on the Vlad Guerrero Jr. conversation to get Adnan’s thoughts on how the Jays should approach his contract situation.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/5/202449 minutes, 20 seconds
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Vlad’s Extension + Leafs Offseason Questions

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi start on the decisions Toronto execs must make heading into the deadline and specifically stop on the topic of an extension for Vlad Guerrero Jr. Next B&D turn their attention to Canada Soccer and their Copa America quarter-final game tonight. After that, a little hockey talk as the boys bring on Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala for his breakdown of the Leafs' offseason so far (26:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/5/202447 minutes, 39 seconds
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Blue Jays’ Pipe Dream + Raptors’ Return

Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show on a sombre note talking Blue Jays, who lost another game and another series. The duo discuss how it is hard to find hope after a not-ideal homestand. In the back-end hour, B&D turned their attention to the Raptors who were in reports of the Lakers being interested in one of their players Bruce Brown (29:11).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/5/202449 minutes, 29 seconds
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Looking Into the Leafs' and Jays' Futures

In the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi take a look at the futures of two Toronto franchises. First up is the Maple Leafs, and to look into that crystal ball, they elicit the help of Sportsnet’s own Stanley Cup champ, Nick Kypreos. The trio dive into the Leafs' off-season ahead, Auston Matthews' case to become captain, Mitch Marner’s future, and the risk in signing defencemen to multi-year deals. Next up, we switch gears to baseball and the Blue Jays with The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath (29:03). They discuss the ballclub's pending decisions including an potential extension for 2024 All-Star Vlad Guerrero Jr., the importance of selling hope to the fanbase, which starters could be dealt at the deadline, and what's ahead for Bo Bichette. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/4/202447 minutes, 42 seconds
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Leafs Offseason Takeaways + Intriguing Jays Trade Pieces

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi look at the Leafs' free agency market. They talk about the merits of playing here, how some players are open to it while maybe it's not enough for others. Next B&D turn their attention back to MLB and the Blue Jays. They enlist the help of baseball insider and reporter Jon Morosi (23:23) of MLB Network. The trio delved into some “other” player names from Toronto’s roster to see if there could be intrigue and interest from teams.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/4/202446 minutes, 18 seconds
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Bullpen Blow-up + Olympic Letdown

Brent Gunning kicks off The FAN Morning Show joined by guest host Daniele Franceschi. The two begin by talking about the Jays suffering a tough loss yesterday. They talk about the Jays’ relievers imploding late in that game resulting in a bit of a blowout and how it hurts coming a day after they gave praise to the ‘pen. In the backend of this hour, B&D followed up on their conversation with Michael Grange yesterday and something interesting he said regarding the Golden State Warriors and Andrew Wiggins participating in this year’s Olympic Games for Canada basketball (31:28).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/4/202451 minutes, 11 seconds
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Diving Deeper Into Jays and Leafs

The FAN Morning Show with Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi enters its final hour focused on Toronto sports teams with some decisions to make. Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi kicks things off with a discussion about the Blue Jays' bullpen status, including who needs to step up in bigger roles and what names could be shopped to get some value back. Later, the trio debate if George Springer is better situated in the middle of the line-up than at the top, along with what Bo Bichette “finding it” could mean for the team. Later, Luke Fox of Sportsnet shifts gears to the Maple Leafs to help dissect GM Brad Treliving's signings, how handcuffed he is to do more within the salary cap, and what other moves may be on the horizon (26:35). To wrap up, Luke takes some time to look at the future of John Tavares with the franchise; if he’ll still be wearing the “C” at the start of the season and how motivated he will be going into a contract year. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/3/202446 minutes, 52 seconds
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Leafs’ Captaincy Change + All Around B-Ball Talk

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi shift their focus to hockey and the Maple Leafs. They dive into the belief that Toronto is having conversation regarding changing their team captain. B&D look at it from all sides including looking back on Tavares’ tenure with the 'C'. Next up, today’s morning duo turn their attention to the pitch and Canada’s Men’s Soccer team. They talk about Tajon Buchanan suffering a horrific injury and what that means for the team’s chances in their Copa America Quarter-final match on Friday. At the back end of the hour, the boys are joined by Sportsnet’s resident basketball guru, Michael Grange (25:08), to get his thoughts on a bunch of different topics including NBA free agency, money being handed out, the Raptors offseason and both of Canada’s national teams as their rosters take place.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/3/202449 minutes, 13 seconds
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Emerging Jays + Sports Nepotism

Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show discussing the Blue Jays managing to hang on to beat one of MLB’s hottest teams, the Astros. B&D converse on who can step up to claim a major role for this team and where that puts them. On the back end of the hour, Brent & Daniele react to Bronny James being introduced as a Laker yesterday, some comments that were made and how the whole situation have people upset (28:47).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/3/202449 minutes, 10 seconds
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Treliving’s Imprint, NHL Policing Contracts + Bo’s Blue Jays Future

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour with hosts Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi discussing the fallout from the start of the free agency period in the NHL. They take a moment to quickly recap what moves Brad Treliving made for the Maple Leafs including the difference from this year to last year when he had just taken over the job and how much of his imprint is now on this team. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli stops by to share how the league plans to monitor and even “police” certain contracts with “fake years’ that are handed out by big money teams like the Leafs. They talk about what brought this on, and the long history of it in the league. Next, Brent and Daniele take some time to dive into the Blue Jays and this time enlist Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith for his thoughts on the progression of Yariel Rodriguez and the level of concern around Bo Bichette’s season (33:10). The latter leads to a conversation about the team’s options when it comes to Bo and the different paths this could go, including entering next season as a Jay without an contract extension. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/2/202448 minutes, 36 seconds
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Stamkos Leaving Lightning + NBA Free Agency Takeaways

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning and guest host Daniele Franceschi welcome former Leafs GM, current analyst & host, Gord Stellick. The trio turn their attention back to the Maple Leafs; they look at what current GM Brad Treliving got done yesterday to really put his imprint on this team and if they are better built right now. In the back half of the hour, the morning hosts examine the NBA and what happened around the league (30:15). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/2/202446 minutes, 55 seconds
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Free Agency Fallout + Jays Just Fall out (Again)

Brent Gunning kicks off The FAN Morning Show joined by guest host Daniele Franceschi and the two discuss what stood out most for them in the aftermath of initial NHL free agency signings. The duo then specifically turned their attention to the Maple Leafs and the business Brad Treliving got done on Day 1. The back end of the hour is spent talking Blue Jays and their latest loss to the Astros (35:36).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/2/202449 minutes, 7 seconds
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Clock Ticking Towards NHL Free Agency

The Canada Day edition of The FAN Morning Show live on location from the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 344) continues into its final hour as the clock creeps closer to the opening of NHL Free Agency. Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start by discussing what could be the most Canadian thing to do today around listening to the latest signings and moves made by NHL teams. They bring on hockey insider Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports to get a sense of what he’s hearing or sees coming down today (07:10). The trio dive specifically into the Maple Leafs and what lies ahead for them today and the offseason. They look at if the belief is that the Leafs will sign Chris Tanev to a contract and what that could look like as well as where things lie currently between the team & Mitch Marner. In the back end of this hour, Ben & Brent check in with Sportsnet’s own David Amber on how busy he will be today hosting Signing Season on the network (27:40). The trio discuss what we already know and the busy week that was around the draft and free agency. They look at what names are out they’ll be keeping an eye on today as news drops; taking some time to specifically discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The trio look at if Steven Stamkos could be being pushed out of Tampa while Jake Guentzel is brought in and what names are available to help bolster Toronto’s blueline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/1/202448 minutes, 52 seconds
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More NHL Moves and Signings to Come Today

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning focused on NHL Free Agency. They start specifically on the Maple Leafs and the situation with Mitch Marner; with not hearing much on that front, should expectations be he’s staying and maybe even an extension coming. The morning duo take a break from sports talk to check in with Nujma Bond, national spokesperson for The Royal Canadian Legion, about how the organization supports Canada's Veterans and their connection to the community. The guys then bring on Sportsnet’s own Sam Cosentino (26:35). Sammy gives some insight and analysis of what went down over the weekend. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/1/202447 minutes, 53 seconds
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An Exciting Canada & Free Agency Day

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show live from the Royal Canadian Legion and focus on Max Domi signing an extension to stay in Toronto for four more years. B&B also then look at how TML traded for the rights to Chris Tanev, jumping the line and giving them a head start to negotiating with the coveted D-man. The morning duo turned their attention to the Blue Jays and a weekend split with the Yankees. A couple of quick thoughts from the boys on Canada Soccer as the men’s team advances to the Quarter-Finals at Copa America (32:02).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/1/202449 minutes, 10 seconds
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Mike Futa on Marner & The Draft + Dan Shulman on Springer & Bo’s Season’s

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of the week sharing their thoughts on who they think should be the first 6 named players for Team Canada in the 4Nations Face Off. Do you name a goaltender? The guys then welcome on Stanley Cup winning executive Mike Futa (5:13). First, they get his thoughts on the Marner situation and how he would handle it. B&B ask what are his memories of the NHL draft and his favourite draft stories. They also go over how the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs could do business given the news that came out about recent negotiations. The duo close out the week by welcoming on voice of the Blue Jays Dan Shulman (27:04)! The three go over the Jays 8 game homestand, what we should expect to see and ask if this is a renaissance for the George Springer? The trio move onto if this is the ceiling of this team and is it right for fans to be disappointed? Finally, does Dan have any concerns about Kevin Gausman and his recent struggles? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/28/202447 minutes, 18 seconds
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Next Steps With Marner & Bo

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off the second hour of the FAN Morning show hearing from Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts about the latest with the Leafs and Mitch Marner. Do the guys think the Leafs should offer an extension? And do they want to see Max Domi come back? The guys then get into Bo Bichette and his comments to Hazel Mae about him not being surprised if he got traded. Should Jays' fans feel any type of way about these comments? Anthony Petrielli (23:33) author of Leafs Notebook joins the guys to share his thoughts on what he thinks happens with Mitch Marner.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/28/202446 minutes, 33 seconds
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Springer Back? Atkins Speaks + the Hart Is Awarded

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show and get into George Springer’s big performance yesterday, asking the question if Springer can be league average what would that mean for the lineup going forward? The guys then get into Ross Atkins' media availability and if it reassured you at all in the direction of this team. The guys then get into Nathan MacKinnon winning the Hart trophy and whether or not he deserved it. The guys close out the hour going over the NBA draft and Bronny James and if it means we are entering a nepotism era for the NBA (33:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/28/202450 minutes, 29 seconds
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Blue Jays Big Dilemma + AI Takeover

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show is mostly focused on the Blue Jays and what is seemingly a big dilemma facing them ahead of July 30th. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start discussing how Toronto’s team has been a huge talking point around the baseball world if they do decide to sell at the trade deadline. Beyond that, it’s not only if they sell, but then who would they let go. At the centre of that conversation is their two cornerstones in Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr. They enlist the help of Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith to delve into how the organization is going over that decision, whether or not its realistic to think the Jays can compete next season and how MLB’s postseason format makes middling teams like them think they can. After BNS, they pick the brain of another baseball mind and welcome on MLB Network’s Adnan Virk.  They get into if teams are looking at the Blue Jays as a feasting ground at the deadline and how the decisions this front office makes about their cornerstone pieces in Bo & Vlad could be a tipping point for the organization that will impact the franchise’s future for many years to come. The trio also delve into that front office and if there is anything that can be a saving grace for them when discussing why this team has performed so poorly this offseason. In between the two guests, Ben and Brent take some time to dissect and discuss the announcement that AI will be used to re-create Al Michaels’ voice for custom recaps during the 2024 Olympics. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/27/202445 minutes, 50 seconds
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Vlad Jr a Prime Trade Target + NBA Draft Round 1 Analysis

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning dive into an appearance on a local Houston sports show that an insider indicated he had heard the Astros' main trade target ahead of July 30th is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The duo debate if they have a preference for whether or not he stays, what the return would have to be and if they’d rather see him go to one of those teams over the other. B&B then zeroed in on Leon Draisaitl who was asked about his contract situation in Edmonton and if Oilers fans should be concerned. Next, Michael Grange joins (23:52) Ben & Brent to get Mike’s thoughts on Ja’Kobe Walter, who the Raptors selected at #19 and if it tells us what direction the franchise is going.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/27/202448 minutes, 13 seconds
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Treliving Talks + Newest Raptor

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show and head to Vegas where Maple Leafs’ GM Brad Treliving spoke yesterday ahead of Friday’s NHL Draft. B&B take some time to dissect what he said and where it leads them to believe they are with Mitch Marner. They wonder how he handles this could define his entire tenure in Toronto and how people perceive him. Next, the morning duo turned their attention to the NBA Draft and its first round last night. They focus on the Raptors who chose Ja’Kobe Walter with the nineteenth pick. The boys go over what they know about him, his skill set, his unique name and some comments he made after getting selected last night (32:25).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/27/202449 minutes, 29 seconds
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Stanley Cup Aftermath + Jays One Game Win Streak

The final hour of the FAN Morning Show begins with hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discussing the great viewership numbers that Stanley Cup Game 7 got on both sides of the border; wondering if it could carry over to interest in next year’s NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament. With some news coming out yesterday regarding the coach of Canada, the duo takes some time to talk about the staff and players that could (or maybe more importantly) should represent and if the Cup final changed anything. They welcome on ESPN senior writer Greg Wyshynski to join the conversation of welcoming back best-on-best hockey competition and the excitement around it (09:30). The co-host of The Drop podcast also gives some great stories from covering the Stanley Cup Final especially around Game 7 and the Panthers celebration afterwards on the ice. They also re-visit the conversation of players due extensions this summer and wonder if the first one could determine the market the others get. Next B&B turn their attention back to baseball and specifically the Blue Jays. They enlist the help of MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson who witnessed Toronto’s first victory in eight games firsthand (27:18). Keegan provides the guys with the sense around the team and if, or where, to find optimism around this squad. The trio discuss why middling could be the worst position to be in and talk about what options the team has moving forward and towards the trade deadline. Can the Jays actually make it two in a row and win a series? We’ll find out tonight.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/26/202447 minutes, 17 seconds
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NHL Offseason + MLB Trade Season

THE FAN Morning Show’s second hour is all about the moves needed to be made by Toronto teams. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start in the NHL where with the Stanley Cup awarded, it is officially the offseason. The duo look at some names around the league that are in line for extensions before the final year of their contracts. The main two are Leon Draisaitl and Mitch Marner. They wonder if one affects the other, especially the one that just won a Stanley Cup affecting one that’s in flux with his current squad. The two dive into what realistic Leafs options are regarding Marner and recap what reports have been out there in relation to them; they wonder if they should expect a resolution to the situation ahead of the draft this Friday and if not, is a move more or less likely to happen after July 1st. They also look at the super strong numbers Game 7 of the Cup Final did and if maybe playing so long into the calendar year helped that at all. Second half of the second hour returns to talking baseball as the hosts welcome on MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (26:16). The trio look at the upcoming trade deadline, the current standings and where the Blue Jays sit amidst it all; what should determine if Toronto sells, who from the Jays there would be the most interest in and which teams would be in the market for them. They also examine what return would be needed in order for TBJ to part with their two biggest assets and superstars. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake which focuses on the rubber match between the Blue Jays & Red Sox tonight.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/26/202446 minutes, 46 seconds
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Blue Jays and Team Canada Break Through

The FAN Morning Show’s first hour today focuses on a couple big wins last night in sports. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start with the Blue Jays, who ended a seven game losing streak and saw George Springer come to life offensively. Beyond the victory, B&B step back to look at the big picture for this team and if they are locked in as “sellers’ come the trade deadline. They get into Toronto's two biggest assets: Bo Bichette, who just returned to the lineup, and Vlad Guerrero Jr, who made an interesting comment you'll want to hear. They also delve into Kevin Gausman's place in the rotation and if he can still be an ace, before debating who within the organization is best suited to make deals when the time comes. Back end of the hour, the morning duo look at the Canadian men’s soccer team and their much needed victory in their second match at the Copa America tournament. They look at how crucial John Herdman, Jonathan David and Max Crepeau all are to the the team's recent growth and success. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/26/202449 minutes, 13 seconds
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The Future in Florida, Edmonton... and Toronto

The FAN Morning Show continues into its final hour and the focus remains on the NHL. Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss if that was the best Stanley Cup Final they can remember in recent history. They are quickly joined by a guy who knows what its like to hoist Lord Stanley, Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos. Kyper recalls what it was like being on the ice with the hardest trophy to win in sports and the opportunity that slipped away from McDavid & the Oilers. They look at what the offseason looks like for both teams in terms of re-signing guys to try to make a run back to the Final next season. The talk morphs into what the Leafs are facing in trying to get there too. Next the morning duo check in with another Sportsnet colleague, Luke Fox, who is still in Sunrise, Florida after covering last night’s game and the series overall. He gives B&B some insight to what it was like inside the arena throughout the game and when the Panthers won as well as why covering this series was among his all-time favourites. Luke also tells TFMS hosts how he ended up getting a Conn Smythe vote, the process of submitting it and why he chose what he did. To cap off the hour, Ben & Brent go to Vegas to talk to Jason Bukala who is already there for the NHL Draft. He tells what it was like seeing his old team win the Cup, breaks down some of the decisions they (& the Oilers) are facing now in terms of their roster and also dives into the big trade we were notified of an hour before puck drop. Finally, Jason gives some expectations for Friday and if we could see some more moves before then. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/25/202447 minutes, 23 seconds
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The Cup is Home in Florida

THE FAN MORNING SHOW continues into its second hour with hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning sticking with the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers and the crowd last night in Sunrise. They discuss if the fans there have really adopted the game and are committed to the franchise. In this hour, B&B also update you on some weirdly timed news of a big trade just before puck drop of Game 7 as well as a reports early in the day of an impending contract extension regarding Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll. They bring on former Leafs’ GM, now host and analyst, Gord Stellick for his thoughts on all of it. The trio discuss how it was a great Final series with drama and great play. They also talk about how the better team won, the goaltending on both sides, which players stepped up and who maybe we wanted more from. They turn their attention to the now offseason of the NHL and what expectations are for teams especially after some of the deals we’ve already seen. After letting Gord go, the morning duo dive further into the trade between the Bruins & Oilers and what it means specifically for the Leafs and the Eastern Conference. The hour ends with the daily WAKE’N’RAKE looking at a couple sports games on the docket tonight. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/25/202447 minutes, 50 seconds
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Panthers Spoil Oilers' Story

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kicks off with a recap of the Stanley Cup Final that saw Florida spoil the Oilers' storybook comeback in Game 7, beating them 2-1. B&B get into their thoughts of the game and what helped the Panthers secure their first championship in franchise history. The morning duo delve into Sergei Bobrovsky’s play in the final game and the series as a whole, before debating if a couple bad games cost him the Conn Smythe. In the back half of the hour, the hosts turn their attention to the Edmonton side of things and the narratives around the Oilers team that fell short; what it means for them moving forward and if they expect to see them get there again. The boys then discuss Connor McDavid winning the Conn Smythe; if it was the right call and if he should’ve come out to accept it. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/25/202447 minutes, 35 seconds
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The Biggest Game 7 In NHL History?

The FAN Morning Show continues into its final hour of the day with the focus remaining on tonight’s Stanley Cup Game 7. Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning debate if this is the biggest Game 7 in NHL history. The duo check in with Sportsnet’s own Mark Spector who gives them insight on what its been like covering this Oilers team, the ups and downs of the Finals, and where it ranks in his career. The trio also take some time to discuss if Edmonton’s head coach Kris Knoblauch is getting his rightful due for what he’s done with this team since taking over and how the depth of the Oilers has stood out through these last three games. Next Ben & Brent check in with former Oilers netminder, now NHL Network analyst Devan Dubnyk for his take on tonight’s game and what he expects from both teams as well as the officiating. DD also offers some insight into what goalies on both sides are thinking heading into this deciding game and who holds the advantage. The trio also takes some time to discuss the feeling and excitement in Edmonton, if this is now bigger than just a hockey game while looking at the level of public interest that seems to be at an all time high.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/24/202446 minutes, 27 seconds
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The Two Best Words in Sports.... Game Seven

The second hour of The FAN Morning Show has its full focus on Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk about the entire series; how it has played out, culminating in a sports’ lovers dream tonight with a deciding game and also how now even non-sports fans have gotten into it and are invested. B&B take some time to look at all involved in the series, who has the most at stake regarding their legacy, win or lose, and what capturing a Cup would mean for both fan bases. After that, the morning duo welcome on their Leafs (and maybe for today hockey) historian, Damien Cox, to put into context how big tonight’s game is. The Star contributor gives his take to the boys about what’s on the line tonight and his main storylines throughout this Final. They look at certain players that are standing out like Zach Hyman and how fans, especially in Toronto, will look at his success since going to Edmonton. They also look at Paul Maurice and if losing this Cup could affect how he is viewed around hockey. The trio also take some time to talk about Lord Stanley possibly coming back to Canada and if it really does anything for hockey in this country. The hour ends as always with the Daily Wake’N’Rake focused on Game 7 in Sunrise, Florida tonight.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/24/202447 minutes, 39 seconds
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Oilers Keep Rolling + Jays Nightmare Season Continues

The FAN Morning Show kicks off the week with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning talking about the Edmonton Oilers doing the unfathomable and pushing the Stanley Cup Final to a Game 7 tonight. The pair discuss the possibility of a reverse sweep by Edmonton, the main storylines ahead of puck drop, and if this could be the greatest collapse in sports history. They ask if this could be a scarring moment for hockey in Florida and if a loss could make them stop caring, whereas a victory for the Oil would elevate Connor McDavid in hockey lore. At the back end of the hour, the morning duo turn their attention to the Blue Jays and their nightmare weekend after getting swept in Cleveland by the Guardians. If that wasn’t bad enough, the duo also weigh in on the news that top prospect Orelvis Martinez was handed an 80-game suspension from MLB after testing positive for a performance enhancing substance. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/24/202449 minutes, 33 seconds
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The Future is NOW for Canada Basketball w/ Rowan Barrett

The final hour of Friday’s The FAN Morning Show is guest packed. First up joining today’s hosts, Brent Gunning & Daniele Franceschi, is Rowan Barrett. The general manager of Canada’s men’s national basketball team talks to the boys about the upcoming training camp for the team and the roster that was announced this week. He dives into the recent growth the program has seen and the buy-in from the players involved as well as how it has become so well rounded and extensive. Rowan helps fire up the hype and anticipation of seeing the team compete at this year’s Olympic games in Paris. Up next is Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith for some Jays Talk. The trio discuss the recent call-up of top prospect of Orelvis Martinez and if, or when, they can expect him in the line-up. They delve into injuries in the bullpen and who could be interested come trade deadline should they decide to sell. Last up, hockey insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff checks in from Edmonton. They cover the Stanley Cup Final and helps preview tonight’s Game 6. They examine what the Oilers can do to push the series to Game 7 and how the Panthers must be feeling heading into tonight. They touch on some of the trades we saw this week in the NHL, what goalies are possibly available and what makes the most sense for the Leafs. Could they actually extend Mitch Marner? You’ll want to hear Frank’s thoughts. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/21/202446 minutes, 51 seconds
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Latest Leafs Reports + Canada Soccer Takeaways

The FAN Morning Show continues into its second hour with today’s hosts Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi checking in on the NHL and give some quick expectations for tonight’s Game 6 in the Cup Final. Next, the duo turn their attention to the latest reports and rumours around the Toronto Maple Leafs, including rumours that there could be an extension being discussed for Mitch Marner. They also look at Toronto’s goaltending situation and why Linus Ullmark is not an option. Next, B&D get back to looking at Canada Soccer and what last night's game meant for their men’s national team. They enlist the help of John Molinaro from TFC Republic and Sportsnet to give his take on how the up and coming squad looked on the same field as the defending World Cup champions; he gives some positives as well as some concerning things from the game. They also look at Alphonso Davies in his first game as Canada’s captain and how he’ll only grow more into the role. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake that goes back to where we started, Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/21/202446 minutes, 37 seconds
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Canada Not Out of Place Among the Best

Friday's edition of The FAN Morning Show with Brent Gunning and guest host Daniele Franceschi kicks off with a look back on the Canadian men’s national soccer team’s performance in their opening match at the Copa América tournament. They discuss how Canada held their own against the reigning World Cup champions in Argentina, before Daniele takes some time to commiserate over Italy’s loss to Spain yesterday at the Euros. In the back half of the hour, the pair turn their attention to basketball and the news that JJ Redick has accepted the vacant head coaching job with the Lakers. They chat about Los Angeles' new direction and how he will fare managing LeBron and Co, before getting into Canada's announced men’s national basketball training camp roster ahead of the Paris Olympics this summer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/21/202451 minutes, 46 seconds
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Stanley Cup Advantage + MLB Talk

The final hour of the FAN MORNING SHOW turns its attention back to the Stanley Cup Final as hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss what they expect in Edmonton Friday night and who faces the most pressure in the pivotal Game 6. They enlist the help of TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie who is covering the series (5:20). The trio discuss how the momentum has shifted in the series; the dominance of Connor McDavid and the great play of Evan Bouchard that has brought the Oilers back to life. They also take some time to discuss Leon Draisaitl’s future in Edmonton as well as the deals that were made yesterday in the NHL that involved some noticeable names. In the back half of the hour, the morning duo switch gears back to MLB and the Jays bringing on Adnan Virk of MLB Network. The trio dive into the Jays and realistic expectations for them this season (28:50). They look at an issue around the Majors -- middling non-competitive teams that believe they have a chance and how that affects the trade market before the deadline.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/20/202447 minutes, 31 seconds
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Excitement For Canada, Both Basketball & Soccer

The FAN Morning Show goes into its second hour with Canadian national teams being a major topic. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start off with the NBA and recent comments by agent Rich Paul about how interested Masai Ujiri is on Bronny James. B&B discuss if this is just trying to drum up more interest in his client, or if they believe there is truth to it, as well as the upside of selecting him in the upcoming NBA Draft. The hosts welcome on Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange to get his thoughts on the matter and the Raptors' off-season (9:23). The trio dive into some takeaways from the NBA Finals, before looking into the Canadian men’s national basketball team and the Olympic roster that was announced yesterday; who made the cut, who missed out, the role certain players will need to play and the overall expectations for this squad should be ahead of camp. Next the morning pair turn their attention to the pitch and bring on James Sharman of the Footy Prime  podcast to look at Copa America 2024 getting underway today and Canada’s men’s national team who face off against World Cup “holder” Argentina later today (26:32). They get into the Canadian program with a new head coach and captain; what both bring with them to this team and what we should expect from them. The trio dive into the growth of the program as a whole; getting the momentum moving forward again especially after what some deemed a disappointing World Cup performance. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake looking at that big match tonight and some Stanley Cup odds.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/20/202447 minutes, 37 seconds
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How to Feel About the Jays + Leafs and Flames Can't Trade

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning starts the day looking at the Blue Jays' latest loss at the hands of the Boston Red Sox to complete the three-game sweep. The pair chat about their feelings surrounding this team; is it time to accept that the Jays just aren't good enough to compete? They discuss the difference they feel when watching the “call-ups” play as opposed to some of Toronto's struggling veterans, before sharing a recent update on Joey Votto. After the break, the morning duo focus on the news and notes from around the NHL including New Jersey Devils acquisition of goalie Jacob Markström. Ben and Brent wonder why the Maple Leafs weren’t in on the deal and discuss if it's proof that GM Brad Treliving can’t trade with his former club in Calgary. The hour wraps up with Thursday's Canadian Football report. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/20/202449 minutes, 48 seconds
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The Joe Carter Classic with Dion Phaneuf!

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show live from the 15th annual Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament recapping a busy day filled with marquee guests at Glen Abbey Golf Course. The pair take a moment to look back on the impact 2015-2016 Blue Jays had on the Toronto fan base and how it compares to the likes of Vince Carter’s Raptors era. Later, they switch gears to the ice to discuss the Oilers’ chances of clawing all the way back into the Stanley Cup Final after falling behind 3-0 alongside former Maple Leafs captain, Dion Phaneuf!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.  
6/19/202415 minutes, 6 seconds
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The Stanley Cup Final w/ Wendel Clark + Former Blue Jays Galore!

The FAN Morning Show’s third hour with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continues live at the 15th annual Joe Carter Classic at the Glen Abbey Golf Course. The morning duo are joined by Leafs’ legend Wendel Clark to discuss Connor McDavid’s standout playoff run following the Oilers’ 5-3 victory over the Panthers, where allegiances fall for Canadian NHL fans as the postseason winds down, and the reasons behind why Canada’s Stanley Cup drought now stands at 31 years. The trio later dive into how coaching styles have changed over the years and what it takes to build a winning roster. They touch on Mitch Marner’s uncertain future and if committing to a trade would be the correct course of action for the Leafs. After the break, B&B take a look at how the mind-set of Florida and Oilers’ players and fans alike have changed with the series returning to Alberta for a pivotal Game 6. They give their take on what it would take for McDavid to win the Conn Smythe in the event of an Oilers’ series loss (22:10). Later, the boys are joined for a quick chat about the past U.S Open, the Joe Carter Classic, and the international hockey scene with former NHLer and 2x Olympian Jeremy Roenick (48:10). After, B&B welcome the namesake of the tournament, Jays legend Joe Carter (58:00), before diving into the Jays with “The Bringer of Rain” Josh Donaldson and the newest member of the Level of Excellence Jose Bautista (1:06:00)!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/19/20241 hour, 27 minutes, 8 seconds
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McDavid Shines in Oilers' Statement Road Victory

The second hour of The FAN Morning Show live from the Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament begins with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning diving deeper into the Oilers' Game 5 win alongside former Maple Leafs GM, Gord Stellick! He shares his take on Connor McDavid’s dominance and the feeling in the Panthers' locker room after dropping the last two games, before discussing his recent piece in the Toronto Star about the Leafs' off-season plans. Next up, former Maple Leaf Rick Vaive chats about his experience at the Joe Carter Classic, McDavid's play on hockey's biggest stage, and Auston Matthews' goal-scoring display this past season (23:15). Later on, the co-chairs of the tournament, James Dodds, Senior Vice President of TD Bank, and Pierre Frappier, President and Owner of AMJ Campbell, talk about what makes this event special, the 15 years its been taking place, their relationship with Joe Carter and Joe’s connection with the city of Toronto (37:10). Ben and Brent wrap up the hour with your daily dose of the Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/19/202448 minutes, 33 seconds
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Live From the Joe Carter Classic

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning broadcasts live from the 15th annual Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey Golf Course. They begin by looking back on Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Oilers once again staved off elimination with a 5-3 win to bring the series back to Edmonton. The pair get into Connor McDavid's Conn Smythe chances, win or lose, on the heels of another dominating performance, as well as Matthew Tkachuk finally coming alive in the series. Later on, Ben and Brent shift gears to baseball to discuss the Blue Jays' latest loss at the hands of the Boston Red Sox. Despite a close contest, the bats once again came up short and the team's shorthanded bullpen was unable to seal the victory. Plus, after Bo Bichette was placed on the 10-day IL, the morning duo weigh in on Orelvis Martinez' subsequent promotion to the big league roster. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/19/202447 minutes, 33 seconds
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Jays Opportunity + Oilers' Chances

THE FAN MORNING SHOW goes into its final hour focused on the slate of sports on tonight. Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Blue Jays who look to bounce back against the Red Sox and try to move to within a game of .500 baseball. They look at the opportunity the call-ups have been given and if the organization is dedicated to seeing what they have in them. B&B bring on the TV voice of the Jays on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman, to weigh in on the line-up decisions Toronto faces daily and what he’s seen from those players that have joined the Major League team from Buffalo. The trio go farther down the path of giving those “younger” players the opportunity rather than automatically plugging the line-up with the veterans they have. They also look at where the Blue Jays are at in terms of their competitive window, now and moving forward, compared to a team like the Red Sox. In the back half of this hour, the morning duo turn their attention back to the NHL and the Stanley Cup Final. They enlist the help of Sportsnet’s Luke Gazdic who was in Edmonton for Games 3 & 4. The former Oiler gives the hosts a sense of what the feeling & belief is of the team to comeback and make this series. The trio look at who needs to step up, who is left in the running for the Conn Smythe, what players are dealing with at this time of year, Connor McDavid chasing history and the future of Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton. B&B also get some quick thoughts from Luke on the Leafs' offseason and Mitch Marner’s future.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/18/202446 minutes, 53 seconds
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Extending Marner the Best Option + Rory Taking a Break

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent continues into the second hour with a look ahead tonight’s Game 5 in the NHL Final and the Panthers hoping to lift Lord Stanley's Cup at home. Next, they turn their attention to the Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner saga and the latest report that Brad Treliving would rather extend #16 rather than trade him. Later on, we turn our attention back to golf and dissect the statement Rory McIlroy put out on socials after his loss of the U.S. Open. Friend of the show and Sportsnet’s golf reporter, Adam Stanley, looks into and where Rory is at in his career right now, how he handled the loss Sunday and his decision to take some time off, before shifting gears to the impact of Bryson DeChambeau's win (24:10). The hour wraps up with your daily dose of the Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/18/202449 minutes, 16 seconds
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Celtics' Next Dynasty + BoSox Better Than Jays?

The FAN Morning Show starts with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning looking back on the Boston Celtics' 18th NBA Championship. They dive into Boston’s impressive postseason run and look at what made them so dominant; was it their depth or having a two superstars at the top? They also weigh in on if they could be poised to be the league’s next “dynasty”, along with what's next for Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving after coming up short. In the back half of the hour, the morning duo chat about Blue Jays' latest loss to the Red Sox. They revisit preseason projections that had Boston at the bottom of the division, but yet this BoSox team seems to be better than Toronto in most aspects of the game. They also compare the club’s two superstars and wonder if a contract similar to what Rafael Devers signed in Boston would be good enough for all involved (including fans) to keep Vlad Guerrero Jr in Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/18/202449 minutes, 9 seconds
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Same, But Different Finals + Who the Jays Need

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning starts with a looks at how similar the the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals have been so far, but also why we feel one is more within reach of becoming a series again. Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox checks in on the feeling in Edmonton after Saturday's Game 4 win, how the team can carry that momentum back to Sunrise and how the Conn Smythe race is shaping up, before shifting focus to Toronto to discuss Mitch Marner's future and how Craig Berube will round out his coaching staff. Later, Blue Jays analyst on Sportsnet, Joe Siddall stops by to give his thoughts on Toronto's MLB club as they try to climb back to .500 tonight (25:30). Joe looks into the shift within the lineup of who the team relies on to score runs, along with an early look at the Jays' postseason chances. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/17/202447 minutes, 30 seconds
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Edmonton’s Comeback Chances & Giving Bryson Credit

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look at a commanding Game 4 win by the Oilers to keep their hopes alive; they discuss if anything they saw Saturday tells them that Edmonton can continue to come back and chase the Cup. Next, the morning duo hit on the latest report that the Maple Leafs organization hasn’t made a decision either way on the future of Mitch Marner. At the back end of the hour, Ben & Brent welcome on friend of the show, Bryson DeChambeau fan & co-host of SN 590’s The Golf Show, Sam McKee (23:54), for his thoughts on what he saw at the U.S. Open from one of his favourite golfers.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/17/202447 minutes, 7 seconds
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Bryson Wins; Rory Chokes + Jays’ Pitchers’ Frustrations

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about a thrilling final round of the U.S. Open yesterday that saw Bryson DeChambeau win the tournament by a single stroke over Rory McIlroy to extend his Major drought. The back end of the hour is spent on the Blue Jays as the morning duo dissects a couple of comments from Kevin Gausman regarding the mindset of team pitchers as well as the state of their roster and offence (30:11).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/17/202448 minutes, 59 seconds
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Canadian Basketball Pride w/ Head Coach Jordi Fernández

The FAN Morning Show’s final hour hosted by Brent Gunning and Daniela Franceschi kicks off with basketball talk as the pair discuss Game 4 tonight in the NBA Finals, before looking ahead to the summer for Canada Basketball; the excitement and chances for them at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games. They continue the conversation with the man leading the program, Jordi Fernández. He talks about taking on the Brooklyn Nets’ job and why remaining Canada’s head coach was important to him, as well as getting acclimated to the country and the welcome he has felt since taking the gig. The hosts get his take on expectations for the summer ahead starting with their training camp in two weeks; what he expects the roster to look like and how nice it is to have some of the options he does. At the back end of this hour, Brent and Daniele are joined by friend of the show, SN 590’s own Sam McKee (31:42). The trio dive into their Canadian pride, the feeling of seeing their country’s teams compete at top levels and their excitement for the upcoming Olympics and Copa América. To wrap up this week, the guys chat about U.S Open, their belief in Rory McIlroy to win another major and a surprisingly disappointing first round for Scottie Scheffler. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/14/202448 minutes, 36 seconds
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Panthers Dominance + Re-imagining the Jays

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning and Daniele Franceschi look at the Blue Jays who return home for a weekend series with the Guardians. They pay particular attention to today’s starter and the season for Kevin Gausman thus far. Next, B&D is joined by former Leafs GM, now NHL analyst Gord Stellick. They lean into the Cup Final and Florida’s dominance, not only in this series but throughout the playoffs. In the back half of the hour, the guys are joined by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (24:01). The trio dives into the flaws in the roster construction of this current Blue Jays team. They debate if Toronto management has seemingly changed its approach right in front of fans’ eyes as their middling season continues.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/14/202447 minutes, 25 seconds
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NHL & NBA Brooms on High Alert

Brent Gunning joined by guest host Daniele Franceschi kicks off The FAN Morning Show straight into another frustrating loss for the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. The duo looks at another unworldly run by Panthers’ goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and how he continues to re-shape his legacy over his 12-year career especially his time in Florida. They close the hour with a discussion on the NBA Finals which could end in a sweep tonight as well; they wonder how Dallas as made it this far especially given the lack of offensive depth and Luka Doncic not putting much of a defensive effort forward (29:06).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/14/202450 minutes, 30 seconds
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Virk & Oates

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show today revisits Mitch Marner's current situation with the Maple Leafs. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined early in the hour by Hockey Hall of Famer, Adam Oates, to get his thoughts on the microscope Mitch was under in the playoffs and if the criticisms of him were fair. The trio also look at how power play failures can cost a team in the postseason, the quick adjustments coaches need to make to have success, and what an off-season looks like for a player trying to hone their skills, before offering some insight on what his former teammate Craig Berube brings to the Blue and White. In the back half of the hour, Sports Emmy Award winner and MLB Network analyst, Adnan Virk stops by to share his take on the American League East (27:10). They discuss the ripple effects on the Blue Jays' lack of run production, the strength of teams like the Orioles and Yankees, if Juan Soto will wear pinstripes for the rest of his career and how fun the duo of him and Aaron Judge is to watch. Sorry, Jays fans. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/13/202448 minutes, 17 seconds
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Vegas the Best Odds for Marner + U.S. Open Underway

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look at some of the latest reports around the Maple Leafs. They have to, of course, start on the Marner situation and hear that the Golden Knights could be circling the waters on Mitch. Next, B&B are joined by The Ringers’ Joe House to talk U.S. Open getting underway (24:37). The Host of the Fairway Rollin’ podcast gives them insight into playing Pinehurst, how dominant Scottie Scheffler is and what a US Open win would do to his legacy.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/13/202446 minutes, 56 seconds
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Luka’s Legacy on the Line + Jays Run Preventing Themselves

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning diving right into the NBA Finals Game 3 last night. Beyond the Celtics taking a commanding 3-0 lead, the bigger story was Luka Doncic and his “unacceptable” antics both on and off the court especially the complaining of the officials. The morning duo then move onto to the Jays and their inability to get to .500 on the season with another blown opportunity. They dive into some of John Schneider’s post game comments about not giving up and how its been proven just how flawed their roster construction is (30:07).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/13/202448 minutes, 40 seconds
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Important Times Coming for Both Leafs & Jays

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kicks off with a discussion surrounding the Stanley Cup Final and the decision of no supplemental discipline for Leon Draisaitl for his hit on Aleksander Barkov. Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports joins the conversation to debate if the right call was made and the other factors that weighed into the verdict, before looking into the Oilers' missed opportunity Game 1 and what they need to get back into the series. B&B also take some time to pick Ren’s brain on the off-season decisions facing the Leafs including Mitch Marner's value around the league, GM Brad Treliving's patience in situations like these, and more. Later, the boys head to Milwaukee with TV voice of the Blue Jays, Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman, to tee up the rubber match of Toronto's series with the Brewers (25:15). They look at how the lineup has changed with the insertion of Spencer Horwitz, the growth of Yusei Kikuchi in his time with the Jays, and the team's postseason chances despite still hovering around the .500 mark. The trio also delve into the decisions the team face ahead of the trade deadline; what options are on the table, their biggest needs, and what they need to show before making moves either way. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/12/202448 minutes, 10 seconds
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Seeking Soto + U.S. Open Preview

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look at the impending free agency of MLB superstar Juan Soto. They dive into a New York Post piece yesterday speculating that the Blue Jays could be in on Juan Soto this upcoming offseason after their attempts to acquire Shohei Ohtani last year. They wonder and discuss what a postseason birth for the Jays would mean in a big-picture sense; if it would not only secure Ross Atkins’ job but also help sell coming to Toronto for free agents like Soto. The morning duo then move on to the U.S. Open and bring in Sportsnet’s golf analyst Adam Stanley (25:05) from Pinehurst to help preview the Major. They wrap up the hour with the daily Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/12/202447 minutes, 18 seconds
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So You’re Saying There’s a Chance…

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about the Blue Jays, last night’s shutout win over the Brewers and inching closer to .500 again. B&B discusses that as well as how Yusei Kikuchi continues to impress, Pete Walker’s pitching magic, Spencer Horwitz as the team’s new leadoff man and what is Vlad Jr at the plate right now (24:27).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/12/202450 minutes, 20 seconds
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Cup Contenders, Uncomfortable Convos & Unwatchable Baseball

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show features Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning revisiting both the Stanley Cup Final and the Blue Jays' series opener in Milwaukee. They start on the quest for Lord Stanley's Cup and are joined by hockey insider, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, who is in Florida covering the series. He shares his takeaways from the first two games, before turning his attention to the Leafs; how close they are to being true Cup contenders, what changes can be made to the roster and why an uncomfortable conversation needs to be had by the organization. They delve into just how awkward things could get and why making a major move makes sense for both sides. To end today’s show, the morning duo are joined by former MLB catcher, now Sportsnet analyst, Caleb Joseph to dive into the Blue Jays (30:16). They get into the disappearing act that is the Jays’ offence creating baseball that is tough to watch, as well as how some dugout antics, or a bat getting stuck in a net, can be a welcome distraction. Finally they look at the Jays' roster construction, how much the team relies on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and why there's reason to believe in Bo Bichette bouncing back. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/11/202448 minutes, 15 seconds
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An Uncomfortable Situation in Leaf-Land + Goaltending Off-Season Options

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning go into the second hour of The FAN Morning Show focusing on hockey. They start with the local Toronto Maple Leafs team and plunge into the uncertain (and somewhat contentious) waters around one their 'core four' in Mitch Marner. A clip from friend of the show, Frank Seravalli, is the launching point to how uncomfortable the situation can become, and why that could lead to Mitch not starting next season on the Leafs’ roster. B&B wonder what playing hardball between player and team could look like, how fans would consume it and how it would affect the Leafs' organization recruiting players to come to Toronto moving forward. Is there a way to change the already forming public perception on the entire situation? Next, the morning duo are joined by Sportsnet's own Jason Bukala (21:35). After some quick insight from being at this past weekend’s NHL combine, Jason previews his latest mock draft including the market values for picks in the top 10, before delving into some possible goaltending options for the Leafs this off-season to pair with Joseph Woll. The fellas wrap up the hour with your daily dose of the Wake 'n' Rake. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/11/202446 minutes, 43 seconds
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McDavid Welcomes Doubt + Jays’ Bats Back to Being Dormant

The FAN Morning Show kicks off with a look back on the Panthers' dominating 4-1 win over the Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look at how different it was from Game 1 for Edmonton and why yesterday's loss may be the difference in the series. But B&B aren’t counting the Oilers out yet, especially after one of Connor McDavid’s post-game quotes about welcoming people’s doubts. They compare his mindset in these moments with those at the Leafs’ core. Is there a big difference? After that, the morning duo discuss the Blue Jays' latest loss to the Brewers and the lack of offense they showed in the first game of the series. B&B look at how the landscape of the regular season has shifted with MLB’s increase in postseason spots and the number of teams with the Jays below .500. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/11/202450 minutes, 22 seconds
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Leafs' Top Target, Jays' Gumption & Oilers' Chances

On the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start by diving into the Maple Leafs’ off-season and discuss if certain coveted goaltender in Calgary should be GM Brad Treliving’s top target. Blue Jays radio voice Ben Shulman stops by to chat about Spencer Horwitz' call to the majors, the subsequent DFA’ing of Cavan Biggio, the team clawing their way back to close to .500, and decisions GM Ross Atkins will face in the coming weeks. Later on, we circle back to hockey to dissect the Stanley Cup Final with Jason Demers of NHL Network, who is in Florida covering the series (25:07). They discuss why Edmonton should be optimistic even after their loss in Game 1, Evan Bouchard’s impressive play throughout the postseason and any lineup changes Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch could make to counter Florida’s toughness. B&B also get Jason’s take on the Leafs off-season, the future of Mitch Marner in Toronto and how close the team is to realistically playing for a Cup.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/10/202447 minutes, 40 seconds
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Breaking Down Both Finals

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning delve into Game One of the Stanley Cup Final and how the hockey gods were not on Edmonton’s side. B&B talk about how the Oilers got “goalied” in the first game and if Bobrovsky ends up being the best player in the series, then it could be over quickly. The tandem is then joined by Sportsnet NBA insider Michael Grange to discuss the Celtics’ depth and dominance (27:04) as well as what Luka & Mavs' chances are to come back to win the title. The trio also quickly hit on the Lakers’ head coaching search and what makes the most sense. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/10/202448 minutes, 16 seconds
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Jays Weekend Takeaways + Luka Needs Help

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show recapping the Blue Jays tight series win over the Oakland A’s, including Kevin Gausman’s first complete-game shutout in his 12-year. They take some time to talk about how this was the last trip to the Oakland Coliseum for Toronto; despite how bad it has become there. They also dissect some of the other Jays news from the weekend: the team DFA’ing Cavan Biggio and Alek Manoah’s season-ending surgery. At the bottom of the hour, the morning duo move on to Game Two of the NBA Finals and how the Celtics' depth is proving to be too much for the Mavs (33:34).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/10/202449 minutes, 2 seconds
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Matthews' Mindset + What a Cup Would Mean For the Oilers

In the final of The FAN Morning Show this week, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning follow up on their conversation regarding Auston Matthews with author of the piece that sparked the discussion, Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos. The co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, and a Stanley Cup champion himself, dives into how evident it is from these playoff runs the mindset difference between Connor McDavid and Matthews. Ben and Brent pick Kyp’s brain on seeing what’s going on around the team this off-season, before discussing if giving Auston captaincy could bring more urgency into winning a Cup in Toronto. The morning duo continue their Stanley Cup series preview by looking at how winning or losing could be viewed in Edmonton, what it will mean for Connor's legacy, and what the future holds for Leon Draisaitl (24:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/7/202447 minutes, 51 seconds
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The Auston of It All + Future of the Jays

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning dive into Nick Kypreos’ latest article on how with McDavid making the Cup Final, there really shouldn’t be a question of who is the League’s best player is between him & Auston Matthews. The morning duo are joined by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (24:10) to examine what will determine if the Blue Jays will be buyers or sellers at the deadline. They look at the future of Blue Jays’ stars Vlad Guerrero Jr & Bo Bichette, as well as what Yusei Kikuchi could bring back if they tear it down. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/7/202447 minutes, 5 seconds
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What a Jays Split With the O’s Really Means

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by looking at yesterday's Toronto Blue Jays win, a series split with the Orioles and dissecting a certain post-game comment from the manager. At the bottom of the hour, the morning duo delves into the Celtics' Game One blowout of the Mavs and wonders if this will be a quick series (26:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/7/202450 minutes, 10 seconds
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Blue Jays Roster Questions + Energy in Edmonton

In the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue dissecting the Blue Jays and where, if anywhere, improvements can come from. They are joined by Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith shares his own created baseball metric “The Big Fly Factor”, along with when fans can expect to see Spencer Horwitz join the major league team and what options they have to make room for him. The trio also dive into the upcoming schedule, when we will start hearing more about trades and what the market value would be for Yusei Kikuchi. To close out Thursday’s show, the morning duo are joined by Edmonton host and Daily Faceoff analyst, Jason Gregor to preview the Stanley Cup Finals from an Alberta standpoint (24:51). Jason discusses the feeling and mood in Edmonton, the Panthers' position as heavy favourites entering the series, some line-up changes the Oilers could make to match up with Florida, and the impact of a Connor McDavid-led powerplay. Before he goes, they compare Edmonton' special teams unit to that of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/6/202447 minutes, 30 seconds
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Blue Jays Blame Pie + Marner Odds

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look at the Blue Jays subpar season as a whole; how far below expectation they are and which players get the biggest share of the “Blame Pie”. Next, B&B quickly turn their attention to the Maple Leafs, diving into the odds regarding Mitch Marner’s future with the franchise, going into next season and also ending it still in a Toronto uniform. The morning duo get back into the Blue Jays enlisting the help of Sportsnet 590’s own Kevin Barker (24:08). The co-host of Blair and Barker goes deep with the boys into the seasons of the Jays’ core players, Vlad Guerrero Jr & Bo Bichette.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/6/202448 minutes, 36 seconds
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Jays Walk off the O’s but Does It Show Anything

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with a Blue Jays win. They discuss Vladdy being back at third base, what the additions of IKF & JT have meant and how a strong Berrios outing was. Before the hour ends, the morning duo dive into the opening of the NBA Finals and what their top storylines are between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics headlined by Kyrie Irving’s return to Boston (30:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/6/202448 minutes, 41 seconds
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The O's Are What the Jays Are Striving to Be

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continuing to look at what feels like despair around this Blue Jays team through the early months of the season. They welcome on Postmedia’s Rob Longley to dive deep into the team's missteps and discuss fan frustration and the expectations put on this group from the front office to take a step forward. Next the morning duo turn their attention to the hockey world and preview the Stanley Cup Final with NHL Network Panthers analyst, Bill Lindsay (28:30)! He shares a sense of the team after securing their second-straight trip to the finals, along what makes this season's squad better than years prior. To end the hour, Ben and Brent dissect a new quote from Leafs’ GM Brad Treliving regarding Mitch Marner, his status with the team and some of the discourse around it. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/5/202448 minutes, 59 seconds
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It's Early-Late for the Jays + NBA Finals Preview

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning take a look at the NBA Finals ahead of its start on Thursday. They go over their main storylines heading into the series between the Celtics & Mavericks before bringing on Yahoo! Sports’ Senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer on his way to cover it. Next the morning duo welcomes MLB Network’s Robert Flores (28:14) to talk some baseball & get his outside thoughts on the Blue Jays. RoFlo discusses how in essence it is still early in the season but also getting late for Toronto & those key players to show what they can do. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/5/202448 minutes, 20 seconds
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A Huge Difference Between the Jays and O’s

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show how this Blue Jays series has proven the massive differences between the two teams; from being near the top of the division and being at the bottom of it. They dissect from post-game comments from John Schneider, why yesterday projects more troubles ahead for the bullpen and how many more line-up changes can be made. Next, the morning duo talks some golf before betting across some of the major league sports with new details emerging on the Jontay Porter case, Shohei’s former interpreter pleading guilty and MLB suspending 5 players including one getting a lifetime ban (32:05).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/5/202448 minutes, 26 seconds
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Toronto Troubles: What Jays Could Be on the Block?

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning delving into the troubles that have been plaguing the Blue Jays all season. They bring on former MLB player, manager and now long time TV voice, Buck Martinez, for his insight on the decisions facing this team, if there are internal solutions and when they can definitively say that what they have isn’t good enough. They also weigh in on the team's attempts to kickstart the offence by shuffling the batting order, and if we can expect the same in the bullpen with Jordan Romano sidelined. Next, the morning duo check in with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk to get his thoughts on what’s at stake for the Jays as they get closer to the trade deadline and what players could be on the block (23:00). They dive into the landscape of the American League East and the case for Toronto to simply retool rather than a complete rebuild, before looking to Bo Bichette’s slump at the plate and the benefits on moving Vlad Guerrero Jr. to third base. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/4/202447 minutes, 42 seconds
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Vlad & Bo to Go? Ross Says No

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-visited a recent Ross Atkins quote to MLB Network Radio in regards to trading the two players at the Blue Jays’ core. They also take some time to look at the Jays’ window to contending and if it's quickly closing. Next, the morning duo welcomes on the Star contributor, Damien Cox (22:03), who weighs in on the fact that Toronto fans could watch the Mitch Marner situation and pending contract play out in front of them throughout the season. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/4/202446 minutes, 48 seconds
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Another Jays Loss + Mitch Marner Movement (?!)

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on a tough Blue Jays loss against their A.L. East rival Baltimore Orioles. They dissect the line-up that again wasn’t able to capitalize on opportunities and weigh in on whether moving Vlad Guerrero Jr to third base to try to get another veteran bat into the line-up is the answer. Next, the morning duo touches on the latest of what we’re hearing regarding the Mitch Marner (33:22).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/4/202450 minutes, 55 seconds
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Oilers’ Growth + A Big Test for the Jays

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff kick off the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show taking a closer look at the Edmonton Oilers' road to the Stanley Cup Final with Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli! They examine Edmonton's growth on the ice from last season to now, how they managed to get past Dallas, how they stack up against the Panthers, and the play of Connor McDavid, Stuart Skinner and the Oilers' defence as a whole. Next, the pair turn their attention to the Blue Jays with the Orioles in town alongside radio play-by-play voice, Ben Shulman (25:10)! The trio dive into the importance of this series against one of the American League’s premier teams, before discussing the state of Toronto's lineup, some of the adjustments that were made, and the obstacles that the rotation will face against some potent hitters in the coming week. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/3/202446 minutes, 18 seconds
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How to Build a NHL Winner + Another Great Canadian Open Moment

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff look at the Stanley Cup Finals matchup. They look at how both teams are constructed and built in this salary cap era; wondering where the emphasis should go and how money is best allocated that pays dividends in the playoffs. After that the boys go back to the Canadian Open and how it provided another moment. They welcome Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange (25:43) who was there covering the event to talk about how it has grown over the past decade and some of those memorable times we’ve given in that span. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/3/202447 minutes, 25 seconds
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Are the Oilers’ Now Canada’s Team?

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about the Oilers punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals. The duo looks at Edmonton’s play as of late and getting the chance to bring the Cup back to Canada. Will the whole country be rooting for them to do so? Next B&J takes some time to look at another much-needed series win by the Blue Jays over the weekend against the Pirates as well as a quick chat about the Canadian Open & Robert MacIntyre’s first PGA Tour title (27:02).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/3/202450 minutes, 29 seconds
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An Hour of Jim's (and Shi)

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up this week on The FAN Morning Show breaking down the importance of the Blue Jays' upcoming series with the Pirates alongside Sportsnet’s own Shi Davidi. He looks into the pitching and lineup decisions facing this team, including some tough ones regarding struggling veterans. Next, they check in with legendary broadcaster, Jim Nantz of CBS Sports, on his way up to call the Canadian Open (16:05). The trio discuss being a part of Nick Taylor’s historic win last year and the connection it's given him to the Canadian fans, before looking into this year’s field and his expectations for the 2024 tournament. We also are lucky enough to get some classic Nantz stories! To end the week, Ben and Brent welcome on another Jim – this time, MLB Network radio analyst, Jim Duquette (28:53). They get the former MLB general manager’s outside thoughts on the Blue Jays, the decisions the front office will have to make ahead of this year’s trade deadline, and the future of their two biggest stars in Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/31/202449 minutes, 2 seconds
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City Connect Content + Jays Pressure Ratings

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning go into the second hour of today’s FAN Morning Show talking about the Blue Jays, who are back in action at home tonight. As they start this next stretch of important games and try to get the team’s record back to .500, Ben and Brent give their ratings for which players are under the most pressure to perform. They then talk about the team acquiring a new reliever and, more importantly than the pitcher himself, that the team is searching for help anywhere they can. Next, the pair some time to talk about the Canadian Open; what it means to them, why they enjoy the tournament, who played well on Day 1 and who they expect to excel the rest of the weekend. Friend of the show and Sportsnet 590’s own Sam McKee stops by to weigh in on this morning's sporting headlines, as well as share his thoughts on the Blue Jays latest City Connect jerseys that were unveiled last night (25:08). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/31/202445 minutes, 59 seconds
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Star Power in the NHL & NBA

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show excited for the Canadian Open; the two then shift their focus to last night in the Stanley Cup Playoffs that saw the Panthers move within one win of the Final. Before the hour ends, the morning duo talks about some basketball as the Mavericks will face the Celtics in their Finals and how Luka is thriving at the moment (30:41).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/31/202452 minutes, 15 seconds
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Rebuilding vs. Retooling the Jays

In the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin by discussing the Edmonton Oilers, who battled off a tough start to win Game 4 and tie their series with the Stars. They look at some of the marquee players in the series and how a Stanley Cup could impact certain guys’ legacies. They welcome on Sportsnet’s own Luke Gazdic to discuss the keys to Edmonton's win including Stuart Skinner’s bounce back performance, along with how confident the Oilers are feeling now with the series shortened to a best-of-three. To close today’s show, host of MLB Now on MLB Network, Brian Kenny stops by to chat about the decision facing the Blue Jays to rebuild or retool and the market values are for their two aircraft carrier players in Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr., before taking a look around baseball to determine what quantifies a successful MLB season (25:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/30/202447 minutes, 49 seconds
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Canadian Open History + Preview

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning examine the RBC Canadian Open revisiting Nick Taylor’s historic 72-foot putt and subsequent victory and if that moment changed the way the tournament is viewed. They also look at some of the Canadian's chances to win it this year. Ben & Brent are then joined by Sportsnet’s resident golf reporter Adam Stanley (22:12) who delves into the field and what makes this tournament a unique one on the tour.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/30/202445 minutes, 25 seconds
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Blue Jays Pitching Depth + Playoff Hockey

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about the Toronto Blue Jays first series sweep of the season coming against the Chicago White Sox. They discuss Alek Manoah’s early departure from the game and the overall pitching depth in the Blue Jays system over the Shapiro-Atkins tenure. Later, the morning duo get into the Edmonton Oilers tying their series with the Dallas Stars behind a strong Stuart Skinner bounce back especially after a rough start to Game 4. Next, B&B take a look at Easton Cowan’s prowess at the Mem Cup and his future with the Leafs; then round out the hour talking about Minnesota winning the PWHL Walter Cup after Toronto picked them as their opening round opponent; proving that the hockey curse in this city lives on (27:35). The Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/30/202449 minutes, 44 seconds
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Inside the A.L. East w/ BNS and Adnan Virk

The FAN Morning Show continues into its final hour of the day with full focus on Major League Baseball. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start off with a look at how some the Blue Jays' top prospects are producing offensively with the Buffalo Bisons; could we see a call-up and place in the lineup for either Spencer Horwitz or Orelvis Martinez? Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith weighs in on the importance of both Davis Schneider and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, as well as the state of the bullpen following Erik Swanson's demotion. Next up, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk zeroes in on the American League East to discuss if the Yankees have surpassed the young Orioles as the favourites and if Juan Soto will continue to wear the pinstripes for the rest of his career (26:31). The trio also take a few minutes to dissect one host’s spicy Shawshank movie take.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/29/202448 minutes, 28 seconds
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Turner’s Decline Due to Data?! + Sheldon’s Looming Success in Jersey

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning focus specifically on Justin Turner; his recent, somewhat rapid decline. The boys, then, spend some time on Sheldon Keefe’s official introduction as the new head coach of the New Jersey Devils. Next, the morning duo welcomes on friend of the show, NHL analyst & host, Gord Stellick (23:28). The trio discusses what we are seeing in the hockey conference finals, what lessons can be learned from how the final four teams are built, how important having someone steady in the net is and what the Maple Leafs should take away from all of it this offseason.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/29/202446 minutes, 31 seconds
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Jays Finally Making Tough Decisions

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about whether they believe in this Blue Jays offence that has been producing as of late or if it's just a product of poor competition. They talk about how Davis Schneider seems to be leading the line-up while it was yet another solid outing from a Toronto starter, this time Kevin Gausman, and how the staff as a whole continues to impress. Before the hour ends, the morning duo update on the NHL & NBA Conference Finals with a dive into last night’s games (31:50).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/29/202450 minutes, 16 seconds
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Talking Jays w/ Dan Shulman + Inside the NBA w/ Charles Barkley

On the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look back on the Blue Jays' must-needed win over the White Sox on Monday night with TV play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman. They discuss some lineup and roster decisions facing the team as every game seems like a must win, along with what else could be done to try to ignite this offense. Next, the focus turns to the hardcourt as the morning duo are joined by NBA legend, now analyst for Inside the NBA on TNT, Charles Barkley (27:29)! He weighs in on how the Celtics punched their ticket to the Finals, why he believes the Mavericks will do the same tonight, and what made the series such a poor matchup for the T-Wolves. The hosts can’t let him go without some hockey thoughts, as well as a conversation on the future of the beloved Inside the NBA program. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/28/202448 minutes, 27 seconds
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Some Jays Positivity + Reckless Leafs Speculation

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning decide to direct some positivity at the Blue Jays specifically their front office. B&B turned their attention to the Maple Leafs and addressed a photo that made the internet rounds yesterday of a certain player and their new head coach. Next, the morning duo welcomes a friend of the show, The Star contributor, Damien Cox (22:57) to talk all things hockey including the Oilers' opportunity to bring a Cup back to Canada, what makes the difference in the Playoffs, the re-emergence of Dan Bylsma as an NHL head coach.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/28/202445 minutes, 55 seconds
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Thank Goodness for the White Sox

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Blue Jays getting a win over the Chicago White Sox. The guys explain how Chris Bassitt is battling through some neck pain to throw five strong innings. Next, they dive into George Springer being moved to the 7th spot of the line-up. Is it a sign of desperation to get things going? Before the hour ends, Ben & Brent hit on the Western Conference Final and how the Oilers might have blown a big opportunity in Game 3. Lastly, the boys hit on the news that MLB umpire Angel Hernandez has retired and banter on if he will be missed at all by sports fans (27:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/28/202449 minutes, 59 seconds
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More at Stake for the Jays Than Just the Season

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning dives deeper into the current state of the Blue Jays, what the future looks like, both immediate and longer term, and what's at stake if things don't turn around. MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson joins from Chicago ahead of their game today with the White Sox to dissect the Jays' disappointing weekend and forecast where help could come from for this struggling team. Later, Ben and Brent enlist the help of former MLB catcher turned analyst for Sportsnet, Caleb Joseph, for his insight into what he’s seeing from players right now, what the mood in the clubhouse is like and how they view taking the field every day (25:53). The trio also look further into which facets of this team need to be better to string together some victories and get back over .500.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/27/202447 minutes, 7 seconds
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Jays Season Expectations Fading Fast

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss how expectations for the team this season are fading fast butalso with that comes questions about their future especially of Bo Bichette & Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The boys are also joined by baseball insider, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (25:44), to weigh in on what decisions need to be made around this club, when they could be made and what changes could come. The morning duo takes some time to look at the NBA Playoffs with both Conference Finals on the verge of sweeps. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/27/202448 minutes, 34 seconds
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Hope (In the Jays) is a Dangerous Thing

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by dissecting the Blue Jays three losses in a row; finding almost a different way to lose each day. Is the season as much as done? Before the hour ends, the boys quickly dive into the Stanley Cup Playoffs looking at if McDavid’s production can be questioned, if the Stars are still somehow underrated and if the Rangers as Presidents Trophy winners should be the favourites to win the Cup (30:44).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/27/202447 minutes, 56 seconds
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Is the Home Run Jacket a Sign of Jays Leadership Emerging?

On this week's final hour of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin talking about the Blue Jays, their offence and the return of the home run jacket. Is it truly a motivating factor especially for someone like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who was pushing for its return? Next, the pair discuss yesterday’s official announcement that Toronto has been awarded a WNBA franchise, before looking into who's vote caused the decision to not be unanimous. To end the hour, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli offers some quick thoughts on the conference finals, the NHL off-season and how important it is for the Maple Leafs, and the coaching changeover around the league (22:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/24/202447 minutes, 16 seconds
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Manoah, Martinez for the Jays + Marner’s Future With the Leafs

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk Blue Jays. They look at the man on the mound tonight in Alek Manoah; how many strong starts before we officially consider him back? After that, the morning duo welcomes, afriend of the show, SN 590’s own Sam McKee. The trio re-visit the Scottie Scheffler situation with more video of the encounter with law enforcement emerging yesterday. After that, they look at the first week of what seems to be a new era in Leaf-land; what initial thoughts are of now-head coach Craig Berube as well as if trading Mitch Marner is worth it given what the expected return would be (23:11). The hour ends with the Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/24/202447 minutes, 52 seconds
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Power Outage Elicits Power Bats for Jays

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show breaking down last night’s Blue Jays game in Detroit and everything that happened. Next, they turn their attention to the game itself where there was some real power in Toronto’s line-up with 3 different Jays going deep. They also look at Kevin Gausman’s dominant pitching performance and how much last week's worth of starts shows how the rotation is this team’s biggest strength. Next, the morning duo talks some hockey on Game 1 of the NHL’s Western Conference Finals saw the Oilers win in 2OT and McDavid playing the hero (28:07).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/24/202449 minutes, 26 seconds
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How Much Does the "Shana-Plan" Change? + Emmy Award Winner Adnan Virk

The FAN Morning Show's final hour kicks off with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning looking back on the Maple Leafs' week that was with Star contributor and Sportsnet's own, Nick Kypreos! They discuss Craig Berube's job ahead as the team's new head coach, Brendan Shanahan's tenure at the helm, how the “Shana-plan” has changed over the years, and what changes to expect this off-season. Next up, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk stops by to share his experience after his show MLB Tonight received a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Daily Studio Show (26:57). After some insight into the awards show, Adnan delves into Major League Baseball with a focus on why this upcoming stretch of games is crucial for the Blue Jays to make up ground in the standings. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/23/202447 minutes, 42 seconds
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How Close is This Jays Team? + Looking at NHL Coaching Changes

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning go over some recent news starting with Sheldon Keefe taking the Devils' job in New Jersey. They also discuss Rick Tocchet winning the Jack Adams Award and what it would take for Craig Berube to win it next season. Next, the morning duo gets back into the Blue Jays and is joined by Rob Longley, beat writer & columnist for the Toronto Sun & Postmedia. They look at the return of the Home Run Jacket, how close we think this team is and how much this group of players feel they have something to prove especially after last season’s playoff loss (24:45). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/23/202446 minutes, 23 seconds
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The Home Run Jacket is Back… So is Sheldon Keefe

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off the show on the return of the home run jacket! B&B discusses what it means especially for the players themselves especially after a recent quote from Kevin Gausman. They also talk about the off day George Springer had and if more of those could be coming.  Before the hour ends, the morning duo also hit on the conference finals games in both the NHL & NBA as well as the news that former Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe seems to be the next bench boss of the Devils (28:11). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/23/202450 minutes, 57 seconds
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The Leafs' Berube and Accountability Era Begins

The final hour of today’s The FAN Morning Show focuses on the Leafs’ latest hire in coach Craig Berube. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the hour by checking in with their “Leafs historian” and Toronto Star contributor, Damien Cox. The trio look at if, and why, maybe this time will be different than past Leafs’ regimes; if they will be held accountable and what exactly that means. Next, 17-year NHL veteran winger turned NHL Network analyst, Scott Hartnell, who played under Berube, offers some insight into what the coach brings to Toronto and his relationship with his players (15:06). Later on, former NHL defenceman and current NHL Network analyst, Jason Demers stops by to discuss what's most important in a new coach; how a new voice and style could affect players, and which players on the Leafs will have to adapt to a Berube system of hockey (29:15). The trio also weigh in on the Stanley Cup Conference Finals and who maybe holds the advantage in a run to a championship.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/22/202446 minutes, 1 second
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Evaluating the Trade Market for Bo & Vladdy

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss a recent MLB report from an unnamed exec saying that the Jays have had discussions about the possibility of trading their supposed “core” pieces in Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr. They delve into what the market would be for either and/or both as well as when the jays would make that decision to pull the trigger on making a deal. Next, the morning duo delves more into the Jays with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (26:33) who looks at their offensive woes and when a team would start to evaluate breaking it down. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/22/202450 minutes, 39 seconds
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Can Only Tip Your Cap So Much

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show dissecting another listless night from Toronto’s bats as they lose to the statistically the worst team in baseball. B&B discuss how the team left the field at Rogers Centre last night to a chorus of boos from fans and wonder if it's reaching a boiling point around this team and their offensive struggles. Next, the morning duo turns their attention to the Maple Leafs and what they heard from the team’s president, general manager and new coach at the Craig Berube introductory press conference (24:16). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/22/202447 minutes, 23 seconds
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Blue Jays and Maple Leafs' Checklists

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning locked on the Blue Jays after the offence came to life on Monday afternoon. Sportsnet MLB insider and columnist, Shi Davidi, stops by to to go over the weekend that was for the city’s baseball team including the shake-up to the batting order, the standouts from Triple-A Buffalo and if there is a spot on the roster for any of them. Next the morning duo turn their attention to the Maple Leafs who are set to introduce their new head coach today with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox (27:26). He shares his thoughts on how Craig Berube fits on this team, what he needs to hear from him today and what the expectations are for him as he takes over the team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/21/202447 minutes, 11 seconds
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What Do We Need to Hear From the Leafs’ New Coach?!

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning get ready for the introduction of the new Leafs’ coach. They discuss what they hope or want to hear from Craig Berube today in regards to taking over the team. B&B brings on hockey insider and analyst, former Leafs GM, Gord Stellick, for his take on what to expect today and if Berube was the best choice for the job. After that, the morning duo look around the world of sports, starting with the NBA Playoffs that saw the Nuggets and Thunder get ousted, which B&B say might be the best thing for Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canadian basketball fans ahead of this year’s Olympic games (32:51). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/21/202446 minutes, 50 seconds
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Introducing Craig Berube to Leafs Nation

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning open the week discussing the TML hire of Craig Berube. They wonder if he was Brad Trelving’s top target and if he is the right fit for this team. Next B&B talk about the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Edmonton Oilers punched their ticket to the Western Conference final after winning Game 7 of their series with the Vancouver Canucks. Before the hour ends, the morning duo dissects the Blue Jays weekend that saw a pretty drastic line-up switch as well as GM Ross Atkins speak (31:30).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/21/202451 minutes, 24 seconds
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The Latest From the PGA Championship + Will the 'Canes Retain Rod?

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour of the week fully engulfed into the situation at the PGA Championship and the world’s number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning sift through what we know and is being reported from Louisville, Kentucky. They bring on Brent’s co-host from The Golf Show, Sam McKee, to get his thoughts on what's happening, what it could mean for his play this weekend, and what those on site are saying. Next, two-time Stanley Cup winning executive, Mike Futa, stops by to discuss if Rod Brind’Amour will be added to the list of available head coaches after his team’s second round exit, as well as how Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is driving the search to fill their void behind the bench (23:12). Ben and Brent wrap up with one final update on Scheffler and what we now know before signing off for the long weekend. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/17/202447 minutes, 8 seconds
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Scheffler Saga Updates + Jays Ailments

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning let you hear an interesting quote from the Bruins Brad Marchand who breaks down the truth about NHL playoff hockey and what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. Next, they turn their attention to the Blue Jays as they come home to play the Rays and enlist the help of former big leaguer, now Sportsnet analyst & host, Kevin Barker (25:30), for his thoughts on how much a line-up shake-up can help ignite the offence. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/17/202449 minutes, 12 seconds
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Is Rod’s Time up in Carolina?

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show recapping the Stanley Cup playoffs that saw the Vancouver Canucks take control of their series with the Edmonton Oilers. Next, they turn their attention to the Eastern Conference where a late collapse from Frederik Andersen saw the Hurricanes ousted from the Playoffs, which makes B&B wonder if it also spells the end of the time for Rod Brind’Amour in Carolina. Next, the morning duo reacts to some early breaking news you won’t believe from Lousiville, Kentucky and the PGA Championships that ends with the world’s number one golfer ending up in handcuffs (33:47). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/17/202449 minutes, 17 seconds
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The Next Leafs Coach + This Current Jays Era

The FAN Morning Show hits its final hour of the day with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning looking at the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. They start with the All-Canadian series between the Oilers and Canucks with Luke Gazdic, Sportsnet analyst and host of the Mitts Off podcast. The trio focus in on each team's unique goaltending situation, how Thatcher Demko's pending return could impact Vancouver's crease, who holds the advantage heading into Game 5, how Rick Tocchet has handled both his players and the media, and if someone similar is needed behind the Maple Leafs' bench next season. Next up, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk stops by to share his outside thoughts on the Blue Jays’ continued offensive struggles (25:32). Adnan identifies the team's early issues at the lead-off spot and the benefits of shaking up the batting order, before discussing if this era under Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette has underdelivered on the Jays' lofty expectations.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/16/202446 minutes, 39 seconds
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Leafs vs. Jays Success + Getting PGA Set

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start by discussing where Rory McIlroy is in the public consciousness especially compared to the top man in the sport right now Scottie Scheffler. They also debate if a Major win could impact the status of either to make them the most notable golfer in the world. Next, B&B check in with Sportsnet’s Adam Stanley to get a firsthand account of the scene and preview the tournament. Next, the morning duo turns their attention back to the Jays; they discuss the downfalls so far this season and if it's even not as fun for fans to watch. The hour ends with the Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/16/202447 minutes, 52 seconds
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Time to Shake Things Up, John

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show and recap the ninth-inning home run by Adley Rutschman off Jordan Romano. The boys discuss how the Jays failed yet again to capitalize on some offensive opportunities that could have secured the victory. They also delve further into how George Springer continues to lead off and wonder what it will take for John Schneider, not only to move him out of that spot, but shake up the entire line-up in hopes of sparking an offensive outbreak. Next, B&B takes some time to look at a couple of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff series including the contrast between the way the Stars and Avalanche are built (35:43).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/16/202450 minutes, 16 seconds
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Baseball in Baltimore (?) + A Full Leafs Evaluation

The FAN Morning Show goes into its final hour of the day with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning doing a couple evaluations. First they check in with Sportsnet's Blue Jays play-by-play voice, Dan Shulman, who shares a quick weather update from the road, before diving into the Blue Jays' strength of schedule, the room for optimism surrounding this lineup, how to manage the lead-off spot and just how good Daulton Varsho has been. Next, we turn our attention to the Maple Leafs and bring on Sportsnet’s own, Jason Bukala for his take on the team (26:42). Having been in those end of season conversations, Jason offers some insight into what a team-wide evaluation would look like and suggests some potential offseason moves.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/15/202447 minutes, 53 seconds
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Leafs Coaching Requirements + PGA Championship Preview

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning focusing on the Leafs offseason. They specifically look at the frontrunner in Craig Berube and look at his time in St Louis. They re-visit some of his handling of his players including some examples of calling them out publicly, wondering if that is what this team needs and what Treliving & Shanahan want. Next, the boys turn their attention to this weekend’s PGA Championship and welcome Joe House (22:49) of the Fairways Rollin’ pod to help handicap the tournament. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/15/202448 minutes, 52 seconds
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Leafs Lessons Learned + Jays Offensive Optimism

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by looking at the Stanley Cup playoffs where the Oilers even up their series and the Bruins staved off elimination at least for one more game. The boys got into both games and included some post-game comments from the losing coaches on each end regarding holding their players accountable. They wonder if there is something there for the Leafs to learn from and if anything stands out to TML execs who are deciding on who the next bench boss is. Then, Ben takes some time to drum up some numbers to hopefully give Toronto fans some offensive optimism for their baseball team and uses Brent to gauge if he (or fans) should buy it (30:12). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/15/202449 minutes, 54 seconds
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Jays Figuring it Out + Leafs Looking for a Change

The final hour of  The FAN Morning Show takes some time to talk both Blue Jays and Maple Leafs figuring it out. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start with the Jays and what will determine how they approach the trade deadline this year; could they go on a run to make people believe they are contenders? B&B are joined by Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith to say what he is seeing especially out of stars Bo and Vlad Jr. that make it possible the team is on an upward trajectory. They also look at how far out the team would have to be to become  "sellers" at the deadline and who would be on the market. Next the morning duo turn their attention to the NHL and bring on former pro, now host of the Dropping the Gloves’ podcast, John Scott. They get John’s outside perspective on the Leafs and how badly change is needed beyond the coach. He weighs in on who and what Toronto needs and just how much a coaching change could impact them. The trio also take time to look around the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs including how the Bruins aren’t that big and bad anymore and if the Canucks are just out-toughing the Oilers. Ben and Brent wrap up with some final thoughts on the Leafs' coaching search.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/14/202448 minutes, 16 seconds
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How Far Can the Jays Core Carry Them?

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning dive into what the expectations are for Bo and Vladdy and how far they think they can carry this team. They also delve into how important it is for the pitching to keep being good and for role guys like Daulton Varsho to continue to contribute. Next, the morning duo turns their attention to the Maple Leafs and welcomes the Star contributor, Damien Cox (23:18). The trio gives their takeaways from Friday’s exec presser and how the reaming process may have now changed. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/14/202444 minutes, 55 seconds
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A Huge Bleeping Win for the Jays

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are re-united on The FAN Morning Show and start with manager John Schneider's comments after last night's win for in Baltimore. The guys dive into how both Vlad & Bo are now heating up and will show how far faith in this core will take the team. They also look at Jordan Romano taking on a larger role in leverage situations and if that’s out of necessity. Before the hour ends, they turn their attention to hockey as Ben gets a chance to weigh in on the Leafs press conference on Friday as well as the coaching change moving on from Sheldon Keefe (25:54). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/14/202451 minutes, 49 seconds
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How the Jays Measure Up to the Division Leaders

The FAN Morning Show’s final hour starts by diving into everything Blue Jays as they begin an important matchup against their A.L. East rivals, the Baltimore Orioles. Hosts Brent Gunning and Jesse Rubinoff delve into just what is at stake in this series with the division leaders this early in the season. Next, we head down to Edmonton to chat with Daily Faceoff NHL Insider, Frank Seravalli, about how the Canucks jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the series, along with what happened after the final whistle to Connor McDavid and if supplementary discipline will be given (26:37). Frank also weighs in on the Maple Leafs' search of a new head coach, the popular names on the table, and some of the awkward, but needed conversations TML execs need to have with some of their star players. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/13/202447 minutes, 33 seconds
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Leafs Offseason Primer

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & Jesse Rubinoff start on who and when the next head coach will be named. They welcome into the mix former Leafs GM, no analyst and insider, Gord Stellick, for his take on who the frontrunners for the job are and who may make the most sense. Next, today’s morning duo takes a look around the rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a special focus on the Oilers-Canucks series including what happened after the final whistle last night. They also look at the NBA Draft Lottery, which the Atlanta Hawks won and where the Raptors fell sowill have to give up the pick (25:06). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/13/202447 minutes, 13 seconds
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“Good Not Good Enough” for the Leafs Anymore

Brent Gunning is joined by guest host Jesse Rubinoff to kick off The FAN Morning Show and give some of their biggest takeaways from what they heard at Friday's Leafs end-of-season press conference. They also hit on Brendan Shanahan’s contract situation as well as the team’s coaching search and when they expect a new bench boss to be named. They end the hour with a quick dissection of the Blue Jays' weekend that saw some good and some bad (35:47).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/13/202449 minutes, 41 seconds
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Leafs Recent Past, Present and Future

Brent Gunning and Jesse Rubinoff wrap up this week on The FAN Morning Show alongside Sam McKee of Leafs Talk and Real Kyper and Bourne. They dive into today’s scheduled Maple Leafs press conference discussing their expectations of what he’ll hear from Toronto's executives, the organization’s biggest priorities this offseason and how much of it will actually be addressed. Next, Brent and Jesse focus specifically on who will replace Sheldon Keefe behind the Leafs’ bench with ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski (27:20). Greg shares his findings from his latest piece ranking the available coaching options into tiers, before offering his outside perspective on Toronto’s NHL team and why they simply can’t breakthrough in the postseason. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/10/202448 minutes, 53 seconds
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What’s Next for the Shana-Plan

On hour 2 Brent Gunning & guest host Jesse Rubinoff start with the coaching change the team has decided to make and wonder what’s next. They then bring in Maple Leafs Hotstove’s Anthony Petrielli for his thoughts on the entire situation. They first look back at Sheldon Keefe’s tenure, what from the ‘Leafs’ Notebook’ went wrong and what needs to be addressed most for this team to take the next step. Also in this hour, Brent & Jesse pass on some breaking big news regarding Toronto and the WNBA as well as look around the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (24:05). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/10/202446 minutes, 29 seconds
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Saying Goodbye to Sheldon Keefe

Brent Gunning is joined by guest host Jesse Rubinoff to kick off The FAN Morning Show for some Leafs Talk. They start on yesterday’s big news coming from Toronto that Sheldon Keefe was being relieved of his duties as head coach; it leads the boys to discuss what went wrong in his tenure despite having great regular season success. They also dive into who might make the most sense to replace him behind the bench and what type of coach this group needs (36:03). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/10/202450 minutes, 52 seconds
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Brushing it Back w/ Ricciardi + Mitts Off w/ Gazdic

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning reset on the Toronto Blue Jays and discuss the lingering lineup concerns despite finishing their series in Philadelphia with a win. Former Jays GM and current host of The Brushback, J.P. Ricciardi offers his insight on when a front office will start to evaluate their results in-season, as well as what happens when a team builds around two players that aren’t producing. Next the morning duo turn their attention back to hockey and welcome on Sportsnet’s own, Luke Gazdic (25:00)! Luke weighs in on last night's NHL action including the Oilers' late collapse, before getting into the Maple Leafs' pending decisions this offseason and how certain players can react differently in tough conversations with the franchise. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/9/202447 minutes, 38 seconds
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Vlad’s Bar + Leafs Decision Time

In hour two Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and what is the lowest acceptable bar for him. Next B&B turns their attention to the Leafs with seemingly no decision made yet or at least no news from the organization, they continue the conversation with Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos (20:06) for his takes on what the most impending decisions are for the Toronto Maple Leafs and what the best way to making each one is. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/9/202444 minutes, 41 seconds
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Timely Hitting Leads Jays to a Win

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about a Blue Jays win in Philadelphia behind some timely hitting by some of their expected stars. They hit on George Springer continuing to lead off, Davis Schneider finding himself in the line-up but still at the bottom of the order and Bo Bichette finally coming around. As the team returns home, B&B discusses how the Jays are above .500 at home this season and if being the best version of themselves at Rogers Centre (31:36).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/9/202451 minutes, 42 seconds
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Looming Leafs and Jays Decisions

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning send The FAN Morning Show into the final hour discussing the pending decisions that need to be made surrounding the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. Starting on the ice, local Leafs historian Damien Cox stops by to sort through the team's biggest questions including what's next for Sheldon Keefe and Mitch Marner, along with how to address the fanbase's malcontent with the status quo. Next, Ben and Brent switch gears to chat about the Blue Jays' future plans with MLB Network's Adnan Virk (29:25)! They discuss what's ahead for Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr., if John Schneider is on the hot seat, who else in the organization needs to answer for the team’s shortcomings, and when to expect changes if things don't turnaround soon. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/8/202447 minutes, 33 seconds
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Trying to Be Optimistic About the Blue Jays

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss if this could be the end of the Vlad-Bo era in Toronto. They look back at the hype they came in with and why it really has never gotten there or even close. Next, the boys take some time to look at the Leafs, who face a similar situation and start a conversation about who their head coach should be moving forward. The morning duo then have Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi joins the mix (24:53) to try to bring some optimism into the conversation of the Blue Jays and if there is any reason to believe this team can turn it around. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/8/202446 minutes, 32 seconds
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The Blue Jays Nightmare Start Continues

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Blue Jays and what seems to be misfiring on almost all facets of the game, especially on a night when starter Jose Berrios was not at his best. They discuss the offence that continues to struggle and not produce; if there is any way to correct or ignite it. B&B weighs draws some parallels to what Toronto fans just dealt with regarding the Maple Leafs. The morning duo also takes time to hit on John Schneider who showed his frustration. Before the hour ends, the boys hit on the NHL’s Draft Lottery (30:58), the San Jose Sharks taking the top pick and the consensus number one overall player. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/8/202450 minutes, 52 seconds
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Toronto Fans Need Some Optimism

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 focusing on the Blue Jays who start a short series tonight in Philadelphia against the upstart Phillies. Play-by-play voice Dan Shulman joins the conversation to look for some optimism heading into a new week, before discussing what adjustments can be made to solidify the bullpen and the case for a change at the lead off spot in the lineup. Later, we shift focus back to the Maple Leafs with Sportsnet's own Luke Fox, who attended locker room cleanout day and the exit interview that followed. Luke offers a first hand feel of the tense mood around the team, the feeling that players need to be sheltered from the local media, his major takeaways from the day and some positives heading into the summer (25:44). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/7/202448 minutes, 7 seconds
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How to Handle the Marner Situation

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk about how Mitch Marner has become the biggest talking point and question mark around the future of the team and changes that might be made. They next bring on another Sportsnet analyst, afriend of the show, Jason Bukala (25:10), for his thoughts on what he heard yesterday. They discuss the honesty heard from some players, not much said from others and how head coach Sheldon Keefe may have handled an awkward situation as best he could. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/7/202447 minutes, 24 seconds
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It’s the Same Old Leafs Song

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on what they heard yesterday's Leafs locker cleanout day, who took accountability and if it even matters especially to Toronto fans or is it just the “same old” to them. The morning duo also quickly give their thoughts on Game 1 of the Bruins next series as Boston carried their momentum to pull off the victory over the Panthers. If the Bruins win, would it change our opinion on anything? Lastly, they touch on the Jays who signed and are bringing back Aaron Sanchez (40:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/7/202450 minutes, 20 seconds
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Getting Over That Playoff Hump

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show debating the biggest questions facing the Maple Leafs heading into the offseason. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli weighs in on what plagues this team the most from getting over that playoff hump and breaking through. Is it being too top heavy? Is it defence or goaltending? Is it culture and leadership? And are they realistic in evaluating themselves? Next up, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports shares the feeling in Boston around the team between Games 6 and 7, how the news of Joseph Woll's injury changed the tone, and what issue are at the forefront to address this offseason (29:05). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/6/202446 minutes, 56 seconds
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Who is on the Leafs Hot Seat

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning go over some of the things we heard from players after that Game 7 loss. They also discuss if it was peculiar to not hear from Mitch Marner or Morgan Rielly in Boston on Saturday and if at all matters. They then bring on former Toronto GM, now analyst & insider, Gord Stellick, for his thoughts on how the season ended, the series as a whole and what to expect later today when hearing from select players and the head coach of the team. They also start to wonder what, if any, changes we will see around the ‘Blue & White’ and how soon that could come (27:09). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/6/202448 minutes, 7 seconds
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The Definition of Insanity Is…

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about a Leafs season ending in heartbreak. The boys discussed if this organization could be cursed especially in a year where they seemed more talented but ran into a string of bad luck with untimely injuries. The guys then discuss the future of Sheldon Keefe, who we expect to hear from more today. Before the hour ends, Ben & Brent also take some time to discuss the Jays weekend in Washington where they lost the weekend series to the Nationals and that saw the return to the big leagues of Alek Manoah (36:05).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/6/202448 minutes, 59 seconds
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More Than a Series at Stake Saturday

The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning goes into its final hour of the week fully focused on the Leafs-Bruins series heading into a pressure-packed Game 7 in Boston. They enlist the help of two hockey insiders in Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli and Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox to dig deeper into this weekend's do-or-die game. First, Frank shares what's turned the tide in the past two games, who needs this win more, how a loss could impact the futures on both sides, and how both teams have deployed their goalies. Later, Luke joins the conversation to discuss the Leafs' impressive play without Auston Matthews, Toronto's patient approach, last night's incredible crowd at Scotiabank Arena, and Matthew Knies' playoff impact (28:11). Will it continue on Saturday? We’ll all be watching to find out. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/3/202447 minutes, 38 seconds
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Leafs Live to Play Another Game 7

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk about the possibility of Auston Matthews sliding back into the line-up, what it means and how or if it would alter what the Maple Leafs have going in the last 2 games. The guys bring on the author of Leafs Notebook, Anthony Petrielli (22:35) of Maple Leafs Hotstove. The trio discusses if the Leafs have found the formula to beat their longtime rival the Bruins or if they’ve always had it and are just executing better. They also discuss how the crowd at Scotiabank Arena was engaged and reacted appropriately. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/3/202447 minutes
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One Demon Slayed; One to Go for the Leafs

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show discussing the good vibes around Toronto’s team; how even though there were two “stars” of last night’s game in Joseph Woll and William Nylander, it truly was another determined and disciplined complete team effort. They talk about how the perception of the Maple Leafs has changed in 6 days and how it could change even more with a Game 7 win. They look at it from the Boston perspective (32:18) given some post-game comments from their head coach Jim Montgomery and if they are feeling the pressure of maybe coughing up another 3-1 series lead The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/3/202450 minutes, 19 seconds
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Maple Leafs Insight Ahead of Game 6

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 on The FAN Morning Show with some final thoughts ahead of Game 6 between the Bruins and Leafs. They start by discussing Toronto’s home losing streak and if the slide will end tonight, as well as the ripple effect that will have on the Bruins to return to Boston with the series on the line. Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports looks into how the momentum has started to sway in Toronto’s favour, what it would mean to both teams and fanbases if the Leafs can pull off another victory, Auston Matthews' status and the latest coaching rumours. Later on, friend of the show and Sportsnet’s own Luke Gazdic offers a former player’s perspective on what it's like playing with a series on the line, before weighing in on the atmosphere inside Scotiabank Arena and the importance of special teams (25:22). Ben and Brent can’t let Luke go without getting his thoughts on his former team, the Oilers, that managed to oust the Kings last night to move on to the second round. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/2/202448 minutes, 16 seconds
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Leafs With More on the Line Than Just Their Season

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning ponder if certain decisions have already been made by executives but also what a good game and how extending the series could alter their thinking. The morning duo welcomes Stanley Cup champ and Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos (23:51) to give his opinion on all of the things Maple Leafs including if he thinks Auston Matthews suits up tonight and what he believes to be the feeling in the locker room. The trio also discusses the team’s confidence after Game 5 and playing in front of Joseph Woll. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/2/202446 minutes, 55 seconds
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Leafs Home Heartache + Jays Offensive Woes

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on Game 6 of tonight's matchup between the Leafs and Bruins. They ponder if we will see Auston Matthews in the line-up and what it means to the team. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the woes of another Toronto team and the struggles offensively for the Blue Jays (33:02). What can John Schneider do to ignite it? Should they shake up the line-up? How frustrated are the players and how hard is it to get out of that funk? B&B dives deep into all of it. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/2/202449 minutes, 58 seconds
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Can the Leafs Keep it Going?

In the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look back to last night's Game 5 in Boston and discuss how to carry the momentum forward for the rest of the series. Sam McKee, producer and co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne and Leafs Talk, weighs in on what the Maple Leafs are capable of when everything clicks, Joseph Woll's performance between the pipes, Max Domi and Mitch Marner's play on the top line, and if the pressure now switches to the Bruins. Joshua Kloke, writer for The Athletic who was at TD Garden last night, shares his standouts from Game 5, before looking into how one game can change the mood of a series and the status of Auston Matthews (25:55). There is still hope, Leafs fans! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/1/202447 minutes, 46 seconds
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Leafs Live to Play Another Game

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin by talking about Joseph Woll and his play between the pipes. They talk about whether the goalie can be a difference-maker and if he was inserted too late into the series. Next, they begin to look ahead to Game 6 and wonder what the atmosphere will be like at Scotiabank Arena; if it will depend on the energy and life the team shows to start that game. Later, the guys turn their attention to “Leafs historian”, the Star contributor, Damien Cox (24:54) for his take on what he saw from Toronto, if it is sustainable and where it leaves them in the series. They also get his thoughts on Auston Matthews, his situation and how the team has handled it. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/1/202448 minutes, 15 seconds
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Bringing the Series Back to Toronto

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Toronto Maple Leafs extending the series to Game 6. B&B dives into the great group effort including Matthew Knies emergence, Joseph Woll's string play, Mitch Marner answering his critics and John Tavares leading the charge. Also this hour the morning duo takes some time to talk about the Jays despite another loss to the Kansas City Royals. They also break down the start from Alek Manoah in AAA (34:27). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/1/202449 minutes, 40 seconds
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Everything on the Line in Game 5

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Tuesday's final hour discussing the stakes the Maple Leafs face ahead of tonight's Game 5 in Boston, along with what needs to improve for Toronto to extend their season. New Jersey Devils goaltender and new Sportsnet analyst, Jake Allen, shares what he's seen from the netminders on both sides of this series, before getting into the importance of goaltending for special teams units and what it take to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Later, Jody Shelley, TNT broadcaster who was on the call for Game 4, discusses the atmosphere in Toronto compared to other arenas, how Auston Matthews' potential absence could affect the team and how Mitch Marner can flip the narrative surrounding him (25:07). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/30/202447 minutes, 34 seconds
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Leafs Facing a Goaltending Decision Too

On hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning weigh in on a comment from Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe where he mentioned goaltending and special teams being two aspects they need to be better in and how the two are correlated. They bring on Sportsnet analyst Jason Bukala (26:36) who weighs in on all things Leafs, what he’s seen from them in the last week, everything they’ve had to deal with and his expectations for tonight’s Game 5. The morning duo also look around the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs especially the elimination of the Lightning. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/30/202445 minutes, 57 seconds
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Matthews’ Status in Question

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on Auston Matthews, whether he will play in Game 5, how it has been played out, what we know for sure and what it means on how we look back at Matthews’ 69 goal season. They also take some time to look at a top line for Toronto without Auston and what expectations should be. Before the hour ends, the morning duo also recaps another Blue Jays victory with strong performances from Justin Turner, Danny Jansen and even Nate Pearson as B&B give their thoughts on all three’s roles to this team (32:48). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/30/202449 minutes, 7 seconds
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What's at Stake in Game 5?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show with deep dive into the Leafs-Bruins matchup with two-time Stanley Cup-winning executive, Mike Futa! He lends his expertise to discuss the most disappointing aspect of the series for Toronto, why regular season success hasn't translated to the playoffs for Sheldon Keefe, and how a true contender might handle the situation differently. Later, the spotlight shifts to Boston as Billy Jaffe, analyst for NESN and NHL Network, joins to discuss the keys to the Bruins' strangle hold on the series, the difference makers on the ice and which netminder will get the nod in Game 5 (28:23). To wrap, Ben and Brent weigh in on who will start between the pipes for Toronto, as well as if we will see a desperate, hungry Maple Leafs team on the ice to start Tuesday’s game. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/29/202448 minutes, 27 seconds
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Leafs on the Brink to the Bruins Again

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by former Leafs GM, now insider & analyst, Gord Stellick for his take on everything that went down at SBA over the weekend and the fan fallout from it. The trio discuss what it means for the organization and what this next game will tell us about this team, especially the core. Next, B&B take a look around the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to what or who is standing out to them. The morning duo also dive into some comments from Sixers’ superstar Joel Embiid in regards to his disappointment in Philadelphia fans (31:51). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/29/202447 minutes, 39 seconds
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A Disastrous Saturday at Scotiabank Arena

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning hit on the post-game comments from Sheldon Keefe, the play of Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews not playing in the third period and of course the poor special teams. Before the hour ends, the morning duo also hits on the Blue Jays weekend (34:51), which saw the team avoid the sweep to the Dodgers behind a strong performance from Kevin Gausman and how he looks back to his old self. They also dive into Toronto’s weekend and Shohei showing at Rogers Centre.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/29/202447 minutes, 49 seconds
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How Sustainable is Varsho’s Offensive Surge? w/ Dan Shulman

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider and President of Hockey Content for DailyFaceoff.com, to discuss the Leafs’ public messaging – or lack thereof – regarding William Nylander’s absence from the lineup, the NHL’s current protocols for injury reporting in the post-season, how Nylander’s absence has altered the Leafs’ first-round series against Boston, and Sheldon Keefe’s tact in drawing attention to Brad Marchand’s gamesmanship in Game 3. Later, Blue Jays play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by to chat about yesterday’s lengthy rain delay in Kansas City, John Schneider’s frustration with the umpiring crew’s handling of the situation, the hype surrounding this weekend’s series against Shohei Ohtani and the LA Dodgers, how landing Ohtani could’ve altered the Jays’ offence, and the sustainability of Daulton Varsho’s recent offensive surge (26:03). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/26/202449 minutes, 2 seconds
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Leafs Special Teams Woes + Commander Chris Hadfield

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Ben and Brent discussing the Maple Leafs’ current special teams woes, who bears the most responsibility for the team’s lack of power play production, Mitch Marner’s quickness since returning from his high-ankle sprain, and Ilya Samsonov’s leash heading into Saturday’s Game 4. Later, the guys are joined by Commander Chris Hadfield (24:47), Canadian astronaut and noted Leafs fan, to chat about his Leafs fandom, his assessment of the team’s performance through the first three games of their series against Boston, his experience meeting the late Bob Cole, his fantastic tale of descending from space during the Leafs’ Game 7 loss to Boston in 2013, and if human civilization will ever walk on Mars. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/26/202447 minutes, 44 seconds
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Remembering Bob Cole + Ohtani Visits T.O.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the show by reflecting on the passing of broadcasting legend Bob Cole and discuss his lasting impact on the hockey world. Then, the guys weigh in on Elliotte Friedman’s latest reporting regarding William Nylander’s migraine issues and Nylander’s potential role should he rejoin the Leafs’ lineup in Game 4. Afterwards, Ben and Brent chat about the Blue Jays’ rain-shortened loss in Kansas City on Thursday, John Schneider’s frustration with the handling of Thursday’s prolonged rain delay, Shohei Ohtani’s visit to Toronto this weekend, the reception Ohtani might receive after spurning the Jays in free agency, and how the Blue Jays’ starting rotation stacks up against the Dodgers’ potent offence (32:06).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/26/202450 minutes, 11 seconds
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Has Swayman Become the Leafs’ Kryptonite?

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Devan Dubnyk, former NHL goaltender and current NHL Network analyst, to discuss Ilya Samsonov’s performance in Game 3 against Boston, the Leafs’ defensive lapse on Brad Marchand’s eventual game-winning goal in the third period, the Leafs’ power play struggles, and if Jim Montgomery will be tempted to stick with Jeremy Swayman for Game 4. Later, Luke Gazdic, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, stops by to chat about the Maple Leafs’ track record of offensive struggles in the post-season, Brad Marchand’s mastery of drawing penalties, his personal experience playing against Marchand, and the atmosphere inside Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night (27:55).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/25/202448 minutes, 13 seconds
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What’s Ailing the Leafs’ PP? + Toronto Crowd Culture

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ current power play struggles, the team’s lack of shooting threats outside of Auston Matthews, if Max Domi merits a look on PP1, Morgan Rielly’s limited offensive presence thus far in Round 1, and Brad Marchand’s beneficial whistle in the Bruins’ Game 3 win. Then, Ben and Brent weigh in on the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena last night and if the crowd bears any responsibility in creating a material home ice advantage. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on the Oilers’ Game 2 loss to the LA Kings, the current wealth of parity in the NBA, and Tiger Woods receiving $100 million in equity for his loyalty to the PGA Tour (35:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/25/202447 minutes, 53 seconds
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Marchand’s Shenanigans + Barger’s Debut

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Maple Leafs’ Game 3 loss to the Bruins, Ilya Samsonov’s performance, Brad Marchand’s strategic gamesmanship, the questionable officiating in last night’s game, the controversial Marchand-Bertuzzi melee at centre ice, the Leafs’ continued special teams woes, and Mitch Marner’s lingering offensive struggles. Later, the guys chime in on the Blue Jays’ 3-2 loss in KC on Wednesday (39:38), Addison Barger’s promotion to the Big Leagues, the Blue Jays’ curious decision to deploy him in left field, the team’s ongoing offensive struggles, and Alek Manoah’s latest rehab appearance with Triple-A Buffalo. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/25/202451 minutes, 19 seconds
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Invisible Marner? + Bruins Pressure w/ Rear Admiral

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss today’s Toronto Sun front cover targeting Mitch Marner’s lacklustre start to the playoffs, the prevailing discourse surrounding Marner’s post-season resume, how Sheldon Keefe might attempt to jumpstart Marner’s offence, and the appropriate lineup fit for William Nylander if and/or when he’s prepared to rejoin the lineup. Afterwards, the guys are joined by Rear Admiral, co-host of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast and famed Bruins fan, to chat about the Bruins’ expectations heading into this year’s playoffs, the pressure facing head coach Jim Montgomery, Boston’s unique two-goalie system, his current confidence level in the team after Games 1 and 2, and his admiration for Brad Marchand (26:20). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/24/202448 minutes, 26 seconds
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Nylander’s Mysterious Absence + Playoff Instigators w/ Scott Hartnell

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Renaud Lavoie, NHL Insider for TVA Sports, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ performance in Games 1 and 2 against Boston, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi injecting added emotion into the Leafs’ lineup, Brad Marchand’s effusive praise for the Leafs, Toronto’s handling of William Nylander’s murky injury status, and the NHL’s lack of regulatory measures when it comes to teams disclosing player injuries. Later, Ben and Brent are joined by Scott Hartnell (26:10), former NHL forward and current NHL Network analyst, to chat about Brad Marchand’s reputation as one of the best instigators in the NHL, Auston Matthews’ dominant Game 2 performance, William Nylander’s mysterious absence from the Leafs’ lineup, and his personal experience suffering a freak injury during his playing days with the Flyers.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/24/202449 minutes, 7 seconds
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Is Criticism of Vlad Jr. Unfair? + Leafs Home Ice Concerns?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Blue Jays’ deflating 3-2 loss to the Royals on Tuesday, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s costly error at first base, if the current discourse surrounding Guerrero Jr. is unfair, Kevin Gausman’s diminished command early in the season, and Daniel Vogelbach’s utility on this team. Later, the guys dive into the Maple Leafs’ Game 3 matchup against the Boston Bruins (31:49). They weigh in on Brad Marchand’s comments on Tuesday about the Leafs “playing for keeps,” Toronto’s recent history of playoff shortcomings on home ice, and William Nylander’s availability for Game 3.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/24/202449 minutes, 51 seconds
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Can Marner Elevate His Game + Bruins Goaltending Roulette

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ Game 2 win over the Bruins, Boston’s decision to start Linus Ullmark over Jeremy Swayman, the lack of 5-on-5 production from the Leafs’ second line, Mitch Marner’s quiet start to the playoffs, and the Leafs’ refusal to divulge any specifics about William Nylander’s injury status. Later, Ben and Brent are joined by Carter Hutton, former NHL goalie and current analyst for DailyFaceoff.com, to chat about Boston’s goaltending rotation, Jeremy Swayman’s historical success against the Maple Leafs, Ilya Samsonov’s performance in Games 1 and 2, and how William Nylander’s absence has affected Toronto (32:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/23/202448 minutes, 52 seconds
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Where is Willy? + Playoff Papi Arrives!

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss Auston Matthews’ clutch offensive showing in Game 2 against Boston, Max and Tie Domi becoming the first father-son tandem to score for the Maple Leafs in the playoffs, John Tavares’ resilient Game 2 performance, Mitch Marner’s quiet start to the post-season, and William Nylander’s mysterious absence from the Leafs’ lineup. Afterwards, Sam McKee, producer of Real Kyper & Bourne and co-host of Leafs Talk, stops by (24:30) to discuss where last night ranks among Matthews’ top moments as a Leaf, Ilya Samsonov’s current form, Mitch Marner’s lack of offensive contributions to start the playoffs, and the Leafs’ improved special teams play in Game 2.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/23/202447 minutes, 24 seconds
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Leafs Draw Even, Matthews Dominates, and Varsho Stays Hot!

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 win over the Bruins in Game 2 on Monday night, Auston Matthews’ clutch offensive performance, the chemistry he’s displayed with Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi, Ilya Samsonov’s gutsy showing between the pipes, the Bruins’ decision to start Linus Ullmark over Jeremy Swayman in Game 2, the Leafs’ improved work on the penalty kill, and the effectiveness of Toronto’s fourth line. Later, the guys weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 5-3 win over the Royals (36:30), Daulton Varsho’s offensive turnaround this season, Yusei Kikuchi logging another quality start, and Jordan Romano securing his 100th career save.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/23/202451 minutes, 9 seconds
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Hakuna Matata for the Maple Leafs? w/ Damien Cox & Mark Recchi

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Damien Cox, Toronto Star contributor and Toronto Maple Leafs historian, to share his thoughts on Game 1 between the Bruins and Maple Leafs, his level of concern, why this team struggles to score in the postseason, and where in the world is William Nylander. Later on, Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup champion and current Columbus Blue Jackets Assistant Coach, Mark Recchi stops by (25:10)! He weighs in on the Bruins' culture that has helped lead to their continued success and the challenge of scoring in the playoffs, before sharing some of favourite memories from his many playoff runs. Ben and Brent close out the day offering some final thoughts ahead of tonight's pivotal Game 2.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/22/202448 minutes, 37 seconds
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Can the Leafs Fix Their Special Teams + the William Nylander Mystery

In hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by former Toronto Maple Leafs GM and host of Sirius XM Morning Skate Gord Stellick. They go over what the absence of William Nylander meant for the team, what is wrong with the special teams and whether is this something they can fix on the fly. The guys then get into the questions surrounding Ilya Samsonov and Gord’s level of confidence in Toronto’s net. Ben and Brent then look around the rest of the NHL Canadian teams, and how results were more favourable. Were they more impressed by the Vancouver Canucks or the Winnipeg Jets (32:29)? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/22/202447 minutes, 8 seconds
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Toronto-Boston Game 1 Recap + Jays Fail to Sweep.... Again

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning are back from the weekend, and reviewing a disappointing game 1 of Leafs-Bruins. The boys start out looking at the positives from the game and what they can take from it, how concerned are you with the play of Samsonov? What can the Leafs do to help change the special teams disadvantages we saw in game 1? And do we see a change in personal tonight? The guys then go over the Blue Jays weekend and why they can’t complete a sweep (39:03). Which part left the guys wanting more and when do we get our first sweep? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/22/202451 minutes, 19 seconds
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Leafs Lineup Questions w/ Josh Kloke + Former Leaf Jake Gardiner!

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Joshua Kloke, Maple Leafs reporter for The Athletic, to discuss his biggest point of curiosity heading into Saturday’s Game 1 between the Leafs and Bruins, Mitch Marner’s optimal deployment in Toronto's lineup, William Nylander’s recent offensive dry spell, the chances Calle Järnkrok suits up for Game 1, and Ilya Samsonov’s leash entering the post-season. Later, the guys connect with Jake Gardiner, former Leafs defenceman, to chat about his experience competing against the Bruins in the playoffs, how the Leafs rallied around Auston Matthews amidst his 70-goal pursuit, the importance of team toughness during the post-season, and what it’s like playing against Brad Marchand (25:15). Ben and Brent close the show discussing their ideal lineup machinations for Saturday’s playoff opener. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
4/19/202447 minutes, 29 seconds
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What is Marner’s Optimal Lineup Fit Against Boston?

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben and Brent discussing their biggest reasons for optimism and pessimism as the Maple Leafs head into their first-round series against the Bruins. Then, the guys discuss Mitch Marner’s role in the Maple Leafs’ lineup and if he should begin post-season alongside Auston Matthews. Later, Jimmy Murphy, Editor-in-Chief of Boston Hockey Now, stops by to chat about the Bruins’ shaky finish to the regular season, the level of pressure on Boston after back-to-back first-round exits, the Bruins’ commitment to their goaltending rotation, and the versatility that Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm provide on the blue line (22:33).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/19/202446 minutes, 47 seconds
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Leafs-Bruins X-Factors + Is Varsho’s Offence Sustainable?

Happy Friday! On the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ben and Brent dive into the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Bruins. They discuss the Bruins’ unique goaltending deployment, their current confidence level in Ilya Samsonov, why starting on the road might benefit the Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe’s impending lineup decisions for Game 1, and which players could be the biggest X-factors for each team. Afterwards, Ben and Brent discuss their expectations for Yariel Rodriguez as he prepares to make his second MLB start on Friday, how John Schneider might deploy his bullpen this weekend, the sustainability of Daulton Varsho’s recent offensive surge, and if Orelvis Martinez is on the precipice of a big-league call-up (38:55).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/19/202451 minutes, 54 seconds
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How Do the Leafs Stack Up Against Boston? w/ Craig Simpson

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Craig Simpson, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 6-4 loss to the Lightning on Wednesday, Nikita Kucherov joining the 100-assist club, his overall assessment of the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign, how the Leafs might deploy their forward lines in Round 1 against Boston, and the coaching battle between Sheldon Keefe and Jim Montgomery. Later, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange stops by to chat about Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA, the Raptors’ response and handling of the situation, and what this incident could portend for the NBA’s future relationship with gambling partners (24:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/18/202446 minutes, 59 seconds
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Leafs Playoff Stakes + Jontay Porter’s NBA Lifetime Ban

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ four-game losing streak heading into the playoffs, why the stakes have never been higher for Sheldon Keefe and Brendan Shanahan, how Keith Pelley’s arrival at MLSE could affect the Maple Leafs’ future, Toronto’s potential forward machinations for Game 1 against Boston, and if T.J. Brodie might be the odd man out on the Leafs’ playoff blue line. Then, Ben and Brent chime in on Mitch Marner’s future beyond this season, if he’d consider waiving his no-trade clause, Jeff Carter’s retirement from the NHL, and the Arizona Coyotes shutting the door on their time in the desert. Afterwards, the guys discuss Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA and the overlooked human element of Porter’s gambling issues (33:16).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/18/202448 minutes, 26 seconds
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Matthews Finishes at 69 + Jays Squander Sweep

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Auston Matthews finishing the regular season with 69 goals, the Maple Leafs heading into the playoffs on a four-game losing skid, Matthews’ Hart Trophy chances after falling short of the 70-goal mark, and the biggest positives from the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign. Later, the guys chime in on the Blue Jays squandering a two-run lead to the Yankees on Wednesday, John Schneider’s curious bullpen deployment, and Daulton Varsho’s recent offensive surge (32:13).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/18/202451 minutes, 29 seconds
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Matthews’ Hart Trophy Case + Broadcasting Legend Mike Francesa!

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Luke Gazdic, former NHL forward and Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the NHL Hart Trophy race, why he’s bullish on the Leafs’ chances against Boston, how frequently players are scoreboard-watching throughout the course of a game, and the Oilers’ form heading into the playoffs. Afterwards, Mike Francesa, host of The Mike Francesa Podcast, stops by to chat about the current landscape of New York sports, Jalen Brunson’s ascent to stardom, Yankee fans’ adoration for Juan Soto, the growing love affair with Anthony Volpe, and his legendary radio partnership with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo (23:52). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/17/202452 minutes, 30 seconds
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Will the Leafs be Haunted by Past Bruins Series?

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discussing the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins and if this Leafs team will be impacted by previous playoff failures against the Bruins. Then, the guys weigh in on last night’s chaotic conclusion to the NHL’s Eastern Conference playoff race and the Golden State Warriors’ deflating loss to the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Later, Damien Cox (24:14), our resident Leafs historian and long-time Toronto Star contributor, joins the show to discuss the officiating in last night’s Leafs-Panthers game, Sheldon Keefe’s temperament amidst Auston Matthews’ 70-goal chase, and the biggest challenges facing Toronto in their first-round matchup against Boston.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/17/202447 minutes, 33 seconds
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Will Matthews Play in Game 82? + Yusei Masterclass

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show by discussing the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Panthers, Auston Matthews remaining stuck on 69 goals, the chances he suits up for Wednesday’s regular-season finale against Tampa, and the Leafs drawing Boston in the opening round of the postseason. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 5-4 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday, Yusei Kikuchi’s impressive start to the season, the importance of today’s start for Kevin Gausman, Jordan Romano reassuming his role as the Blue Jays closer, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s improved patience at the plate (29:39).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/17/202451 minutes, 52 seconds
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Are the Blue Jays One Bat Away? w/ Jeff Blair

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair & Barker, checking in to discuss the Blue Jays’ offensive woes, the continued lack of offence at Rogers Centre, if the team would entertain a trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette, the impact one more bat in the lineup would make, Toronto's inability to lock up Vlad or Bo to long-term deals, and next steps for Alek Manoah in his quest to rejoin the rotation. Later, Ben and Brent are joined by Bruce Boudreau, former NHL head coach and current NHL Network analyst, to chat about Auston Matthews’ 70-goal pursuit, the stresses that Sheldon Keefe is likely experiencing with Matthews on the doorstep of a historic milestone, how the Leafs match up with Boston and Florida, and the dynamic between a head coach and his starting goaltender (26:46). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/16/202448 minutes, 17 seconds
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How Will Keefe Juggle Matthews’ 70 Chase?

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss the Maple Leafs’ current injury situation heading into their penultimate game of the regular season, Sheldon Keefe’s goaltending deployment leading into the playoffs, and how the Panthers might approach tonight’s game with first place in the Atlantic Division still hanging in the balance. Then, the guys weigh in on Cavan Biggio’s hot start to the season and debate which Blue Jay player has seen his reputation undergo the biggest evolution. Later, Sportsnet’s Luke Fox stops by (25:10) to chat about the Leafs’ injury-plagued forward group, Auston Matthews’ 70-goal chase, how Sheldon Keefe might navigate Matthews’ availability for Wednesday’s game against Tampa, what we can deduce from Keefe’s comments on Saturday about Matthews’ usage, and Max Domi’s injury status.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/16/202449 minutes
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Blue Jays Back Over .500! + Verne Lundquist Signs Off

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Blue Jays’ series-opening win over the New York Yankees, Chris Bassitt’s impressive outing on the mound, the Jays’ persistent offensive flaws, the team’s baserunning blunders on Monday night, Rogers Centre’s evolving reputation as a pitcher-friendly ballpark, Danny Jansen’s activation from the IL, and Bassitt’s comments about what he attributes to the influx of pitcher injuries in MLB. Later, the guys are joined by legendary golf broadcaster Verne Lundquist (31:09) to chat about his retirement after 40 years of covering The Masters, how he became synonymous with the 16th hole at Augusta National, his viral interaction with Tiger Woods on Sunday, and Scottie Scheffler’s dominant start to the 2024 season.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/16/202450 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ace Berríos and Rodriguez’s Debut w/ Joe Siddall

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider and President of Hockey Content for DailyFaceoff, to discuss Sheldon Keefe’s coaching performance this season, his reputation around the NHL, Keefe’s comments on Saturday night about Matthews’ 70-goal chase, the arbitrary importance of 70 goals, and Joel Quenneville’s future in the NHL. Later, Joe Siddall, former MLB catcher and current Blue Jays Central analyst, stops by to chat about José Berríos’ impressive start to the season, Kevin Gausman’s early-season struggles, Yariel Rodriguez’s intriguing repertoire, and the team’s recurring offensive issues (27:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/15/202448 minutes, 13 seconds
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Samsonov’s Playoff Leash + Scheffler’s Masters Triumph

Hour two of The FAN Morning Show begins with Gord Stellick, former NHL GM, stopping by to discuss Auston Matthews’ deployment during Saturday’s game against the Red Wings, Sheldon Keefe’s malleability amidst Matthews’ 70-goal chase, the Leafs’ new-look forward machinations since Mitch Marner’s return to the lineup, and his current confidence level in Ilya Samsonov. Then, Ben and Brent reflect on the Raptors’ tumultuous 2023-24 season and discuss the team’s biggest questions heading into the off-season. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on Scottie Scheffler’s lopsided victory at The Masters, the lack of drama during Sunday’s final round at Augusta, and Scheffler’s current status as the most dominant force in professional golf (26:08).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/15/202446 minutes, 48 seconds
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Matthews Sitting on 69 + Berrios Stays Hot!

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Auston Matthews scoring his 69th goal of the season on Saturday night against Detroit, Sheldon Keefe’s post-game remarks about Matthews’ 70-goal chase being “a distraction,” how the Leafs might manage Matthews’ deployment over the final two games of the regular season, and Ilya Samsonov’s form heading into the playoffs. Later, the guys weigh in on the Blue Jays’ series win over the Rockies, Jose Berrios’ red-hot start to the season, first impressions of Yariel Rodriguez, and Alek Manoah’s curious comments after his first Triple-A outing with the Buffalo Bisons (31:52).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/15/202451 minutes, 32 seconds
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Hockey's Home Stretch

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff head into the weekend talking about the pros and cons of Auston Matthews’ chase of 70 goals this season with Sportsnet 590’s own, Sam McKee! They start off with some golf talk as The Masters roll on into day two, before getting into last night's narrow Maple Leafs loss, if Mitch Marner should be re-inserted on the top line, confidence in both the defence and netminders, and the team's ongoing penalty kill issues. Next up, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski takes a trip around the NHL as the regular season winds down to look back on some of this year's greatest moments, NHL award candidates, and of course, the playoff picture (25:36). Later, the trio weigh in on the possibility of the Coyotes moving to Utah, the idea of NHL expansion, and Sid the Kid’s incredible quest for another postseason. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/12/202447 minutes, 43 seconds
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Leafs’ Goalie Confidence + Jays Bats Opportunity

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & guest host Jesse Rubinoff have a quick discussion about Max Domi’s clear understanding and role wearing the blue & white and turn their focus on the confidence in Ilya Samsonov for the playoffs. Next, Brent & Jesse bring on former MLB player, Sportsnet 590’s own Kevin Barker (23:36) to talk the offence getting going, some of the players they hope to add back to the mix soon and the urgency facing manager John Schneider to win this early in the season. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/12/202445 minutes, 27 seconds
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Auston Gets to 68 + Max Being a Leaf

Brent Gunning is joined by guest host Jesse Rubinoff to kick off The FAN Morning Show on Toronto’s top superstar closing in on 70. The duo though may have an even bigger takeaway from that game, which is that Max Domi understands what it means to be a Maple Leaf. After that, they look at what was a bit of a rough night for Ilya Samsonov and the best way to get him back on track as well as the defence pairings now with some players returning from injury. The hour ends with some takeaways from day one at The Masters (31:39).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/12/202451 minutes, 21 seconds
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Maple Leafs' Momentum + A Look Around MLB

The FAN Morning Show rides into its final hour with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning getting set for Maple Leafs game day with Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli! They discuss the team's strong stretch of play, the catalyst for this run, Toronto's playoff expectations and Auston Matthews' NHL award candidacy. Next up, we turn our attention to baseball and bring on MLB Network's Adnan Virk for a look around the league (29:28). They dive into the string of notable pitching injuries early in the year, along with some positives to take away from Blue Jays' season so far. Ben and Brent wrap up with some thoughts on The Masters that will (hopefully) get underway today. Like Tiger Woods, they love golf! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/11/202448 minutes, 35 seconds
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The Perception of John Schneider + Leafs Talk

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning dive into a comment made by the Seattle hero yesterday Cal Raleigh after his game-winning tenth-inning home run, that was directed at Jays manager John Schneider. They look at what the comment stems from and the history between Raleigh, Schneider & the Jays as well as what truth there could be to it; again just the perception around Toronto’s bench boss. Ben & Brent then bring on their Leafs historian, the Star contributor, Damien Cox to weigh in on the Hart Trophy debate, the season Auston Matthews is having and how he could be considered for multiple NHL awards (22:48).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/11/202446 minutes, 48 seconds
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Jays Lose in Extras + Yotes Finally Moving?!

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show ready to watch The Masters, weather permitting at Augusta. After that, the boys talk some Blue Jays who played their first extra innings game of the season. B&B talks about some of the negatives but also are quick to point to a lot of positives as well. They also take some time to discuss how much Justin Turner has played in the field if they’re surprised by it and how much the team can lean on him for that. Before the hour ends, the morning duo quickly hit on the reported news from yesterday that the NHL may finally be over having a team in Arizona and looking to relocate the Coyotes to Utah (39:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/11/202450 minutes, 37 seconds
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Jays Just Getting Going + Leafs Winding Down

On the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Blue Jays play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman, to look back on the team's first back-to-back victories of 2024. The trio discuss Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi's early returns, the fluidity of the lineup and if that philosophy could help the offence on a daily basis. Next up, NHL writer, reporter and insider with Sportsnet, Luke Fox stops by to chat about the Maple Leafs as the regular season winds down (24:24). He dives into how to maintain intensity and chemistry heading into the postseason, how important Auston Matthews' milestone is inside the room, and the looming decisions for Sheldon Keefe in the final weeks. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/10/202445 minutes, 46 seconds
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Hart Trophy Debate + Masters Preview

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on hockey and again on Auston Matthews closing in on 70 goals this season. They wonder if he hits the plateau if he’s guaranteed the NHL’s Hart Trophy. Next B&B turns their attention to golf and welcomes on friend & Sportsnet’s golf reporter Adam Stanley (25:29) who is at Augusta covering “the tradition unlike any other”. Adam provides some insight from being on the scene and the trio tell what their biggest storylines are going into the tournament. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/10/202447 minutes, 27 seconds
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Another Game; Another Goal for Matthews

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with Auston Matthews netting his 66th goal of the season. They talk about how reachable 70 is for the superstar who seems to be scoring every game and how everyone, from fans to his teammates, wants to see it happen. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the Jays (30:24) who saw them put up 5 runs for consecutive nights and how that’s all Toronto fans hope for. They also talk about how that start was exactly what Chris Bassitt needed, John Schneider’s hesitation to take him out and the emergence of Chad Green in the bullpen.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/10/202449 minutes, 49 seconds
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Re-Examining the Jays’ Bats & Leafs’ Depth

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour getting set for gameday with Toronto’s MLB and NHL teams both back in action tonight. Starting on the diamond, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith shares the feeling around the ballpark at yesterday's home opener, along with how the fanbase views John Schneider and the benefits of a solidified starting lineup. Later on, Mike Petriello of MLB.com discusses if the Rogers Centre renovations will have an impact on the Blue Jays' offence, Davis Schneider's path to an everyday role, if Toronto's starting staff can replicate last year’s success, and the effects of pitchers chasing velocity (25:30). In between the baseball chats, Ben and Brent take some time to dive into the Maple Leafs' depth compared to seasons past and discuss the expectations for those down the lineup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/9/202446 minutes, 38 seconds
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Quelling the Jays’ Fans Angst + Leafs’ Getting Ready for Playoffs

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss the fans booing John Schneider, if the fans are viewing him properly and what it will take to turn the tide on him. Next B&B turn their attention back to the Leafs who are back in action tonight in New Jersey. They discuss despite everything how much of a fun Leafs season it's been and wonder what head coach Sheldon Keefe wants to see or will try over the remaining games in the regular season. The morning duo bring on Sportsnet analyst, and founder of The Pro Hockey Group, Jason Bukala (23:09) for his perspective the second season. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/9/202445 minutes, 26 seconds
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Jays Win Home Opener + Matthews Gets 65

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Blue Jays after getting the win in the home opener. The boys break it all down and discuss how hopefully a good homestand with more wins like this can quell the angst among the fanbase which could be felt at the ballpark. Next, they turn their attention to the Leafs who picked up an overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins in which Auston Matthews scored #65 and the special teams looked better. With only about a week left in the regular season, they tell you some things they hope to see and give kudos to head coach Sheldon Keefe for the job he’s done (27:29).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/9/202452 minutes, 42 seconds
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Ready For the Jays' Home Opener

The FAN Morning Show hits its final hour with full focus on the Toronto Blue Jays' home opener tonight at the Rogers Centre. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss their expectations, not only for tonight, but for the Blue Jays' throughout the season and the importance of winning on home soil. Marnie Starkman, Blue Jays’ EVP of Business Operations, stops by to chat about the renovations that took place at Rogers Centre this offseason, what fans can expect when they come to the ballpark and why it is more of a Major League stadium than ever. Next up, FAN 590's voice of the Blue Jays, Ben Shulman joins the program live from his home broadcast booth for a full-fledged preview of the team (16:30). He shares his takeaways from Toronto's road trip to start the season, what's in store for this homestand, who could play their way into the starting lineup, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/8/202448 minutes, 22 seconds
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New Look for the Leafs + Blue Jays Home Opener

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning get ready for tonight's home opener and look at the renovations that took place inside the Rogers Centre. They bring on former Leafs’ GM, and now analyst and insider Gord Stellick to weigh in on everything TML including Mitch Marner’s return, new look Leafs’ lines, Ryan Reaves’ value and Auston Matthews scoring as well as whether or not head coach Sheldon Keefe should consider resting his star player (28:51). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/8/202449 minutes, 7 seconds
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Live From Rogers Centre

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show live from the Rogers Centre talking about the team that is returning home with a 4-6 record, sitting at the bottom of the A.L. East. Despite that, the boys see some positives in the team and give you some reasons why the offence could be on the upswing coming back to Toronto. B&B also look at the starting rotation after two times through and give their thoughts on what they’ve seen. The morning duo then turn their attention to the Maple Leafs (32:58) who got a win on Saturday against their historic rival, the Montreal Canadiens. They break down the new look lines and if they can expect them to stay that way as well as whether or not Sheldon Keefe hopes he can rest Auston Matthews down the stretch.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/8/202450 minutes, 32 seconds
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Jays-Yankees Preview + Figuring Out the NHL Playoff Picture

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up this week on The FAN Morning Show previewing the Blue Jays' weekend in the Bronx with Sportsnet play-by-play voice, Dan Shulman! They chat about Juan Soto's impact in New York and the anticipated atmosphere at Yankee Stadium during tonight's home opener, before turning their attention to Toronto to diagnose the team's offensive woes. Next up, former NHL defenseman and Olympian turned analyst, Jason Demers offers his early picks for NHL awards, before diving into the Maple Leafs' potential playoff seeding and how this year's version of the team differs from years past (23:17). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/5/202446 minutes, 17 seconds
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Leafs Things Left to Figure Out + the Future of MLSE

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look at some metrics of which teams might have the highest analytical odds to hoist the Stanley Cup. Next, B&B welcomes Michael Grange who wrote a great piece for Sportsnet.ca (with Elliotte Friedman) on the future of MLSE, especially with the entrance of Keith Pelley as CEO. The trio discusses why he could potentially be the right hire and what it could mean for Toronto sports teams and fans alike (25:03). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/5/202449 minutes, 44 seconds
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Cheering for Crosby + Face of the Jays Offensive Woes

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start The FAN Morning Show on the NHL standings and how Sidney Crosby seems to be leading a late charge to get his Penguins to the playoffs. The conversation continues wondering if most Canadians are pulling for Sid and will cheer for the Pens if they do make it in. Next, the guys discuss the Jays back in action today, the morning duo look back at Toronto’s first week of games for the 2024 season and their resumed consistent offensive woes. They ask who is the face of these problems and who has the most at stake if it continues (24:28).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/5/202450 minutes, 37 seconds
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Jays Same Old Song + NHL Playoff Toughness

The FAN Morning Show's final hour kicks off with a conversation about the Blue Jays’ bats starting the season slow and the level of concern after seven games. Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning bring on Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, who was in Houston to take in that dreadful hitting series by the Jays, to discuss the early disdain from the bluebird fanbase, ways to shake up the lineup, and what manager John Schneider could do to get the bats going. Next up, Sportsnet's Luke Gazdic recaps last night's NHL action including the line brawl to start the Devils-Rangers game and the emergence of Ryan Reaves late in the season, before sharing some some stories from his own career on the ice (26:48). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/4/202445 minutes, 59 seconds
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Leafs Need the Playoffs + Jays Need Their Bats

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look at how there wasn’t much energy to the game and wonder if that was a sign that this team especially the coach wants this regular season to be over and the playoffs to start. B&B welcomes the Stanley Cup champ, Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos for his thoughts on last night, what he saw from this team and if they lack the “killer instinct” needed for a long Stanley Cup playoffs run. The boys discuss how it falls on Sheldon Keefe to get them there and healthy. Next, the guys discuss the line brawl they saw in the Devils-Rangers game last night and if it's good for the game of hockey. The morning duo weigh in with their thoughts on it before rifling through some other sports stories including the Raptors’ tough luck season continuing (26:23). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/4/202446 minutes, 32 seconds
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A Tough Night for Toronto Teams

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning recap a tough night for the local teams: the Leafs playing an uninspiring game; the Blue Jays getting one hit and the Raptors taking their largest loss in franchise history. B&B starts on the Buds who lost to one of their biggest rivals in the Lightning at home. They delve into the game and how it didn’t seem to have any juice despite it being a possible first-round playoff matchup. Next, they turn their attention to the Blue Jays whose bats continue to have issues and why a slump this early hits harder than it usually would. They plead for maybe the Manager to stray from convention or what the analytics tell him (29:16).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/4/202450 minutes, 55 seconds
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The Magic of Baseball w/ Tim Kurkjian

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 on the program with a look at the NHL standings as the Maple Leafs' regular season winds down. They discuss how Toronto's remaining schedule compares to their potential playoff opponents, as well as what's behind the dip in power plays this year in the NHL. Later on, Ben and Brent zero in the Blue Jays' offence with Hall of Fame MLB writer and analyst with ESPN, Tim Kurkjian (25:37)! As his new podcast suggests, the trio discuss what A Great Game baseball is following last night’s comeback win, along with David Schneider’s emergence, how Toronto stacks up in the loaded American League, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/3/202446 minutes, 42 seconds
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Matthews as a Franchise Changer

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-visiting the heroics last night of Davis Schneider for the Blue Jays in the ninth inning. They discuss ways to maybe adjust positions to get the “Babe” into the line-up more. They also take some time to discuss a tweet by Joey Votto that he posted yesterday but quickly took down; wondering and diving into what, if anything, it could mean. Next, Ben & Brent then welcome their Leafs historian, the Star contributor, Damien Cox (27:43). The trio dives into Auston Matthews, his incredible season and how landing him changed the franchise’s fortunes for probably two decades. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/3/202449 minutes, 34 seconds
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Babe Schneider Is Back!

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss the “Babe” being back in the line-up; delivering with the game on the line and Toronto down to their final out. They look at what Davis provides to the team every time he’s in the line-up and if it elicits him finding a spot to be an everyday player. They also look at how Toronto’s line-up is top-heavy and may be powered by the first four regular batters. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the NHL and look at the reeling Florida Panthers. They delve into some comments from the Cats’ head coach Paul Maurice about the concern around his team; B&B discuss if it makes them any more appetizing as a first-round opponent for the Leafs (28:54).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/3/202448 minutes, 56 seconds
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Leafs Playoff Perspectives w/ Cory Schneider + Jays Offensive Concerns

The FAN Morning Show rides into the final hour with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning focusing on the Maple Leafs' potential first round matchups with former NHL goalie, now NHL Network analyst, Cory Schneider! The trio discuss Toronto's most ideal opponent and how the team is perceived around the NHL, before the 2016 NHL All-Star weighs in on how to keep a goalie tandem fresh for the playoffs. Next up, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk looks back on Ronel Blanco's no-hitter thrown against the Blue Jays and chats about how yesterday's performance creates doubt in Toronto offence (22:56). Later, Adnan takes a trip around the league to discuss the Yankees' hot start and how the Oakland A’s are potentially worse than last year.    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/2/202446 minutes, 56 seconds
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How Marner Fits Back In

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning continue to talk Leafs and NHL hockey. They look at Toronto’s lines; and how and where Mitch Marner fits in when he returns which could potentially be this week. They also take some time to look at Mitch’s future with the organization with a pending contract negotiation due. After some thoughts from the 32 Thoughts podcast, the boys give their take on where things stand. Next, they bring on Pro Hockey Group founder and also Sportsnet analyst Jason Bukala (25:11) for his thoughts on the Leafs team and what he saw from the team in a potential first-round playoff preview. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/2/202449 minutes, 8 seconds
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Leafs Engaged by Cats + Jays No Hit by Blanco

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs who picked up the win against the Florida Panthers. The guys wonder if it help build confidence if they were to meet again in the postseason. B&B discuss who has stepped up, what lines have looked good together and if the decision of who to start in net has become more clear. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the Blue Jays who got no-hit by the Houston Astros’ fifth starter Ronel Blanco (31:29). Is this a concern being it happened in the fifth game of the season, especially after last year’s offensive woes?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/2/202449 minutes, 48 seconds
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Leafs Weekend Wrap Up w/ Frank Seravalli + Joe Siddall’s Takeaways From Tampa

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 talking with the President of Hockey Content at Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli! He shares his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' goaltending situation, how the team will manage their tandem heading into the postseason, and which netminder has garnered the most trust, before comparing two elite goalscorers: Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin. Later on, Joe Siddall of Blue Jays Central joins the guys to offer his takeaways from Toronto's opening series against Tampa Bay (25:16). He dives into the team's approach at the plate, who will slot in at third base, Davis Schneider' upside when in the lineup, and what fans should expect from Bowden Francis tonight. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/1/202447 minutes, 10 seconds
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Is Juan Soto Becoming the New Face of Baseball? + Who Starts Game 1 w/ Gord Stellick

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning welcome former Leafs General Manager and host of NHL Morning Skate to breakdown Auston Matthews getting 60 goals. Where does he rank this amongst the accomplishments he has seen for the Leafs? Who does Gord think should be the starter for the team come game one of the playoffs? And what do the Leafs' D pairings look like going into the playoffs? The guys then try to get into the mindset Panthers and who would you rather play? The Leafs or Lightning? The guys then look around the majors and the Yankee’s impressive start. Is Juan Soto becoming the new face of baseball? And did Genesis Cabrera deserve the 3 game suspension he got (26:32)? Boys close out the hour with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/1/202448 minutes, 39 seconds
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Auston Matthews Scores 60 + Jays Start in Tampa

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the week recapping Auston Matthews' historic night in Buffalo on Saturday. What does it mean to have scored 60 goals for the second time in his career? Where does this accomplishment rank amongst the Leafs' most recent ones? And do we underappreciate him in this city? What do we make of Ilya Samsonov's play on Saturday? How good does he have to be to win the starting job come playoff time? And what exactly is Mitch Marner trying to say?! The boys then recap the Blue Jays first weekend in Tampa and how they feel about it. What is the overall feeling the guys come away with? How much is Vladdy’s hot start cause for cheer? And what are some other observations from the lineup? (35:35)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/1/202450 minutes, 47 seconds
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An Early Look at the NHL Playoff Picture

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the final hour of today's program with an early peek at the NHL standings, how the playoff matchups are lining up, and who's still on the outside looking in. They welcome on Jack Adams Award winner, Bruce Boudreau, for his thoughts on which Wild Card team could make some noise in the postseason, before getting into Mitch Marner's absence from the Maple Leafs and what qualities help a team peak at the right time. Later on, Sam McKee, friend of the show and Producer of Real Kyper and Bourne, look back on the successful evening that was for Toronto sports yesterday featuring wins from the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays (23:37). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/29/202446 minutes, 16 seconds
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Blue Jays Offense Returns… Will the HR Jacket?

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk about what the keys were to scoring those bunch of runs and if it's sustainable. Toronto also had 3 home runs on Opening Day and with players hitting the long ball, the discussion naturally turns to if the “BARRIO” jacket will return as well. They also discuss Joey Votto posting a picture of himself in the stands at the Trop for Game 1 of the Jays season. They wonder if there was anything to it or that’s Joey just being Joey. Next B&B turn their attention back to hockey and the Leafs, whose impressive win last night against the Capitals was led by Toronto’s secondary scoring. We’ve all become familiar with TML’s “Core four” so the morning duo ponders if the group of other forwards needs a nickname too. After that, Ben & Brent head to Tampa to check in with Sportsnet baseball columnist & reporter, Shi Davidi, to give his thoughts on the Jays' first game of the season and if that’s what should expect from this team on a regular basis (23:56). The hour ends with the Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/29/202449 minutes, 19 seconds
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A Good Day for Toronto Teams

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on MLB’s Opening Day and Toronto winning Game 1 of 162. The boys discuss why the approach the team showed at the plate and how the Jays had contributions from throughout the line-up including their superstars doing what they’re supposed to do. They then turn their attention to the Leafs (31:30) and how it was as good as a response the team could have had and that head coach Sheldon Keefe wanted.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/29/202448 minutes, 55 seconds
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First Pitch Primer w/ Buck Martinez & Pat Hentgen

The FAN Morning Show’s final hour leans fully into the Blue Jays’ season opener with baseball talk from a pair of ex-MLBers still making an impact in the game. First up, former catcher and manager in the big leagues, now Sportsnet TV analyst, Buck Martinez joins hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning to preview Toronto's first test in Tampa Bay. The trio dive into their expectations for the rotation, the re-adjusted batting order, and who's in prime position to take a step up this season. Later, Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer, 3x MLB All-Star, World Series Champ and 1996 Cy Young Award winner, Pat Hentgen stops by (24:26)! He reflects on the expectations and pressures that come with getting called up to the bigs on a team with World Series aspirations and relates his experience to that of Ricky Tiedemann; what he’s seen from him and what he can see for him in the future. Pat also gives some thoughts on the Jays' rotation and why he believes they’ll have continued success this season, before Ben and Brent wrap up with some final thoughts ahead of first pitch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/28/202446 minutes, 36 seconds
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Greatest Time in the Sports Calendar?

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss why this is the greatest time in the sports calendar. They then focus on the Blue Jays and aspirations for this season, how last season went, what was frustrating and if we can expect improvement in those areas. They look at what their postseason potential is and how, for the core, this is a “win now” season. Notebook writer, Anthony Petrielli (25:46) of Maple Leafs Hot Stove joins Ben and Brent to discuss what needs to be fixed down the stretch of the season and what might make the most sense for the blueline and when is the optimal time for Mitch Marner to come backThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/28/202449 minutes, 33 seconds
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Happy Jays Opening Day + Leafs News

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show getting you set on Blue Jays Opening Day. They start with some takeaways from what they heard from Jays’ GM Ross Atkins and Manager John Schneider yesterday on some player and roster updates. Next B&B gives you some reasons to be optimistic about this season for the Jays as well as a few things that the team’s success depends on. It is also a Leafs game day today with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in town (31:49). The morning duo break down if they expect to see a big bounce back day from the ‘blue & white’ as well as what seemed like a lot of news to come out of a non-practice day from the team including some updates on players’ health.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/28/202448 minutes, 49 seconds
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A Jays-Focused MLB Season Preview w/ Erik Kratz

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 diving into the NHL standings, how the playoff picture is lining up, and what they're looking for from the Maple Leafs down the stretch. Later, Ben and Brent get set for the start of the 2024 MLB regular season with former Blue Jays draft pick and host of Foul Territory, Erik Kratz (20:25)! The former Major Leaguer turned media mogul brings the energy as always and weighs in on the Jays' chances in the A.L. East, the relationship between John Schneider and Ross Atkins, Joey Votto being in the mix, what the heck an offensive co-ordinator exactly is, and the latest Shohei Ohtani developments. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/27/202446 minutes, 2 seconds
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Is This Leafs Team Different?

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss whether or not they believe Sheldon Keefe and Toronto should rest some of their players in these remaining regular season games. They also wonder why Matt Murray’s name keeps coming up; why and what that could mean in the big picture of things. Next, B&B welcomes their ‘Leafs Historian’, author and longtime The Star contributor, Damien Cox (26:00) to the mix to continue the conversation. The trio discusses last night’s game and what glaring concerns around this team are heading into the playoffs. Is there any more confidence in this team to make a run than in the past? The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/27/202448 minutes, 54 seconds
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An Immature Leafs’ Loss

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show and dissect the game that had a few bright spots, like the unavoidable chemistry developing between Matthews-Bertuzzi-Domi, but post-game comments from head coach Sheldon Keefe. Do the Leafs lack a “killer instinct” in those types of games? Did Joseph Woll miss a big opportunity to take the lead in the net? They also look around the League on a busy night in the NHL including a scrappy game between the Bruins & Panthers that saw Boston continue their regular season dominance. The morning duo also updates you on some MLB stories with news Jordan Montgomery has finally signed and a lack of response from Ohtani (35:41).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/27/202449 minutes, 58 seconds
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Leafs Playoff Questions + Some Ohtani Answers

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning set off into Hour 3 teeing up the Maple Leafs' matchup against the Devils tonight, and why this could be a “trap week” for Toronto with a game against the Panthers looming next Monday. They bring on Sportsnet's Luke Fox to diagnose what's plaguing this team right now, before raising questions about the blue line pairings, who starts in goal, and Mitch Marner's return timeline. Later, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk gives his thoughts on the Blue Jays and the American League East ahead of Opening Day later this week, before getting into Shohei Ohtani's press conference addressing the alleged gambling scandal (25:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/26/202447 minutes, 45 seconds
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Investigating Gambling in Pro Sports w/ David Purdum

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning preview tonight’s game versus the Devils in Toronto. They look at how the two teams aren’t that far apart in goalie save percentage points but are in very different situations. Next, B&B revisits the Zach Hyman conversation and how different things could have been if the Leafs had kept him. Later, ESPN Gambling reporter & betting analyst, David Purdum joins the show (27:23) to discuss what raised red flags, how uncommon these situations are and what the possible blowback could be for all parties involved including the league in both the Porter and the Ohtani situations. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/26/202448 minutes, 40 seconds
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Athletes + Gambling Dominating Headlines

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning begin The FAN Morning Show not talking about any game, but instead a couple of stories related to athletes and gambling. First up, The boys address Shohei Ohtani, who spoke for the first time yesterday after the story broke about his interpreter stealing money from him to pay off gambling troubles. The newest Dodgers’ superstar wanted to go on record as to what he knew; the guys dissect his comments and where it leaves him & MLB. Next more locally, and breaking last night, was another story involving an investigation into Raptors’ Jontay Porter regarding some betting irregularities. The guys get you caught up on what we know. To end the hour the morning duo gives some quick Jays thoughts including Kevin Gausman’s impressive first and only start of spring as well as a trio of Toronto pitchers that will start the season on the IL (36:27).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/26/202448 minutes, 25 seconds
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Around the NHL + Shohei Set to Speak

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Hour 3 recapping the Maple Leafs' weekend featuring back-to-back games against two legit Stanley Cup contenders alongside Daily Faceoff NHL Insider, Frank Seravalli. They share their takeaways from the games and chat about Toronto's depth down the lineup, before taking a look around the league to discuss Zach Hyman, John Tortorella, and Tom Wilson. To close today’s show, the boys go in-depth on the latest from the Shohei Ohtani saga, the discrepancies in the story, and what to expect from Ohtani on the podium today (35:17) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/25/202447 minutes, 42 seconds
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Confidence in the Leafs + Jays Roster Decisions

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning bring on former Toronto GM, now Leafs analyst & insider Gord Stellick to see if the Carolina Hurricanes are Cup favourites and the trio discuss how close the Leafs are to them. They take time to discuss TML’s blueline, goaltending & special teams and what aspect needs to step up most. Next, the morning duo head to Florida and check in with Sportsnet Blue Jays reporter Arden Zwelling (25:23) on the team and the player position roster decisions that were made; they dive into the guys who won jobs to join the team out of camp including Daniel Vogelbach, Davis Schneider & Ernie Clement. They also get an update on Kevin Gausman who pitches today and what expectations should be for him going into Thursday’s season opener. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/25/202449 minutes, 7 seconds
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A Busy Leafs Weekend

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking Maple Leafs after a busy weekend with back-to-back games. The guys discuss if there were more positives than negatives coming out of it and if this is the best depth TML has had in this generation. B&B also take some time to talk about TJ Brodie’s re-emergence into the line-up and how they see him fitting in come playoffs. The morning duo also dive into the goaltending situation for the team as well as their special teams. To end the hour, they quickly hit on the Blue Jays who made their position player decisions that included Daniel Vogelbach making the team and wonder where that leaves Joey Votto (39:36).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/25/202449 minutes, 42 seconds
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Marquee Matchup: Matthews vs. McDavid

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up another week on the program alongside two-time Stanley Cup-winning executive, Mike Futa! The trio tee the Maple Leafs' big weekend with back-to-back games against a pair of contenders, before getting into what it takes to go on a deep playoff run and what it would mean for a Canadian team to bring a Cup back to Canada. Next, longtime NHLer turned HNIC broadcaster, Craig Simpson joins the boys for a full deep dive into the Leafs’ week that was and the lineup adjustments we’ve seen, along with a complete preview of Saturday’s game against the Oilers (25:52). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/22/202446 minutes, 8 seconds
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Winning a Cup in Canada + Jays Winning Window

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start by talking hockey but more big picture stuff specifically what it would mean to have a Canadian team win the Stanley Cup, would it change the narrative of players wanting to suit up north of the border? Next B&B check-in down in Florida with Sportsnet’s MLB Insider Shi Davidi for an update on the Jays' camp. They start on some takeaways from Mark Shapiro talking to the media yesterday and what he said in regards to the pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, the core of the current team and the future of the franchise. They also discuss an optimal Jays’ line-up with Justin Turner, how the trade of Santiago Espinal helps the team and where Joey Votto could fit in. The boys hit on a few other stories including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder in Toronto tonight to play the Raptors and Canada Soccer needing a victory this weekend; how a loss would be a step back but a win could be a bigger burden financially to the association (35:13). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/22/202447 minutes, 56 seconds
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Getting Set for a Big Saturday HNIC Showdown

Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning looking ahead to Saturday and a big showdown on Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada between the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, which also means Connor McDavid versus Auston Matthews. The boys first look at the Oilers game last night that saw McJesus have 4 points and former Leaf Zach Hyman score twice. They also take time to wonder how things would be different had Zach stayed in Toronto with the Leafs. B&B dive into who is most under the microscope for the Leafs in such an important matchup: Could it be TJ Brodie? Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the in-person hearing Tom Wilson now has and what the outcome of that could be. And before the hour ends, Ben & Brent hit on some MLB including another Boras client signing and Joey Votto’s current binge-watching choices (37:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/22/202452 minutes, 21 seconds
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Leafs-Oilers Must-Watch TV + JYD in T.O.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning launch into Hour 3 with a look at Maple Leafs' roster decisions heading into the final stretch of the season, before teeing up Saturday's marquee matchup with the Oilers. Luke Gazdic, former NHLer and host of the Mitts Off podcast, harnesses his history with both franchises to give us some insight on the game and the ceiling for both teams, along with his take on some of the biggest NHL storylines this week. Later, former Raptors fan favourite, Jerome Williams a.k.a. "The Junkyard Dog", reflects on his time in the city and some memories from his career, before looking ahead to a charity basketball event he will be a part of this weekend in Toronto (31:35). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/21/202447 minutes, 32 seconds
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Leafs Top Line Talk + MLB Drama

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning, not only focus on superstar Auston Matthews but his linemates Max Domi & Tyler Bertuzzi as well. The morning duo switch gears back to MLB and bring on former MLB executive David P. Samson, host of the daily ‘Nothing Personal’ podcast to discuss how the Dodgers handled the Shohei Ohtani interpreter situation and if this could result in a big problem for MLB. Switching back to hockey, the host welcomes Stanley Cup champ, Nick Kypreos (21:03), to weigh in on the Leafs, their big win last night and if they can put a game like that together on the regular. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/21/202445 minutes, 48 seconds
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A Big Leafs Win + Welcome Back, Auston!

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show much like Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe, waxing poetically about the Leafs’ imposing win over the Capitals in which they took a lead from the start and never looked back. The boys start by welcoming back, Auston Matthews, who was an offside away from another hat trick last night, and discuss just how dominating the Leafs’ superstar was. B&B takes time to appreciate watching two of the greatest goal-scorers the League may ever see on the ice at the same time going at. They also take some time to dissect the healthy scratching of Leafs D-man TJ Brodie; what it could mean and how they see the blueline pairings may pan out for the playoffs. Before the hour ends, Ben & Brent try to explain the Shohei Ohtani scandal that broke out yesterday involving his interpreter and what it means for MLB. They finish on a quick dissection of the Blue Jays’ trading of Santiago Espinal (35:14).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/21/202451 minutes, 49 seconds
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Leafs Look to Get Back on Track

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show teeing up the Maple Leafs' matchup Washington and the adjustments they expect Sheldon Keefe to make after last night's loss to Philadelphia. Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox weighs in on Toronto's blueline combos that have garnered the most trust, what the the team needs to work on ahead of postseason play, and if players should be given time off to rest before the playoffs officially begin. Next up, former NHL goalie and current TNT analyst, Darren Pang shares his take on John Tortorella benching his captain in yesterday's contest, before taking a look at the standings and who holds the advantage for the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference (29:07). They can’t let the former netminder go without getting his thoughts on the best goalies in the NHL right now and who he’d trust most in the playoffs with a series on the line. You might be surprised by his answer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/20/202445 minutes, 41 seconds
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Leafs’ End of Season Goals + Jays Season Hopes

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin by looking at some players specifically and what they hope for them by the season’s end. Would it be disappointing for Auston Matthews to end with a low 60s goal total? Has Ryan Reaves already served his purpose? The boys discuss those as well as more on the goaltending, special teams and line adjustments. They look at potential first round matchups and how TML measures up to whoever it is. Next, the morning duo turn their attention back to the Blue Jays and head down to Florida to connect with Sportsnet 590’s Kevin Barker (23:39). He gives B&B some insight and thoughts on some of the latest from there including the recently reported injuries to Jordan Romano & Erik Swanson. The trio also discusses season expectations for the likes of Daulton Varsho & Justin Turner as well as what they think would be ideal for Toronto on Opening Day. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/20/202449 minutes, 23 seconds
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Where Have the Leafs' Good Vibes Gone?

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show reacting to last night's Leafs game in which they fell behind twenty seconds in and were never able to catch up. The boys react to Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe’s post-game comments; how he felt they weren’t prepared for the game and how he didn’t like any aspect of his team. Next, the morning duo took some time to examine the game from the Flyers' perspective as Philadelphia head coach John Tortorella decided to scratch his team captain, Sean Couturier. Before the hour ends, Ben & Brent hit on the start of the MLB season as the first game between the Padres & Dodgers is on live during the show. They also take some time to discuss some Jays-specific news including Jose Berrios officially being announced as the Opening Day starter and the injuries a couple of their relievers are dealing with (38:07).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/20/202452 minutes, 13 seconds
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Leafs Ailments + Snell Finally Signs

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 alongside Sam McKee of Real Kyper and Bourne and Leafs Talk. They discuss the impact of Mitch Marner's absence, especially on the Maple Leafs' special teams units, and the disappointment from Saturday’s game against Carolina, before mixing in some golf talk with Scottie Scheffler continuing his dominant run. Later on, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk hops aboard to reflect on Joey Votto's comments about Canadian baseball back in 2018 and if perspectives have changed since joining the Blue Jays (27:37). They also get into Blake Snell's surprising contract after a lengthy wait, how his agent Scott Boras is viewed in MLB circles right now, and if it matters given another client of his named Juan Soto will be eligible for a new deal after this offseason. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/19/202446 minutes, 46 seconds
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Fixing the Leafs Power Play + Boras Takes Another L

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start by looking at the injuries; who can and needs to step up to help the team down the stretch. The biggest spot they may need help, especially with Mitch Marner out, is the power play so the guys ponder who can step in to make a difference. The morning duo then turn their attention to Blake Snell and him finally signing a new contract but nowhere near what he was looking for. Next, Ben & Brent welcome on Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala (23:11) who starts by needing to address the Leafs' latest loss and why it didn’t sit well with him especially given some of the team’s post-game comments; it leads to the trio getting into it more. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/19/202444 minutes, 15 seconds
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Missing Marner + Votto’s Open Letter

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are ready for some Maple Leafs hockey on Tuesday night. They begin to preview the game tonight in Philadelphia against the Flyers and which Buds will be missing in action; led by Mitch Marner. They wonder what’s going on with #16; could the injury be worse than imagined or is the team just being cautious with not much to play for at the moment in the regular season? They also look at Timothy Liljegren joining the top power play and wonder how it will work; they discuss what they’ll be looking for him at the top of it, what his impact can be and if it's something that could stick. Next, the boys turn their attention to baseball and national pride as now Blue Jay Joey Votto (35:26) posted an open letter on socials addressing comments he made about his country years ago. The boys wonder why now and how it hit; what impact it had on them and if it changed how they view Joey.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/19/202453 minutes, 31 seconds
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No More Excuses + Votto Still Bangs!

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of the program with their thoughts on the Maple Leafs' goaltending and Ilya Samsonov's confident play alongside Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. The trio dive into the Eastern Conference playoff picture, how the Leafs stack up in the Atlantic, and what's behind Toronto's past shortcomings in the postseason, before looking over the current Hart Trophy race. Later, we head down to Florida and check in with Blue Jays radio analyst for Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Chris Leroux (28:15)! He shares his early thoughts on Toronto's camp, what his former teammate Joey Votto can bring to the team, and how cerebral of a presence he can be. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/18/202447 minutes, 57 seconds
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The FAN Morning Show’s Got Talent

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue talking more about hockey and the Maple Leafs. They look at the matchup with the Hurricanes and if it should be used as a measuring stick in the Eastern Conference as well as how Toronto has earned the reputation of blowing leads. They bring on Leafs insider and analyst, former GM, Gord Stellick for his weekly hit talking about Toronto and how the team, and its fans, shouldn’t be concerned about who they may play in the first round. They also look at if there were any positives in that loss on Saturday and if they took away from it the same way Nylander and Keefe did. To end the hour, Ben and Brent welcome in-studio Canada's Got Talent judges Trish Stratus and Kardinal Offishall (34:57) to talk about the new “Million Dollar” season of the show that premieres Tuesday as well as some of their Toronto sports connections and loves.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/18/202449 minutes
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Leafs Luck Runs Out + Votto Goes Deep

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the show on the Maple Leafs and the tough loss on Saturday night where they blew a lead late in the game to get defeated in a shootout. The boys talk about the special teams that continue to struggle, the absence of Mitch Marner and Sheldon Keefe tinkering with the line; Ilya Samsonov continuing to shine despite the loss; Nick Robertson getting back on the score sheet and his ceiling; among other things. Before the end of the hour, the morning duo hit on the Blue Jays camp and what we saw from Joey Votto (22:12). How does that change the thinking of where Joey is at and what his contribution can be to this team.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/18/202449 minutes, 30 seconds
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NHL Toughness + MLB Leadership

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show with former NHLer, now host of the Dropping The Gloves podcast, John Scott! He weighs in on Erik Karlsson's recent comments on the state of Canadian hockey media, this year's Stanley Cup contenders in the Eastern Conference, and the Maple Leafs' chances off going deep in the playoffs. Plus, the boys can’t let him go without getting John's thoughts on the emergence of Matt Rempe. Later, 2013 World Series Champion and host of Intentional Talk on MLB Network, Ryan Dempster chats about fellow Canadian Joey Votto signing with the Blue Jays, Votto's evolutions as both a player and a leader, the importance of a strong clubhouse, and how veteran leadership can help change the mood of a team (26:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/15/202448 minutes, 22 seconds
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Leafs Biggest Flaw? + Jays 5th Starter

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning  focus on the goaltending and how much of a step forward Ilya Samsonov has taken.  The boys discuss where the scale is right now between him & Joseph Woll and how they see it playing out rest of the season. In the back half of the hour, B&B bring on Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s Sam McKee (25:14) of Real Kyper & Bourne for his take. Will it just go to the hot hand at the end of the year? And does it matter who it is as long as they’re stopping pucks? Ben & Brent take some time to discuss the Blue Jays and their pitching situation especially around the rotation. What if Bowden Francis is good, or maybe just really reliable, come the regular season? The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/15/202447 minutes, 25 seconds
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Bertuzzi’s Best Game + a Big Drop Dispute

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the show with the Toronto Maple Leafs securring a demanding win in Philadalphia over the Flyers. B&B take time to discuss how it was Tyler Bertuzzi’s best game, Auston Matthews’ 55th goal of the season and his current season scoring pace and the potential loss of Calle Järnkrok now. Next the boys turn their attention to golf and the PGA’s Players’ Championship that got underway yesterday (37:19). B&B focus on the drop dispute that seemed to dominate headlines of day.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/15/202451 minutes, 14 seconds
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Leafs Game Day + Could the "Barrio" Jacket Return?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 talking hockey with Sportsnet's own Luke Fox! They discuss tonight's Maple Leafs game on the road in Philly, Bobby McMann's freshly inked extension, Mitch Marner’s absence, the team’s updated blueline and which players are playing for the most down the stretch. Soon after, the morning duo shift focus to the Blue Jays and give their take on Vlad Guerrero Jr. wanting the "barrio" home run jacket back in the dugout in 2024 (27:48). Later on, Ben and Brent chat about the reputation Philadelphia sports fans have and the merits of their “die hard” fandom, for good and bad, before comparing it to how Toronto hockey fanatics are perceived. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/14/202444 minutes, 9 seconds
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Votto Short Term Expectations + Players Championship Preview

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning continue with the excitement of having a Leafs’ game to watch tonight. They hit on expectations for this team after a bit of a break tonight against a John Tortorella-less Philadelphia Flyers and what they hope to see from Toronto minus Mitch Marner. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to golf and The Players’ Championship starting today from down in Palm Valley, Florida. B&B brings on Sportsnet reporter Adam Stanley, who is down there, to help preview the tournament and talk about the play we’ve seen from Scottie Scheffler recently. The guys then check in with Kevin Barker of SN 590’s Blair & Barker show (28:11). They discuss Joey Votto finally seeing some pitches, what he can bring to the team and how much to expect from new Jay Justin Turner this season. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/14/202452 minutes, 3 seconds
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Leafs’ Lines Consistency + A.L. East More Open

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start today with a quick Raptors check-in and synopsis of last night’s game in which the Detroit Pistons took the season series from Toronto. Next, B&B turn their attention to the Maple Leafs and yesterday’s news that Bobby McMann received a two-year extension from Toronto. They discuss the value and merit of it as well as if it needed to get done now. Next they turn their attention to the health of Mitch Marner and what we know or think about what’s been keeping him out of the line-up especially after the way Sheldon Keefe handled the topic. To close the hour, the boys talk some MLB with Gerrit Cole missing the first month or two of the season as well as Joey Votto getting some at bats in a minor league game yesterday (36:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/14/202450 minutes, 24 seconds
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Goalie Confidence + Blue Jays' Plans

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning enter Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show alongside Carter Hutton, recently retired NHL netminder and current analyst with Daily Faceoff and Leafs Nation. They discuss the netminders around the league they are most confident in, who would command the Maple Leafs' crease if the playoffs started today, and what goes through a goalie's mind in a these competitive situations. Later, Sportsnet's own Ben Nicholson-Smith joins live from Dunedin, Florida to share his takeaways from Blue Jays Spring Training (26:12). He discusses the team's plans for the rotation, when we will see Joey Votto on the field, if he can crack the Opening Day roster, and who else is in contention for the final few spots. The guys can’t let BNS leave without a quick discussion on the Yankees including the injuries they’re facing and the pressure Scott Boras is putting on them to sign Blake Snell. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/13/202448 minutes, 31 seconds
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Berrios Getting the Bump Opening Day… Seems So

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning lead on baseball and the Blue Jays. They start on the thoughts that, although not official, it does seem that Jose Berrios is lining up to get the start on opening day for Toronto. The boys weigh in with their thoughts on him being the Jays’ #1 this year, if that potential is there, what the ceiling for him is this season and what his career tells us about what to expect. B&B then look at positional roster decisions the Jays have to make. The guys then check in with show regular, Leafs historian, The Star contributor, Damien Cox (25:56) Toronto’s roster post deadline, how different this season was as opposed to previous ones under Kyle Dubas and if this year’s squad can be viewed any more of a Cup contender than in the recent past. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/13/202446 minutes, 17 seconds
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NHL Playoff Format + Scottie Scheffler’s Success

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start by talking about the NHL standings and the league’s playoff format. They look specifically at Toronto’s division and ponder if the current format has lent to the Leafs building more intense rivalries with their Atlantic adversaries. They then look at who the Leafs would play and where their confidence would be in that match-up. B&B dive into Auston Matthews’ latest goal slump; if there is reason for concern and if it could actually in a weird way benefit the team. They also wonder if the emergence of Max Domi means he could get a second chance as Matthews' winger. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to golf with this weekend’s PGA tournament and Scottie Scheffler's recent dominance (33:51).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/13/202451 minutes, 47 seconds
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NFL Free Agent Frenzy + MLB Headlines

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show looking back on yesterday's chaotic start to NFL free agency with Charles Davis of CBS and NFL Network! They discuss Kirk Cousins' move to Atlanta and if the signing vaults the Falcons into contention, the rampant movement of running backs around the league, and the Bears' plan for Justin Fields. Later, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk checks in fresh off his Florida Spring Training tour to go over Joey Votto’s plight back to the Majors, Mookie Betts' move to shortstop full-time, and Gerrit Cole needing a MRI on his elbow (24:04). Plus, you know Adnan can’t leave before some post-Oscars thoughts! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/12/202446 minutes, 57 seconds
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Leafs’ Top 6 D-Men + MLB Player Rankings

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Toronto Maple Leafs. They look specifically at the blueline who is guaranteed minutes and in the team’s “top 6” on the backend. They discuss Timothy Liljegren especially after some interesting comments from head coach Sheldon Keefe in the past few days. They compare his play to that of Simon Benoit and who gives them more upside. They enlist the help of Anthony Petrielli, who writes the weekly Leafs Notebook on Maple Leafs Hotstove, to weigh in on the d-men conversation as well as the team’s goaltending situation. The morning duo also discuss the MLB players’ rankings and what it could tell us about the upcoming season, teams to watch and maybe specifically most about the American League East (25:09). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/12/202449 minutes, 1 second
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A Raptors Moral Victory + the Code in Hockey

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Raptors who almost managed to pull off the near impossible as they went into Denver super undermanned and came close to knocking off the Nuggets. B&B discuss if giving up at one point a 22-point lead to the defending champs can in any way be viewed as a moral victory with some very positive signs from players like RJ Barrett & Gradey Dick. The morning duo turn their attention to the Leafs and look ahead at the schedule as well as what they’re most looking for from the team down this home stretch of the season and in Toronto’s final 18 games. They also debate the role of Nick Robertson as he seems to be on the bubble and wonder if the team owes him anything in terms of playing him. The hour ends with a talk about “The Code” in hockey after last night’s Devils-Rangers game and the clash (or maybe lack there of) between Kurtis MacDermid & Matt Rempe (35:36).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/12/202450 minutes, 12 seconds
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Trade Deadline Aftershocks + Joe Siddall's Blue Jays Camp Thoughts

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 talking hockey alongside Renaud Lavoie, NHL Insider with TVA Sports. He shares his thoughts on the trade deadline, the most impactful moves made, and the Golden Knights' salary cap shenanigans, before looking into where Penguins' trajectory leaves Sidney Crosby to close out his illustrious career. Later on, former MLB catcher turned Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, Joe Siddall joins the program live from sunny Florida (28:20)! He offers his early thoughts on Toronto’s camp, what the team has in pitcher Ricky Tiedemann, and why signing Joey Votto was worth the risk. Ben and Brent wrap up the show with some final thoughts on Votto and his career; where it leaves him in the mind of Canadian baseball fans. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/11/202448 minutes, 42 seconds
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Deadline Moves & Leafs Hopes to Make a Run

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look closer at the few deals the team made and some first impressions of a couple of the new guys who made their Blue & White debuts on Friday. They welcome on former Leafs’ GM, now insider and analyst, Gord Stellick, to weigh in on the moves Brad Treliving made last week; if more could have been made and how much impact the new bodies can make. Next, B&B take some time on John Tortorella’s refusal to leave the bench (23:39) after getting ejected this weekend and how what the Golden Knights do every year could make them the most hated team by neutral hockey fans. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/11/202446 minutes, 3 seconds
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Leafs Post-deadline + Votto as a Jay (Sort Of)

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning give their thoughts on the Maple Leafs look post-Friday’s Trade Deadline; looking at the additions GM Brad Treliving made to Toronto’s roster. They also look around the League to weigh in on what they thought were the biggest moves and could potentially have the biggest impact. B&B then dive into the Leafs game on Saturday and squeaking out a win in Montreal over the Canadiens with a couple new faces in the line-up. They discuss the newbies, Samsonov continuing to play well in net, Max Domi stepping up when needed, the emergence of Bobby McCann among other storylines. To end the hour, the morning duo gets into Joey Votto signing a minor League deal with the Blue Jays (33:57) and arriving at spring training camp. They get into what it means for both him and the team: the implications to the roster, the potential of what he brings and how they see it playing out.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/11/202453 minutes, 41 seconds
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Deadline Discussions and Playoff Physicality

NHL Trade Deadline Day rolls on Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show! Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look back on the Leafs' pair of losses against the Bruins recently and discuss how a looming potential first round matchup could impact Brad Treliving’s plans. They welcome Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider with Sportsnet, to break down Jake Guentzel's move to Carolina, before throwing out some other top names that remain on the board. Later, friend of the show Luke Gazdic drops by the studio to share his expectations for today's transactions and dive into the Leafs and Oilers specifically (25:10). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/8/202448 minutes, 25 seconds
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Trade Deadline Expectations w/ Jeff Marek

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning recap last night’s Leafs-Bruins game and take some time to dive deeper into the Leafs goaltending and where its trending given the recent play of both Joseph Woll & Ilya Samsonov. They then reset on today’s NHL Trade Deadline and look at what may have been the biggest move made to date, the trade of Jake Guentzel by Kyle Dubas and the Penguins. They discuss what it means for Pittsburgh’s rest of the season and the possible impact on Sidney Crosby’s future. B&B welcome on Sportsnet’s own Jeff Marek (25:27) for his expectations on the day; what other big names could be moved and what else Brad Treliving can do to bolster Toronto. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/8/202448 minutes, 18 seconds
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Leafs-Bruins Rivalry Continues + Happy Deadline Day

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start with the Toronto Maple Leafs' disappointing loss to the Boston Bruins again. Despite the defeat, Toronto stands up to Boston and maybe wins the physical battle to the likes of Tyler Bertuzzi & Max Domi. The play of Joseph Woll and where back-to-back 4-1 losses to Boston leaves him. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the trade deadline and dive into some of the deals made yesterday including a couple by Toronto picking D-men, most notably Joel Edmundson and what he brings to the Leafs (37:07).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/8/202451 minutes, 9 seconds
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Leafs-Bruins Preview + The Last Run to the Deadline

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 with their expectations for the Maple Leafs in tonight's divisional battle against the Boston Bruins. They check in with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, fresh off of last night's win over the Sabres, to discuss how to carry over that momentum, who needs to step up, and who GM Brad Treliving may be checking in on. Next, Ben and Brent welcome Leafs historian and the Star contributor, Damien Cox, to reflect on the lessons learned from trade deadlines past (24:56). The trio chat about the Buds playing their best “team” hockey in recent memory, before weighs the positives and negatives of a late-season addition to the roster. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/7/202448 minutes, 49 seconds
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Gauging the NHL Market & the Mood at Spring Training

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Leafs win last night and wonder if they can carry that momentum into the second game of their back-to-back in Boston tonight against the Bruins. They get into a goaltending conversation and if giving Woll the net tonight is the right mood as well as what the upside is to the two goalies they’ve been dressing. Next again they go back to look at the trades that were made already and which teams have improved themselves. B&B also tosses around some names that could be out there to help Toronto. Next, they head to Florida and check in with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk (27:27), who has been on a camp tour visiting different teams to get a sense of teams around the Majors. They dive into the A.L. East, what expectations are in the division and where exactly the Jays fit in. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/7/202449 minutes, 18 seconds
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Leafs Win + Trade Gates Open

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning are back at it again and have a Maple Leafs win over the Sabres to talk about. The guys discuss what they saw from Ilya Samsonov and if he has a chance to overtake Joseph Woll to command the Leafs’ net come the playoffs. B&B  hit on Auston Matthews’ league-leading 54th goal that won the game in OT as well as the play of Toronto’s top 3 lines. They then turn their attention to the NHL as a whole with a flurry of deals getting done Wednesday ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. Ben & Brent also get a chance to talk to UFC Welterweight fighter, Kevin Holland (34:02), ahead of his fight this Saturday on a stacked UFC 299 card in Miami.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/7/202449 minutes, 42 seconds
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The NHL Trade Market + Jays Spring Training Impressions

The FAN Morning Show rolls on to Hour 3 as hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue to preview Friday’s NHL Trade Deadline with the help of Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala! They gauge the market as a whole following the trade of Anthony Mantha to the Golden Knights yesterday and look at some other names on the board rumoured to be on the move. Next, we head down to Florida and check in with MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson (29:36)! They start with a chat about life as a reporter covering Spring Training, before diving into the timeline for Ricky Tiedemann, Davis Schneider’s upside, and the health of Toronto’s rotation. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/6/202448 minutes, 42 seconds
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Leafs’ Needs & Berríos’ Season

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome Sportsnet’s own Justin Bourne. The trio goes on to discuss the team in general, their goaltending situation, if their recent winning run changed anything and who or what they should be looking to add before Friday’s deadline. Next, Ben & Brent turn their attention to baseball (30:27). They start with the weird offseason Joey Votto has had and some of his public posts about wanting to play but getting no suitors. They end talking about José Berríos and what his ceiling is this year; could he step up to be Toronto’s ace if Kevin Gausman’s injury lingers? The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/6/202447 minutes, 29 seconds
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A Day Closer to NHL Trade Deadline

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show looking around the NHL standings to see what teams could be big players come Friday. B&B gauges what the going rate on the market is, who could be on the move next or who could be made available. They then focus specifically on the Leafs and how perhaps their philosophy could be different this year under new GM Brad Treliving. Next, the guys quickly touch on the Raptors game last night as Toronto got blown out by the New Orleans Pelicans for their worst home loss in franchise history. But beyond the game, they take some time to hit on a comment made by Zion Williamson post-game regarding taking part in a future slam dunk contest (35:46).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/6/202450 minutes, 31 seconds
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Inching Towards the NHL Trade Deadline + Blue Jays' Rotation Report

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning enter the final hour of today’s show with a look ahead at the Maple Leafs' busy schedule this week and how to divide the workload between Joseph Woll and Ilya Samsonov. Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos shares what he's looking for as the season winds down and what went wrong Monday night against the Bruins, before circling back to Saturday's fight between Ryan Reaves and Matt Rempe. Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith, co-host of At The Letters, joins the guys live from Blue Jays Spring Training to discuss the latest on Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah, as well as the amount of faith the organization has in their pitching depth (32:13). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/5/202449 minutes, 27 seconds
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Leafs Positioning + Donaldson’s Legacy

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning reset their thoughts on the Maple Leafs loss to the Boston Bruins. The boys look at, how even with the defeat, Toronto’s recent run of games has more positive than negative to take away from them. B&B goes deeper into the team’s goaltending situation and the dichotomy of their two netminders. They also look at Morgan Rielly’s place on the team and his importance before what other moves could be possible ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. Next Ben & Brent return their attention to baseball with news of Josh Donaldson retiring from the MLB (24:20); they discuss what his legacy as a player will be, where he fits into Blue Jays history and if we could see & hear more from JD now post-playing. The guys end the hour with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/5/202446 minutes, 43 seconds
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Leafs Lose + Jays Pitchers’ Health

Ben Ennis is back and reunited with co-host Brent Gunning for the first time in over a week on The FAN Morning Show. The boys get right into and discuss the latest Maple Leafs loss to the Bruins but why this one might feel a bit different than past ones. They delve into the goaltending situation and the newly rejuvenated John Tavares on the third line. After that the morning duo turn their attention to the Blue Jays (30:49) and reports out of spring training that starters Kevin Gausman & Alek Manoah are dealing with “soreness”; where it leaves the pitching staff, who is next up and how important health is to the success of the teamThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/5/202452 minutes, 2 seconds
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Trade Deadline Preview w/ Frank Seravalli + Scottie Barnes Injury w/ Michael Grange

Brent Gunning and Matt Marchese kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show alongside Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff! The trio sort through the acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin, what to expect ahead of Friday's trade deadline, what's next for the Penguins, and some "diamond in the rough" prospects. Later, Sportsnet Raptors reporter Michael Grange joins the guys to discuss the impact of Scottie Barnes' season-ending injury, who can step up in his absence, if Gradey Dick can flip the narrative surrounding him, and the positive signs he's looking for heading down the stretch (27:41). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/4/202448 minutes, 48 seconds
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Hockey’s Intangibles + A Step Back For Alek Manoah?

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning & Matt Marchese look at the Leafs' options in net going forward. The guys are then joined by former Leafs general manager, and Sportsnet Leafs contributor Gord Stellick to get his thoughts on the Leafs net. They also go over the Reaves and Rempe fight and what it means for the game of hockey And what can we expect to see from the Leafs at the trade deadline on Friday? The guys then get into the news coming out of the Jays' spring training concerning Alek Manoah. Are they expecting anything from him this year (29:58)? The guys then look at the lineup and what exactly is going on at second base. Finally, the guys close out the hour with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/4/202448 minutes, 1 second
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Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting? + Pettersson Gets an Extension

Brent Gunning is back and joined by Matt Marchese to kick off the new week of The FAN Morning Show. The guys go over the Leafs-Rangers game from Saturday. Can the guys remember the anticipation of a heavyweight fight like Reaves-Rempe? And is that good for hockey? The guys then get into the actual game starting with the play of Ryan Reaves, how much has his improved play helped the Leafs turn it around? What is Gunning’s impression of Nylander, Domi, and Tavares in his week away? Guys then share their thoughts on the Elias Pettersson extension in Vancouver and what it means for the Leafs. Does it change the way you now feel about the William Nylander contract? (34:56)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/4/202450 minutes, 15 seconds
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Warriors Coming to Town + Joshua Kloke on the Leafs Next Steps

On the final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Jeff Marek, and Elliotte Friedman from 32 Thoughts as they go over the Ilya Lyubushkin trade and if the Leafs have more moves to make. The guys then welcome Raptors Color Commentator Paul Jones to preview the Raptors Golden State Warriors game and what the Raptors have done to impress him the most. The Athletic's Joshua Kloke (29:00) then joins the guys to go over the Leafs' acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin and how it left him feeling. Does Josh see them making any more moves? And what assets do they have still to give up? The guys close out the week, looking at what could happen next with the Maple Leafs.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/1/202447 minutes, 53 seconds
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Should We Appreciate Sheldon Keefe More?

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Matt & Daniele with Sheldon Keefe tying Bruce Boudreau for the fastest to 200 wins. Do we not appreciate him enough in Toronto? Is he a good example of a coach who doesn’t get enough credit along the same lines as Andy Reid? And why are we so all quick to criticize him? The guys then welcome on Sportsnet NHL Analyst Sam Cosentino (30:13), to go over the trade, and how valuable is Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan right now. Finally, the guys preview what transaction could occur at the deadline.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/1/202450 minutes, 38 seconds
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Leafs Land Lyubushkin + Vladdy Spring Concerns

Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi kick off The Morning Show recapping the Leafs victory over the Coyotes, and the subsequent trade for Ilya Lyubushkin. Is this what the Leafs needed to add, and will there be another move coming down the pike? In the second half of the hour Daniele gives some of his observations on Vladdy start to spring training yesterday (30:24). What is casing concern for the guys? Do the numbers give them hope or despair? And what other spring observations have the guys made?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/1/202449 minutes, 26 seconds
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When Will We See Woll + Patience With the Raptors

Guest hosts Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi kick off Hour 3 alongside Sportsnet’s Luke Fox to get his assessment on the Chris Tanev trade. He weighs in on the Maple Leafs' pursuit of the defenceman and some other possible fits for Toronto's blue line, before speculating if Joseph Woll will start between the pipes tonight against the Coyotes. Later on, the fellas turn their attention to the hardcourt with Vivek Jacob, author of Raptors in 7 (29:12). They discuss how the new core is coming together and the patience needed for a successful rebuild, before debating who should be the Raptors' first statue: Vince Carter or Kyle Lowry. The hour ends with today’s Blue Jays lineup, along with some expectations of what they want to see from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/29/202447 minutes, 37 seconds
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Leafs Eastern Landscape + the Importance of Vlad & Bo

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Guest hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi reset on the Chris Tanev deal and where it leaves the Maple Leafs & their fan base. They toss around some other names that could make sense for Toronto and if a rental makes more sense depending on the price. The boys then take some time to look at the Eastern Conference as a whole and where they see the Leafs fit in the landscape. Next, former Blue Jays’ General Manager, J.P. Ricciardi joins the show (28:21). They specifically look at Bo & Vlad Jr; what the expectations for them are & how much their seasons will impact just how competitive the team is. They also take some time to discuss how and if the organization can sign both long-term. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/29/202447 minutes, 58 seconds
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Raptors Lose; Leafs Lose out on Tanev; Jays Ideal Line-up

Guest hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about another winning streak ending for a Toronto sports team. The guys discuss the Raptors snapping their winning streak against the Dallas Mavericks. Matt & Daniele talked about where and when the game was lost for them as well as how good Luka is and if the Mavs are legit title contenders. Next the boys turn to hockey where the Dallas Stars land coveted defenceman Chris Tanev from the Flames. The guys end the hour by giving their ideal Blue Jays line-up going into the 2024 season (34:02).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/29/202451 minutes, 49 seconds
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Stories From the Gridiron w/ Peter King + Carter Hutton's Leafs Thoughts

Guest hosts Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi kick off Hour 3 delving into Head Coach Sheldon Keefe's comments following the Maple Leafs' 6-2 loss against the Golden Knights. Former NHL goaltender and current Daily Faceoff analyst, Carter Hutton weighs in on Ilya Samsonov’s post-game reaction, Toronto's struggles at home and the team's defence led by Morgan Rielly. Next the boys have the honour of talking to longtime NFL writer and FAN590 guest, Peter King, who announced his retirement this week by penning his final ‘Football Morning In America’ piece (28:15). Matt and Daniele go down memory lane with Peter as he reflects on his career, how he found his way, what he’s learned about the business, what makes NFL football so special to him, and some of his favourite moments throughout it all. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/28/202448 minutes, 29 seconds
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Leafs Home Issues; Manoah Mound Issues + Raptors Preview

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show guest hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi re-set on the Maple Leafs and look at the team splits from playing at home versus on the road. This week’s morning duo then turn their attention to the Blue Jays and discuss if Alek Manoah can bounce back this year. M&D delve into his first start of the spring and how maybe the numbers aren’t the biggest indicators. Next Matt & Daniele tee up tonight's Raptors game with Raptors reporter for SI.com’s Aaron Rose (24:13) and look at expectations and hopes for this new look team down the stretch of the season. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/28/202448 minutes, 21 seconds
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Leafs Letdown at Home + NFL Talk

Guest hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs coming back home and losing to the Vegas Golden Knights, snapping their 7 game winning streak. They look at where the game seemed to get away from Toronto especially after a great start. They also dissect Leafs’ Captain John Tavares’ in last night’s loss as well as the Leafs defence that was completely left handed against Vegas. It leads them to talk about Morgan Rielly’s role on the team and what his history with certain D-partners says to him. Next this week’s morning duo turns their attention to the NFL offseason (31:03): a great comment from Bills’ GM Brandon Beane, the running back market and the possible trading of players like Justin Jefferson & Justin Fields.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/28/202451 minutes, 22 seconds
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NFL Combine Stories + Can the Leafs Extend Their Streak?

Guest hosts Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi begin Hour 3 focusing on the Maple Leafs as they return home to face the Vegas Golden Knights. Sportsnet's David Amber looks into Toronto’s winning streak and what’s clicking right for them right now, as well as Brad Treliving's options at the trade deadline. Later on, we turn our attention to the upcoming NFL Combine with former NFL Director of Player Personnel and co-host of the Go Long Show, Jim Monos (27:00)! He shares some stories from his experience at the showcase and what he looked for in prospects, before discussing Justin Jefferson's future with the Vikings. Matt and Daniele end today’s show with some final thoughts on Alek Manoah and what they hope to see from him in his first spring start of 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/27/202447 minutes, 37 seconds
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Blue Jays Big Questions + Leafs Roster Decisions

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show guests hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi continue the Blue Jays Talk. They start by talking about the rotation and Alek Manoah, who gets the nod to start today against the Tigers and what a comeback season could mean from him could mean to the team. The morning duo then check in with Sportsnet’s own Shi Davidi in Dunedin for his thoughts on camp so far, Manoah ahead of seeing him on the mound today and the players that are most important to the Jays’ success this season Next, Matt & Daniele turn their attention the Leafs (25:29) ahead of them hosting the Golden Knights tonight with a 7 game win streak on the line. They also dive a bit deeper into Toronto’s goaltending situation especially with news that the team has recalled Joseph Woll. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/27/202448 minutes, 26 seconds
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A Big Raptors Win + Blue Jays Top 5

Guests hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show and talk about the Raptors after a win over the Pacers. They talk about Scottie Barnes who racked up his fourth triple double of the season putting him in an upper echelon of Raptors performances throughout a season. The duo also discuss Gradey Dick’s recent progression and the confidence he’s playing with of late. They also hit on Darko leading this team and finding their identity. Next they weigh in on the Blue Jays (33:12) who got their first win of spring yesterday in a game that saw some good outings from Kikuchi, Bassitt & Romano. They also discuss what is different from last year’s camp and rank their top five Jays players heading into the 2024 season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/27/202450 minutes, 57 seconds
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Leafs Roster Decisions + Weekend Wrap Up

Guest hosts Matt Marchese and Daniele Franceschi kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show with a look at the Maple Leafs' roster including Morgan Rielly's minutes share, how to manage Joseph Woll's return, and if it's feasible to carry three goalies. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli adds to the conversation, before zooming out to break down the trade market, the top names available, and where Toronto stands in terms of trade assets. Matt and Daniele wrap up today's show with a look back on this weekend's top storylines including Russell Wilson's future, American Ice Football, and the risks of "court storming" (34:23). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/26/202447 minutes, 42 seconds
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Leafs Letting It Ride + Jays Getting Started

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show guest hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi re-set on the Maple Leafs and look distinctly at Tyler Bertuzzi and his latest contributions to the team. They welcome on former Leafs’ GM, now insider and host, Gord Stellick, to discuss how real this winning streak is and if its increased faith in this team to make a run to the Stanley Cup. Next, the guys welcome on Ben Shulman (25:07) to discuss some of the appearances that stood out from over the weekend in the Jays’ first two spring training games and who they are looking forward to seeing this week. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/26/202449 minutes, 21 seconds
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Leafs Going Streaking

Guest hosts Matt Marchese & Daniele Franceschi kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs' impressive win on Saturday in Colorado against the Avalanche. The guys take some time to discuss Tyler Bertuzzi's big birthday game and if we can consider him “red hot” now or if this is what we should expect moving forward. They talk about Morgan Rielly’s re-insertion into the line-up and the job head coach Sheldon Keefe has managed things through this streak. Finally, Matt & Daniele talk about baseball being back and the first few games of Spring Training for the Toronto Blue Jays (31:27).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/26/202448 minutes, 27 seconds
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What Can the Leafs Do at the Deadline?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning keep the hockey talk going on the final hour of today’s show discussing Max Domi's comments following last night's 7-3 win in Las Vegas, before teeing up Saturday's measuring stick game in Colorado. The Star’s Damien Cox weighs in on Toronto's improved play of late and looks into what moves can be made to improve this team at the trade deadline. Next, Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala chat about his latest article focusing specifically on the goalie market and highlights a certain Western netminder that the Leafs should consider (28:30). The trio also look at the market value of a few prospects around the league, before Jason gives his thoughts on who's stepped up for Toronto during this run and if they can continue to play that role. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/23/202447 minutes, 8 seconds
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Can the Leafs Keep it Up + Is John Schneider on the Hot Seat

On hour two, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning reset on the Toronto Maple Leafs and what led to their current six game-winning streak. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the Blue Jays, who begin playing spring training games tomorrow with their number one prospect Ricky Tiedemann getting the first start. They also discuss John Schneider as the number one bench boss on the hot seat. Finally, The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath joins the show (28:39) to get her take on what’s stood out so far this spring and what organizational expectations are for Tiedemann. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/23/202449 minutes, 11 seconds
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Leafs Keep Rolling in Rielly’s Return

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about another Maple Leafs victory bringing their current streak to six. They discuss the return of Toronto’s top D-man Morgan Rielly, how he looked coming back and head coach Sheldon Keefe’s line decisions in hopes of not disrupting the team’s recent mojo. Next the morning duo turn their attention to the Raptors (38:38) who had their first game since the All-Star Break and came away with an easy victory behind strong defence over the Brooklyn Nets.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/23/202450 minutes, 29 seconds
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AM34 in Perspective + Maple Leafs' Test in the West

Hockey stays in the spotlight for the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos stops by to help put Auston Matthews’ season in historic perspective, before discussing the best stretch of hockey Toronto has played this year and how Morgan Rielly can be added back into the lineup without disrupting that. Luke Gazdic, Sportsnet analyst and host of the Mitts Off podcast, offers some insight into the Maple Leafs' West Coast trip including how back-to-back games can affect the players and the benefits of a shorter stay in Vegas (27:15). Later, Luke weighs in on how Bobby McCann has been able to strive with some regular minutes and the importance of the team's upcoming stretch.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/22/202447 minutes, 49 seconds
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Auston is a Legend; Bo is a Leader; Charlie Woods’ Up Next

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Leafs win in Arizona. Next, the morning duo head down to Dunedin and are joined by Sportsnet’s own Shi Davidi to check in on Blue Jays’ camp. They discuss Bo Bichette, who spoke to the media for the first time and seemingly said all the right things to maybe establish himself as the leader and voice of this team. They delve into some of his comments as well as what to expect on Saturday in Toronto’s first Grapefruit league game. Finally, they hit news that Augusta extended three special invites to this year’s Masters, one to a LIV golfer and wonder what that could mean (34:50). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/22/202447 minutes, 47 seconds
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The Matthews’ Leafs Legend Continues to Grow

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show celebrating Auston Matthews 50th goal of the season in historic fashion and poetically doing it his homestate of Arizona. Next, the morning duo dive into the Raptors who return to action for the stretch run of the season tonight and discuss what there is to care about it for them in this unofficial “second” half. They also take some time to talk about Vince Carter who’s public comment yesterday that, if he had a choice, he’d go into the basketball hall of fame as a Toronto Raptor (35:52).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/22/202450 minutes, 38 seconds
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Gabby's Tour of the NHL + A.L. East Preseason Landscape

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show with a look around the NHL alongside Jack Adams Award winner turned analyst, Bruce Boudreau! They discuss how strange it could potentially be without Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in the playoffs, before Gabby shares some stories from his time in Washington amidst Ovi's 65-goal season and the similarities to Auston Matthews' 2023-24 campaign. Next, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk sets his sights on the American League East to discuss how he sees the division shaking out, his expectations for Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto in 2024, and Rafael Devers’ comments bashing the Red Sox' management (30:32). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/21/202448 minutes, 41 seconds
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Leafs’ Leader and Secondary Guys

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on a Leafs game day in Arizona in which Auston Matthews is chasing goal 50 on the season and after Auston, who is the most valuable Maple Leaf? The morning duo then take some time to flip the script back to baseball to do a quick overview of the American League East and where the Blue Jays fit into the landscape. B&B then turn their attention back to hockey as they welcome on friend of the show, from Real Kyper & Bourne as well as Leafs Talk, Sam McKee (27:58). They dive into how different this Toronto team feels from the teams in the past and Auston Matthews as its driving force. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/21/202446 minutes, 52 seconds
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Leafs’ Trap Game in the Desert + New Vlad

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with the Toronto Maple Leafs as they go out looking for a fifth straight win tonight. The morning duo also break down the appeal ruling on Morgan Rielly’s suspension which finally came back from commissioner Gary Bettman, who upheld and affirmed the original number of games. The guys wonder if we could hear from Brad Treliving on it as we were originally scheduled to. To end the hour, the guys go inside Blue Jays camp to dissect some of the comments made by Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr for the first time this spring including him saying he has no hard feelings towards the organization after arbitration (35:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/21/202452 minutes, 24 seconds
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A Look Around the NHL + Top MLB Free Agents Still Available

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Hour 3 with a peek at the Maple Leafs' upcoming schedule and the importance of those games in the tightly-packed Atlantic Division. Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider with Daily Faceoff, stops by to shares his view on the trade market, before diving into Auston Matthews' recent hot streak and who else could be in the mix for the Hart Trophy. Next, the morning duo turn their attention back to sounds of Spring Training as newest Blue Jay Justin Turner spoke to the media and had an interesting comment regarding some MLB free agents that are still available. Later on, special guests Aden Young and K.C. Collins, stars of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, stop by in-studio to preview the show's premiere this week and chat about their connections to city along with their Toronto sporting ties (36:30) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/20/202449 minutes, 15 seconds
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Priorities for Players: MLB + Leafs

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning turn their attention to MLB’s Spring Training, Anthony Rendon’s comments about playing professional baseball and Mike Trout when asked about reports that he could possibly want a trade out of Anaheim to play for more of a legit contender. Next, the morning duo turn their attention back to hockey in Toronto and are joined by Anthony Petrielli, who writes Leafs Notebook on Maple Leafs Hotstove (24:03). They look at the play of the team as of late especially in the absence of top D-man Morgan Rielly and where Toronto fits in the pecking order of Stanley Cup contenders. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/20/202448 minutes, 39 seconds
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Leafs Playing Their Best Hockey + How LeBron’s Story Should End

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs who picked up another win, making it four in a row for Toronto. B&B discuss if this could be the best hockey Toronto has played all season and doing it without their top defenceman Morgan Rielly. Later, the morning duo discuss LeBron James who remains the focal point of the NBA (38:11). At All-Star weekend, he addressed how many seasons he may have left and which team he could potentially end his career with; if it will be the Lakers. The boys discuss what best case scenario for "The King” to ride into the sunset.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/20/202449 minutes, 45 seconds
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Can Toronto Hang with the NHL's Elite?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 previewing this afternoon's Maple Leafs matinee! The boys look around the league to determine if Toronto belongs among the upper echelon of the NHL, before getting into the team's biggest needs at the trade deadline. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to NBA All-Star Weekend to discuss what the event has become, how to improve the fan experience, and if the skills competitions need a reboot. Later, Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighs in on where the Leafs fit into the NHL landscape, some possible targets Toronto could be looking at especially out of Calgary, and how the team continues to win without their top defenceman (29:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/19/202449 minutes, 13 seconds
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More Leafs Talk + Checking in on the Jays

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on when we could hear the ruling on Morgan Rielly’s suspension appeal. They also take a look at the Atlantic division and talk out whether it's still within grasp for the Leafs to win. B&B then welcomes Leafs Insider, former GM Gord Stellick on to discuss it all including Auston Matthews’ recent dominance. They also look at what type of deals Toronto GM Brad Treliving should be looking to make. Next, Blue Jays reporter for MLB.com, Keegan Matheson joins the show (24:42) to discuss which players came into camp in outstanding shape and seemingly could take the next step as well as what positions could have competition. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/19/202447 minutes, 30 seconds
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Auston Matthews Adds to His Legend

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start this special Family Day edition of The FAN Morning Show talking about the Maple Leafs and the easy victory on Saturday night over the Ducks which saw Auston Matthews have a 5 point night. The boys discuss his legend continuing to grow with his now sixth hat trick of the season and currently has him on pace to score an outstanding 74 goals. They also discuss Tyler Bertuzzi who broke his scoreless slump. Next the morning duo give some thoughts on the Blue Jays training camp (34:48), how the team has signed a bunch of veterans to minor league deals and brought them to Dunedin and if this is a new strategy to push prospects down.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/19/202450 minutes, 12 seconds
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A Trip Around the NHL + Start of a New MLB Season

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 discussing if Auston Matthews will reach score 70 goals this season following last night's performance. Former NHLer, now NHL Network analyst, Scott Hartnell weighs in on the Maple Leafs’ superstar, before zooming out to look at the combined success of veteran coaches like John Tortorella and Craig Berube. The morning duo then take a tour around Spring Training with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk (27:13)! He shares what he’ll be watching a training camp heats up, the big storylines ahead of the season, some key free agents still available and how that impacts the league. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/16/202448 minutes, 11 seconds
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Blue Jays’ Aspirations + Tiger Takeaways

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start by discussing MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred who yesterday confirmed this will be his final term in that role. The guys delve into what his legacy is and if it will be viewed as positive. They bring Sportsnet’s own Shi Davidi into the conversation, who is down in Florida and was at Manfred’s media availability yesterday. The trio turn their attention to the Jays and discuss Alek Manoah & if that fifth starter role is automatically his. They also look at the Jays offseason and if there is anything they could add at this point, playing off of GM Ross Atkins’ comments yesterday. Next, B&B take some time to talk about Tiger Woods, who played his first round of 2024 yesterday (33:44). They discuss what, if anything we can take away from Tiger’s play and what needs to happen to see him win a tournament again. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/16/202446 minutes, 44 seconds
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Auston Matthews: Living Legend

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about Auston Matthews after his fifth hat trick of the season that powered his Maple Leafs to an overtime win. The boys discuss the team continuing to play well without Morgan Rielly and what we can take away from their stellar record when he isn’t in the lineup. Next, they dive into Morgan’s appeal hearing happening today in person with Gary Bettman and what expectations for it are. The morning duo check in on the first day of training down in Dunedin for the Jays. They delve into comments from John Schneider and Ross Atkins as well as the intrigue around Alek Manoah heading into this season (38:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/16/202452 minutes, 4 seconds
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Hockey Thoughts w/ Carter Hutton & Jason Demers

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show teeing up tonight’s Flyers-Leafs game! Former NHL netminder Carter Hutton focuses in on the battle between the pipes and the value of Toronto possessing three distinctively different goalies, before sharing his own experience with high ankle sprains and how tough they can be to come back from. Next, former NHL and Olympic defenceman, Jason Demers weighs in on Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid's incredible seasons so far, NHLers returning to international play, and the possibility of Sidney Crosby and the Penguins not making the playoffs (26:35). Jason also shares his first hand experience of being down at last weekend’s WM Phoenix Open and the evolution of what the event has become. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/15/202448 minutes, 36 seconds
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Jays’ Spring Training Storylines + Tiger’s Return

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Spring Training, noting that today is the first official day of reporting for Jays pitchers and catchers in Dunedin. They discuss their major storylines moving into camp, which are emphasized by what we will see from Alek Manoah. Following that, the morning duo discuss Tiger Woods' return to action this weekend at Riveria Golf Course for the Genesis Open. B&B discuss their expectations for Tiger and what a realistic ceiling at this stage of his career should be. The guys ask the services of Sportsnet's golf reporter Adam Stanley (23:37) to weigh in on all things Tiger. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/15/202447 minutes, 28 seconds
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Pascal’s Return + Rielly Appeal

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin The FAN Morning Show by reviewing Pascal Siakam's return to Toronto as a member of the Indiana Pacers. The night hit several high notes and made Toronto supporters happy. They consider Scottie Barnes' bounce-back solid game, his week in general, and what the future may hold for him as the team's #1. Next, the morning duo discuss their disappointment that Leafs’ GM Brad Treliving didn’t speak to the media yesterday on the news that the team and D-man Morgan Rielly would be appealing his 5-game suspension (27:22).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/15/202450 minutes, 56 seconds
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Siakam Returns and the LeBron Trade That Never Was

Sportsnet NHL analyst Jamal Mayers opens Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show commenting on Morgan Rielly's suspension and if it was a fair sentence, before looking back on some teammates like Chris Pronger who policed the game when he played. Later, Ben and Daniele react to a report from ESPN that the Warriors inquired about LeBron James’ availability before last week’s NBA trade deadline. The Raptors Show’s Blake Murphy wraps up the program discussing Scottie Barnes' maturation on the court and Pascal Siakam's highly anticipated return to Scotiabank Arena tonight (25:23). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/14/202446 minutes, 11 seconds
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MLB Spring Training Eve + Damien Cox on Parros’ Ruling

Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi react further to Toronto’s win over the St. Louis Blues before looking ahead to baseball with pitchers and catchers getting set to officially report to Spring Training on Thursday. Ben and Daniele examine the free agents left on the market and if any of them could be of any interest to the Blue Jays, namely Canadian Joey Votto. Maple Leafs historian Damien Cox shares his thoughts on whether Toronto will appeal Morgan Rielly’s suspension (27:08), George Parros’ track record as head of player safety, and who stepped up for Toronto in their victory over the Blues.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/14/202449 minutes, 42 seconds
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The Bobby McMann Game + Reaction to Rielly’s Suspension

Ben Ennis and Daniele Franceschi start The FAN Morning Show discussing the Toronto Maple Leafs’ bounce back win over the St. Louis Blues; with unlikely hero Bobby McMann scoring three goals on a night the team was without Mitch Marner & John Tavares. It’s official: Morgan Rielly is handed a five-game suspension from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Ben and Daniele share their thoughts on the ruling and what they would like to hear from Leafs GM Brad Treliving when he addresses the media on the topic. To finish the hour, the guys focus on the Raptors with Darko Rajakovic and Scottie Barnes both speaking at yesterday’s practice (35:11).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/14/202451 minutes, 26 seconds
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Hockey’s Unwritten Code + Have the Chiefs Become Annoying?

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with John Scott, former NHL enforcer and host of the Dropping the Gloves podcast, stopping by to share his perspective on Morgan Rielly’s cross-check, the uproar surrounding Ridly Greig’s empty-net clapper, his personal experience fighting Ryan Reaves, and the added scrutiny that players face when playing in Toronto. Later, Ben Ennis is joined by Tyler Dunne, founder of GoLongTD.com, to discuss the Chiefs’ evolving dynasty, the ongoing GOAT debate between Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, Andy Reid’s impressive resume, and Kyle Shanahan’s curious decision-making in overtime (25:06). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/13/202448 minutes, 18 seconds
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How Many Games Will Rielly Get?

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis is joined by Gord Stellick to discuss the Morgan Rielly-Ridly Greig incident, Rielly’s impending hearing with the Department of Player Safety, and if the NHL has a tendency to amplify punishments against Maple Leafs players. Afterwards, Luke Fox checks in to discuss the potential length of Rielly’s looming suspension, how the Leafs’ front office is approaching Rielly’s hearing, and what Joseph Woll’s return could mean for the Leafs’ goaltending rotation (26:45).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/13/202448 minutes, 30 seconds
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Leafs vs. the NHL? + Scottie Walks Off Early

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by discussing Ryan Reaves’ comments about Morgan Rielly’s cross-check on Ridly Greig, if Rielly’s impending suspension could galvanize the Leafs moving forward, and Joseph Woll’s return to practice. Later, the guys weigh in on the Raptors’ loss to the Spurs, Scottie Barnes’ decision to depart the Raptors’ bench before the final buzzer, and Darko Rajakovic’s outspoken criticism of his team’s effort level (32:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/13/202450 minutes, 13 seconds
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Rielly’s Punishment + Hockey Universe Reaction

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show with some quick Super Bowl thoughts, before bringing on hockey insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. After giving some of his thoughts on the big game last night, especially as an Eagles fan, Frank weighs in on what we saw Saturday night at the end of the Leafs-Senators game. The trio discuss how the league will look at Morgan Rielly's late hit, the possible supplementary discipline that’s to come and the reaction from around the hockey universe. Next the morning duo head back down to Vegas with Sportsnet’s own Arash Madani, who was inside Allegiant Stadium for Super Bowl LVIII. He talks about the feeling in the building during the game, Patrick Mahomes’ performance, and where it leaves his legacy at just 28 years old (30:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/12/202448 minutes, 41 seconds
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Nick Taylor’s Star Rising

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning reset on the Super Bowl to start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show. B&B look ahead to if the team could keep it going and if they are truly considered a dynasty. They also look at San Fransico future especially as it relates to Brock Purdy. They enlist the help of Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS and NFL Network for his thoughts on the game itself as well as everything discussed previously. Next, the morning duo discuss Nick Taylor getting another win (34:12); this time in a playoff at the rowdy Waste Management Phoenix Open. They talk about the tournament as a whole, its place on the PGA calendar and the rising star of Nick Taylor. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/12/202449 minutes, 6 seconds
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Chiefs Reign Again + Reacting to Rielly

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with a recap of Super Bowl LVIII and the Chiefs' overtime triumph over the Niners. The guys discuss the performance of both quarterbacks, some of the coach's decisions, specific plays that determined the game, and the new overtime structure. They also discuss the Chiefs' overall legacy, as well as Patrick Mahomes. After that, they'll get into Saturday's Battle of Ontario (34:33). More than the game or the Leafs' loss to the Sens, it was the finale and the slapshot on the empty netter that resulted in Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly cross-checking Ottawa's Ridly Greig. B&B study everything and determine if it was the correct resolution.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/12/202449 minutes, 46 seconds
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Mark Messier on What It Takes to Win a Stanley Cup + LIV vs. PGA w/ Sam McKee

Brent Gunning and Jesse Rubinoff kick off Hour 3 alongside Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier! They chat about his iconic Lays commercial, how winning a Stanley Cup changes your life, who his favourite hockey player to watch currently is, and what's different in today’s NHL compared to his era. Later on, Sam McKee of Leafs Talk and Real Kyper and Bourne stops by to share his Super Bowl LVIII thoughts, plans and best bets (28:30). Later, the trio dive into the latest from LIV golf, the divide between the new league and the PGA, and what to expect from the Maple Leafs in the home stretch of the season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/9/202448 minutes, 45 seconds
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Legacy Stakes + Raptors Verdict

CBS sports and NFL Network analyst Charles Davis joins Brent Gunning and Jesse Rubinoff to kick off hour two of The FAN Morning Show to  help the guys go over everything super bowl related. What are the legacy stakes for both the Chiefs and the 49ers respectively? Are the Chiefs really the underdogs?  Who can the ex factor be for both teams? Charles then offers some thoughts on the hall of fame selections, and end of season awards. The guys are then joined by FAN 590 Raptors play by play voice Eric Smith (27:51). What were his thoughts on the Raptors deadline? Did he like the direction they took? And what does the rest of the season look like for them going forward? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/9/202448 minutes, 2 seconds
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Raptors Deadline Review + Super Bowl Sunday Lookahead

Brent Gunning is joined by Jesse Rubinoff as they kick off the show recapping the Raptors deadline day. Is the direction of that they picked the right one and do the guys expect to see a renewed focus? Were they surprised Bruce Brown was still on the roster? And what is there level of confidence in the front office after yesterday? The guys then get into what to expect with the Toronto Maple Leafs as they prepare to take on the Senators Saturday. Does Jesse expect the inconsistencies to continue? Brent and Jesse then share there super bowl plans, and some storylines to follow headed into the game (37:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/9/202450 minutes, 32 seconds
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Leafs Legend Wendel Clark + Story Time w/ Luke Gazdic

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 discussing the unique situation the Maple Leafs find themselves in with so many Ontario-born players around the league coming back home to play in Toronto. Former NHLer turned Sportsnet analyst Luke Gazdic shares what his homecoming at Scotiabank Arena was like and some other great stories from his past, before comparing the Leafs and Oilers so far this season. Next, Maple Leafs legend Wendel Clark stops by ahead of his participation in the team's three-day annual outdoor practice event (24:50)! He chats about the popularity that comes with wearing the Blue and White, both during his playing career and post-retirement, as well as the importance of having NHLers involved in international competition. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/8/202446 minutes, 1 second
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Leafs and Raptors Can’t Stand Pat

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show back on the Maple Leafs and their win last night. They welcome on Sportsnet analyst, FAN 590 host Nick Kypreos, to talk about what he saw from this Toronto squad, why this team is so inconsistent and what the difference in play can be. Next, the morning duo checks in on the Raptors with Sportsnet’s own insider Michael Grange (27:02). Mike gives his thoughts on what it feels like Masai and Bobby could do today ahead of today's trade deadline. They also take a quick look around the league and which teams could be most active. They close the hour with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/8/202451 minutes, 2 seconds
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Leafs Regular Season Magic

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking about the Maple Leafs home win over the Dallas Stars. The boys talk about how the team was led by the core four and when those guys are buzzing, this team just has a certain “magic”. They discuss Tavares’ getting hot, Nylander’s scoring, Matthews dominance and Marner stepping up at the right time. Next, the morning duo touch on the Raptors and their comeback win in Charlotte last night is who could be potentially moved today at the NBA Trade Deadline. Finally, Brent & Ben dissect the news of Vlad Guerrero Jr winning his arbitration hearing and where it leaves his relationship with the Blue Jays organization (34:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/8/202449 minutes, 54 seconds
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Leafs vs. Stars + Vlad vs. Jays

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 teeing up tonight's game at Scotiabank Arena as the Dallas Stars come to Toronto to face off against the Maple Leafs. Craig Simpson, former NHLer and current Sportsnet broadcaster, joins the fray to weigh in on Sheldon Keefe’s recent criticism of his team, Toronto’s secondary scoring, and how to best prepare for the playoffs heading down the stretch. Next, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith checks in on the arbitration hearing between the Blue Jays and Vlad Guerrero Jr. and the current relationship between the two sides, before sharing his expectations for the team in 2024 (27:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/7/202447 minutes, 18 seconds
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Leafs Secondary Scoring

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off hour two going back to Maple Leafs talk with the focus of two of this past season off-season's additions in Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi. They discuss both averaging below career lows in Time On Ice. They wonder if production could lead to more ice time or if they figure production will go up with increased TOI. Also this hour, B&B finds time to discuss Vlad Jr’s arbitration and when we expect a ruling; Andy Reid and the potential of him retiring; Jose Altuve’s contract extension and whether or not he’s as sure a Hall of Famer (25:47). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/7/202448 minutes, 39 seconds
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Canadian Teams Chasing the Cup + Scottie Barnes the All-Star

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look around the NHL last night, with a special focus on Canadian teams, including the Oilers' win streak coming to an end at the hands of an old foe; Lindholm's two-goal debut for the Canucks and the Jets' shutout, extending their losing streak in Monahan's debut. They then turn their focus to the Leafs, where some statements made by coach Sheldon Keefe after practice yesterday piqued their interest. They examine the terrain and odds for each of the Canadian teams to win the Cup. To conclude the hour, the morning pair responds to the news that Scottie Barnes has become an NBA All-Star for the first time (38:50).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/7/202451 minutes, 15 seconds
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Instilling Be-Leaf + Super Bowl LVIII Lookahead

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 focused on the Maple Leafs' return to action and Joseph Woll's return to the crease Monday Night on Long Island. The Star’s Damien Cox offers his take on what this team needs to re-instill belief back in the fanbase, before looking back and comparing this group to beloved Leafs teams of the past. Later on, the boys head to Las Vegas with Peter King of NBC Sports to tee up this weekend's Super Bowl (26:12)! The trio chat about what covering a championship game in Sin City is like, the legacy stakes for some players taking the field, and who to watch for ahead of Sunday's action. Good morning! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/6/202447 minutes, 47 seconds
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Vlad’s Arbitration + Leafs Asset Management

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Maple Leafs to start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show. They begin by discussing the latest report on goalie Joseph Woll's health, and how he is still a long way from being game ready. Then, B&B discussed Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s arbitration hearing with the Blue Jays, which is slated for today. They discuss how sometimes sentiments are wounded, and how these hearings can sully a player-team bond. Following that, the morning pair interviews Sportsnet analyst Jason Bukala (27:31) on what he saw from the Leafs last night. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/6/202448 minutes, 14 seconds
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A Pair of “Unacceptable” Losses for Toronto Teams

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start today’s show recapping the Leafs loss in the first game out of the All-Star Break. The boys discuss how John Tavares & Matthew Knies looked after some rest, a tough power play goal the Leafs gave up, Pierre Engvall scoring the winner and the play of Toronto’s all-stars. B&B then turn their attention to the Raptors who also lost and wonder if there was anything positive to take away from coach Darko Rajakovic called “unacceptable” (34:06). To close the hour, they discuss Roger Goodell’s Super Bowl address which was only open to certain people and how peculiar that is.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/6/202451 minutes, 14 seconds
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Growing the Game of Hockey + NBA Trade Deadline Preview

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show with some final NHL All-Star thoughts, before welcoming Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli to the program! He shares his experience at the All-Star festivities in Toronto and gets into how else the league can showcase their stars, before looking ahead to next month’s trade deadline. Over on the hardcourt, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin offers his insight and expectations ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, including LeBron James' future in Los Angeles (26:34). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/5/202447 minutes, 37 seconds
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Auston’s Star Potential + Raptors Returns

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show feeding off the All-Star event in Toronto. They wonder what Auston Matthews' star potential could be. At the end of it all, could Auston become the most famous athlete to play for a Toronto team? Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the Toronto Raptors who blew a big lead and ended up losing to the OKC Thunder in Double overtime last night (23:47). They look at what they hope to see from Scottie Barnes and if he can step up to be a constant #1 for this team. They also dive into the potential for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley roles on this team. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/5/202449 minutes, 14 seconds
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All-Star Hangover + Leafs Second Half

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off today's show recapping the weekend’s NHL All-Star festivities and everything they saw. They dissect how some of hockey’s top stars like Auston Matthews & Connor McDavid were committed and to making the event in Toronto a success and how the league fully embraced the celebrity power of having someone like Justin Bieber involved. It leads to a conversation and looks ahead to future hockey events like the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in 2025 & the Olympics in 2026. Finally, they tee up the Maple Leafs' second half with Patrick Roy and the Islanders in town for the first game post-break. They end the hour talking to Leafs' former GM, now Insider and hockey host, Gord Stellick (25:54), for his thoughts on it all as well as a look ahead moving forward ahead of next month’s trade deadline.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/5/202449 minutes, 31 seconds
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What's Next for LeBron and the Lakers w/ Dan Woike

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff head into the weekend revisiting last night’s NHL All-Star Draft and looking ahead to what's next with friend of the show, Sam McKee of Real Kyper and Bourne and Leafs Talk. The trio discuss the All-Star festivities in Toronto, before moving on to the impact of Elias Lindholm's trade to Vancouver. Next up, Dan Woike of the L.A. Times shares an update on the LeBron James and the Lakers after beating the East leading Celtics without ‘The King’ (24:51). They look at the weird and interesting situation the team finds itself in with LBJ, if there is a circumstance where they could trade him ahead of the deadline, what the future for the ‘Purple and Gold’ looks like with or without him, and what personal goals LeBron could be chasing before he hangs them up. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/2/202447 minutes, 52 seconds
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NFL News w/ Charles Davis + Steroid Olympics

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff kick off the second hour of The FAN Morning Show discussing the NFL. They reflect on the Conference Championships and offer some early opinions on this year's Super Bowl matchup. They welcome a show friend, Charles Davis from the NFL on CBS and NFL Network. They discuss the Niners' balance, how trash talk has started, and whether there is a play to try to influence the refs early based on Nick Bosa's comments (33:04). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/2/202448 minutes, 23 seconds
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Embracing the All-Star Spotlight

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff discuss last night's NHL All-Star Draft and Michael Bublé's comments in the post-press conference. The guys discuss the media coverage it has received or will receive today, and if the league should embrace it. They tell you about the squads and if they prefer to see teammates grouped together or square off against one another. Following that, they have a trip around the NBA, discussing some of the major storylines (34:39), such as Joel Embiid potentially being removed from the MVP race and the Lakers defeating the Celtics without LeBron James.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/2/202450 minutes
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NHL Player Perspective w/ Luke Gazdic + Jays’ Off-Season w/ Adnan Virk

On the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning chime in on this weekend’s All-Star events in Toronto, before sharing their standouts from the Anonymous NHL Player Poll 2024 released yesterday. Soon after, former NHLer and current Sportsnet analyst, Luke Gazdic shares how players really view these all-star events and if more could be done to pump them up, before looking back on some stories from his playing days. MLB Network’s Adnan Virk wraps up today's show discussing the Blue Jays' off-season so far, the addition of Justin Turner, if Alek Manoah could be a X-factor this season, and more (26:42)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/1/202446 minutes, 54 seconds
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NHL Star Power + Breakdown of the Canucks-Flames Trade

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning begin hour two talking about NHL All-Star weekend happening in Toronto. They look at the celebrities that will be involved and if the NHL capitalizes on their fan star power enough. B&B also discuss their expectations for the weekend, what they’re most looking for and some past NHL all-star memories that come to mind for them both. After that, the morning duo turns their attention back to hockey and do a deep dive into the Lindholm trade with Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala (28:04). B&B get his thoughts as a whole for both teams as well as where it leaves both the Canucks and Flames moving forward. They talk about the market as a whole and if its worth it getting deals done early like this. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/1/202449 minutes, 38 seconds
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The NHL Market as a Whole

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Thursday's episode of The FAN Morning Show by discussing last night's transaction between the Canucks and Flames. After deconstructing the transaction, they discuss Vancouver's ability to stay ahead of the market and if they appear to be going "all in". They also discuss Canucks GM Patrik Allvin's statements on the team's future plans and compensation for certain players. B&B then go back to the Maple Leafs, wondering if Vancouver could have learnt anything from Toronto or if TML could learn from them. They also quickly discuss NHL All-Star Weekend, which begins today, and the Anonymous Player Poll. Finally, the morning pair take a quick tour of the NBA with stories like Marc Gasol’s retirement and LeBron James’ cryptic tweets (38:10). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/1/202449 minutes, 43 seconds
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Blue Jays "Show Me" Season + Mahomes vs. Brady

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 alongside Sportsnet's own Jeff Blair! The trio discuss what the addition of Justin Turner means for this group, why 2024 is a “show me” year for the Blue Jays, and who in the clubhouse needs to step up as a leader. Later on, former linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, Matt Chatham stops by to share his thoughts on Bill Belichick’s future, Mahomes vs. Brady, Super Bowl LVIII, and how his old teammate TB12 will do as a broadcaster (26:45). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/31/202448 minutes, 12 seconds
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Jays’ Success Hinges Internally + Marner’s Impact

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Blue Jays signing of Justin Turner to start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show. They discuss how Toronto’s success this season may solely depend on internal growth and bounceback from players already on the roster. Next, the boys dive into the reports that the Orioles are being sold to a group led by David Rubenstein and what that means for the A.L. East. After that, the morning duo discuss LeBron James, the Lakers and their up-and-down season. Lastly, the guys are joined by Damien Cox of the Star (25:27), to talk about the current state of hockey overall as all-star weekend comes to Toronto this weekend. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/31/202448 minutes, 5 seconds
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Turner’s Impact + Vladdy's Bounce Back

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with the Blue Jays, who signed Justin Turner to a one-year contract. What will or may his impact be? The guys share their thoughts on the newest member of the Blue Jays. Next, they discuss Vlad Guerrero Jr., who we learned yesterday will be on the cover of MLB The Show 24, and what fans expect from him this season. Vlad Jr gave an interview to ESPN that included some interesting statements. B&B will tell you what he said and how he feels about it as we approach this pivotal year for him. To close the hour, the morning duo discuss those Raptors who managed to break their five-game losing streak against the Chicago Bulls (38:43).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/31/202450 minutes, 53 seconds
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Super Bowl LVIII Early Preview + Should NHL Top Seeds Pick Their Opponent?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 with a look at the NHL’s Eastern Conference landscape and ponder what the playoff picture could look like if top seeds got to pick their opponents. Former NHL defenseman and current NHL Network analyst, Thomas Hickey shares his standouts from the unofficial first half, before discussing how Sheldon Keefe has grown into his role and Patrick Roy’s return into the NHL. Later on, Peter King of NBC Sports offers his expectations for Super Bowl LVIII and what's next for Bill Belichick (27:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/30/202448 minutes, 12 seconds
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Leafs Second Half Hopes + Blue Jays Offseason

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning return to the Maple Leafs for the second hour of The FAN Morning Show. The boys talk about various Leafs theories that they don't have any proof of but believe will happen in the'second' half of the season. They also discuss the connection between Sheldon Keefe and Brad Treliving, as well as whether the general manager deserves credit for maintaining the head coach and giving him a chance to change the path of this team. Next, B&B focus on the Blue Jays and their offseason, following a few recent stories and another prospective signing that may happen as early as this week. Anthony Petrielli (27:06), the writer of Leafs Notebook on Maple Leafs Hotstove, for his thoughts on the team at the break. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/30/202448 minutes, 17 seconds
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Leafs & Raptors Rest of Season Goals

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show by discussing the Maple Leafs. With the team on their bye before the all-star break, they reflect on the first half of the season and analyze who is under the most pressure for the remainder of the season. B&B discusses whether they believe this team has a greater chance of making a deeper playoff run than last season, as well as what GM Brad Treliving may need to see before the deadline to be serious buyers. The boys then switch their attention to the NBA, where the Lakers lose again (35:09). They also get into the Raptors discussing what are the expectations for this team at this point of the season.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/30/202450 minutes, 4 seconds
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Super Bowl LVIII is Set w/ Joe Theismann

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 with Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff! They take a closer look at Auston Matthews' season after hitting the 40-goal mark, before getting into the Maple Leafs' roster construction and how to bolster it heading into the playoffs. Next, Super Bowl champion and former NFL MVP, Joe Theismann stops by to discuss Sunday's two Conference Championship games, specifically at the play of all four quarterbacks, as well as how much game management factored into the results (28:17). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/29/202447 minutes, 23 seconds
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Leafs' Response + Lions' Downfall

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-set on the Maple Leafs to start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show. They welcome back to the show former Leafs GM, now Insider, Gord Stellick to discuss the play of certain guys like captain John Tavares as well as some secondary players like Nick Robertson and Ryan Reaves as to what their roles are, or should be. Next they turn their attention back to football and this time the NFC Championship game. They discuss the Niners comeback in the second half (31:09) and how much of it was helped by Dan Campbell’s questionable 4th down decisions.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/29/202450 minutes, 8 seconds
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Leafs Win Into the Break + Mahomes / Chiefs Dynasty

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show begin discussing the Maple Leafs' win on Saturday, which sends them into the All-Star break. The boys analyze Nylander's and Tavares' play, as well as Ryan Reaves' return to the lineup. After winning two games in a row against a tough Winnipeg team, B&B wonders if the Leafs took Mark Scheifele's viral comments about what it means to beat Toronto personally. Next, the boys look at the NFL's Conference Championship games, beginning with the AFC, where the Kansas City Chiefs punched their ticket to their fourth Super Bowl in five years. B&B also disputes if it is fair to compare Mahomes to Brady. Finally, they discussed the Ravens and the story of being able to attend the Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson, which many people seem to deny (32:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/29/202450 minutes
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Leafs & Raptors Future Outlook

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up this week talking hockey with Sam McKee of Real Kyper and Bourne and Leafs Talk! The trio share if they believe in Ilya Samsonov's resurgence or if the team should be in the market for another netminder, as well as Nick Robertson’s role moving forward. Later on, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange tees up tonight's Raptors-Clippers matchup, before looking at the long term plans and goals for this organization (26:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/26/202448 minutes, 34 seconds
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NFL Conference Championship Preview + Anthony Kim Returning to Golf

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show with a friend of the show, Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS and NFL Network. The trio discuss both games, particularly the showdown between two MVP quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, what's at stake for Brock Purdy, and whether Detroit can pull off an upset against the powerful Niners. Later, B&B speaks on Anthony Kim (30:52), who is apparently in talks with both the PGA and the LIV about returning to golf after more than a decade away. They discuss their excitement at the news, where and if he can do it, and what it implies for the sport as a whole. The hour concludes with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/26/202447 minutes, 30 seconds
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Canadian NHL Markets + Options Closing for Belichick

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start today by taking a look around the NHL and weigh in on some of the main stories: the Oilers’ win streak hits 15, Patrick Roy returning to Montreal as head coach of the Islanders, Rick Tocchet’s comments on Elias Pettersson and the follow-up with the media on what they made of it. It leads to a conversation between B&B about Canadian teams, their coaches & players, if they have a tougher time playing in this country and are under larger scrutiny. After that, the morning duo give some thoughts on Joc Pederson signing in Arizona (37:33) and where it leaves the Jays in the free agent market as well as the Atlanta Falcons hiring a new head coach and it not being Bill Belichick.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/26/202450 minutes, 53 seconds
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Maple Leafs' Instability + Around the NBA

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show alongside Luke Gazdic, Sportsnet NHL analyst and host of the Mitts Off podcast, to get his thoughts as a former player. Luke weighs in on the Maple Leafs' instability, if coaching or performance is to blame, the team’s goaltending situation, and what additions could help down the stretch. Later, SiriusXM NBA radio host Mitch Lawrence goes around the NBA to discuss the Clippers rise into contention, the Bucks firing Adrian Griffin and hiring Doc Rivers, and the end of the championship Raptors era (26:42).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/25/202448 minutes, 8 seconds
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Leafs Stuck in the Middle?!

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Maple Leafs to open the second hour of The FAN Morning Show. They reflect on last night's victory and the fact that this squad has one game remaining against the Jets before the All-Star break. They then welcome Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos to discuss last night's game. The three talk about what we can learn from what we've seen from this club in the first half of the season, their future expectations, and the future ahead of this year's trade deadline. The lads then shift their focus to the Blue Jays (35:15) to respond to some comments Bo Bichette made on Sportsnet's Blair & Barker show yesterday. The hour concludes as usual with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/25/202448 minutes, 1 second
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Samsonov Shows Up

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin today's episode of The FAN Morning Show by discussing the Leafs' win last night. They discuss Ilya Samsonov's performance, his future role in net for this squad, and how important he is to any success they may have. B&B also talk about the team's power play unit from last night after the first unit was benched for a length of time, as well as what coach Sheldon Keefe had to say. They then discuss Auston Matthews, who scored the game's sole goal and 39th goal of the season. To finish the hour, they quickly hit on how Utah has dreams of gaining an NHL team and Jim Harbaugh's decision to leave Michigan to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers (32:26).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/25/202450 minutes, 47 seconds
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Leafs' Past, Present and Future + Oilers’ Path to Success

The final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look at the last time the Maple Leafs had a Vezina or Norris trophy winner, or even candidate. They continue the conversation with our “Leafs historian”, the Star’s Damien Cox, who weighs in on the team's past, present and future. The trio look at the goalies and defencemen the Leafs have invested in recently, as well as the type of player it takes to succeed in Toronto. Later on, we head to Edmonton with Jason Gregor to get his firsthand account of the Oilers' season so far, what's lead to the team's recent success, and if they can continue this momentum into the post-season (27:20).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/24/202447 minutes, 29 seconds
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Toronto Hall of Famers + NHL Contract Worthy Goalies

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of tonight's Leafs Gameday. They delve into the Tavares line's problems and wonder if it will be only a matter of time before they click again. Next, B&B examines Toronto sports teams to see how many Hall of Famers each has, as well as who is on the verge of making it to the Hall with some strong seasons in the future. Following that, the morning pair surveys the NHL to determine which goaltenders they believe are deserving of multi-year contracts and who they trust. How many are there in the League these days? Finally, the boys discuss some of the newest NBA news (22:38), such as the Bucks firing their head coach just 43 games into his contract and the Heat trading Kyle Lowry. The hour concludes with the daily Wake & Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/24/202447 minutes, 43 seconds
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The Streak Continues for the Oilers

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are in amazement of the Edmonton Oilers and how far they've come this season, as their winning streak reached 14 last night. The boys recall not long ago discussing their troubles and allowing the season to pass them by. B&B talk about what has worked for them and whether it is primarily due to goalie Stuart Skinner's performance. The talk then switches to the Maple Leafs who are in action tonight at home against the Jets. They discuss Toronto's goalie predicament, including getting Samsonov back in net and what the team expects from him. They conclude the hour with their thoughts and memories of the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Class, which was revealed last night (38:51).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/24/202451 minutes, 49 seconds
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Alvin Williams on Raptors Post-Trades + Ryan Reaves' Future in Toronto w/ Luke Fox

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by former NBA point guard and Sportsnet Raptors analyst Alvin Williams to get his thoughts on the team after the recent big trades. How patient should fans be of this new core? What does he make of the job Darko Rajaković has done so far? And just how impressive was what Joel Embiid did last night? Later on, Sportsnet Maple Leafs reporter Luke Fox stops by discuss his interview with Ryan Reaves, his takeaways from the team's West Coast trip, and whether Toronto should pursue a goalie at the trade deadline (27:43). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/23/202447 minutes, 34 seconds
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Did the Bills Window Close + Corey Perry Lands in Edmonton

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open off the second hour taking a look at the conference championship matches this week. Who is the most disliked team, and why did they replace the Patriots? The boys then welcome on NBC Sports, Peter King to get his thoughts on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills; did their window close with the loss on Sunday? And what's going on with Bill Belichick? The guys then discuss Corey Perry's signing in Edmonton (27:07), how we got here and does his pick of Edmonton make sense given the lack of media attention. Ben and Brent end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/23/202448 minutes, 49 seconds
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Standards for Raptors Rebuild + Leafs Offseason ‘What if's’

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show by questioning whether the Raptors have set too low expectations for this squad. Do they need to beat the bad teams to prove they're on the right track in this rebuild? Does this have a long-term impact on Scottie Barnes' development? What do you need to see from the younger guys to feel secure about the direction this thing is going? The guys then switch their focus to the Leafs, asking what would have happened if Mitch Marner had been traded for Connor Hellebuyck and what if the Leafs fail to make the playoffs despite Auston Mathews' outstanding season? (29:49)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/23/202450 minutes, 22 seconds
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Bills' Heartbreak w/ Aditi Kinkhabwala + Hart Trophy Check-in w/ Frank Seravalli

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports, who was live in Buffalo for last night's NFL Divisional Round. She shares just how windy was it last night at High Mark field and if the Bills' championship window is closing, before getting into Patrick Mahomes' playoff supremacy. Later, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli takes a look around the NHL to discuss how Corey Perry ended up in Edmonton, if Patrick Roy is the answer in Long Island, who's leading the Hart Trophy race, and if the Maple Leafs should be in "crisis mode" (24:30).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/22/202448 minutes, 6 seconds
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The Lions and Detroit + Leafs' Deadline Approach

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the second hour of The FAN Morning Show hearing from Lions coach Dan Campbell about how his team embodies Detroit, and if that is a quality Toronto sports teams should look for. Sportsnet NHL analyst and former 16-year NHL scout, Jason Bukala share his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' West Coast trip, Ilya Samsonov's play, if Sheldon Keefe is part of the problem, and what's changed from last season to now (26:31). Ben and Brent close out the hour with Wake and Rake, presented by Sports Interaction. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/22/202447 minutes, 58 seconds
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Leafs Salvage West Coast Trip + Heartbreak in Buffalo

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the week looking at the Leafs west coast trip. How does 2-2 leave you feeling? Should fans have renewed faith in Ilya Samsonov or is it a smoke and mirror’s? Should Keefe be more or less worried about his job status after this trip? And should we be paying more attention to there place in the Atlantic division? Ultimately, do you feel any different about the team? The guys then get into the NFL Divisional round and the heart break in Buffalo. Will the Bills ever get over the Chiefs hump? And did we just see the end of the Bills window? Finally are the Bills the Leafs of the NFL? And what other takeaways did the guys have from the divisional round? (27:17)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/22/202450 minutes, 58 seconds
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Raptors-Knicks Reunion with Mike Breen

Brent Gunning and Jesse Rubinoff send us into the weekend alongside former NHL goaltender, now NHL Network analyst, Cory Schneider! He shares his thoughts on Maple Leafs' important back-to-back this weekend and the recent play of Martin Jones, before looking west to discuss the Oilers and Canucks. Later, the voice of the NBA on ABC and ESPN, Mike Breen stops by to get us ready for Saturday's big showdown between the Raptors and Knicks (27:00). The trio discuss how the trade has worked out for both sides so far, before chatting about Toronto's 2019 Championship run and the overall offensive play in the NBA currently. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/19/202449 minutes, 33 seconds
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NFL Divisional Preview + UFC Back in Toronto

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff discuss the National Football League and the upcoming Divisional weekend. They discuss all four matchups and the expectations for each with Charles Davis from the NFL on CBS and NFL Network. The three debates who has the most at risk this weekend, not just for this season, but also for their legacy. Next, the boys talk about UFC 297, which takes place this weekend in Toronto. Sportsnet's Aaron Bronsteter enters the fray (31:50) to discuss what he expects to happen at the card this weekend, as well as the wider picture for MMA in Toronto and throughout the country. The hour concludes with the daily Wake & Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/19/202448 minutes, 13 seconds
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Wasting Auston’s Best Years

Brent Gunning begins with his guest host today, Jesse Rubinoff. They begin by discussing what they saw to help Toronto snap their recent winless streak. It's led by their superstar, Auston Matthews, who scores another hat trick. It leads to a discussion about the significance of a key run for this group, specifically the core four. They also discuss Martin Jones' play and the coach's challenge. They then turn their attention to the Raptors, who were defeated by DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls last night in the second half of a back-to-back. More importantly, they analyze the comments from team president Masai Ujiri, who spoke yesterday on the team's recent moves, whether more are on the way, and the future of the franchise (33:14).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/19/202450 minutes, 17 seconds
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What's the Ceiling for the Leafs and Raptors?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show with former NHLer, now co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, Nick Kypreos! He looks ahead to the Maple Leafs' upcoming matchup in Calgary to discuss some possible adjustments head coach Sheldon Keefe could make and what the future holds for both Keefe and GM Brad Treliving. Next the morning duo shift focus to the hardcourt and welcome on Tas Melas, co-host of the No Dunks podcast (26:58). Following yesterday's trade involving Pascal Siakam, Tas looks into where Siakam ranks on the all-time Raptors list and how he will be remembered here in Toronto, as well as what the future holds for the franchise now built around Scottie Barnes. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/18/202448 minutes, 29 seconds
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Underwhelming Raptors Return

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue to discuss the Raptors' Pascal Siakam transaction. They wonder if this was the best return Masai, Bobby, and Toronto could have obtained, especially given that this was a reported move since last season, the trade deadline, and the offseason. B&B explores how this might affect front offices and the decisions they make. Next, the morning duo reacts to news that Jerry Jones has elected to stick with Mike McCarthy as the Dallas Cowboys head coach, and if there are any connections with the Leafs and their persistent decision to "run it back" despite postseason disappointment. Next, the boys speak with Damien Cox (24:27) of the Star to continue the Leafs Talk and discuss moves the team can make to pull out of their current funk. The hour concludes with the daily Wake & Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/18/202447 minutes, 20 seconds
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Pascal's Past and Raptors Future

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin today's episode discussing the news that we all knew was coming. The players discuss how they feel about the trade and his departure, as well as how they will remember Pascal's time in Toronto and his legacy as a Raptor. They also discuss the deal and the return, wondering if it was the best they could have gotten based on last year's results. Following that, B&B get some off-day sound from Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe (35:05), who examines the team's inconsistencies and who he can trust. It sparks a discussion on the coach's leadership of this team throughout the season, as well as the players and lines he was assigned.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/18/202451 minutes, 14 seconds
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How Can the Leafs Get Back on Track?

In the final hour of The FAN Morning Show today, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning keep their attention on the Maple Leafs amidst their current four-game losing streak to figure out how the team can break out of it and who needs to step up. The morning duo elicit the help of NHL Network's Mike Kelly to dive into what some of the underlying numbers tell us about the Leafs. Later on, Sportsnet's own Luke Fox joins live from Alberta to weigh in on last night's loss in Edmonton, the tone around the team, and what to take away from Toronto's post-game comments (27:49). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/17/202446 minutes, 55 seconds
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Leafs Season Overview + NFL Talk w/ Mike Tanier

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning return to speak about the Maple Leafs, including how critical the rest of this road trip is for their season and maybe Sheldon Keefe's future as coach. The boys also provide a preview of the season for both the Leafs and the Oilers, comparing how both teams have endured difficulty and losing streaks, Is there a difference in the teams' composure and culture that leads to success? Next, they are joined by Mike Tanier (26:30), an NFL writer for The Messenger who discusses the first the upcoming Divisional Playoff Weekend and then talk about this offseason’s coaching carousel: who’s available and which jobs are most intriguing. The hour ends with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/17/202448 minutes, 27 seconds
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Another Leafs Loss + Raptors Ready to Trade Pascal

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start another'same old' Leafs loss in which they had a lead but lost to the League's hottest team, the Edmonton Oilers, who extended their winning streak to 11. B&B discuss the game, what they witnessed, and where Toronto missed opportunities to seal the win. They also examine some of the team's reactions to their four-game losing skid, including postgame statements. The morning pair then discuss a story from last night that talks between the Raptors and Pacers on a trade including Pascal Siakim are increasing (33:33). The boys discuss what it means that Toronto is ready to move on.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/17/202451 minutes, 41 seconds
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Drilling For a Win Out West + Wild Card Fallout

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning tee up tonight's Maple Leafs-Oilers matchup that features two of the best superstars in the game, but yet still isn't viewed as one of the league's best rivalries. Sportsnet's own Luke Gazdic weighs in ahead of puck drop on how the two sides stack up, what's turned Edmonton’s season around, and what Toronto needs to do to get back on track. Next, the morning duo shift back to the gridiron to wrap up Super Wild Card Weekend with Peter King of Football Morning In America and NBC Sports (25:18). He takes us through all the action over the weekend, some coaching vacancies we could see in the coming days, and the top candidates available. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/16/202447 minutes, 7 seconds
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What's Next for the Raptors w/ Michael Grange

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the second hour of The FAN Morning Show with their Leafs talk as Toronto heads on a road trip through Western Canada. B&B examine both teams and debate which is best suited for a deep playoff run. They also consider which game may be the most essential on this trip. Next, the morning duo returns to the Raptors and welcomes NBA insider Michael Grange (30:56) of Sportsnet to analyze the club, their current losing streak, and what comes next for them. They discuss Masai, Bobby, and Darko's hopes for the team's identity and how they want to achieve them. The hour concludes with the daily Wake & Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/16/202450 minutes, 35 seconds
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Raptors Identity + Clutch Wild Card Play

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show kick off the show by discussing the Raptors' loss to the Celtics last night. The guys discuss what they believe Darko is attempting to achieve with this team's identity. They also talk about how crucial winning is for a team that isn't at the top of the Conference right now, and what they think it will take to get them there. Later, B&B wrap up Super Wild Card Weekend in the NFL, focusing on the Eagles' season-ending collapse, as well as clutch heroics from Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield yesterday and how far those two quarterbacks can take their clubs (29:17).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/16/202449 minutes, 31 seconds
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Leafs Trade Targets + Wild Weather in Buffalo

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show chatting about what it would take for the Maple Leafs to get on the same level as the Avalanche, with a look at some possible trade targets for Brad Treliving. Soon after, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli offers some insight on the trade market and the Leafs' roster construction. Later, the boys head to Buffalo as the Bills start their playoffs today at home against the Steelers. They check in with former Bills All-Pro, now co-host of "One Bills Live", Steve Tasker for an update on the conditions in Buffalo, some insight on the team that finished the season on a five-game winning streak, and what the difference could be during this year's Super Bowl pursuit (27:50). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/15/202447 minutes, 48 seconds
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Samsonov & Keefe’s Future + Super Wild Card Weekend

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the second hour of The FAN Morning Show with more Leafs talk. They are focused on the return of Ilya Samsonov, who played on Sunday and is the Leafs' alternative option between the pipes. They also talk about Sheldon Keefe's job security and whether he may be on the hot seat anytime this season before the playoffs. They invite former Leafs GM, now analyst and insider, Gord Stellick (32:43) to discuss the team's performance this weekend, line changes, and, goaltending. Finally, B&B analyzes Super Wild Card Weekend in the NFL and what stood out for them. The hour concludes with their daily Wake & Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/15/202449 minutes, 22 seconds
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Leafs Good Vibes Gone

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start Monday’s FAN Morning Show talking about what was a tough weekend for the Maple Leafs after losing both games they had back-to-back Saturday & Sunday. B&B discuss both topics as well as Sheldon Keefe calling out his top players after Saturday and Ilya Samsonov returning to play on Sunday. They also take some time to discuss how quickly the positivity around the team can evaporate. Next, they turn their attention to the Raptors (36:48) who have a busy week coming up against Eastern Conference teams starting with a meeting against the Celtics tonight at Scotiabank Arena. They break down what was a real tough loss on Friday to the Jazz and how they can bounce back coming off that Western road trip.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/15/202449 minutes, 47 seconds
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Gabby's Tour of the NHL + Vlad vs. Jays w/ BNS

On this week's final episode of The FAN Morning Show hosted by Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning, former NHL player and coach turned analyst, Bruce Boudreau stops by! Gabby chats about the current generation of Maple Leafs stars in comparison to the all-time greats, the importance of finding the right mix of depth players, and shares some stories from his time behind the bench. Later on, Sportsnet's own Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays' inability to reach a contract agreement with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and what it means for the future between the team and player. (26:21). Ben and Brent wrap up today's show with some breaking news out of New England as the Patriots name their new head coach. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/12/202449 minutes, 12 seconds
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Super Wild Card Weekend Preview + Vlad's Future

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show with a quick Leafs recap, look around the league and the standings before getting right into the NFL. Before teeing up the Super Wild Card Weekend, they follow up on the news of Bill Belichick being out in New England. They welcome on NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis for his thoughts on the coaching vacancies around the league and help preview the slate of weekend games. Later, the guys do a quick recap of all the players the Blue Jays reached salary agreements (25:22) with to avoid arbitration and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s future with the team. The hour ends with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/12/202448 minutes, 30 seconds
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A ‘Rotten” Leafs OT Loss + Darko Gets the Bill

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show discuss the Leafs OT loss last night in Long Island. The guys give their thoughts on what they saw and also look at the fact that despite this latest loss, the Leafs remain one of the best road teams in the league and what that means. They also get into Ilya Samsonov returning to the team and what it means for goaltending for the squad moving forward. Next the morning duo turn their attention to the Raptors (33:20) who wrap up their 6 game Western road trip tonight in Utah. They guys discuss the league’s decision to fine Toronto’s coach Darko Rajaković and why perhaps he got less than Fred VanVleet in the past for his comments.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/12/202450 minutes, 10 seconds
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Raptors and Knicks Post-Trade + New Leadership at MLSE

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Shows kicks off with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning looking into the Maple Leafs' decision to recall goaltender Ilya Samsonov. Next up, The Star’s Damien Cox stops by to discuss MLSE's newest President and CEO, Keith Pelley, before looking ahead to the Leafs' upcoming schedule. Later on, the guys head to NYC to check in with The Athletic’s Fred Katz (26:26)! Following to the Raptors trade with Knicks, Fred weighs in on how the new pieces fit on both rosters, as well as a potential rivalry brewing between the two teams.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/11/202448 minutes, 7 seconds
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Tavares on the Isle + Belichick’s Run Ends in NE

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning go into the second hour of today’s FAN Morning Show talking about a Leafs game day that sees Toronto facing off against the Islanders on the road. They debate if the Leafs current captain and the Isles former one, John Tavares, returning to Long Island is still a thing. Then the show gets some breaking news with reports that Bill Belichick is out in New England; the morning duo react to it in real time especially from Brent’s Patriots fan perspective. After that, they return their attention back to hockey and are joined by Anthony Petrielli (28:10) of Maple Leafs Hotstove and writer of Leafs Notebook for his thoughts on the team’s play right now. The hour ends with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/11/202449 minutes, 58 seconds
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A Raptors’ Moral Victory + The Return of Samsonov

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start today’s FAN Morning Show on the Raptors after back-to-back games with L.A.’s NBA team. They start with Darko Rajaković doubling down on his comments from a game ago on both officiating and Scottie Barnes. It leads into the game against the Clippers last night which they lost but remained competitive right until the end against one of the League’s stronger teams. Do we consider that a moral victory for this squad? The boys discuss. Next, they turn their attention to the Maple Leafs who head to Long Island to face the Islanders but the bigger news of the day was the team re-calling goaltender Ilya Samsonov. What does it mean? B&B gives their thoughts on it and what the future in net looks like for TML (27:44).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/11/202449 minutes, 19 seconds
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Leafs Feeding Frenzy w/ Justin Bourne + More Post-Game Fireworks

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning head into the last hour of today’s FAN Morning Show parsing through Darko Rajaković’s emotional post-game comments. Soon after, Sportsnet's own Justin Bourne weighs in on the Maple Leafs' play during last night's 7-1 win, the minute share for the “Core Four”, and how secure the team’s goaltending feels moving forward. Later, Ben and Brent go around the sports world to chat about Connor McDavid's post-game comments, Erik Spoelstra’s new contract extension, and Aaron Rodgers’ latest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show (31:35). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/10/202449 minutes
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Darko is Toronto's coach

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 on Darko Rajaković’s post-game comments on officiating. B&B explores what standing up for his team means to the players, how it endears himself to Toronto fans, and whether it was truly earned. Next, they turn their attention back to hockey and the Maple Leafs with a particular focus on their goaltending situation and how well Martin Jones has been playing. They elicit the help of Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala (25:26) to get his thoughts on it all as well as what else can be taken away from last week for Toronto. They look at which lines are rolling, their playing time and how surprised he was they haven’t seen Dennis Hildeby in a game yet and if we ever will. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/10/202448 minutes, 2 seconds
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Welcome to the NBA Darko

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show begin on the Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković’s post-game rant against the officiating of their one point loss to the Lakers. B&B discuss how this was a side to the new Toronto bench boss we hadn’t seen before and how glad they are he has it. The morning duo do their part to break down the game especially the fourth quarter that led to DR going off. The boys also break down another impressive win by the Maple Leafs and if there’s anything you can take away from them winning so decisively over the league’s worst team (29:08).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/10/202450 minutes, 27 seconds
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Salary Cap Ripple Effects + NFL Playoff Landscape

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs' page with Sportsnet's own Luke Fox! The trio start off projecting what the future looks like for a team that just handed out their largest contract in franchise history, before focusing in on William Nylander's negotiations and how his extension could impact some other expiring contracts on the team. Next, Ben and Brent turn their attention to the NFL with Peter King of Football Morning In America and NBC Sports (25:10). With the regular season wrapped up, Peter shares his take on the current playoff landscape, coaching vacancies and potential “divorces” still to come, the keys to the Bills' success, and more ahead of Super Wild Card Weekend! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/9/202446 minutes, 33 seconds
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Willy's Future Cemented + What’s Next for Harbaugh & Tiger

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue to discuss William Nylander’s new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs to start the second hour of The FAN Morning Show. They look at if this changes the way Willy Styles is viewed, what his benchmark totals are and how key his performance in the playoffs will be. They start to examine the future of the team and what is says about the futures of other players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Finally, Sportsnet's own Sam McKee joins the mix (30:58) to weigh in on the Nylander contract, the Leafs “core” moving forward, Brad Treliving so far as the Leafs’ GM and Toronto’s current goaltending situation. They end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/9/202450 minutes, 32 seconds
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Nylander's New Deal + Raptors in L.A.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show as the Maple Leafs officially welcome William Nylander back, signing him to a new 8 year contract that will keep him in Toronto until 2032. B&B look at the details of the new deal, if both sides got what they want and if any concessions were made. They also take some time to set up the Raptors who are back in action tonight taking on LeBron and the Lakers in L.A (34:43).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/9/202450 minutes, 12 seconds
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Nylander Negotiations + Raptors Post-Trade Vibes

On the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and guest host Jesse Rubinoff turn to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli for his thoughts on the Maple Leafs. Frank weighs in on Toronto's situation in goal, William Nylander’s impending new contract, and where the team ranks within the Eastern Conference. Later on, Blake Murphy, co-host of The Raptors Show, joins the program to discuss how the recent trade changed the “vibes” around the Raptors, what this upcoming road trip will show us about the team, and what's ahead for the future of Toronto's “new” squad (22:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/8/202445 minutes, 43 seconds
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More Leafs Talk + NFL Regular Season Wrap

Ben Ennis and guest host Jesse Rubinoff kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show talking hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs. They look at their division and where the Leafs stack up right now. They bring on former GM, now analyst and insider, Gord Stellick for his thoughts on the team coming home off a Western road trip sweep. Ben & Jesse then turn their attention to the NFL as the regular season wraps up and the full playoff picture (26:56). They talk about which teams are heading into the postseason playing good football and some of the matchups for Wildcard Weekend. The hour wraps up with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/8/202451 minutes, 45 seconds
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Leafs and Raptors West Coast Trips

Ben Ennis and guest host Jesse Rubinoff kick off today’s FAN Morning Show talking Toronto Maple Leafs and their sweep of a short Western road trip. How impressed should we be with their ability to pick up all the points they should and what’s different this year. They also look at what seems to be an inevitable extension announcement for William Nylander and what or how it impacts the team moving forward. Next B&J turn their attention to the Raptors after a win in Golden State against the Warriors and much different this team has looked since the trade (28:22).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/8/202449 minutes, 32 seconds
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Maple Leafs Lookahead + What's Next for Pascal Siakam?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show focusing in on the Maple Leafs with Star sports contributor, Damien Cox! They discuss the team's upcoming schedule, the goaltending situation, William Nylander’s next contract, and this year's All-Star Game in Toronto. Later on, ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks shares his thoughts on the recent trade between the Raptors and Knicks and how the deal may impact what's next for Pascal Siakam, before taking a look around the league at the teams with the brightest futures (26:16). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/5/202449 minutes, 6 seconds
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NFL Playoff Picture + NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show kick off hour 2 NFL Week 18 that holds a few playoff implications. They start on the Buffalo Bills and what is on the line for them this weekend. B&B bring on Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS to break down what he makes of some of the showdowns and who will is playing for a postseason berth. Next, the boys turn their attention to the NHL All-Star weekend next month after initial names were announced that will partaking. The guys wonder who else from the Leafs will be in given Toronto is the host city? How much would it hurt missing that opportunity especially for some hometown players (33:41). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/5/202447 minutes, 43 seconds
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On the Road with the Raptors & Leafs

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show taking you through what stood out most for them last night including some great NBA games. Next, they turn their attention to the Maple Leafs who wrap up their quick Western road trip on Saturday in San Jose. The guys debate who should get the start in the net. After that, the morning duo dive into the Raptors who are also on a west coast swing and debate what this trip & how they play will tell us about the new-look team (28:48).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/5/202450 minutes
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Examining the Leafs & Jays

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the final hour of The FAN Show going back to the Maple Leafs, they call on Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos for his thoughts on what he’s seen in the first two games as well as discuss his report earlier this week that Nylander extension with the team might be close. Next the morning duo then turn their attention back to the Jays; eliciting the help of MLB Insider Ben Nicholson-Smith (26:53) of Sportsnet. They break down some of Jays’ GM Ross Atkins comments yesterday to the media about the team’s offseason so far as well as look at what could potentially be the next move.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/4/202448 minutes, 51 seconds
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Impressive Leafs & Raptors Wins

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show kick off hour 2 on the Maple Leafs to start, looking at a persistent & impressive win last night in Anaheim, they ask themselves if the feeling around this team seems different this regular season with some type of ‘magic’. They also go deeper into the decision to ride goaltender Martin Jones and wonder if that will continue Saturday and beyond. Next they return their attention quickly to the Jays and GM Ross Atkins speaking yesterday in particular what he said about their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani that came up short. Next, they check in with Sportsnet’s Michael Grange (25:26) to talk about the new team since the trade, how all players are adapting and if their play, or more importantly their wining ways, can continue.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/4/202448 minutes, 11 seconds
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Busy Day for Toronto Sports

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start The FAN Morning Show talking about another impressive Leafs win. They talk about the decision to start Martin Jones, the team’s composure and persistence to send the game to OT and of course Auston Matthews 30th goal. B&B discuss if a game like that shows that both he & the team is different from ones in the past. Next the morning duo hit on the new-look Raptors who had also had another impressive win in Memphis; then end with a quick discussion on Jays’ GM Ross Atkins’ comments yesterday (27:05).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/4/202450 minutes, 44 seconds
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NHL Player Rivalries + RJ’s Raptors Impact

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show discussing the Maple Leafs' game in Anaheim tonight, if recent call-up Dennis Hildeby should start in goal, and the latest reports on William Nylander's contract situation. Next, on the heels of another Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin matchup, Ben and Brent wonder if there are any other great player rivalries brewing in the sport. In the final block, the pair welcome on The Star’s Doug Smith for his thoughts on the Raptors' blockbuster trade with the Knicks. He shares what the deal means for the franchise, if more moves could still be coming, and why a change of scenery could push RJ Barrett's game to a whole new level (28:07).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/3/202448 minutes, 4 seconds
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Goaltending Dilemmas All Around

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning being hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs who have the second of back-to-back games tonight hot off an impressive 3-0 win over the Kings. They bring on former GM, now Insider & analyst Gord Stellick for his thoughts on if that was the team’s best game of the season and if you’d turn back to Martin Jones tonight in Anaheim. Next they check in with Sportsnet analyst and scout Jason Bukala (26:15) who is Sweden covering the World Junior Championships. They look at what led to Canada’s surprising loss yesterday and why its been so tough to develop a goalie for the national program. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/3/202449 minutes, 2 seconds
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Best Leafs Win of the Season

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs, Toronto’s top line buzzing, Martin Jones’ shutout & another multi-goal game for William Nylander. The morning duo then dive into the latest rumblings that a contract extension of William Nylander could be close after a couple reports yesterday. They end the hour following up on the Raptors and the recent trade; discussing who benefits most from it, what’s next for this team and what the benchmark for them should be now this season (38:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/3/202450 minutes, 44 seconds
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Goalie Market Check-In w/ Frank Seravalli + NFL Week 17 Recap

Hosts Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis kick off the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show looking at the Maple Leafs and what lies ahead on this West Coast road trip and beyond. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli stops by to share his take on not only the Leafs' goaltending situation, but other netminders around the league and the state of the trade market. After Week 17 clarified some of the NFL playoff picture, Football Morning In America’s Peter King joins to look at the best teams in both conferences, before getting into Dan Campbell's feud with the referees and David Tepper in some hot water (25:52). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/2/202448 minutes, 2 seconds
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Leafs Go West With Questions in Net

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour two of The FAN Morning Show talking about the Maple Leafs as they embark on a quick west coast road trip. B&B take a look at the NHL standings to see how much as changed over the break. The morning duo then have the conversation of Canadians in the NBA and MLB; how much pride we still take in seeing them make it. That leads them into re-examining the recent Raptors trade and bringing in RJ Barrett. They discuss how shocked they were that Toronto made the trade with the Knicks and what Knicks fans should think of the trade (24:59). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
1/2/202446 minutes, 47 seconds
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New Year; New Raptors Team

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are back on the first of The FAN Show of 2024! They start on the Raptors who made a trade that seems to have re-vitalized interest in Toronto’s NBA team. Headlined by sending OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, B&B look at the return of Immanuel Quickley & Canadian RJ Barrett, what it means for the team and the fan interest in this team. The guys also take time to discuss the Leafs recent games and the waiving of goalie Ilya Samsonov. They close the hour with a quick thought on the Blue Jays, the few moves they’ve made so far and what could be next (28:49).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/2/202451 minutes, 50 seconds
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2023 Sports Rewind

Hosts Brent Gunning and Sho Alli kick off the last hour of today’s FAN Morning Show discussing the Maple Leafs' beatdown in Buffalo with former pro turned NHL Network analyst, Jason Demers! Jason offers a player’s perspective on how to bounce back from a bad loss, before taking a step back to share his thoughts on the league. To close the show (and the year), Brent and Sho look back at 2023 to relive some of the best and worst storylines from the past calendar year (37:16). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/22/202347 minutes, 44 seconds
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Leafs & World Juniors + NFL Week 16 Preview

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli start hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show on the NFL and Week 16. They look at the playoff picture and who needs to step up this weekend. They elicit the help of Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS for his thoughts on who is trending in the right direction and what players will be key to their team’s success. Later, the guys go back to hockey and check in with Sportsnet’s own Sam Cosentino (27:29). They dive into the Leafs' deflating loss in Buffalo last night and preview the World Juniors. They conclude the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/22/202348 minutes, 24 seconds
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Leafs Get Blown Out in Buffalo

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli kick off The FAN Morning Show breaking down the Toronto Maple Leafs 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Why does the result not feel that surprising for this team? Where do you look towards first when addressing this team and is it as easy as saying that goaltending needs to play better? The guys then go down the Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing with the Dodgers and how similar it was to the Ohtani situation. The guys give their thoughts on the Blue Jays missing out on Ohtani and what it means (30:04).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/22/202351 minutes, 3 seconds
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Appraising the Leafs and Jays

Hosts Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis continue talking Leafs to start the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show alongside Sportsnet's Luke Fox. Live from Buffalo, Luke helps tee up tonight’s game against the Sabres and shares why its important to go into the holiday break on a upswing. Later on, we turn our attention to MLB's offseason with Adnan Virk of MLB Network who forecasts when a Blue Jays move will come and the overall state of the trade market, before sharing his best movies of the year (24:02). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/21/202348 minutes, 18 seconds
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Leafs’ Look Ahead, Short and Long Term

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show of talking about the Maple Leafs ahead of tonight’s game in Buffalo against the Sabres. They then welcome on Anthony Petrielli, writer of the weekly Leafs Notebook column, to get his thoughts on the team's current construction. They also look at who and when Brad Treliving could look to bring in and what that could mean for the rest (25:11). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
12/21/202349 minutes, 29 seconds
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Raptors Lack of Intensity

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show recapping last night's Toronto Raptors loss to the Denver Nuggets. B&B discuss some of the obstacles new head coach Darko Rajaković faces, which includes the start of most games as they lack of intensity and even seemingly effort sometimes from this squad. The morning duo then discusses which Canadian NBA player would most likely be willing to come play for Toronto. Later, they turn their attention to the Leafs ahead of a game tonight in Buffalo and wrap the hour with a quick check-in on the Blue Jays and what, if anything, could be cooking for them (33:30).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
12/21/202349 minutes, 5 seconds
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How Many Can Matthews Score?!

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close today’s FAN Morning Show continuing to talk Maple Leafs with the help of both the Star’s Damien Cox and Sportsnet’s Luke Gazdic (27:00)! They talk about what the ceiling is for a goal scorer like Auston Matthews, who the most disappointing team in the Eastern Conference is so far this season, the coaching changes early on around the league and who might be next. Damien also gives some historical context on the Leafs of the past, while Luke takes us inside the locker room to discuss how teams prepare for certain matchups, as well as what separates the top guys in the game. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/20/202347 minutes, 45 seconds
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Do the Leafs Need More Luck?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show re-setting on the Maple Leafs last night and the play of goaltender Martin Jones who saw a few bad bounces that led to Rangers goals. Next, they check in with a friend of the show, Real Kyper and Bourne producer and co-host of Leafs Talk, Sam McKee (28:16) for his thoughts on last night’s game and the recent play of the beloved Blue & White. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/20/202347 minutes, 58 seconds
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Bad Bounces Lead to a Tough Leafs Loss

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show discussing the Leafs loss to the Rangers last night that included some bad bounces and strangely no power play opportunities. The boys break down what they saw from the likes of Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Martin Jones as well as what can be taken away from the game in terms of how open the Eastern Conference is. Next, they turn their attention to the NBA lead by Ja Morant’s return to the League in fashion by winning the game at the buzzer. They quickly touch on the Raptors who face off against Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets tonight at Scotiabank Arena (37:47).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/20/202349 minutes, 15 seconds
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Bruce Boudreau Talks Coaching Team Canada + NFL Week 15 Wrap

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show alongside the recently named Team Canada Spengler Cup Head Coach, Bruce Boudreau! After discussing the honour it is to be chosen to coach for Canada, Gabby looks around the league at some of the biggest stories including DJ Smith’s dismissal in Ottawa, Alex Ovechkin's underwhelming season, and of course, the Leafs! Later, Peter King of Football Morning In America joins the morning duo to put a bow on Week 15 in the NFL, before previewing which teams are prime position heading into the playoffs (26:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/19/202348 minutes, 26 seconds
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Undervaluing the Leafs Regular Season

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show keeping the hockey talk going and discuss if fans under appreciate the Leafs regular season and getting to watch them play. They then turn their attention to the NFL and a Monday Night Football game that saw the Eagles lose to the Seahawks, where do the Eagles now rank in the NFC and if they’ve lost all their momentum as the favourites to the likes of the Niners. Later, they are joined by Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala (25:50) to talk some Leafs, where they’re currently at, watching a couple of their prospects play at the World Juniors and what expectations should be for Martin Jones. They end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/19/202347 minutes, 12 seconds
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Are the Leafs the Measuring Stick in the East?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show with the Leafs as they are set to play the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena tonight. They discuss if NYR is looked at as a top team in the Conference and if this is a measuring stick game for the Buds. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the Raptors who needed another comeback win to beat the Charlotte Hornets. Later, they break down the Senators decision to move on from DJ Smith and name recently added advisor Jacques Martin their interim coach as well as the Red Wings poor record since adding Patrick Kane (27:22).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/19/202350 minutes, 10 seconds
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Leafs Weekend Wrap Up + What's Next for Sidney Crosby?

On the final hour of The FAN Morning Show today, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue talking hockey with Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli! He shares his reads on where the Maple Leafs sit within the conference, the team's ability to steal a point from the jaws of defeat, and why Martin Jones might be the perfect “fill-in” back-up goalie. Next, they check in with Colby Armstrong of Sportsnet for his thoughts on the Leafs victory over the Penguins on Saturday, Pittsburgh's season so far, and what the future could hold for Sidney Crosby (26:35). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/18/202348 minutes, 22 seconds
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Leafs Without Matthews + Dubas Deflects

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show talking Maple Leafs. They wonder if there is anything to take away from the team’s strong record when playing without Auston Matthews. They continue the goaltending conversation as well and debate between playing Ilya Samsonov or more Martin Jones. B&B also examine if Kyle Dubas should have spoken as he returned to Toronto. They bring in another former Leafs GM, now analyst, Gord Stellick  for his thoughts on it all. The morning duo then also have a conversation if they want to see Sidney Crosby play for another team if the Penguins fall out of playoff contention (30:56). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/18/202348 minutes
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Leafs Put on a Show for Dubas

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on the Leafs' impressive win Saturday night against Kyle Dubas’ new team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. B&B breakdown what was the most stunning part of the night: the team putting on the offensive show they did without Auston Matthews or Martin Jones getting the shutout. They discuss players that had a major impact in that game like Knies and Domi as well as wonder if the team should ride the play of a hot goaltender in Martin Jones that maybe nobody expected. Next the morning duo turn their attention to the NFL and the weekend action (37:50). They wonder if the Bills and Niners proved that they are the cream of the crop in their respective conferences, what playoff-bound teams could be frauds and who the League MVP is at this point of the season.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/18/202350 minutes, 46 seconds
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Between the Pipes w/ Devan Dubnyk + Kyle Dubas Returns to Toronto

On the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look back on the Maple Leafs' rollercoaster week culminating in a crazy game last night, before teeing up Saturday's matchup against their former GM Kyle Dubas. They bring in Sportsnet’s Luke Fox for his thoughts on the team, the inconsistency on display, and who they need to rely on most right now. Later, former pro goalie turned NHL Network analyst, Devan Dubnyk weighs in on the Leafs' shorthanded situation in goal, early impressions of Martin Jones, what it takes to succeed in between the pipes, what teams can do to help their guys develop (28:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/15/202349 minutes, 11 seconds
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Bizarre TNF w/ Charles Davis

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show with a quick lookahead to Saturday’s Leafs-Penguins game and wonder if we’ll see Kyle Dubas in Toronto for it. Next, they turn their attention to the NFL and a surprising Raiders beatdown of the Chargers. They bring in Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS for his thoughts on both franchises, the weird season its been with teams from week to week and help tee up the other key matchups on Sunday. The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake! (30:57)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/15/202347 minutes, 42 seconds
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Picking Up a Point the Hard Way

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start today’s FAN Morning Show on the rollercoaster ride that was watching the Toronto Maple Leafs play last night. The duo get into all of it: the tough two periods to start the game that had fans booing; the epic third period that got the home team back in it and the tough OT that saw Columbus finally get the victory despite the Leafs having many opportunities. They also dive into the Samsonov and the goaltending as well as Matthews coming up clutch again. To close the hour, they give some takeaways from the Dodgers introducing their newest superstar and some of the things Shohei said (34:14).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
12/15/202349 minutes, 58 seconds
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Talking Leafs w/ Seravalli & Simmer

It's game day here in Toronto, so Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning spend the final hour of The FAN Morning Show teeing up Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets with Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli and Sportsnet’s own Craig Simpson. First, they touch base with DFO’s President of Hockey Content about the Leafs' recent stretch of play, what, if any, moves or trades GM Brad Treliving can make, and Sidney Crosby's stellar season at age 36. Later, Simmer checks in ahead of tonight's call on Sportsnet for his thoughts on Toronto's first quarter of the season and the star power in tonight's matchup, before looking ahead to this weekend’s meeting with Kyle Dubas’ Penguins (26:20).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/14/202347 minutes, 40 seconds
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Re-visiting Ohtani w/ David Samson

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show with a quick thought on the announcement of Canada’s World Junior hockey roster before turning their attention to Shohei Ohtani who is scheduled to be introduced by the Dodgers today. They re-visit his free agency and signing of the Japanese superstar with Nothing Personal host David P. Samson . The morning duo also have the debate if “great” or “dominant” teams still exist in sports today (25:59). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/14/202348 minutes, 28 seconds
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Raptors Snap Losing Streak + Can Matthews Hit 60 Again?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin today’s FAN Morning Show on the Raptors managing to snap their losing streak with a much needed win in a high scoring game against the Hawks. Can anything be taken away from that game? Pascal Siakim has a big game. Does it change anything in terms of his future with this team when we see him play like that? The guys discuss the NBA indefinitely suspending Draymond Green for his latest in game actions. Later, they turn their attention to the Maple Leafs (31:41), what should be the goals of this team for the rest of the regular season and can Auston Matthews hit 60 goals again?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/14/202350 minutes, 10 seconds
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Leafs Character Check and Promising Trajectory

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning stick on the Maple Leafs' page for the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show! Sportsnet analyst and 590 host Nick Kypreos stops by to share his takeaways from Toronto's back-to-back games, what looks different this year with the Buds, and if they could be projecting in the right direction as the season goes. B&B then turn to NHL Network analyst Jody Shelley for an outside take the Maple Leafs this year and the incredibly high ceiling Auston Matthews provides (28:10). They discuss how AM34 seems to continue to elevate his game and his ability to understand the moment like playing in MSG, before taking a quick look around the league to chat about the NHL's best characters. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/13/202348 minutes, 22 seconds
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Matthews’ Hart Campaign + Pascal’s Future as a Raptor

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs. They focus on Auston Matthews and the season he is having thus far. They discuss the idea of what is his ceiling is and could it be another Hart Trophy season for him? Next, the morning duo check in with NBA Insider, Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange (25:51) ahead of a Raptors game at home tonight. They discuss what the future of the team could be and the specific focus on Pascal Siakim. They also discuss the vibes in the room and how new head coach Darko is holding up in this recent slump. The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/13/202348 minutes, 35 seconds
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Leafs Make Dads Proud + Ohtani Insight

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show kick off with an impressive Leafs win in a back-to back game against the New York Rangers. They discuss the strong play of Auston Matthews and Jake McCabe. B&B also take some time to talk Martin Jones and what fans hope or could want from him. Next, the Ohtani fallout continues after San Francisco Giants Farhan Zaidi gave some insight to their negotiations & dealings with Shohei, which makes the morning duo ponder where on his list the Blue Jays really were (30:17).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/13/202350 minutes, 38 seconds
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Toronto as a Baseball City + NFL Week 14 Wrap

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close the final hour of The FAN Morning Show discussing why some teams like the Islanders and Yankees still uphold some old team traditions and rules. Then, this year’s Jack Graney Award Winner, Sportsnet Blue Jays broadcast analyst, Buck Martinez joins the program to give his thoughts on what happened between Toronto and Shohei Ohtani. After that, we check in with Football Morning In America’s Peter King to recap Week 14 in the NFL including a couple eventful Monday Nighters (23:33). The trio close the show with a quick chat on Patrick Mahomes, who expressed his regret with how he handled the end of the Chiefs' last game against the Bills. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/12/202346 minutes, 44 seconds
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SGA Wins Northern Star Award + Leafs Talk w/ Damien Cox

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of the FAN Morning Show re-setting on the Maple Leafs and John Tavares’ career night. They look at the play of the team overall heading into another game tonight against the New York Rangers. Next, B&B turn their attention to Hamilton’s own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who was named the winner of The Northern Star Award for Canada's athlete of the year for 2023. Next, the morning duo welcome Damien Cox (26:54) of the Star. The trio discusses yesterday’s vote as well as the Leafs and their recent play. The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and RakeThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
12/12/202350 minutes, 9 seconds
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Tavares’ Toronto Legacy + Ohtani’s Deferred Money

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start today’s FAN Morning Show talking Maple Leafs hockey. Captain John Tavares gets his 1,000th career point against the team that drafted him. They look at John’s path to 1,000 and an overview of his career and his legacy with the Leafs. Next, the morning duo delve into the numbers that came out on Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers and how a vast majority of the money is deferred. B&B give their takeaways from it and what it tells them about the negotiations. Were the Blue Jays ever really in? The two close the hour talking about the reeling Raptors who lost again and what the future holds for the franchise as a whole (25:40).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/12/202349 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ohtani-Mania & Jays Next Steps with Ben Nicholson-Smith & Adnan Virk

Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning to share his view on the Blue Jays’ pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, how close they were in signing him, and where the organization turns now that Ohtani has selected the Dodgers. MLB Network’s Adnan Virk comments on the social-media hysteria tied to Ohtani’s choice, if there’s a scenario where the $700M spent by the Dodgers turns out to be a bad deal, and if Toronto should overpay other free agents to make up for not signing Ohtani (28:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/11/202349 minutes, 11 seconds
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Leafs Gameday + Mahomes vs. the Referees

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 on the fallout from Shohei Ohtani’s decision; notably Jon Heyman of the NY Post’s feelings on Toronto and why he thinks he didn’t sign with the Blue Jays. Maple Leafs analyst Gord Stellick shares his Ohtani opinion as a longtime Toronto sports fan before commenting on Toronto’s victory over the Nashville Predators over the weekend with Ilya Samsonov in between the pipes. Later, Ben and Brent turn their attention to Week 14 in the NFL and Patrick Mahomes ripping the officiating after Kadarius Toney lined up offside (26:49). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
12/11/202348 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ohtani’s Deal Dominates the News Cycle

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show return from the weekend discussing how they spent their Friday afternoon tracking the rumours involving Shohei Ohtani’s whereabouts and the feeling of disappointment when it was revealed on Saturday that he decided to sign with the Dodgers over the Toronto Blue Jays. The guys recap their range of emotions following the Ohtani saga now that its reached a conclusion and comment on the various reports and news stories on Ohtani before and after the signing. To end the hour, Ben and Brent turn their attention to the Toronto Maple Leafs following their shutout win over Nashville.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/11/202350 minutes
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Leafs Champagne Problems + Shohei Speculation Continues

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show with friend of the show, host of Leafs Talk and producer of Real Kyper & Bourne, Sam McKee! They start on the Maple Leafs' ability to win games they shouldn’t and Joseph Woll's latest injury, before diving into the Blue Jays’ pursuit of Shohei Ohtani and Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf deal. After that, the morning duo stay on Ohtani watch and bring in MLB Network’s Adnan Virk to get his perspective on the possibility of Shohei signing in The6ix (25:41). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/8/202349 minutes, 19 seconds
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Around the NFL w/ Charles Davis + IST Finals Set

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show kick off hour 2 with the NFL talking about a Patriots win and whether their fans would be happy with it. They bring on Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS to tee up Week 14 of the NFL. Next, the two shift focus to the In-Season Tournament Final between the Indiana Pacers and LA Lakers, the two discuss the importance of winning the trophy for each franchise (27:28). The hour ends with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/8/202348 minutes, 53 seconds
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Leafs Win but Lose Woll + Ohtani Tracking

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show start today with their thoughts on the Leafs' win over the Senators. They break down Joseph Woll who may have been having his best game before leaving with an injury. They discuss how long the netminder could be out and where it leaves Toronto with a busy stretch of games coming up in the schedule. Next, the two talk about the latest reports and theories around Shohei Ohtani. The duo ends the hour chatting about Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV golf after previous comments he made. It leads to a quick conversation about the future of the sport (27:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
12/8/202349 minutes, 23 seconds
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Leafs Game Day w/ Josh Kloke + Ohtani'd Out?

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show defending Toronto as a city to Shohei Ohtani after an American broadcaster made a claim that the star doesn’t want to move “North”. The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke joins live from Ottawa ahead of tonight’s Leafs-Sens game to discuss John Klingberg's season ending surgery, the upcoming stretch of games for Toronto, and the development of Joseph Woll. Later on, the morning duo wonder if the excitement for Ohtani is wearing off as they continue to wait and reminisce about where they were when they heard John Tavares signed with the Leafs (38:51). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/7/202347 minutes, 59 seconds
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Ohtani Feelings and Leafs Short Term Future

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show sharing their feelings on the Shohei Ohtani situation and how invested they are that this comes to fruition for the city and country’s MLB team. Next, B&B dive back into the Klingberg news and delve into some of Brad Treliving’s comments yesterday. The guys elicit the help of NHL insider from The Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli (27:14), to get his thoughts on the Leafs defence, the short term future of the team and the runway for the Leafs’ GM is this season. B&B finish the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/7/202348 minutes, 37 seconds
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Klingberg Clarity + Still Waiting on Shohei

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show check in on Shohei Ohtani and where and when he might sign. They also look at the MLB news of Juan Soto being traded to the Yankees and what the ramifications are for the Blue Jays. Next, the morning duo shift their attention on John Klingburg’s situation. They discuss the freed up money and the difference it might’ve made a week ago in terms of trying to get Zadorov. Finally, B&B discuss the Raptors at the quarter poll mark of the season and the impact head coach Darko Rajaković has had so far (24:44).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/7/202350 minutes, 1 second
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Looking at the Leafs w/ Bourne + Waiting on Ohtani w/ BNS

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show chatting about how the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes may be stalling MLB's free agency market. Next, B&B turn their attention back to the Leafs and are joined by Sportsnet analyst, Justin Bourne. The co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne weighs in on this lull point in the Leafs season to discuss if we’re getting a different version of Sheldon Keefe this year, John Klingberg’s unclear status, and the team's goaltending situation. Next, the duo head to Nashville to speak with Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith, who’s there covering the Winter Meetings (24:36). He gives us the latest buzz from the event, as well as a his first hand account on what its been like with all the Shohei speculation. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/6/202347 minutes, 39 seconds
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What the City Offers Shohei + Lowry’s Legacy in Toronto

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show with the latest reports on Ohtani’s preferred landing spots which have come down to Los Angeles and Toronto. The morning duo looks at the differences between the two and what each offers the free agent star. The duo take a quick look around the NHL with the Hughes family game last night and lookahead to tonight as Kyle Lowry returns with the Heat to Scotiabank Arena to face the Raptors and what his legacy in the city is (36:54). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
12/6/202349 minutes, 42 seconds
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Ohtani Drama + Legacy of the IST

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show start today chatting about what everyone is talking about around the city (maybe the country): the possibility of Shohei Ohtani signing in Toronto. Quite a day at the Winter Meetings in Nashville with Ross Atkins sticking to the script with his latest “non-comments'' on Shohei while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a potential blunder in the pursuit of the star. Later, the duo talk about the final four of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament and the impact of it overall as well as its future potential and legacy (29:57). They end the hour with some thoughts on Christine Sinclair’s final game for Canada and the possibility of send-off games in other sports.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/6/202349 minutes, 55 seconds
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Ohtani Watch + NFL Week 13 Wrap

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show with more Ohtani talk and it's parallels to the Leafs' market. The duo then head down to Nashville to chat with MLB Network’s Insider Jon Morosi about the Blue Jays' chances of landing Shohei, the stars' expectation of privacy, his fit on the current team, and if the possibility of Juan Soto is still there for Toronto as well. Later, B&B speak with NBC Sports and Football Morning in America’s Peter King about the NFL’s backup quarterback situation, the disastrous Jets season, the 49ers' demolition of the Eagles, and the hot Green Bay Packers (27:20). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/5/202348 minutes, 4 seconds
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Shohei Secrecy + Leafs Season Overview

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show with an update on the Shohei Ohtani rumours and odds of him joining the Toronto Blue Jays. They dive into the secrecy involved in the pursuit of the superstar and the pressure it puts on teams. The morning duo then change gears to Sheldon Keefe and the Leafs to discuss whether or not we’re seeing a different head coach for Toronto this season. Later, the two welcome Sportsnet analyst and pro hockey scout Jason Bukala (22:17) to get his thoughts on the Leafs including Auston Matthews’ season as a whole and some of the young blueliners that have been called up to help out. Ben & Brent end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/5/202347 minutes, 5 seconds
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Tracking Ohtani and Ross Atkins

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show kick off today chatting about Ross Atkins mysterious whereabouts at the Winter Meetings and Shohei Ohtani’s reported visit to the Blue Jays Spring training complex in Florida. They discuss the challenges of signing a player like Ohtani and if the Dunedin complex could be the difference maker for the MLB mega-star. Next, the duo discusses the success of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament and who is the most fun team in basketball. The morning duo then shift their focus to the Monday Nighter, the NFL’s quarterback injury issues and Zach Wilson’s tenure with the New York Jets (31:35).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/5/202350 minutes, 45 seconds
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The Price of "Extra Hockey" + Blue Jays Off-Season Opportunities

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox to go over Saturday’s game, as well as the season as a whole for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They look at Auston Matthews’ play through 22 games, the amount of over "extra hockey" the team has played this season, and if that additional ice team could be taking a toll on their top stars. Next, Ben and Brent pivot back to the Blue Jays with the help of Sportsnet’s Jeff Blair (26:21)! He shares what makes the most sense for Toronto over the off-season, what kind of “splash” the fanbase is expecting, and the latest on Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/4/202348 minutes, 25 seconds
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Leafs’ Run to Playoffs + NFL Thoughts

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs by looking at their superstar, Auston Matthews and how he dominated the game after some comments from his head coach. B&B elicits the help of former Leafs GM, now analyst & insider Gord Stellick for his thoughts on the game Saturday and what he thinks of all the OT games the team has played. Later, the morning duo get into Week 13 of the NFL and how Sunday may leave some questions on who the best team in each conference is (31:40). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/4/202348 minutes, 58 seconds
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A Big Week for Toronto Sports

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning of The FAN Morning Show set the scene for what is… or could be… a big week for Toronto sports fans. B&B start on the Leafs after a tough OT loss to one of their biggest rivals on Saturday night. They talk about Matthews stepping up but not being enough for a win. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the MLB offseason and how reports on the weekend had the Jays high up on the list of destinations for both Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto (35:13). They look at what the main objectives of the Jays' front office should be and if they are under pressure to land at least one top-starThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/4/202349 minutes, 23 seconds
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Inside the NHL Trade Market + Slick Willy Needs to be Paid

On the final hour of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning tee up this weekend's big Atlantic Division showdown between the Maple Leafs and Bruins! Next, they look at Vancouver's trade to acquire Nikita Zadorov from Calgary, why Toronto fell out of the running, and what the next move might be for GM Brad Treliving. TVA Sports NHL Insider Renaud Lavoie checks in to discuss the ripple effect of Zadorov's move in the trade market. Later on, former NHLer and Olympian, now analyst for NHL Network, Jason Demers stops by to chat about his move into the media side of hockey, before sharing his thoughts on the Leafs and William Nylander's pending payday (26:40). Good morning! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/1/202347 minutes, 44 seconds
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Leafs “In a Good Position” + NFL Week 13 Preview

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show on the Leafs and if they agree with head coach Sheldon Keefe that they are “in a good position” with all these OT & shootout wins. They also discuss the play of Joseph Woll and if the Leafs should continue to ride his solid play. Next, they welcome Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS to get his thoughts on where Dallas fits in the NFC as well as preview other Week 13 matchups including Niners-Eagles. The guys go back to the Shohei sweepstakes and if changing Vegas odds could be at all indicate where he might sign (34:53). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/1/202347 minutes, 59 seconds
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Those (Leafs) Points Aren’t Nothing

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start The FAN Morning Show on yet another Maple Leafs shootout victory against the Seattle Kraken. The guys break down what it means, how positive it is that they are still picking up these points and if the team is trending in the right direction. Later, B&B turn their attention to the MLB free agency and the Shohei sweepstakes (37:10). They discuss how the Blue Jays name keeps coming up from insiders as being in the mix for the coveted superstar.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/1/202350 minutes, 24 seconds
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Leafs Lookahead + Blue Jays Fact or Fiction w/ BNS!

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show teeing up the Maple Leafs' schedule ahead into tonight's matchup against the Kraken. Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox joins the conversation to discuss Toronto's goaltending, the play of the top two lines, and some potential changes Head Coach Sheldon Keefe could make. Next, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith weighs in on the current structure of the Blue Jays' roster and the areas in needs of improvement, before digging into the latest rumours to separate fact from fiction (27:36). Good morning! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/30/202348 minutes, 37 seconds
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Who’s on the MLB Trade Block?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show on the Maple Leafs with the Kraken in town tonight. The two debate on the goaltending situation, who should get these starts and if the organization should let one of them go on a run of games. Next, they check in with MLB insider Jon Morosi (9:39) of the MLB Network. They discuss the weak free agency class and which impactful players could potentially be on the trade block. The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake! (39:08)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/30/202347 minutes, 27 seconds
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Raptors’ Rollercoaster + Leafs’ Quarter Report

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start talking about the Raptors' win over the Suns and whether this should be a trending topic. Next, they turn their attention to the Maple Leafs and look at the 20-ish game sample from this team so far this season and what realistic expectations should be for them to do the rest of the season. Lastly, the boys bring up the MLB offseason, with the weak free agency class, one name being brought up as possibly on the block is Juan Soto. B&B discusses the likelihood of him coming into the A.L. East (38:20).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/30/202350 minutes, 25 seconds
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Shootout Savior Noah Gregor with Uncle Jason

On the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning bring on Sportsnet NHL Insider and Stanley Cup champ, Nick Kypreos! He shares his thoughts on last night's win for the Maple Leafs including their toughness, the goaltending, the new line combos, and the job ahead for Sheldon Keefe. Later on, the morning duo are joined by Jason Gregor, host of The Jason Gregor Show and DFO Rundown podcasts and also uncle of the last night's shootout hero, Noah Gregor (26:42)! They discuss his nephew’s first year with the Maple Leafs, before focusing in on how the Edmonton Oilers turned their season around. Good morning!  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/29/202348 minutes, 17 seconds
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Leafs’ Intensity, Jays’ Potential, and Raptors’ Path Forward

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show focusing on the Maple Leafs' slow start in last night's playoff rematch against the Panthers. Soon after, the fellas turn their attention to the Blue Jays to chat about the reports surfacing of the team fielding calls on Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Next up Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange stops by for his thoughts on last night's Raptors loss to Brooklyn, the current direction of the team, and the NBA’s In-Season Tournament as a whole (26:20). Ben and Brent end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/29/202348 minutes, 19 seconds
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An Unusual Leafs Win With an Unlikely Hero

Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis kick off today's episode of The FAN Morning Show with a look back on yesterday's lengthy shootout victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs on the shoulders of Joseph Woll and Noah Gregor! The guys share their experience being in attendance last night, as well as some takeaways including the goaltending, the role players, yet another slow start, and the post game comments from coaches on both sides. Later, Brent and Ben get into the Chicago Blackhawks' decision to terminate Corey Perry's contract, before switching to the hardcourt to discuss the Raptors' loss in their final In-Season Tournament game. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/29/202350 minutes, 32 seconds
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Leafs-Panthers Rematch, Patrick Kane Signs + NFL Weekly Wrap

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis tee up the Maple Leafs' upcoming matchup with the Panthers with radio broadcaster and former NHLer, Bill Lindsay! They focus in on how both teams have changed since their meeting in second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last year, before reacting live to Patrick Kane's singing with the Detroit Red Wings. Later on, Peter King of NBC Sports stops by to put a bow on Week 12 in the NFL, before looking ahead to what this week's schedule has in store (23:28). Ben and Brent close with some final thoughts on Tiger Woods and Gradey Dick's G-League performance. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/28/202347 minutes, 39 seconds
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Bring on the Panthers + Northern Star Award

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-set on the Maple Leafs and how they look at the quarter point of the season. Next, they turn their attention to the Florida Panthers who come to town after a tension filled game with the Senators last night. They welcome on Toronto Star writer and Leafs author, Damien Cox (25:15) to get his talk on this season’s team and if they are currently underperforming. The trio also start the discussion on this year’s Northern Star Award for Canada’s athlete of 2023. The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/28/202349 minutes, 21 seconds
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Leafs Game Day + NFL Musings

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start with the Leafs and break down some of the things they heard from both, Brad Treliving and Sheldon Keefe, including their assessment of the team at around the quarter poll of the season, the lines begin shuffled, some of the offseason moves that were made and how they’ve worked out. Later, the guys tackle the Monday Nighter being won by field goals and the big coaching decision in Carolina (37:09).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/28/202349 minutes, 27 seconds
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Leafs in Regulation + Raptors in Close Games

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show addressing their concerns for the Maple Leafs' lack of regulation wins so far this season. Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider at Daily Faceoff, stops by to share his take on the Blue and White, before getting into the Oilers and Blackhawks' current situations. Later on, Sportsnet's own Alvin Williams checks in to discuss the Raptors' struggles from the free throw line, the team's performance in close games, and Scottie Barnes' third year in the league (26:45). Ben and Brent wrap the show with some final NFL thoughts including how the AFC playoff picture is shaping up. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/27/202349 minutes, 15 seconds
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Dubas Doesn’t Talk + an Exciting NFL Sunday

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-set on the Maple Leafs and address that we didn’t hear from Kyle Dubas around Saturday’s game between his new and former teams. Next, B&B welcome on former Leafs’ GM; now analyst Gord Stellick to get his thoughts on it as well as discuss the team on the ice circling back on Mitch Marner’s season thus far. Next the boys talk about an exciting Sunday in NFL Week 12, which was led by a great game in Philly between the Eagles & Bills (31:45). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/27/202346 minutes, 40 seconds
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Mitch Marner & Gradey Dick’s Season So Far

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the week talking Maple Leafs. B&B discuss the back-to-back losses against their former GM’s new team. They talk about which lines are working and the team’s goaltending. They do a bit of a deep dive into Mitch Marner’s season so far after some comments relating to it from head coach Sheldon Keefe. Next, they turn their attention to the Toronto Raptors, who split their weekend games 1-1. The morning duo recap last night’s loss to the Cavs as well as address Raptors rookie, Gradey Dick and his season struggles coming into the NBA (35:28).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/27/202350 minutes, 45 seconds
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Bleeding Blue & White Into the Weekend

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Brent Gunning and Jesse Rubinoff end the week with a full hour of Leafs talk. They tee up today in Chicago where they will face off with Connor Bedard & the Blackhawks then head to Pittsburgh to face their former GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins. They elicit the help of The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke to get his thoughts if there are any expectations for a hangover after the Sweden trip. Next, the boys welcome their friend and producer of Real Kyper & Bourne, co-host of Leafs Talk, Sam McKee (27:22) for his thoughts on the team, the season, facing Dubas and everything that is Blue & White.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/24/202348 minutes, 34 seconds
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NFL Week 12 Preview w/ Charles Davis

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Brent Gunning and Jesse Rubinoff turn their attention to the remaining slate of games for Week 12. They are also joined by NFL on CBS’ Charles Davis who helps get set for today's matchups and Sunday. Next, B&J do a quick tee up of the today’s Leafs game from the opposition  before also giving some thoughts on expectations for the Jets-Dolphins showdown (34:04). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/24/202348 minutes, 48 seconds
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Klingberg-Leafs’ Fallout + NFL Thanksgiving Games

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Brent Gunning is joined by Jesse Rubinoff. The boys turn their attention to the Leafs with it finally being game day. They discuss the news of John Klingberg being placed on LTIR by the team and what it means for both the Leafs and the player. B&J dive into the options open now to GM Brad Treliving and what the likelihood is of how it will play out by the end of the season. Later, they dive into Thursday’s games and how the Niners are on a different level ever since acquiring Christian McCaffrey (33:17).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/24/202350 minutes, 12 seconds
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Blue Jays' Off-Season Options + Oilers' Frustration Builds

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk, as they break down the MLB off-season, the top targets available around the diamond, and the recent Bo Bichette rumours. Later on, Sportsnet's Mark Spector stops by to discuss the Oilers' recent struggles, the building frustration within the team and fanbase, and how to right the ship (27:53). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/23/202348 minutes, 55 seconds
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What Moves Can the Leafs Make?

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning focus on the Leafs who are close to playing their first game after the Global Series. B&B discuss the curious case of John Klingberg and the options for both he & the team in regards to his future given his injury. Later, the boys welcome on Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala to get his thoughts on the Leafs, if they should be looking to make a move soon and what assets they hold to do it (30:59). They close the hour with Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/23/202348 minutes, 41 seconds
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Raptors Win + Bo on the Block?

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start by giving some props to the Raptors who managed to pull off a win against the high-scoring Pacers even after a slow start. They look specifically at the play and roles of players like Pascal Siakam, Malachi Flynn and Gary Trent Jr. Next, B&B turn their attention to the Oilers who dropped another game on this road trip this time losing in Carolina. Later, a report came out that the Chicago Cubs could have interest in Bo Bichette so the morning duo debate the merits of the Blue Jays shopping their shortstop (32:31).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/23/202349 minutes, 53 seconds
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Raptors and Leafs Identity Checkpoint

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning rewind to the Raptors' disappointing game in Orlando last night, before sharing what needs to change ahead of tonight's contest against Indiana. Blake Murphy, Sportsnet NBA analyst and co-host of The Raptors Show, stops by to chat about the Raps' tendency to fall behind early in games and the looming decisions for this organization. Later on, former NHL centre and current analyst for NHL Network, Brian Boyle weighs in on what he’s seen from some of his former teammates in Toronto, the state of the "core four", and how far he sees this team going come playoff time (27:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/22/202348 minutes
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Almost Go Time for the Leafs

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning turn their attention to hockey and the Leafs who will hit the ice today for practice ahead of their next game Friday. The boys discuss what they’ll be looking for in that game, any line-up adjustments Sheldon Keefe could make and if anything can be done to help their blueline and backend. Later, the boys elicit the help of former NHL coach, GM and president Doug MacLean (23:19) to look around the NHL. They get some thoughts from Mac on teams like the Oilers, Blue Jackets and Leafs. The hour closes as always with Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/22/202347 minutes, 50 seconds
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A Disappointing Night for the Raptors and Canada Soccer

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the show by addressing their frustrations towards the NHL with there being no games again. Next up, B&B turn their attention to the Raptors who put in an underwhelming performance against the Magic on the road. They address the urgency the team plays with and wonder if that’s something Coach Darko can instill in this group. Later, the morning duo addresses Canada Soccer and their past year ignited by a poor performance in front of a home crowd last night against Jamaica (29:36).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/22/202350 minutes, 20 seconds
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Gabby’s Thoughts + Week 11 Wrap

Hour 3 on The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning alongside former player and coach, now analyst Bruce Boudreau! The trio go over some "what's more likely" scenarios for the Maple Leafs, before Bruce shares how he would handle a midseason trip overseas and his perspective on Toronto's pending lineup decisions. Later on, Ben and Brent tie a bow on Week 11 in the NFL with NBC Sports’ Peter King (25:07)! They discuss last night's contest between the Eagles and Chiefs, the key storylines to watch heading into American Thanksgiving, and some breaking news coming out of Pittsburgh. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/21/202348 minutes, 57 seconds
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NHL World Cup + Possible JD Reunion

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning turn their attention back to hockey with a focus on the Maple Leafs as they throw each other questions of 'What's More Likely' this season for the Buds. After, B&B turn their attention to the Blue Jays with a couple reports and quotes out there including one from former MVP Josh Donaldson who is “definitely interested” in a reunion with his former club, Jose Bautista is on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot which gives the guys 'Something to Chew on'. Later, the morning duo discuss the merits of the NHL contemplating a 4 nation World Cup of Hockey in the coming years (29:54). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/21/202346 minutes, 54 seconds
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Oilers in Search for Consistency

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning turn their attention to the Edmonton Oilers who continue to struggle after dropping another game last night. They look at why they can’t seem to put a consistent run together yet this season, the resolution there is for the team and why Leafs fans should feel for them. Next, they recap last night’s Monday Night Football game, and how it lived up to the hype with a different outcome. Next, the morning duo touches on the still ongoing lawsuit the Knicks have against the Raptors. They look at the history between the two franchises and if business could ever be done while James Dolan & Masai Ujiri are at the top of their respective clubs (35:46).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/21/202350 minutes, 36 seconds
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Global Series a Success + Likelihood of Moving Manoah

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning looking back at the NHL’s Global Series in Sweden with Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli. He shares his take on the showcase, if it should be considered a success, the strong fan support, and more! Next, Ben and Brent check in with another insider, this time on the baseball side, with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (27:17)! They discuss the likelihood that the Blue Jays will trade Alek Manoah, the latest on Shohei Ohtani’s free agency, and the biggest off-season questions around the league. The boys close the show zeroing in on William Nylander, his pending new contract, and what lies ahead for the Leafs to get it done.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/20/202348 minutes, 9 seconds
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Leafs Lineup Questions

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-set on the Maple Leafs and their current 4 game winning streak. The duo look at where it has them in the standings and the importance of where they finish. B&B then look at the current roster and game line-ups the Leafs have been putting out; the hosts ponder what the near future holds for both Klingberg and Reaves. They elicit the help of former Leafs GM, now analyst, insider & host, Gord Stellick (28:43) to get his thoughts on the team overall. They then quickly chat football, both CFL’s Grey Cup and NFL’s Week 11 before ending the hour with Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/20/202347 minutes, 38 seconds
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Nylander Gone Global + Manoah on the Block?

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start start the show talking about the NHL Global Series and what impressions they had in the two Maple Leafs games over the weekend in Sweden. It was the William Nylander experience going to his home country and putting on a show both on & off the ice. B&B debate his contract status and what the value of his next one might be. Later, the morning duo turns their attention to the Raptors home weekend with their two games: a heartbreaking loss to the Celtics Friday and then, an impressive & historic win on Sunday against the Pistons. Lastly the guys delve into a Ken Rosenthal report that stated that the Blue Jays are “open” to trading RHP Alek Manoah and just how much sense that makes for Toronto (33:13).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/20/202350 minutes, 40 seconds
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Puck Talk with Kyper & Rupper

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning chatting about the NHL’s Global Series in Sweden ahead of the Maple Leafs' matinee against the Red Wings. Sportsnet’s own Nick Kypreos weighs in on Toronto's trip overseas, if the long layoff could de-rail the momentum they had going, Mats Sundin's involvement with the team in Sweden, and the latest on William Nylander and John Klingberg. Later, NHL Network's Mike Rupp shares his thoughts on international games, afternoon hockey, and how both players and coaches can manage playing in a different environment. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/17/202348 minutes, 10 seconds
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NFL Week 11 Preview w/ Charles Davis

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show host Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning turn their attention to the NFL and Week 11, which started Thursday Night in a good game between the Ravens & Bengals. B&B then welcome on Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS to look at some of the other big matchups this Sunday and names to look out for. Next up, B&B turn their attention to the Oakland A’s moving to Las Vegas (29:23). The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/17/202348 minutes
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Game Day for the Buds + Shohei Wins MVP

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the show with the Leafs media pregame as it's finally gameday in Sweden. The guys discuss what to expect from the team after having almost a week off. Next the morning duo turn their attention to Shohei Ohtani after winning his second unanimous MVP. B&B delve into what we really know about his free agency and how serious the Jays are about pursuing him (33:29).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/17/202350 minutes, 33 seconds
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The Buds' 6000km Road Trip + MLB Off-Season Rumour Mill

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show once again delving into the Blue and White ahead of their first game of the Global Series in Sweden. Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox hops aboard for some insight into the team, the lineup, and how they are handling this trip overseas. In the second half, Brent and Ben circle back to baseball with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk (26:00)! The trio discuss some recent rumours and reports from around the league, if the Blue Jays will make a big splash over the off-season, and which player might be in their sights. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/16/202347 minutes, 15 seconds
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Going to Sweden + Blue Jays Future

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Leafs trip to Sweden and the Global Series to discuss what good can come from sending Toronto’s team overseas after finding their stride. They check in with the Athletic’s Joshua Kloke in Stockholm to get a sense what adjustment's the team may be dealing with ahead of their first game on Friday. The PGA gives the boys 'Something to Chew on'. Later, the morning duo turn their attention back to the Blue Jays offseason and talk about contracts with who should be re-upped (26:50). The guys end the hour with Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/16/202346 minutes, 45 seconds
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Raptors Letdown + Jays Offseason

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Maple Leafs and their schedule this week. The morning duo then move on to Raptors who had a big letdown game against the Bucks last night at Scotiabank Arena. B&B gets into what and who they expected more from and if this should be concerning. Later, some MLB talk as Ken Rosenthal reports the Blue Jays as sleepers in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes in free agency (37:04). The morning duo discusses what it would take and mean to bring the iconic figure to Toronto.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/16/202351 minutes, 29 seconds
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Leafs Lineup and NHL Overtime Changes Incoming

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of the program checking in on the Maple Leafs' practice in Sweden ahead of their Global Series matchup. The guys also break down the latest news from the NHL GM Meetings this week including the push to make some changes to the 3-on-3 overtime format. Later on, longtime NHL winger and current analyst at NHL Network, Scott Hartnell stops by to share some stories about traveling abroad to play (29:08). He weighs in on how a trip can help bring a team together, before sharing his take on how Toronto has fared in the early portion of the season. Good morning! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/15/202348 minutes, 37 seconds
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What is a 'Big Move' for the Jays? + Raptors preview w/ Michael Grange

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the show on a recent report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan that stated the Blue Jays are wanting to make a “big move” this winter. The guys discuss what that could entail and how it has to be on adding a big bat. Staying on MLB, Giancarlo Stanton’s agent gives the morning duo 'Something to Chew on' after open comments about playing in NYC for the Yankees. B&B turn to Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange (25:46) for a preview of tonight’s Raptors-Bucks game. The guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/15/202349 minutes, 1 second
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Leafs go Global + Raptors Test Tonight

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show host Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the day on the Maple Leafs who have arrived in Stockholm, Sweden for the NHL Global Series. They discuss how not much could get done at practice and how William Nylander going “home” seems to be the centre of attention. Next, the morning duo looks at tonight’s Raptors game as they host Giannis, Dame & the Bucks. To close the hour, they stay on the NBA and discuss some recent comments from the league regarding physicality and if officials have gone too far (35:17).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/15/202349 minutes, 14 seconds
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Raptors Insight + How the NHL is “Growing the Game”

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kicks off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show looking back on the Raptors' comeback victory and determine if the team is trending in a positive direction under their new head coach. They bring on Sportsnet NBA analyst Alvin Williams to get his thoughts on what he’s seeing from the squad, including their stars like Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby and Scottie Barnes, as well as some of the role players like Chris Boucher, Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa. Later on, longtime hockey writer and author Damien Cox stops by to discuss the NHL's Global Series in Sweden and the good that it can do for growing the game (27:49). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/14/202348 minutes, 34 seconds
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Raptors’ Team Character + Bills’ Window w/ Peter King

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Raptors and their comeback win last win to discuss the team’s character. The duo also looks at early returns on the split between Toronto and coach Nick Nurse to see who’s season seems to be tracking better. B&B turn their attention back to the Leafs and specifically William Nylander. Later, they turn their attention back to the NFL & in week 10 looking at a few teams including the Bills and the Ravens. They bring on NBC Sports’ Peter King to delve into it all (29:17). The guys end the hour with Wake and Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/14/202347 minutes, 34 seconds
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Raptors Rebound to Win + Jays New Coach Role

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Raptors' comeback victory last night against the Wizards. They go over if they were more impressed by the second half performance, or concerned with the first half against one of the league’s lower teams. The morning duo discuss some of the latest Leafs news including updates on John Klingberg and Conor Timmins; looking at where both fit in to the lineup. The two also look at the Oilers' first win under their new coach, as well as Connor McDavid's response to Jay Woodcroft's departure. Later, the pair get into the Blue Jays' re-hiring of DeMarlo Hale as an “Associate Manager” and try to figure out where he fits within the coaching structure (30:36).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/14/202351 minutes
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Inside the Leafs, Oilers & Player Power

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 on The FAN Morning Show with some quick takes on the Leafs and Oilers as the two Canadian franchises try to come in to form with some changes to their roster and coaching respectively. They then turn to Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli for his thoughts on both teams. How confident should Leafs fans be? How much input did Connor McDavid have? What benefit will the upcoming NHL games in Sweden have for the Leafs and the league? To end the hour, Ben and Brent discuss James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and if the Clippers have become the team everyone loves to cheer against. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/13/202348 minutes, 7 seconds
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Leafs off to Sweden w/ Gord Stellick

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-set on the Toronto Maple Leafs and a specific comment from head coach Sheldon Keefe following Saturday's win. The boys debate before welcoming Leafs analyst, former general manager author, and NHL Morning Skate host Gord Stellick to provide his perspective. They discuss how much harder this season's squad is than previous ones and the significance of these games in Sweden for Toronto's franchise. Finally, the guys recap NFL Week 10 with some of their takeaways along with their daily Wake and Rake! (31:52)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/13/202347 minutes, 41 seconds
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Leafs Back on Track + Oilers Make Changes

Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss a hectic week for hockey fans. They begin with the Leafs, who won four points in two games on Friday and Saturday before travelling to Sweden. B&B talks about the two instigators, the absence of Reaves and Klingberg from the lineup, a new fourth line, and a hot third line. The lads then move on to the Oilers, since there have been some changes in Edmonton's NHL squad. How much power or influence did McDavid have? To conclude the hour, the hosts discuss the Raptors' recent road trip as well as the disappointment surrounding the Argos' home loss in front of their largest audience (33:04).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/13/202352 minutes, 25 seconds
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Leafs-Flames Game Day w/ Gary Roberts

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by The Athletic’s Maple Leafs reporter Josh Kloke ahead of tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames to go over the latest in Leaf Land. Josh weighs in on John Klingberg’s sub-par play, Timothy Liljegren’s injury and his importance to the back-end, Joseph Woll being treated like the number one goalie, and Brad Treliving's search for defencemen via trade. Later on, Leafs and Flames alum Gary Roberts joins the guys to reflect on the pressure of playing in Toronto, forwards buying-in to play better team defence, the importance of proper conditioning to be prepared for the rigors of the NHL season, and his participation in the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends classic (28:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/10/202349 minutes, 23 seconds
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Week 10 in the NFL with Charles Davis

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS to discuss the latest news and notes ahead of the weekend; notably the maturity of CJ Stroud in his rookie season, Joe Burrow and the Bengals playing better despite being last in the AFC North, why he sees Baltimore as the best team in the AFC, and how the 49ers will fare against Jacksonville after losing three straight games. Later on, the guys react to P.K. Subban’s comments on why he believes the Maple Leafs should fire Sheldon Keefe (30:31) and give out their picks for Leafs-Flames and a few NFL games in latest edition of the Wake ‘N Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/10/202347 minutes, 54 seconds
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Lineup Changes in Toronto, Coaching Changes in Edmonton?

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start of the show reacting to the Oilers loss to the Sharks as they sit in the basement of the NHL standings; before discussing what they are expecting from the Maple Leafs tonight against Calgary and if Ryan Reaves and/or John Klingberg may be healthy scratches. The guys touch on some Blue Jays notes as they react to Kevin Gausman’s comments on Alek Manaoh’s 2023 season, if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could be used at 3B in 2024, and the team’s reported interest in the Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins. To end the hour, Ben and Brent look ahead to the Raptors’ Atlantic divison clash this weekend against the Boston Celtics (31:08).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/10/202349 minutes, 34 seconds
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Siakam Surges + The MLB Hot Stove with Jim Duquette

After a few final Leafs thoughts following last night’s game, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome Sportsnet’s Alvin Williams to the show to discuss the Raptors after their impressive win in Dallas; notably Pascal Siakam’s standout performance and showing why he is still an elite player when he’s in rhythm. MLB Network Radio analyst and former GM Jim Duquette shares his opinion on why he sees Joey Votto as a fit for the Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero’s contract status in Toronto, what it’s like negotiating first-hand with Scott Boras, and Craig Counsell’s record-breaking deal to manage the Chicago Cubs (26:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/9/202348 minutes, 38 seconds
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Leafs-Sens: What Went Wrong?

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning recap the latest chapter in the Battle of Ontario as the Toronto Maple Leafs allowed three third period goals in their loss to Ottawa. Sportsnet’s Luke Fox joins the guys (25:37) to assess Toronto’s performance and to discuss John Klingberg’s struggles defensively, Joseph Woll’s game, if Conor Timmins can help be a solution defensively when healthy, and Nick Robertson being a catalyst on the third-line in a limited sample size. To end the hour, the guys share an NHL pick and look ahead to Thursday Night Football in the Wake ‘n Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/9/202348 minutes, 15 seconds
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Leafs Defensive Lapses + Boras Meets the Media

Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start off Thursday discussing the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defensive woes in their 6-3 home loss to the Ottawa Senators; and how the team needed to play better in front of Joseph Woll on an off-night for the young netminder. Later they turn their attention to the Toronto Raptors as Pascal Siakam had his best game of the season in a 127-116 win over the Mavericks. Any chance that Matt Chapman will return to the Blue Jays in free agency? Ben and Brent react to his agent Scott Boras’ comments at the GM Meetings and talk about Toronto’s reported interest in infielder Jeimer Candelario (34:03).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/9/202350 minutes, 27 seconds
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Blue Jays’ Belief in Manoah & Bukala’s Blue and White Deep Dive

How long will Sheldon Keefe stick with new lineup changes? Ben and Brent talk about what they’re expecting in tonight’s Maple Leafs game, Matthew Knies’ fit on the first-line, and “King Cromulent” Calle Jarnkrok. What are the expectations for Alek Manoah after how last season went? Ben and Brent share their thoughts on Ross Atkins’ comments that Alek Manoah has earned the right to have a “strong leg up” on re-joining the rotation. Sportsnet NHL analyst Jason Bukala joins the show to go over what he’s noticing from the Maple Leafs’ recent play, particularly Nick Robertson’s call-up, who he could foresee him playing with while up with the big club, if brighter days are ahead for Tyler Bertuzzi, and Ilya Samonsov’s body language earlier in the week against Tampa Bay (26:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/8/202347 minutes, 56 seconds
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The Battle of Ontario Continues + Bruce Boudreau

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, ahead of tonight’s Battle of Ontario, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning compare Brady Tkachuk’s post-game comments about Senators fans to Auston Matthews’ comments from Monday night after the Maple Leafs were booed on home ice. Later the guys turn their attention to the Toronto Raptors as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks – can Scottie Barnes continue looking like a top-15 player in the NBA? Jack Adams award winner and NHL Network analyst Bruce Boudreau joins the show (26:36) to discuss if it’s more difficult to be patient as a head coach in a Canadian market, how to deal with newly-acquired players who aren’t producing, if Vancouver can stay competitive in the West, and the Leafs-Sens matchup.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/8/202348 minutes, 12 seconds
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Leafs Game Day & Ross Atkins Speaks at the GM Meetings

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start off your Wednesday looking ahead to the Maple Leafs matchup against the Ottawa Senators; a game which they hope to see Joseph Woll between the pipes for Toronto. Speaking of goalies, later they discuss Jack Campbell being waived by the Oilers and how things could have been different if he had re-signed long-term in Toronto. With the MLB GM Meetings in full swing, Ben and Brent share their thoughts on a variety of Blue Jays notes, notably the team’s interest in free-agent Joey Votto (30:44).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/8/202350 minutes, 42 seconds
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Jets Grounded on MNF

Sam McKee of Leafs Talk and Real Kyper and Bourne joins Ben and Brent with more on Toronto’s Jekyll and Hyde effort against Tampa Bay, and what he noticed from Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi’s games as they continue to get acclimated to the lineup. NFL Insider Peter King joins the show at the conclusion of Week 9 in the NFL to chat about the Jets' blowout loss to the Chargers, Josh Dobbs starring in his Vikings debut, if the Bills are in danger of missing the playoffs if they don’t win their division, CJ Stroud’s historic performance against Tampa Bay, and how he assesses the Cowboys going forward after their loss to the Eagles (22:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/7/202346 minutes, 35 seconds
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The Awful Oilers & Braydon Coburn Talks Leafs-Lightning

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning share more Maple Leafs thoughts after snapping their four-game losing streak; notably this call-up being a pivotal point in Nick Robertson’s Leaf tenure and Ryan Reaves seeing his ice-time cut down to under five minutes. Later they turn their attention to the Oilers who are now 2-8-1 after another sub-par showing against the Canucks. 2020 Stanley Cup Champion and current Lightning TV analyst Braydon Coburn discusses if the Leafs have Tampa’s number after recent games, teams having a physical response and sticking up for each other, and the early part of an NHL season being about finding your identity as a team. (25:34)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/7/202350 minutes, 10 seconds
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Leafs Light the Lamp + Blue Jays Notes

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Tuesday talking about their experience at the Maple Leafs game as Toronto prevailed 6-5 in overtime over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The guys go over the Leafs' poor start, Ilya Samsonov getting pulled, and Auston Matthews continuing his Impressive play with another two goals on the night. With MLB free agency now open, Ben and Brent discuss Matt Chapman being given a qualifying offer by the Blue Jays, his tenure in Toronto likely being over, and the Chicago Cubs hiring ex-Brewers manager Craig Counsell with a lucrative contract (34:40).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/7/202350 minutes, 21 seconds
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The Raptors are Scottie B’s Team

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli to go around the NHL. Frank explains why he’s not overly concerned about the Maple Leafs despite their losing streak, who has been more disappointing in the early going: Tyler Bertuzzi or John Klingberg, the Oilers’ goaltending concerns, and if we could see some panic trades and/or coaching changes on the horizon. Later on, Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy comments on Scottie Barnes taking his game to another level against the Spurs, if there’s a path where Barnes and Pascal Siakam can co-exist long-term, why he sees O.G. Anunoby as a player to keep around in Toronto, and Victor Wembanyama living up to the hype as the #1 overall pick (28:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/6/202347 minutes, 41 seconds
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Leafs Thoughts with Gordo & Free Agency for Votto

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show former Maple Leafs GM Gord Stellick joins Ben and Brent with his thoughts on the team’s recent play having lost their last four games. Together the guys talk about where Tyler Bertuzzi should play in the lineup, if he can still be the natural Michael Bunting replacement on the top line, and Toronto’s lack of response last week against Brad Marchand as they get ready to face Tampa Bay. Following Gord, Ben and Brent discuss Joey Votto becoming a free agent and examine Week 9 in the NFL: Buffalo’s loss to the Bengals, the Chiefs escaping with a win in Germany over Miami, CJ Stroud balling out against Tampa Bay, and Josh Dobbs leading Minnesota to a win despite just joining the team (31:34).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/6/202349 minutes, 41 seconds
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Lackadaisical Leafs & A Raptors Road Win

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start off the week discussing the Toronto Maple Leafs and wonder if they are in crisis mode following their loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Notably, the guys touch on the team’s lack of scoring depth, Tyler Bertuzzi struggling to fit-in, a fourth-line that is getting single digit minutes of playing time, and Auston Matthews continuing to score goals at a torrid pace. Later, they examine the Raptors play in their overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs, Scottie Barnes’ emergence, and Pascal Siakam’s role in the offence (32:58).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
11/6/202350 minutes, 16 seconds
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Where’s the Leafs’ “Snot”?

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Sportsnet’s Craig Simpson checking in from Boston to discuss the Maple Leafs’ loss to the Bruins, Tyler Bertuzzi’s early-season struggles, the Leafs’ lack of retribution on Brad Marchand, how Timothy Liljegren’s injury impacts the team’s blue line depth, and Sheldon Keefe’s current goaltending deployment. Later, Ben and Brent are joined by Adnan Virk, host for MLB Network, to chat about the lack of star power in this year’s World Series, the potential of MLB revisiting its current playoff format, and Matt Chapman’s impending free agency (27:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/3/202348 minutes, 29 seconds
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NFL Week 9 Primer + No Fit for Whit?

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss Tyler Bertuzzi’s demotion to the Leafs’ fourth line and how other newcomers have acclimated to their respective roles. Then, Charles Davis – friend of the show – stops by to chat about his impressions of this year’s rookie quarterback class, Sunday’s much-anticipated Dolphins-Chiefs game in Germany, and the current wide receiver pecking order in the NFL. Later, Ben and Brent weigh in on Whit Merrifield’s free agency situation and the Blue Jays’ decision to remove Dave Hudgens from their major-league coaching staff (33:34). The guys close out the hour with our daily edition of the Wake ‘n’ Rake!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/3/202348 minutes
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Matthews-Marner Reignited + Is Scottie Barnes “The Guy”?

Happy Friday! Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the show by discussing the Maple Leafs’ shootout loss in Boston, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner reigniting their offensive chemistry, Ilya Samsonov’s standout performance, Timothy Liljegren’s injury, and the Leafs’ lack of retaliation on Brad Marchand. Later, the guys chat about the Raptors’ loss to the 76ers, Scottie Barnes emerging as the team’s best player, Pascal Siakam’s reduced role, and expectations for the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament (32:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/3/202351 minutes, 2 seconds
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Andlauer’s Honesty + Early Returns on Gradey Dick

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider for DailyFaceoff.com, to discuss the Maple Leafs’ start to the season, Boston’s continued dominance despite enduring significant roster changes, Michael Andlauer’s refreshingly honest media conference, and the NHL’s lack of transparency regarding the Shane Pinto situation. Afterwards, the guys connect with Will Lou, host of The Raptors Show, to chat about the Raptors’ impressive win over the Bucks, Jakob Poeltl’s strong bounce back performance on Wednesday night, and early impressions of Gradey Dick (27:31). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/2/202348 minutes, 57 seconds
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Leafs Measuring Stick Game?

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss the Maple Leafs’ current lineup construction, the dichotomy between Matt Poltras and Fraser Minten’s acclimation to the NHL, and the Bruins representing a valuable measuring stick for the Leafs. Later, Luke Fox checks in (24:27) from Boston to discuss Sheldon Keefe’s lineup juggling, Tyler Bertuzzi’s current role, which goaltender is most likely to start against the Bruins, and Minten’s challenging first tenure in the NHL.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/2/202347 minutes, 44 seconds
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Rangers Reign Supreme + Raptors Masterclass

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show by discussing the Texas Rangers closing out the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the World Series, Torey Lovullo’s curious post-game apology, and Nathan Eovaldi’s history of clutch playoff performances. Then, the guys weigh in on the Raptors’ big offensive breakout against the Bucks and their stout defensive performance against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Later, Ben and Brent chat about the Leafs’ early-season litmus test against Boston on Thursday night and Michael Andlauer’s reaction to the NHL’s hefty discipline against the Ottawa Senators (30:49).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/2/202350 minutes, 37 seconds
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Goaltending Trade Secrets w/ Cory Schneider

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Cory Schneider, former NHL goaltender and current NHL Network analyst, stopping by to discuss his early impressions of fellow Boston College alum Joseph Woll, key elements that contribute to effective goaltending in today’s NHL, and his experience sharing a locker room with Jack Hughes in New Jersey. Afterwards, the guys connect with Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, to chat about the Leafs’ lacklustre performance on Tuesday night, Tyler Bertuzzi’s underwhelming start to the season, Sheldon Keefe’s line juggling tendencies, and Timothy Liljegren’s potential of becoming a bona fide top 4 defenceman (22:06). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/1/202347 minutes, 3 seconds
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Marner’s Sluggish Start + Rangers on the Cusp

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss Mitch Marner’s modest shot volume early in the season, his post-game remarks about fans booing at Scotiabank Arena, the crowded Atlantic Division landscape, and the importance of Thursday’s matchup against the Bruins. Later, the guys are joined by MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi (24:09) to chat about the Texas Rangers sitting on the cusp of their first World Series title, Marcus Semien’s return on investment, and Corey Seager’s historically-great post-season resume. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/1/202349 minutes, 17 seconds
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Leafs Letdown + Siakam’s Raptors Legacy

Welcome to November! Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the show by discussing the Maple Leafs’ 4-1 loss to the Kings, the visceral reaction from fans at Scotiabank Arena, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner’s recent offensive dry spell, and Joseph Woll’s rocky outing. Afterwards, the guys dive into Pascal Siakam’s uncertain future, how this season could shape his Raptors legacy, and where he sits in the pantheon of beloved Raptors players (30:03)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
11/1/202350 minutes, 55 seconds
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Halloween Hockey + NFL Trade Deadline Buzz

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter for ESPN, stopping by to discuss tonight’s Maple Leafs-Kings matchup, the current Atlantic Division landscape, Auston Matthews’ star power south of the border, and William Nylander’s ascent to superstar status. Afterwards, Ben and Brent are joined by Peter King, NFL insider for NBC Sports, to chat about the latest trade speculation ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm deadline, which teams are most desperate to augment their roster, how Kirk Cousins’ injury might impact Minnesota’s deadline plans, the intrigue surrounding this weekend’s Chiefs-Dolphins matchup in Germany, and the Bengals’ resurgence after a sluggish start to the season (22:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/31/202346 minutes, 57 seconds
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Leafs Early-Season Litmus Test?

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss Sheldon Keefe’s decision to start Joseph Woll against the L.A. Kings, the importance of building Ilya Samsonov’s confidence, and why L.A. presents an interesting litmus test for the Leafs. Later, the guys are joined by Sportsnet’s Michael Grange (25:04) to parse through the Raptors’ loss to the Blazers, the team’s current offensive woes, Pascal Siakam’s uncertain future, and early returns on first-year head coach Darko Rajakovic.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/31/202350 minutes, 50 seconds
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Raptors’ Offensive Woes + Turning Back to Woll

Happy Halloween! Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show by discussing the Raptors’ loss to the Blazers on Monday, the L.A. Clippers’ acquisition of James Harden, and Joseph Woll getting the nod for Tuesday’s game against the Kings. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on the Texas Rangers’ Game 3 victory over the Diamondbacks (33:43), the merits of introducing a challenge system for ball-and-strike calls, and Josh McDaniels’ fleeting job security amid another deflating loss for the Raiders.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/31/202349 minutes, 50 seconds
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Heritage Classic Pageantry + Old School Baseball Renaissance?

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Sportsnet’s David Amber – fresh off a redeye – to discuss his experience covering the Heritage Classic in Edmonton, the Oilers’ big win over the Flames, Connor McDavid’s return, and the current tenor of both fan bases. Afterwards, Cameron Maybin, former MLB outfielder and current MLB Network analyst, stops by to chat about the renaissance of old-school baseball, his experience being traded for Miguel Cabrera, Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. finding a home in Arizona, Daulton Varsho’s first season with the Blue Jays, and Tommy Pham’s integral role with the D-Backs (26:12). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/30/202348 minutes, 52 seconds
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Can Samsonov Turn the Tide? + NFL Week 8 Takeaways

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning weigh in on Fraser Minten’s brief stint with the Maple Leafs and the lingering questions surrounding the team’s third-line centre position. Then, the guys are joined by former Maple Leafs GM Gord Stellick to discuss Ryan O’Reilly’s mercurial free agent exit, the Leafs’ battered blue line, William Nylander’s dominant offensive repertoire, and Ilya Samsonov’s early-season woes. Later, Ben and Brent dive into Sunday’s NFL slate, discussing the Chiefs’ letdown in Denver, key quarterback injuries, and the 49ers’ three-game losing skid. The guys end the hour with our daily edition of the Wake and Rake! (28:44)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/30/202347 minutes, 27 seconds
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Leafs’ Depleted Blue Line + Raptors Power Shift?

Happy Halloween Eve! Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the show by discussing the Maple Leafs’ 3-1-1 road trip, Ilya Samsonov’s performance in Nashville, William Nylander’s torrid start to the season, the implications for his next contract, and the Maple Leafs’ depleted blue line depth. Afterwards, the guys chat about the Raptors’ winless weekend, Nick Nurse’s return to Toronto, early impressions of Darko Rajakovic, Scottie Barnes’ increased usage, and Pascal Siakam’s reduced role. Ben and Brent close out the hour by chatting about Games 1 and 2 of the World Series and Gabriel Moreno’s standout post-season (25:30).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/30/202350 minutes, 43 seconds
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Leafs-Preds On-Site Check-in + World Series Preview

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning take one last look back on last night’s strong performance by the Maple Leafs led by Joseph Woll. They dive into the dynamic of Toronto’s goaltending situation between Woll and Ilya Samsonov, Tyler Bertuzzi’s early returns for the Buds, and if last night was his best game so far. The boys then turn their attention to the World Series with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk live from Texas, who discusses the storylines ahead of Game 1 and Jays fans' perspectives watching Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. compete for a title. Later on, Predators analyst Hal Gill tees up this weekend's action between Toronto and Nashville and reminisces on his career and time in Toronto (32:43). Good morning and have a great weekend!  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/27/202348 minutes, 20 seconds
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A World Series to Hate Watch + NFL Week 8

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning quickly re-set on the Leafs and giving Joseph Woll more flowers for his recent play. The guys then move on to Week 8 of the NFL where they check in with Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS & NFL Network. The trio discuss if what they saw from the Bills last night meant they’re “back” to being one of the top teams of the AFC and some Sunday showdowns for certain teams. B&B then turn their attention to the World Series to discuss how maybe some fans in Canada may be “hate” watching (30:09). The guys end the hour with some Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/27/202348 minutes, 59 seconds
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Leafs Are Streaking Behind a Hot Woll

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on another impressive road win from the Maple Leafs behind a strong from Joseph Woll. They look at some other Toronto players who have started on a hot streak in Rielly, Nylander & Tavares. B&B then turn their attention to the peculiar case of Shane Pinto and the NHL handing him a 41 game suspension. Finally the duo end on the NBA around James Harden and the Sixers. They wonder how it will affect Harden’s immediate future as well as his legacy (39:08).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/27/202350 minutes, 11 seconds
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Pros' Perspectives on Toronto Sports

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show with one last look at the Raptors' first win of the season and their takeaways from the new coach and system. They check in with Sportsnet’s own Alvin Williams to get his take on the action, before sharing the challenges behind adapting to a new style of play. After that, B&B turn their attention back to Maple Leafs ahead of tonight’s game against the Dallas Stars. Former NHL netminder and current NHL Network analyst Devan Dubnyk weighs in on Toronto's goaltenders, what to look for in a young goalie trying to establish themselves, if a pecking order is needed in a tandem situation, and much more (27:42). Good morning! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/26/202347 minutes, 36 seconds
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Raptors Rotation + Leafs Lines

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look back at the Raptors first win of the season and how certain players looked in the new system. B&B then turn back to the Leafs game tonight in Dallas. They discuss which players they hope to step up and have a presence against a tough Stars team. Later, a report saying the Padres could be open to trading Juan Soto gives the guys ‘Something to Chew on’. Finally, the morning duo welcome on Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala (27:28) to get his thoughts on some of the Leafs younger players and see when we could look at Joseph Woll as a certified number one in the League. The guys end the hour with Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/26/202348 minutes, 32 seconds
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Darko’s First NBA Win + Could the Jays Bring in Votto

The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Raptors tipping off their season last night and getting new head coach Darko Rajaković his first NBA win. The two discuss what they saw different of Toronto’s play under the new bench boss. Later, B&B quickly tee up the Maple Leafs as they play the Stars in Dallas tonight; asking the question if Joseph Woll should automatically get the start after how he played in Washington. The morning duo then look at if the Blue Jays could or would bring in Joey Votto next season (34:11).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/26/202350 minutes, 30 seconds
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A New Season of Raptors Basketball w/ GM Bobby Webster

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show starts off with hosts Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis discussing Joseph Woll's performance in net during last night's win over the Capitals. Sportsnet's own Luke Fox furthers the conversation with his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' efforts in Washington, how Sheldon Keefe should manage his goalie tandem, John Tavares' hot start to the season, and which players still need to get going. Later on, Toronto Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster joins the program to help get us set for tonight's opening tip-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (23:42). Good morning and let's go Raptors! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/25/202348 minutes
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Leafs Core Four + Raptors Expectations

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set of the Leafs win last night, looking specifically at the ‘core four’ and their ice time. B&B discuss what William Nylander will be looking at in terms of a new contract and how they see it playing out. Later, ‘Mad Dog’ Chris Russo makes a bold statement that doesn’t pan out and it gives the boys 'Something to Chew On'. Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the start of the NBA season and specifically the Raptors. They bring on Sportsnet’s own Michael Grange (22:38) to examine what are some realistic expectations for this squad and what they’ll be trying to find out about their team over the course of the year. The guys close out the hour with Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/25/202349 minutes, 3 seconds
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Leafs Streaking + Ex Jays Winning

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Leafs with an impressive game in Washington yesterday led by Joseph Woll. They talk about the timely goals, the team playing with a lead and the stellar play of Toronto’s netminder. Later, the morning duo turn their attention to the MLB Postseason with the World Series match-up now set. Blue Jays fans get to watch two former players play for a World Series. Finally, they turn their attention to the Raptors' first game of the season and see who their true leader is (39:05).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/25/202350 minutes, 36 seconds
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Putting a Bow on Week 7 + Final Leafs-Caps Thoughts

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show by circling back to the Maple Leafs' upcoming visit to Washington to face the Capitals at an early 6:00pm start time. The guys discuss who on Toronto's roster they’ll have an eye on, and if this is the opportunity for Joseph Woll to take charge of the team's net. Next, we wrap up the week that was in the National Football League with Peter King of NBC Sports and Football Morning in America (22:48). He shares his take on the NFC North and if anyone can compete with the Lions for the division, the messy QB situation in Cleveland, the concerns surrounding the Bills, and more. The boys wrap up the show with some final thoughts before wishing you a good morning! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/24/202347 minutes, 20 seconds
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Matthews vs. Ovi + Start of a New NBA Season

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the game between the Leafs and Capitals tonight. They focus on seeing two of the league’s best scorers face off in Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin. They turn back to the NBA with Giannis’ new contract extension with the Bucks gives them 'Something to Chew on'. The morning duo check in with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (26:29) in Philadelphia to cover the NLCS Game 7 later today to see who will go up against the Rangers. The guys end the hour with some Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/24/202350 minutes, 8 seconds
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Early Leafs Game + MLB Game 7

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning take the air talking Leafs as the Buds are in Washington to play the Capitals. The morning duo quickly turn their attention to the MLB postseason with the Rangers punching their ticket to the World Series and the Diamond Backs pushing the NLCS to a Game 7. They wrap the hour talking about the Monday Night Football game as well as a couple storylines in the NBA with their season tipping off today (34:09).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/24/202349 minutes, 48 seconds
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Maple Leafs' Week Ahead + Battle of Texas Game 7

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning focus in on the Maple Leafs to discuss the team's biggest storylines this week, especially now that Max Domi has made his presence felt. They bring on Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider from Daily Faceoff, for his outside perspective on the team, before looking West to chat about the state of the Edmonton Oilers. Later on, they turn their attention back to the MLB postseason and welcome Sportsnet analyst and former catcher Caleb Joseph! He takes a look back on the action we saw over the weekend, before helping tee up Game 7 in the ALCS between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros (29:00)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/23/202347 minutes, 24 seconds
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Who’s is the Leafs Number One Goalie? + Who are the Bills?

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Leafs focusing mostly on the chemistry between Max Domi and Matthew Knies as well as the Leafs goaltending situation; if Knies has earned the opportunity to be the team’s 1-A guy in between the pipes. They welcome on former Leafs GM, hockey insider, analyst, host and author, Gord Stellick, to weigh in on it all and just how different the narrative of that team would be had they lost that game on Saturday. An old story from friend of the show Luke Fox regarding Leafs’ Captain John Tavares gives the morning duo 'Something to Chew on'. Later, the duo turn their attention to the NFL and what we saw on Sunday in Week 7. They close the hour with some Wake and Rake (31:25).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/23/202348 minutes, 59 seconds
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A Very Knies Weekend

The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Leafs impressive comeback Saturday night in Tampa. They discuss William Nylander and John Tavares continuing to produce points including combining on the OT winner, if Joseph Woll made the case in that game to be the team’s 1-A, Matthews Knies’ two goals and maybe most importantly Max Domi having his first statement game as a Maple Leaf. After, they talk how exciting the Championship Series have become in the MLB postseason as we are on the cusp of the World Series. B&B discuss the close one run games, some monster home runs, a benches clearing brawl and tonight's Game 7 (32:02).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/23/202350 minutes, 23 seconds
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The Blue & White Report w/ Luke Fox & John Scott

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show with a chat about the Edmonton Oilers and potential frustration sinking in after a disappointing start to the season. Soon after, they switch gear to Toronto's NHL team with the help of Sportsnet's own Luke Fox! The trio discuss how Head Coach Sheldon Keefe has handled the Leafs' latest loss against the Panthers, which players have been pulling their weight early on, and who still needs to step up. Later, B&B turn to former NHL winger and current host of the Dropping The Gloves podcast, John Scott (30:00)! He shares his early season takes on the Blue & White including Ryan Reaves’ role, Max Domi fitting in, and Auston Matthews' blistering start. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/20/202348 minutes, 12 seconds
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Bills Look to Bully Bill in Foxborough

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning quickly re-set on the Leafs loss last night and expectations for their upcoming schedule. B&B turn their attention to Sunday’s slate for Week 7 of the NFL as they bring on NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis. They look at the state of Belichick’s team and what the future overall looks like in New England. Next, Cito Gaston in the Baseball Hall of Fame? It gives the guys 'Something to Chew on'. Later, Ben & Brent discuss the possibilty of Christine Sinclair hanging up the cleats (33:08). The guys end the hour with some Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/20/202349 minutes, 21 seconds
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Leafs Lose Their Best Game of the Season

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning do their early-day post-game breakdown of the Leafs' latest loss. They look at some of the Leafs’ key players who are producing to start the season but wonder if they need more from them in those types of games. They discuss if they agree with Sheldon Keefe that it was their best overall game of the season despite the loss. To close the hour, B&B turned their attention to the MLB Postseason and give their takeaways that have some Blue Jays ramifications and tie-ins (30:50).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/20/202349 minutes, 39 seconds
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Wysh & OB's Early Season NHL Takeaways

Maple Leafs game day means the hockey talk continues on Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show! Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning tee up tonight’s game in Sunrise between the Maple Leafs and the Panthers, before welcoming on ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. They discuss the (undeserved) heat Greg's been taking for his list of the top 100 NHL players, before diving into some of the biggest stories from around the league in the first week of the season. Next, they turn to former NHL defenseman and co-host of the Missin' Curfew podcast, Shane O’Brien (24:36)! He weighs in on the state of the Leafs this season, the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena Monday for Connor Bedard’s first game in Toronto, and the effort he saw not only from the rookie, but from certain players donning the Blue and White. Good morning and enjoy the game tonight! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/19/202346 minutes, 46 seconds
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Leafs Head Out on the Road

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning look at who carries that burden from last year’s series loss in Sunrise and if it can give the team some extra motivation going into Florida. They look at some of the new names especially where Max Domi fits in and elicit the help of “Leafs historian”, author and long time Toronto Star writer, Damien Cox (27:21) for his opinion on this team and how certain players seem to strive when they come to Toronto. The recent attendance in Winnipeg for the Jets really gives the guys 'Something to Chew on' and they end the hour with Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/19/202350 minutes, 34 seconds
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Leafs Return to Sunrise

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start with the Maple Leafs heading out on their season long 5 game trip. The morning duo discuss expectations for this team when playing on the road. They look at the line adjustments and what other moves could possibly be coming. The two also talk about the most recent report on James Click deciding to withdraw his name from the Red Sox GM search and what that says about his future with the Blue Jays. The boys also take a peak around the MLB with last night’s ALCS game and Rob Manfred’s tenure as commissioner (37:43).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/19/202349 minutes, 52 seconds
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The Rise of the Phillies + Gabbing with Gabby!

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning offer some early thoughts of the young NHL season before welcoming in former player, coach and current NHL Network analyst, Bruce Boudreau! Gabby talks about how frustrating it can be for coaches in the early season when players are still getting their game legs beneath them, before taking a trip down memory lane to share some stories from his time behind the bench. After that, B&B turn their attention back to baseball with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk, who discusses the key NLCS storylines including Bryce Harper's playoff performance, the Phillies' rise and their rowdy fans (25:29). Brent and Ben offer some final thoughts and sift through some listener texts, before saying "good morning" to end today’s episode! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/18/202349 minutes, 4 seconds
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Everyone Loves Rankings

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning pull up ESPN’s latest Top 100 NHL Player rankings and see where Leafs fall on the list. Then a recent report on USC and probable first overall 2024 NFL pick Caleb Williams wants from whatever club selects him gives the boys 'Something to Chew on'. B&B then check in with Sportsnet’s own Sam Cosentino (25:09) ahead of him working Wednesday Night Hockey with some early thoughts on the NHL season including what he makes of the Leafs. The guys close out the hour with some Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/18/202346 minutes, 30 seconds
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Leafs and Raptors Season Thoughts

The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start this Wednesday off talking some Raptors who improved to 3-0 this preseason. The guys talk about their main storylines around Toronto’s NBA team and what they’ll be looking for heading into the new season under their new head coach. Later, they turn their attention to the Maple Leafs and re-visit some of the preseason thoughts or questions they had about Toronto’s hockey team going into their season to see what’s been real and what could be an issue after the first 3 games that count. B&B then, look at the MLB postseason as the Phillies continue to look like a team of destiny on a path to the World Series (34:40)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/18/202351 minutes, 38 seconds
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Road Trip with the Buds + Tying a Bow on NFL Week 6

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning continue the conversation on the Maple Leafs' first loss of the season with help of Stanley Cup champ and co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, Nick Kypreos! The three dive into the quality of Toronto's blue line early on, the team's current roster needs and how Brad Treliving might address them. Later on, Brent and Ben tie a bow on Week 6 in the NFL with NBC Sports’ Peter King (24:57)! They focus in on which upset losses (and near upsets) surprised him the most last week, the state of the San Francisco 49ers, and what the future holds for Aaron Rodgers and Bill Belichick, before teeing up the upcoming Week 7 slate. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/17/202346 minutes, 26 seconds
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Learning From Loss No. 1 + Philly Power

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Leafs first loss of the season. The two discuss some comments made by Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe. The morning duo look at some of the line changes that could be made as they head out for their first road trip of the season. Recently retired A’s pitcher Trevor May offered some thoughts on Oakland and specifically owner John Fisher which gives B&B ‘Something to Chew on.' Next they head to Philadelphia to talk to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (23:49) on the Phillies and if they are a team of destiny. JP talks about how great the energy is in the ballpark and how the players are riding it. The guys end the hour with Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/17/202348 minutes, 24 seconds
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Leafs First Loss

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start on the Bedard versus Matthews showdown at Scotiabank Arena. B&B focus on the game from the Leafs perspective given it was their first loss of the season with some takeaways from both the negative and positive. Later, the morning duo recap the night in the MLB postseason with both Championship series games as well as the Monday Night Football game that saw the Cowboys hold on for the win (32:18).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/17/202352 minutes, 14 seconds
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Hats Off For Auston

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue their conversation about the Maple Leafs into the third hour; circling back on Auston Matthews and his historic start to the season to join the likes of Alex Ovechkin. They welcome on Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli (32:15) for his thoughts on what’s leading to AM34’s incredible start, how sustainable it is and what his goal plateau could realistically be. They focus in on the value of his recent contract extension and why it could be a reason why he’s feeling so secure and playing the way he is. To wrap up, Ben and Brent continue to get you set for Connor Bedard coming to town to face the Leafs tonight on Sportsnet. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/16/202346 minutes, 24 seconds
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A Promising Start w/ Gord Stellick

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start the second hour still talking Leafs and look around their line-up. They also dive more into the defence and goaltending as well as what to do with Fraser Minten with his slow pro start. They are joined by former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (30:40) to get his thoughts on what he’s seen from this team in their first two games. After, some Taylor Hall comments gives the morning duo 'Something to Chew on' regarding Connor Bedard’s in-game obligations as he’s trying to adjusted to the NHL. The guys close the hour with Wake and Rake.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/16/202349 minutes, 34 seconds
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Hatty for Matty Again

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off the Monday talking about the Leafs with another win and maybe another hat trick from Auston Matthews. They talk about what is contributing to his success on the ice this year and look around at some of his teammates for their contributions. They look to see if AM 34 can continue his hot streak tonight with Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks in town. They end the hour with a quick recap of Game 1 from the ALCS and Sunday Night Football (33:16).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/16/202350 minutes, 46 seconds
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MLB Clubhouse Concerns + Holy Mackinaw! w/ Joe Bowen

The Fan Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kicks off Hour 3 with some thoughts on how fans perceived Mark Shapiro’s comments yesterday in his end-of-season address. They then welcome on Jon Morosi of MLB Network for his thoughts on Toronto’s season as a whole and how it played out in the public eye after it ended. JP also weighs in on what played out in the NLDS between the Phillies and Braves and the social debate of what can (or should) be reported from clubhouses. To wrap the week, Brent and Ben look ahead at the Maple Leafs' upcoming schedule with the Minnesota Wild Saturday night, followed by Connor Bedard in town with Chicago on Monday. They pick the brain on the man who will have the radio call of those games, Joe Bowen (30:50)! Have a great weekend! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/13/202348 minutes, 50 seconds
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NFL Week 6 Preview + MLB’s Postseason Problem

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start with a quick recap of Thursday Night Football that saw Taylor Swift in attendance again to watch the Chiefs win. They bring on NFL on CBS’ and self proclaimed Swiftie Charles Davis to get his thoughts on the game and help preview the rest of the Week 6 slate. The morning duo then find 'Something to Chew on' from recent headlines. B&B then get back to MLB postseason and whether the League has a problem with the teams on a bye and the layoff that comes with it. They end the second hour as they do every day with Wake and Rake (25:34).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/13/202347 minutes, 45 seconds
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State of the Jays & a Look Around the NHL

Fan Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start with what we were all waiting on all week – hearing what Blue Jays president & CEO Mark Shapiro had to say yesterday in his end-of-season address. He talked about the team's woes this past year, and how he has full faith in his GM and manager who will both be back next season. The morning duo lets you hear what he has to say and try to decipher what it means. They also consider how much of a “sanctuary” a clubhouse should be. Finally, B&B looks around the NHL with some stories that stood out to them from around the league as well as looking ahead to the Leafs weekend (38:33).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/13/202350 minutes, 46 seconds
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Hockey’s Back in Toronto + Blue Jays' Closing Statement

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kicks off with a discussion on what lines impressed and how the 'core four' looked in the Maple Leafs' first game of the season. They further the conversation with Stanley Cup champ and current NHL Network analyst, Mike Rupp, who looks back on Toronto's overtime win before taking a look around the Eastern conference to determine which teams could make a big leap this season. To wrap, Rupp weighs in on rookie sensation Connor Bedard and his first year in the league. Later on, we turn our attention to the diamond as October baseball rolls on with the help of MLB Network’s Adnan Virk (28:26)! He shares his thoughts on the postseason picture, baseball culture as a whole, and what's next for the Blue Jays this winter. B&B wrap up today’s show with some final thoughts, before saying "good morning" to sign off. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/12/202348 minutes, 31 seconds
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Leafs Answer Last Night + Wanting Jays Answers Today

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning keep their conversation going on the Maple Leafs with a look to the future and their first Hockey Night in Canada Game. They discuss some line-up changes that could be made and what goalie they’d have start. After that, the morning duo turns their attention to Jays president & CEO Mark Shapiro and what are the expectations that we (and fans) might (or want) to hear from him (31:54). B&B also look around the MLB postseason and how Bill Belichick’s time in New England might end? It's definitely ‘Something to Chew on’ after a recent report. The hour ends with a Wake and Rake as the boys look ahead to some Thursday Night Football. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/12/202347 minutes, 39 seconds
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Leafs Start Their Pursuit of Happiness

Fan Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning come in amped up over the Leafs' shootout win in game 1 of their season. Behind a hat trick from Auston Matthews, Toronto battles back twice from two goals down to pull out the victory in a shootout. The morning duo discusses the many positives from the game for the Leafs but also some things the team could certainly improve. They look at the goaltending and where their confidence level is. After, the guys bring on Leafs analyst and insider, co-host of NHL Morning Skate, Gord Stellick (28:13) to get the former GM’s thoughts on what he saw from the boys in blue in Game 1.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/12/202350 minutes, 37 seconds
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Are the Leafs Atlantic Division Favourites?

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning's sights set on the Maple Leafs' season opener tonight. They discuss if Toronto should be the favourites to win the Atlantic Division, who their biggest competition will be, and if Leaf fans care about anything short of Game 83. They then turn to NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff to get his outside perspective of the team and where they figure in to the Eastern Conference landscape (03:13). Frank also discusses being in Pittsburgh last night for Connor Bedard’s regular season debut. Later on, Sportsnet broadcaster and analyst Craig Simpson joins the show to share his expectations of the Leafs this season; from the 'Core Four', to the new additions, to the youngsters, and of course goaltending (28:13). The morning duo sign off with their final thoughts ahead of tonight's puck drop.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/11/202348 minutes, 45 seconds
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Leafs Season Begins

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-set on the Maple Leafs ahead of their first game of the season tonight. Who are the key names to watch? Which of the new guys are we looking at to have a big impact? How confident are we in the goaltending? B&B take a look at the team overall and what their expectations for the team are this season. They then welcome Sam McKee, co-host of Leafs Talk (23:47) after the game on the network to weigh in on the conversation and see where his excitement is for the new season. NBA expansion seems to be on the horizon as it gives the morning duo Something to Chew on. The guys end the hour with Wake and Rake looking at some Sports Interaction odds on the Leafs for tonight. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/11/202346 minutes, 55 seconds
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Happy Leafs Season Opener

FAN Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome the fact that hockey is back as they review and recap the NHL’s opening night & the 3 games on the slate including Connor Bedard’s debut. The morning duo has you covered as they get you set up for tonight's matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. Later, B&B turned their attention to the MLB postseason as the final of the A.L. East teams got swept meaning. Finally, they look at the success of some of the elder statesmen managers in baseball this postseason (32:03).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/11/202351 minutes, 12 seconds
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Puck Drop Preparation w/ Leafs GM Brad Treliving

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the final hour talking NFL and shares some thoughts on the heels of Week 5. Is Brock Purdy the favourite for MVP right now? What do we make of Bill Belichick’s fall from grace in New England? The two elicit the help of NBC Sports’ Peter King to help answer those questions and look at some other news from around the league including Justin Jefferson going on injured reserve. The morning duo then turn their attention back to the NHL season with a special guest, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving, to get his thoughts on his first season with the team (24:15)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/10/202348 minutes, 21 seconds
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NHL Puck Drop + Leafs hopes and Jays Decisions

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start again on the NHL with season puck drop tonight. They look at some of the big storylines this season, the Eastern conference overall and the Leafs expectations. The MLB postseason gives the guys 'Something to Chew on' as wild card teams seem to get the best of the teams who had a bye. The morning duo return their attention back to the Blue Jays after Ross Atkins’ end of season media address and some interesting comments (29:10). Could the organization be looking at making some changes and what are the options if they are? Lastly, they end with the show staple Wake and Rake looking at some NHL odds for tonight and futures for the season.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/10/202349 minutes, 46 seconds
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Happy NHL Season & Decoding Atkins

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the week pumped that the NHL is back. They go over the opening night slate on Sportsnet which includes the Lightning with unproven goaltending, Connor Bedard’s debut facing Sidney Crosby & the Penguins and the defending champion Golden Knights in action as well. One more day until the Leafs season starts so B&B look at their roster and some moves made this weekend with Fraser Minten making the team and trading Sam Lafferty out west to Vancouver. Also this weekend, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins gave his end of season address and the guys re-visited some of his quotes and tried to decipher some of what was said. They end with a quick Week 5 Sunday rundown discussing Bill Belichick’s seeming fall, Anthony Richardson’s injury and just a wide-open AFC (36:13).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/10/202349 minutes, 22 seconds
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Leafs' Decisions, Extendo-Bo & Phillies-Braves Rematch

Before departing for the Thanksgiving weekend, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning reset on the Maple Leafs going into their final preseason game. What questions still need to be answered and what roster decisions are left to be made before Game 1 of the 2023-24 season? The pair then turn their attention back to the Blue Jays to discuss what's next for the organization and if we could see an extension for Bo Bichette. Next up, long time MLB veteran and current analyst for TBS and Bally Sports, Jeff Francouer shares his take on the Jays being ousted from the postseason so quickly, before zeroing in on the Phillies-Braves rematch in the NLDS (28:11). Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving all! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/6/202348 minutes, 43 seconds
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NFL Week 5 + Ohtani rumours

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning show has another good distraction with the Jays rough ending to the season is the NFL. Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning turn their attention to in the second hour. They quickly recap the Thursday Nighter where the Bears showed up and are no longer the only winless team in the League. The morning duo bring on show regular Charles Davis of the NFL on CBS and NFL Network to get his thoughts on whether Justin Fields is a worthy franchise QB. Then, recent reports suggest that the Red Sox are real threats to sign Shohei Ohtani. Are they? It at least gives B&B SOMETHING TO CHEW ON. To close, the guys Wake and Rake with Sunday’s schedule in the NFL and what lines / odds stand out to them (38:07).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/6/202348 minutes, 48 seconds
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Jays Hangover + Leafs Sneak Peak

Still in Jays recovery, Toronto fans need a distraction. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning decide to start on last night’s Leafs preseason OT win. The biggest talking point has to be Fraser Minten and how he’s making a strong case to make the team. They also hit on expectations for Nylander and Samsonov. The morning duo then continue the Jays post-mortem and examine something suggested in Shi Davidi’s latest piece: of how management may tend to cause a disconnect between the manager and players with decisions like the Berrios one. After that, the two turn to former Leafs GM, now insider, analyst and host on SiriusXM, Gord Stellick to discuss some of the decisions the Leafs have ahead of the season starting (30:15).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/6/202349 minutes, 55 seconds
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Don't Upset the Baseball Gods w/ Jonathan Papelbon

So after 162 games, the Blue Jays' trip to the playoffs was short-lived; only lasting two games after getting swept in the Wild Card by the Minnesota Twins. To start the final hour of today’s show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning bring on World Series champion Jonathan Papelbon to get his take on what happened with Toronto this week. The former MLB closer shares why he thinks the Jays upset the baseball gods by pulling José Berríos too early in the game, before getting into the team's performance compared to their lofty payroll this season. To wrap up, the morning duo give their final thoughts on what went down in the Twin Cities yesterday, before turning the page to look at what’s next for the organization (28:37). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/5/202347 minutes, 6 seconds
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An Outside Look at the Blue Jays

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start off chatting about Blue Jays fans' frustrations after watching the team go out of the postseason with a whimper, and the big questions that lie ahead on and off the field. They continue the conversation with MLB Network’s Adnan Virk, who shares his perspective watching the game in the U.S. with a bunch of former pros and their reactions in the moment (23:10). The guys end with a staple of the show, our daily Wake and Rake parlay! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/5/202348 minutes, 9 seconds
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Jays Are What They Are

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning continue to dissect yesterday’s game and the Jays sweep at the hands of the Twins. The talk about how it was just a microcosm of the entire season and wonder how some of the issues were never resolved. They give fans the outlet and take a few calls from listeners to hear their reactions and thoughts. Later, the morning duo bring on former Big leaguer, SN 590 THE FAN’s own Kevin Barker (20:30), to get his thoughts on what happened last night, what the biggest issues are and if they can right the ship this offseason. They end the hour with something to chew on from Major League Baseball and the low attendance at the Trop.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/5/202349 minutes
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Jays Season Over

And just like that the Jays season is over… and what a way to watch it go! The Jays get swept (yet again) in the Wild Card round. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are feeling the pain of the fan base and come in fired up. But where to start – there’s so much to dissect – from the decision to pull Jose Berrios after 47 pitches, Vlad getting picked off at second base to the getting shutout and no offensive power so much that was reminiscent of what we saw from this team all season. The morning duo go over all of it and give their thoughts. They also listen to some of manager John Schneider’s post-game comments and some from the players to see what we can conclude from it all (40:54).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/5/202351 minutes, 20 seconds
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A-Rod's Jays-Twins Breakdown

The final hour of The FAN Morning Show keeps its full attention on the Blue Jays and their Wild Card series with the Twins. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning elicit the help of a few pros at breaking down the game: MLB insider, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (00:00) and former big leaguer, World Series champ and A.L. MVP, Alex Rodriguez (24:45), who is calling the series for ESPN. A-Rod offers his take on what he saw in Game 1, and shares why he thinks the Jays' young stars could still make them a “sleeping giant” in the MLB postseason. Shi on the other hand offers some insight from the Jays side specifically: why yesterday wasn’t dire as many are making it out to be and some minor adjustments the team could make to get back into the series. The morning duo wrap up with their final thoughts on what they’re looking for in Game 2 from the Jays to pull off the victory.    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/4/202347 minutes, 41 seconds
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Blue Jays' Bats Fall Silent + NHL Preseason Storylines w/ Frank Seravalli

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show continuing to dissect the Blue Jays' Game 1 loss. They elicit the help of Blair and Barker's own Jeff Blair, who gets into Kevin Gausman’s start and the Twins' game plan against him, the Jays' missed opportunities with runners on base, and Toronto's issues generating home run power. That leads Ben, Brent and Jeff to look at the construction of the roster; how it came to be this and what lessons management can learn from this group. Later on, Daily Faceoff Insider Frank Seravalli weighs in on some of the biggest questions from the NHL preseason including if eight games before the actual season is too many, why teams should open more practices for fans to watch, and what to watch for in the first week of the season. Brent and Ben wrap up the hour with their picks in the daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:26). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/4/202348 minutes, 14 seconds
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Jays’ Confidence in a Must-Win Game

The Fan Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning re-set on the Blue Jays who now trail their best of 3 Wild Card series against the Twins. Was it a poor Gausman start or was it (again) the lack of offensive support he got? B&B go over the numbers and what they see as the key to today’s game including needing to hit home runs. Where is their confidence with the Jays line-up and who do they see coming through in those needed big moments? Next, the guys quickly turn their attention to the NBA where some early sound out of training camp gives them Something to Chew on. The guys go back to the MLB where Mariners’ president of baseball ops Jerry Dipoto made a comment that irked some fans and people around baseball (31:48).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/4/202347 minutes, 24 seconds
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Second Season But Same Jays

Disappointed hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start today’s FAN Morning Show talking the Blue Jays Wild Card Game 1 loss to the Twins. They look at the start from Kevin Gausman, some of the turning points in the game and how the Jays missed a few opportunities on offence to take advantage of. The morning duo talk their confidence heading into this afternoon’s game 2 as they look around the MLB postseason and other Wild Card games which carry some Toronto ties (37:04)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/4/202351 minutes, 58 seconds
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Welcome to October Baseball

In the final hour of today’s FAN Morning Show extravaganza, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning turn their full attention to Game 1 of the Wild Card series between the Jays and Twins. Our first stop is with Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice on Sportsnet, Dan Shulman, who outlines Toronto's tough playoff roster decisions ahead and make the case for who should fill out the 26-man ensemble. Next up, Minnesota Twins President of Baseball Operations, Derek Falvey, offers his perspective on the series ahead, the state of his ball club, and the city's expectations heading into the playoffs (25:45) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/3/202347 minutes, 48 seconds
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Jays Postseason Preview + NFL Week 4 Recap

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning can’t talk enough about the Blue Jays today with the excitement of the postseason on the horizon. The two look ahead and discuss what to expect on the field in Minnesota today in what’s supposed to be a beautiful day in the North Star State. How much of a home field advantage will the Twins have? Could Jays fans make the trek from the North of the border, especially with $8 tickets available? Later on, the morning duo turn their attention to the NFL and wrap up Week 4 after Monday night's action between the Giants and Seahawks with Peter King of NBC Sports (24:36). To wrap up this hour, the fellas make their picks for our daily Wake and Rake parlay! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/3/202347 minutes, 57 seconds
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NBA Media Day + Leafs Preseason Takeaways

Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning re-set on the Wild Card Game 1 between the Twins and Jays before bringing MLB Network’s Jon Morosi to get his thoughts on how he sees this series going and who some of the key names are. They also look around some of the other series and teams in the postseason. After that, B&B returned their attention to NBA Media Day which gave us all Something to Chew on thanks to the likes of Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard. The morning duo quickly turned their attention to the Maple Leafs and their preseason for any takeaways from their latest preseason game. Finally the guys end the hour with their daily Wake and Rake! (39:49)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/3/202350 minutes, 14 seconds
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Jays Wild Quest Begins + Raptors Media Day Quotes

Happy Wild Card Game 1 to you and yours! The Fan Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning get you set for the first game in Minnesota of the first round of the MLB Postseason between the Blue Jays and Twins. The guys give their thoughts on how the Jays are set up and if they agree with the decision. Next, they turn their attention to the offence and where their confidence is with Jays’ GM Ross Atkins’. After that, the morning duo turned their attention to the Raptors who held their preseason Media Day yesterday. B&B get you some of the quotes and try to decode what they mean heading into the year as well as what are the expectations under a new coach (34:36).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/3/202349 minutes, 11 seconds
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A Trip to the Twin Cities w/ Joe Siddall

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look ahead to the Blue Jays' Wild Card matchup kicking off tomorrow against the Minnesota Twins. They discuss Kevin Gausman's track record versus the Twins, John Schneider's first full season as manager, the main points of concern heading into the postseason, and more! Later on, Sportsnet's Joe Siddall stops by to further the conversation about the Blue Jays' Wild Card matchup and focus in on the anticipated pitching matchups, how each lineup stacks up in terms of offence, and what could potentially swing the series when it matters most (25:32). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/2/202348 minutes, 53 seconds
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The Best MLB Postseason Coming Up?

Hour 2 of The Fan Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning look at how kicking and clawing their way into the playoffs could be beneficial for this team and if they can follow in the steps of the Philadelphia Phillies from last season who made it to the World Series. They discuss the merits of the schedule and if the Jays facing more plus .500 teams in the regular season gives them an advantage over the Twins in this first round. They also discuss if Major League Baseball should re-visit the postseason formatting. The morning duo elicit the help of MLB Network’s Robert Flores (from MLB Central) to get his take on an wide open American League and who, if anyone, is the favourite. Finally, the guys discuss the Ryder Cup and provide us with Something to Chew on and their daily Wake and Rake (24:32). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/2/202346 minutes, 28 seconds
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Blue Jays are in the Wild Card

The Fan Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start the week on what everyone is talking about: the Jays are heading to MLB’s postseason! The duo discussed the Blue Birds clinching a Wild Card spot on the final weekend of the season and give their reaction to the fact that they will head to Minnesota to face the Twins in a best-of-3 series. They also discuss who got “right” heading into the first round of the playoffs. On the back end, they discuss Week 4 Sunday in the NFL with some surprising performances and close games (35:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/2/202352 minutes, 18 seconds
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A Leafs’ Legend + a Chance to Clinch

Hour 3 is guest heavy on the FAN Morning Show as hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning check in with former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain and Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer Ambassador Wendel Clark. The three discuss the big event this weekend and what his expectations are with the Leafs' this year. Next the morning duo check in with hockey Insider from Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli with some of his takeaways from visiting the Canucks, Oilers and Flames. As we wrap up the week, B&B turn back to the Jays who hope to clinch their postseason spot as soon as possible. They are joined by Sportsnet’s own Ben Nicholson-Smith to give his insights on the team and how he sees this last weekend playing out for them (27:26).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/29/202348 minutes, 5 seconds
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MLB Postseason Primer + NFL Week 4 Headlines

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome on MLB Network’s Jon Morosi on his way back from Seattle where he covered the Mariners-Astros series. He shares his thoughts on the playoff picture in the American League and what the Blue Jays need to do this weekend to position themselves for that Wild Card round. Later on, the morning duo chew on the comments made by Bryce Harper after yet another egregious call by Angel Hernandez. Next, Ben and Brent turn their attention to the NFL with Charles Davis of CBS Sports (27:19)! He takes a look at the Week 4 schedule of games to tee up the key matchups and storylines to watch this weekend, before offering his thoughts on last night's big win for the Lions at Lambeau Field. As always, this hour wraps up with our daily Wake and Rake parlay. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/29/202348 minutes, 48 seconds
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Blue Jays Inch Closer to the Postseason

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning take to the airwaves with some positivity about the Blue Jays for the first time this week after last night's 6-0 victory over the Yankees. The duo discuss the impressive win by the Blue Birds in every aspect including: Chris Bassitt getting to 200 innings for the first time in his career, home runs from Brandon Belt, Matt Chapman and Daulton Varsho, and a strong defensively effort overall. Next the two recap the Thursday Night Football clash between then Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, before Brent gives some early thoughts on the Ryder Cup and the fast start by the European team. Ben wraps up the hour with the latest reports surfacing about Damian Lillard's move to Milwaukee. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/29/202350 minutes, 20 seconds
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Jays & Raptors Shortcomings

The final hour of The Fan Morning Show returns to a critical game in Toronto, as the Blue Jays attempt to salvage the series over the Yankees. Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome on Sportsnet MLB Insider Shi Davidi to get his thoughts on how to right the ship in the last four games of the season and hopefully into the playoffs. They also decided to re-visit the Rogers Centre home field discussion to get his thoughts. Next, the morning duo talks more about the Dame Lillard trade to Milwaukee and brings on ESPN NBA Front Officer Insider & analyst Bobby Marks (25:00) to weigh in on its impact on the Eastern Conference and the Raptors. Finally, the guys wrap up today’s episode with a quick Ryder Cup chat and tee up.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/28/202348 minutes, 22 seconds
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Maple Leafs Prospect Check-In w/ Jason Bukala

Hour 2 on The Fan Morning Show starts off resetting on the Blue Jays, who dropped the first two games against the Yankees after facing two very good pitchers. Does that drop your confidence in the team if they do make the postseason? Ben and Brent also look at if Rogers Centre offers any sort of home field advantage for the team, especially after Brandon Belt asked for fans to make noise last night. Maybe that’s why Spencer Strider prefers no fans?! Next up, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala checks in from Hockeyville in St. Thomas to chat about some of the Maple Leafs' young talent and projections for this upcoming season. This hour wraps up with our daily Wake and Rake parlay. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/28/202350 minutes, 27 seconds
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No Runs and No Dame For Toronto

The FAN Morning Show starts off recapping a tough night for Toronto sports fans as hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss another shutout loss by the Blue Jays and the news that Damian Lillard was traded to the Bucks, not the Raptors. They weigh in on where each leaves both teams; the Jays still looking to clinch a postseason berth, while the Raptors face more questions as the Eastern Conference continues to improve. Later on, the Maple Leafs finally got into the preseason win column and Brent is fired up about it! Hear what he and Ben have to say about the team after last night's victory over Buffalo. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/28/202349 minutes
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Buck and a Barenaked Ladies’ Drummer

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning get back to the Blue Jays as they try to clinch a postseason berth. They welcome Sportsnet Jays’ analyst Buck Martinez for his thoughts on the team and specific players like Gausman, Kirk, Vlad and Varsho. Buck also offers some thoughts on the passing of Brooks Robinson and what he meant to the game of baseball on and off the field. After that, they are joined by Barenaked Ladies’ Tyler Stewart (27:32) to talk about his fandom for both Leafs & Jays. He then weighs in on the Leafs' goal song and why their latest single off their newest album, 'In Flight' might make sense. The boys close with some music memories of their own and a quick golf chat.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/27/202349 minutes, 1 second
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Umpire Impact, Jets Implosion, and Leafs on the Line

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning reset on the Blue Jays ahead of their matchup tonight against Gerrit Cole. The pair also weigh in on the state of umpiring in the Majors and how players need to adjust to it on a game-by-game basis. Next, the two turn their attention to the NFL to chat about what’s going on with the New York Jets following Aaron Rodgers' comments on the Pat McAfee Show yesterday. Later on, the morning duo focus in on Maple Leafs camp to discuss the stakes surrounding this season and who's facing the most pressure. They conclude the hour with our daily Wake and Rake parlay (29:41). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/27/202349 minutes, 26 seconds
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Blue Jays Concerns + Finally a Positive Canada Soccer Story

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off today's show looking back on the Blue Jays' 2-0 loss to the Yankees to open their final homestand of the season. They discuss if there’s any concern around Jordan Romano given his last two outings, as well as the lack of offence after being shutout last night, before previewing tonight's matchup against Gerrit Cole. Next, with the Raptors being billed as “frontrunners" to land Damian Lillard, Brent and Ben weigh in on the discourse surrounding a potential trade. Lastly, the morning duo tip their cap to the Canadian Women’s National Soccer team, who qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics last night, and wonder if this could be the last time we see Christine Sinclair play on home soil. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/27/202348 minutes, 52 seconds
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Raptors Rumours vs. Reality + NFL Week 3 Wrap

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning quickly lay out the importance of this Jays series against the Yankees and how quickly clinching a postseason berth will assist the team. Then, B&B return to the Raptors whispers surrounding Dame Lillard and call in NBA insider Michael Grange of Sportsnet to weigh in on the reality of the issue. Next up, the guys return to the NFL to finish up Week 3 with NBC Sports' Peter King (27:52). They look around to see who has impressed them thus far and who has disappointed them as we get set for Week 4. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/26/202349 minutes, 15 seconds
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Jays Home Field and Leafs First Thoughts

In Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start on the Blue Jays, who return home for the final six games of the season, and discuss if the new Rogers Centre dimensions have helped or hurt the team's power-hitters this season. Later on, they turn their attention back to Toronto’s NHL team with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, who was in attendance for last night’s preseason game. They dive into how the Leafs looked early this year, how impressed everyone seems with Easton Cowan and what the club hopes John Klingberg can provide on the blue line (25:18). We wrap up this hour with Something to Chew On and our daily Wake and Rake parlay. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/26/202348 minutes, 54 seconds
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Clinching, Trading and Scoring

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start off discussing the Maple Leafs' second preseason matchup of the year, and if it's time for Toronto to change their goal song. Then, the morning duo turn their attention to the diamond as the Blue Jays are set to return home to take on the Yankees, hoping to move closer to clinching a postseason spot. Next on the docket is the latest Raptors news, as NBA insiders continue to push Toronto as the hottest name to land Damian Lillard. Ben and Brent close out the hour reviewing the NFL action from Monday night and debate which teams have proven to be the early cream of the crop in the NFL.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/26/202349 minutes, 29 seconds
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Jays Best Baseball of the Year + Broncos Get Blown Out

Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis begin the final hour by discussing the Jays and whether this could be their best baseball of the season. They then ask former big leaguer Kevin Barker from the Blair & Barker show for his opinion on the team coming into the last week of the season and how much confidence fans should have in clinching a postseason berth. The boys then discuss what was a wild Sunday in the National Football League. They break down the Dolphins scoring 70 points, Zach Wilson not being an NFL quarterback and Taylor Swift's appearance (30:28).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/25/202348 minutes, 56 seconds
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We're Talking About Preseason w/ Gord Stellick

Hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning focus in on the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the team’s second preseason game to discuss what needs to be worked on and solidified before the regular season begins. The two then turn to former Leafs’ GM and current NHL analyst, Gord Stellick for his thoughts on just how important the preseason is both the team and coaching staff, before identifying some roles for certain players on the roster. Later on, Brent and Ben turn their attention back to Major League Baseball with just one week remaining in the regular season to reset on what the Blue Jays need to do to clinch a postseason berth. They also take time to talk about Canadian Joey Votto, who may have played his final game in Cincinnati, and reflect on what his time in MLB has meant to both Reds fans and Canadian baseball fans alike (30:12). Also this hour, we see the returns of two FAN Morning Show staples: Something to Chew On and Wake and Rake!   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/25/202348 minutes, 49 seconds
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A New Era of FAN Mornings Begin!

Join hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning on today's re-launch of the The FAN Morning Show! The new morning duo start off chatting about the Jays' successful series at the Trop, now extending their winning ways to four over their last six games, to move into a prime position for the postseason. Later on, the pair turn their attention to the Leafs after their first preseason game to discuss the expectations for John Klingberg, the team's first power play unit, William Nylander at centre, Auston Matthews' time on the penalty kill, and more ahead of their second tune-up game tonight! Next, Brent and Ben tackle the latest in rumours surrounding the Raptors, specifically that Toronto has emerged as a contender for Damian Lillard, and weigh in on how “ugly" it could get if Masai Ujiri did pull the trigger and get him to Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/25/202349 minutes, 31 seconds
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Boudreau: Invading Privacy Is Wrong, Not “Coaching”

Ben starts the show in NYC where Dan Shulman is set to call the Jays and Yankees series, the Vladdy turnaround and making the case for David Schneider to hold a position even through some recent offensive struggles. Next, Bruce Boudreau on the art of coaching, motivating players and - on Babcock - the need to evolve and how to draw the line when disciplining players (25:40). Later on, the great Mark DeRosa from MLB Network, team USA Manager and former Blue Jay shares his thoughts on playoff races, the strength of Jays pitching and why players really do care more than they usually lead you to believe (51:55). We close with Luke Fox (1:15:28) opening up Leafs training camp, Nylander’s contract and what we can expect from youngsters like Knies and Robertson.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/19/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 48 seconds
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Why the Blue Jackets Don’t Deserve a Pass

Ben starts the show in New York, first with Buck Martinez, who helps is set up the Yankees series, what changed for Vlad Guerrero in the last week and why it's all mechanical with him. Later, to Peter King for his weekly visit (26:33). Bad news for the Bengals, why all eyes are on Staley and the Chargers and whether or not Aaron Rodgers can rejoin the team for the playoffs based on how well his injury is healing. Later, Frank Seravalli on the Babcock firing, why many saw it coming for a while and why he felt like a lot of the Blue Jackets should have been held more accountable (50:16). We close with Nick Ashbourne on how the Jays swept their way back into the playoffs – literally – against all the odds (1:17:13). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/18/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 49 seconds
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Jays Look For Answers Against Red Sox

Ben Ennis kicks off with Kaitlyn McGrath to break down last night’s Jays loss, the series as a whole, and what’s next for the Jays. Sportsnet’s Tim Micallef joins the show to air his grievances on the Blue Jays recent stretch of play, discuss whether or not the series vs. the Rangers was a tipping point in the season or just recency bias and how the team could approach the offseason (26:17). Then, former MLB player Lou Merloni joins Ben to tee up the Jays' big series against the Boston Red Sox, the future of the AL East and his thoughts on Chaim Bloom being fired (50:36). Finally, Jon Morosi joins the show to discuss what the Blue Jays have in store this offseason, whether or not fans should have any optimism regarding the Jays making the playoffs and how the rest of the league views Vladdy (1:14:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/15/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 36 seconds
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Jays Fans Have Turned on the Jays

Ben Wagner joins Ben Ennis to break down what is going wrong with the Blue Jays throughout the series against the Rangers, the scenes at Rogers Centre with the team getting booed off the field and how the clubhouse is handling their struggles. Then, with NHL training camp a week away, Nick Kypreos joins the show (25:35) to discuss the NHLPA investigating Mike Babcock and the controversy surrounding the Blue Jackets before touching on Matthew Knies taking part in the Leafs Prospect Tournament, what his role will be with the Leafs this year and the plan for William Nylander going into the season. Then, Blake Murphy breaks down the numbers behind the Jays' disappointment stretch and how the renovations at Rogers Centre have impacted the Jays almost a full season later (50:30). Finally, former MLB executive David Samson joins the show to discuss the Jays payroll and the impact the renovations have had on attendance (1:19:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/14/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 44 seconds
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Elliotte Friedman on “Babcock vs Chiclets”

Keegan Matheson from MLB.com starts the show with Ben to discuss another letdown vs. Texas, the ongoing mystery with Vladdy Jr. and suggestions from Buck Martinez that it might be time to take him out of the lineup. Next, a chat with former Packers executive Andrew Brandt on his relationship with Aaron Rodgers since drafting him, why Green Bay can wear you down and insight into the Favre-Rodgers connection (27:09). Later, our weekly chat with Adnan Virk on the Jays, why Gausman is close but not close enough to a CY Young Award and why pitching wins are one of the most meaningless stats in baseball (50:36). We close with Elliotte Friedman reporting on the Mike Babcock situation, where the investigation stands and what the Jackets need to do going forward (1:17:35). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/13/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 42 seconds
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Behind the Bronze – Rowan Barrett, Team Canada GM & Dad

Ben starts the show with Joe Siddall on a disappointing Jays' loss and the mystery behind Vladdy Jr.'s mechanics. Then, to the Alek Manoah story and whether he'll ever pitch for the Blue Jays again. Next, Nate Geary from WGR 550 AM Buffalo on a wild post-game last night after the loss to the Jets (26:15). Why the Josh Allen questions are legit and then the battle for the most unlucky fan base: Bills or Jets? Later, more detail about this Manoah story with Ben Nicholson Smith and why Alek does not have any type of leverage out of this situation (51:52). Then, a couple names of interest for the Jays in the off-season. We close with Rowan Barrett on watching his son and Team Canada take the bronze over the US and now the setting of expectations for Paris 2024 (1:16:20). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/12/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 18 seconds
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Jays Face Rangers, Manoah Faces End of Season

Ben starts the week with the Jays/Rangers series with serious playoff implications, and to put that into perspective, we speak with Ryan Dempster – Canadian MLB pitcher and now on MLB Network. Later, Mike Trout trade rumours and what it’s like for a player when they are traded in the media and, in Ryan's case – without conversation – despite having a no-trade clause. Next, Alvin Williams recaps the incredible run by Canada, why the tournament doesn’t resonate in the US, LeBron trying to recruit the next Dream Team and why the Olympics are the top of the mountain for international hoops (25:56). Later, Shi Davidi from Rogers Centre on the Jays/Rangers, whether David Schneider needs a regular spot on the roster next year, plus, reports today that Alek Manoah is out for the rest of the season (1:02:56). We close with Peter King of NBC on Week 1 in the NFL and how the weeks ends in New York City on the anniversary of 9/11 (1:18:22). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/11/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 55 seconds
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2 Schneiders & 2 Treatments in Toronto

Madison Shipman starts the show down at the Rogers Centre ahead of the series with the Royals. While discussing the game tonight we find out that Bo Bichette has been activated from the IL. Next, Vivek Jacob on the Canada basketball loss this morning, a bronze medal match with the US and where the program has grown since the 2000 Olympics (26:21). How far is the bar now and what should the new expectations be especially when the Olympics start? Later, Seth Wickersham from ESPN on unprecedented access to Sean Payton in the off-season before his return to the NFL and time spent in Idaho with the likes of Gretzky, Elway and more playing golf (50:24). We close the show with Kevin Barker on the return of Bo and whether the criticism of John Schneider has been warranted (1:14:23).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/8/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 44 seconds
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Former Olympian Puts Canadian Basketball Run in Perspective

Ben starts the show with Michael Grange who will be up early for Canada’s semi-final against Serbia. It’s been a wild run for the team and he points to the steady hand of Rowan Barrett and how he guided the team to this feat. Next, Adnan Virk looks at the decline of the Texas Rangers in time for a massive series with the Jays next week (26:07). Then his thoughts on the US Open, the rise of Ben Shelton and why ratings and attendance in the US are soaring during the tournament. Later, former Raiders CEO and CBS analyst Amy Trask looks ahead to Week 1, why Chris Jones can still find his way into the game tonight and what’s caught her eye heading into the start of the season (49:38). We close with former Canadian basketball star Todd MacCulloch who was on the last team to play in the Olympics on what’s it been like following Team Canada at the FIBA World Cup (1:16:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/7/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 20 seconds
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Why Peter King Is All In On the Buffalo Bills

Ben kicks off the show with Jays analyst Caleb Joseph and they ponder why Davis Schneider was left out of yesterday’s game and if he needs rest as he adjusts to the MLB schedule transitioning from AAA. Next up, Peter King of NBC makes his debut on the show and explains why he’s picking the Jets to win the AFC East, and why the Bills will end up in the Super Bowl vs. Philadelphia (26:24). Then, a look across some of the most interesting stories this season and what it was like covering Deion Sanders in his coaching debut with Colorado. Later, Jon Morosi helps explain why the AAA Bisons have done so well with the Jays before delving into the playoff races and the Jays' intense matchup next week vs. Texas (51:06). Ben closes with Doug Smith of The Toronto Star on the success of Canada Basketball and a chat he had today with Nick Nurse about the growth of the program (1:24:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
9/5/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 2 seconds
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Jay Triano Breaks Down Canada’s Loss to Brazil

Ben Kicks off the Show with Dan Shulman to discuss the pressure Canada is feeling against Spain after today’s loss to Brazil. Then, Justin Dunk joins the show  (27:53) to discuss the Argos locking up Chad Kelly to a 3-year contract extension, Nathan Rourke’s NFL future. Then, former Canada basketball head coach and current Sacramento Kings Assistant coach, Jay Triano joins the show (49:24) to discuss what Canada needs to do to qualify for the Olympics and advance in the FIBA World Cup and his experience with the national team. Next, JD Bunkis joins Ben (1:10:28) to discuss Canada Basketball’s disappointing loss to Brazil this morning at the FIBA World Cup while also discussing who has been disappointing this season for the Jays.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/1/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 16 seconds
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John Herdman Talks Joining TFC + Leafs Sign Keefe to an Extension

Ben Kicks off the show with Luke Fox to break down Sheldon Keefe’s extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. They discuss Keefe’s tenure as the Leafs head coach, whether or not he will be the coach for the entirety of his contract, and Keefe’s playoff success. Then, moving over to Canada Basketball, Alvin Williams joins the show (26:29) to discuss how Canada Basketball has grown since the 90s, previewing the Raptors roster for the upcoming season. Then, Bob Elliott joins the show (49:25) to discuss his faith in the Blue Jays making the postseason, and what it will take for Mark Shapiro to fire Ross Atkins. Next, TFC’s newest coach John Herdman joins Ben (1:19:06) to discuss what led to his decision to join TFC, his long-term aspirations, and his time with Canada’s Men’s National Team.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/31/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 5 seconds
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Herdman Unveiled as TFC’s New Head Coach + Down Goes Bo….Again

Ben kicks off the show with Kaitlyn McGrath to break down Matt Chapman’s struggles this season, whether or not the Jays are better off with Davis Schneider at third base, and Bo Bichette landing on the IL. Then, Michael Grange joins the show (26:14) to recap Canada’s big victory over team Latvia at the FIBA World Cup as they finished atop their group for the first time in Canada’s history. They break down SGA’s impact, how the players have bought into the system, and how Canada could match up against Spain. Next, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk joins Ben to discuss the Jays playoff hopes (50:20), and the stakes of missing out on the playoffs. Finally, Peter Galindo joins the show (1:17:49) to discuss his time working with John Herdman on the national team, his strengths as a manager, and what is next for Team Canada.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/29/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 53 seconds
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John Herdman Joins TFC

Ben starts the show with Josh Kloke to discuss his report that John Herdman is TFC’s newest head coach. They discuss Herdman’s tenure with Canada’s Men’s national team, and how we can expect him to approach the current roster. Then, Doug Smith joins Ben to discuss Canada Basketball at the FIBA World Cup and preview what to expect in the second round, and what it will take for Canada to book a spot in the Olympics (24:41). Then, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi joins the show (50:12) to discuss the Blue Jays playoff hopes, where he puts their chances, whether or not the Jays could explore moving Vladdy in the offseason, and what his next contract could look like. Then, Justin Bourne joins the show (1:16:08) to discuss the Leafs locking down Auston Matthews to a 4-year contract extension, what to make of the contract, the fan reactions, and what comes next for William Nylander.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/28/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 53 seconds
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Live Coverage From Atkins – Matthews – Treliving

Ailish and Justin open the show with another tough loss by the Jays in Baltimore followed by live coverage from Ross Atkins media availability, he addresses poor hitting, being out of a playoff spot, and the latest on Alek Manoah. Next, Matt Marchese promotes the start of The Fan Check Down (26:10) which debuts Aug 28 at 2 p.m. with Donnovan Bennett. Story of the off-season – Aaron Rodgers – makes his Jets debut this weekend. Later, Alvin Williams on calling Canada’s big win over France today (50:13). Then we close out the show with Leafs talk and live coverage of Auston Matthews followed by GM Brad Treliving as they both addressed the media (1:10:52).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/25/20231 hour, 41 minutes, 3 seconds
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Make No Mistake, Matthews Did Things His Way

Ailish and Justin react to the Matthews extension, why the term ended at 4, the deal that made everyone look great, and why Justin is not buying any connection to William Nylander and his situation? Next up, Hayley Salvian of The Athletic takes a closer look at the numbers plus some insight into Brad Treliving. Later a stop in Vancouver where Adam Stanley joins us (28:09) from The Canadian Women’s Open. Elliotte Friedman joins us (51:18) from Sweden to give his take on the Matthews' extension. Finally, a fantastic studio chat with Chris Leroux, former pitcher, and SN 590 radio analyst (1:17:26). A look at the Jays, why he felt it was wrong for Manoah to hang out in Toronto after being demoted – and – how he tore his UCL just like Ohtani.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/24/20231 hour, 40 minutes, 22 seconds
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Don’t Worry Be Happy: The William Nylander Story

Ailish and Justin open with the Blue Jays beating the Baltimore Orioles in last night's game. We then hear from William Nylander who sat down with Elliotte Friedman from the '32 Thoughts Podcast' where he discusses his contract situation and why he’s not worried. Next, a quick trip to Baltimore where Ben Nicholson Smith joins the show (28:52) to set up Jays vs. O’s tonight, how the pitching staff could be used in the playoffs, and the mystery of Alek Manoah. Later a chat with Adnan Virk (49:59) on the Jays, MLB playoff races, and why the Rangers team is legit. Finally, Argos GM Mike 'Pinball' Clemons joins the show (1:15:17) to give his take on the hot start to the season, and how the team used the roster and Canadian players to separate themselves.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/23/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 50 seconds
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Raps and Knicks From on Court to in Court

Ailish and Justin begin the show with a massive series between the Jays and Orioles with the wild story of the Knicks filing a lawsuit against the Raptors. Then a little baseball back-to-back with Jon Morosi (26:18) along with Arden Zwelling in Baltimore. Later, Josh Kloke (50:34) from The Athletic on breaking the story about John Herdman interviewing for TFC. We close with the lawsuit story with Doug Smith (1:15:24) of The Toronto Star. He explains why the case is about someone going a little too far to impress a new boss – and not – the Raptors instructing a mole to gather info.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/22/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 58 seconds
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No Time Like the Present for the Jays

Ailish and Justin take over the show for Ben this week. We start with a weekend of sports fun including the first-ever Kings Plate at Woodbine and the Jays needed series win over the Reds highlighted by the return of Bo Bichette. Later, the mystery of Alek Manoah and why he has remained in Toronto even after being sent down. Next up, Ben Shulman drops by (28:26) to recap the Reds series and whether or not it will be different this week in Baltimore. Late James Sharman joins the show (50:24) to give his take on Spain winning the Women’s World Cup. Then a recent report of Herdman being the front-runner for TFC, and how Messi's tenure has been win-win so far. We close with Jon Wertheim (1:17:53) from SI and 60 Minutes on the rivalry that’s building between Djokovic and Alcaraz, why the timing is amazing with the US Open, and how the women’s draw is setting up for the US Open as well.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/21/20231 hour, 40 minutes, 3 seconds
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Remembering The Legendary Rick Jeanneret

The show starts with Nick Ashbourne who sets up the Jays series at the Reds with Chapman and Kiermaier back tonight and then it looks like tomorrow will be the return of Bo Bichette. Next, a tribute to the late Rick Jeanneret. Then, former Buffalo Sabre Matthew Barnaby and then follow broadcaster Joe Bowen (27:27) both reflect on his style, personality, how he was viewed by his peers, and how he was viewed by the members of the Sabres. Later, Caleb Joseph (51:02) on the Jays lineup that has had a lot of changes lately and how John Schneider has success when going with the hot hand. Then a little back and forth theories about Vlad’s lack of power this season. We close with Blake Murphy (1:16:18) on tonight’s game, the ending of Joey Votto’s career, and why it was important for him to remain with the same team.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/18/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 35 seconds
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Splits Don’t Lie – Why Jays Can’t Hit at Home

We kick off the show with Amber and TJ Brodie who are working with A&W on “Burgers To Beat MS” Amber talks about what it’s like to live with MS and TJ reflects on supporting his wife, the balance between personal life and the NHL and the couple also attended the Marner wedding this summer. Next, Jeff Bratt (15:38) from Woodbine Entertainment discusses the King’s Plate and the best horses to look at to make some money this weekend. Later, Kaitlyn McGrath (39:36) on the Jays and why the home and away numbers differ so much offensively. Plus, the story of Jay Jackson pitching in a playoff push. In hour 2, Jon Morosi (49:58) is on the MLB scoreboard watching, the Wander Franco case and the future of Vlad Guerrero Jr in Toronto. We close with Ben Clemens (1:16:26) from FanGraphs who recently wrote about teams leaving runners stranded, the flaw inside of those stats, and where the Jays fit in the grand scheme of things. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/17/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 36 seconds
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John Herdman's Future with Canada & TFC

Ben Nicholson Smith starts the show with the Jays' big win over Philly last night and then he entertains Ben Ennis’ trade proposals for Vladdy Jr. Next up, Doug Smith on Jamal Murray pulling out of the FIBA World Cup, why Canada is still competitive, an update on the Raptors off-season and then his take on the Harden mess in Philly (28:50). Later, the baseball talk continues with Adnan Virk and why the Yankees and Rays are both heading on the way down in the AL East (51:40). We close with Josh Kloke from The Athletic (1:15:39), John Herdman’s stock falling, how he’s potentially angling his way out of Canada Soccer and whether TFC is the right fit for him, with the new development that Herdman possibly initiated contact with the MLS side.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/16/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 46 seconds
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Will John Herdman be TFC’s Next Manager?

Ben kicks off the show with Mike Petriello to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s performance this season, whether or not his 2021 numbers were inflated and his curious home vs. away splits. Next, One Soccer’s Oliver Platt (26:24) joins the show to discuss John Herman being in the mix to become TFC’s next head coach, what would be next for Canada if Herdman were to depart and the labour agreement status for Canada Soccer. Then, Michael Fletcher joins the show to discuss his story surrounding Michael Oher and the truth behind the movie 'The Blind Side' (51:44). Then, Buck Martinez joins the show to tee up the Jays' two-game series against the Phillies, Yusei Kikuchi getting the start and Bo Bichette making a rehab start in the minors (1:15:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/15/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 2 seconds
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How the Mighty (Yankees) Have Fallen

Ben starts the show with Shi Davidi (1:51) with some insight into the Jose Bautista ceremony over the weekend, an update on Bo Bichette and Hyun-jin Ryu returning to the win column for the first time this season. Next, Keith Pompey from the Philly Inquirer (27:45) on James Harden calling Daryl Morey a liar and will no longer play on a team he works with. Later, David Samson, former MLB Executive (49:41) looks at the Wander Franco story, the collapse of the Yankees, Ohtani possibly shutting down and his take on the Jays. We close the show with Arash Madani (1:16:29), fresh off the NBO, what it meant for Milos Raonic to play this year, why men’s tennis is wide open and then his thoughts on Kirk Cousins getting praise from his NFL peers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/14/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 28 seconds
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Celebrating Joey Bats, Teammates, Media & GM Who Brought Him Here

Ben Ennis starts the show with Marco Estrada, former Jays pitcher on what it was like playing with Jose vs. facing him as an opponent and how quickly things happened in 2015 on their run to the ALCS. Next up, current Atlanta Braves OF and former OF teammate of Jose – Kevin Pillar – joins the show (25:41). More reflections on his time with Jose and his time with the Blue Jays in general. Later on, Kenny Albert, who called the Bat flip game on TV reflects on that team, that game, the play and what it meant to be a part of it (49:51). Next up, the Blue Jays GM who made the trade for Bautista – JP Ricciardi – on working with Alex Anthopoulos (assistant GM) on keeping a close eye on Jose and how they eventually made the deal (1:02:04). We close the show with one of the historic voices of baseball in Canada – Bob Elliott (1:20:10). He helps put Jose in perspective when it comes to the Jays and even within Canadian baseball. Even without a World Series win, that team brought the city and fan base back to 1992-93. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/11/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 26 seconds
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Level of Excellence – Who’s Next?

Ben starts the show with Dan Shulman who is with the Blue Jays in Cleveland and they begin with the rise of Yusei Kikuchi and whether or not he should be a Game 3 playoff starter following Gausman and Berrios. Then, a look back at the career of Jose Bautista who makes the Level of Excellence this weekend. Next up, Adnan Virk looks at who should be the next Blue Jay to make the Level of Excellence, why the Astros are still likely the best team in the AL and how the Yankees fell off and became the biggest underperformers in the AL (24:50). Later on, NFL podcaster Dave Dameshek celebrates the Pens' trade for Karlsson as a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan (50:59). We follow this up with JD Bunkis on the Jays Level of Excellence debate (1:19:38). We close with Adam Stanley, golf analyst on the Canadian Open moving yet again and if it will end up being good or bad for the tournament (1:27:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/9/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 2 seconds
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Managing Davis Schneider and The Legend Grows

Ben is back after the long weekend and he's joined by Ben Shulman as it’s all Jays to start and how the growth of Davis Schneider gives the team flexibility but also tough decisions. Next up, Joshua Kloke from The Athletic on more financial issues with Canada Soccer and their newest window of scheduled games (25:47). Then over to Messi magic in MLS and Mbappe being the latest to divorce PSG, and why the MLS only looks stronger with Messi in it. Later, over to AAA Buffalo where we join the manager of the Bisons, Casey Candaele on the call-up of Davis Schneider plus an update on other members of the farm like Orelvis Martinez (38:06). Later, Ian Mendes from The Athletic in Ottawa discusses his story today of covering Erik Karlsson for 9 years, why he was destined to join the Penguins (51:48). He explains why he’s the greatest defenceman of the salary cap era. Finally, Kevin Barker joins the show in the studio for a chat on the Jays, managers fighting umps and players fighting each other (1:22:32)!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/8/20231 hour, 37 minutes, 52 seconds
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The Babe - Everyone Loves Davis Schneider

Mike Gentile hosts alongside Daniele Franceschi and this holiday Monday edition of the show. They open with the Jays' incredible sweep of the Red Sox over the weekend and the growing star of Davis Schneider, who had a weekend for the ages. Then why do the numbers prove how the Rogers Centre has not been kind to the Jays' hitters? Next a chat with Rob Rossi of The Athletic from Pittsburgh (37:01). Kyle Dubas hits a big one by acquiring Erik Karlsson over the weekend, and Rob explains how Pittsburgh is a better fit for Kyle than Toronto. Suspensions were handed out after the Jose Ramirez fight with Tim Anderson (51:47). We close with NFL QB tiers and why Patrick Mahomes deserves to be in his category (1:19:54).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/7/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 22 seconds
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Slugger offers Advice to Struggling Jays Hitters

Ben starts the show with Kaitlyn McGrath after the Jays suffered their worst loss of the season and today it was revealed that Davis Schneider was called up to stir up some drama in the LF position. Next up, welcome back Peter King! Our NFL Analyst is back for another season with our show and he’s celebrating his 40th year of covering the NFL. He looks at how close Aaron Rodgers was to retiring, how Demar Hamlin is back in game shape and the health status of Joe Burrow (26:58). Later on former Blue Jays slugger and Canadian Matt Stairs discusses the art of hitting, why the Jays are struggling and how the coaching of positions has changed and has become over-managed  (50:40). We close with Kyle Dubas hiring … Kyle Dubas as GM of the Pens!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/4/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 48 seconds
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Players Perspective On Being Dealt at the Deadline

It’s the day after the deadline and Ben Ennis leads with Caleb Joseph to look at the Jays post-deadline roster and how the Orioles are not just the top team in the AL East but the AL overall. Next, another former Blue Jay joins the show, Travis Snider, who reflects on what it’s like to be traded on deadline day and what he went through when dealt (16:54). Later, Adnan Virk on the decline of George Springer and why the AL West might be the last ones standing as he believes the Astros and Rangers are the top 2 teams in the league (30:05). Next up, Katie Woo from The Athletic in St Louis gives us the scoop on the newest Jays all from the Cardinals, what they are getting in Hicks and what to expect from Dejong in the infield (51:49). We close with Michael Grange on Canada Basketball gathering for the FIBA World Cup and why it’s the best team they have ever put together (1:14:17). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/2/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 58 seconds
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Jays Making Moves – Bichette Update Pending

After a quiet start to the MLB Trade Deadline, the Blue Jays pick up Paul DeJong from the St. Louis Cardinals. Jesse Rogers from ESPN sets the stage for the day and his sources provided an update on Bo Bichette. Next up, Kiley McDaniel, ESPN prospects expert joins the show (25:06) to break down the trade and what the Jays gave up in Matt Svanson. Later, Keegan Matheson from MLB.com and Nathan Ruiz from the Baltimore Sun (49:51) set up tonight's matchup and reacts to a report that O's players would be unhappy with a quiet deadline. In the final hour, Shi Davidi joins the show (1:39:38) to give us the details on the DeJong trade and why the Bo update is taking so long. Next up, Joe Siddall discusses Jordan Hicks and what it’s like to catch pitches of +100 mph (1:56:33). We conclude with former Jays' GM and current Giants advisor – JP Ricciardi to discuss the behind-the-scenes during deadline day, winning now vs trading the future, and evaluating prospects (2:29:08).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/1/20232 hours, 29 minutes, 8 seconds
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The Real Fight Behind The Scenes at Canada Soccer

Ben starts with Ben Nicholson-Smith on the Jays' latest addition (Jordan Hicks), why the Cards got a great deal and how Toronto was willing to pay the cost for a great arm, even as a rental. Then a look at where they stand now ahead of tomorrow and what Ross Atkins is most focused on. Next up, Andi Petrillo on the Women’s National Team eliminated from The World Cup, why the men chose poor timing for their latest statement – plus – why this might not be the end for Christine Sinclair  (26:27). Later, Jon Morosi sets up MLB deadline day, the case for the Orioles to pursue Justin Verlander and why Ben thinks the Jays should be in the mix (50:07). Next, Jim Callis, senior writer for MLB Pipeline discusses the players the Jays gave up for Jordan Hicks and why it was still worth the risk (1:15:32). Finally, former Orioles pitcher and current analyst Ben McDonald joins us from Rogers Centre to set up the series and explains why the O’s have been so good against Toronto (1:26:08). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/31/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 6 seconds
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Pivotal Weekend For The Blue Jays

Ben Ennis kicks off the show today by previewing the big series between the Blue Jays and the Angels and what is at stake. He is joined by Kaitlyn McGrath from The Athletic (2:45) live from the ballpark as they go over what to watch for in this series and her confidence in Toronto's bullpen. Amy Trask from CBS Sports (26:39) shares her reaction to the injuries happening during training camp, how the pre-season has changed, and Sean Payton’s comments in the media. Gareth Wheeler from One Soccer (37:53) reviews the new deal between the CSA and the Canadian Women's National Team and what it could mean for the entire program moving forward. Fox MLB analyst Ben Verlander jumps on (51:10) to discuss the Angels coming to town, if Shohei Ohtani's doubleheader was the best day in baseball, and if L.A. made the right choice in keeping him. Sportsnets Leafs' reporter Luke Fox (1:15:08) puts a bow on Matt Murray being placed on LTIR, and where it leaves the Leafs in net going forward. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/28/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 17 seconds
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Shohei Here to Stay

Ben Ennis kicks off the show with former Blue Jays Pitcher Ricky Romero to go over the Blue Jays' west coast road trip, and whether the feeling of disappointment for the season is fair, or if expectations were off. Then, how a 6-man rotation could change the team and what it takes to have a reliever's mindset. Toronto Star Columnist and Leafs historian Damien Cox shares some insight on Matt Murray being placed on LTIR and what it means in net for the Leafs going forward (26:49). MLB Network host Adnan Virk discusses the Angels' decision to keep Shohei Ohtani and looks around the league at potential moves still to come (51:13). Finally Ben is joined by Argo’s Quarterback Chad Kelly who breaks down his offseason preparation, adjusting to the Canadian game, and his idea’s for making the Argo’s more relevant in the Toronto sports scene (1:17:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/27/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 15 seconds
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Can the Blue Jays Play Smart Baseball?

Ben Ennis welcomes Blue Jays reporter Shi Davidi to recap the Blue Jays disheartening loss against the Dodgers last night, Mitch White's future with the Jays, how does this get resolved and why can’t the guys play winning baseball right now. They then shift their focus to the trade deadline, are the Jays on the lookout for a power bat? or power arm? should the Blue Jays be in for Ohtani? Next up, Ben welcomes former 5- time all-star, 4-time gold glover, and current Sportsnet LA analyst Adrian Gonzalez (28:17) to talk about the Dodgers this year. Do they have the best 1-2 punch in the majors right now? What are some of Adrian’s memories about playing with Ryu in LA? Ben closes out the show looking at the rubber match between the Dodgers and Blue Jays.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/26/202349 minutes, 57 seconds
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Should the Jays Offer Vladdy For Ohtani?

Ben Ennis kicks off FAN Drive with MLB.com Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson who goes over the Blue Jays win last night in LA, why the team continue to struggle with runner in scoring position and Ben’s idea of trading Vladdy for Ohtani. Former three-time All-Pro Linebacker Shawne Merriman joins Ben to talk about the return of NFL training camps, the situations with running backs around the league right now and the top stories from the offseason (27:27). Nick Kypreos reviews Patrice Bergeron’s career before breaking down the Leafs' offseason to-do list with regard to Matt Murray, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews (50:13). Finally, the host of Intentional Talk and former World Series Champion Kevin Millar joins Ben to go over his feelings on the Blue Jays right now, and if he still sticks by his pre-season pick to win the World Series (1:20:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/25/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 48 seconds
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MLB Deadline Headlines & Samsonov Signs

Ben Ennis is back on The FAN Drive Time and he kicks off his return with Caleb Joseph as they review the Blue Jays' weekend in Seattle. They evaluate John Schneider's year as skipper, what to add at the deadline and tee up another west coast series against the Dodgers. Host of NBC Open Championship coverage Trey Wingo joins Ben to go over Brian Harman’s historic victory at Royal Liverpool (28:42). After, MLB insider Jon Morosi goes around the league with one week to go to the deadline at the top available talents, prime trade candidates for the Jays and where Shohei Ohtani may land if he does get moved (51:39). Finally, Senior managing editor at the Athletic James Mirtle joins Ben to talk about Ilya Samsonov and the Leafs coming together in arbitration, what to do with matt Murray and updates to William Nylander and Auston Matthews' ongoing extension negotiations (1:19:30).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/24/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 56 seconds
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Breaking Down Canada’s WWC Opener with Kara Lang

Ailish and Justin kick off the show by breaking down the Leafs newest coaching hires, and the Blue Jays newest relief pitcher. Then, Adam Stanley joins the show to discuss the Open Championships and who to watch out for this year (25:21). Next, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian tees up the MLB trade deadline, the Jays' World Series window, and the chances of Shohei Ohtani staying with the Los Angeles Angels after the trade deadline (49:31). Finally, Kara Lang, former Canadian National Soccer team player, recaps how Team Canada looked in their tournament opener against Nigeria, and what we can expect from Christine Sinclair in her sixth World Cup (1:15:06). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/21/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 11 seconds
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Atkins Looking For Upgrades

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show going live to Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins' media availability. Then, Luke Fox joins the show (33:03) to break down where the Leafs stand with Ilya Samsonov as they head to arbitration, what the Leafs would like between the pipes entering the 2023-24 season, the latest on William Nylander. Next, Will Lou (50:33) recaps how the Raptors' top prospects looked in the Summer League, his first impressions of Victor Wembanyama, and the latest surrounding Pascal Siakam trade rumours. Finally, Adnan Virk (1:18:10) weighs in on how Alek Manoah faired in his second start since returning to the big leagues, how those around the league view the Blue Jays, their rumoured interest in Marcus Stroman, and what the team could do at the trade deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/19/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 58 seconds
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The Economics of Shohei Ohtani

Live from the Rogers Centre ahead of the Jays' series opener against the San Diego Padres, Dan Shulman joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to kick off the show. They break down what to expect from Alek Manoah in his second start since returning from the minors and how the Jays match up against the Padres. Ben Verlander joins the show to discuss Shohei Ohtani’s historic season, what a trade package would look like to acquire his talents and his thoughts on the Jays' whirlwind of a season (26:49). Next, Barry Bloom explains what Ohtani’s next contract will look like, the business aspects behind the Angels' decisions regarding their superstar and how Messi joining Inter Miami will impact the team and MLS from a business standpoint (53:20). Later, HHOF goaltender Ed Belfour shares his thoughts on his induction to the Dallas Stars Hall Of Fame, some of the best coaches and teammates he played with and the current state of goaltending in the NHL (1:17:26).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/18/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 50 seconds
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Jeannot Betting on Himself with New Deal

Fresh off signing his new contract, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start the week with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tanner Jeannot. They discuss his unique style of play, being traded to Tampa and betting on himself with his new contract (9:23). Then, Shi Davidi joins the show to recap the Jays' big sweep against the Arizona Diamondbacks, what the Jays need ahead of the trade deadline and status reports for Hyun-jin Ryu and Chad Green (26:02). Hayley McGoldrick tees up the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, how Canada stacks up against the rest of Group B, possible X-Factors and her tournament predictions. (51:02). Then, she recaps Globl Jam, the success and growth of the tournament, how Canada’s men’s and women’s national teams performed and who to keep an eye out for in the future. Finally, Sportsnet’s Caroline Cameron discusses an immensely entertaining Wimbledon final over the weekend (1:16:04). They discuss Alcaraz retaining his World No. 1 ranking, the women's final and expectations for the National Bank Open.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/17/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 8 seconds
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Bruce Cassidy on His Day With the Stanley Cup

Ailish and Justin begin the second half of the Blue Jays season by looking at the most pressing stories, the potential return of someone like Hyun-Jin Ryu and whether or not they will need a trade ahead of the deadline. Then, Shohei Ohtani trade rumours have begun, how can you construct a “fair” trade for him and is he destined to simply end up with the Yankees. Next up, Sportsnet Tennis Analyst and former Olympic coach – Robert Bettauer – joins the show (27:11) ahead of Alcaraz vs. Djokovic on Sunday, why fans are itching for a passing of the torch and what it would mean to have another great rivalry in the sport. Later on, a visit with Bruce Cassidy, Head Coach of the Vegas Golden Knights (49:26) who just finished his day with the Stanley Cup up north in Ontario. Finally, Ben Wagner from Rogers Centre (1:14:57) as the Jays start the 2nd half of the season, returns from injury and then potential trades that the team might be considering. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/14/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 7 seconds
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Canada Basketball’s Bench Boss & Mitch Marner

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert host. Canada Basketball Head Coach Jordi Fernandez (12:02) talks about accepting the position to lead the country’s basketball program, the excitement of working players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and his conversations with the Raptors when he interviewed with the organization. The Ringer’s Seerat Sohi discusses the NBA hot stove and if the Raptors should be in the mix for Portland’s Damian Lillard (28:10). Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Mitch Marner joins the show and talks about the importance of giving back through his Marner Assist Foundation, the honour of being named a Selke trophy finalist, and the new additions to team signed by GM Brad Treliving (49:48). Former Jays starter Ricky Romero looks ahead to the unofficial second half of the baseball season and shares his expectations for Alek Manoah going forward in 2023 (1:14:54). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/13/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 4 seconds
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The Siakam Situation + The Latest in Leaf Land and Karlsson

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert share their thoughts on MLB’s All-Star Game before inviting Sportsnet’s Michael Grange on the show with the latest on the Raptors and Pascal Siakam’s future (12:47). MLB Network’s Jon Morosi looks ahead to the second half of the season for Toronto, recaps All-Star week in Seattle, and wonders if the game could be coming to Toronto in the next few seasons (50:29). Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli examines the NHL rumour mill and discusses the latest on a potential Auston Matthews’ contract extension, William Nylander’s status, and which team is Erik Karlsson’s preference is to be dealt to (1:17:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/12/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 19 seconds
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Victorious Vladdy + Happy Birthday Vibes

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by MLB Network’s Adnan Virk from Seattle to discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s win in the home run derby, the Blue Jays’ drafting Arjun Nimmala, and showdown for the ages: Barbie vs. Oppenheimer at the box office (10:56). Missin’ Curfew’s Shane O’Brien discusses the moves made around the NHL draft and free agency and shares stories about some of his ex-teammates (27:28). Jeff Blair joins the show with his thought on Vlad’s victory, Bo Bichette showing off his personality on ESPN’s broadcast of the HR derby, and what to expect from Toronto after the break. To end off the show, we celebrate Ailish’s birthday with some of her favourite guests and friends of the show: Charles Davis, Laura Stacey & Marie-Philip Poulin, and SN’s JD Bunkis (49:39) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/11/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 19 seconds
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Breaking Down the Derby + Barry Trotz

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are in the Drive Time slot! With MLB’s home run derby happening tonight, they call up Kevin Barker to break down the field before assessing the Blue Jays at the halfway point and Sean Casey being named the New York Yankees new hitting coach (25:52). Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz discusses participating in the free agent frenzy for the first time, prioritizing ex-Leafs Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Schenn, the success of the NHL Draft in Nashville, and hiring Andrew Brunette as the team’s new Head Coach (49:57). NBA reporter Katie Heindl checks-in from Las Vegas with her read on the Raptors and Summer League; notably the performances of Gradey Dick and Markquis Nowell, and the hype in-town surrounding #1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama (1:16:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/10/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 37 seconds
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Newest Leafs Forward Max Domi Joins The Show

We start the show in Detroit where Dan Shulman is set to call the return of Alek Manoah coming off a Jays sweep against the White Sox. Next, Max Domi joins Ben (24:38) on coming home, why he didn’t want to wear number 28, familiarity with the Leafs' players, and what it was like growing up the son of a Leafs' fan favourite. Later, Michael Grange joins the show (50:24) in Las Vegas to give his take on The $2B sphere, Britney vs Wemby, he gives his thoughts on the Raptors Summer League and the frustration that led to Fred leaving town. Finally, former Blue Jays pitcher Josh Towers joins Ben (1:39:35) on the Manoah situation, comparison to the good (Kikuchi) and the bad (Romero) when trying to figure out which way this is going. Then some great insight into the mental part of pitching and what he went through in his career.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/7/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 45 seconds
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Faith In Masai Trending Downward?

Ben starts the show with Kaitlyn McGrath (26:14) who takes a closer look at the MLB Draft this weekend, where the Jays stand, and the importance of rebuilding a farm system that has seen so many players/prospects traded in the last few years. Ben moves onto the Blue Jays doubleheader today despite all the talks of Alek Manoah's start tomorrow. Next up, Nabil Karim from The NBA on TNT and NBA TV joins us (50:35) after a high-spending off-season, the direction of the Raptors, and whether or not an in-season tournament will be successful. Later on, SN 590 analyst Chris Leroux joins the show ahead of the Jays doubleheader and reflects on his major league career, hitting waivers, changing teams, and life in the big leagues. Finally, Will Lou from The Raptors Show (1:20:05) joins Ben on why the Raptors are thin at the PG position and the idea if this will put pressure on Scottie Barnes to develop in that role.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/6/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 45 seconds
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What A Rush – Manoah Back Already

Frank Seravalli kicks off the show with Free Agency winners and losers, why Ryan O’Reilly wanted no part of Toronto, his story about John Gibson, and why it ended up starting a fight with his agent. Next up, Adnan Virk (24:40) joins Ben on the Jays and Vlad waking up, a surprise that Manoah will be making a start for the Jays on Friday, why he loves the HR Derby and the All-Star Game too. Later, Adnan weighs in on tennis, the start of Wimbledon, and Jokovic on the verge of tying Federer for wins at Wimbledon. Next up, James Sharman joins Ben (50:41) to give his take on the TFC disaster after a 4-0 loss on their first game under Terry Dunfield. Then over to Team Canada who had a huge Gold Cup win over Cuba last night to stay alive in the tournament. Finally, Jesse Rogers from ESPN joins the show (1:14:58) to give his take on the Angels' injuries to Ohtani and Trout, thoughts on the Jays, and some of the most available names for the deadline on August 1st.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/5/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 42 seconds
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Toughness Is Snot the Right Approach by the Leafs

We start the show with more “snot talk” regarding the Leafs off-season and for that, Damien Cox gets another invite to the show, the idea of signing a guy like Ryan Reaves is a waste of time because enforcers are no longer in style, William Nylander for a top goalie like Conner Hellebuyck. Next up, Doug Smith on the Raptors heading into Summer League, the temptation of trading Siakam, and why Scottie Barnes is not a capable point gaurd to take the ball down the court. Later, Ben discusses why Canada matches up and can compete with Team USA at the FIBA World Cup this summer. Next up, Jon Morosi on the Jays' 7-20 record against the AL East, why Baltimore is much better, and how Toronto needs to rely on pitching and defense. We close with Bruce Boudreau on the Leafs' off-season, how much of a role state tax plays with free agents, and how he personally wanted everything about coaching in Canada and why it’s not for everyone. He points to teams facing too many shots and how you can only go so far before the other team breaks you.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/4/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 21 seconds
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Hockey’s Latest Viral Term (Snot) and Why The Leafs Need It

Ben is working the Free Agency holiday show as the Leafs add “snot” according to GM Brad Treliving. With that, we kick off the show with Pierre McGuire who evaluates the Leafs moves, why they might not be done and why such a small increase in the salary cap has resulted in a lot of low term contracts. Next up, Frank Isola from ESPN and SiriusXM NBA radio weighs in on the Raptors losing VanVleet and how they ended up losing him for nothing (27:58). Then, why guys like Harden and Irving have brought more noise than results. Later, Shi Davidi fresh off his night in New Hampshire watching Alek Manoah’s most recent start which was impressive (51:06). Finally, Mike Futa on building a team, trying to be difficult to play against and if you can cover up a soft core 4 with more physical players (1:19:46). Then, insight into the importance of Max Domi coming home and what it could mean to the team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
7/3/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 7 seconds
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Tense Weekend Ahead for Leafs and Raptors

Ben starts the show in Nashville where Luke Fox is still there after a week of NHL Awards and the Entry Draft. Then a look ahead to the weekend’s free agency and how it’s a terrible look if a new GM joins the team only to lose people for nothing. Plus, the negotiations with William Nylander and how they are progressing … or not. Next, down to Rogers Centre where Joe Siddall is preparing for Jays/Red Sox and Ben wants to know “Is Vladdy Jr Back?” Later, one of our favs, Ren Lavoie from TV-A Sports in Quebec looks ahead to the weekend and makes a case for Erik Karlsson to the Leafs and breaks down a potentially weak draft class. Finally, Rick Kamla on free agency, Van Vleet is hot on the market, and why James Harden is the most overrated and toxic player in NBA history. Finally, Ben looks at some news on Fred VanVleet's meeting with the Raptors tonight.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/30/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 54 seconds
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Mark DeRosa On Vladdy’s Search for Missing Power

Ben opens the show with Nick Kypreos for an NHL Draft recap, Dubas picking players for another team, then a deeper dive into Nylander and what it’s going to take to keep him, and hoping they don’t have a repeat performance of their last negotiation. Next up, Michael Grange on the start of NBA Free Agency and speculation that Fred Van Vleet could command $40M or more a year from Houston. However, the bigger panic move would see Poetl go back to the Spurs which would set the Raptors back quite a bit. Later on, Mark DeRosa from MLB Network on the latest perfect game after the Yankees beat the A’s. Next up, Ben looks at the lack of power from Vladdy Jr, and the difficulty of picking between Vlad and Bo for a massive contract. Finally, Terry Dunfield joins us after taking the TFC Head Coach job following years as a member of Team Canada and then broadcasting on MLS and International Soccer.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/29/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 50 seconds
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Analyzing Vladdy and Appreciating Ohtani With Carlos Pena

Adnan Virk starts the show with a miserable travel experience with planes, trains, and automobiles. Then, over to the Jays, more great pitching from Gausman and poor run support from the offense. Finally, Adnan can’t speak without laughing when describing John Schneider trying to be “positive” about Alek Manoah’s performance. Next up, Gord Stellick reacts to the Leafs signing Kampf, considering Kerfoot and then the link to Erik Karlsson. Later on Carlos Pena “Plakata” from MLB Network and someone from the Dominican Republic who can give good insights into Vlad Guerrero. He breaks down what he’s seeing with Vladdy, how pitchers are approaching him, and then shows some love for Shohei Ohtani. Finally, we close with Rowan Barrett, GM of Team Canada’s National Men’s team. Nick Nurse leaves Team Canada, Jordi Fernandez takes over, and a move that was anticipated as soon as Nurse joined the 76ers.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/28/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 10 seconds
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Manoah Gets Bombed & Keefe Gets Confirmed

We start the show with Shi Davidi who looks ahead to the Giants/Jays series – but first – Alek Manoah got destroyed in the Florida Complex League with 11 runs surrendered to the lowest level of baseball he could perform in. It has somehow gone from bad to worse. Next up, over to Nashville where Frank Seravalli discusses the voting controversy behind the Hart Trophy and McDavid getting a 5th place vote. Then over to the Leafs, an expected Matthews extension and why it’s near impossible to trade Erik Karlsson. Next, what a week to be covering both Soccer and NHL as Josh Kloke is on both the Leafs, TFC, and Canada Soccer. A wild week with a coaching change, a new GM, bankruptcy talk, and then he was in the Brad Treliving media availability today in Nashville. Finally, Sam Cosentino our draft expert takes a look at the expectations tomorrow night, which players are the most “league ready” to jump into a starting position and who is most likely to trade up or down.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/27/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 40 seconds
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Richie Laryea Team Canada & Newest Raptor Gradey Dick

We start the show with Caleb Joseph who called the weekend series over the A’s, how Vladdy Jr broke his HR slump at home, and a great opportunity for the Jays to make up ground with this portion of the schedule. Next up, getting to know the newest Raptor – Gradey Dick as airs his interview with Will Lou from The Raptors Show. Dick looks back at draft night, getting to know Coach Darko and why his presence on social media does not mean he takes the game less seriously. Next up, Greg Wyskynski is in Nashville for the Awards tonight and then the draft on Wednesday night. We look at those two events and then the trade demands by Erik Karlsson. We close with Richie Laryea who finds himself on a TFC team that just fired their coach and then the Canadian National Team is in financial trouble and using words like “bankruptcy.” He gives incredible insight into both teams and how the players are trying to fight through with The Gold Cup being played at home this week.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/26/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 43 seconds
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Gradey Dick’s HS Coach on The Newest Member of the Raptors

The show starts down at Rogers Centre where Kaitlyn McGrath from the Athletic discusses her latest piece on Matt Chapman and his character and personality off the field, his impact on the clubhouse, and how this all aligns with a new series starting tonight against his former team the Oakland A’s. Next, we speak with Coach Kyle Lindsted who coached Gradey Dick in High School as well as Fred Van Vleet when he was with Wichita State. Dick became a natural Raptors fan while following Van Vleet and how he developed his shot and learned the game from his mom who had a stellar high school ad college career at Iowa State. Then some insight on Van Vleet, his personality, and stories from practice, talking trash and always wanting to win. Finally, Nick Kypreos discusses Larry Tannenbaum’s selling of MLSE shares, Keefe being better off without Dubas and how Dubas took an interesting shot at Toronto.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/23/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 24 seconds
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NBA Draft Day Opens With A Massive CP3 Deal to Golden State

We start off the show with William Lou from The Raptors Show looking ahead to the NBA Draft, and what to expect from the Raptors, and then while on the air, Chris Paul gets traded to the Golden State Warriors. Next up, former MLSE President and CEO Richard Peddie joins the show to discuss the report of Larry Tannenbaum considering selling part of his 25% ownership. He walks us through the situation, what it means for Rogers and Bell as owners, and using the ever-growing franchise values to their advantage. Then a forecast into the future with respect to franchise values and when will growth ever slow down. Next up, Tas Melas from The Athletic and No Dunks joins us for a draft chat, more reaction to the Chris Paul trade, and if the Raptors are right to compare themselves to the Miami Heat. Then we hear from Gary Bettman who went 1 on 1 with Elliotte Friedman today. Among the clips, he addresses why Pride Night has become a distraction. An update on the salary cap. His reaction to Larry Tannenbaum considering selling a portion of his shares in MLSE. Then the status of Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman. Finally, Ben checks in on a Jays off day, the lack of offense, and the pressure to beat up on a team like Oakland.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/22/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 35 seconds
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Mogilny Snubbed As 2023 Hall of Fame Class Announced

Ben kicks off the show with fresh news as the 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame Class was announced. For some instant reaction we speak with Sean McIndoe (Down Goes Brown) from the Athletic who was really pushing for Alex Mogilny and was disappointed to see Pierre Turgeon make it instead (25:19). Then his thoughts on Keefe returning and why it’s a bad look for the Leafs to run it back with the entire core. Next up, Joe Posnanski, award winning baseball writer and blogger on the incredible return of Joey Votto to the 1st place Reds and why – in his opinion – is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Finally, our weekly chat with Adnan Virk on the Jays, if Toronto is a place where stars really want to play and perhaps the Jays are forced to overpay their free agents (50:23).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/21/20231 hour, 12 minutes, 50 seconds
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How LTIR Is Getting Teams to Look at Matt Murray

We start with Shi Davidi as the Jays are coming off an 11-0 loss in Miami with a focus on the Manager although it’s tough to make a case for John Schneider to be in danger. Next, Frank Seravalli reacts to reports of Sheldon Keefe staying with the Leafs and the fact that Kyle Dubas would have done the same thing if he was still with the Leafs. Then over to buyout rumors like TJ Brodie and Matt Murray and how teams have specific interest in Murray with the intent of using him on LTIR. Next up, Michael Grange looks ahead to NBA Draft week for the Raptors and the news today that Gary Trent Jr was opting in for next year. Then Raptors are picking at #13 and everyone feels the Blazers #3 is more than available. Finally, Jon Morosi calls the Jays a riddle that nobody can figure out. Then with the Marlins facing off with the Jays, it’s a great time to respect the incredible season of Luis Arraez.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/20/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 11 seconds
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Rory Can't Deliver, Major Drought Continues

Brent Gunning and Mike Gentile take care of the show today as Ben Ennis will be returning tomorrow. Off the top Sam McKee joins the guys in studio for a recap of the U.S. Open. It turns out as much as Clark won the tournament, Rory lost I it. Next, a chat about how F1 this weekend was a showcase of dominance and the weekend of golf showcased the exact opposite. Later on, Ben Shulman drops by the studio to look at head to the Jays and Marlins series. Why Chris Bassett is a much different picture on the road that he is at home. Plus his take on expectations for Vlad Guerrero. Finally, Canada Soccer really blows it over the weekend and the guys wonder, why things have gone south ever since World Cup   views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/19/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 54 seconds
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Vladdy Jr – Slumping or Regressing?

Jesse and Mike open up with Vladdy Guerrero’s struggles this season and whether or not he is slumping – or – regressing?  Then a look at whether or not fans are too easy on Vlad. Next a trip to Montreal where Nate Saunders is covering F1 for ESPN. Red Bull dominance continues, why certain teams were not able to adapt, and how Lewis Hamilton is a potential threat this weekend. Later, US Open gets off to an “easy” start and that’s not the point of the tournament. Then the guys react to Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension. Finally, Jon Morosi makes the case for the Jays still being a dangerous playoff team, why a World Series expectation was realistic, and how Vladdy Jr may have already peaked.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/16/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 36 seconds
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How the Orioles Are Messing Up the AL East

Brent and Mike open the show with Dan Shulman in Baltimore for Jays & O’s. They look at the resurgence of Cavan Biggio and why he is so popular among his teammates. Then Dan makes the case that adding a starting pitcher to the team would be better than a bat. Later, we welcome Adnan Virk for his weekly appearance. How different Hall of Fame's are between the sports, Wby the Mets can buy players, but not wins. A's fans are protesting and life on Sundays without Succession. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/14/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 56 seconds
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Darko Dialogue

Ben Ennis goes live to the OVO Athletic Centre where new Raptors’ head coach Darko Rajakovic makes his introductory press conference. Afterward, Ben is joined by Eric Smith to break down Darko’s comments and what he brings to the table. Next, Savanna Hamilton joins the show to continue the Darko dialogue, she breaks down if Darko was the obvious choice for the Raptors’ head coaching job and takes a deep dive into Fred VanVleet’s future in Toronto. Next up, Eric Goodman from Denver’s Morning Drive discusses the scenes after the Nuggets won the championship. Michael Grange joins Ben to discuss what’s next for the Raptors, and what he took out of the press conference today. To kick off the final hour, Frank Seravalli joins the show to tee up Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. They discuss Toronto’s future between the pipes, the Ottawa Senators officially naming a new owner, and how long it might take for the sale to be approved. Finally, Nick Ashbourne joins the show to discuss what Jays fans can expect from the O’s and some realistic options that the Jays can pursue on the mound.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/13/20232 hours, 30 minutes, 4 seconds
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Nick Taylor Makes Canadian History w/ Mike Weir, Brad Fritsch & Lorne Rubenstein

Nick Taylor is the Canadian Open champion and Ben Ennis is basking in all the glory. He kicks off the show with long-time Canadian golf writer, and 16-time author Lorne Rubenstein as they go over what they saw over the weekend. How impressive was his performance from Friday to Sunday? And where does Lorne rank this moment in all his Canadian sports memories?  Up next, Ben is joined by Blake Murphy, as they go over the Raptors’ hire of Darko Rajakovic and Fred Van Vleet opting out of his contract. Ben is also joined by 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir! He talks about his time with Nick yesterday on the green and the emotions he felt watching a fellow Canadian win in Canada. Mike also shares how he feels about the guys going into the US Open this year. Ben is then joined by another former PGA player Brad Fritsch, and they go over his thoughts about Nick Taylor winning the Canadian Open. How much pressure does Nick feel at that moment? And what was Brad feeling as Adam lifted the trophy? We then hear from Kevin Blue the Chief Sport Officer of Golf Canada about what this mean will win for Golf in Canada, and how Canadian golf has been able to get to this result. Finally, Ben closes out the show with the host of Blair and Barker, Kevin Barker! They go over his experience at the Canadian Open and recap the Blue Jays' win over the Twins and what we can expect to see this week against the Orioles.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/12/20231 hour, 40 minutes, 2 seconds
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Atkins Faces the Media After Bass Demotion

Deja Vous to start the show with a Ross Atkins media availability that we carried live. This time the Anthony Bass talk is about him being DFA’d today for “baseball reasons.” Right after that we get instant reaction from Caleb Joseph who then turns to the new series against the Twins and the Jays being 8-2 in their last 10 games. Next, Adam Stanley from the RBC after a wild week of merger talk and how a Canadian is a real threat to win this weekend. Later on Ren Lavoie from TV-A Sports in Miami for the Stanley Cup. The legend of Matthew Tkachuk, his thoughts on Matthews staying with the Leafs, ,why Patrick Roy wants another chance and then the QMJHL officially bans fighting as of this month. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/9/20231 hour, 40 minutes, 43 seconds
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Ross Atkins Talks Anthony Bass and Alek Manoah

The show begins with live coverage of the Ross Atkins media availability down at Rogers Centre. Atkins addressed the Anthony Bass situation and his recent meeting with the head of Pride Toronto. Then, an update on Alek Manoah and his demotion this week. After that we stay down at the park and get reaction from Buck Martinez who was the Jays manager when Roy Halladay was sent down and compares the 2 situations. Next – Breaking News – as Shane Doan is named Assistant to Brad Treliving in Toronto. Later, Jon Morosi checks in after being in New York during the wildfire situation. Thoughts on the Jays and who has played at an All-Star level then some top stories around MLB. Finally, a chat with Brad Faxon, pro golfer and NBC Sports analyst – Brad Faxon – on a wild week in golf, a merger and the Canadian Open.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
6/8/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 52 seconds
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Messi, MLS, Miami, Madness

Adnan Virk starts off the show from New York City where wildfire smoke has all but erased the skyline from his view. Next, his take on Manoah’s demotion, Judge injured and why Luis Arraez is really teasing us with his .401 avg and why hitting .400 will likely never happen again. Next up, Peter Galindo reflects on the news today that Lionel Messi is joining MLS (Inter Miami) and where it ranks all time in most surprising signings in soccer history. Later, incredible sports writer and author John Feinstein discusses the PGA/LIV merger, what’s next for Jay Monahan and then insight into his new book about David Feherty. Finally, Kaitlyn McGrath from the field at Rogers Centre on wildfire cancellations, and update on Danny Jansen and Matt Chapman returns to the lineup tonight. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.  
6/7/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 53 seconds
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LIV/PGA All Under One Roof In Shocking Merger

Dan Shulmam starts the showdown at Rogers Centre to react to Alek Manoah’s latest (bad) start. Next, a quick visit from Adam Stanley down at the Canadian Open with players reacting to the PGA/LIV merger and taking the focus off of the tournament.  Later, Frank Seravalli from DailyFacoff.com on why the Panthers look different in the Cup Finals. Reacting to the Provorov trade from the Flyers to the Blue Jackets. The return of Mike Babcock to coaching and why he feels the Leafs don’t want a lame-duck situation with Sheldon Keefe. Finally, why Patrick Roy deserves a 2nd chance in the NHL? In hour 2, Jason Sobel from SXM radio joins the show on the PGA/LIV merger today, why he was surprised, and how the deal happened without any leaks. Then, Doug Smith on the Raptors ruling Steve Nash out of their head coach search and how it’s still hard to predict which coach arrives since the roster is so uncertain. Finally, we close with Ben Nicholson Smith down at Rogers Centre after just speaking to John Schneider about Alek Manoah optioned to Florida.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
6/6/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 59 seconds
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The Case For A “Cap Exempt” Player in the NHL

Ben opens the show with Shi Davidi down at Rogers Centre. Aside from the “what to do with Manoah” chat, they also re-evaluate the expectations for Nate Pearson going forward. Up next to sunny Las Vegas where David Amber is at The Stanley Cup and how these series features warm weather cities and they offer anonymity that is more desirable than many other markets. Later, David suggests a “cap exempt” player per team to even the playing against cities that can offer better tax breaks. Later, Jesse Rogers from ESPN.com discuses his piece on MLB payroll disparity and how the difference from top to bottom is close to $300M despite a new CBA that was supposed to address all the economic issues. Finally, we close with Greg Cote from The Miami Herald on the rise of both the Panthers and Heat this off-season, Heat culture and more from the man most known for his appearances on the Dan Le Betard Show.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.  
6/5/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 52 seconds
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Leafs Handle Business, Raptors On The Clock

Mike Gentile and Jesse Rubinoff kick off the show breaking down Kyle Dubas joining the Pittsburgh Penguins, Frank Vogel accepting the Phoenix Suns head coaching job and if Steve Nash is a good candidate for the Raptors. Then, Sean Gentille of The Athletic (26:59) joins the show to look at the timing of the Dubas press conference in Pittsburgh, how long the Penguins were interested in the former Leafs GM and his relationship with Mike Sullivan. Next, Sportsnet’s Arash Madani (50:00) joins the show from Denver to weigh in on the Nuggets' strong performance in game 1 of the NBA Finals, Denver’s ability to defend against Jimmy Butler and Adam Silver pending decision on Ja Morant. Finally, Mike and Jesse welcome Julia Kreuz of MLB.com (1:16:19) to the show to preview the Toronto Blue Jays' series against the New York Mets, Alek Manoah’s struggles and what are the next steps for him.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.  
6/2/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 22 seconds
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Treliving & Shanahan: A lot of Work, A lot To Prove

Ben starts the show with confirmation that Brad Treliving will be the next GM of the Leafs. Nick Kypreos stops by for his reaction and the sense is that he and Shanahan both have a lot of work to do and especially, a lot to prove. Then some chat about the fact that people like Doug Armstrong might have been gettable but in the end it wasn’t the best candidate they went with but more about the best candidate “available”. Next we head to Jeff Marek who looks at Treliving’s track record and the style of GM he is in terms of communicating with other deal makers. Then why his handling of the Bill Peters firing was impressive to many across the league. Then to Adnan Virk with some Leafs reaction and then the mystery of why the Jays aren’t hitting HRs at home, especially Vladdy Jr who is sitting in 0 this season. Rogers Centre a “Pitchers Park”? Then staying with the Jays we close with Ben Nicholson Smith live from the radio booth and once again a closer look at why the Jays are really lacking power.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
5/31/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 56 seconds
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Anthony Bass Speaks & Kyle Dubas Declines the Pens

We start with Michael Grange on the heels of Nick Nurse joining the 76ers, an update on the Raptors search and who is he favorite today – and – news from today about Warriors Bob Myers stepping down as President and GM. Is this a test for the Raptors? Next up, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com on Kyle Dubas turning down the Pens job although it remains to be confirmed. Then more Leafs rumours and why the Hockey Hall of Fame is so tough on goalies. Later, a chat with NBA Agent Bernie Lee who is from Toronto and represents Jimmy Butler. He walks us through “Heat Culture” and how his client promised Pat Riley a trip to the Finals. Finally, Kevin Barker discusses why the Jays are in last place for “many” reasons and why Vladdy being “just ok” is not acceptable.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
5/30/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 57 seconds
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Mike Futa BTS On What It’s Like Interviewing for A GM Job

Ben kicks off he week with Keegan Matheson on the Jays ugly May and the different approaches that hitters take to the box like Bo and Vlad and what makes them so different. Next up Mike Futa recalls the time he was a high level executive with the Kings and was then interviewed for the Leafs for their GM position. He explains why his bosses weren’t thrilled about it and the types of things he had to answer. Then details of how hard it is to get someone that is currently working for another team. Later on, Tim Micallef on the history potentially made if the Celtics win tonight – then – the possibility of Vladdy Jr getting hot the way Bo did last year after Bichette was moved to 7th in the order. Finally, Joshua Kloke from The Athletic on the infighting with TFC, the controversy of having a players father as coach and what’s next for the high priced Italians and their performance. We end the show with Nick Nurse being named head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/29/20231 hour, 40 minutes, 16 seconds
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Our Version of A “Players-Only” Meeting with Caleb Joseph

Ben kicks off the show with Kaitlyn McGrath on the state of the Jays, what’s behind their 2-9 record in the last 11 games, the steps to be taken going forward with Alek Manoah and how the story leaked of a players-only meeting (2:02). Next up, Brian Lawton, former NHL GM and player agent discusses the investigation into Kyle Dubas’ agent and why he feels the case is 100% bogus (29:25). Later, a special in-studio visit from Caleb Joseph on what drives “players only meetings”, how the Jays can clean up their game and reduce the sloppy play as of late (49:54). Plus, terrible timing for a Jansen injury as Caleb feels he’s the guy to take Manoah out of his funk. Finally, Eric Francis from SN Calgary on why Brad Treliving is the favourite to land the Leafs job and the word is out on Brendan Shanahan and what he’s like to work for (1:17:58). Treliving has a lot of family money and he’s not desperate for work – but – a workaholic when he’s in the position.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/26/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 16 seconds
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Forget A Balanced Schedule – MLB Needs Realignment

Ben opens the show with Adnan Virk from MLB and NHL Network on the Jays' 20-1 win in Tampa, why Vladdy Jr’s value seems to be on the decline and then we look back at Dubas v Shanahan before a look ahead to Sunday's Succession finale (1:51). Next, Jeremy Rutherford from The Athletic in St Louis discusses why Doug Armstrong is a great candidate for the Leafs and why the Blues will likely get in the way of that happening (49:45). Later on, Jon Morosi on the Jays' window of opportunity never being better and a debate about MLB realignment being the real fix ahead of a balanced schedule (50:40). Ben wraps with the great Frank Isola who gives us the scoop on Steve Nash and who should lead the Raptors (1:17:04). On Nick Nurse’s next team, Melo retiring and LeBron hinting at it. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/24/20231 hour, 38 minutes, 56 seconds
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Dubas Responds to Shanahan & Details of Their Power Struggle

Today we take a look at the Jays in a losing streak and more drama with the Leafs as Kyle Dubas responds to Brendan Shanahan. First, Shi Davidi joins us from Tampa where he reminds Ben that the Jays are having a bad week but not a bad season. There is still a lot of time for the script to flip and we have to take a longer view instead of day to day. Next, Frank Seravalli reacts to the Dubas statement today (25:34), he details the power struggle between the pair and gives us a specific trade that was nixed. Finally from Frank, the best options for GM and why Brad Treliving makes sense (49:54). Later, Ricky Romero loves that Chris Bassitt called out his team and the Jays can’t afford mistakes in this division. We end with Cam Jansen from the Cam and Strick podcast with insight into whether or not Doug Armstrong would leave the Blues for the Leafs + top candidates for the job (1:39:49).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.   
5/23/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 49 seconds
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How A Wild Day Unfolded and Left The Leafs Without A GM

Ben and Blake react to the breaking news of the day the Kyle Dubas won't return as general manager of the Maple Leafs. First up, Nick Kypreos drops by the studio (26:20) to look back Dubas' and Leafs President Brendan Shanahan's fiery press conferences this past week, the art of negotiating and whether or not Kyle is going to regret how this ended for him. Then, what’s next and if this will impact his ability to get hired again. Next up, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman shares what people in the hockey world are saying about the big news, and potential candidates of the next GM and maybe head coach (50:19). Finally, JD Bunkis from Leafs Talk closes the show with his thoughts and how Dubas tries to make the Leafs look bad but failed (1:12:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/19/20231 hour, 39 minutes, 34 seconds
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Student vs. Teacher - Brind’Amour Has Edge Over Maurice

Ben and Blake kick off the NHL Conference Finals with Shayna Goldman from The Athletic going from the East where the Panthers are still acting as the underdogs – then – over to the Stars and Knights. Later, why taking time for Kyle Dubas was a smart move, but declaring he’s not leaving Toronto made it a concern regarding his passion instead of a negotiating tactic. We close with the NBA conference finals and the pattern of Game 1 strength for Jimmy Butler, Erik Spoelstra and the Heat continues (29:24).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/18/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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Inside The Chris Bassitt Scoreless Streak

Ben and Blake kick off the show with Caleb Joseph down at Rogers Centre, who discusses the series with the Yankees, what makes Chris Bassitt so tough to face, his delivery and the different areas where he can release the ball. Later, why he felt - as a player - that the ball was more likely to travel when the roof was open. Then, we close on the Kyle Dubas contract and what a quiet week could mean behind the scenes (38:56). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/18/202349 minutes, 33 seconds
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Coyotes Moving to Toronto – Do Dreams Come True?

Ben and Blake start with Sean Gentille from The Athletic, who continues his yearly tradition of writing about the demise of the Arizona Coyotes. He looks at relocation and top cities ready for a franchise before giving his take on the Conference Finals and how Jack Eichel has finally delivered on the potential he had when selected 1st overall. We close with Michael Grange (29:56) on “situational tanking” by the Spurs and why it was a missed opportunity for the Raptors who remain at #13. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/17/202349 minutes, 30 seconds
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Blue Jays & Yankees Series Does Not Lack Substance

Ben and Blake start with Blue Jays and Yankees drama between sticky substances, managers arguing and Aaron Judge hitting yet another bomb to seal the win. Plus, a quick update on Vladdy's MRI (knee) as he’s out of the lineup this evening. Later, a visit from Adnan Virk (31:58), who - along with being a Yankees fan and friend of Aaron Boone - explains how tough it was for the Jays broadcasters to point out Judge's side-eye and why they were unfairly criticized by Aaron Judge. Finally, his expectations for Chris Bassitt moving forward and why the other NY team (Mets) are in serious trouble. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/17/202349 minutes, 41 seconds
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What to Do With Struggling Umpires

The guys take a dive into the NBA with the Conference Finals starting tonight, and the NBA Draft Lottery with the Raptors sitting at a 1% chance to win the #1 pick. Then over to the firing of Doc Rivers with the Sixers and where this leaves teams like the Raptors with coaching vacancies. Finally, former MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster, host on Intentional Talk on MLB Network (29:37) weighs in on the Aaron Judge saga with the Blue Jays, his experience with stealing signs and why this was not exactly “cheating.” He also gives his take on umpires, the battle for balls and strikes and the relationship you need to establish with them. Then a chat on potential age limits on umps and the idea of sending them to the minors when they are struggling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/16/202349 minutes, 31 seconds
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Is Side Eye Cheating? You Be The Judge

Ben and Blake open with the hot story of the day; the side eye from Aaron Judge vs. the Blue Jays last night. Then, a chat about sign stealing vs cheating and whether the Yankees should be blamed for their actions – or – is it the Jays for setting up signs wrong and not having more discretion. Later on, we head down to Rogers Centre where Dan Shulman joins us (28:40). They chat about Judge and then the comments from John Schneider after the Jays talked to MLB. Over to Alek Manoah and what they expect him to do next and then speaking of slumping, Alejandro Kirk has enough talent to turn his season around, even if it feels like it’s going slow.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/16/202349 minutes, 30 seconds
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Leafs Tried To Get Dubas Signed

Ben and Blake kick off the hour with Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com and he gives an update on Leafs news from over the weekend, that the team “made overtures” to get a new deal done with Kyle Dubas. Frank goes over Dubas’ media availability today and explains why he was perplexed when he hedged on returning or not. Later, off the Leafs for a moment and back to the Jays who start a series with the Yankees following a sweep of Atlanta (32:07). Finally, the NBA Playoffs, another Game 7 loss for Doc Rivers and the possibility of Canadian Jamal Murray reaching the NBA Finals. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/15/202349 minutes, 18 seconds
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Kyle Dubas Changes Tune on “The Core”

Ben and Blake take a look back at the Leafs' series, the entire season and what we learned from the “locker cleanout” today. While a coaching change seems the most obvious, the real debate centers around Kyle Dubas, whether the Leafs want him back and whether or not he even wants to return. Later, a visit from Josh Kloke of The Athletic who was down all day with the Leafs after addressing the media and why he felt Brendan Shanahan chose not to speak with the media today (31:30). Later, how a rising cap will impact a potential Matthews extension and if the Leafs can afford a raise. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/15/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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From Anthopoulos to Pillar – Jays Face Their Ex’s

Ren Lavoie joins Ben and Blake from Scotiabank Arena, arguing that the Panthers' success in the series was somewhat fraudulent by the stats, and why he’s expecting the series to be extended and likely headed to a Game 7. Then, over to the mystery of why the Leafs were so great at home this season, yet they are 1-4 in the playoffs. Later, over to the Rogers Centre where Jeff Blair joins us ahead of the Jays/Braves series (27:11). Although the starters have been dinged up in the last couple of weeks, the bullpen has been under the microscope the most. Finally, from Alex Anthopoulos to Kevin Pillar, plenty of Ex-Jays are appearing this weekend. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/12/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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A Sign That Gives The Leafs A Reason to Believe

Ben and Blake are all over Leafs/Panthers tonight and the momentum is favouring Toronto but their performance on home ice in the playoffs presents a real concern. Next up, a chat with Mike Futa who walks us through his Kings team that came back from 0-3 but there is a huge difference between someone like Joseph Woll and Jonathan Quick (29:11). He explains why the Leafs can pull off the comeback, but only if they get into Bobrovsky's head. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/12/202349 minutes, 23 seconds
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When Player Safety Doesn't Feel Safe

We welcome NHL Network Analyst Scott Hartnell to the show who was on the Philadelphia Flyers when they came back down 3-0 against the Boston Bruins. He takes us through how a team approaches the deficit, how a team can suddenly become fast and loose and the difference it makes when a team plays for a different goalie. Then, his reaction to the rough stuff in the playoffs and the difference between fighting and dirty, like slashing and the Alex Pietrangelo attack on Leon Draisaitl. Finally, a look at the Raptors coaching search, the interview with JJ Redick and potential candidates with Becky Hammon and Sam Cassell.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/11/202349 minutes, 33 seconds
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It’s Not Over Till It’s Over

Ben and Blake try to capture the mood of Leafs fans now that they are still alive. Jo Woll gets the start in Game 5 and the guys wonder if Matthew Knies might be available sooner rather than later. Next up, our weekly chat with Adnan Virk on being a Flyers fan, watching them come back from 0-3 and why Toronto does have more than just a “chance” to do the same (34:57). Then, some wild stories from the incredible Flyers comeback in Game 7 which he was in attendance. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/11/202349 minutes, 31 seconds
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Down 3-0, Leafs Are Now Blaming The Media … Seriously

Ben is joined by fill-in cohost Justin Cuthbert today as they look at Joseph Woll officially getting the start in Game 4, whether we will ever see Matt Murray again and Mitch Marner deciding to pick a fight with the media today. Later on, a visit from Frank Seravalli (28:43), who talks up the entertainment value of the NHL lottery, why he loved watching and whether or not the Blackhawks are a perfect fit for Connor Bedard. He also reflects on the unforgivable Game 3 performance from the Leafs. Later, 3-time Stanley Cup Champion Justin Williams takes us behind the scenes of coming back from 3-0 as his LA Kings team did in 2014 (50:20). Finally, Shi Davidi from Philadelphia tees up the Jays/Phillies 2-game mini-series (1:03:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/9/20231 hour, 15 minutes, 14 seconds
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Brian Boyle on Being There For Start of the Matthews Era

Ben starts the hour with Dan Shulman who called the Jays as they went from swept to sweep – receiving in Boston and dishing it out in Pittsburgh. He discusses the ascent of Daulton Varsho and how Brendan Belt is finally starting to get hot. He also looks ahead to a four-game series against the Yankees after a two-game mini-series with the Phillies. Next, former Leafs forward and NHL Network analyst Brian Boyle (27:52) shares his thoughts on what it was like playing in the early Matthews years and his surprise that the team hasn’t done more in the playoffs over these last 7 years. Then, he discusses how the Panthers aren’t getting enough credit for their performance. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/8/202349 minutes, 38 seconds
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Auston vs. Connor … Bedard That Is!

Ben is alone today with Blake Murphy off for a few days, and he starts with Justin Bourne, who recaps Game 3 and the performance of the Leafs in general in the series against the Panthers. He shows why the issue of “The Core 4” has once again come back to haunt the team and who from the core has the most 'tradeable' contract. Later, Sean McIndoe (AKA Down Goes Brown) joins the show (26:13). He is also hurting the day after Game 3 and demonstrates why the Leafs' stars simply don’t shine bright when it matters the most, why trading someone from the core will indeed bring back solid value as opposed to what most people think and why he’d deal Matthews to a team for the #1 pick and Connor Bedard. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/8/202349 minutes, 33 seconds
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Blame Bob – Leafs In Must Win Territory

Ben and Blake open with a tough night in Toronto sports with the Leafs going down 0-2 to the Panthers while the Jays got swept away in Boston by the Red Sox. They try to figure out how dirty Sam Bennett is and if there is a legitimate comparison to the Bunting hit and suspension after Game 1 vs Tampa. Next up, a visit from David Amber from Hockey Night in Canada on how the Leafs can’t get wrapped up in ref complaints and suspension talk (31:37). Then, over to the goalies and why Bobrovsky has single-handedly tipped the series for the Panthers.  Later on, Kaitlyn McGrath from The Athletic joins the show (51:10) after miserable weather and a miserable performance by the Jays in Boston. She explains the complete role reversal in the starting pitchers in the last couple of outings, dealing with the Popp injury in the bullpen and what to expect from newly elevated Jay Jackson.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/5/20231 hour, 15 minutes, 42 seconds
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Panthers Proving – Careful What You Wish For

Ahead of tonight's Jays @ Red Sox game, Ben and Blake take a look at Kevin Gausman now being the clear “ace” of this rotation and why the best pitchers do things like end losing streaks. Later on, a visit from Gord Stellick from the arena who looks ahead to Game 2, why he wasn’t thrilled with the Leafs performance in Game 1, his thoughts on Knies and the danger in asking to much from him (25:33). Finally, some breaking news as the Bucks fire Mike Budenholzer, if Milwaukee is a potential destination for Nick Nurse and how the opening complicates the Raptors' search for a head coach.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/4/202349 minutes, 22 seconds
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Feast or Famine – The Sergei Bobrovsky Story

Ben and Blake start in Vegas where the Golden Knights are hosting the “McOilers” in Game 1 of Round 2. On the scene is Sean Gentille from The Athletic who first takes a look at the Leafs and how they are facing the “Fake Underdogs” in the Panthers. Then, why the Oilers are different this time around, their depth and the lessons they've learned to get here. Later, Messi gets $400m per year in a potential Saudi deal and PSG cuts ties with the Argentinian (26:29). Finally, the NBA Playoffs are as wide open as the NHL, we might see two play-in teams go deep and why we should enjoy every minute of Lakers-Warriors. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/3/202349 minutes, 32 seconds
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Did Leafs (and us) Take the Panthers Lightly?

Ben and Blake start with the Leafs loss in Game 1 vs Florida, a suspicious fan that is always cheering against Toronto and the Jays are now 0-2 in Boston with Manoah on the mound tonight. Next, a visit from Adnan Virk from MLB and NHL Network (17:35), who shares his thoughts on the Panthers perhaps being better than we thought and if the Leafs skill will be enough to overcome by the end of the series. Finally, a trip to Fenway where Dan Shulman is calling the Jays and Red Sox and why Brendan Belt is seeing a lot of the bench lately (32:27).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/3/202349 minutes, 26 seconds
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The Goalie Hour with Felix Potvin & Andrew Raycroft

Ben and Blake start the hour with our Maple Leafs good luck charm – Felix Potvin, who prophesized the Leafs' win ahead of last round. Felix discusses the performance of Samsonov in Round 1, how teams stay loose between rounds and what to expect against the Panthers. Afterward, a visit from Andrew Raycroft, Bruins analyst for NESN who is still in shock after the Panthers upset Boston (31:08). Then, as someone who followed the Panthers closely – plus – having played for him in Toronto, we get some insight into what Paul Maurice is like as a coach. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/2/202349 minutes, 41 seconds
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Trouba Hit Legal BUT Still Wrong

Ben and Blake open with the complaints about the Leafs Round 2 schedule which now sees Game 3 set for Sunday night. They briefly touch on the Blue Jays loss in Boston and how the new additions have quickly earned a spot in the dog house. Later, Frank Seravalli makes his weekly appearance from DailyFaceoff.com and explains how the Leafs match up very favourably against the Panthers (32:30). Frank also goes through the Trouba hit on Meier, why it was legal and why it's something the league still needs to key in on. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/2/202349 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ron MacLean & “Edge” Join The Show

Ben and Blake react to a wild first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs beginning with Ron MacLean. The legendary Hockey Night in Canada host takes them through some of the unsung heroes in the NHL, the historical context of a Leafs win and why another President’s Trophy team lost in the 1st round. Later on, Edge from WWE discusses being a massive Leafs fan, attending Game 6 in Tampa and his friendship with Jake Muzzin (25:56). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/1/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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Wendel Clark On The Leafs Finally Getting a Series Win

Ben and Blake are all over the buzz in Toronto following the Leafs' series win over Tampa. They take a quick look ahead at Game 1 vs. the Panthers, and then, how the Jays nearly went 6-0 on their recent home stand with a few iffy moments from the bullpen yesterday. Later on, a visit from former Leafs captain Wendel Clark (30:26), who is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Leafs' upset win over the Red Wings in 1993 with a Game 7 OT win. Wendel compares what it was like back then, playoff pressure and how players do their best to block out the noise in their own dressing room when it comes to previous failures in the playoffs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/1/202349 minutes, 36 seconds
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No Mayo In Your Coffee and the Texans Steal the Draft

Peter King takes Ben and Blake through the first round of the NFL Draft, a chat with CJ Stroud today, why the Texans came out terrific by selecting #2 and #3 and the flaw in the NFL's S2 Cognition test. Later, what we learned about the Lamar Jackson deal, why teams are fine with large yearly salaries but push back when it comes to guaranteed money. Finally, the Jays rematch with the Mariners, facing Teoscar Hernandez for the first time and then why big stars like Soto and Stanton are injured and struggling (25:35).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/28/202349 minutes, 30 seconds
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A New Theory on the Dubas Contract Situation

Ben and Blake kick off the “Leafs lose a clincher” recap show with Nick Kypreos who, wrote in The Toronto Star that Kyle Dubas potentially turned DOWN a contract extension this season. Then a look back at last night, why Tampa was able to take control and some expected lineup changes for Game 6 on both the offence and defence. Later, a visit from JD Bunkis (25:28) to reflect on last night and despite the 3-2 series lead, Tampa has been the better team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/28/202349 minutes, 14 seconds
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A Game 5 With a Game 7 Feel

TVA NHL reporter Renaud Lavoie joins Ben and Blake to look at Game 5 between the Maple Leafs and Lightning, Jon Cooper's choice of word in between games, the maturity of the Toronto hockey club, how Kyle Dubas has constructed this roster and the choice to scratch Michael Bunting. Later, they get to NBA playoffs, and Jimmy Butler and the Heat's massive upset over the Bucks. They discuss the shaken-up dynamic without the East's 1-seed, Butler's heroics and what comes next for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee (24:55).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/27/202349 minutes, 19 seconds
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How the Leafs Get Over the Hump with Randy Carlyle

Ben and Blake get you set for a pivotal Leafs contest tonight, a day that the Blue and White can finally put their ghosts to bed. They preview the game, how the Leafs pull off the win, the decision to not put Michael Bunting back in the lineup, how Matthew Knies factors in and how much will the crowd impact the game. Stanley Cup champion and former Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle joins the show (26:52) to help calm the pre-game nerves. He shares what it takes to win an elimination game, his favourite memory from winning the Stanley Cup with the Ducks and what will push the Maple Leafs over the top.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/27/202349 minutes, 32 seconds
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Advice for Leafs On How NOT To Blow A 3-1 Lead

Ben and Blake start with former Leafs defenceman and Stanley Cup winner Hal Gill, who discusses closeout games in a series, the types of players it takes to win in the playoffs and some awesome stories about coaches he’s played for and things said to players before the biggest games. He also breaks down the Leafs/Lightning series, the wear and tear and nerves ahead of Game 5. Finally, Caleb Joseph gives his take on how the pitch clock has helped José Berríos, how it has saved Yusei Kikuchi and helped him establish a new quick pace and motion (32:13).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/26/202349 minutes, 18 seconds
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Nobody Is Cooking Like The Jays Starters

Ben and Blake open with the news today that Michael Bunting will be out of the Leafs’ lineup for Game 5. Then, over to the Jays and the starting pitchers are on an amazing stretch as Yusei Kikuchi moved to 4-0 today. This pairs up well with José Berríos' 0-run outing last night. Next up, Adnan Virk from MLB Network on the wild AL East (31:21). He explains why the Rangers are for real and why the Mariners are on the decline. Finally, the Leafs are in a position to win their first playoff series since 2004, and Adnan helps embody what nervous Leafs fans are feeling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/26/202349 minutes, 38 seconds
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The O’Reilly Factor – Former Coach Dishes on Leafs Forward

Ben and Blake take a look at the Blue Jays, their current series against the White Sox, Charlie Montoyo in town and where Whit Merrifield fits in the lineup. Next, in the NBA Playoffs, Jimmy Butler carries the Heat to a 3-1 series lead over the Bucks and De’Aaron Fox will play even with a fractured finger. Finally, a visit from Marc Savard (31:22), now the Head Coach of the Windsor Spitfires gives us insight into his son Tyler Savard playing in a crucial hockey playoff series and then what it was like joining the St. Louis Blues and coaching “Factor” Ryan O’Reilly. Great insight into Ryan’s attention to detail and what makes him so tough to face in the playoffs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/25/202349 minutes, 18 seconds
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The Reverse Curse (4-1)

Ben and Blake kick off the hour with Justin Bourne in studio, and they react to the incredible comeback win by the Leafs in Tampa last night. Rare praise for Kerfoot, the driving force of Ryan O’Reilly and then a deep dive into Andrei Vasilevskiy and the underlying reasons for his uncharacteristic struggles. Next up, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com shares his thoughts on why the Leafs are indeed different than years past and the Michael Bunting Game 5 decision (29:48). Finally, over to the Oilers and the debate of Skinner or Campbell for Game 5 at home. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/25/202349 minutes, 45 seconds
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In Their Heads - Playoffs, Media and Distractions

Dan Shulman joins Ben and Blake to discuss the state of the Blue Jays' rotation, the promotion of Nate Pearson to the club, and his reaction to Aaron Rodgers becoming a New York Jet. Finally, a visit from Andrew Raycroft of NESN (30:20) and former Leafs and Bruins goalie tells us that questions from the media can get into a player's head and sometimes can be a distraction, why you can never count out Andrei Vasilevskiy and how Tampa will at least be good for another win in the series. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/24/202349 minutes, 21 seconds
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Behind The Bench Insight with Dallas Eakins

Ben and Blake look at the Leafs/Bolts series and how it’s become the battle of the coaches between Cooper and Keefe. Then, Vlad Guerrero Jr. happily plays the villain in the Bronx this weekend and Blake explains why he doubled down on his hate for the Yankees. Afterward, Aaron Rodgers is finally traded to the Jets and the Rockets hire Ime Udoka who many thought was bound for the Raptors. Next up, former Oilers and Ducks (and Marlies) head coach, Dallas Eakins, joins the show to discuss watching Connor McDavid and the Oilers win last night, how coaches feel about video reviews, motivating after blowouts and the mind games between Jon Cooper and Sheldon Keefe (31:46). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/24/202349 minutes, 52 seconds
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The Next Coach of the Raptors Will Be ________?

Ramona Shelburne from ESPN starts off the hour with us discussing the top coaching candidates Nick Nurse and Ime Udoka. Plus, it appears that Toronto might be the most attractive coaching opening followed by Houston and how other names like Frank Vogel and Mike D'Antoni are out there but might not be a great fit with a young team that’s not ready to win right away. Then, a quick look ahead to the Blue Jays beginning a new series in New York against the Yankees. The ongoing saga at 2B and Cavan Biggio gets the start again over Whit Merrifield and Santiago Espinal. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/21/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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Reacting to the Firing of Nick Nurse

Ben and Blake start the show looking at the firing of Nick Nurse, the Masai Ujiri news conference, what we learned and if this felt more like a “parting of ways” than a “firing” from the team. Next up, Michael Grange joins us in the studio (30:32) for a deep dive into the past, but more importantly, who will fill this role as the new head coach? There are rumours suggesting that Ime Udoka is a crucial candidate after being dismissed by the Celtics.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/21/202350 minutes, 15 seconds
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“Mr Arizona” Shane Doan On Leafs Friends - Matthews and Knies

Ben and Blake capture the nervousness ahead of Leafs/Lightning Game 2, Bunting’s suspension and what to expect from Matthew Knies in his playoffs debut. After a brief look at the Jays/Astros, we head down to the rink, where Luke Fox joins us ahead of the game (30:17). He explains the mindset of Samsonov and whether or not there is cause for concern. Next up, Shane Doan “Mr. Arizona” on being friends with both Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, why he enjoyed playoff hockey so much and the importance of celebrating the moment (50:48) . Later, explaining the hockey scene in Arizona, how Matthews is revered in the state and what he does for the community in the off-season along with Shane.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/20/20231 hour, 15 minutes, 39 seconds
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Bunting Gets 3 Games

Ben and Blake kick off the second hour with Craig Simpson who called Game 1 with the Leafs/Lightning. He looks back at last night, how the Leafs can respond to the tough loss, memories from his playing days, how the playoffs are so different now and how players manage it. Later, the mystery behind the Hedman injury and the potential opening for Toronto. Then, Ben and Blake break the news that Michael Bunting has been suspended for 3 games and we get some instant analysis from former NHL Official Kerry Fraser (27:46). He gives his take on the hit and how many games Bunting should have gotten. Later, officiating in the playoffs vs the regular season and how Round 1 is by far the toughest to call with instant hatred between teams.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/19/202350 minutes, 4 seconds
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Game 1 Regrets & Kelly Hrudey Joins Us In Studio

Ben and Blake open with the Leafs' Game 1 loss to Tampa, the frustration and waiting to see if Bunting is suspended after a hearing with the league. Then, onto the diamond as the Jays rebound in Houston and Chris Bassitt has his best game by far as a Blue Jay. Matt Chapman stays hot and he’s timed his season with the end of his contract. Next up, Kelly Hrudey from Hockey Night in Canada reflects on Game 1, the Leafs' nerves to start the game under immense pressure and expectations (31:14). Finally, how the Leafs are managing their goalies, the importance of getting Samsonov out of the game but sticking with him in Game 2. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/19/202349 minutes, 48 seconds
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“The Cat” – Playoff Memories with Leafs' Legend Felix Potvin

Before Ben and Blake get back to the Leafs, the Jays prepare for the Astros tonight after Kevin Gausman got roughed up last night. They revisit the theory that the pitch clock is impacting guys like Manoah who will have to figure it out as the season continues. Later, they are joined by one of the greatest goalies in Leafs' history: Felix Potvin (28:19). Felix recalls his first playoff experience and what it was like as a starting goalie in Toronto. Then, the comparison to this current Leafs team, the pressure and what it finally feels like to win a playoff series. Ben and Blake close with Felix recalling his legendary goalie fight with Ron Hextall and how he was ready for the rematch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/18/202349 minutes, 46 seconds
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If There Was Ever A Time to “Get Tampa”

Ben and Blake kick off the show with Nick Kypreos to set up Leafs/Bolts Game 1. Nick looks at the Leafs' mindset, the new look roster compared to last season and some interesting choices on the Game 1 lineup. Later, Frank Seravalli from Dailyfaceoff.com looks at the areas of the Lightning where they might be vulnerable (30:48). He examines Tampa's lack of depth and how it’s finally caught up to them. Finally, they end with mysterious injuries that suddenly end when the playoffs begin and teams taking advantage of salary cap loopholes.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/18/202349 minutes, 39 seconds
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Joe Siddall On How To Diagnose Alek Manoah

Ben and Blake start the hour with Joe Siddall in-studio (0:44) to take a deep dive into Alek Manoah, mechanics vs control and whether or not there is something to the fact that the pitch clock is rushing him. He goes into how to diagnose and address the issue, Yusei Kikuchi looking in control, and what the best approach is for Bo Bichette at the plate. Later, the NBA Playoffs have been filled with road wins, injuries and a rejuvenated Russell Westbrook. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/17/202349 minutes, 45 seconds
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NHL Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly

Ben and Blake look back at the Rays/Jays series, Alek Manoah’s struggles continue but even more surprising, the Rays were dominated by both Kikuchi and Berrios. Later, how this rivalry will only grow this season. Then, Ben takes in a Jays game with his kids and they didn’t make as much of a mess as Anthony Bass’ on an airplane. Next up, we kick off the Stanley Cup Playoffs with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly (27:02). He addresses scoring on the rise, if playoff games should be called the same as regular season, the treatment of Michael Bunting and some details from a zoom call with the coaches and GMs of the 16 playoff teams and setting the tone for how games are called and supervised. Finally, cap counting, if teams are abusing the system with the use of LTIR and ATOs and how fixing things doesn’t require additional collective bargaining. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/17/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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NHL Regular Season in Review

ESPN NHL writer Greg Wyshynski joins Ben to kick off hour two to break down the crazy end of the year in the NHL. They discuss tank battles, where does Connor Bedard fit best and the regime shift in Pittsburgh. Then, playoffs have arrived, and Greg goes over the entire bracket and shares how he sees it panning out. Later, Sportsnet Blue Jays' analyst Caleb Joseph joins Ben from the Rogers Centre to get everyone ready for the Jays/Rays game (25:45). They discuss the underlying reasons for Tampa's blazing start, can they continue and what to expect from José Berríos.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/14/202350 minutes, 3 seconds
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Litmus Test for the Blue Jays?

Ben is solo and starts with the host of Blair & Barker and Jays Talk, Jeff Blair from the Rogers Centre, who previews the series against the Tampa Bay Rays. He shares his concern levels on José Berríos, his thoughts on Alek Manoah's early season struggles and Ricky Tiedemann's spectacular performance last night in Double A. Pat Donovan from the Pat & Aaron Show on WDAE in Tampa joins Ben to talk about the vibe down in Tampa Bay ahead of the Lightning playoff push and Rays perfect start (30:52). He breaks down how the Rays routinely outperform expectations despite a low payroll and if he thinks the hot batting is sustainable.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/14/202349 minutes, 2 seconds
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Putting a Wrap on the Raps With Michael Grange

Michael Grange from SN joins us in the studio to look back at the Raptors season, what went wrong and why there is a vibe to “run it back” next season. Then a look ahead to the off-season, free agents and then Nick Nurse’s future as well. Then Michael goes into the media avails today, trying to read between the lines with the team and why firing Nurse is not happening with the amount of money he would be owed which is close to $9M next year. Then a look at Nurse’s popularity, the connection with Team Canada and if that plays a role since the lines are blurred between the Raptors and Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/13/202350 minutes, 8 seconds
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Raps Beaten By DeMar … And His Daughter

Ben and Blake are all over the Raps/Bulls play-in game, DeRozan AND his daughter playing pivotal roles in the comeback win. Then, over to the Jays and how they will host the Rays starting tomorrow and Tampa’s win today tied the MLB record to start a season (13-0). Later, Luke Fox checks in from MSG (29:43), where the Leafs are wrapping up their season against the Rangers. This week's focus has been on Matthew Knies, the potential to crack the playoff roster and then questions of health surrounding Murray and Samsonov. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/13/202349 minutes, 15 seconds
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Redefining What “Emergency Goalie” Actually Means

We start off the hour with Frank Seravalli who discusses the week of emergency goalies with the Leafs, what’s fair, what’s manipulation and whether is there a financial motive to risk someone’s health. Then, the suggestion that teams are allowed a 3rd goalie on the roster – permanent – does not count against the cap. Then over to the playoff races, the fall of the Pens who are likely missing out and how the Panthers went from 9 points out at Christmas to clinching a Wild Card spot. Later, Blake walks us through the Raptors season and what to expect tonight vs the Bulls and what happens if they lose. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/12/202350 minutes, 21 seconds
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MLB’s Record Setting Start of the Season

Ben and Blake recap their night at the Jays home opener and a record today as the roof will be open earlier than ever. Next, a quick look at the Raptors and the play-in game and the matchup against DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls. Next up, Adnan Virk (31:56) from MLB Network on killer ratings to start the season, the pitch clock is still receiving rave reviews and the Jays are the talk of MLB in terms of the stadium and the change of dimensions. Finally, Adnan’s take on the Raptors, how the perception of the team has risen in the US especially since the 2019 title. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/12/202349 minutes, 18 seconds
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One on One With New Jay Daulton Varsho

Ben and Blake are joined by outfielder and one of the newest Blue Jays Daulton Varsho as he has never played or even been to Toronto and explains how his first experience happened at 3:40 am in the morning. Later, why the 10-game road trip felt much longer, preparing for the new ballpark dimensions, why he’s open to playing catcher in an emergency situation and the art of his bunting skill. Next up, Mike Petriello from MLB.com (14:27) gives us his review of the park and why he wants to desperately attend a game as a fan. Finally, Ben Wagner joins from the radio booth to set up the home opener! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/11/202350 minutes, 2 seconds
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Daulton Varsho's Toronto Experience

Blue Jays' outfielder Daulton Varsho joined Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy to discuss playing in Toronto for the very first time, the new dimensions at Rogers Centre and how it'll affect him as a batter and fielder, what it was like starting the season on a long road trip, having ball games cut down in length, his approach to using the drag bunt method in his at-bats, and his role as the emergency catcher for the baseball club. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/11/20238 minutes, 39 seconds
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Setting Up Another Opening Day at Home!

We are live from Rogers Centre, inside the Sportsnet Bar and Grill ahead of the Blue Jays vs. Tigers to open the home season. Blake gives his take on the renovations including the new Outfield District. Later, a visit to the scene by Ben Nicholson-Smith (25:53) looks back at his time on the road with the team to start the season. He explains why the Daulton Varsho deal was not cheap for the Jays and he has proven to be well worth it. With Varsho and Kevin Kiermaier looking great, there is much to be improved upon from Brandon Belt to Chris Bassitt. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/11/202349 minutes, 16 seconds
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Happy Knies Day!

The day's news is the signing of Matthew Knies and the NCAA star will be in the Maple Leafs lineup against the Florida Panthers. Then a quick look back at the Los Angeles Angels series vs. the Blue Jays and Blake recaps his weekend doing radio analyst work alongside Ben Wagner. Next, Elliotte Friedman joins us in the studio (31:09) and explains why the Leafs were no longer allowed to be in an emergency situation. Later, The Masters was a win for LIV Golf as Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson played so well. Finally, the NBA playoff matchups are set including the play-in games, a look at the Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls, the investigation into the Dallas Mavericks and then Rudy Gobert gets suspended for the play-in after punching a teammate. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/10/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 55 seconds
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Knies Wraps Season This Weekend – Leafs Contract Looms

Adam Stanley joins Ben from Augusta after a massive scare when the weather took down three trees and - thankfully - no injuries as play was suspended and Round  two resumes Saturday morning. Then, a look at the rise of Brooks Koepka, Mackenzie Hughes plays a solid round but two Canadians, Corey Conners and former Master's winner Mike Weir miss the cut.  Later on, Andrew Raycroft, Bruins Analyst for NESN who also worked the NCAA Frozen Four ESPN with a close eye on Matthew Knies (26:21). Then, Ben wraps the show with Blake Murphy, who’s working Raptors and Jays tonight, and they look at the Jays' heavy righty lineup without Varsho and with new signing Jordan Luplow (39:51). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/7/202351 minutes, 12 seconds
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Brooks Dominates Augusta - Not As Much As The Weather

Ben is solo today as Blake returns on Monday. He starts the show with Sam McKee from Real Kyper and Bourne with a look at The Masters, a tough time for Canadians, why media members need to delete negative tweets about Brooks Koepka and then a near miss today when a massive tree fell on the course and by some miracle – injured nobody. Then, the Leafs' performance in Boston, a tough loss in a close game but a closer look at the lineup we will likely see in the playoffs. Later, Shi Davidi checks in from Anaheim (24:26) where the Jays will face the Angels for 3 games. He touches on the power of Vlad, the struggles of Belt and the battle for 2B is now between 3 players. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/7/202349 minutes, 12 seconds
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An Inside Look At The Blue Jays Renovations

Ben and Blake start the show right after the Jays/Royals post-game with Toronto winning their third straight game. A quick look at the good (Vladdy, Chapman, Varsho) and then a look at why Brandon Belt has struggled so much to start the season. From there, Ben breaks down his visit to Rogers Centre today and the first look at the recently completed renovations. Next up, Jon Morosi from MLB Network joins us (24:39) fresh off the Tigers' home opener in Detroit, the four legends in attendance (Ben Wallace, Miguel Cabrera, Nick Lidstrom & Calvin Johnson). Then, over to the pitch clock and how it has been a resounding success. We finish with Rogers Centre renovations and the impact on ballpark dimensions in the outfield and trying to create an advantage. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/6/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 14 seconds
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Our Final Preview of The Masters

We go back to back in Augusta on the eve of The Masters. First up, Alan Shipnuck (1:23) on the Phil Mickelson story, the move to LIV and how it split some of the players and he’s not as supported as in the past – but – a solid performance would fix his relationship with the fans. Next up, Adam Stanley (15:15) also joins us from Augusta to look at the Canadian contenders this weekend and a tasty night at the Mike Weir 20th anniversary dinner. Finally, a look at do-or-die playoff games in the NHL and the NBA. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/5/202351 minutes, 12 seconds
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Universal Love For The Pitch Clock

Ben and Blake look back at a Toronto hat trick last night with the Jays – Leafs – Raptors all winning and the highlight of the night had to be the performance of Yusei Kikuchi. Next up, Adnan Virk makes his weekly appearance (25:42) and talks about the MLB Network deal with Alek Manoah, his reaction to the UFC/WWE merger and how the president of the WWE is his former agent and why the two companies will work so well together. Later, impressive pitchers who work fast and how the pitch clock has made a baseball game as quick as the NHL and NBA. We close with playoff races and how few Canadian teams will advance to the playoffs. Then, Ben previews his day tomorrow as the Jays unveil their stadium renovations to the media. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/5/202349 minutes, 7 seconds
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Matt Murray’s Time in Toronto Won’t Last

Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com discusses the Leafs goaltending situation and how Samsonov has been stable, Woll looks decent and the latest injury to Murray might play out like a “blessing in disguise.” His performance hasn’t been great and his injury status has tainted his season. Later, Connor Bedard watch, the Jackets were in a better position recently but Chicago has been the horrible since the deadline and have placed themselves in the NHL basement entering today. Later on, Kikuchi starts tonight, Merrifield gets into the lineup and Chapman moves to the clean up spot. Finally, a wrap on the NCAA basketball season, the rise of UCONN and never losing in a final and then the impact on the upcoming NBA Draft. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/4/202350 minutes, 14 seconds
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Joe Siddall On Starter Struggles & New Look Lineups

Ben and Blake open with a wild night in Toronto sports with the Leafs, Raptors and Jays all in action. Then a deeper look at the catchers and then why Alex Verdugo of the Red Sox decided to pick a fight with Alek Manoah today about his antics during games especially after striking out an opponent. Next up, Joe Siddall joins us in the studio for an extended Jays chat (30:24), what’s wrong with José Berríos and why the trend has continued into this year. Then, to the lineup, mixing in the lefty bats and how Schneider will use his many options. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/4/202348 minutes, 54 seconds
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UFC and WWE Become One … $21 B Later

Ben and Blake kick off the hour with Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, one of the most renowned voices in combat sports. He discusses the UFC and WWE officially becoming one company, how the merger came to be, the growth of the UFC to this point and the roles of Vince McMahon and Dana White going forward. Later, his take on WrestleMania over the weekend. Finally, a recap of the Jays weekend and we get our first look at Jose Berrios tonight after his forgettable 2022 campaign (27:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/3/202350 minutes, 5 seconds
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Corey Conners Joins The Show After 2nd PGA Tour Win

Blake is back from Kentucky and he and Ben start with the Jays' losses to the Cardinals, why Chris Bassitt struggled so much and a look ahead to José Berríos getting his first start. Then over to Nick Nurse, his comments which suggested he was leaving the team and why he snapped at a media member when asked about it over the weekend. Next up, Ben goes 1-on-1 with Corey Conners (37:17), who just won on the PGA Tour yesterday, how his tour wins came in the same tournament and looking ahead to The Masters this week. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/3/202349 minutes, 4 seconds
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Dissecting Nick Nurse's Future

Ben welcomes Jon Morosi to recap Opening Day, a collision course is set between the Blue Jays and Yankees and a specific rivalry between Alek Manoah and Gerrit Cole will be on display. Next up, Doug Smith from The Toronto Star (27:01) on his exclusive story about Nick Nurse, his future, the potential connection to the Houston Rockets and the hot rumour that former Celtics Head Coach Ime Udoka would take over the Raptors. Then to the MVP race, why he voted for Nikola Jokic last year but the momentum really favours Joel Embiid. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/31/202349 minutes, 58 seconds
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Blue Jays Opening Day Debrief

Ben spends the hour with JD Bunkis recapping the Blue Jays win over the Cardinals, Alek Manoah's poor Opening Day performance, and questionable calls from manager John Schneider. Next, Ben proposed future headlines and they debate which ones should be printed including tensions in the dugout on the future of the manager position, home run celebrations and how the new dimensions of Rogers Centre will affect players like Vlad Jr. and Bo Bichette. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/31/202349 minutes, 14 seconds
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Carlos Delgado on Blue Jays Memories and 2023 Expectations

What a thrill to speak with former Blue Jays slugger Carlos Delgado (6:45) who reflects on what it’s like going from Spring Training to the excitement of Opening Day, memories of first at-bats of the season and then of course over to international play, WBC memories with Puerto Rico and the real growth we have seen this year. Memory lane includes his 4 HR night in Tampa while today he’s focused on the new ballpark dimensions and his expectations for players like Vlad Jr. He closes with his thoughts on Jose Bautista, his move to the Level of Excellence and the comparisons of their careers. We close with Ben Nicholson Smith (26:15) who will be the radio analyst for Opening Day he gives his take on the starting lineup, and how the new look lineup offers so many options it’s hard to predict the batting order day-to-day. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/30/202350 minutes, 35 seconds
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Pressures & Excitements of Opening Day with Carlos Delgado

The former Blue Jay and member of the 1993 World Series winning team shares memories of his four-homer night against the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays, his thoughts on the renovations at Rogers Centre and how it would have affected him as a batter, his approach to Spring Trainings, the pressures of being one of the best players on the roster, his expectations for Vlad Jr., and how Jose Berrios can have a bounce back year on the mound. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/30/202316 minutes, 18 seconds
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Opening Day with Pat Hentgen & Todd Stottlemyre

We are off and running ahead of Opening Day! Blake Murphy checks in from the road to look at the Blue Jays lineup for today, the number of lefty bats featured, and Daulton Varsho starting the season in the clean-up spot. Later on, Pat Hentgen, World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner, reflects on his spring working with the Jays in Dunedin and how a change behind the plate led to the best season of his life (14:49). Then, it's over to Todd Stottlemyre in St Louis to preview today's matchup between the Jays and Cardinals, before reflecting on Opening Day and what it’s like to face someone like Nolan Ryan (25:48). We wrap with a discussion on how all Blue Jays players become honorary Canadians and what it means to represent an entire country. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/30/202349 minutes, 48 seconds
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MLB 2023 Season Preview w/ Tim Kurkjian & Shi Davidi

Ben starts the hour with Shi Davidi, and they look back at this spring, the changes to the changes roster – but also – a change in the attitude of the team. Then, over to Tim Kurkjian from ESPN (25:25), who sets up the season after 40 years of coverage and explains why he loves the pitch clock even though he’s a pure baseball historian. While the rule changes are the top story of the season, his #2 is the future of Ohtani if the Angels don’t keep him.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/29/202349 minutes, 48 seconds
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The Leafs Tweet That Caused Open Fire on Frank Seravalli

Ben is solo for the next couple days with Blake out of town, and he starts the show with Adnan Virk from MLB Network who helps preview the season with games tomorrow and explains why baseball is on the verge of a real spike in popularity. Then, a few predictions including the order of the AL East. Later, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com talks about going viral today and getting attacked on Twitter – for suggesting – Michael Bunting is the #1 free agent on the market (25:37). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/29/202349 minutes, 2 seconds
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Plunking A-Rod Then Becoming His Friend – The Josh Towers Story

Ben and Blake kick off the hour with former Jays pitcher Josh Towers who reflects on plunking A-Rod and then eventually becoming his teammate with the Yankees where they won a World Series in 2009. Then, looking back at his time with the Jays, why he loved the city of Toronto, the Rogers Centre and how the team is built through prospects and the buzz that’s been created. Later, a visit from LA Kings President and 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee Luc Robitaille (30:34). He looks at a run by Anze Kopitar for the Selke and Lady Byng, the torrid pace of Connor McDavid and if we will ever see rivalries get physical like the Wings/Avs from years ago. Finally, Bunting vs Keefe and the relationship between coach and player in the heat of battle. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/28/202349 minutes, 44 seconds
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Blue Jays Bold Predictions & Props

With Blake off the rest of the week it’s our last chance to have him break down the numbers ahead of the season. With that he presents Ben with several props going from on field performance to the chances of contract extensions. Later on, Kaitlyn McGrath from The Athletic joins the conversation (29:12) to reveal what she learned while following the team in Dunedin. She looks at a new demeanor from players like Vlad and Bo. Finally, a prediction for Vladdy specifically and if he can hit the magical 50.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/28/202348 minutes, 44 seconds
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Bruce There He Is … Boudreau Joins The Show

Ben and Blake open up with former NHL Head Coach Bruce Boudreau (0:33) who takes a look at the Maple Leafs, the playoff stretch and how coaches like Sheldon Keefe try to manage their lines. Then, some specific insight into Luke Schenn who he just coached in Vancouver this year. Later, Bruce tries to put Connor McDavid into context when comparing his scoring to other eras. Afterwards, Alistair Johnston from Team Canada joins the show (29:04) ahead of the first appearance on Canadian soil since the World Cup. Canada hosts Honduras as BMO Field and he looks back at some of the coldest games he has ever played. Finally, a chat about development and frustrations with Canada Soccer and the arguing over money and why he is so proud of that the Women’s National Team was willing to stand up for. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/27/202348 minutes, 4 seconds
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“Better” or “Different” The 2023 Toronto Blue Jays

We've made it to opening week as the Jays will visit the Cardinals on Thursday! Ben and Blake review the top stories from spring training, how they managed to avoid major injuries and there are several prospects that made a great case to be on the team. Then, from Berrios to Kikuchi and how both are trying to change their fortunes after last season didn’t go well for each. Ahead of that, a look at the Leafs and how Auston Matthews is “back.” Finally, an extended chat with Mike Petriello from MLB.com who previews the MLB season and his projections and where Yankees, Jays and Rays all battle for the AL East (26:42).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/27/202350 minutes, 49 seconds
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A Behind the Scenes Look at Starting Opening Day

Ben and Blake start with Ricky Romero who reflects on what it’s like starting on opening day – he did it twice! Today the Jays announced Alek Manoah would start next Thursday in St Louis. Ricky looks at the politics inside the clubhouse & what it actually means to be an “ace” of the team. Then, he shares with us a conversation that he had today with Alek Manoah after the news was announced that he was officially named opening day starter. Later a look at Yusei Kikuchi, why Dunedin was a HR haven and how new dimensions at home will impact the team (38:21). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/24/202349 minutes, 4 seconds
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Knowing Knies: The Story Behind the Leafs Biggest Prospect

Ben and Blake start with the news that Alek Manoah will be the Blue Jays Opening Day starter on the same day that Eno Sarris of The Athletic picked Gausman to win the AL Cy Young. Then a look ahead to the series in St Louis, the pitching matchups and now that the Jays have lefty bats, the options for the batting order is much more intriguing that last year. Next up, Joshua Kloke from The Athletic who covers the Leafs, TFC and Canada Soccer (32:18). He took a trip to Minnesota where he got to spend time with Leafs prospect Matthew Knies and reveals what he learned in his latest piece. This includes a wrestling match with Shane Doan!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/24/202349 minutes, 5 seconds
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A Key Pitcher to Watch for the Blue Jays

We start with Arden Zwelling out in Florida discussing his annual tradition of a “player to watch” for the Blue Jays and why the sky’s the limit for relief pitcher Zach Popp. Later, Michael Bartlett the CEO of Canada Basketball (25:56) on the ongoing relationship with Sportsnet and the return of Global Jam to Toronto this summer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/23/202350 minutes, 6 seconds
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The Need for Best on Best Hockey

Ben and Blake react to a sizzling spring training outing for Yusei Kikuchi, Raptors' loss to the Pacers and why a Canadian team doesn't have enough Canadians on their roster. Then over to Frank Seravalli (34:34) on Connor McDavid reaching 60 goals on the year, his incredible journey and why we're not taking advantage of having a best-on-best hockey tournament with McDavid among the players to be part of it. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/23/202349 minutes, 13 seconds
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The Wildest Ohtani/Trout Stat You’ll Hear All Day

Adnan Virk makes his weekly appearance and we are all over the WBC (0:48). He is still unsure about how to compare it to other moments like a World Series even though the players have made that connection and the weirdest stat you'll hear between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. Later on, check in on the Blue Jays, Jose Berrios looking good in his recent Spring Training outing and when will the team announce their opening day starter. Next, a preview of Raptors vs. Pacers and Canada Basketball night down at Scotiabank Arena and a discussion on players' commitments to the national team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/22/202350 minutes, 8 seconds
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Bob Motzko of the University of Minnesota on Coaching Matthew Knies

We are still having a WBC hangover and trying to compare what we saw last night to other championship sports games. Then a look at how the NHL has not managed to get back to a World Cup and we hear from Connor McDavid who was thrilled like the rest of us to see Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout on the world stage. Later on a visit from Bob Motzko, Head Coach of the University of Minnesota’s Hockey Team and Leafs prospect Matthew Knies (28:35). Coach goes through the season, why he wasn’t surprised that Knies stayed in college, how he’d be happy to drive him to the airport when it’s time for him to move on, how the Leafs' prospect has grown and evolved this year. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/22/202349 minutes, 7 seconds
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On the Field of Dreams in Miami: The WBC Final

We start on Long Island where Ryan Dixon (3:27) is covering the Leafs, John Tavares faces his former team while Pierre Engvall does the same, and how Sheldon Keefe is tinkering with his lineup in preparation for the post-season. Later on, back to the WBC Final as we catch up with Ben Verlander (24:52) as he discusses how players take each at-bat the biggest ones of their careers plus his time spent with Shohei Ohtani. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/21/202349 minutes, 52 seconds
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Japan/USA Might Be Most Watched Baseball Game Ever

Ben and Blake are jacked for US vs Japan tonight at the World Baseball Classic. Later on, Joon Lee from ESPN joins the show to discuss the growth of the game and tournament (27:06). The millions expected to be watching and how it worked out that Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, teammates and likely the 2 best baseball players in the world. A look at how player participation has changed forever and by the end of the segment, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed the next WBC.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/21/202348 minutes, 48 seconds
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WBC Proves It’s Never Been More Popular

Jon Morosi checks in with Ben and Blake from the field in Miami ahead of Japan/Mexico tonight in the Semi-Finals. He discusses the growth of the game – especially – in the US where the WBC has picked up in popularity this year. Later, Trea Turner was already a star ahead of this tournament and yet it feels very much like his “coming out party.” Next, Blake digs into the numbers when it comes to WBC years and how often players miss games and does appearing in the WBC impact their regular season numbers (31:55). Finally, the GM of the Reds is asked about the potential of trading Joey Votto – specifically – sending him home to the Blue Jays. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/20/202349 minutes, 42 seconds
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Keefe Isn’t “Tinkering,” He's Preparing for the Playoffs

Ben and Blake open with the weekend and Matt Murray’s revenge over the Senators. Then, the Leafs hit the road as Keefe keeps shuffling those lines. Next up, the Raptors, the injury to Scottie Barnes and their destiny as a “play in” team. Later, Mike Kelly from NHL Network on the Leafs still learning to play with one another and how Keefe is not simply tinkering, he’s working out all possible scenarios heading into the playoffs (31:39). Finally, the outlook on goalies, why the Leafs do have enough and how the position is not counted on as much as it used to be. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/20/202348 minutes, 23 seconds
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March Madness In Canada Includes Baseball

Blake begins the hour with Hayley McGoldrick of Sportsnet (0:42) who is covering the women’s NCAA tournament, why Iowa & UConn are the teams to watch out for and navigating the top Canadians in the tournament. Next, John Axford (14:35), the veteran pitcher for Team Canada recaps the WBC, discusses how he can still throw 95 mph and why it’s easier to reach that mark in real games vs. bullpen sessions. Finally, Dan Shulman (30:38) on his new position as the voice of the Blue Jays for the entire season including playoffs after moving on from MLB on ESPN radio after 24 years, he looks ahead to the Jays season, who is a lock in the bullpen and why Otto Lopez has made a case to be on the roster. Finally, over to the NCAA and what he expects from Canadian big man Zach Edey and the entire tournament. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/17/202350 minutes, 54 seconds
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What It Will Cost for Jays to Keep Vlad, Bo, Manoah and Chapman?

Blake solo starts off with Justin Bourne (0:42) to chat about the Maple Leafs taking on the Canes, Luke Schenn making another home debut, then a look ahead to prospects like Matthews Knies and what to expect from him in the future. Later on, Tim Britton from The Athletic (29:33) joins us who recently wrapped a project projecting the type of contracts it would take for Toronto to keep guys like Vlad Jr., Manoah and Bichette, how it impacts the front office's future plans and if the team is better off signing an extension with one of these players. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/17/202349 minutes, 12 seconds
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Why Diaz Injury Won’t Hurt WBC Participation in the Future

Blake makes the case for OG Anunoby being one of the best defenders in the NBA and the impact it could have during contract negotiations. As Ben and Blake debate, they react to (15) Princeton beating (2) Arizona in March Madness. Later, Jon Morosi checks in from the WBC (28:35), following Team Canada throughout the tournament and then the Edwin Diaz injury last night during Puerto Rico’s win over The Dominican Republic. He outlines why MLB owners are reluctant to let their players participate in the WBC, why it won't deter players from participating in the future and why that benefits the MLB.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/16/202349 minutes, 57 seconds
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SGA Approaching “Best Ever’ Status Among Canadian NBA Players

Ben and Blake look at the opening day of March Madness, the (13) Furman upset of (4) Virginia and then a little bracket busting ahead of another basketball related story as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in  town to face the Raptors. Later on a visit from Michael Grange (26:58), who wrote today about SGA contending with Steve Nash for the best player Candada has ever produced – including – the fact that Nash is a 2x NBA MVP. Later, Shai’s role with Canada Basketball and what to expect on the national level. He envisions Shai playing for Canada at The World Cup this summer – but – the same might not be said for Jamal Murray. Finally, Ben Taylor faces the Raptors for the first time since the Fred Van Vleet outburst in LA and a quick word on Canadian Zach Edey who is leading (1) Purdue in March Madness. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/16/202348 minutes, 57 seconds
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Why the Future is Bright for Canadian Baseball

We start the hour with Ryan Dempster who reacts to a tough loss to Mexico today, how there has been such overall progress for Canadian Baseball and he helps highlight which players he has his eyes on for the future. Later, his new role on MLB Network and the show Intentional Talk. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/15/202350 minutes, 38 seconds
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From Elation to Deflation – The Story of Canada Baseball

We open with Ben and Blake's reaction to Canada vs. Mexico at the WBC and the future of manager Ernie Whitt. Then, Adnan Virk (27:18) stops by to chat about Canada's history on the international sports stage, Aaron Rodgers wanting to play for the New York Jets and his divorce from the Green Bay Packers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/15/202349 minutes, 30 seconds
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Kyle Dubas Hot on the Trail of Matthew Knies

Ben is solo today and is joined by Arden Zwelling (2:16) from Dunedin to discuss Canada's chances in the WBC. Next, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com (27:10) looks at the GM meetings this week, how Danny Briere is now in charge of the Philadelphia Flyers who is looking at a re-tool over a re-build, why the NHL playoffs are viewed by GMs with more “luck” than fans would know and if Leafs GM Kyle Dubas can get a deal done with Matthew Knies. Finally, Amy Trask, former CEO of the Raiders (50:38) discusses the wild off-season, why Jimmy Garoppolo was a better option financially for Las Vegas but Derek Carr is much more talented, and why she feels teams should be lining up for Lamar Jackson. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/14/20231 hour, 15 minutes, 9 seconds
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New Homes for Rodgers & Jimmy G + Why Ravens Are Shy on Lamar

Peter King joins us for some NFL Free Agency frenzy (0:43). Aaron Rodgers looks like he’s heading to the New York Jets, Lamar Jackson continues to have problems with the Baltimore Ravens, and why Peter feels the Ravens will draft a QB this year. Next up, is former Leafs and Sabres forward, and current assistant coach with the Rochester Americans Mike Peca (27:28) joining the show to discuss the need for both teams to ignite a rivalry, how elite players like Steve Yzerman and Alex Ovechkin have evolved and become stronger defensive forwards and why Mitch Marner proved early that he had so much potential to be a Selke type of player. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/13/202350 minutes, 13 seconds
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Baseball’s Turn At The Canada / USA Rivalry

Ben and Blake start with Canada facing Team USA today at the World Baseball Classic after crushing GBR yesterday. Then, over to the Jays “shutting down” Ricky Tiedemann (until Wednesday) causing Ben to come up with a theory behind the injury and why he’s being sat down. Later, Bo Bichette’s 2 HR today deserves some analysis and Blake explains when its time to take something in spring seriously. Next up. Tim Leiper, 3rd base coach for Team Canada checks in from the WBC ahead of the game tonight against USA (31:43).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/13/202348 minutes, 34 seconds
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Another Hilarious Chat with Jays Legend Pat Borders

Shi Davidi checks in with Ben and Blake from Tempe, AZ where Canada will make their WBC debut this weekend. Right off the bat – literally – their opener against Great Britain is already being labeled a must-win game. After a deep dive into Canada’s team, they look at where the Jays are at these days at spring training. Next up, Pat Borders (29:54), World Series MVP with the 1992 Jays, who's back home after calling spring training games for SN and The FAN. He discusses which players stood out to him, especially the catchers and memories of spring training in the past. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/11/202349 minutes, 59 seconds
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McDavid Madness Invades Toronto

Ben and Blake open with the $30K fine handed to Fred Van Vleet and the continuing challenge that players have when trying to point out poor officiating. Then, to the Lakers and everyone has been waiting all season for them to “contend.” Later, Mark Spector from SN – Edmonton checks into the show (31:38) ahead of McDavid vs Matthews on Hockey Night in Canada tomorrow night. He recalls the Gretzky days and compares the excitement and anticipation from fans to watch him and history is repeating itself with McDavid. Then, reacting to breaking news in the NFL, as the Bears trade the #1 pick in the draft to the Carolina Panthers for four draft picks and WR DJ Moore (43:48).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.  
3/10/202348 minutes, 55 seconds
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Christine Sinclair Takes Apart Canada Soccer on Parliament Hill

On the day that the Canadian Women’s Soccer team testified at a hearing in Ottawa, we react to the comments specifically Christine Sinclair on former President Nick Bontis. Sid Seixeiro joins the show (1:56) for an absolute tirade against Canada Soccer, and why he feels Atiba Hutchinson should be named the next President. Later, Michael Grange checks in from L.A. (25:36) after attending Raptors practice where Fred VanVleet spoke about his comments on Ben Taylor 24 hours later, whether players have a right to openly criticize officials and how the NBA will deal with this case. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/9/202350 minutes, 10 seconds
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Fred VanVleet’s Rant Is Worthy Every Penny (If He's Fined)

Ben and Blake open with Fred VanVleet’s comments about the refs following the Raptors' loss to the Clippers, how much of a fine he will receive and where it ranks among some of the most memorable rants by an athlete. Then a visit from Jon Morosi (22:25) who's at the WBC, what fans can expect from Team Canada, and how the new MLB rules have performed year to year with more scoring during less time. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/9/202349 minutes, 15 seconds
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Raptors Reunion in Los Angeles

Julia Kreuz of MLB.com (2:34) hops on the show to break down everything Blue Jays with Ben and Blake. Julia discusses why Alek Manoah is right on pace to lead the Jays' starting rotation this year and outlines some key position battles to keep an eye on for the opening-day roster. Next, they tee up the Raptors’ matchup against the Clippers tonight as they get set to take on two familiar faces in Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell. They also break down where the Clippers stand in a crowded western conference and if they have what it takes to snag a playoff spot. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/8/202350 minutes, 12 seconds
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Manoah Aims To Join List of Opening Day Starters

After another solid outing by Alek Manoah, Ben and Blake argue why he has earned the right to be the Blue Jays’ opening-day starter this season over Kevin Gausman. The guys also break down the Leafs thrilling victory last night over the powerhouse Devils. Then, Adnan Virk (29:46) joins the show to discuss Canada’s road to victory in the World Baseball Classic and to offer his thoughts on why Lamar Jackson’s time in Baltimore might be over. Adnan wraps up the hour with his Oscar picks and outlines some award races you need to keep an eye on. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/8/202349 minutes, 35 seconds
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McDavid Magic: Destined for 1st Triple Crown Since 1996

Ben and Blake kick off the show by breaking down Ricky Tiedemann’s latest outing and Ben points out a noticeable difference between his first and second appearances for the Blue Jays. Next, they dive into the wild last few minutes of the Raptors’ loss to the Nuggets last night and weigh in on the shocking Scottie Barnes ejection. Frank Seravalli (30:42) of Daily Faceoff offers his thoughts on Michael Bunting’s next contract and if he has a place on the Leafs' roster next season. He also analyzes the difficulty in navigating the Leafs' goaltending conundrum, the mystery around John Tavares' injury and why Connor McDavid has already solidified himself amongst the game's greatest players. Former Maple Leaf and 2-time Stanley Cup champion, Curtis McElhinney, rounds out the hour (51:50) discussing the importance of mental toughness in the NHL and why the Leafs might have what it takes to go deep in the playoffs despite their history of first-round exits. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/7/20231 hour, 15 minutes, 7 seconds
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John Gibbons On Joey Bats & A Book About Being A Baseball “Lifer”

We were pleased to have John Gibbons on the show (1:02) fresh off the news that Jose Bautista is being added to the Blue Jays Level of Excellence. He reflects on what it was like managing him, the emotion he had and why the hatred for the Texas Rangers was absolutely legit. Later, how the WBC impacts major league teams and his transition into podcasts and what motivated him to write a book. Next, the Raptors face Denver, a Canadian star in Jamal Murray and now Nikola Jokic is the favourite to win his 3rd straight MVP. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/6/202347 minutes, 41 seconds
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Colby Armstrong on Lightning Slipping Just in Time for the Leafs

Ben and Blake are all over a couple of Toronto injuries, including Maple Leafs' Ryan O’Reilly being placed on LTIR, while Blue Jays' slugger Vlad Jr. will be out of the WBC and a quick look back at the Jose Bautista era as he is the next to be placed upon the level of excellence at Rogers Centre. Next up, a visit from Colby Armstrong (28:15) who looks back at his days with “Team Unit” when the Leafs and Jays formed a friendship, why the Tampa Bay Lightning are running out of gas, why load management doesn’t happen in hockey and why he feels the Ottawa Senators are making the playoffs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/6/202351 minutes, 54 seconds
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Deadline Re-CAP & Salaries Dictating Who Won and Lost Today

We start the hour with Jeff Marek (1:14) who helps recap trade deadline day (or week) and how the salary cap dictated how front offices made moves, why Flyers fans must be angry with their team and why Kyle Dubas made the best moves. Next, Mike Futa, former Kings assistant general manager (17:54) joins the show to talk about his experience with the deadline being in the front office vs. covering it with the media, and how Jonathan Quick deserved better from the LA Kings who traded their goalie legend without warning. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/4/202350 minutes, 19 seconds
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Deadline Recap: Quiet Day, Busy Week

We start with a visit from Elliotte Friedman (2:59) in our studio as the NHL trade deadline comes to a close he helps dissect the Maple Leafs performance as of late and how GM Kyle Dubas took a different approach in terms of style, and a look at some of the trades within the Eastern and Western conferences. Later on, Anson Carter drops by (17:46) with a player's perspective on the deadline, the number of times he’s been traded and a story about how he wanted to play for Toronto and how it fell apart. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/3/202349 minutes, 26 seconds
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Mike Weir - Canadian Golf Royalty Joins The Show

Ben is joined by Mike Weir for a chat about the PGA season, The Masters, Tiger Woods' return, being the Captain of The President’s Cup and then the game of golf highlighted on Netflix's Full Swing. Later on a visit from Brian Lawton from NHL Network (25:46) and former Lightning GM to discuss how the current playoff format affects the trade deadline, and how it motivates the Maple Leafs and Lightning to load up with that in mind. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/2/202350 minutes, 22 seconds
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How Leafs Loss To Oilers Indicates More Work Is Needed

Ben is solo today and we kick off the show with Nick Kypreos (1:03) in the studio to discuss why the Maple Leafs' goalie situation is suddenly shaky, how the team is not as deep on defence as they previously thought, and if Tom Wilson would be a fit on the Toronto lineup. Next up, Greg Wyshynski from ESPN (25:00) reacts to the NHL deals today that saw Tyler Bertuzzi sent to Boston and Max Domi to Dallas, and why some people feel the Leafs have done too much prior to the trade deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/2/202349 minutes, 30 seconds
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Biggest Trade Chip Dealt During The Show – Chychrun to the Sens

We start the hour with Adnan Virk on the NHL trade deadline, why he was expecting the Vegas Golden Knights to be a bigger player in the market, his thoughts on Patrick Kane in The Big Apple and why he feels Kyle Dubas was dealing as someone who’s likely out the door at the end of the year. Then we go to Ian Mendes from The Athletic in Ottawa (26:57) as we get instant analysis on the Senators acquiring Jakob Chychrun and how the team's recent performances may have dictated the direction of the franchise this season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/2/202350 minutes, 22 seconds
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Don't Be Fooled, Friday's Deadline Day Trending To Be Busy

Ben and Blake begin the show discussing NHL trade deadline week as some Western Conference teams get involved in the action, Maple Leafs' newest additions making their debut in Edmonton, and how Sheldon Keefe will implement them onto the lineup. Next, Frank Seravalli (26:43) on why trade deadline day will continue to be busy despite a lot of deals happening days before, and how Justin Holl is the most likely candidate to be moved since the team will want to use recently acquired defencemen Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/1/202349 minutes, 27 seconds
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How The NHL Trade Deadline Day Came Early

Ben and Blake chat with former Blue Jays' Rajai Davis (0:45) who is now in the Operations Department at MLB, a quick look at the new rule changes across MLB this year and the adjustments that will be needed for teams on offence and defence. Next up, Elliotte Friedman (27:42) joins the show on what was an incredible day for trades and how Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas truly went all the way in. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/1/202350 minutes, 15 seconds
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BREAKING NEWS SHOW – KYLE DUBAS GONE WILD

Ben and Blake react to the news today of the Leafs dealing away Rasmus Sandin and Pierre Engvall and then welcoming back Luke Schenn to town. They are joined by Thomas Drance of The Athletic in Vancouver on what Schenn still has to offer plus some additional moved that the Canucks are looking at (29:14). Then, a look at the Leafs goalies and if Murray comes off IR – or – they deal him by Friday. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/28/202348 minutes, 59 seconds
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Fly on Wall of the Incredible Career of Patrick Kane

We start with Kris Versteeg (1:46) who helps break down the newest Maple Leafs that were just acquired from Chicago, how new players integrate into a lineup and how Toronto is better set for a playoff run. Then a discussion on the potential end of Patrick Kane's era in Chicago, and trade rumour distractions. We end the hour with Troy Murray, TV analyst for the Blackhawks (29:15) who explains why Jake McCabe will be great on offence for the Leafs and his perspective on the Blackhawks changing their direction. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/28/202350 minutes, 16 seconds
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Kyle Dubas Does It Again!

Ben and Blake open with the latest Maple Leafs trade and discuss how Jake McCabe fits onto the roster, how this transaction affects the team financially and who would be left off the roster when Matt Murray returns to the lineup. Later, a visit from Jon Morosi (29:01) discusses why the Blue Jays have hired James Click, the former Astros manager who was with the team last season, reviews the pitch clock, the drastic shortening of games and if the clock forces pitchers to stay in a rhythm. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/27/202349 minutes, 27 seconds
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Prospect Factory – Jays Rank Near The Top of MLB Again

Ben and Blake start with a look back at the Raptors' win last night and what has been an incredible start for Jakob Poeltl since returning to the team. Then, over to the Leafs, the doubt that continues to follow Matt Murray and a new stat highlights an older player – Mark Giordano, who is just 3 blocked shots away from the NHL career record. Later, a visit from Dan Szymborski from FanGraphs who just released his Top 100 prospects and the Jays have 3 in the top 27 (28:25). Afterwards, Gord Stellick from Scotiabank Arena just ahead of Leafs/Wild with the NHL trade deadline exactly one week away from today (49:36). He answers where we will see O’Reilly play and if Dubas has already traded this many picks, why not just empty the tank and sell it all? Ben and Blake close by reacting to the first games using a pitch clock and why the NBA All-Star Game was poor in ratings, down 29% from a year ago.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/24/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 42 seconds
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Bruins Follow Leafs, Make Splash for Orlov

Ben and Blake visit with The Athletic's Evan Drellich, who discusses his new book about breaking the Astros cheating scandal (1:59). How did the Astros evolve to their place atop MLB today? They also chat about MLB owners still moaning about money despite having a newly signed CBA. Afterwards, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman joins to break down the news that the Bruins have acquired Dmitry Orlov (27:43) - the guys discuss how the top team in the NHL got stronger, and how it may be a counter-move to the Leafs acquiring Ryan O'Reilly last week. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/24/202349 minutes, 37 seconds
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Hello Darkness My Old Friend: Aaron Rodgers Ends Retreat

Ben and Blake open up the second half of the NBA season with a look at the Raptors returning vs. the Pelicans, including a discussion on who will feel the pressure most, both in Toronto and across the NBA. Afterwards, they chat some Jays and the decision to give Yusei Kikuchi the first start of the spring campaign. To wrap up the hour, GoLongTD.com's Ty Dunne stops by to discuss Aaron Rodgers emerging from his darkness retreat, and whether or not the QB will retire (30:48). Plus, a look at the annual QB carousel as free agency approaches. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/23/202348 minutes, 53 seconds
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Putting The “Fun” Back in Baseball and Which Jays Make The List

Adnan Virk joins the show to start the second hour and Ben brings up criteria for what makes a baseball player “fun” to watch. Later, how bizarre it is that Shohei Ohtani is essentially guaranteed to NOT return to the Angels next season when he becomes a free agent. Then, a chat about the new Netflix show featuring Mahomes, Mariota and Cousins, the rise of these types of shows and what makes a great sports movie/series/doc (34:02). Finally, Blake’s recent piece on the Raptors second half, what to expect and “Play In For What?”The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/23/202349 minutes, 55 seconds
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ESPN Analyst Recalls Leafs “Home” Win In Buffalo

Ben and Blake open with the incredible game by the Leafs in Buffalo last night – especially – Ryan O’Reilly’s hat trick. Then, a discussion about Matt Murray and the legit concern going forward in terms of his health. Over to Dunedin for a update on the Jays on day 2 of full squad. Next up, a visit with Ryan Callahan from The NHL on ESPN who called the game last night in Buffalo and was so impressed with the Leafs forwards, their chemistry, how great O’Reilly is fitting in and why Marner was the best player on the ice (28:37). He compares his career and back injury to what Jake Muzzin is struggling with now and has made the transition to broadcasting with ESPN.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/22/202349 minutes, 5 seconds
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Did Jays Trade Too Much Offence for Defence?

Ben Nicholson Smith joins Ben and Blake for a chat about the Jays, the new look lineup and then how one of the most important acquisitions of the off-season just might be bench coach Don Mattingly. Later, the position where the Jays lack the most depth is starting pitching and although they have much more depth and defence, the bats are not as heavy this year. Next, a chat about base stealing, the desire for the Jays to be more aggressive because of the rules but do they have the roster to pull it off? Finally, the Raptors are hoping to get healthy and both OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr practiced today ahead of Thursday’s return after the All-Star break (37:44). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/22/202349 minutes, 53 seconds
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Leafs Deadline Needs to Include Goalies Too

Ben and Blake look at the Leafs facing off in Buffalo tonight, where we might see O’Reilly play and the Canucks are sitting Luke Schenn tonight for trade related reasons. Later, full squads report to spring training and how the Jays are going to use the new lefty bats. Next up, Frank Seravalli on the deadline and while he thinks the Leafs are not done, they won’t be making anymore blockbusters (31:17). The real issue, will we see Matt Murray the rest of the season?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/21/202348 minutes, 39 seconds
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Inside the MLB Spending Problem From Owner to Owner

Jon Morosi (0:35) makes his first visit to the show this season to discuss Spring Training, how the Baltimore Orioles CEO spoke about not spending more money in the off-season despite the fact the team contended for the playoffs last year, and a debate about owners being competitive vs. being motivated to make a profit. Later, a look back at the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend (38:23) and how Mac McClung surprised everyone and will potentially be remembered for saving the dunk contest. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/21/202350 minutes, 26 seconds
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Brett Hull Joins The Show to Talk O’Reilly Memories with the Blues

Ben and Blake open with their reaction to the Ryan O’Reilly trade, why he was a good fit, the value given up to get him and what to expect next as the deadline is just over a week away. Next, a special guest indeed as we welcome Brett Hull (27:50) from the Hockey Hall of Fame and long-time member of the St Louis Blues. Brett discusses how great it is to play in the city of St Louis, why the timing was right & compares O’Reilly to Patrice Bergeron. He explains how the Leafs' depth will take pressure off of O’Reilly and goes back to his time in Dallas where he felt it was on his shoulders to deliver a Stanley Cup.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/20/202349 minutes, 5 seconds
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Canada Soccer Just Entered a Fight They Can’t Win

Arash Madani checks in with Ben fresh off a night in Orlando with the Canadian Women’s Soccer team and a 2-0 loss to the US. The game was played in protest last night and Arash helps break down the issues at stake, the women's leverage and how the US Women’s Team proved that this is not a fight that Canada Soccer can win. Ben closes with Lorne Rubenstein (25:08), who once wrote a book with Tiger Woods, giving his take on his return to action this week at The Genesis. Then, rivalries in golf, between players and even between leagues like PGA vs LIV.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
2/18/202349 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ryan Dempster, Proud Canadian and World Series Champ

Ben is solo today as Blake returns on Monday. He welcomes Sam McKee to the show from Real Kyper and Bourne, Leafs Talk and The Golf Show. They take a look at Tiger’s incredible performance at The Genesis, why Full Swing is a Netflix winner, how LIV was possibly the best thing for golf and finally the Maple Leafs and why Sam is not as tied to keeping Matthew Knies as most. Next up, Ryan Dempster, Canadian, former MLB pitcher and World Series Champion (25:06). He looks at his time with Team Canada, new rule changes in MLB, the pitch clock and why kids are blowing out their arms too early.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/17/202348 minutes, 57 seconds
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From Following Tiger To Starring In a Netflix Doc

Ben and Blake start with the Leafs and while Patrick Kane seems like a good fit for the Leafs, he looked horrible last night here in Toronto. Next up, it’s looking like Nikola Jokic is having another historic season and has a chance to win his third straight MVP which would make him the first to do it since 1984-1986. Finally, Dylan Dethier from Golf Magazine on covering Tiger, the ongoing battle with LIV and his appearance in the Netflix doc – Full Swing (27:07). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/17/202350 minutes, 1 second
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Inside the Room of How Bad Arbitration Can Be

Ben and Blake open with “Pitchers and Catchers” and how it’s official across MLB today. Later on a chat about arbitration after hot comments from Corbin Burnes who had a terrible experience with the Brewers this off-season. They then bring in Caleb Joseph to hear the clip and then he recalls his time going through arbitration with the Orioles and losing (28:22). They discuss how bad this could have been for the Jays and Bo Bichette and how everyone is lucky to have not experienced it. Finally, rule changes, pitch clock, pitch com and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/16/202349 minutes
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The Incredible Story Behind Being “Down and Back” With Justin Bourne

Fresh off the release of his new book the guys are joined in the studio by Justin Bourne (0:36) who lays out the timeline of his hockey career, how alcohol played a role in his dad’s life and how Justin took control of his own life since he got sober. Later, a look at the Leafs who get Auston Matthews back and how Kyle Dubas can look at baseball executive Alex Anthopoulos on making big moves while under incredible scrutiny. Later a very disappointed Adnan Virk (26:49) reflects on the Philadelphia Eagles' loss in the Super Bowl, why their defence was absolutely embarrassed and why next year could only get harder to get back. Then we close on the NHL Trade Deadline (49:56) and how the Leafs are linked to both Patrick Kane and Timo Meier plus the MLB's new rule changes. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/15/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 46 seconds
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Women’s Soccer Team vs Canada Soccer; From Bad to Worse

Ben kicks off the hour with Shi Davidi who is with the Jays in Dunedin to talk about the new look bases unveiled today being compared to pizza boxes, Jays' potential lineup combinations and what to expect in spring training. Next up, Andi Petrillo from One Soccer (27:28) explains the fight between the Women’s National Team and Canada Soccer and how Janine Beckie witnessed first hand in Qatar the many inconsistencies. Then, it happens that Canada Soccer has openings on their board and they suggest more change and former players working for the organization would go a long way in terms of ending this battle. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/15/202350 minutes, 32 seconds
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The Team That Could Get Between the Leafs and Timo Meier

Ben is solo today, and he starts the show with Michael Grange who discusses which roster he'd prefer between the Magic and the Raptors, plus what he's seen from Poeltl so far. Later, a visit with Frank Seravalli (25:57) who is back from attending the Super Bowl in Arizona and he jumps right into the trade deadline, why the Hurricanes have emerged as favourites for Timo Meier and what the Leafs can do to steal him away.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/14/202349 minutes, 7 seconds
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Two Words: “Pitchers and Catchers”

Ben and Blake head to Dunedin for the first time this year where Ben Wagner joins from spring training for “pitchers and catchers” today while the rest of the team is already rolling in. He discusses how hard the pitchers are already throwing right after reporting, Bo Bichette's mood at his availability today and manager John Schneider already tossing around the word “accountability." Later, the Leafs and Raptors split the weekend and the Women’s National Soccer Team went on strike this weekend then ended after legal action was threatened.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/14/202350 minutes, 4 seconds
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The Story of “Corn Dog”: The Play Call That Won the Super Bowl

Ben and Blake react to the Chiefs win over the Eagles, why it places Mahomes in a whole new category all-time. Peter King reveals a post game chat with Andy Reid where the KC head coach explained the move that resulted in the Kadarius Toney TD which is called in the huddle as “corn dog" (24:53). Later, why Peter does not agree with the hysterics surrounding the holding call late in the game and why the impact on the game was meaningful but not guaranteed. He finishes with “fast” playing QBs like Mahomes and Hurts that make it nearly impossible for teams to get true pressure. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/13/202349 minutes, 12 seconds
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Super Bowl Stats You Didn’t Know You Needed

Ben and Blake take a quick look back at the NBA trade deadline day and if a night of sleep has changed our minds on the Toronto Raptors' lack of moves. Later, a chat with Adnan Virk (25:56) who defends his Philadelphia Eagles, and why he likes them to win on Sunday. We also get his take on the Bo Bichette deal. Finally, Ross Tucker (50:20) wraps the season with us from Arizona at Super Bowl as he explains why the better team (Eagles) usually wins out against the best player (Patrick Mahomes), why Jalen Hurts has not looked the same since returning from injury and how he’d scheme against each QB. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/10/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 59 seconds
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The One Concerning Word That Masai Used to Describe His Team

Will Lou, host of The Raptors Show checks in with Ben and Blake after a long day with very little action from the Raptors and tries to figure out the strategy for the team – plus – gives analysis of the Masai Ujiri presser, including the interesting usage of the word "selfish" (0:27). Later, they catch up with Farbod Esnaashari from Sports Illustrated who covers the LA Clippers (22:10), who reported today that the Raptors and Clippers were close on a deal that would have sent Fred VanVleet to LA for a reunion with Kawhi Leonard. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/10/202350 minutes, 24 seconds
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Buyers Or Sellers? Seems the Raptors Are Neither

Michael Grange leads the hour with Ben and Blake fresh off of the Masai Ujiri press conference (0:48). He explains the theory as to why the Raps waited and didn’t trade the biggest chips like Fred or OG. Michael helps explain the cap situation, luxury tax implications and how these contracts might have to be managed this off-season. Later, former Raptor Matt Bonner joins the show (27:55) and he’s covered Jakob Poeltl for the last few years as a Spurs TV Analyst. Along with the analysis of today he reflects on trade rumours of the past and shares a few stories about deals. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/9/202349 minutes, 20 seconds
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We Go Live To Masai Ujiri After Trade Deadline

To kick off our NBA Trade Deadline Special, Ben and Blake share their thoughts on a quiet deadline for the Raptors and then go live to the Masai Ujiri's media availability. The President goes through the day, you’ll hear why he does not believe the deadline is a good place to make long term deals and then a view of the current roster and why the term “selfish” was used multiple times. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
2/9/202354 minutes, 8 seconds
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Kevin Harlan Voice of Super Bowls and Many Great LeBron James Moments

Ben and Blake start the hour with Ben Nicholson-Smith who broke the news of Bo Bichette’s extension, how it takes him to free agency and whether or not it will impact his long term future with the team. Then, a foreshadowing of negotiations to come with players like Vladdy Jr. Later, an awesome visit with Kevin Harlan (24:51) who calls NBA games for TNT as will be the radio voice for the Super Bowl this Sunday. He relives some of his best moments calling games with LeBron James and discusses where he places him in history. Finally, a look back at his history with the Chiefs and why the game is as close as the point spread suggests. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/9/202350 minutes, 7 seconds
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Clock Ticking on Raptors and Their Connection to the Nets

Ben and Blake open with the NBA Trade Deadline, including the buzz with Russell Westbrook: first, a fight with his coach and then rumoured to be included in a trade. Later, a chat about the Bo Bichette extension with the Jays, and how it avoids future arbitration by taking him right to free agency. Afterwards, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto discusses the deadline, why the Nets are connected to the Raptors, and Toronto’s interest in Nic Claxton (23:59). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/8/202348 minutes, 36 seconds
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Former NFL Exec Proves Why NBA GM Is Toughest in Sports

Ben and Blake are joined by Tim Bontemps from ESPN (0:56) to discuss the trade deadline, why the top 3 teams in the NBA might all be from the east (Celtics, Bucks and 76ers) and why the team to keep an eye on – new ownership included – has to be the Phoenix Suns. Afterward, a quick chat about the Jays it appears Mark Shapiro wants to push from a “good young team” to a legit contender. Finally, Andrew Brandt, former Packers GM who drafted Aaron Rodgers, weighs in on his former QB, why he’s having a hard time predicting the future and how this year it’s different (37:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/8/202349 minutes, 44 seconds
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Peter King at Super Bowl But It’s Rodgers Stealing Headlines

Ben and Blake open up with the Raptors at the deadline and we hear from Pascal Siakam who was frustrated at shoot around today when peppered by deadline questions. Then, over to Peter King (30:47) who is all over Aaron Rodgers' weird offseason antics. Peter shares stories from his ride along with Nick Sirianni, debunks the storyline that the Eagles' coach has a grudge against Andy Reid and explains why Patrick Mahomes will have to play the game of his life to win on Sunday. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/7/202348 minutes, 43 seconds
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What A Toronto All-Star Game Could Look Like

Ben and Blake kick off the hour with Frank Seravalli who is now home from sweaty Florida  with a recap of this year's All-Star weekend and take a look at next year's events which will be held in Toronto. Later, the Horvat extension and which names he believes are the hottest heading into the deadline. Later on, Ben and Blake discuss Scottie Barnes and his “clutch play.” Next the Bo Bichette arbitration case is happening later this week and finally, Steve Cohen opens up in an interview about how he’s viewed by fans and other owners and why he’s playing by the rules, even if it doesn’t feel that way. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/7/202349 minutes, 55 seconds
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Trade Winds Swirling With Multiple Raptors Players

Ben and Blake open the show with the Kyrie Irving trade to Dallas and as we wait on official word – there is talk of the Raptors getting involved as a third team and names such as VanVleet and Siakam are now circulating today. Later, a comparison of Kyle Dubas to Alex Anthopoulos and the pressure of making deals that could determine your career. Finally, Tim Cato from The Athletic in Dallas (29:05) on what Kyrie can bring to the Mavs, the fit between him and Luka and his take on the Raptors direction.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.break: 
2/6/202348 minutes, 54 seconds
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The Path for the Raptors to Be Involved With a Kyrie Trade

Michael Grange checks in from Houston while he’s on the road with the Raptors and he reacts to the news that Kyrie Irving wants out of Brooklyn and the curveball it has caused ahead of the trade deadline. Later, JD Bunkis joins us in the studio (26:08) to wrap up the week as the guys come up with ways on how the Raptors could get involved in some deals ahead of Feb. 9, and Kyrie Irving's trade request. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/4/202350 minutes, 27 seconds
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Did Siakam Really Get Snubbed From Being Named an All-Star?

Plenty of hoops to discuss today with the news that Kyrie Irving has once again asked the Brooklyn Nets for a trade. The guys look at who has the leverage and the impact it could have on the Eastern Conference heading into the trade deadline and if Pascal Siakam was snubbed from being named an All-Star. Later, a discussion on how leagues can make their player showcases more entertaining, and if the NHL should revisit realigning their divisions. We close on some projections for the Blue Jays, where they will finish, how their new stadium dimensions will affect their record and many rule changes like the elimination of the shift. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/3/202349 minutes, 10 seconds
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An Inside Look at the Raptors a Week Before the Deadline

Blake is joined by Ross Tucker for a lookahead to the Super Bowl featuring the Eagles and the Chiefs next week (0:36). Ross explains the lethal Eagles defence, and how it has performed exceptionally well all season long. Plus, they discuss Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and how he is still viewed 10 years after being fired as the head coach of the Eagles. Blake's old podcasting co-host Eric Koreen stops by to discuss the recent play of the team, the tension leading into the deadline and trying to figure out which direction Masai Ujiri is leaning towards (18:58). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/3/202349 minutes, 56 seconds
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Measuring Stick? Leafs Had Wrong Dimensions

Blake Murphy is hosting solo today, and is joined in-studio by Justin Bourne (0:48). The Leafs suffered a bad loss to the Bruins - will Michael Bunting continue to not get calls if he keeps dumping on the referees? Plus, the guys discuss the 'art' of getting a call. Afterwards, Howard Beck from Sports Illustrated stops by to chat about the Raptors, why they're intriguing, and how they're still missing a true 'go-to' player (24:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/2/202348 minutes, 41 seconds
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Tom Brady Goes and John Herdman Stays

James Sharman (0:54) kicks off the hour with the news of John Herdman staying with Canada Soccer after reports that he was potentially heading to coach the New Zealand national team, and if Herdman was ever serious about leaving or used it for leverage. Then, over to the Raptors and how Pascal Siakam thrived when Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet struggled, but now the all-star forward is feeling tired. Later, a chat with Amy Trask (31:43) the former CEO of the Oakland Raiders on the Tom Brady retirement, and teams trading for coaches like Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/1/202350 minutes, 24 seconds
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Why Brad Marchand Is the Best Interview in Hockey

Ben and Blake open with the Maple Leafs and Bruins facing off before the NHL All-Star break and how the media availability with Brad Marchand was as entertaining as a game. The guys touch on how much the NHL needs personalities and fun characters like the Boston forward. Then, the John Herdman story with him possibly leaving for New Zealand which ended with a letter of commitment to Canada Soccer. Next up, Adnan Virk (29:02) makes his weekly appearance and reflects on his Eagles making the Super Bowl, and another Tom Brady retirement. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/1/202349 minutes
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Pat Mahomes Sr. From MLB Pitcher to Chiefs Super Fan

We are joined by Pat Mahomes Sr, the father of Patrick Mahomes and he takes us behind the scenes with the Kansas City Chiefs, the rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals and memories of his days as an MLB pitcher including some in Canada. Later, with the Toronto Raptors road swing continuing, O.G. Anunoby hurt and the trade deadline being just 1 week away, we look at some of the trade rumours surrounding the forward. Then, a comparison of the L.A. NBA teams and why the Clippers are legit contenders while the Lakers are fooling themselves by thinking they can still win the championship. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/1/202350 minutes, 32 seconds
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Trade Deadline… But With Coaches!

Ben and Blake take a look at Breaking News today that Sean Payton will become the next head coach of the Denver Broncos and why NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter were reporting completely different stories. Later, a chat with Frank Seravalli (27:10) on the Bo Horvat trade, how this relates to the Maple Leafs and questions about Matt Murray’s future with the team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/31/202349 minutes, 31 seconds
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Reacting to Bo Horvat Being Traded to the Islanders

Ben and Blake kick off hour two with Elliotte Friedman (4:10) from Hockey Night in Canada and 32 Thoughts to break down all angles of the Horvat trade. Later, Thomas Drance, Canucks reporter from The Athletic, gives the Vancouver perspective of the return (25:39). Ben and Blake look at each side, the chances of Horvat signing long term with the Islanders. Then each guest looks ahead to the trade deadline and why Luke Schenn will be a coveted acquisition and likely the next move the Canucks will make. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/31/202350 minutes, 1 second
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Eagles vs Chiefs, Refs Be Damned

Ben and Blake look ahead to the Chiefs vs Eagles Super Bowl after an eventful Championship Sunday. They break down Sunday's action, including if Mahomes has taken the lead in the battle vs Burrow, how KC/CIN has eliminated the Bills from top rivalry in the AFC and the poor officiating. Later, NBC Sports' Peter King discusses (32:16) his experience being in KC for the game and his interactions with both coach Andy Reid and Mahomes after the win through an injured ankle. Finally, some thoughts on the NFC and how the Eagles were able to rebuild their team so fast. As we head to break – Bo Horvat gets traded to the Islanders. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/30/202348 minutes, 41 seconds
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Inside the New Look Rogers Centre and Who It Favours

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy open with the news of Auston Matthews being out for 3 weeks on the night that Matt Murray faces his former team with the Senators in town. Next, we have our first look at the Rogers Centre's new dimensions and Blake runs a simulation to find out the impact and he reveals which offensive stats are going up and which ones are down. Then, a visit from Ross Tucker (30:59), who speaks on how impressed he is with Joe Burrow after being in the sidelines last week, why he’s concerned about Patrick Mahomes’ ankle and why “experts” are cheering against Brock Purdy. Ben and Blake close with Luke Fox (50:57) who joins us live from Scotiabank Arena with an update on the Matthews injury, why the Leafs have been successful without him and if we will finally see Morgan Rielly get his first goal.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/27/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 58 seconds
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Jays on Verge of Being A Luxury Tax Team

Keith Law from The Athletic and former Jays Exec joins Ben and Blake (0:35) to discuss the connection between the Jays and a former employee – Dana Brown – who was named the GM of the Astros today. Then a preview of his Top 100 Prospects List which will be unveiled early next week and why the Jays have a pipeline of prospects knocking on the door of the major league. Later, the Jays spending has now brought them to 5th in MLB and it’s the first time we might be talking about them as a luxury tax team (34:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
1/27/202349 minutes, 59 seconds
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The Leafs Choose Their #1 Goalie … For Now

Ben and Blake welcome Nick Kypreos into the studio (0:17) for a look at the Leafs, why they have leaned on Ilya Samsonov and a theory about what’s really wrong with Matt Murray. Then, trying to diagnose what’s wrong with Morgan Rielly who still has 0 goals this season. Later, the Raptors road trip starts with a win, there is still confusion over the direction of the team going forward and the plans they have for the trade deadline (25:01).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/26/202349 minutes, 1 second
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Rolen Proves His Jays Era Was Better Than We Thought

Ben and Blake welcome Adnan Virk (2:33) from NHL and MLB Network to speak on Scott Rolen making the HOF and if we view that Jays team a little differently now that is has three players in the HOF. Then, over to the Los Angeles Angels, the owners deciding not to sell the team and why this means Shohei Ohtani is actually more likely to be traded now than before. Then he reacts to the Oscar Nominations from this year and gives an early look at his picks. Later, Ben and Blake take a deep dive into Samsonov vs Murray and who the stats say is the clear #1 starter.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/26/202349 minutes, 48 seconds
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Why Tanking Is Like Fight Club

Ben and Blake open up with even more Raptors rumours, the latest being the team is interested in bringing back Gary Trent Jr, plus what happens with Fred’s contract? Next, they contest NHL commisionner Gary Bettman's comments that tanking doesn't exist in the NHL. Later, a chat with Sportsnet's Michael Grange (28:29) on the Raptors seven-game road trip, if their performance impacts the timing of trades and whether or not one of Fred VanVleet or Gary Trent “have to go.”The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/25/202348 minutes, 51 seconds
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Former Jays GM On Scott Rolen – Named to Hall Today

Ben and Blake speak to Peter King (1:26) after a weekend of NFL playoffs, who explains why the Bills have regressed and are further away from the Super Bowl than they were last season. Then, how the Cowboys blew it on offence this weekend and why he feels the Jets are a couple of 1st round picks away. Next up, we speak to former Blue Jays GM JP Ricciardi (25:51) to react to Scott Rolen being announced to the Baseball Hall of Fame and speak on when he traded for Rolen and then dealt him away for Edwin Encarnacion. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/25/202350 minutes, 17 seconds
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A First Round Pick Doesn’t Get You What It Used To

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy open with the Leafs win over the Islanders, Ilya Samsanov improving to 13-0 at home and another All-Star worthy game from the team leader in goals and points, William Nylander. Later, the Raptors have a lot of attention ahead of the deadline and Fred VanVleet just fired his agent ahead of opting out which he is expected to do. Next up, Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff (35:34) discusses the NHL deadline ahead and how teams are putting heavy value on players like Vladislav Gavrikov of the Blue Jackets.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/24/202348 minutes, 57 seconds
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Bruce – There He Goes!

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy open with the NFL Playoffs, the Bills blowing it at home, why Joe Burrow might be the #1 quarterback in the NFL and Travis Kelce the #1 tight end of all time. Next up, Leafs Nation host and personal friends with Bruce Boudreau Gord Stellick (29:57) discusses his interview this morning with the now ex-Canucks coach and how this was coming since October. They then tee up tonight's Leafs game where they host the Islanders. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/23/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 30 seconds
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Leafs Deadline Like Minor Over Major

Ben and Blake welcome TV-A Sports' Ren Lavoie (1:29) from Montreal to look ahead to Leafs vs. Habs tomorrow night, the countdown to the trade deadline and why the Leafs will need depth for a playoff run. Then, the mess in Vancouver and why Bruce Boudreau must be freed. Next, the Raptors are not showing their cards when it comes to the trade deadline and what’s ahead. Ben and Blake close by heading back to the diamond with a look at this year's WBC tournament.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/21/202350 minutes, 4 seconds
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Bills and Bengals 2.0: What to Expect This Weekend

Ben and Blake discuss whether or not it’s ok to wear Toronto sports paraphernalia to work (inspired by Blake’s Jays hat) and Ben professes his obsession with a certain Sportsnet hat in his rotation. Afterwards, they get into the big Leafs win over the Jets, and discuss Auston Matthews looking much better. Plus, WGR 550's Nate Geary stops by to discuss Bills-Bengals, the mood in the Buffalo dressing room, and how the Bills need to clean things up their play after the last few weeks (33:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/20/202348 minutes, 50 seconds
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No Panic Yet But January Hasn’t Been Kind to the Leafs

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy start with a preview of the Leafs hosting the Winnipeg Jets tonight. They get into the Leafs' experimentation this season, OT strategy, how time will be split between Murray and Samsonov and the Rick Bowness effect in Winnipeg.  Next up, Jim Ralph (32:53) looks at the Leafs' slight slip in the last month as they get set for a couple of Canadian teams with the Jets and Habs. Later, some storytime with the mystery behind the Naismith Cup and how the actual trophy has been missing for years. Ben and Blake take a brief look into the Australian Open, including Andy Murray being denied a washroom break in an match that ended at 4 A.M. local time. Finally, Gronk has choice words for Aaron Rodgers, and a bizarre deal between Tom Brady and the Raiders which fuels speculation of TB12 playing there next season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/19/20231 hour, 13 minutes, 33 seconds
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A Historic Hire For The Blue Jays

Ben and Blake start the hour with Adnan Virk (00:27), who jumps into living in NYC, the experience of attending games at MSG and where it still ranks among the most famous sports buildings. Adnan then chats the NFL Playoffs, why he does not feel sorry for Cowboys kicker and how terrible Tom Brady looked in potentially the final game of his career. Later, a visit from Kaitlyn McGrath from The Athletic (23:36) on the news today that the Blue Jays have hired Ashley Stephenson as a minor league coach and the impact this move will have on women working for pro sports teams.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
1/19/202349 minutes, 47 seconds
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Everyone In The Ivan Provorov Situation Looks Bad

Ben and Blake open with the Leafs win over the Florida Panthers last night, the rivalry between Paul Maurice and the refs and why the Leafs have to examine which goalie is truly #1. They pivot over to the Raptors and how Nick Nurse gaveis riding his starters in a trave back-to-back, prompting Ben to ask why he’s still trying so hard. Later, they speak with Frank Seravalli (30:29) about Ivan Provorov refusing to wear a pride jersey ahead of the Flyers game and how tricky it is to manage and hand out any real discipline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/18/202348 minutes, 46 seconds
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Jays Renovate The Building – AND – The Team

Ben Ennis is joined by Ben Nicholson Smith (00:54), who got a tour of Rogers Centre today ahead of the renovations set to be unveiled this season. Ben discusses the field dimensions which have yet to be officially released, and how the Jays should be able to use the altered outfield to their advantage. Ben also addresses Bo Bichette's arbitration war with the Jays, and the team's interest levels for a long term deal. Finally, over to Ross Tucker (28:49) who chats about the NFL Playoffs, watching his former teammate Tom Brady exit potentially into retirement and shares his thoughts on the four games this weekend. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/18/202349 minutes, 22 seconds
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The Impossibility of Predicting Tom Brady’s Next Move

Ben and Blake have just one segment together today before Blake heads off to cover the Raps and Bucks tonight, and the focus is on the NFL with the Cowboys win, Brady looking like he’s out the door and then watching Brett Maher miss four consecutive PATs in the win over Tampa. Later on, a visit from Mike Traikos of Post Media (29:53) on the Leafs, why the Bruins game actually had some meaning and then why - halfway through the season - we already know who Toronto will face in the playoffs again: the Lightning. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/17/202348 minutes, 45 seconds
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Embracing The Tank – Why Every Raptors Win… Hurts

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy are joined by Luke Fox of Sportsnet after being in Boston for Leafs/Bruins over the weekend (0:33). He breaks down the game and explains why it was his favourite game of the season, what the Leafs can learn from the Bruins. Luke also discusses the return of Auston Matthews and the Leafs shutting down Nic Robertson for the season. Next, over to the Raptors after their win at New York this afternoon and Ben’s push for tanking and why there was no reason for them to win the game today. Ben and Blake close with a chat about the imminent arbitration clash between the Blue Jays and Bo Bichette.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/17/202349 minutes, 50 seconds
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Why Few Teams Can Afford A “Super Coach”

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy are back together again! They open with a recap of Super Wild Card Weekend in the NFL, why a coaching change with the Chargers is not obvious and how the Bills and Bengals will meet yet again. Then, over to the Leafs, Matthews' return to action against the Bruins and the loss of Nic Robertson for the rest of the season. Later, our weekly visit with Peter King (26:20), who explains why the Chargers likely can’t afford a guy like Sean Payton, how Brian Daboll has brought back a winning culture to the Giants and how the NFL made a scheduling mistake with the Bills vs. Bengals game.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/16/202348 minutes, 23 seconds
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Hockey Night in Boston – Leafs/Bruins with Andrew Raycroft

Blake Murphy and Shi Davidi take a look at arbitration day in the MLB and the list of Blue Jays players that were signed. Later, they welcome Atlanta Braves' Canadian pitcher Mike Soroka (12:07), who is in town for the Baseball Canada Banquet, back for the first time since Covid. Soroka talks about the wild NL East with the Phillies making the World Series and how the Mets are all in on spending in what may be the most competitive division in the MLB. Finally, former Leafs and Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft, now with NESN, helps tee up the Leafs/Bruins tomorrow night and whether or not Toronto can manage to catch the Bruins in the standings (30:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/14/202350 minutes, 5 seconds
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NBA Waits On Raps To Buy Or Sell

Blake Murphy and Shi Davidi start off with the Raptors' winning streak reaching 3 games and whether or not they can pick up their pace now that they’re healthy.  Then, over to the Leafs who still don’t know if Auston Matthews will face the Boston Bruins tomorrow night. Later, a visit from Tim Bontemps of ESPN (28:40) who recently wrote a piece about how the rest of the NBA is waiting on the Raptors to decide if they are buying or selling, what he thinks they should do at the deadline and which players are garnering the most attention around the league.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.  
1/13/202348 minutes, 50 seconds
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Brandon Belt of the Blue Jays Joins The Show

Blake Murphy and Shi Davidi open with the Auston Matthews injury situation as he’s  a game time decision for this evening against the Red Wings.  Ross Tucker calls in from Buffalo (30:24) to rank the best NFL stadiums this weekend for food and gives a surprise answer for his #1 pick. He also discusses why the Bills are set up for a letdown but not a loss to the Dolphins, why Kyle Shanahan is likely the best coach in the NFL and who he likes this weekend. Finally, fresh off joining the Blue Jays this week, Blake and Shi speak to Brandon Belt (55:12) about the move to Toronto, the World Series experience, his health and why he sees the Jays as a great fit for him. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/12/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 14 seconds
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Why Brandon Belt Wanted To Come To Toronto

The newest Toronto Blue Jay Brandon Belt joined Blake Murphy and Shi Davidi to discuss his fishing tournament, why he joined the Toronto baseball club, his relationship with the San Francisco Giants' fanbase, his injury history, the change in defensive outfields, and why he thinks the Jays have the best roster in the league. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/12/202314 minutes, 6 seconds
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Correa Not Worth $200M… He’s Worth More!

Blake Murphy and Shi Davidi welcome Adnan Virk to the show (2:33), who asnwers to Blake's theory about what the Jays will do with their new dimensions at Rogers Centre and gives his thoughts on the Carlos Correa situation. Adnan also discusses the NFL playoffs, why most games aren’t expected to be close and why Dak vs TB12 will be a ratings winner for ESPN. He then dives into last night's Golden Globes and his hatred for Tom Cruise and Top Gun Maverick. Finally, a chat with Kristen Shilton of ESPN (26:57) on Auston Matthews' injury, her mid-season report cards across the league and what to expect in the second half of the season.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/12/202349 minutes, 50 seconds
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The Matthews Mystery – What’s Keeping AM34 Out of the Lineup?

Blake Murphy is back and Shi Davidi fills in for the rest of the week. They start off discussing the Auston Matthews injury that will keep him out of action against the Nashville Predators. Later, Blake reacts to the city of Buffalo welcoming back Damar Hamlin ahead of their game this weekend vs. Miami. Later, we head to Minnesota where Dan Hayes covers the Twins for The Athletic (28:35) and unfolds the current Carlos Correa saga, and why there is a path for small markets teams, including Toronto, to be happy to see this deal happen. Finally, we hear from Brandon Belt today who addresses his own injury issues and why he feels he has something to prove.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/11/202349 minutes, 14 seconds
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Jays 2023 Transformation Nears Completion

Brent Gunning and Gord Stellick welcome Howard Simon from WGR 550 in Buffalo (1:16), who discusses Damar Hamlin's return to town, how the team has dealt with the situation and the hope that he might be at the stadium on Sunday. Elsewhere in Buffalo, the Sabres show signs of life and fans are finally returning back after some of the darkest times in Sabres history. Finally, Shi Davidi joins the show (26:46) and discusses what the Jays are getting in Brandon Belt, the revamped outfield and then how Carlos Correa went back to the Twins and what it says about him and his agent Scott Boras. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/11/202350 minutes
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Leafs Lose Brodie Again, Matthews’ Health A Mystery

Brent Gunning and Gord Stellick look back at a College Football national championship blowout and how Georgia was eating chicken wings during the game. The Leafs have lost TJ Brodie to injury today – plus – Auston Matthews missed practice today and perhaps an injury can explain why he’s off his regular pace this season. Later, some MLB news as the Jays add Brandon Belt and then trade for more pitching depth, and Carlos Correa strikes out again and is back (barring physical) with the Twins. Finally, our weekly visit with Frank Seravalli, (25:14) who discusses the Leafs, managing Matthews' health, a glimpse at the Oilers and how making the playoffs has become life or death, and the incredible pace of McDavid.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/10/202348 minutes, 54 seconds
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Maple Leafs Mid-Season Report Card w/ Luke Fox

Fresh off his story today, Luke Fox joins Gord Stellick and Brent Gunning to go through his mid-season review of the Maple Leafs, including which goalie will end up #1, the use of Morgan Rielly and how the team suddenly has depth on defence, and why Nick Robertson has not produced this year (00:42). Next up, a look around the NHL, why the Panthers have been so disappointing and how the Sabres are here to stay. Later on, the Raptors struggles include a couple of teammates in an argument and rumours of Fred VanVleet turning down a monster contract extension in the off-season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/10/202350 minutes, 10 seconds
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Peter King on NFL Week 18 and Hamlin Comes Home

Brent Gunning and Gord Stellick are in for Ben and Blake today. They begin with the Bills emotional win and Damar Hamlin's return to Buffalo today. Next, the Leafs take a pair of big wins over the Wings and Flyers and the guys take a look at the team at the mid-season point. Later, our weekly visit with Peter King from NBA Sports on the Bills Superbowl chances, why the Houston Texans are a mess and a conversation he had with Sean Payton last night about returning to the NFL to coach again (26:04). Finally, for the first time in history, is the Lions' roster better than the Packers?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/9/202349 minutes, 8 seconds
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John Schneider and News From Buffalo

Ben Ennis and Shi Davidi are joined by Blue Jays manager John Schneider (00:48) to talk about the Blue Jays' offseason so far, his first full offseason as manager, the added emphasis on run prevention, his thoughts on the Daulton Varsho trade and what's still left to do to fill out the roster. Later, they are joined by WGR Bills' reporter Sal Capaccio (27:29) to get the vibe of the Bills before their pivotal contest against the Patriots on Sunday, the solution for the playoff proposed by the NFL and just how important Sean McDermott has been in this situation and all season. Ben and Shi close out the week with a discussion about some of the Blue Jays' choices going into spring training, how this Carlos Correa situation has unreavelled and Last Call presented by Bet Rivers!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/7/202349 minutes, 59 seconds
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Offseason Thoughts with Blue Jays Manager John Schneider

Ben Ennis and Shi Davidi are joined by Blue Jays manager John Schneider to talk about how his first full off-season has gone with the Blue Jays and what has changed with the team. The guys ask if there was an added emphasis on run prevention after the season, if they need to add another left-handed bat in order to better balance the lineup, and how he sees the rule changes affecting the Blue Jays this year. Schneider also offers his thoughts on the acquisition of Daulton Varsho and what his versatility could provide, plus how will his starting rotation will shape up. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/6/202317 minutes, 56 seconds
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Which Leafs' Goalie Do You Trust the Most?

Ben Ennis and Shi Davidi kick off with the Maple Leafs' loss to the Seattle Kraken, the struggles going on in net, who they trust the most between the pipes and the troubling return of Morgan Rielly. Then, Canada’s exciting overtime victory over Czechia at the World Juniors and whether or not this overshadows the scandal surrounding Hockey Canada. Later,  more good news for Damar Hamlin and the NFL's  solution for the post season. Finally, Luke Fox from Sportsnet.ca joins the guys (33:56) to talk about the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs, the time share between the goaltenders, Rielly's struggles and more long-term concerns for the Buds.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/6/202348 minutes, 43 seconds
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Good News In Buffalo + Shi Davidi Hosts!

Ben Ennis is joined by guest host and President of the BBWA Shi Davidi to deliver the good news coming out of Buffalo with Damar Hamlin, and what it could mean for Buffalo heading into a pivotal Week 18. They are joined by the Athletic’s Chad Jennings to help understand the Rafael Devers contract from the Red Sox's perspective, and why he got the payday while Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts did not (31:15). Later, Ross Tucker from the Ross Tucker Podcast joins the guys to talk about the relationship between players and trainers in the NFL and what that level of trust means between the two, and debates the best solution for the NFL can reconcile the schedule conflict (49:07). Finally, Ben and Shi break down yesterday’s World Junior Championship semifinal between Canada and the US, and look ahead at the Gold Medal and the Leafs vs. Kraken games tonight in Last Call presented by Bet Rivers! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/5/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 7 seconds
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The Best Landing Spot for Connor Bedard

Ben and Blake bring on NHL and MLB Network's Adnan Virk, who discusses which team he'd most like to see Connor Bedard play for next year (0:44). Plus, with the World Juniors on, how hard does he cheer for his native Canada when south of the border? Plus, they get to the monster Red Sox deal with Rafael Devers, and how that may affect negotiations for the Blue Jays' homegrown young stars. Afterwards, with all the high scoring games from NBA stars as of late, Ben and Blake get to the idea that Kobe Bryant's 81 points (vs. the Raptors, no less) or Wilt Chamberlain's 100 could be a record we see broken at some point. Plus, Last Call presented by Bet Rivers! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/5/202349 minutes, 56 seconds
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What Does Nick Nurse's Future in Toronto Look Like?

Ben and Blake take a look at the one-on-one meetings from Nick Nurse - what does his future look like in Toronto? Could there be something else brewing for the Raptors, whether it's a coaching change or a major trade? Afterwards, they get into their feelings on the Leafs goaltending situation, and bring on Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli to take a look at the high-scoring loss to the Blues at Scotiabank Arena (28:42). What's the team's biggest need? Plus, Frank shares some thoughts on Connor Bedard ahead of Canada vs. USA at the World Juniors in Halifax. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/4/202348 minutes, 39 seconds
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Tragedy in Cincinnati w/ Peter King

Ben and Blake are back from holiday and share stories from Lego Land and spending time with family.  They transition to another disheartening loss from the Raptors against the Pacers and if they should aim for the play-in or a higher draft pick. NBC Sports Peter King joins Ben and Blake (27:20) to discuss the tragic situation on Monday Night Football with Damar Hamlin from an emotional standpoint, a logistical standpoint, and a player standpoint. The guys close out the day talking about Connor Bedard’s heroics in Halifax and if it makes sense to tank for him in the NHL, Carlos Correa’s contract stalemate in the MLB and a preview of the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the St. Louis Blues. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. Break 1: Peter King on: 
1/3/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 54 seconds
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The Best Sports Stories of 2022

Brent and Sho bring on former NFL lineman Ross Tucker to discuss the top football stories of the calendar year, including which current coach he would start a franchise with. Where does Kyle Shanahan fall on that list? The guys also debate whether or not you should feel sorry for Russell Wilson after a miserable 2022 season. Afterwards, Brent and Sho chat about the top sports stories of 2022, including Canada qualifying for the World Cup, the infamous ending to the Blue Jays season, Albert Pujols cracking 700 home runs, and the arrival of LIV Golf. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/31/202249 minutes, 30 seconds
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Leafs Desert Woes Continue in Arizona

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli are back for one final time in 2022, and kick things off by getting to another Leafs loss in Arizona - can you lay the blame at the feet of any one guy? They bring on NHL.com's Dave McCarthy, and the guys discuss the return of Morgan Rielly, Sheldon Keefe's post-game comments, and whether or not the team plays down to their opponents sometimes - especially the Coyotes. Plus, a conversation on another Raptors loss, and if the team can turn it around vs. the Suns. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/30/202247 minutes, 25 seconds
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Who’s the “Big Ticket” in the NBA?

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli begin the second-hour choosing which NBA player they want to watch if given courtside tickets, which former player Ja Morant reminds the guys of as the Memphis Grizzlies make a stop in Toronto, and the defensive lapses the Raptors have had recently. Then, a conversation on the downfall of the Tennessee Titans this year, and the state of the AFC South with Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars leading the division. Afterward, Raptors radio voice Eric Smith stops by (27:43) to discuss the defensive identity the team may have lost in recent games, why he's not worried about the current roster construction with the team dealing with injuries throughout the season, why it comes down to the individual player to bring the effort, and how much patience does the front office have with the core. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/29/202249 minutes, 43 seconds
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Do the Leafs Still Have 1A and 1B Goaltenders?

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli begin the show discussing the Maple Leafs' first stop at Mullett Arena as they take on the Arizona Coyotes, if Toronto's goaltending tandem is still classified as a 1A, 1B pairing, and how can Matt Muarry be named as their number one netminder. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli jumps on (25:18) to weigh in on the NHL slapping a fine on Toronto for flying out to St. Louis on a mandated no-fly day, why the team has a similar storyline about Jack Campbell's early Vezina Trophy conversations last year to this season with the current goaltenders fighting for the top spot, if there's a concern with Alexis Lafrenière time on the New York Rangers, and we name three players to get Frank's thoughts on if they will be traded or not at the deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/29/202247 minutes, 39 seconds
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Derek Carr or Josh McDaniels: Who’s to Blame in Sin City?

Brent and Sho bring on Trey Wingo (0:15) to break down a busy Week 16 across the NFL, which includes the news of the day that saw Derek Carr get permanently benched in Las Vegas - is his time there as the starting QB over? Who's to blame more, the QB or his coach, Josh McDaniels? Plus, can Zach Wilson start over with a new team next year? Afterwards, the guys discuss Luka Doncic's historic 60-point triple double and get into more Raptors woes. Is Nick Nurse to blame at all? They debate the future of the team as the calendar quickly turns to 2023.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/29/202250 minutes, 14 seconds
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The Post-Festivus Airing of Leafs Grievances

Brent Gunning and Sho Alli are in for Ben and Blake, and they get right into the potential return of Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly - who gets the bump when he slots back into the lineup? Plus, Brent airs some grievances as the Leafs (and Sheldon Keefe) get slapped with some fines after their OT win vs. the Blues. Afterwards, ESPN's Kristen Shilton stops by to discuss the needs for the Leafs at the trade deadline, her evaluation of Calle Jarnkrok in his first season in Toronto, and Keefe's post-game comments to the media (26:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/28/202248 minutes, 40 seconds
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Why Some In The Raptors Org Are Concerned About Scottie Barnes

We start the hour with Ross Tucker (1:15) on the Jags being a real threat to be a division winner, the Eagles have Minshew to help them beat the Cowboys plus a look around all the playoff races during the Christmas schedule this weekend. Then the pressure on Dallas and how Gronk nearly came back to the NFL near thanksgiving. Later, a chat with Doug Smith of the Toronto Star (16:07) on his story about Scottie Barnes who has left some in the organization questioning his commitment in the off-season and how he didn’t get better this season. This year, teams were more aware and prepared for him and he hasn’t handled it well. Doug feels he got a little caught up in the hype during his first off-season. Finally, we wrap the show and the year with JD Bunkis (28:33) on today’s massive move by the Jays. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/24/202250 minutes, 20 seconds
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1 Outfielder, Catcher, Lefty Bat and Partridge In A Pear Tree

The Blue Jays make a huge trade by getting Daulton Varsho out of Arizona for Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson Smith (18:09) outlines how the Jays will use the new outfielder, the depth at the catcher's position and how they approached offence vs. defence during the off-season. Next up, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel (35:58) on why this trade was left fielder for left fielder – yet – Varsho brings superior defence and a better contract. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/23/202249 minutes, 1 second
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Everybody Loves Cohen: Rep of Mets Owner Takes Off This Winter

We kick off the hour with Jon Morosi (0:24) who discusses how New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is becoming known as “just a phone call away”, then the suggestion that Scott Boras got the deal done quickly before the Carlos Correa's health concerns revealed themselves. Later, they discuss whether this story will change how physicals are done and evaluated. Then, onto the Blue Jays where they are targeting Bryan Reynolds, where does someone like Ricky Tiedemann end up? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/23/202248 minutes, 43 seconds
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Raps Got Close On KD… And Are Still Best Trade Partner for Nets

We start with the Toronto Raptors' big win at MSG and why Pascal Siakam is making a case for an All NBA 1st-team nod. Later on, a visit from Frank Isola of SiriusXM (26:53) discusses Siakam's 52-point performance and how it stacks up to previous bursts from Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, plus, how close the Raptors were in on trading for Kevin Durant. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/22/202248 minutes, 25 seconds
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Raptors Look to End Two Streaks at MSG

Ben and Blake welcome Adnan Virk (1:20), who makes his weekly visit to discuss the Carlos Correa news, where the San Francisco Giants go from here and the developping race for Michael Conforto that involves the Blue Jays. Adnan then shows his range by pivotting to Minshew Mania in the NFL, the John Tortorella experience with the Flyers, and Variety's new top 100 movie list. The guys close with a preview of tonight's Raptors game against a red-hot New York Knicks team (30:28), the atmosphere at Madison Square Gardens and the Raptors' unprecedented losing streak.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/22/202250 minutes, 18 seconds
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The Carlos Correa Correction

Ben and Blake kick off by breaking down the Toronto Maple Leafs' impressive victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, including Michael Bunting getting roughed up by a linesman. Next, big news out of the MLB that Carlos Correa's deal with the San Francisco Giants falling through, and he is instead signing with the New York Mets. The guys discuss how he fits within New York's elite infield, the Mets ownership's bottomless wallet and how this big splash will effect the league financially. Finally, Bomani Jones of HBO's Game Theory joins the show (29:40) to share his thoughts on the sale of the Phoenix Suns,  the financial dynamic of ownership in pro sports, how the Raptors improve and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/21/202249 minutes, 29 seconds
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Naughty Over Nice – Raptors Streak is Ruining Christmas

Ben and Blake open with the awkwardness of gift giving at work and when you don’t know if you’re getting anything back. Next, a discussion on the Raptors - who are now losers of six in a row - evaluating the approach from the front office and if it will change course over this season. Next up, our weekly visit with Frank Seravalli (31:50) from DailyFaceoff.com, who shares his thoughts on the John Tortorella mess in Philly and previews the playoff rematch between the Leafs and the Lighting. Are these rivalries building or is the playoff format too predictable? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/20/20221 hour, 7 minutes, 23 seconds
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History Says Big Move Coming for the Raps

Ben and Blake wrap up the World Cup with James Sharman who has been with us for the month discussing the games in Qatar and why Messi's resume needed the World Cup win to be among players like Maradona and Pele. Then to his contract issue and where we might see him and Ronaldo next year. Later, the Raptors are in crisis mode but get OG Anunoby back ahead of their trip to Philly. Finally, the Blue Jays' newest pitcher Chris Bassitt meets the press today and has words for people who think he doesn’t fit the hitter friendly ballpark – Rogers Centre. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/20/202250 minutes, 10 seconds
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Greatest Game. Greatest Player. Messi Takes Qatar

Ben and Blake put the World Cup Final in perspective and discuss what it means for Messi's legacy, if the Ronaldo debate is over, and if this win changes his MLS future. They chat the best games ever and how soccer has grown in Canada. Later, the Leafs drop a couple games and make a minor deal. Next up, our weekly visit with Peter King (28:42) from NBC Sports on Week 15 in the NFL, the Jalen Hurts injury, Patriots wild ending, Vikings comeback and a night of fun in snow with the Bills and Dolphins. Finally, the end of the 'Patriot Way' and Bob Kraft will soon start to lose patience. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/19/202249 minutes, 10 seconds
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Ovechkin, Records & Putin: It’s Complicated

Ben welcomes Damien Cox to the show (01:18) for a number of issues including: the improved play of the Leafs and why the unsung hero might be Rasmus Sandin, a look back at the best of 2022 and Marie Philip Poulin winning Athlete of the year, and the issue of Alex Ovechkin breaking records while still maintaining a friendship with Vladimir Putin. Then, we head down to Scotia Bank Arena where the Raptors face-off against the Brooklyn Nets, and Paul Jones looks at a time of crisis for the Raptors as their losing streak continues (32:20).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/17/202250 minutes, 17 seconds
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If Messi Does NOT Get A World Cup Win ____?

Ben is solo tonight, and he starts the show with the Leafs loss to the Rangers and the end of the Marner streak. Later, we head overseas to speak with Peter Galindo (06:36) about his time in Qatar at The World Cup, a look ahead to Sunday, Messi's legacy and where Messi is most likely to be playing next season between MLS and other options. Then, a visit with Ben Nicholson Smith (28:21) on the Jays, the reason to believe that they are done with this roster for the time being, and Johnny Cueto rumours.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/16/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Kevin Kiermaier Officially Joins The Blue Jays

Ben and Blake begin with the big news that Kevin Kiermaier is officially a Toronto Blue Jays and discuss the Jays' offseason, if the team has improved since last season, and what big moves may be next. Next, the guys break down the Raptors' recent struggles, their 3-point shooting woes, and the feasibility of tanking (17:10).  Later, a chat about the upcoming World Cup Final between France and Argentina where PSG teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are set to go head-to-head in what will be Messi’s final World Cup game. Finally, the guys discuss the Leafs goaltending with Ilya Samsonov leading the NHL in goals against average and save percentage, Rasmus Sandin’s play as of late, and Morgan Rielly being close to returning to the Leafs' lineup (56:50).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/15/20221 hour, 14 minutes, 50 seconds
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Messi's Legacy Collides with France and the Defending Champs

Ben chats with Sportsnet's soccer analyst Jim Brennan - also formerly of TFC and Team Canada - and takes a look at the dream matchup between France and Argentina (0:18). Plus, a discussion on Messi's legacy, and how it may be too soon for him to make the MLS jump. Afterwards, SN590's own JD Bunkis stops by for a chat on a number of things, including how the rise of analytics, and the recent slump the Raptors have been mired in ahead of a game vs. the visiting Kings (21:07). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/15/202249 minutes, 40 seconds
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What's More Impressive: Ovi at 800 or Wayne at 894?

Blake is off, so Ben hosts solo and begins with Nick Kypreos in-studio. They discuss the red-hot Leafs, who scored a touchdown vs. the Ducks, and also get to Alexander Ovechkin hitting the 800 goal plateau (0:18). Later on, Adnan Virk stops by for his weekly visit, who does not shoot down Ben's idea to use Bo Bichette in the outfield, and chats about the Giant(s) deal that Carlos Correa nabbed out west. Adnan also discusses the F1 'Drive to Survive' template from Netflix, and how it has already inspired a few new series in the world of tennis and golf (20:10). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/14/202248 minutes, 42 seconds
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Deep Dive On Newest Blue Jays Pitcher – Chris Bassitt

Ben and Blake welcome top analytics guest Eno Sarris (1:41) from The Athletic, who takes a look at Chris Bassitt, what makes him so good and why he’s an upgrade from Ross Stripling. Then, a look at how the Rogers Centre fits with Bassitt’s style and how he might perform without the shift. Afterwards, an interesting debate about whether or not Bo Bichette would work in centre field. Later, the potential for a World Cup final between Messi and Mbappe is on the table as France faces Morocco tomorrow. Finally, the NBA announces six new awards all named after legendary players and the guys try to figure out what determines a “clutch” award. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/14/202250 minutes, 16 seconds
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Why It’s So Hard for People to Give Gary Bettman Credit

Ben and Blake open with more baseball news as Ross Stripling heads to the Giants – meanwhile – the catcher market is heating up and where does that put the Blue Jays moving forward. Then, over to the World Cup as Argentina reaches the finals again, giving Lionel Messi one more chance to win it all. Later, Frank Seravalli joins us (31:29) from the NHL Board of Governors meetings to discuss a rising salary cap, the Sens ownership situation and the rumours of a Bo Horvat trade. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/13/202249 minutes, 10 seconds
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Horrible Disney Experience, Raps In Crisis After 0-2 Weekend

Are the Toronto Raptors reaching crisis mode? Ben and Blake invite Michael Grange to the show (1:28) as the team hit their lowest point of the season with back-to-back losses against the Orlando Magic and now the team slipped under the .500 mark. Then a look at how the team can get out of this and why players like Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. make the most sense to help the team get out of their slump. Later, a look at World Cup 2022, the Harry Kane penalty kick miss and how two teams in Canada’s group are now in the semis. We then wrap with the Maple Leafs, a big win over the Calgary Flames and why we don’t believe in Darryl Sutter’s complaints about the officiating in Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/13/202250 minutes, 20 seconds
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Blue Jays Making Big Moves And They're Not Done

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy sift through the breaking news with the Blue Jays signing right-hander Chris Bassitt as the former New York Mets pitcher now becomes one of the highest-paid Jay and signing outfielder Ken Kiermaier over the weekend. Later, Shi Davidi (34:52) on what’s next, why this is still an upgrade from Ross Stripling and how many more moves are expected.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/12/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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The Day the 2022 World Cup Became “Cheeky”

It was a wild day in soccer, and Ben and Blake welcome James Sharman (00:34) to look back at the big wins by Croatia and Argentina, another early exit by Brazil and how there is a trend to be “cheeky" when it comes to free kicks and penalties. Next, the Raptors go back-to-back vs. the Magic this weekend and have an opportunity to beat up on some weaker teams. Finally, over to Ross Tucker (36:10) who discusses the incredible performance from Baker Mayfield on TNF vs the Raiders in his Rams debut and what that game said about the Raiders and especially – Josh McDaniels. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/10/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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Finding Nimmo

Ben and Blake start by breaking down one of the craziest days in soccer history with a couple of quarter-final matchups going to penalties. Over to the Leafs and their incredible play has gotten stronger as they continue to fight through injuries. Later, a visit from Shi Davidi (34:42) just back from the MLB Winter Meetings who discusses the signing of Brandon Nimmo by the Mets and whether the Jays were really willing to go as far as New York for term and money, and a preview of what’s ahead for the team.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/9/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Tom Brady To The Pats? Not As Crazy As It Sounds

Ben and Blake welcome ESPN author Seth Wickersham (0:50) who mainly covers the NFL and this week he had an extended piece on why Andrew Luck retired so early and if there's a potential for him to return to New England, plus the latest on Dan Snyder and how the House Committee found lies and toxic culture with the Washington Commanders. Finally, a discussion on if the Blue Jays were focusing on trading Teoscar Hernandez away than valuing what they were getting in return. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/8/202250 minutes, 22 seconds
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Leafs Showing Signs Why This Year Is Different

Ben and Blake open the discussion with the MLB Winter Meetings as they wind down; the Blue Jays are still left with significant holes in the lineup and now the cost of players like Carlos Rodon is climbing. Later, we head to the rink where Luke Fox (30:30) is covering the Leafs and Kings, and they discuss how Toronto has turned it around despite injuries as suddenly the young defenders are holding their own.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
12/8/202249 minutes, 10 seconds
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A Hot Name The Jays Need To Look at In Free Agency

Ben and Blake welcome Adnan Virk (1:37) to the show and they pick up on the MLB Winter Meetings after a busy day. Aaron Judge stays in New York, and they debate if he was ever considering leaving the Yankees. Then, over to a pitcher that would fit the Jays perfectly – Carlos Rodon – who is a free agent after spending last year with the Giants. Later, the Raptors host the “Lakers” lineup without their biggest stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis (32:47). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/8/202250 minutes, 9 seconds
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Canada’s Northern Star Award Goes to Marie-Philip Poulin

Ben and Blake take a look at Canada’s Athlete of the Year with Marie-Philip Poulin winning the newly named Northern Star Award. First, a chat with her friend and former teammate – Ailish Forfar from The FAN Moring Show (26:00). Later, a visit from Elliotte Friedman in our studios, who was in the room for the award discussion today and gives perspective to the debate and all the athletes Poulin had to beat (33:37). Friedman transitions over to the Leafs, and how he feels they played their best game of the season last night in Dallas. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/7/202248 minutes, 29 seconds
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And The Runner Up Is… The Blue Jays

Ben Nicholson Smith (2:44) checks in with Ben and Blake from the Winter Meetings and discusses how the Blue Jays are still being regarded as “aggressive”, how they were in on Justin Verlander and his reaction to Cody Bellinger signing with the Chicago Cubs. Then, BNS shares a bit about his chat with Scott Boras and how the agent told him the Jays are more focused on bats than arms. Later, Ben and Blake chat about a new women’s soccer league, Baker Mayfield's new team and their final thoughts on Robertson vs. Robertson. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/6/202250 minutes, 14 seconds
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Matt Murray Proved Us Wrong

Ben and Blake start with baseball, another pitcher the Blue Jays lost out on and how some Sportsnet reporters got to sit down with super agent Scott Boras. Then, their reaction to Jon Heyman breaking the news that Aaron Judge had signed with the San Francisco Giants, but later backtracked on his tweet. Later on, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com (30:02) on the rise of Jason Robertson, both his and Mitch Marner's respective streaks, plus, Frank admits to being wrong about Matt Murray. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/6/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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Naming Names – Specific Players Who Could Be Jays Soon

Ben and Blake join Jon Morosi live from the MLB Winter Meetings. He looks ahead at what the Jays are looking at and how and where Danny Jansen could be moved, and outlines Bryan Reynolds from the Pirates and Lars Nootbaar as outfielders that could land in Toronto. Later, the Raptors host the Celtics tonight and the guys have to admit they are such a fun team to watch even if it makes sense to despise them (31:17). Then, the viral fake video of Steph Curry and why people were easily fooled. Finally, Fred McGriff gets into the Hall of Fame while Clemens and Bonds still didn’t get in.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/6/202250 minutes, 11 seconds
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Peter King on Major NFL Injuries & The Bills Are #1 Again

Ben and Blake open with MLB Free Agent Frenzy, diving into a $300M deal signed today that wasn’t Aaron Judge. From Trea Turner to Justin Verlander, we take a look at the Winter Meetings and where the Jays fit in. Then, the Leafs and their weekend performance against Tampa. Later, Peter King makes his weekly visit around the NFL, and he was in the building when Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot against the Dolphins (27:30). Finally, a wrap on World Cup 2022 and why - once again - it’s the same teams in the same place. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/5/202248 minutes, 42 seconds
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Leafs Lacked A Cup Winning Goalie - Until Matt Murray

We kick off the hour with Damien Cox who looks at the Leafs goalies and how historically (prior to Matt Murray) it's been a long time since they had a Cup winning goalie (Ed Belfour 2002-06) Then how last year Darcy Kuemper changed the game by proving you can win a Stanley Cup without a Vezina winner. Then a discussion about The Northern Star Award, how the Davis Cup win plays a factor and who else had the best performance by any Canadian athlete. Finally, Ross Tucker on Week 13 in the NFL, why the Jets might be a dangerous team even without a terrific QB and then Russel Wilson's challenging season now includes only half his team attending his birthday party and what that says about him and his reputation - or - has this become out of control with picking on he Broncos QB.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/2/202250 minutes, 38 seconds
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Frenzy Preview: Blue Jays Shopping List At Winter Meetings

Ben and Blake look ahead to the MLB Winter Meetings next week and where the Jays are at. Then the Leafs have a massive game against the Lightning tomorrow night and as far as the Raptors go, they are facing Kevin Durant who will be known this year as the guy that the Raptors could have had in the summer. Finally, a visit from Shi Davidi (34:49) on the winter meetings and if the Jays can turn one of their catching into a starting pitcher and the moves needed to be made in the outfield. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/2/202249 minutes, 19 seconds
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Canada So Close But Not Close Enough

James Sharman joins Ben and Blake in the studio to wrap on Canada’s World Cup and why they are one or two tournaments away from being legitimately competitive. Although they played well against Belgium, are expectations probably got a little too high over that result. Then to John Herdman, and the difference between managing a national team and managing at the club level. We move on to the Raptors (33:09), Fred getting tossed from a game and how NBA officials are calling “soft” technical fouls. Finally, a breaking UFC story today sees the halting of all Ontario UFC bets because of suspicious “insider” behavior.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/2/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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Marner Magic: The Streak & The Record

Ben and Blake wrap up the World Cup for Canada and how Alphonso Davies' missed PK against Belgium is still haunting Ben. Then, historical precedent that doesn't bode well for Canada as we look ahead at 2026. Later, Mitch Marner ties the point-streak franchise record and Auston Matthews is getting hot. Finally, a visit with Adnan Virk (28:33), who discusses a hunt for free Raptors tickets while in Toronto, the rise of Mitch Marner and how he’s underappreciated, and the Yankees put $300M in front of Aaron Judge. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/1/202249 minutes, 16 seconds
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Vasek Pospisil In Studio After Davis Cup Win

We are thrilled to have Canadian tennis star Vasek Pospisil in the studio with Ben and Blake fresh off Canada’s first ever Davis Cup win. He takes us back to the big win, what it means for Canadian tennis, how Canada has grown into a legit world power and if he is annoyed by media mumblings of a title asterisks. Finally, where the sport is headed next and if we will see a rise in national participation.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/30/202224 minutes, 47 seconds
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Don Mattingly Does Not Want John Schneider’s Job

Ben and Blake open with the news of the day with the Blue Jays adding Don Mattingly to their coaching staff. Later, a look at Mitch Marner trying to tie the Maple Leafs point streak record against the San Jose Sharks and why the 10-point game from Darryl Sittler is still something to marvel at. Next up, we speak with Ben Nicholson-Smith (26:11) about the Mattingly story and why he's not a threat to take John Schneider's job as manager. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/30/202249 minutes, 7 seconds
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Hot Rumour Suggests Don Mattingly to the Jays

Ben and Blake welcome Craig Forrest to the studio (00:37) to discuss where Team Canada sits, their plans for the final game against Morocco and the fallout from how Alphonso Davies has handled the media in Qatar. Then, John Herdman might regret his choice of words, a look at the pace of a league like MLS and why it might not translate to World Cup competition. Later, a hot story from The NY Post suggests the Blue Jays are in deep talks to add Don Mattingly to their coaching staff (26:45). Finally, why Brandon Nimmo feels like the best addition the Blue Jays could hope for and where the team might pivot to if he signs elsewhere.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/30/202250 minutes, 19 seconds
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Mitch Marner is Taking Over

Ben and Blake start with breaking news that Blake has never eaten lobster and Ben can't handle the truth. Then, over to the Leafs and how "good Matt Murray" has emerged in net, Auston Matthews finally getting some 5 on 5 goals and where Mitch Marner's point streak ranks in Leafs history. Later, a look at the Raptors' win after welcoming back Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes and the team's ceiling when fully healthy. Finally, our weekly visit from Frank Seravalli (31:32) who quickly shoots down the suggestion that Sheldon Keefe deserves Jack Adams consideration. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
11/29/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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Raptors Get Some Reinforcements in Pascal Siakam

One Soccer & CBC Sports Host Andi Petrillo joins Ben and Blake (00:43) to continue the Canada-Croatia discussion. What were her emotions and feelings when Alphonso Davies scored, only to be followed by four Croatian goals? Afterwards, they get to Raptors-Cavs (29:45) and discuss the potential return of Pascal Siakam, and whether or not that might affect OG Anunoby's continued development. The Leafs continue their road trip in Detroit, and the guys debate whether or not the Red Wings are legit, as they're in third place in the Atlantic Division - is that a surprise? To wrap, Ben and Blake talk about Miguel Cabrera's retirement, and close out the day with Last Call presented by Bet Rivers!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/29/202250 minutes, 15 seconds
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What's Next for Canada After World Cup Elimination

Ben and Blake recap Canada-Croatia and the rollercoaster of emotions, including Davies' first goal to the bitter disappointment of defeat. They discuss whether or not Herdman's post-Belgium comments were bulletin board material and look ahead to the 2026 North American World Cup. Afterwards, they discuss an impressive weekend of Leafs hockey, the injured blue line stepping up, and whether or not its sustainable. Later on, NBC Sports' Peter King (33:26) joins the show to discuss the Aaron Rodgers injury and Jordan Love's performance in relief. They also discuss two-point conversions changing the game for the Chargers and Ravens with seconds to go, and a QB change for the New York Jets.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/28/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Why Von Miller’s Injury Could Tip The Balance In The AFC

Ben and Blake close the book on John Herdman's post-game comments about Croatia with a comparison to Masai Ujiri's comments about the Brooklyn Nets and whether these kinds of speeches work. Later, on the Blue Jays and how close they might be to adding someone like a Cody Bellinger or Brandon Nimmo. Finally, our weekly chat with Ross Tucker on the NFL (27:52), how Von Miller's injury could be critical to the Buffalo Bills and if it's something to be concerned about. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/26/202249 minutes, 58 seconds
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John Herdman’s “Naked” Treatment by Croatian Tabloids

Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy start the last show of the week fresh off a Leafs win at Minnesota as the team is now 2-0 with a depleted lineup after the Morgan Rielly injury this week. Later, Richard Wilson joins us from the History of Yugoslav Football Podcast (28:44) as Croatia reacts to the John Herdman comments, how he made the tabloids and then analysis of Sunday’s game and how Canada will not be able to surprise teams after their performance against Belgium. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/25/202250 minutes, 35 seconds
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Canada Can Lose Games But They Can’t Lose John Herdman

We are joined in the studio by Jim Brennan (00:20), SN soccer analyst and former member of Team Canada and TFC. Jim looks back at the Canada loss to Belgium and explains why he was thrilled with this performance. Then, the influence of John Herdman (27:00) on the identity and personality of the team and his ability to get every player on board with maximum effort. He expects and invites aggression against Croatia on Sunday.  Later, can Matt Murray's health be relied on if he plays a back-to-back?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/25/202250 minutes, 5 seconds
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The Passing of Borje Salming

Ben and Blake welcome Nick Kypreos (00:58) into the studio and we lead with the news of the day that Borje Salming has passed away. Nick reflects on his life, impact on the Leafs and the city of Toronto but the game of hockey alone. Later, the Leafs come up with a huge win at New Jersey and Nick discusses how the Leafs are burning out Mitch Marner with his use on the penalty kill, which is hurting his five-on-five play. Finally, some US Thanksgiving Football (23:47), the special connection between Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs and then the Raptors are faced with even more injuries. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/24/202249 minutes, 6 seconds
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US Thanksgiving Works In Canada Too!

Ben and Blake bring on their pal Adnan Virk, who is back in Canada during US Thanksgiving. The trio look back on Canada’s heartbreaking loss to Belgium, and then discuss the Blue Jays and potential free agent fit Brandon Nimmo - is he worth over $100 million? Before Adnan signs off, he also discusses the upcoming slate of NFL Thanksgiving games, including Cowboys/Giants. Finally, Ben and Blake get to the Leafs making a trade, and the Raptors missing Scottie Barnes vs. the Nets. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/24/202249 minutes
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Craig Forrest on Canada’s Tough Loss to Belgium

Ben and Blake open with the reaction to Canada’s loss, the dominating stats and how many of them might be misleading. Later, Craig Forrest stops by the studio for a player's perspective on the match and how impressed he was with Canada’s approach, including their early dominance. To wrap up, the guys discuss the lineup itself, possible changes for Sunday's game vs. Croatia, and how Group F might shake out in the end. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/23/202249 minutes, 30 seconds
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Last Chance to Prep for Canada / Belgium

We head to Qatar where SN soccer analyst Peter Galindo joins us for a look at Canada’s first game against Belgium. As you look through the matchups, he feels Croatia will actually be the toughest opponent for Canada in the group. Peter then compares Canada to other Concacaf teams with both the US & Mexico having played. Later some hot audio from Alek Manoah who, when asked by Serge Ibaka about the greatest cheater in MLB history he picks ... Gerrit Cole! Plus, at Raptors today we hear from Nick Nurse who put Gary Trent Jr on blast when it comes to defence. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/23/202250 minutes, 9 seconds
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Cap Strapped and Injured – Dubas Back To Work

Ben and Blake start with some World Cup buzz, a huge upset today with Saudi Arabia over Argentina and a look at Canada’s chances against Belgium. Later, the Leafs are short staffed on defence and perhaps the Morgan Rielly injury will force a trade. Next (30:00) we are joined by Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com to pour over the Leafs cap situation and how they can address their issues. Later, despite having an $11M salary, a case is made for a team to trade for Erik Karlsson. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/22/202249 minutes, 18 seconds
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Athletes Hour: Jays Pitcher Erik Swanson & Argos QB Chad Kelly

We welcome Erik Swanson (0:25) to the show who was hunting in Montana last week when the trade happened. He talks about growing up in Fargo North Dakota and how we went from there to the big leagues. Later, more Jays rumours suggest the team has reached out to Cody Bellinger. Finally, a very excited Chad Kelly (32:07) from the Argos calls into the show to discuss a wild night in Regina with The Grey Cup win over the Bombers. He looks back to his infamous college career, an entire season on the bench and how he entered the game in emergency and led the team to victory. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/22/202250 minutes, 6 seconds
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Blue Jays Reliever Erik Swanson Joins The Show!

Blue Jays' newest reliever Erik Swanson joins Ben Ennis and Blake Murphy to discuss where he was when he got the news that he was traded to Toronto, his perspective on the Jays' team, what he's learned from watching Kevin Gausman's splitter and much more!   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/21/202212 minutes, 56 seconds
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Aside From The Leafs, Toronto Produces Champions

Ben and Blake welcome Donnovan Bennett (3:33) into the studio freshly back from a frozen trip to Regina for Grey Cup. They debate how the city of Toronto portrays itself as falling on hard times - yet – aside from the Leafs, all the other teams in the city have won championships recently. Later, Fox is criticized for covering The World Cup without addressing issues from migrant workers' deaths and all the human rights violations in the country. Next (33:17) our weekly chat with Peter King, why we forget that Patrick Mahomes is still the best QB in the league and then into a great week of thanksgiving football. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/21/202249 minutes, 5 seconds
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Weather Takes Over Football in Regina … and Buffalo

We kick off he hour with Ross Tucker during his weekly visit on the show (01:00). He looks at why the Titans are the real deal and a threat again in the AFC. Then, why the Packers are not quite ready to sit Rodgers for Love – but – the reigning MVP did not give them a chance to win. Later we discuss the Bills leaving town because of the snow and Ross recalls the worst weather games of his career. Next up (18:00), we head to Regina where Arash Madani is covering The Grey Cup this weekend, the frigid weather, and some injury concerns for Bombers QB Zach Collaros.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/19/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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Who Is Brandon Nimmo and Why the Jays Are in Hot Pursuit

Ben and Blake open with Jays news today that Toronto is battling with the Mets for Brandon Nimmo who would play CF, move Springer to RF, and complete the circle of the Teoscar Hernández trade. Then over to the Leafs and a discussion on why they have performed so poor this season in overtime. Later, (32:00) Eno Sarris, analytics writer for The Athletic, takes us inside Brandon Nimmo and why he’d represent a major upgrade for the Jays if he replaced Teoscar Hernández. Plus, he gives his take on Erik Swanson and what the Jays are doing to improve their bullpen including a potential hybrid use of Yusei Kikuchi.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/18/202249 minutes, 30 seconds
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2022 World Cup Preview with James Sharman

Ben and Blake open with the Raptors signature win over the Heat, and revisit the return from the Kyle Lowry trade. They also take another look at the Teoscar Hernandez trade from yesterday, including how people feel a day later. Is there still a move to come. Later, James Sharman stops by the studio to look ahead to to the World Cup with Canada playing in less than a week vs. Belgium (26:57). How Canada - and Alphonso Davies - perform?. The Athletic's Shayna Goldman joins to help us understand the hot start from the New Jersey Devils and if they can keep this up through the rest of the season (48:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/17/20221 hour, 14 minutes, 21 seconds
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Breaking Down if the Jays Got Enough for Teoscar Hernández

Adnan Virk from MLB Network makes his weekly appearance with analysis of the Teoscar Hernández trade and why he is one of the most underrated players in all of MLB. Then over to the rest of free agency, why Anthony Rizzo signed so quickly and why we will be waiting a while for Aaron Judge. Then to some NFL talk, the Eagles blowing it on Monday night and the memories of working with Jeff Saturday at ESPN and how everyone has turned on him after getting hired by the Colts (01:00).Finally, Damien Cox of The Toronto Star discusses how The Lou Marsh Award will no longer exist. It will now be known as The Northern Star Award. Damien discusses the debate, what went into the decision, and why it made the most sense to not select a human for the award (26:17).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/17/202250 minutes, 13 seconds
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Max Kerman From the Arkells Drops by the Studio

We start the show with the news of the day as Teoscar Hernández was traded to the Mariners. The guys give their analysis on the return and compare an All-Star OF to bullpen depth which is what the Jays were desperate for. Next, Shi Davidi (15:00) weighs in on the timing of the deal and what might come next now that there is a hole to be filled in the OF. Then later on, Max Kerman from the Arkells (31:00) joins us in the studio for a chat about the Raptors, his relationship with Nick Nurse and how the band tried to get Bruce Springsteen to appear on their latest album.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/16/202249 minutes, 50 seconds
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The Hard Truth About Where The Raptors Actually Are

Ben and Blake take a look at the Raptors weathering more injuries for a big win vs. the Pistons. Afterwards, MLB Network's Jon Morosi joins to discuss today's Blue Jays story that potentially detailed Teoscar Hernandez being sent to the Mariners. Plus, they discuss the Jays catching depth and trying to parlay that into addressing other needs like a lefty bat. Finally, Ben begs for advice on building a outdoor rink for his kids to stay credible in his neighbourhood. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/16/202249 minutes, 59 seconds
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Rule 5? 40 Man? We Have You Covered

Ben and Blake open with a little baseball as rumours suggest the Jays are ready to trade Teoscar Hernandez for pitching help. They also get into the Rule 5 Draft and go over some 40-man roster decisions ahead of an important MLB deadline later this evening. Afterwards, they discuss Matt Murray who is making his return for the Leafs tonight in Pittsburgh, and welcome in DailyFaceoff.com's Frank Seravalli to chat the Leafs, their mounting injuries on defence and if they can still improve the back end with limited finances to work with. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/15/202248 minutes, 57 seconds
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Peter King on Josh Allen and if the Bills Are in Trouble

We start the hour with Peter King of NBC Sports who just landed home after covering the Bucs vs. Seahawks in Munich Germany (01:20). He gets right into the Bills loss to the Vikings and how Josh Allen will still be fine – but – this is not a great stretch as he’s gotten sloppy and is throwing a ton of interceptions. Later, his 1-on-1 interview with Tom Brady and his improvement in play now that his divorce with Gisele has been finalized. Then, Jeff Saturday gets the win but it’s Josh McDaniels who is on the hot seat. Finally, the Packers are trying to save their season and after 10 weeks the WRs are finally coming around. Next up, (29:00) Iain Hume, soccer analyst and former member of Team Canada, joins the show. He’s been messaging back and forth with the team and is blown away that they are doing what so many players before them were dreaming of. Then a breakdown of Canada’s opponents and why there is an advantage in facing Belgium early on.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/15/202250 minutes, 31 seconds
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Nick Kypreos: “The Most Emotional Experience I’ve Ever Had”

Ben is solo today as Blake Murphy returns tomorrow. We start with Nick Kypreos who attended the Börje Salming ceremony over the weekend (00:45). Nick took us back to being a player and growing up a Leafs fan and shares the incredible emotion of what we witnessed. Next (21:00) a visit from Donnovan Bennett, host of the new show “Going Deep” and we look at the Argos making The Grey Cup at a time where people are not paying close enough attention. Then to Team Canada, Qatar, and how the host country and their actions/human rights violations are all on trial this month. Later (41:00), we find Michael Grange in Detroit where the Raptors are ravaged by injury and facing a Pistons team that has a ton of success against the Raptors since Dwane Casey started coaching there.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/14/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Bettman’s Blemish: Another World Cup of Hockey is Lost

Ben welcomes Damien Cox to discuss the Leafs heading into the weekend and all eyes on goalies with Matt Murray close to returning. Later with the Hall of Fame induction coming on Monday both Mats Sundin and Borje Salming are in town. Damien helps us understand how Salming paved the way for so many other Swedes and helped shed the stereotype that goes along with Swedish hockey players. Later, a chat with Ross Tucker (28:00) on why the Bills are hiding Josh Allen’s injury. Why he’s thrilled for Geno Smith. Plus. Jeff Saturday coaching the Colts is a recipe for disaster and he expects it to go terribly this weekend. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/12/202250 minutes, 10 seconds
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The Path For A Superstar Canadian Playing For The Raptors

Ben and Blake open the show discuss the Leafs playing back-to-back home games this weekend and the potential end of the Erik Kallgren era. Over to hoops with Team Canada qualifying for the FIBA World Cup, meanwhile, the Raptors are in OKC and there are rumours of Shai Gilgeous Alexander being unhappy with the Thunder which opens a door for some Raptors rumours too. Later we catch up with Shi Davidi (31:06) who was in Vegas for the GM meetings to chat about Ross Stripling not getting qualified, and the World Champions, Houston Astros have parted ways with their GM. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/11/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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Analyzing Erik Källgren with The Goalie Whisperer

Ben and Blake discuss Leafs legend Mats Sundin being in town for the Hall of Fame inductions, and they reflect on what made him so great over his career in Toronto. Trevor Zegras has a lacrosse goal called back last night, and the guys nominate the rules in sports they love to hate. To wrap, NHL.com's Kevin Woodley - an absolute goalie whisperer - breaks down Erik Källgren and discusses whether or not he’s an NHL caliber goalie (29:05). Which game will Källgren start this weekend? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/11/202249 minutes, 52 seconds
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Jays Don't Make Qualifying Offer to Ross Stripling

Ben and Blake open by discussing the news that Ross Stripling did not receive a qualifying offer from the Jays. They explore why that decision was made, the choice to not try for draft pick compensation and the other names potentially out there as free agency begins. Later, the Raptors win ugly at home to Houston and now have another injury to manage with Precious Achiuwa out indefinitely. The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath reacts to the Stripling news from the GM Meetings in Vegas, discusses a trade from within the AL East, and takes a look at a potential relief pitcher option already being taken off the market (29:11). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/10/202248 minutes, 22 seconds
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Whether Scott Boras Is Good or Bad for Baseball

Adnan Virk joins the show from MLB and NHL Network (02:20). They discuss the poor ratings for The World Series and Adnan helps explains that while the numbers are down, it represents more of a trend with TV overall and why it’s still a valuable property. Then to free agency and whether or not Scott Boras is good for baseball. We wrap with Adnan discussing more potential names that might end up on the Jays roster. Later, Nick Nurse has a critical meeting with one of his players and explains it in great detail during pregame. Then some detail on the Raptors so far and their struggles on offence with Siakam out of the lineup. We close with news that the Washington Commanders will likely announce tomorrow that they are up for sale.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/10/202250 minutes, 30 seconds
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The Mystery Behind Josh Allen’s Injury

Ben and Blake take a look at the Leafs most recent loss and whether there is concern in net as Matt Murray is still not in the lineup. Next, the incredible cost of kids playing in net and Ben’s happiness over his kids not playing the position. Later, the combo of Matthews-Marner-Reilly have a horrible record during 3-on-3 OT and the guys try to explain why this trend has held. Then a look at a few names who might be a good fit for the Jays, especially pitchers. Finally, we head to Buffalo where Jon Scott from Spectrum News updates the Josh Allen injury and explains why there’s a chance he might play on Sunday despite the fact that his UCL injury was believed to keep him out for weeks (36:05).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
11/9/202249 minutes, 27 seconds
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More Hot Jays Rumours Out of Vegas GM Meetings

Ben and Blake discuss the rumours out of the MLB GM Meetings in Vegas that the Blue Jays are expected to trade one of their catchers. Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson Smith joins live from Vegas, and the guys debate who is most likely to go, how much more money the Jays are willing to spend, and the feeling that Ross Stripling won’t return (3:15). Later, Ben and Blake discuss the absence of Pascal Siakam due to injury, and Scottie Barnes picking up the slack in the meantime. Plus, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli relives the Phillies run as a fan, before discussing the Leafs and why they still need help in net with Samsonov hurt (50:07). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/8/20221 hour, 13 minutes, 25 seconds
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Blue Jays' Catching Depth Turns Heads at GM Meetings

We kick off the hour with Jon Morosi who puts a bow on the Astros World Series win, the toughness on the Houston roster and the incredible injuries they battled through (01:30). Next, why so many people across MLB were thrilled Dusty Baker got the win, so much so that it cut through the Astros cheating scandal. Then, why the Phillies are no fluke and are a 90+ win team going forward. Later, the Bruins really blew it with the Mitchell Miller signing, why the shine is off the Yankees as Aaron Judge hits the market, and if the Jays can put together a deal to keep Ross Stripling in Toronto.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/8/202250 minutes, 37 seconds
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Week 9 With Peter King: Reich Fired, Allen Hurt, Rodgers “Miserable”

The start of the Blake Murphy era begins with both the Leafs and Raptors winning after significant injuries to Samsonov and Siakam. Matthews has come around to his expected pace after a slow start and maybe the Leafs can just outscore their issues in net. Next, over to the Raptors, why their win over the Cavs is even more Impressive now and whether or not this team can be considered a Top 5 team in the NBA. Later (27:00), our weekly visit with Peter King from NBC Sports where he dives into a coaching change in Indy, a comeback for Brady and whether or not his opinion of the Bills has changed. Finally, Peter gives a great answer when asked if Aaron Rodgers is ruining his legacy with how his career is winding down.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
11/7/202249 minutes, 13 seconds
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Kyrie Irving’s Career – Not His Season – Is on Life Support

Ben welcomes Dave Zirin to the show from Edge of Sports and The Nation (01:15). He has been covering the Kyrie situation and expresses that this five game suspension is just the start. There is a feeling that his entire career is in question and we could see a day where he’s no longer welcomed in the NBA. Next up (27:00) our weekly visit with Ross Tucker who says the Eagles don’t care about 17-0, it’s all about a Super Bowl regardless of record. Then he hits on the Jets caught in another QB controversy, the game against the Bills this weekend, and the Dolphins continuing to be perfect under Tua. Finally, comments from Bruins GM Don Sweeney on the signing of Mitchell Miller and the controversy behind the move after he bullied a classmate with a disability just a few years ago.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/4/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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Christine Sinclair Drops By Our Studio

We start the show with internal breaking news as Blake Murphy announces live on the show that he is the permanent co-host with Ben starting Monday. Later, a total treat as the GOAT enters the studio (15:00). Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair discusses her memoir which was released this week and then looks ahead to Qatar this month – plus – an update on negotiations with Canada Soccer and the push for equal pay. Finally (35:00), we speak to Shi Davidi who is headed to Las Vegas for the GM meetings beginning Monday. With that, a look at off-season targets and the one contract that the Blue Jays are truly stuck with – Yusei Kikuchi.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/4/202249 minutes, 26 seconds
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Qatar Lookahead with Team Canada's Alistair Johnston

Ben chats with NFL Network's Steve Wyche on how long the Eagles can stay perfect and why they still aren’t the top pick for the Super Bowl. They also discuss last week's trade deadline and the news that the Washington Commanders could soon be under new ownership. Afterwards, Ben reacts to Kyrie Irving’s media availability where he doubled down and avoided answering direct questions about anti-semitism. To wrap up, he chats with Team Canada's Alistair Johnson on prepping for The World Cup (28:09), what John Herdman is really like, and how he keeps the team motivated. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/3/202248 minutes, 59 seconds
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Devon Travis Stops By The Studio

Ben starts the show with Justin Bourne in-studio, and gets some insight into the Dubas/Keefe relationship and whether or not the GM would be willing to fire the coach. Plus, a discussion on the Auston Matthews - Travis Konecny skirmish at the end of the game, and whether or not Matthews should be instigating more...or less. Former Blue Jay and current Sportsnet analyst Devon Travis also stops by the studio (23:47), and reflects on many of the players in the series that he’s played with and against. To wrap, the guys have a chat about tipping pitches and when being competitive crosses a line and becomes cheating. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/3/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Why John Tortorella Is Cheering for Sheldon Keefe

Ben opens the show with Adnan Virk from MLB Network to discuss the Phillies dominating Game 3 performance and the legend of Bryce Harper which has grown so much this off-season. Then, a comparison between Harper and Trout, both trending for the Hall of Fame followed by Vlad Jr. winning the Gold Glove and what that means to his value and his future (1:00). Next, we connect with Michael Grange on the news of Steve Nash being fired by the Nets, the cloud of controversy over Kyrie Irving, and the Raptors who are on the road in San Antonio and are looking like one of the best teams in the entire East (27:00). Next, we head down to Scotiabank Arena where Gord Stellick is covering the game and he reacts to a clip of John Tortorella suggesting that Sheldon Keefe is better than what the media thinks and how he wants him to prove them wrong (51:00).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/2/20221 hour, 12 minutes, 21 seconds
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Why A Postponed Game Alters The Entire World Series

Ben welcomes MLB Network's Jon Morosi to discuss the rain delay that pushed Game 3 by a day, and how it really benefits the Phillies - can they now better deploy their rotation (1:00)? They also chat about MLB going head-to-head with NFL's Thursday Night Football, and how Vladimir Guerrero Jr's Gold Glove win only adds to his resume. Afterwards, NY Post's Mike Vaccaro discusses his Kyrie Irving story that called for the team to cut him outright and be done with him (27:35). Finally, Mitch Marner addresses the media today, and Ben discusses how he's taken responsibility for his play. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/1/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Steve Nash Fired, Kyrie Irving Talks His Way Out of Town

Ben opens the show with news of Steve Nash being fired by the Nets, and he's joined by Donnovan Bennett to discuss why the Nets might be un-coachable, and whether or not it's over for Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn (2:16). They also discuss the Raptors and their hot start, and later pivot to the Grey Cup and potential halftime show performers. Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceOff.com joins to discuss the Leafs' road trip, gets into firing rumours and whether or not they're premature (27:16). He also gets into the Senators being for sale, and the Coyotes finally losing some of the novelty appeal of their minor league rink. Frank is also on his way to Game 3 of the World Series, and discusses why the Phillies could win it all. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
11/1/202248 minutes, 48 seconds
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Spend Money. Win Titles. It Still Works.

Ben starts the hour with former Mets and O’s exec Jim Duquette (3:15), who is now with SXM MLB Radio. Jim explains how the Phillies proved that risk taking and spending money is a path that still works today and Dave Dombrowski has managed to win everywhere with his aggressive style. Next up (17:08) Dan Shulman joins us from Philadelphia under bad weather and explains how rain could force unplanned travel and why certain scenarios favour the Astros and others favour the Phillies. Plus it’s clear that the MLB does not want to compete in any way with the NFL. Finally (31:45), Shane O’Brien from the Missin Curfew Podcast gives his take on what’s wrong with the Leafs, why the flaws are real, and why you can’t hide behind sheer talent and expect to win. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.  
10/31/202250 minutes, 25 seconds
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Keefe Did What He Was Told … and It’s Still Not Working

Nick Kypreos joins Ben in the studio after the Leafs lost their 4th straight game out west (00:30). He explains how the coach is there to implement the vision from the GM and president. Keefe is doing the right thing but the flaw is in what he’s being asked to do. Next up (22:15), our weekly visit with Peter King from NBC Sports with the inside story on the Christian McCaffery trade last week and the conversations ahead of this weekend where he accomplished the TD triple crown with a throw, catch and run. Then, why the Rams and Seahawks are headed in opposite directions and how Seattle came out looking great in the post Russel Wilson era. Finally, the Cowboys need to admit who their #1 running back is and why the Packers need to make being a running team a priority. Suddenly a game versus the Lions is their entire season with the fear of falling to 3-6. Before we wrap, a heated exchange between Kyrie Irving and a reporter and why the Nets star is not at smart as he thinks he is.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/31/202249 minutes, 19 seconds
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Mullet Arena … Gets A Trim

Ben hits on the Leafs and Raps with David Amber and then Paul Jones. David (1:15) looks at a slow start to the season, the lack of protection for Auston Matthews and then they swap top choices for goal songs. Later with Paul (19:05), the Raps go back-to-back with the Sixers, the growing feud with Joel Embiid, and more. Next (34:00), we head to the desert where Ken Wiebe is covering the Coyotes and Jets tonight and the debut of Mullet Arena. On one hand it looks embarrassing and yet there is an atmosphere of a fun college crowd so it depends who you ask. Finally, whether or not this facility will impact recruiting players and building a team that has a lot of cap room to work with.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/28/202250 minutes, 22 seconds
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Tom Brady: Loses Game Then Loses Wife

Ben welcomes Joe Siddall into the studio to set up Game 1 of The World Series. He looks at how each team was built, the dominance of the Astros. Then a quick explainer of what the Phillies did during the season to adjust their defense and allowed them a chance to do what Atlanta did last year. Later, why he likes the choice of John Schneider to remain with the Blue Jays. Next up (28:00), our weekly visit with Ross Tucker focuses on Tom Brady losing games and wives in the same week and why Lamar Jackson is making a mistake by choosing to go without an agent.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/28/202249 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Bucs or Gisele – Did Brady Choose Wrong?

Ben and JD Bunkis (0:56) take a look at fans being tough on stars and why the athletes should learn to live with it. Next, why the Raptors won the Kyle Lowry trade to Miami. Later, Ben is joined by Mike Golic Jr from Draft Kings' GoJo Podcast (30:51) where they take a look at Thursday Night Football with the Bucs and Ravens and how each team is suddenly desperate for a win, Tom Brady’s miserable season and star QBs struggles from Rodgers to Wilson. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/27/202250 minutes, 6 seconds
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Why Nervous Leafs Fans Are Fixated on Aaron Judge

Ben opens the show with Andy Martino, from SNY (2:19), who broke the story about Yankees fans being toxic and perhaps costing them Aaron Judge, while connecting their discussion with the Maple Leafs and whether or not the treatment of stars by fans will impact their future. Next up, Luke Fox from Sportsnet (27:14) joins us from San Jose where Sheldon Keefe has shuffled his lines before their games against the California teams and how the cloud of Barry Trotz still looms. Plus, a first account of Sheldon Keefe showing frustration with his club during practice. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/27/202249 minutes, 5 seconds
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Yankees “Toxic Fan Culture” Draws Obvious Comparison to Leafs Nation

Ben welcomes Damien Cox from the Toronto Star (1:00) to discuss a report today suggesting Yankees fans are toxic and will play a part is the loss of free agents. Comparing that with the Leafs, they discuss the poor treatment of players through the years. Later why it was a bad look when Sheldon Keefe walked back comments about star players and why he thinks no matter how you look at it – Barry Trotz is an upgrade. Next up (29:00), we head to Scotiabank Arena where Doug Smith is set for the Raps vs. 76ers in a playoff rematch and why players love the new NBA schedule because of a reduction in flights. Finally, Joel Embiid has to be enemy #1 for the Raptors currently and possible all time.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/26/202250 minutes, 34 seconds
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Scottie Upshall Details What Playing for Barry Trotz Is Like

Ben welcomes Adnan Virk from MLB Network and a vocal Yankees fan, to start the show. They discuss the reports coming out today on a toxic culture from fans and how it could be turning off free agents like Aaron Judge. Then Virk dives into the comparisons between the Yankees and the Maple Leafs in terms of how cities with pressure are sometimes more of a turn off than anything else. Next (29:00), we catch up with Scottie Upshall who played for Barry Trotz in Nashville. He details the pressure of playing in Canada and how social media escalates issues and sometimes creates unnecessary pressure for players. Then he goes into life on an NHL bench, what it’s like when a coach is fired and why the entire team wears that failure. Finally, what Barry Trotz is like as a coach and why he’s earned his reputation.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/26/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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Trading For Ohtani + Sheldon Keefe Walks Back

Arash Madani joins Ben with a look at the World Series, why the Jays chose John Schneider as their long-term manager and most importantly why a trade for Shohei Ohtani makes a lot of sense for the Blue Jays (1:50). Finally, former Leafs GM Gord Stellick expresses his concern about Sheldon Keefe walking back his comments after the Arizona game and now the most sought after coach in hockey – Trotz – is out there and available (29:26). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/25/202250 minutes, 13 seconds
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Did Barry Trotz Volunteer Himself to Coach the Leafs?

Fresh off the heels of a viral comment made on the Cam and Strick Podcast, Ben reacts to Barry Trotz saying how much he’d love to coach an Original 6 team. Then, we speak with Donnovan Bennett about the Raptors' massive win in Miami and the possibility that they won the Kyle Lowry trade (3:47). Later, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com gives his take on Trotz and why he’s not reading into his coaching comments too much (26:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/25/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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Hot Dogs & Stanley Cups – The Phil Kessel Story

We head to Las Vegas where Daren Millard discusses his move there from Toronto and getting to hit the ice with players like Phil Kessel and some awesome stories from the guy who nobody can believe is the NHL Iron Man! Then a look at Phil’s relationship with the media being so different than with his teammates who love him. From afar he still loves following Toronto and what’s up with the Leafs and why people like Sheldon Keefe need to watch every single word they say. Next (23:00) a quick update from Michael Grange in Miami where it was just revealed that Scottie Barnes is out tonight against the Heat. Finally (32:00) we join Al Morganti from WIP radio in Philadelphia. It’s literally a fairytale in the city with the Phillies jumping ahead of the Eagles with their run to the World Series. Then, life with he Flyers and why Tortorella is a quote machine and we close on the 76ers who face the Raptors twice this week.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/24/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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Peter King Explains What’s Wrong with Brady & Rodgers

Ben kicks off the week with Jon Morosi from MLB Network who was in The Bronx last night for the Astros sweep and despite just one title win and all the cheating scandals, he makes the case for why they should be considered a dynasty. Next (27:00) our weekly chat with Peter King on NFL Week #7. Before NFL chat, Peter goes on a little rant about the Yankees collapse this season and the desperation felt to sign Aaron Judge. As for the NFL, he explains why he views the Packers and Bucs so differently, why people will regret giving up on Geno Smith and then why teams – more than ever – are in need of a solid backup QB.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/24/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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On the Field and Off - Why Ohtani Fits Toronto

Ben welcomes Jeff Blair (2:00) to discuss the John Schneider extension, why Terry Francona was never coming here and then moving forward there is a case to be made for the Jays to pursue Shohei Ohtani and how Toronto is a fit for him on the field and in the city. Next up (27:00) our weekly visit with Ross Tucker who looks at the 49ers trade for McCaffery and what it says about their team and Jimmy G. Then, Tua is back, Brady is unhappy, Rodgers is struggling and the Bills are at the top of the NFL.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/21/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Mom of Nick/Jason Robertson On Being In Stands for Leafs/Stars

We begin with the news of the day regarding the Jays signing John Schneider to an extension. With that, Caleb Joseph joins us in the studio to explain how managers are expected to deal with players in today's game. Schneider handles the media very well and was not shy about being critical about players like Vladdy Jr when it calls for it. Next up (27:00) we catch up with Mercedes Robertson - mother of Nick and Jason - to discuss a great night in Toronto watching her sons compete against eachother. Later, Jeff Marek (41:00) weighs in on the Robertson family and early returns on the newly stated NHL season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/21/202249 minutes, 34 seconds
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Keefe vs Leafs Stars Becomes Keefe vs Leafs Media

Ben opens with the Leafs drama and Sheldon Keefe walking back his comments after calling out his star players for Monday's loss to the Coyotes. Then (2:00) he welcomes former Maple Leafs forward and 2-time Stanley Cup Champion David Bolland to the show. He reflects on what it's like playing in Toronto and the relationship between coach and players and how to use the media t your advantage. Next (26:00) we head to the NLCS in Philly and speak to Jon Sciambi from ESPN Radio about his friendship and "rivalry" with Dan Shulman. Then he makes a case for why fans need to get behind the Padres for various reasons. Later (41:00) Ben Nicholson Smith discusses the delay in naming John Schneider full time manager, the Terry Francona rumours and where he sees this thing going. Finally, Jim Ralph (51:00) joins us from the booth down at Scotiabank Arena where the Leafs host the Stars after the frenzy following the loss to the Coyotes. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/20/20221 hour, 14 minutes, 56 seconds
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Alvin Williams: Legacy Defined by Team Success Not Individual

Adnan Virk makes his weekly appearance to talk about the juggling of MLB Playoffs with the NFL and the start of the NHL and NBA. Off the field the Jays are yet to commit to a manager for next season. Plus, Shohei Ohtani speaks out about his frustration after this most recent season and his contract will soon be up and perhaps he's on the market soon. Later (29:00) we are joined by former Raptors point guard Alvin Williams who despite being from Philly says "I don't like Philly" when it comes to the fans. Later he explains team vs individual success and regardless of the numbers Scotty Barnes puts up this year, the success of his team will impact how he is viewed and remembered. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
10/19/202250 minutes, 31 seconds
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If Jays Want Francona, We Will Know Soon

Ben sets up the upcoming Raptors season with Blake Murphy who dropped by the studios to look ahead to the season and how the Eastern conference has opened up and is there even more opportunity for the Raptors to make a run. Later (27:00) we head to Houston for the ALCS and Dan Shulman  is calling the series for ESPN Radio. Before we head to the playoffs we can Dan's take on why the Jays have yet to name John Schneider as the full time manager and how it's a bit odd that it's taking too long. Then the case for pursuing Terry Francona and whether or not he'd consider changing teams again. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
10/19/202249 minutes, 23 seconds
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Michael Grange's NBA Season Preview: Stars Still Run the Show

Ben is joined by Michael Grange in the studio for the hour as they preview the 2022-23 NBA Season. The stars are still running the show and small markets are still very much in the mix. Later a Raptors deep dive including second year expectations for Scottie Barnes and potential roster moves this season and beyond. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/18/202250 minutes, 25 seconds
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Monday Night Meltdown: Keefe Calls Out Star Players

Ben kicks off the hour with Sean McIndoe aka Down Goes Brown on the Leafs embarrassing loss last night to the Coyotes and if the result is even worth stressing over and the concerns over a slow start to the season. Next (20:00) Ben takes a look at the future of John Schneider and why he believes one of the current managers in the playoffs is someone the Jays will consider pursuing. Finally (29:00) Frank Seravalli from New York as the NHL Board of Governors meeting has just wrapped and he has an update on the salary cap and the impact on the future of Auston Matthews. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/18/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Jays Actions Show That Schneider Might Not Be Their Guy

We start the hour at Scotiabank Arena where the Leafs host the Coyotes, with that and an update on Matt Murray we speak to Luke Fox who helps explain the roster shuffle the team is experiencing so early in the season. Next (18:00) we speak to Jon Morosi from MLB Network who is on his way to the ALCS in Houston and then (24:00) Shi Davidi also drops by. The theme for baseball chat today surrounds the new MLB playoff format and whether or not it rewards the "best" teams now that the Dodgers, Braves and Mets are all gone. A great deep dive into how many teams should make the playoffs and how long the series should be. Then, Shi gets into detail about John Schneider and it seems the Jays might be looking around at options which prove the Schneider might not be their guy. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
10/17/202250 minutes, 35 seconds
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Why Playoffs Don't Reward "Best" Team

Ben starts the show with Justin Bourne from Real Kyper and Bourne and after watching a lot of MLB underdogs clinch a series in the playoffs, the guys debate which leagues get it right and ultimately if the top team in a given sports league also becomes the one to win the championship. Then a look at why it's hard to bet on the Leafs because they are such favs. Later (29:00) a quick visit from Jon Scott, Bills reporter with Spectrum News who was in KC for the game yesterday. Next (34:00) over to Peter King from NBC Sports to recap Week 6, why the Bills are the best team in football and how Von Miller keeps taking different teams to the Super Bowl. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/17/202249 minutes, 23 seconds
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Ben Verlander On If His Brother Would Consider Blue Jays

FOX Sports Analyst and bother of Justin Verlander we speak to Ben Verlander about the MLB playoffs, why the Yankees fans are being a little too cruel to Aaron Judge and his 10 day trip to Japan for an exclusive interview with Shohei Ohtani. Later on, he gives his take on the Jays, felt like they should have gone further and why the inactivity at the deadline caught up to them and the weak bullpen is what blew it for them in the end. Later (27:00) ESPN investigative reporter Don Van Natta who is the co author of a report on Dan Snyder and how the Commanders owner hires people to find "dirt" on other NFL owners for leverage. Then what's ahead including Congress getting more involved and their own report on Snyder. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/14/202249 minutes, 9 seconds
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Talk, Text, Tweet with Ben as Leafs Fans Already Agitated

Ben opens up the phone lines as well as texts and tweets as we debut a new interactive segment each Friday to kick off the show. The mood today surrounds the Leafs and fans come out split between positive and negative views of their favorite teams. Next up (27:00) our weekly chat with Ross Tucker sees the Chiefs as the underdogs vs the Bills at home. Plus why the Giants absolutely believe in themselves and they are a playoff threat being taken seriously. Finally why he feels nothing will change - yet again - when it comes to the NFL and concussions and how they are managed team by team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/14/202248 minutes, 46 seconds
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Andrew Raycroft's Advice For Playing Goalie in Toronto

We start the hour in New York City where Dan Shulman was supposed to call Yankees/Guardians Game 2 which was rained out today. With some time to reflect we look back at "8-1" and where it ranks all time for most heartbreaking Jays losses. Then why playoff baseball is played so differently and whether the Jays 2 playoff games should impact their off-season. Later (27:00) we are joined by former Leafs goalie Andrew Raycroft, currently an analyst with NESN in Boston. He shares his sympathy with Matt Murray after the loss last night and how a goalies deals with pressure and the relationship with the defencemen. Finally, comparisons in Boston to The Last Dance and the Bruins rolling it back for one more year. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/13/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Panic Button At The Ready ... Seriously

Ben and JD Bunkis start the show the night after a disappointing debut from the Leafs and the guys debate about trying not to react - but - at the same time there are issues that carried over from last season. Then a bit on the MLB Playoffs, the Jays needs and why it's a bad decision to not give Ross Stripling a more serious look. Next up (31:00) Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com checks in to discuss the Leafs loss and the incredible performance last night from Connor McDavid. Frank then shares his passion for the Phillies, betting on them to win (literally) and how his winnings paid for his seat at Game #3The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/13/202249 minutes, 24 seconds
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Leafs Opening Night: Players Will Decide Fate of the GM

Ben starts opening night for the Leafs with Nick Kypreos as they take a deep dive into the Leafs season, why this year might be different, the future of Kyle Dubas is story #1 and why the cap situation makes something like a Bunting extension not at all possible. Next up (26:00) we head to Montreal where Ren Lavoie will be covering the game for TV-A Sports and the Canadiens story always comes back to the health and finances behind Carey Price. Later (40:00) the voice of the Leafs Joe Bowen joins us in studio for a preview of the 2022-23 season. Finally Adnan Virk (50:00) on another tough exit for a Toronto playoff team and why Robbie Ray has completely fallen apart in the post-season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
10/12/20221 hour, 15 minutes, 15 seconds
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Blue Jays Primer: Additions & Subtractions To Come

Ben starts the hour with Greg Wyshynski from ESPN on open night in the NHL, he takes a quick look at the top storylines from the off-season and why it's so hard to predict who wins it all this year. Then later on (26:00) we are joined by Arden Zwelling in the studio who takes us through the wild night after the 10-9 loss to the Mariners. Then a look at the off-season and if the Jays are already pursuing extension with Bo and Vladdy and how that impacts what they do now. Arden thinks the Jays are adding 1 and maybe even 2 starters.    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/11/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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The Day That Hockey Canada Officially Crumbled

Ben welcomes Damien Cox to kick off the  NHL season, the expectations for the Maple Leafs and then his reaction to the news today that Hockey Canada's CEO and entire Board of Directors resigned their positions. It was one of the worst managed situations in Canadian sports history and it will take years to fix. Next (26:00) JP Ricciardi, former Blue Jays GM takes us behind the scenes for how execs view the playoffs and why winning in the playoffs is so hard that upsets aren't truly upsets. Then, his take on the new MLB playoff format and how the Jays will approach the off-season. Finally (41:00) we are joined by former Olympic skier and safe sport advocate, Allison Forsyth. She reacts to the Hockey Canada news, why it took too long, how many other sports are facing similar issues and advice for parents concerned for safety within group sports.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/11/202249 minutes, 18 seconds
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Dealing With Loss, The Toronto Sports Way

Ben welcomes Arash Madani to the show who took us into the Jays clubhouse after the 10-9 loss to the Mariners and why he felt like so many of the players were in shock and disbelief. Then a look at the off-season, how Stripling is as good gone because of finances and why players like Bichette and Kirk might be used as a way to get better pitching. Later (26:00) a chat with Gord Stellick from Leafs Nation to look back at the Jays and another Toronto heartbreak. Then in 2 days another Toronto team with young players is looking at a title run - The Maple Leafs.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/10/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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Ross Stripling Takes Us Behind The Scenes of 8-1 to 10-9

Ben starts today's show with Jays pitcher and soon to be free agent Ross Stripling. He took us through the loss after an 8-1 lead and how he was finishing his prep for starting Game 3 and how shocked everyone was that it happened. Then a little on his future and how he expects to handle free agency. Later (17:00) Jon Morosi checks in on the MLB Playoffs as he's heading to the ALDS and looks at what the Blue Jays are up against in the off-season. Finally (28:00) our weekly chat with Peter King focuses on the Giants incredible 4-1 start, how NFL officials are overreacting to the Tua injury with some questionable calls yesterday. Then the conflict of interest when it comes to spotters and anyone who is allowed to make calls on players. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/10/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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Counting Down to Game 1 Between the Jays & Mariners

Hour #2 from Rogers Centre ahead of Game 1 between the Jays and Mariners. In the booth, radio colour analyst Ben Nicholson-Smith recaps the season so far, takes a look at possible roster moves and the possibility that we will see all 3 catchers in this series. Next, (17:00) a chat with Joe Siddall, Jays TV Analyst on the differences between regular and postseason baseball and what to pay attention to when it comes to Alek Manoah. Later some pre-game comments from George Springer and John Schneider, before we go live to the field for player intros to get everyone set for Game 1! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
10/7/202249 minutes, 19 seconds
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On The Field with Melanie Newman and Tim Kurkjian

Ben is live from Rogers Centre ahead of Game 1 between the Jays and Mariners. First up Jeff Blair goes through the biggest storylines including how there are nerves in Toronto about Vladdy and Bo, how this postseason could impact their future, who will start in Game 2 depending on if they win or lose. Next up, (26:00) ESPN Analyst and Hall of Fame inductee Tim Kurkjian followed by Melanie Newman from MLB Network and Apple TV.  Great analysis on who has the edge on each side of the ball, and why a lot of the visiting media is curious about the atmosphere and noise level in the building. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/7/202249 minutes, 45 seconds
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Former Jays: Ed Sprague, Ben Revere, Pat Borders & Marco Estrada

It's an hour of former players on the show today. First (1:00) Ed Sprague the former Jays 3B who was also on the 116 win Mariners team in 2001. Now with the A's he gives us some insight into the Marines this year and then explains why a closed roof at Rogers Centre always comes with an increase in home runs. Next up (11:00) Ben Revere, known as the leadoff hitter for the 2015 Jays looks back at that playoff year and his tough time with umpire Jeff Nelson which led to his meltdown in the Jays dugout. Next up (28:00) we are joined by World Series MVP Pat Borders who also played for the Mariners. He takes us back to hitting .400 in the WS and how he got out of a slump before that series. Onto the Jays he compares Kirk to one of the best hitters he has ever seen - Kirby Puckett. Finally (44:00) we wrap with former Jays pitcher Marco Estrada on what it's like pitching at Rogers Centre, how he became so clutch and the relationship with pitchers and umpires in the playoffs.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/6/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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Bret Boone On Why Jays & Mariners Are 50-50

Ben starts the show with Adnan Virk as they preview the MLB Playoffs and why Alek Manoah has an opportunity to really get noticed on a national stage and he's as hot as any pitcher that's appearing in the playoffs. A look at the Jays offence and if it's a bigger advantage for the Jays then their pitchers and then how the style and strategy will change in the playoffs compared to the regular season. Next (27:00) former MLB infielder Bret Boone on the Mariners and Jays, how home field will help the Jays, why the NL was the better league this year and looking back at his Ms team that won 116 games. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/6/202249 minutes, 27 seconds
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How MLB Decides What Time Jays Playoff Games Are Played

Ben speaks with Scott Wheeler from The Athletic who wrote book that was just released today called "On the Clock: Behind The Scenes with The Toronto Maple Leafs at the NFL Draft" He goes into detail about what he learned while writing this book, the people he spoke to and how it took almost 30 years to finally get it right. Next (15:00) Gord Stellick joins the segment to discuss how he contributed to the book and how the managers have to deal with agents and scouts in order to get up and try to land the right player. Later (30:00) former MLB Exec David Samson explains why ESPN and US tv determines when the Jays games are being played. Later, he takes us inside some MLB meetings and the suggestion to scrap divisions and the concept of AL and NL. Just make it 1 league without borders. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
10/4/202250 minutes, 37 seconds
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MPs Shocked By Hockey Canada's Latest Testimony on Parliament Hill

Ben and Ben. Ennis welcomes Nicholson Smith to chat about the Jays securing home field, why Berrios needs to be on the Wild Card roster and the decision by MLB to make the Jays/Orioles play a double header tomorrow. Next (28:00) a chat with investigative reporter Paul Grant on the latest with Hockey Canada after being grilled by MPs at The House of Commons today. The MPs were essentially outraged by the excuses provided. Paul then touches on the defensive and aggressive style of response and why he feels like they are getting bad advice. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
10/4/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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Mackenzie Hughes Joins Show After His 2nd Win on the PGA Tour

Ben breaks down the Jays roster heading into the playoffs and why he feels in the AL there is Houston and then wide open for everyone else. The Jays pitching staff is as good as anyone else and a real x-factor just might be someone like Teoscar Hernandez. Then, what to do with Berrios and will Gurriel be ready for Game 1? Next up (27:00) a chat with Tim Graham from The Athletic on the Bills comeback win in Baltimore and how Josh Allen has become the front runner for the MVP. Finally (39:00) we are joined by Canadian PGA Tour member Mackenzie Hughes who got his 2nd career win yesterday. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/3/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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Peter King on NFL Week 4 " ____ is the best team in football"

Ben starts this Monday with Jon Morosi from MLB Network who has landed in Texas to cover the Yankees and Rangers and Aaron Judge pursuing #62. Later, a chat about the Jays final games, who they will most likely face and where. In the end we will not see Alek Manoah until the playoffs. Next up (28:00) our weekly chat with Peter King from NBC Sports and Football Morning in America. He reveals which team is the best team in football according to his eyes. Why Allen and Mahomes are starting to separate themselves and how they re-imagined their offence without Tyreek Hill. Meanwhile the Adams loss in Green Bay is really hurting the Packers. Finally, the Tua situation is not going away and why the NFL should be careful with this situation and restore faith that has been lost. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
10/3/202249 minutes, 27 seconds
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Miami Malpractice: How the Dolphins Mishandled Tua

Arash Madani joins Ben for a deep dive into the Jays and why it's not the managers fault when looking at a ton of mistakes lately especially the last 2 games vs the Yankees. Sloppy play and errors are the biggest fear for this team even more than their opponents. Arash thinks the Jays will run out their top lineup until they clinch home field.  Then a look at the Tua situation in Miami and Arash makes the case for malpractice. There is a culture to put winning ahead of health and it feels like this is never going to change. Next up (28:00)our weekly visit with Ross Tucker who has been all over the Tua story and how the mishandling of him began in the Sunday game vs The Bills. Then why he loves the fact parity exists in the NFL and that's what makes it so successful. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/30/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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Clinching Is Not Enough - Why Jays Need To Be Home

Ben welcomes former Jays pitcher Ricky Romero to the show who discusses the push for home field and what the Jays need to accomplish in their last 2 series of the season. Then Ricky recalls what it's like being a team out of the playoffs and how teams like the Red Sox might approach the Jays. Later (28:00) we head to Leafs camp with Luke Fox. Sandin gets a contract. Tavares still hurt. Marber playing D? Plus why Sheldon Keefe is Vegas favorite when it comes to first NHL Head Coach fired. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
9/30/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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Story Behind Jays' Bushman Returning 61 Judge Ball

Ben kicks off the hour with Mike Golic Jr from the GoJo Podcast on NFL Week 4 and specifically the Dolphins and Bengals tonight. Tua, how good he can be and the investigation into his quick return to the game last week vs the Bills. Later (27:00) we speak with Sara Walsh from NFL Network who is married to Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Bushman who caught the Aaron Judge #61 ball last night. She talks about the series of events that occurred, why he gave the ball back and his relationship with Tim Mayza who gave up the HR. Plus, covering the Bucs in the middle of Hurricane Ian. Finally (42:00) we wrap the show with Damien Cox on the Rasmus Sandin contract squabble, the Tavares injury and the Leafs top stories during pre-season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/29/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Jays Clinch + Frankie Lasagna Joins The Show

Ben starts the show with fresh news that the Blue Jays just clinched a Wild Card spot with the Orioles loss to the Red Sox today. Next (5:00) Shi Davidi explains why the Jays didn't use today to have a viewing party. Why he believes the Jays will not split up Manoah and Kirk and then his views on the Judge HR and those who suggest it's more pure than McGwire or Bonds. Finally (39:00) we are joined by Frankie Lasagna the man who just missed catching Judge #61 and how the moment put him on a media tour across the country today. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/29/202249 minutes, 27 seconds
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Jays Pitchers Accused of Being Cowards Toward Judge

We kick off the hour with the great Adnan Virk  who makes his weekly visit on the show and he is all over the Judge chase, the Maris family travelling around the country and accusations by some that the Blue Jays pitchers are acting cowardly toward Judge in this series. Later (26:00) we speak with Ben Wagner on the potential of calling Judge #61 tonight - but - his eyes are on Orioles/Red Sox as the Jays can clinch a playoff spot with a win and Baltimore loss. We discuss a trend and why last night was not the only time the team got sloppy and why it's a potential concern heading into the playoffs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/28/202250 minutes, 33 seconds
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Suzyn Waldman - Yankees Analyst & Radio Pioneer

We are at Rogers Centre for Jays/Yankees again and there is a chance tonight the Jays could pop champagne like the Yankees did last night. With that Ben has 1 area to discuss: Ponchos! Next up (6:00) we catch up with Joe Siddall in the dugout for a chat about the Jays loss last night being a very sloppy game and a bad time for mental errors. Then a little more on Judge and whether or not he should take rest with the division wrapped but not the record. Finally (27:00) radio royalty in the booth with the great Suzyn Waldman from WFAN. A current Yankees analyst she's also heading to the radio hall of game in November. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/28/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Blue Jays Closer Jordan Romano Joins The Show

We continue the show from Rogers Centre. First up (1:00) a chat with Jordan Romano of the Blue Jays on hos amazing season and use of specific pitches and why he wants Aaron Judge to get the record (but not in Toronto!) Then we stay on the field with Caleb Joseph and wrap the show with Arden Zwelling in the booth. We address the push for home field and where Alek Manoah fits into the equation. How John Schneider will manage this team the rest of the way without and certainty or security with his future. Forecasting playoff matchups and moreThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/27/202250 minutes, 27 seconds
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In the Booth with John Sterling & Dan Shulman

We are down for Judgement Day Round 2 at Rogers Centre where the Jays host the Yankees. Dan discusses calling historic moments and where Aaron Judge would rank as well as not scripting what he'd say if he called #61 and/or #62. Later (19:00) we hear from Ross Atkins who spoke to the media prior to the game. He addresses the decision to go for home field but also keep Manoah for WC Game 1. Finally (26:00) we are joined by John Sterling from WFAN, the legendary voice of the New York Yankees on his life calling the Bombers and what the chase of 61 has been like in one of the greatest seasons in baseball history. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/27/202249 minutes, 32 seconds
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A Chat In The Dugout with Ross Stripling

We are down at Rogers Centre where Ben sits down with Ross Stripling fresh off his win yesterday at Tampa. They talk about The Trop and why it's so hard to play there. How the Jays are also paying attention to the Aaron Judge chase. Then Ross admits to scoreboard watching as playoff positions come into light. Later (13:00) we catch up with Marly Rivera from ESPN who discusses travelling with the Yankees and following this Judge chase plus the incredible highs and lows from this team all year and the turnaround in September after an awful August. Later (26:00) Jeff Blair is with us in the booth to chat about where tonight cold rank in baseball history and how rare it is to hit 60. We can see a record HR, a Yankees clinch as well as a Blue Jays clinch all within the next couple of days. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/26/202250 minutes, 27 seconds
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Judgement Day: Jays Host Yankees, 61 On The Table

Ben opens the show from the Rogers Centre where we are here all week ahead of Jays/Yankees. It's all about Aaron Judge and the pressure he is under and how he's handling it. Jon Morosi (5:00) joins the show and has been impressed with how the Yankees start has managed expectation and a media circus during this chase. Later the Jays are getting closer to having to make a call on Joe Berrios and whether or not he's in the top 3 for the playoffs. Finally (27:00) our weekly chat with Peter King starts with his eyes on Aaron Judge and MLB and a funny story about covering a game when Dan Marino broke the career passing record. Keeping with the Dolphins his #1 takeaway from Week 3 in the NFL has to be the fact that the Dolphins are legit and an honest threat to the Buffalo Bills. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/26/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Another Flop at the Trop

After another dud at The Trop, do the Blue Jays still trust Jose Berrios? Jays TV analyst Buck Martinez answers that question and joins Ben in getting down to the bottom of the Jays struggles in Tampa Bay- which Ben has plenty of thoughts on. Despite the tough loss, it’s not all doom and gloom, as Jon Schneider might be quietly cementing his role as the Jays full- time manager next season. Then, Ross Tucker, host of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast discusses all the major storylines in the NFL. Have the Steelers seen enough of Mitch Trubisky? Are the Bills ready for a healthy does of Tua Tagovailoa’s greatness this weekend? Ross gives you all the information you need for what should be another fun weekend in the NFL. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
9/23/202250 minutes, 31 seconds
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Leafs Success Directly Tied To Matthews Extension

The FAN’s new look morning show of Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert join Ben for their thoughts on the Toronto sports scene and why you need to listen to their new show. Ailish, who Ben calls the grizzled veteran on the team, also gives new addition Justin some advice on surviving the early mornings and managing the dreaded snooze button. Mike Traikos of Post- Media (16:00)  joins the show and answers why Auston Matthews is not only the greatest leaf of all time but one of the best players to ever suit it up in the NHL. Then, if Matthews wants to win, the Leafs can't afford to lose in the 1st round again. On the flip side, he also dives into why the Leafs current goalie tandem might not be the greatest of all time. Finally, the host of the Footy Prime Podcast and former Team Canada member Craig Forrest (28:00) rounds out the hour with his thoughts on Canada’s men’s national soccer team taking care of business against Qatar and the recent wave of controversy surrounding the team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/23/202235 minutes, 37 seconds
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MLB Nightmare if Judge 61-62 Goes "Unseen"

Ben kicks off the show with JD Bunkis who discusses the controversy around the Yankees and the potential for Aaron Judge to hit the record breaking HR on Apple TV as opposed to YES or ESPN where people have bene watching all year. Then over to the Jays and whether or not there is legit cause for concern with this bullpen and Romano blowing 2 saves in less than a week. Then later (28:00) Jimmy Traina from SI, based in NYC, joins us to discuss the "Judge TV" controversy and how the MLB deal with Apple TV has been exploited. Then a look at how the Yankees fan base views Aaron Judge and why a home-grown player simply means much more to them. Finally (50:00) we head to Tampa where Shi Davidi on on Jays/Rays and news today that the Jays would use Manoah in Game 162 to try for home field - even if - it means he won't pitch in the Wild Card round.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/22/20221 hour, 15 minutes, 15 seconds
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Why Judge's #60 Is More Impressive Than the Others

Ben opens with Maple Leafs media day today and Kyle Dubas being open about how much pressure is on him and laying underneath it all is the Auston Matthews extension which will come to a halt 1 year from now. Next (5:00) we head to Philly where Pat Tabler is covering Jays/Phillies after the 18-11 win last night and how it drew comparisons to the 15-14 Jays win over the Phillies in the 1993 World Series. Among the topics is the use of young players like Manoah and the debate of holding him back although the Nats learned the hard way with Strasburg years ago. Finally (27:00) Nick Kypreos joins us on Leafs media with Dubas front and centre and the Matthews extension looming. Finally (51:00) Ben is joined by Adnan Virk for some perspective and interesting stats behind Aaron Judge and #60. Whether or not there is true home field in the MLB playoffs. Do the Jays put Stripling over Berrios? Would the team prefer the M's, Rays or Guardians in the playoffs?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/21/20221 hour, 15 minutes, 20 seconds
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Seth Wickersham & New Info on Brady, Retirement, Gisele & More

Ben welcomes Blake Murphy from Jays Talk Plus for the first segment of the show and they get into the breaking news of the day with Canada eliminating vaccine mandates starting September 30. From a sports perspective there is an impact on the Blue Jays as potential opponents like Robbie Ray were unable to play because of the vaccine. Later (25:00) we catch up with Canadian and former Blue Jay Matt Stairs who also won a World Series with the Phillies. He's now coaching young Canadians and looks back at his career, thoughts on this years Jays + Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols. Finally (49:00) a chat with Seth Wickersham, ESPN writer and author of a best selling book on the Patriots with new insights about Tom Brady's off-season, his un-retirement and how he his marriage is lived in the public for better or worseThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/20/20221 hour, 14 minutes, 12 seconds
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John Gibbons On Eve Of His New Podcast

Ben welcomes Jon Morosi from MLB Network who discusses the Stripling vs Berrios debate. There are comparisons to Barry Zito and the Giants in 2012. If he can't be trusted to start can we be dependable out of the pen? Jon likes the way the Jays have been playing and they are now in the mix with all the others to win the AL. Later (27:00) we speak to former Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons who will debut "The Gibby Show" and he talks to us about his podcast and being so open with media between a book and finally joining twitter. Finally, the observations he is making from he sidelines now and how he has kept relationships with people like his first guest - Josh Donaldson. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/19/202250 minutes, 30 seconds
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Comebacks and Collapses. Peter King on NFL Week 2

We start the show with Arash Madani who was covering the Jays / Orioles this weekend. After a discussion about "Stripling or Berrios"  they discuss how Tapia and Bradley Jr have become the best defensive outfielders. Later (25:00) our weekly visit with Peter King who looks back at NFL Week 2, the coming out party for Tua, Lance injury opens door for Jimmy G and why the Bengals are in serious trouble after 2 weeks. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/19/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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War. What Is It Good For? (A Baseball Stats Chat)

Ben is joined by Mike Petriello of MLB.com (1:00) who wrote about the Ohtani / Judge debate and why a stat like WAR doesn't always tell an accurate story. Plus a discussion about the Jays and how Bo Bichette has become one of the hottest hitters in baseball. Later (15:00) we check in with Peter Galindo from Sportsnet.ca as Team Canada announced their roster for the 2 World Cup tune-up games. Meanwhile hanging in the shadows is the dispute over money as players and Canada Soccer are still without a deal. Finally (28:00) our weekly NFL chat with Ross Tucker takes a look at Week 2 as he will be in Buffalo for Bills & Titans on Monday Night Football. He looks at top injuries across the league and the ones he has suffered. Plus, its another week of wondering where Jimmy G will end up. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/16/202250 minutes, 34 seconds
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A Strong Case For Vladdy Signing Long Term with the Jays

Ben kicks off the show with news that Vladdy Jr is open to a contract extension with the Jays - this off season. Then (5:00) over to author Jon Wertheim who reacts to the retirement of Roger Federer and how this era ended up developing the Top 3 players all time. It was hard to truly appreciate Federer's legacy when Nadal and Djokovic burst onto the scene to soon after. Later (27:00) we speak to Hector Gomez, MLB Insider from The Dominican Republic who reported that Vlad Guerrero Jr is interested in signing long term with the Jays and what he means to his home country. Finally (37:00) we head to Rogers Centre where Shi Davidi reacts to the Guerrero news and looks ahead to the Jays series with the Orioles - plus - roster moves and injuries. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/16/202249 minutes, 32 seconds
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Who Is the Jays MVP?

 Adnan Virk of MLB Network takes us around the sports world talking football, tennis and he shares his admiration for Bo and explains why TIFF needs to be on your radar this year (1:28). Ben Nicholson- Smith, co- host of the At The Letters podcast, then lets Ben in on who he thinks is the Jays MVP this season. He also offers his opinions on the Jays pitching staff and where they stand compared to the rest of the league (26:00).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/14/202250 minutes, 34 seconds
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Is Manoah the Jays Number One Pitcher?

Sportsnet's very own, Jeff Blair, hops on with Ben down at the Rogers Centre to  break down the current state of the Jays. Has Alek Manoah solidified his position as the Jays number one starter? Was Teoscar Hernandez benched again? (1:12) Then, Ben sits down with Jays utility man Whit Merrifield to discuss his tenure and comfort level with the organization so far (24:34). Ben rounds out the hour with  Blue Jays TV analyst Joe Siddall for his expert analysis on the team as of late (36:56). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/14/202249 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ricky Romero Literally Feels Manoah's Pain - Flu Game Tales

Ben kicks off the second hour with former blue Jays first base coach Tim Leiper. Tim offers his insights on Bo's big bat as of late and digs into why Bo's more serious demeanor could be the key to a healthy Jays clubhouse. Next, former Jays pitcher Ricky Romero  shares his own experience on what it's like pitching with the flu and why it won't hold back Alek Monoah tonight. Ricky even lets the listeners in on the key to a perfect pre- game meal.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
9/13/202250 minutes, 36 seconds
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Bo Credits Aggression for Success - Ben Sees It Differently

Ben kicks off the show with Dan Shulman fresh off of calling Game 1 vs the Rays and he's enjoying dinner while talking to us before Game 2. The guys break down Bo Bichette and an observation by Ben which suggests his aggression is NOT the reason he's been so hot lately. Later (27:00) we welcome David Samson, former MLB exec and now with CBS Sports. He looks at what execs do at this time of year while managing the end of one season with the start of the next. Plus, his take on the recent rule changes and how it will impact statistics and players contracts in the future. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/13/202249 minutes, 13 seconds
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The Secret Behind Bo Bichette Turning His Season Around

In the thick of Pennant races, Jon Morosi looks at the massive series between the Jays and Rays, how Tampa was able to stay so competitive this year and why the Padres are under more pressure than any other team pushing for a playoff spot. Next, Ohtani makes a case for back to back MVPs and Albert Pujols is just 3 HRs away from 700 and why that feat might not be matched for years. Later (29:00) we head to Rogers Centre to speak with Caleb Joseph who is on the radio call for Jays/Rays. He takes us through Bo Bichette's hot streak and some of the specific things he's seen that has led to him turning his season around. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/12/202250 minutes, 30 seconds
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Peter King's Weekly Visit on the NFL

Ben opens up the show with Arash Madani who helps to determine if Ben sounds better or worse than Cris Collinsworth after losing his voice over the weekend. From the NFL to the massive series with the Rays. Arash still not sure what the Jays are about. Then over to the US Open and how great Carlos Alcaraz can be after his first major win. Later (28:00) we speak to Peter King from NBC Sports who will join us every Monday. Peter goes through the Dak Prescott injury and if the Cowboys have a real shot at Jimmy G. In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers demands more of his teammates and there is a legit reason for the Bengals to be worried. Finally, the weapons are different but Patrick Mahomes looks just as good as he ever has.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
9/12/202249 minutes, 26 seconds
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A Message From Stephen Brunt ...

We have a lot of baseball this hour starting to Jesse Rogers of ESPN who broke the news about the newly announced MLB rule changes including the pitch clock and elimination of the shift. Later we head to Texas where Shi Davidi is covering the Jays/Rangers series. The Jays look at how to set up their pitching staff for the stretch run as they continue to chase the Rays and Mariners.  Finally, a message from Stephen Brunt.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/9/202250 minutes, 56 seconds
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Josh Allen Leaves Fans, Media & More ... Speechless

We kick off the show with the kick off of the NFL season and how Josh Allen and the Bills met the hype and looked faster and stronger than ever. Then the Jays open a series in Texas and MLB unveils some radical rule changes today including a pitch clock and eliminating the shift. Later (30:00) we speak to Ross Tucker who will be joining the show each and every Friday on the show. He looks back at the Bills win, the other team to watch out for this season and why betting on the AFC East in so fascinating to him.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/9/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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Peter Mansbridge on the Passing of The Queen

We start the hour with Peter Mansbridge on the passing of The Queen today, what it means to Canada and the future of the Monarchy and why there is still a string tie to the Canadian government. The Queen also drew large crowds in Canada while Charles has been a bit of a bust. Later (32:00) we preview the NFL season with Amy Trask of CBS and former CEO of the Raiders. A ton of new faces in new places and why the Bills are getting so much love that there is a specific AFC team getting disrespected. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
9/8/202250 minutes, 41 seconds
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Manoah Makes Case For Jays #1 Starter

Ben and Stephen look back at Manoah magic and the Jays latest win in Baltimore. Then to the start of the NFL season tonight and the first season where there are no questions about Josh Allen. Later, they react to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and what it means for Canadians. Later (34:00) we speak with Howard Simon from WGF 550 about the Bills opening game, their incredibly tough schedule and how they find themselves thin on defence where they might be exploited.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/8/202249 minutes, 33 seconds
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Why Debating Judge/Ohtani Is A Flawed Argument

We kick off the hour with Adnan Virk who recalls his trip to US Open Tennis full of drama and overpriced ice cream. With this era coming to an end with Serena out and Federer about done, there is no star to hand the torch to and the sport has suffered specifically with the lack of a star US born player. Later, a debate over the AL MVP and Judge vs Ohtani and whether or not it should matter if they are on a playoff team. Finally (30:00) we head to Buffalo where Nate Geary from WGR 550 explain excitement and nerves when it comes to the Bills season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
9/7/202250 minutes, 24 seconds
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Blood Boils Between Jays & Orioles

Ben and Stephen do an official recap of the first day of school with some of the staff having kids in JK. Then over to the Jays and the bench clearing brawl in Baltimore plus the moves today with White sent down while Moreno and Pop called up. Later (29:00) we head to Baltimore and join Dan Shulman ahead of tonight's game. Dan goes through the renewed rivalry with the Orioles and then looks ahead to how the Jays will set up their staff for the stretch run. Finally, Judge hits #55 and Joe Maddon takes a shot at "too many analytics" in a recent interview.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/7/202249 minutes, 32 seconds
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30 Years of TheFAN590 w Gord Stellick

We start the hour in Baltimore where Arash Madani sets up the Jays/Orioles and then updates us on Jays pitchers. Julian Merryweather is back and already looks sort of the same. Meanwhile he thinks that Nate Pearson will not throw a pitch for the Jays this season. Later (32:00) a chat with Gord Stellick about all of his 30 years in Toronto sports radio from Leafs colour analyst to hosting his own show and making his way back to the station. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/7/202250 minutes, 35 seconds
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Right Place, Right Time for Bo's Breakthrough

Stephen Brunt is back from vacation and after a recap of NFLD fishing he guys get into the recent run by the Jays, the breakout of Bo Bichette and why this team is one of the strangest he has ever seen. Later (27:00) our weekly chat with Jon Morosi from MLB Network and a theory that Bichette picked up his play after perhaps being mentioned in trade rumours. Then onto Vladdy and how the potential elimination of the shift will impact him. Finally, Ben and Stephen on the AL MVP race and how Judge has already beaten Ohtani well before the season is over. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
9/6/202249 minutes, 30 seconds
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Canadian Author of Tiger Book Reflects on Wild Summer for Golf

In a wild summer for golf and with LIV vs PGA still in the news we speak to Canadian author Lorne Rubenstein as today was the final Canadian Open for Lori Kane - meanwhile - Brooke Henderson is in contention in Ottawa. Lorne says what while Brooke is great, there is a laziness among golf media to not tell stories of other great Canadian golfers. Later (27:00) we speak to Arash Madani fresh off of his trip to Boston where the jays swept the Red Sox. Surprise surprise - pitching and defence wins games. Then a detailed look at Jordan Romano and whether or not he will be used as a 6 out closer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/26/202250 minutes, 37 seconds
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Pat Gillick & Gord Ash; GM and AGM of 1992 World Champs

Off the top of the show, Ben heads to Rogers Centre where Ben Nicholson Smith is awaiting the John Schneider availability. As he waits he gives us a few mins coming off of the sweep in Boston. As we celebrate 30 years since the Jays 1992 World Series - we are joined by a couple of architects of the team. Pat Gillick former GM and Gord Ash, Assistant GM. They look back at the building of the team, Gillick recalls being nicknamed "Stand Pat" and loosk back at how the Carter & Alomar for McGriff & Fernandez happened. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/26/202249 minutes, 23 seconds
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Tim Burke On Breaking Manti Te'o Story & New Netflix Doc

We speak to Tim Burke, formerly of Deadspin and the writer who broke the Manti Te'o story ahead of ESPN and now the story has become part of the Netflix doc (Untold) Tim goes back in time to discuss how he discovered, wrote and published that story and the reaction that he could not see coming - including - becoming a regular guest on CNN as the story became viral and one of the most elaborate stories in sports history. Later (22:00) we catch up with Colby Armstrong on many hockey topics from Phil to Sid The World Cup and the worst dressing rooms in hockey.  Ahead of that - he was blown away by the previous guest and gives his take on the Manti Te'o doc that he just recently watched as well. We finish with Jared Carrabis (36:00) on life in last place with the Red Sox and why that's a good thing. His wild living room setup with 11 televisions for baseball games and why he has close eye on the Blue Jays and loves their offence down the stretch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/25/202250 minutes, 34 seconds
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Ed Sprague; 30 Years After His World Series HR

Ben opens the show with Ed Sprague, former Blue Jays 3B and now the Oakland Athletics Director of Player Development. They look back at 1992, his incredible HR in Game 2 and how he and other bench players nicknamed themselves "trench players." An interesting behind the scenes look at what the team went through and then his personal knowledge and experience with Matt Chapman who he has known since AA and AAA. Later (25:00) we head to Fenway Park where Pat Tabler is watching Jays BP and explains the current run of this team and how Jose Berrios has made incredible starts at the Yankees and Red Sox this week. He's really turned it around. Finally, back to 1992 and his memories of being in the pileup on the field after the World Series was clinched. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/25/202249 minutes, 43 seconds
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Monday Night ... Golf? Tiger/Rory Start A League

This hour really looks at the theme of "Best on Best" when it comes to sports. First, The World Cup of Hockey is returning in 2024 and we speak to Damien Cox about finally seeing matchups like Matthews vs McDavid. It has been since 2014 and we debate if that creates a real demand from the fans. Later in the "Best on Best" hour we love to LIV Golf vs the PGA Tour. More specifically today the TGL was announced as a new Monday Night league, 3 on 3 teams and the first 2 players are Tiger and Rory. On golf we are joined by Bob Harig from SI and Author of "Tiger and Phil" and then over to former pro and now a writer for Golf Magazine - Dylan Dethier. It's possible that some of the stuff Phil Mickelson, actually helped the game of golf. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/24/202250 minutes, 35 seconds
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Kikuchi: Can't Keep Him, Can't Send Him Down

It's heavy baseball as we start the show with Adnan Virk and then move to Adren Zwelling live from Fenway Park. Ben takes a look at Yusei Kikuchi, his recent appearance and why the team won't be sending him down to AAA yet even though the pitcher offered. Then a look at the MLB weighted schedule that was announced today and how it will impact the Blue Jays. Then a look at the ballparks everyone wishes they had a chance to visit and a certain NL venue was the winner. Finally some of the unsigned free agents that remain and who the Jays are interested in.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/24/202249 minutes, 38 seconds
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Caleb Joseph on Blue Jays pitching + Nate Saunders catches us up on F1

In the second hour of FAN drive time Ben Ennis is joined by former Blue Jay catcher and current Sportnet analyst Caleb Joseph to talk about what he has seen from multiple Blue Jays pitchers specifically Ross Stripling what has been the secret to his success? Does Caleb see Yusei Kikuchi  making a turnaround too? Then Nate Saunders ESPN F1 analyst joins the show to catch us up on everything that happened during the summer break in the racing world. Finally Ben closes out the show with your Bet River's last call of the night!  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
8/23/202247 minutes, 26 seconds
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Dan Shulman previews the Series in Boston + Michael Grange on the Kevin Durant situation

In the first hour of FAN Drive Time Ben Ennis mourns the loss of Kevin Durant trade rumors, as it becomes official he will stay with the Nets. Then Blue Jays play by play announcer Dan Shulman joins us from Boston to give an update on the weather. They then go over what we can expect to see in the series between the two teams. A Sportnet NBA analyst Michael Grange joins Ben to discuss the KD news. And what is going on in Victoria with Canada basketball?   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 
8/23/202252 minutes, 10 seconds
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Radical Rules, Why MLB Should Be On A Pitch Clock

Ben starts the show with award winning writer Joe Posnanski who covered the MLB Showcase game this weekend in Charlotte, NC where many potential rules changes are tested out. Right at the top of the list is a pitch clock and how likely or unlikely it is that we will see one adopted by MLB. Later (15:00) James Sharman, soccer analyst and very vocal Liverpool supporter joins us after his team lost to Man United in a game where the fans protested the American ownership and called for the Glazer's family ... to die! Next up (29:00) we speak with Ricky Romero on the war of words between Manoah and Cole in New York and when pitchers hit the batter on purpose vs someone that just pitches inside. Ricky talks about the toughness that Manoah showed and what it tells his teammates. Then we review John Gibbons' early twitter career and why starters and bullpen pitchers could not be more opposite. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/22/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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You Don't Mess With Manoah

We kick off the week with Stephen Brunt after hosting a writers festival in NFLD and then over to the Jays stunning series in New York and why the Toronto offence is near impossible to figure out night after night. Expectations were high for Vlad and Bo and while Vlad might finish the season with solid numbers, Bo never got out of his funk and now his future does not feel settled. Later, Jon Morosi joins the show from Yankees Stadium with the Mets in town and attempts to figure out how bad the Yankees actually are. Then an update on the AL Playoff race and which teams might be able to sign Michael Conforto.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/22/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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3 on 3 League Offers NHL Radical Rules to Consider

Ben kicks off the hour with Ren Lavoie from TV-A Sports Montreal with the news that Carey Price will start the season on LTIR and might not even play this season at all. With a new set of executives, managers and coaches, it is really an end of an era. The Price contract alone marked their life tougher if and when when he gets healthy. Later (26:00) we stay in The Bronx with Marly Rivera from ESPN  as the Yankees are in complete free fall since the MLB deadline. Aaron Judge has been incredible but it feels the team is relying too much on him to carry them. Finally (40:00) we speak to the founder of 3ICE which is a 3 on 3 league airing on CBS. It has radical rules like 2 halves with a running clock, continuous play and no faceoffs. Coaches range from John LeClair to Grant Fuhr and Guy Carbonneau.  The Commissioner is Craig Patrick. EJ explains why the NHL is paying attention, the rules it might adopt and removing parts of hockey where there is a lot of stalling on offence. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/19/202250 minutes, 25 seconds
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An Injured Springer And The Masked Singer

Ben welcomes in Blake Murphy from Jays Talk Plus as they debate where certain analytics make the Jays better or worse. Then a deeper dive on Bo Bichette, sliding all the way down to #7 and where he is trending. As is the case with Toronto teams, there is always a star player to blame and for this Jays team it's Bo. Later (27:00) we head to New York where Arash Madani joins us from Yankees Stadium. We look at the situation today with George Springer out of the lineup after a 5-hit performance last night. Finally, some NFL rumours - including - Tom Brady is away from The Bucs currently in order to tape The Masked Singer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/19/202249 minutes, 19 seconds
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Jays Walk Tight Rope In The Bronx

We start with Andrew Brandt, (1:00) former NFL Executive on the DeShaun Watson settlement which saw him go from 6 games to 11 games. He said he got the best contact in NFL history with all of the terrible behavior. Not Brady or Rodgers or Manning got a deal like this and he's so disappointed about it. Next up (13:00) we check in with Adnan Virk. Along with sports he reveals the veteran moves behind Canada's Wonderland and the best day and time to attend. Later, the Yankees freefall lands right ahead of this series with the Jays. Although the offence has not been great, he points to pitching being in complete freefall and the one thing the jays absolutely need on their side. Finally, Kevin Barker (30:00) sets up Jays/Yankees and the pressure on the team and what might happen if the team managed to miss the playoffs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/18/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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A Rare Chat with Soccer Legend Christine Sinclair

Ben kicks off the show with the news of Kadri signing with the Flames and sets up the upcoming series between the Blue Jays and the Yankees in The Bronx. Then (7:00) a chat with Christine Sinclair who is working with A&W on an initiative to fight MS. We get her take on the World Cup (Ladies and Men) plus her relationship with John Herdman. What he accomplished with both teams and why there is interest in him to coach in the EPL.  Later on (16:00) we are joined by Eric Francis in Calgary as the Flames announced the signing of Nazem Kadri and how the Battle of Alberta has gone to another level. Later on we hear from Damien Cox (28:00) on Kadri, an interesting comparison between the Jays and Flames and why things with the Leafs and Sandin have gotten ugly. Finally (43:00) a rare summer check in with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on how the Kadri deal came together. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/18/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Panic. Pressure. Patience. Jays/O's Again

Ben welcomes Kevin Brown from ESPN and the Baltimore Orioles broadcast. He says the O's has become "America's Team" this year and a playoff appearance might just make them the best story in all of baseball. The season took a turn on a very specific day when the 2019 1st overall draft pick Adley Rutschman joined the team. They have not looked back since. Baltimore has really spent time working on their pitching from starters to bullpen and how they went about getting younger players max reps. We wrap the show with Arden Zwelling (23:00) who is working the broadcast with Ben Wagner tonight. Why he's monitoring the Manoah pitch count. Why so many fans and media members assumed these 2nd half games against the Orioles were supposed to be easy (and they are not) and whether or not the Jays philosophy on closers undervalues the position. Finally we end the show where it started and discuss the decision to hit Bo Bichette in the 7 spot and how he has never hit that low in the order in his entire career.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/16/202249 minutes, 52 seconds
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Oh No Bo! Bichette Drops All The Way To 7

We are back at Rogers Centre for the show today as the Jays host the Orioles again. First up a visit to our radio booth from Shi Davidi who discusses the surprising news today that Bo Bichette was dropped to the #7 spot in the lineup. Then a discussion about shaking things up day to day vs sending a message. Then the ongoing Kikuchi debate and whether or not we will see him start another game. Then a chat about how the Jays are better than they have looked recently but this is not panic time. Later (28:00) we welcome Buck Martinez to the show and he continues the theme that the Jays have the talent but have been lacking in performance. Then his view on late season baseball from the perspective of both a manager and player. We close the hour with Blue Jays reliever Adam Cimber (40:00) who joined us on the field to discuss the season so far, his sidearm style and why Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay has been making fun of the size of his feet. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/16/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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John Gibbons on Genesis of Bad Blood Between Jays/O's

We continue our show down at Rogers Centre ahead of Jays/Orioles. We are joined by a couple of guests on the field before  visit from the former manager of the team. First, Jays analyst Joe Siddall talks about the series, why the team is stuck with Kukuchi and how they are trying to manage the situation. Then one the newest members of the team and Canadian, Zach Pop, joins Ben to discuss his return home to Canada, the experience in Miami, how he has become so close to Anthony Bass and his role with the team. Later (27:00) we catch up with former Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons who also started out as an interim manager just like John Schneider. He describes how he handled it and how even in coaching it can be game to game. Then some stories about how to handle the starting pitchers and bullpen while juggling analytics vs what you see and feel. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/15/202250 minutes, 23 seconds
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Jays Stats Don't Match the Level of Panic

We are down at Rogers Centre in the radio booth ahead of the Blue Jays / Orioles. Ben starts with Dan Shulman the TV voice of the Jays and they dig into the numbers in terms of the offensive numbers and they are above the MLB average in so many categories. Then a look back at Kevin Gausman yesterday and how unlucky he has been in his starts. Is it possible that the fans nerves about this team are a bit premature? Next up (23:00) our weekly chat with Jon Morosi and he gets right into the health of George Springer, starting at DH tonight and how he won't be returning to CF. That means Hernandez or Gurriel will be the odd man out. Then the concerns over Kikuchi, the Jays are stuck with him financially and now they are forced to keep trying to make it work. Finally a look at Tatis and the suspension for PEDs and then why Jon feels the Astros are the best team in the AL and the best pick to make the World Series. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/15/202249 minutes, 12 seconds
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Pam Shriver Talks Serena & State of Canadian Tennis

It's been a huge week for Canadian Tennis and we get a chance to speak with Pam Shriver from ESPN and The Tennis Channel about the state of Canadian Tennis both Women's and Men's. Bianca and Layna have a terrific chance to make a run in the post Serena era and then we get her thoughts on Serena Williams who will leave the game after The US Open. We close with a visit from Ben Wagner (30:00) who after speaking with many members of the Blue Jays they still have no explanation for the difference in performance home vs away. Jose has been either really good or really bad, no games in between. Team is still 16-6 in games he starts and he's perfect at home. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/12/202250 minutes, 18 seconds
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The Berrios Mystery Between Home and Away

Dan Shulman checks in from Rogers Centre ahead of Jays/Guardians. The pressure is on the Jays who have been playing bad baseball in the last 2 series. Then, trying to uncover the mystery behind Jose Berrios and why he's perfect at home and then struggles so much on the road. Next up (27:00) we head to Cleveland and speak to Emmett Golden from ESPN Radio about DeShaun Watson starting a game tonight, waiting on a decision in his case and then a look at the Guardians in Toronto to face the Jays. He expects a 1 year suspension and even in that case the team is still expected to make a run for the playoffs. Finally, Ken Giles was released by the Mariners and Ben makes the case for the Jays to pursue. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/12/202249 minutes, 27 seconds
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Why The Rules Don't Apply to Tom Brady

Ben welcomes ESPN Sr Writer and best selling author Seth Wickersham. His recent piece on Sean McVay exploits the life behind a head coach for better or worse. The pressure, the wild hours and eventual triumph. Then as the author of a Patriots book he looks at Tom Brady and the fact that his legacy is chipping away with controversies like the tampering allegations. He's not perfect and even flawed and the rules don't always apply to him. Next (28:00) we head to the National Bank Open where Carly Agro is working as the on court reporter. Last night a historic evening as she got to speak with Serena Williams just moments after her final appearance in Canada. Then a look at the women and men at the NBO and why Canada has proved to be a legit tennis country. We wrap with the Jays making a push to become one of the teams to play games in London England. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/11/202250 minutes, 32 seconds
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New King of New York Is A Judge

Ben begins the show with Shi Davidi who looks at how the Jays are somehow on the verge of being passed in the Wild Card - plus - they have a chance at catching the Yankees. Then a look at how George Springer is likely done  in CF and what that means for Hernandez and Kirk when it comes to the batting order and DH. Later (28:00) we catch up with Frank Isola, Nets analyst and ESPN. He had the story this week about Kevin Durant wanting a reunion with James Harden if possible. Along this that we connect this case to the Raptors as well and their chances at landing him. Frank feels that the Warriors winning a title so soon after Durant left really messed with his head and is rushing to get back to the NBA Finals. Finally the buzz in New York around the Aaron Judge pursuit of the Yankees HR record. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/11/202249 minutes, 24 seconds
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Analyzing The Career Of Serena Williams

Ben kicks off the second hour with Adnan Virk of MLB Network as they dissect the American League wild card race and discuss some of the moves contending teams made at the trade deadline (1:00). Next, Ben welcomes Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated to reflect on the legendary career of Serena Williams and her impact on the world of tennis (20:00). Finally, Ben welcomes Chris Rose to discuss the Blue Jays World Series aspirations and the Baltimore Orioles playoff push (30:00).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/10/202250 minutes, 35 seconds
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These Jays Are Not World Series Contenders

Ben begins the show by bringing on Jeff Blair of the Blair and Barker show to talk about the Blue Jays series against Baltimore and discusses if Jays are legitimate contenders (1:00). Next, Gord Stellick joins the show to discuss the greatest Leaf he ever saw play, Börje Salming (30:00). Finally, Mark Simon of Sports Info Solutions joins the show to discuss the value of analytics in baseball and how the Blue Jays are using a four outfielder system (45:00).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/10/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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LIV Battles the PGA ... In Court ... During Our Show

Ben is joined by another Ben (Nicholson Smith) who is in Baltimore and a new look Camden Yards. Today he broke the story of the team signing Jackie Bradley Jr. Then they take a look at the team being stuck with Kicuchi until someone like Stripling returns from injury. Next (22:00) we speak with Stacey Allaster who is the US Open Tournament Director. Former Chairman and CEO of the WTA and recipient of the Order of Canada. She has known Serena for many years and recalls meeting her for the first time and tries to put into context her impact on the sport. She then discusses the plans for the US Open and how they plan to honour Serena Williams in her final match. Celebrities are already looking to save a spot for the final match of her career. Finally (38:00) we are joined by Jay Busbee from Yahoo! on the LIV/PGA court case and how LIV golfers lost and as a result they are not allowed to play in the FedEx Cup. The judge did not believe the case from LIV when they tried to prove the PGA Tour was strong arming their competitors. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/9/202246 minutes, 45 seconds
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Serena's Legacy and a Toronto Goodbye Coming

Ben opens the show with Stephen Brunt who reacts to the Jays signing Jackie Bradley Jr, the start of the World Jrs highlighted by Covid, a Russian ban and the Hockey Canada investigation. Then we close with his thoughts on Serena Williams, her legacy, flaws included and why she's one of the athletes he was happy to be alive to watch. Next we head to Edmonton (28:00) where Ryan Dixon is covering the World Jr's and sets the scene. No ads and no fans but still plenty at stake for players and the teams who drafted them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/9/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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JP Arencibia Wants More Home Plate Collisions

We start hour #2 with Andrew Raycroft, former Leafs and Bruins goalie, now a NESN analyst. He looks at the Patrice Bergeron contract, how he was still an award winner this year with the Selke and why the Bruins still think they can win. Then his thoughts on how weird it is that Kadri remains unsigned. As well, the difference between big and small markets and how players are sometimes not held accountable. Later (27:00) we catch up with another former Toronto pro athlete. JP Arencibia gives his take on he Jays/Twins saga from yesterday and the ongoing battle between players and umpires. They take a deep dive into that relationship and recalls a conversation this year when Pete Walker was tossed in a game. Finally his take on Bass and Pop who he Jays just acquired from he Marlins who he's watched closely while working as a Marlins analyst. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
8/8/202250 minutes, 34 seconds
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Durant Wants Coach/GM Fired: Why We Think It's A Lie

Ben kicks off the week and the show wit Arden Zwelling (1:00) who was in Minnesota with the Jays over the weekend. After the controversial play at the plate, Arden explains why it's such a subjective rule and he makes the case for both sides truly believing they are in the right. Then a preview of the series with the Orioles who are somehow in the playoff hunt. Later (15:00) we speak with Michael Grange on he report today that Kevin Durant is asked the Nets to pick between him and the coach/GM combo of Steve Nash and Sean Marks. Grange explains why a lot of this is for show  and Team Durant trying to escalate the situation and get a deal done. Finally (36:00) our weekly visit with Jon Morosi looks at  the rise of the Jays, the Yankees sliding and why the Angels were lucky to get Ohtani for a cheap price. Now they don't want to spend what it will take to keep him. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/8/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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Not All Americans Want to Get Out of Canada

Out in Calgary, the Flames have signed Justin Huberdeau to a multi year deal and that prompts a visit with Ryan Leslie (3:00) who had a long chat with Keith Tkachuk today to get more insight into why Matthew wanted out of Calgary and despite losing Gaudreau as well, it's still a city that many players will love. Later (27:00) we preview the EPL and Bundesliga with John Molinaro as both leagues get underway this week. Finally (38:00) we are back in Minnesota with Keegan Matheson from MLB.com. The concern continues with George Springer's health. It also feels like Espinal is being asked to play his way back to 2B. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/5/202250 minutes, 35 seconds
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Parents Conflicted As Hockey Canada Crumbles

We start off the show with Damien Cox who discusses the biggest stories of the week including Merrifield of the Jays getting the vaccine, The Flames finding a way to sign Huberdeau, Novak and Rafa are out of Montreal and more. Should Gaudreau leaving for the United States make Leafs fans nervous about Matthews? Then the pain of hockey parents watching to see what went down with Hockey Canada. Damien is shocked that not one resignation has come from the organization. Later (28:00) we head to Minnesota where Dan Shulman is calling the Jays and Twins tonight. We look at Manoah getting hit again, why Springer is not looking good and Merrifield leads off tonight. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/5/202249 minutes, 29 seconds
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A Heck Of A Day For Sports and The Law

Ben begins the hour with Sports Attorney and Legal Analyst - Dan Lust (2:00) They go over the legal news of the week between Brittney Griner, LIV Golf, DeShaun Watson and the Miami Dolphins. Lust explains how the Dolphins loss of a 1st round pick was not really about tampering but it was a mask for the tanking allegations by the Dolphins. As if that wasn't enough for the NFL they are also watching Dan Snyder in Congress. He speaks to the battle between left and right in US politics and the split between those who want to nail Snyder and those who want to protect a major donor to the Republicans. Later a visit from golf analyst Jason Sobel (28:00) on the ongoing battle between LIV and the PGA Tour. All we have learned is that the war continues and LIV has built itself to last. Finally (38:00) we head back to Minnesota where Ben Wagner sets up the Jays and Twins and what it was like meeting all the newest Jays. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/4/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Whit Merrifield Address Status "I'll Be In Toronto"

We start the show with Caleb Joseph (2:00) who is working the Jays/Twins tonight. As a player in 202 he remembers the impact at the deadline when Ray and Stripling were added. Initially he was not a big fan of this week, upon thinking a little further, the team did improve and addressed certain areas. The bullpen did not add power but the guys they added are sinker pitchers who don't get hit for HRs. Then fresh from his media appearance we play the comments from Whit Merrifield (23:00) who essentially admitted that he has already been vaccinated and will join the Jays in Toronto. Next, a visit from Marc Ross from NFL Network (29:00) as the NFL kicks off tonight with the Hall of Fame Game - but - the biggest stories are the Dolphins punishment and the appeal in the DeShaun Watson case. Then (45:00) a story from Max Pacioretty about how Las Vegas was a total country club atmosphere that had no pressure on performance. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/4/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Alex Anthopoulos Talks MLB Trade Deadline

Ben welcomes former Blue Jays general manager and the current executive vice president and general manager of the Atlanta Braves, Alex Anthopoulos. Alex discusses what it’s like being in the front office during a trade deadline and his approach throughout his career (1:00). To get up to date on all things Blue Jays, Ben welcomes Ben Nicholson Smith (30:00). They discuss the Blue Jays trade deadline acquisitions and what fans can expect to see from the newest members of the team. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate
8/3/202250 minutes, 30 seconds
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Recapping The MLB Trade Deadline And Remembering Vin Scully

After an early Blue Jays game this afternoon and a hectic MLB trade deadline yesterday, Ben kicks off the show by welcoming Adnan Virk of MLB Network to discuss the Blue Jays starting pitching and the Juan Soto blockbuster that shook the baseball world (1:00). Next, Ben brings on former MLB Executive, David Samson, to discuss how the MLB trade deadline has changed since he was in the front office (32:00).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/3/202249 minutes, 29 seconds
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Consensus: Underwhelming Deadline For Jays

Ben welcomes JD Bunkis to the show and he is out of his mind angry about the Blue Jays deadline and how it dared him not to swear. He felt like the team really blew it this year while everyone around them got better. They debate JD's theory that the Jays have top end prospects like Moreno but this shows that  their farm really lacks depth. Later, a visit from Jeff Blair (35:00) to our studios and he breaks down all the guys the Jays missed out on and why the moves made were small improvements but nothing worthy of pushing them over the top. Then Jeff is baffled at how the team values (or undervalues) the bullpen and how they have approached the deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/2/202250 minutes, 36 seconds
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The Last Hour Before Trade Deadline

Ben kicks off the show with Blake Murphy (1:00) as Jays fans and the Jays players themselves are so far disappointed in the lack of major deals at this point after watching the Yankees, Astros and Mariners all get better. They debate if this is a bad message to send to the club. Later on (27:00) we head to Tampa, FL where Shi Davidi is with the Jays ahead  of the deadline. So far the deal with the Marlins has improved the bullpen and taken away some pressure on the other arms. Shi says that after looking at the prices for pitchers he thinks a depth starter is more likely than a top line starter. Finally, we keep it at the stadium in Florida as Jays analyst Pat Tabler (39:00) joins Ben with the deadline just minutes away. He describes what it's like being with the team and everyone is looking over their shoulder for a deal to happen. The pressure has mounted on Ross Atkins ever since the Yankees and others loaded up. Pat makes the case for deadline day being better if there were no games that night. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/2/202249 minutes, 40 seconds
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Which Blue Jays Are Truly "Untouchable"?

Ben Ennis welcomes Arash Madani and they take a deep dive on the Jays, the deadline and the balance between the present and future. Arash makes a case for a starter and bullpen help. Ben wonders if they address a position like 2B which was on the list during the off-season. Then a look at Bo Bichette, the ability to include him in a potential Juan Soto trade and would you use Bo as trade bait for a pitcher instead? Later (27:00) we speak with Jesse Rogers from ESPN with a a wide look across the AL, the trades made by the Yankees and Astros and why Ben covets one particular player in Chicago for the Jays that Jesse happens to cover on a daily basis. Later (37:00) Keith Law discusses his latest Top 60 Prospects and which top prospects will be used as the best bait on trade deadline day. Finally, the case for keeping Kirk and Moreno an sending Jansen out of town. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/1/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Trade Deadline Eve: Jon Morosi Dishes on Jays Rumours

On the eve of MLB Trade Deadline Day - we are joined in studio by Jon Morosi from MLB Network who takes a look at the Jays needs, the competition around the AL and should they consider a deal that includes Gabriel Moreno. Jon reveals the #1 area he believes the Jays absolutely must address. Then a look around MLB, why Ohtani is not being traded and which team is rich enough in assets to take a run at Juan Soto. Jon drops a bunch of good names and ideas that could help this team win this year. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
8/1/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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The Schneider Stamp - The Jays New Look

We head back to Rogers Centre where new manager John Schneider has changed the batting order tonight vs the Royals and so we discuss that with Shi Davidi (2:00) and the rest of the fallout from the Montoyo firing. Then more reactions to the players comment including Bo Bichette's viral "I don't disagree." Later we hear from former Blue Jays catcher Josh Thole  (20:00) who explains exactly how a manager interacts with the team as well as knowing John Schneider from his early days with the Jays. Finally (35:00) we connect with Paul Grant who has been investigating the Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations for Sportsnet. There is a re-opening of the investigation and the woman who filed the lawsuit. He discusses where the names of players will be revealed and is Hockey Canada will ever recover the money pulled by the government as well as major sponsors. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/14/202250 minutes, 30 seconds
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Jays Players Speak Loudly About Montoyo

We catch up with our friend Sid Seixeiro who will be throwing out the first pitch tomorrow night against the Royals. His mission is just not to shorten the toss which would be the most embarrassing. Later we react to some of the Blue Jays players reactions to the firing including Bo Bichette's "I don't disagree" which went viral today. Sid also dishes on the Leafs and why the goalie situation only got more complicated. Finally his take on Canada Soccer and the Men facing Qatar and Uruguay ahead of World Cup 2022. Next up (29:00) we are joined by Jon Heyman from The NY Post and MLB Network. He was surprised to see Montoyo fired since a lot of the Jays problems were not his fault. Then a little on the KC Royals having so many people missing (10 of them) because of their vaccine status. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/14/202249 minutes, 23 seconds
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Was The Writing On The Wall For Charlie Montoyo?

Ben welcomes Adnan Virk of MLB/NHL Network and the host of the Cinephile Podcast to discuss the Blue Jays firing Charlie Montoyo and what’s next for the club (1:00). They move over to the NHL and analyze some of the biggest news of the day and what we can expect going forward. Next, Jeff Blair joins the show from the Rogers Centre to discuss the Blue Jays issues as of late and discusses the decision to fire Montoyo (30:00). To end off the show, Arash Madani joins Ben to discuss when he “first sensed the storm clouds” regarding potential manager changes for the Blue Jays (6:45). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/13/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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Blue Jays Fire Charlie Montoyo

With no shortage of news to discuss, Ben welcomes Stephen to open the show as they discuss the Blue Jays firing manager Charlie Montoyo (1:00). They discuss what fans should expect from new  interim manager John Schneider. Next up, Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff joins the show to discuss the opening day of Free Agency in the NHL. They kick things off by discussing the latest news surrounding the biggest free agents such as Johnny Gaudreau and Nazem Kadri. Next, Seravalli breaks down the Leafs moves to kick off free agency and the goaltending market.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/13/202249 minutes, 23 seconds
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Friedman Explains How Leafs/Campbell Parted Ways

Down at Rogers Centre we kick off the hour with Dan Shulman in the booth who dishes on media room lasagna and the competition between hitters during BP. Today, Vladdy J hit one off the hotel above the jumbotron. Then the story about the nasty Seattle road trip and how a slump ahead of the trade deadline at least gives you an out. Next (25:00) we catch up with Elliotte Friedman who explains how things fell apart between Jack Campbell and the Leafs. There was one offer on the goalie's part that was way high and the Leafs were not willing to go there. We close (38:00) with Ben Wagner with us in the broadcast booth and the Jays pithing has been a focus but the hitting has also been sub-par. They are getting quantity but not quality. So many solo HRs and not enough timely hitting. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/12/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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The Odd Man Out Turns Out To Be Moreno

We took the show to the park tonight at Rogers Centre ahead of Jays / Phillies. The quick take from Stephen Brunt on the Matt Murray trade is simply "How Did We Get Here?" At this point it feels like there is a massive rolling of the dice. Then a potential nightmare if Jack Campbell were to go and win a cup with The Oilers! Later, the Kikuchi experiment has taken him into the bullpen and we night not see him again as a starter. Finally with Stephen today, Moreno is the odd man out and sent back to Triple A now with Jansen back from injury. Next up (27:00) we speak with Pierre McGuire from SN and most recently an executive with the Ottawa Senators. He looks back at his time with Matt Murray, dealing with him previously as a broadcaster and then while with the Sens. He has long been known as a mature player and Pierre recalls a time that Murray got sent down to the AHL and why he was so impressed with how he took the news. Then right before we break the Sens make another goalie trade as they have acquired Cam Talbot from the Minnesota Wild. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/12/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Goalies: Most Important But Not Most Paid

Damien Cox (2:00) joins the show as the Leafs talks with the Sens for Matt Murray have intensified. There is an honest debate going on about how much salary should be dedicated to a starting goalie and the Leafs are trying to go with that trend. While people are quick to copy Colorado, you can't forget what worked so well for Tampa in the previous 2 wins. Later some tennis and while Novak Djokovic won Wimbledon, he won't be playing in the US Open and possibly the next Aussie Open because of his vaccine status. Finally (27:00) a visit from Rob Longley of Post Media who was on the road with the Jays for their entire road trip and a miserable 1-9 stretch in their last 10. When it comes to pitching the Jays simply don't have any power inside of their bullpen outside of Jordan Romano. The hitters are also getting tired of constantly being down 2-0 and 2-0 early and always being under pressure to come back. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/11/202250 minutes, 27 seconds
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Seat Gets Hotter for Charlie Montoyo

Ben checks in with Stephen Brunt in NFLD and all the focus today is on the Jays and the future of Charlie Montoyo - even if - you can't blame him 100% for the team losing 9/10 games. Then, Bo Bichette is not a fan of the HR jacket, Nate Pearson would fetch you much in a trade and is Ross Atkins waiting too long to make a move? Later (30:00) we get a trade market update from MLB Network's Jon Morosi who lays out various names that would fit the Jays including Josh Bell.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/11/202249 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ohtani: Can 2021 MVP Win 2022 Cy Young?

Ben welcomes Adnan Virk (2:00) for his weekly appearance. They lead with movies after the death of James Caan today. Then a look at Judge vs Ohtani for MVP and how Ohtani is also contending for Cy Young. The Draft is tonight and the Leafs are narrowing down who will play in net for them. Baker Mayfield finally gets out of Cleveland and gives us $3M+ for doing so. Finally, Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon depriving a potential match in the Finals if Djokovic gets there. Later (27:00) Dave Zirin from Edge of Sports looks at the Brittney Griner news and how no matter what, guilty plea or not - she was doing time in Russia. Then one more visit to Montreal (43:00) where Luke Fox is covering the NHL Draft. With trades and extensions the Leafs are running out of options for their starting goalie next season. Kuemper is just as expensive as Campbell and Fleury might just be too old. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/7/202250 minutes, 24 seconds
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A Fleury Of Goalie Rumours on Draft Night

Welcome to NHL Draft night and we start the show with a couple of heavy hitters, first, Frank Seravalli (1:00) The story at this moment is the Sens trade for DeBrincat and all of the goalie moves. Franks looks at the Avs walking away from Kuemper, where Jack Campbell ends up, the best spot for Marc Andre Fleury and why teams are still interested in Matt Murray. Then we head to Montreal again where Pierre McGuire joins the show (19:00) and he reminds us that the Canadiens Do know who they are taking. He then goes into how the Sens have decided to go for it this year and how the DeBrincat trade gets them closer to playoffs teams. Later (38:00) we speak with Arash Madani who is just back from Oakland and the Jays losing 2/3 games. We look at the expiration time for Kikuchi. Whether or not Montoyo is on the hot seat and how management needs to make some moves BEFORE they consider firing the manager. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/7/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Barnes. Durant. Pick One.

Ben heads down to Oakland where Dan Shulman is calling the Jays/A's again tonight. We focus on the tragedy around the team this week after the death of Mark Budzinski's daughter. Along with travel and schedule it really puts into perspective what the team has been through and how tough this last stretch has been. Then over to Brooklyn (16:00) where Frank Isola covers the Nets and speculates on how much the Nets will want for Kevin Durant. Along with his praise for his hometown Yankees he suggests that many teams are just not "ready" to put together a package for Durant. The fans there are still shocked that just a year ago they had Harden-Irving-Durant and they went from that to nothing. Finally (32:00) we have an NHL Draft preview with Sam Cosentino who warns against taking a goalie within the first round and how the Devils are serious about any calls they are fielding for the #2 pick. Meanwhile the Canadiens are not a lock to take Shane Wright. Even at this point they still don't know who they are taking. It's amazing how they still don't know. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/5/202250 minutes, 37 seconds
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Why the Leafs Might Go With Mrazek As #1

We kick off the hour with NBA Front Office Insider - Bobby Marks from ESPN (1:00)  - to discuss the Raptors pursuit of Kevin Durant and why he feels this is so different than the Kawhi situation. The Raps will have to commit more money and give up much more, especially draft picks. Next (15:00) Jon Morosi from MLB Network discusses how the Jays issues are now expanding and it's obvious now that they need at minimum another starting pitcher. Later (30:00) we are joined by Nick Kypreos who says it looks like the Leafs have given up on Jack Campbell. That means they will give Petr Mrazek a chance to take the #1 without being under the shadow of Campbell. Then a discussion about the Leafs inability to develop their own players and what's ahead of them with their restricted free agents as well. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
7/5/202249 minutes, 37 seconds
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Raps/Durant Odds Keep Getting Better

Ben opens the hour with Michael Grange (1:00) who reported that the Raptors have interest in Kevin Durant and believe they have the best package available to land him. They debate whether you can do a deal without including Scottie Barnes which allows you to win today - as well as  - tomorrow. Michael feels it is less likely than what the Las Vegas odds will tell you. Later we check in with former Jays pitcher Ricky Romero (27:00) who has known Sergio Romo since before the big leagues and explains what he brings to the team. Tonight Matt Chapman returns to Oakland and Ricky looks at his first half season with the team and how impressed he is with Chapman's defence. Then he gives us his take on a piece from SI today about the science behind the slider and how it's become baseball's most important pitch. He's not that old but he's already seen such a huge increase in analytics and the impact on pitching. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/5/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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Breakouts and Busts: Jays Mid-Season Review

We kick off the hour with Stephen Brunt and he and Ben review the Jays at the halfway mark (81 games) and the fact that the pitching and bullpen is becoming the most significant issue with the team. More specifically, Thomas Hatch and what has gone wrong with him. Then over to the other huge story of the day with the Raptors interest in Kevin Durant and how much of the roster you'd have to mortgage in order to get him. Later (28:00) we catch up with Arden Zwelling who also discusses the Hatch mystery and in his review of the halfway position they focus on Bo Bichette and his under the radar underwhelming season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
7/4/202249 minutes, 26 seconds
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Live Reaction: NBA Free Agency, Raps Signings

Ben starts the hour with Michael Grange as NBA Free Agency officially begins at the start of hour #2. With that in the middle of our "Durant would fit with the Raptors" talk we learn that Toronto has a new deal in place with Chris Boucher. Ahead of that they speculate about KD and how Brooklyn managed to blow it when they attempted to build a super team. Later (28:00) we speak with Jon Morosi from MLB Network on the Jays need for a trade (or more) and why playing in a Dome makes Toronto a perfect place to host double headers. He thinks expansion will iron out any issues with the scheduling as well. Then a cool comeback story of Mark Appel who made his MLB pitching debut ... 9 years after being drafted. Then how there are comparisons to the journey that Jose Bautista took across his career. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/30/202250 minutes, 31 seconds
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Why Raptors and Durant Make Sense

It's the last show before the July 1 weekend we Ben kicks off the program with Arash Madani. (1:00) The Jays nearly swept the Red Sox and now they have 5 games with Tampa and Arash hates scheduled double headers. Plus, the disaster of every 5 days when they send Kikuchi to the mound like tonight. Then a few thoughts on why robo umps won't be here as soon as people think. Later, why the Raptors are legit contenders for Kevin Durant and then the CFL QB that everyone has their eyes on. Nest up (30:00) we catch up with Keith Pelley the CEO of the PGA European Tour and he discusses the threat of LIV golf and a recent alliance with the PGA. He also mentions the Euro Tour is absolutely not a simple "feeder system"The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/30/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Bad To Worse for Hockey Canada

In our weekly segment (1:00) with Adnan Virk he discusses trying to hit up Aaron Boone for Yankees tickets and getting turned down. What it meant for him as a Muslim man to see Nazem Kadri win The Stanley Cup. Later, thoughts on Wimbledon and the last ride for Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. Next (25:00) we catch up with Emily Sadler from Sportsnet.ca discusses the latest with Hockey Canada and how major sponsors have been pulling their money this week in the fallout of the story. The story speaks more than just Hockey Canada and more about the culture of hockey in general. Finally we hear from Brooks Koepka today who was grilled for joining LIV after the US Open when he at first made it seem like he was staying. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/29/202250 minutes, 26 seconds
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Why We Could See Ohtani and Judge Switch Teams

Ben starts the show with his former co-host JD Bunkis and they kick around the Jays pitching and what they need to add as we approach the deadline. Also official today, the Jays officially sign Sergio Romo. Then a look at which members of the bullpen have what it takes to convert into a starter. Then (30:00) we speak to former MLB Exec David Samson. He looks at the Jays potential moves leading into the deadline. Samson then recounts what it was like working in MLB during the Ohtani signing and why he feels the Angels already had a deal in place ahead of time. Having him has been great but for Angels owners you can argue there is life without him. Later, we look at the Aaron Judge arbitration contract and why the Yankees likely gambled and lost. He's amazed how Judge turned down money and at age 31 you just can't give out a long term deal like 8+ years. Finally his thoughts on expansion, working on the competition committee and why expansion has to wait until Tampa and Oakland get their stadium situations settled. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/29/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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A Crucial Stretch of Games for the Blue Jays

Live from the Rogers Centre, Ben kicks things off discussing the Blue Jays use of the shift and revisits last week's conversation with Kevin Gausman (2:00). Next, Ben talks to Tim Mayza (5:00) about what the addition of Sergio Romo could bring to the Jays. Then, SN’s Caleb Joseph (8:00) joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays defence and bullpen from the perspective of a former MLB catcher. then Joseph spills the beans on his relationship with Marcus Stroman after a little dust-up between the O's and Jays in 2015. Finally, the radio voice of the Blue Jays, Ben Wagner joins the show (36:00) to discuss what the team should do moving forward and the emergence of Alejandro Kirk. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/28/202250 minutes, 2 seconds
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Blue Jays vs Red Sox With Jared Carrabis

Live from the Rogers Centre, Ben welcomes Dan Shulman (1:00) to dive into last night's Blue Jays game. After a big win yesterday, the Jays bullpen is up for discussion as the enigma continues on the mound. After the break, Ben welcomes the host of the Baseball is Dead Podcast, and noted Red Sox Fan, Jared Carrabis (30:00). They discuss Kevin Gausman and the battle between the Jays and Red Sox, and then dive into why they are rooting for the Yankees to make history. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/28/202248 minutes, 54 seconds
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Jays Add Veteran Romo to Bullpen

Ben welcomes Shi Davidi of Sportsnet (4:00) where they get into the importance of the Blue Jays next stretch of games and what is going on with Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Berrios. Davidi brings insight on the news coming out of the Blue Jays bullpen surrounding veteran Sergio Romo and looks at the team's best pitching prospects. Next, what is going on with the Brooklyn Nets? Ben discusses the situation coming out of Brooklyn surrounding superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. To close out the show, Ben welcomes Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com (31:00) where they start off by recapping the Stanley Cup finals and what the future has in store for the Avalanche, Lightning, and Nazem Kadri. Zeisberger dives into the newly announced 2022 Hockey Hall Of Fame class and which legends are still missing. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/27/202249 minutes, 41 seconds
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Kadri Hoists the Cup

We begin with Ben welcoming Stephen to discuss the Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup victory and former Leaf Nazem Kadri winning the Cup (1:00). They revisit the trade that sent Kadri to the Mile High City and then move on to the Blue Jays struggles on the mound (5:00). Next, Ben welcomes Anaheim Ducks head coach Dallas Eakins who discusses getting to coach Nazem Kadri (16:00). After the break, Ben brings on Stanley Cup Champion and host of Real Kyper and Bourne, Nick Kypreos (34:00) to discuss what winning the cup feels like and weighs in on the comparison between Mackinnon and Matthews. Getting a look of what it was like on the ice when the Avalanche won the cup, Ben brings on SN’s David Amber (47:00).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/27/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Tampa Still A Dynasty If They Lose?

We start in Denver where Greg Wyshynski of ESPN (2:00) is covering Game #5 between the Lightning and Avalanche and whether or not the Bolts have enough to extend the series. He says not to underestimate MacKinnon's obsession with matching Crosby as a Cup winner. Then a little walk down memory lane with Tampa and why 3 straight trips to the Cup might not be seen for a long while. Later why Barry Trotz did the right thing to turn down the Jets and wait for a better opportunity. Then (20:00) the European Golf Tour slaps back at LIV with some aggressive punishments for players who try to join. Finally (30:00) we welcome Ben Nicholson Smith to discuss how desperate the Jays are and how aggressive they SHOULD be when you consider it takes other teams to agree to a deal. Then the hesitation of the Jays to invest big money on relief pitching. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/24/202250 minutes, 24 seconds
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Blue Jays Pitcher Kevin Gausman Joins The Show

We start the show reacting to a wild 5-game suspension of Jays Guillermo Martinez. Then (5:00) we head right to Milwaukee where Kevin Gausman calls into the show. He discusses the Jays ups and downs this season. Why he's rather give up a hit over a walk. Dealing with the shift. Plus, how he battles the potential of tipping pitches and how he uses a larger glove in order to help him. He closes with his take on the Jays star catchers and what it's been like with Kirk and Moreno. Next up (30:00) we are joined by Jon Morosi of MLB and NHL Network. He gives his take on the Martinez 5-game suspension. He then looks ahead at the MLB trade deadline and outlines teams like Kansas City and Arizona as places where the Jays can upgrade pitching / bullpen. Then, it looks like the Angels might not be able to afford Ohtani financially but they also can't afford to trade him either. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/24/202249 minutes, 43 seconds
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Pierre McGuire Defends Kadri Goal

We welcome the newest member of the SN hockey family as Pierre McGuire (1:00) joins us for a chat about why the Avs winning goal should not be tainted and where he thinks the series goes from here. He still thinks that Tampa has the players who have the ability to pull off a comeback. Then some insight into line changes and the art of getting an edge without cheating. All of which he learned from Scotty Bowman while with the Penguins during the 1992 Cup win. Later (34:00) we catch up with Arash Madani who declares his hate for the state of Wisconsin as a Vikings fans who despises the Packers. With the Yankees out of reach the Jays are looking at the wild card and history repeats itself as the most crucial part of the team is the bullpen. He closes with the fact that the Jays might be willing to trade either Moreno or Kirk. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/23/202250 minutes, 24 seconds
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Joe Carter's Advice for the 2022 Blue Jays

Stephen and Ben look back at the controversial Game 4 win by Colorado with 6 players on the ice for the Kadri goal. That blown call could cost Tampa a 3-peat and then a discussion about which goals should be reviewed and whether or not we will see rule changes. (27:00) We catch up with Joe Carter who is promoting his annual golf tournament which is being played here in town next week. Joe looks back at the year before the World Series in 1991 and the bitter feeling of losing to the Twins and why they returned the next year with simply 1 goal - win the World Series. Looking back, Joe admits he had no business playing 1B in the NL parks. He gives his take on this years team and then a bit on the mystery behind Pat Borders and how after baseball he has really gone under the radar. Finally we close with Doug Smith (43:00) on the NBA Draft that goes tonight, why he doesn't believe the OG rumours and why any team should trade their entire farm for someone like Kevin Durant if he came up on the market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/23/202249 minutes, 1 second
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Jays Above All Need The Robots to Take Over

Stephen joins Ben again from NFLD today and it was revealed through some analytic that the 2 worst called games by MLB umpires were against the Jays - including - last night @ The White Sox. A little more talk about the incredible hitting from Kirk, meanwhile, Moreno looks like a perfect fit for the team. While the bullpen has bene shaky at times, Stripling has bene able to replace the injured Ryu so well. Later, Kadri sets to return soon and is it possible that all the pressure is on Colorado in Game #4. Finally our weekly visit with Adnan Virk (27:00) explores robo umps, all the Jays love in All-Star voting, Kirk does not look the part but he's absolutely legit. We then wrap with the Stanley Cup and the quick return of Kadri to the lineup for the Avs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/22/202250 minutes, 21 seconds
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We Can't Get Enough of This LIV Golf Story

We start with Iain MacIntyre (1:00) from the SN Vancouver bureau who was in Ottawa yesterday covering the Hockey Canada hearings. He helps navigate where this story has gone, why Hockey Canada did not handle things perfectly and 4 years after the incident there was not a clear and proper investigation. Later (16:00) we catch up with Damien Cox who weighs in on Hockey Canada, the historical significance of Matthews winning the heart and why he spent so much time today arguing with people on twitter about LIV Golf. Finally we head to Tampa where Frank Seravallli is attending the NHL Awards (32:00) where it's expected that Auston Matthews wins the Hart tonight. Then back to The Stanley Cup and how the Avs are already talking like they have a goalie controversy. Frank then goes on a rant about why he hates video review so much. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/21/202250 minutes, 21 seconds
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Matthews Preps His Hart Trophy Speech

Ben opens the show with Stephen who debates him on the pros and cons of black licorice which made waves on twitter ahead of the show. Then, it's a night for Leafs history as Auston Matthews is likely to win The Hart Trophy. Later, the Bolts are back and then in baseball the Jays catcher shuffle continues. Meanwhile the bullpen was hit hard all night by the White Sox and there is a need for help there as well. Next up (23:00) we head to Chicago where Dan Shulman is calling the game tonight against The White Sox and how would thought we would be asking 'What's wrong with the starting pitching?" Finally, back to Stephen Brunt on the LIV golf story as today Brooks Koepka has also agreed to sign on.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/21/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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Dynasty Denied? Tampa Fights to Stay Alive

Hour #2 of the show takes us to Tampa where Ren Lavoie is covering The Stanley Cup. Colorado is just so fresh and fast that it's nearly impossible to stop them. Then we go from anointing Vasileyskiy one of the all-time greats right before a 7-0 loss. Then a quick look ahead to the NHL Draft in his hometown of Montreal where the Canadiens ae picking first. Later a chat on the recent coaching hires and why John Tortorella seems like the perfect fit for the Flyers. Ren talks about Sergei Bobrovsky being shopped by the Panthers but does anyone want that contract? What about the Leafs? After a quick chat about F1 Montreal and LIV Golf we head over to Chicago where Rob Longley joins us (28:00) Today Danny Jansen played catch, hit off a tee and is closer to returning which begs the question: do Moreno and Kirk stay put as well?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/20/202250 minutes, 22 seconds
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Are Catchers Contributing To Tipping Pitches?

Ben is joined by Stephen Brunt all week from NFLD and they open with Fathers Day weekend and how all of our dad's really get into the weather the older they get. Then over to the Blue Jays and how thy salvaged their series with the Yankees after their comeback win. Tamps tries to get back into the Cup after a 7-0 loss and they discuss how foolish it would be to count out the Lightning. Later (31:00) we speak with Joe Siddall who would like to see he catchers that will be more aggressive when Kakuchi pitches. Why young catchers set up too early and plays a part in tipping pitches and teams like the Yankees will burn you. On the weekend they didn't do Manoah any favours.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/20/202249 minutes, 27 seconds
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Why F1 Montreal Produces Dramatic Races

We start in Denver where Craig Simpson is calling The Stanley Cup Finals (2:00) He look back at an entertaining Game 1, what makes Jon Cooper such an incredible coach and why the Avs were desperate to win that game since Vasileyskiy does not give up multiple goals that often. Later (17:00) a visit with Andrew Raycroft who tries to put Vasileyskiy into perspective and how goalies react to a few days off vs many. Next we head to Montreal (27:00) where Nate Saunders is covering the Canadian Grand Prix for ESPN. It's the first race since 2019 and he helps detail what makes the track so interesting, especially the amount of opportunities to overtake. The grandstands were full today for all the practices and that's very rare. The Canadian fans have really supported this race well. He looks at the most popular drivers this season and why despite being Canadian, not everyone pulls for Canadian racers like Lance Stroll. Finally (40:00) we catch up with Ailish Forfar from TheFAN Morning Show who is in Montreal for the race, taking in some bad weather but enjoying her stay at the home of Marie-Philp Poulin.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/17/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Wiggins HS Coach on Proving Everyone Wrong

On the day after the Warriors won another NBA Title we speak with NBA Agent Bernie Lee (5:00) who knows Andrew Wiggins especially when in Minnesota with his client Jimmy Butler. He speaks about how people like Jimmy felt he was one of the most physical players in the NBA. The Bernie tries to place Steph Curry among the greats and where he belongs. He shares some awesome stories that help explain the character of Andrew Wiggins. Next up (26:00) Gus Gymnopoulos, the high school coach of Andrew Wiggins talks about seeing Championship potential in Wiggins back in high school and does not believe the narrative about him before heading to Golden State. Now, he proved everyone wrong. Later we speak with Keegan Matheson (33:00) from Rogers Centre just ahead of the Yankees series and the most crucial part of the New York team is their health. Later, Gausman's worst start as a Jay and the case for 3 catchers on the roster when Jansen returns. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/17/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Surprise Pick For #1 Fan Base in North America

Adnan Virk joins Ben to discuss the greatest fan bases in North America. This was motivated by Chris Russo's list today selecting Cleveland, Detroit and New York as the top 3. We compare US audiences to American and what goes into defining what makes a good set of fans. Later a look at the Jays and his thought on Gabriel Moreno. Then to Game 1 of The Stanley Cup and contrasting that matchup with the NBA Finals. Later Arash Madani joins the show to look at the impact of Moreno being called up and why a young catcher is the greatest trade chip in all of baseball. He then weighs in on the discussion about greatest fans base and why Toronto needs to get more love.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/15/202250 minutes, 25 seconds
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Stanley Cup Game 1 with Elliotte Friedman

Ben opens the show with Stephen Brunt (1:00) as we look ahead to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals and the dominant story continues to be the Lighting and that this says about their place in history. Then a comparison to the Leafs roster who are very similar with being "top heavy." Later, over to the Jays and the impressive home debut of Moreno. We finish our visit with Stephen with the news of Terry Jones Post Media being laid off after 40+ years of sports writing. Next up we head to Denver where Elliotte Friedman joins us from The Stanley Cup Finals (30:00) They jump into the playoff format and why Elliotte believes there should be 20 teams in the tournament with a play-in round. The Commissioner maintains that 16 is the max and it makes the regular season count even more. Then the topic of honesty with coaches in the gambling era. As of the afternoon of Game 1 there is no starting goalie declared by the Avs and this is a missed opportunity. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/15/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Andrew Wiggins; Rise and Redemption

Kristian Jack kicks off this hour after posting a video where he called out fans and media for their lack of support of the National team this week.  Michael Grange (13:00) is up next to discuss the performance of Andrew Wiggins in the NBA Finals and how it has become the most recent success story for Canada and Basketball. Finally we speak with Justin Bourne (26:00) ahead of The Stanley Cup Finals and the dominant story is the legacy of the Lightning and whether or not the playoffs need a tweak in format that is similar to 1 vs 16 instead of the current format which eliminated good teams in the first round. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/14/202250 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ryu Out For The Season - We React

We welcome back Stephen Brunt who joined us from NFLD. They begin with the Jays and breaking news that Ryu is out for the year. Then over to Manoah and how his start with the Jays is on par or ahead of any Jays pitcher in history. Later how Andrew Wiggins shook the rep of not being tough enough and has been a star in the NBA Finals. Then we wrap with Stephen while discussing Canada Soccer and fans being called out for little attendance in recent games. Plus the media coverage of the team has been called out for cherry picking certain events while ignoring others. Next up, Dan Shulman (28:00) from Rogers Centre discusses the Ryu news, the incredible Jays offence and how Vladdy Guerrero has returned to form. Finally we hear from Ross Atkins about today's news. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/14/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Tampa the Greatest Team Ever? The Case is Made

We start the hour with former Blue Jays catcher - JP Arencibia (1:00) - who has an eye on Gabriel Moreno and he took us back to his MLB debut which included hitting 2 HRs and a double in his first game. He talks about the pressure a catcher is under based on which pitcher he is catching and why that relationship is so crucial. Later (20:00) Ben recaps a wild weekend of golf between the debut of LIV at the same time as the RBC Canadian Open. We hear from Phil Mickleson today who is in Boston and will play in the US Open this weekend. Finally (27:00) we head to Denver where Frank Seravalli is covering The Stanley Cup. He feels a Tampa win would make them the greatest team in NHL History. Then, Andrei Vasilevskiy, if he wins a 3rd in a row should also enter the discussion for the greatest goalie ever. He points to a team winning in a bubble season, a shortened season with realignment and then a full 82-game season in 2021-22. We close out with the NHL off-season, the Leafs goalie situation and why Matt Murray has been so awful lately he's surprised to see the Leafs linked to him. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/13/202250 minutes, 21 seconds
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Why The Yankees Aren't Out of Reach

We kick off the show with JD Bunkis (1:00)  from TheFAN Morning Show. They discuss how the bat of Kirk but me more trustworthy today that Guerrero Jr. How the Jays finally get to feast on the Baltimore Orioles. Later a chat about the NBA Finals and whether or not Steph Curry has redeemed himself and finally might win a playoff MVP. JD even suggests Curry might go down as a better player than Kobe and KD. Finally, we head to the Rogers Centre where we catch up with Pat Tabler  (23:00) They discuss how players might not want to obsess with the standings - but - when you consider the schedules for the Jays and Yankees it would not take a miracle to catch New York. We close (35:00) with a look back at the Raptors winning the NBA Finals on this day 3 years ago and The Stanley Cup is set with the #1 story being the Lightning going for 3 in a row and where that would place them all time. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/13/202249 minutes, 13 seconds
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Mayor Responds to Letter from Mark Shapiro

We head to Detroit where the Jays are preparing for a series with the Tigers. Moreno is catching Gausman tomorrow. With he Yankees so far ahead it is time to already starting to look at the playoff standings with 1st in the AL East out of reach. Next we check in with Adam Stanley who is at The RBC Canadian Open. Bryson officially joins LIV. Is it unfair to ask who from the current crop of Canadian golfers is the next Mike Weir? Next, Momin Qureshi from CityNews 680 who spoke to Mayor John Tory today about Active TO after Mark Shapiro of the Blue Jays wrote the City a letter about his displeasure with the program. Finally, a chat with John Molinaro from TFC Republic as Canada Soccer remains at odds with both the men and women. Today, the Toronto was officially named as one of the host cites for World Cup 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/10/202250 minutes, 20 seconds
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What Moreno Call Up Says About Jays Path

Ben kicks off the final show of the week with Arden Zwelling who is co-hosting the TV coverage of Jays/Tiger tonight and we have just learned that Moreno will join the team tomorrow and catch Kevin Gausman. The guys discuss other big debuts like when Vladdy Jr joined the team and it's a different feeling this time since the expectations on him and the team are much higher in the past. Then some time on Jordan Groshans and where his development is. Next up we head to Tampa, FL where David Amber joins us ahead of Game 6 between the Lightning and Rangers. It is fact and not rumour that Andrei Vasilevskiy is in the head of his opponents, especially the Rangers at the moment. David goes onto say that a Tampa 3-peat would put them right in line with teams like the Oilers and other dynasties. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/10/202249 minutes, 30 seconds
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Sports Washing 101 - LIV Tournament Begins

The hour begins with award winning journalist - Christine Brennan from USA Today - to discuss the LIV tournament and how the PGA suspended players for heading over to London this week (2:00) Then a discussion about whether or not sports washing can work and is Saudi Arabia using sports to distract from human rights violations. Tiger Woods has already turned down nearly a billion dollars but how long could leagues like LIV last? Next we catch up with Jesse Rubinoff from Tim and Friends (20:00) who is working at the RBC Canadian Open. Sadly the tournament was overshadowed with all the controversy with LIV. Finally, we speak with Jim Callis (30:00) from MLB.com who is an expert on MLB prospects and he helps us tee up the arrival of Gabriel Moreno the Blue Jays this weekend. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/9/202250 minutes, 30 seconds
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Moreno, Kirk & The Jays Catcher Gold Mine

Ben kicks off the show with Arash Madani (7:00) who is in Detroit with the Jays and today it was announced that Gabriel Moreno. They compare him with the rise of Alejandro Kirk and the new Blue Jays gold mine. Arash tries to convince Ben to make the weekend trip to Detroit. Then we pivot to Canada Soccer and Arash weighs in on the fight for equal pay and how the management of Canada Soccer botched everything since and including the Iran controversy. Later we speak with James Sharman (32:00) about Team Canada returning to the pitch tonight in Nation's Cup still without a deal after walking away from the Panama game a week ago. He explains how coach John Herdman was able to bridge gaps and brought the team together who were very much separate and in many cliques. Then the push for the Women's National team to achieve pay equity. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/9/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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Kikuchi Off, Ryu Hurt; Jays Need Arms!

Ben welcomes Adnan Virk (1:00) who is calling a game in San Diego, one of the most underrated stadiums in all of MLB. They examine how the Jays will need more pitching help to protect against injury along with Ryu hurt and Kikuchi struggling. Then the manager "genius" Joe Maddon fired by the Angels this week and he might be one of the last "big name big ticket" managers. Next up a visit with Ricky Romero (0:14) who takes us behind the clubhouse and the pressure that pitchers are under and he describes the way that Pete Walker works with his pitchers. Then the debate about calling up players too early and what to do with Moreno now than Jansen is hurt. Later (20:00) the incredible developing story of Alejandro Kirk, what makes his so unique and what makes him such a stellar hitter. Finally, we speak with Michael Grange as the NBA Finals plays Game 3 tonight with the Warriors visiting the Celtics. Klay Thompson dangerous but not the same as he used to as Steph Curry is really carrying the team on his own. Then the juicy rumours surrounding the Raptors off-season with OG seemingly up for grabs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.  
6/8/202250 minutes, 17 seconds
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LIV Adds Bryson & Phil Admits to Gambling Addiction

Ben is joined by Dan Shulman (1:00) who is in KC calling the Jays and Royals. It's clear that Robbie Ray may not have worked out with the jays because of his vaccine status - but - the Jays are happy they ended up with Kevin Gausman. On that front, his unhittable splitter was not as effective lately with hitters clearly trying to stay away from it and not swing. Have they solved that pitch or is he tipping pitches? Later we speak with Chris Solomon (27:00) from No Laying Up about the LIV Tour, Dustin Johnson and others handing in their PGA Tour card and how golf has become a free agent frenzy. He also breaks the news that Bryson DeChambeau is next to join LIV. To follow this story we head to London where the LIV tournament is happening and check in with Bob Harig from SI (34:00) He looks at the how this story is about money over morals and players are taking cash from people well knowing how people have been treated but they are quick to look away. Bob explains how this story has taken away from the Canadian Open and why he understands why they would be upset about how their tournament was handled. Bob then reveals his conversation last night with Phil Mickleson who broke his silence since the Saudi story happened and took ownership of his issues with gambling addiction and admitted he has a problem. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/7/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Blue Jays Setback - Jansen Gets Hurt Again

With Stephen off on vacation, Ben is hosting the show alone and kicks off with Blake Murphy (1:00) on the Jays and the breaking news that Danny Jansen is hurt again and will be out of the lineup tonight. As well today, the Angels fired Joe Maddon and they debate whether his coaching career is overrated. Next we head to Tampa where Ren Lavoie (30:00) is covering the Eastern Conference Finals, plus the news today that the Bruins have fired Bruce Cassidy and how David Pastrnak is the face of the franchise moving forward. Finally, we speak with Mark Spector from Edmonton (41:00) after the Oilers season wrapped last night and how you rarely see a team go through a couple rounds winning 5-4 games and why that's great for hockey. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/7/202249 minutes
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Dropping the Ball; Still No Deal with Canada Soccer

We welcome Jon Morosi (1:00) for his weekly look around MLB, the Jays catcher situation and the explosiveness of Alejandro on both offence and defence. The Jays are already looking at 2nd in the AL East as a goal with the Yankees pulling away. They discuss the importance of home field for the playoffs. Finally with Jon (15:00) the Angels have Trout and Ohtani yet have lost 11 in a row and now Joe Madden if feeling the pressure from slipping out of the playoffs. Finally (28:00) we speak wit Craig Forrest about the Canadian soccer crisis and how the leader of the organization is a small staff without the ability to work efficiently and gain the trust of the players again. He expresses how hard it is to watch from the outside as a former player and why there is a system that is broken which is a far bigger problem than the people involved. Now with a WC berth and $10M to divide, it has exploited all the issues that have been there for years. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/6/202250 minutes, 33 seconds
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Canada Soccer Crisis; Why Players Walked

Ben and Stephen open with Canada Soccer walking away from their World Cup tune-up match. The Jays weekend series with the Twins and how they found a way to figure out Kevin Gausman which started speculation that he has been tipping his pitches. Later, more in depth soccer talk with Peter Galindo (27:00) from Sportsnet on how the negotiations got stared way too late and argument over how the WC2022 money should be spent. Then we speak to Scott Mitchell (42:00) who is the head of Canadian Soccer Business. He explains the business, how they work and how they were not involved directly in the breakdown of talks despite what was reported during this story. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/6/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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Canada Faces Panama But Must Answer for Iran

We kick off the hour down at the Rogers Centre with Shi Davidi. The lack of health from Ryu is crossing paths with the eventual return of Nate Pearson and if the team is willing to be even more aggressive with the young pitcher. Then some more insight into the return of offence tied to the 8-game winning streak. Later, a chat with Bryan Crawford, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open on the return of the championship since Covid and the news of the week with Dustin Johnson pulling out in favour of the LIV in Saudi Arabia. He looks at the growth of Canadian golf and why they are happy to move on without DJ. Finally, Canada Soccer hosts Panama on Sunday but the focus on this game is more about Iran, how that friendly fell apart and who should pay the price. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/3/202250 minutes, 28 seconds
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Andrew Raycroft Analysis of Remaining Playoff Goalies

Ben and Stephen open with the red hot Blue Jays and their winning streak. Then over to Alek Manoah and how he is already pitching the way an ace of a staff would and he's only gotten better since his debut last year. Then the surprise result in the NBA Finals with the Celtics coming back after twice being down double digits. Later a visit from Andrew Raycroft on the NHL playoffs and how the Oilers can't win 6-5 games every night. The Avs showed their ability to play shutdown hockey. Although McDavid is the star, Cale Makar has really used this series to push him ahead of the pack. Tough to compare him to anyone else in hockey as those in the past were much bigger but not nearly as quick. Perhaps the only comparison is Paul Coffey.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/3/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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RBC Drops DJ After Canadian Open Diss

Ben and Stephen are joined by Adam Stanley, Golf analyst on how Dustin Johnson walked away from the RBC Canadian Open for the LIV Golf Invitational and $100+ to play in it. DJ had previously expressed loyalty to the PGA and it feels like a turncoat situation. Now that players are divided, will fans welcome back players who skip the PGA to play overseas? Later on, Jon Morosi joins us for a look at what's happening to Vlad Guerrero Jr this season. Although it is clear that he is taking a step back this season, he points to his age of 23 years and how he's actually ahead of most players his age with a near MVP season already. Then, Jon explains why he believes the Nationals will not trade Juan Soto this season at the very least. Then he looks ahead to the deadline this year and feels pitchers will be more valuable than hitters. We close with a quick preview of the NHL East Finals between the Lightning and Rangers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/2/202250 minutes, 15 seconds
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Non NHL Fans Want To See "Hockey LeBron"

Ben and Stephen open with the Jays winning streak, the growing performance of Kirk and how much value he brings to the team as he continues to climb the batting order. Later, perhaps Vladdy Jr should be more willing to take 3 walks a game instead of being too aggressive looking for the HR ball. Later how Dustin Johnson took $125 to play in a Saudi tournament and skip the RBC Canadian Open. Later, Adnan Virk makes his weekly appearance and continues to explain why he hates Tom Cruise as a person and that Top Gun is just simple - adequate. Later, how the Oilers and Avs were a wonderful throwback to 80s hockey after Game 1 ended 8-6. Will non hockey fans check out the NHL to see the "Hockey LeBron"? Finally the incredible win by Nadal over Djokovic and how even casual fans are rooting for Rafa.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
6/1/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Eliminated Leafs Somehow Get Wins in Round 2

We kick off the hour with the NHL ahead of Game 7 between the Canes and Rangers and how the Freddie Andersen injury impacted the series the most. Later, Ren talks about covering the Lightning sweep of the Panthers and how the Tampa team says the Leafs were their toughest challenge over the last 3 post-seasons. Later the "Battle of Mc" with McDavid and McKinnon. Aside from all of the offence in that series the real x-factor is most likely Mike Smith. He can turn the series. Later the hilarious fight between Joc Pederson and Tommy Pham, 2 MLB players in the same NFL Fantasy league and a GIF gone wrong. Finally a visit from Michael Grange on the NBA Finals between the Warriors and Celtics and a wonderful story about Jack Devlin, son of Matt and his incredible story that ends with graduating from college. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/1/202249 minutes, 36 seconds
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It's Easy To Sell McDavid vs McKinnon

We head to Game 1 of the NHL Western Conf Finals as Frank Seravalli joins us from Denver. This really is  a stage for Connor McDavid to shine and it reminds us of when Gretzky first went to Los Angeles. A chat about Mike Smith who has such a different technique than other elite goalies and you can expect at least 1 major mistake per season. Then as the Canes season ends, it's clear that they have become frustrated with Freddie Andersen who takes much longer than needed when coming back from injury, Then back to selling Connor McDavid and where a Cup appearance would take him. Finally we wrap with Jake Fisher of Bleacher Report on the Raptors rumours, trading OG Anunoby and how Toronto is very known in the NBA right now for having a desire to acquire a big man. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
6/1/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Masai Preparing Another Summer Blockbuster?

Plenty of baseball and hockey ahead but Ben and Stephen open the show with record setting heat in Toronto and the story today regarding OG Anunoby possibly wanting out of Toronto. Then a chat about someone that could land in town being Rudy Gobert and how that would change this roster. Next up, Chicago based Jesse Rogers on the slow start by the White Sox, the potential playoff series with the Jays down the road and players who have to consider changing their vaccine status before then. He also thinks Tony LaRussa is not really getting the benefit of the doubt. Finally we speak to Dan Shulman about his son Ben calling games on SN590 and then what's wrong with Jose Berrios and what the team will be looking at during his next start. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/31/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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No Way Jose: Hitters Not Fooled By Berrios

Ben and Stephen open with the Blue Jay offence finally coming alive during their first sweep of the season. Then a chat about Jansen and Kirk and the suggestion that Moreno needs to be called up sooner than later. Ben wonders if one his best day can he surpass both of the current catchers? Later we speak with Arden Zwelling about his real concerns about Jose Berrios and why he is not himself and getting hit hard as they are not fooled by his pitchers. They explore everything from fatigue to tipped pitches.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
5/30/202234 minutes, 48 seconds
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There's No Kicking In Hockey!

We are joined by NHL Sr Writer for ESPN - Greg Wyshynski - who was in Carolina last night and is in St Louis tonight for Blues/Avs Game 6. The Avs are trying to avoid being labelled as chokers if they find themselves back home in a Game 7. Why he agrees with the refs calling off the Flames goal. Plus, he wants to open the door to the Conn Smythe Trophy being awarded to a player even if they don't make the Stanley Cup Finals. This makes it the best performer of the entire playoffs even on a losing team. Later on we speak with Randy Abroise, CFL Commissioner, on finally getting a new deal ratified with the players. This on the heels of a shortened season and lost season due to Covid. We close with Arash Madani on the CFL deal and what he learned from his recent Jays road trip and how the bats finally came alive.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
5/27/202245 minutes, 55 seconds
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Is Vlad Jr All The Way Back?

Ben and Stephen open with the Oilers series win over Calgary. The controversial goal called back and what's wrong with the current rule. Then how the Leafs loading up and taking max money at the top of the roster priced them out of keeping Zach Hyman who has looked stellar for the Oilers. Later, Vladdy hits a HR for the 2nd straight and they debate of the slump has been busted. Later we speak to Shi Davidi out in California and how the Angels home is a hidden gem for MLB. The Jays offence might be back and the impact that Santiago Espinal is having on the lineup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/27/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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The Impact of Canceling Canada Soccer's Friendly

Ben and Stephen are joined by Eric Francis (1:01) to get his thoughts on the Battle of Alberta potentially heading into its final game of the playoff series, the goaltending matchup between Mike Smith and Jacob Markström, the mood in the Flames' locker room heading into an elimination game, pressure on Calgary's top line, and Connor McDavid shining the brightest during this series. Afterwards, Peter Galindo (25:27) weighs in on Canada Soccer canceling their match against Iran, how will this impact both sides financially and relationships in future tournaments, why it may be difficult to schedule another friendly with a different team, and if this changes any decisions to the announcement of who is hosting the 2026 World Cup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/26/202248 minutes, 53 seconds
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Game Off for Canada vs. Iran

Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt open the show by discussing the cancellation of Canada Soccer men's national team's friendly match against Iran and why this was more than just a decision surrounding the game of soccer. Former Canada Soccer goalkeeper Craig Forrest (14:39) shares his thoughts on the game not going ahead, why the association needs to do more to explain why the match was made in the first place, and what's next for the team to find another friendly. MLB Network's Anthony Castrovince (31:09) jumps on to chat about Vlad Jr.'s offensive slump and why it has been the same across the entire league, and gives his takeaways from witnessing the pitch clock in action down at the minors. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/26/202248 minutes, 13 seconds
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Oilers' Best Players Taking Advantage

Ben and Stephen are joined by Sportsnet.ca's Mark Spector (1:26) to look at the some of the memorable highlights so far from the Battle of Alberta playoff edition, Oilers' top line vs. the Flames' top line, Evander Kane's looming free agency, his off the ice issues, and how this series was viewed before it started compared to five games in. Next, Blue Jays on Sportsnet's Pat Tabler (29:35) chimes in on the timing for the Blue Jays offence to come back to form, if Vlad Jr. is returning to the team's top slugger, Danny Jansen's development as a catcher, pressure on the hitting coach during their slump and how would Pat would take advantage of the data available in today's game. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/25/202249 minutes, 4 seconds
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Best Catcher and the Best Pitcher

Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt look back at the Blue Jays finding their offence again in their final game against the Cardinals, Toronto's depth in catchers, if Danny Jansen is reaching all-star levels, when will there be a right time to make a roster move potentially via trade, and where Kevin Gausman sits in a Cy Young race. MLB and NHL Network's Adnan Virk (24:49) jumps on to give his perspective on the racist threats made at Colorado's Nazem Kadri and Craig Berube's comments on the issue. The guys shift their attention to roster management at this point in the MLB season, early Cy Young cases for some of the Jays pitchers, and batters' regressions. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/25/202249 minutes, 13 seconds
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Battle of Alberta Is in Connor McDavid’s Hands

Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt welcome in Ben Nicholson-Smith (1:42) from St. Louis to share his perspective on Charlie Montoyo's decisions on the pitching changes and batting lineups, if more changes to the order will be happening soon, how the mood is in the clubhouse with the ongoing struggles, Dante Bichette's relationship with the Blue Jays, and what the timeline sits at for a potential roster move. Afterwards, Frank Seravalli (25:22) jumps on to discuss Edmonton's dominance in the Battle of Alberta especially the performances from Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl's impact on the roster, if Andrei Vasilevskiy has returned to being the best goaltender in the league, and the Lightning's chances to win it all once again. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/24/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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When Will the Bats Get Hot Again?

Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt look back at their Victoria Day weekend and discuss the Blue Jays series opening loss to the Cardinals, the offence continuing to struggle especially when there are runners on the bases, if coaching can help some of the players get out of their slump and Charlie Montoyo's managerial decisions. MLB Network's Jon Morosi stops by to chat about how the month of May hasn't been too friendly for Toronto, why the actual baseball itself isn't the problem, why adjustments need to be made before other teams in the AL East catch up to the Jays in the standings, and Yankees' Josh Donaldson's suspension for inappropriate comments. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/24/202249 minutes, 12 seconds
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The Legend of Joey Votto

With the Reds in town, Ben and Stephen look at the career of Joey Votto . Then, who are the players throughout baseball that you would make sure to see in person? Ben made the effort when it came to Cabrera and Trout. Next, is someone like Juan Soto was to cost you Alek Manoah, would you do it? Ben wonders if Vladdy sits at #1, perhaps Manoah surpassed Bo Bichette for #2. Later a chat with Trent Rosecrans from The Athletic who has followed Joy Votto around for years and tells us about Votto's passion for Canada, the Canadian baseball rivalry between East and West, his incredible 2021 bounce back year and a great behind the scenes look at the Canadian baseball legend. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/20/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Trying To Hit Baseballs That Just Won't Travel

Stephen returns today and we kick off the show with MLB Analyst Jon Morosi and they debate the next steps for the Jays in terms of hitting and how to adjust to strong pitching by opponents and the fact the baseball does not travel as far this year. This will change the way they try to hit right handers. The dead ball along with being pitched to differently, this has prevented Vladdy from driving the baseball. Later we speak with Jennifer Botterill who is working tonight for Battle of Alberta Game 2. The attention has shifted to Mike Smith and whether or not he has burned out at this point of the season. Then how the Lightning were able to limit the Panthers offence and they are truly driven to complete this "Tampa Dynasty"The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/20/202249 minutes, 12 seconds
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Price For Soto Just Too Much For The Jays

We are joined by Jeff Blair to discuss the Juan Soto rumours and why he is not totally buying it. Also, if he was available for real, bigger suitors like the Red Sox and Cubs would come sniffing. Now as far as the Blue Jays are concerned, The Nats could care less about prospects. Meaning - the starting point for any deal won't include Vladdy but someone like Alek Manoah would have to be in there. Then some debate about trade rumours, how they have evolved and the impact of analytics. Later the amazing audio from Jimbo Fisher who is in a war of words with Nick Saban. Finally we hear from Joey Votto on his trip to Toronto this weekend and his feelings about coming home. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/19/202249 minutes, 8 seconds
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Blip or Breakdown - All Eyes On Oilers Goalies

Arash is in for Stephen today and they dive into the Jays and how Vladdy Jr is being pitched to so differently that he has nothing to swing at and it starting to force it. The pressure is not on Teoscar Hernandez who has yet to find a groove since his return from injury and historically it takes him a while to find his bat after being hurt. If Teo starts to swing, it opens everything up for the rest of the order. Later, Tiger Woods is quickly out of contention at The PGA and they debate how the endorsement game is just as hard to walk away from. Then we have a war of words between Nick Saban and Jimbo Fischer. Then over to the Oilers/Flames and how Game 1 already exploited the Oilers weakness in net. Is Smith falters next game the Oilers will have to ask a 2nd string goalie to start a must-win Game 3. Mike Smith has already been named the starter for Game 2. Then an old fashioned debate with Ben and Arash about how the Leafs and their management has been let off the hook after their most recent first round loss. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/19/202249 minutes, 18 seconds
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Paul Coffey Previews the Battle of Alberta

We welcome our regular Wednesday guest as Adnan Virk joins the show to talk about the Leafs and how the fanbase has taken this loss so well and are nearly satisfied with the effort over the result. He's amused by the total lack of outrage. Later, the talk about Juan Soto in a potential trade and the danger in a 10 year contract. The Yankees might have to award that type of deal to Aaron Judge. He expects the weak Red Sox to get better and then a bizarre chat about linking stats in baseball to facial hair! Later, we head to Calgary where Peter Loubardias will be calling Game 1 tonight with the Oilers in town. While the pressure is on the Oilers, he argues how Calgary might feel it even more. Then a chat about Darryl Sutter and how he is much different than people perceive. It's not fun playing for him but he carries so much credibility. We close with Hall of Famer Paul Coffey on memories of the Battle of Alberta, why Calgary and Edmonton differ so much and his take on the Leafs and why winning a 1st Round Series should not be the ultimate prize even though it feels that way. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/18/202249 minutes, 2 seconds
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Jays Connected In Potential Juan Soto Trade

Ben and Stephen begin without the Leafs as their lead story for the first time in a while. While we look ahead to the Battle of Alberta, it was a baseball report that caught their eye. Juan Soto could be on the market as he get priced out of Washington and with Scott Boras friendly with the Jays, would there be a package out there that you could create? We pick up the chat with Keegan Matheson from MLB.com in terms of the Jays prospects, who can help he team and who'd be perfect for a trade. Finally an update on Nate Pearson, why the mono is taking so long and forecasting his availability in the next few weeks. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/18/202249 minutes, 8 seconds
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A Real Threat To John Herdman Staying in Canada

We kick off the hour with Dan Shulman at Rogers Centre and we debate when the Dome should be open or closed. By the end of the segment we go from closed to open! Then, the Jays has held them together but the injury to Tim Mayza will be tough to replace. Luckily there are always relieves available. Back at home, Nate Pearson is not progressing where people were expecting . Next up we speak with Caleb Joseph (20:00) who has joined the radio broadcast with Ben Wagner. Joseph talks about the impact of the catcher and why Danny Jansen is just so valuable to the team. Next up, Justin Dunk from 3 Down Nation (30:00) joins us for a quick update on the CFL strike which is ongoing and whether or not he players can gather enough leverage to sustain a long work stoppage. Later, James Sharman (40:00) on John Herdman being courted by English soccer teams, why PM Trudeau ripped Canada's decision to play a friendly with Iran and how Lionel Messi will end up in MLS. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
5/17/202249 minutes, 1 second
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Leafs Double Down on Players & Managers

Ben and Stephen open with the Leafs media conferences today and the statement that Brendan Shanahan will not be changing either his GM or coach with Dubas and Keefe returning next season. The assume that this means that if things ever fall apart, all 3 men will go down together. Then a chat about the Jays (20:00) as the offence came alive last night ... or did they? Later we speak with Mike Traikos (31:00) from Post Media who today wrote that the Leafs should fire Sheldon Keefe and hire Barry Trotz while he is available. It doesn't mean a fired coach is terrible at his job, sometimes the only move that works is change. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/17/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Toronto Pressure Goes From Leafs to Jays

We kick off the hour with Damien Cox (1:15) who does not entirely blame Sheldon Keefe for the playoff losses, and he does not believe the Leafs will make a coaching move, the future of Auston Matthews and whether he’d even consider playing somewhere else, then a possible trade for someone like William Nylander and how there is not enough return to make that move work. Finally, Shi Davidi (30:23) checks in from Rogers Centre and we discuss why Robbie Ray did not make the trip with the Mariners and the connection to his vaccine status. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/16/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Nobody Knows What To Do With The Leafs

Ben and Stephen de-brief on the Maple Leafs' 2021-22 season and another 1st round bounce. Later we speak with Frank Seravalli (28:55) discussing his vote for the Hart Trophy, the upcoming goalie market, if the Leafs will stick with Jack Campbell, and the coaching carousel around the league. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/16/202249 minutes, 26 seconds
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Leafs & Oilers: The Multiverse of Madness

The hour starts with Greg Wyshynski (1:58) from ESPN as we take a look around the NHL playoffs including Boston's win, if the Panthers and Penguins can close out their respective series, and what will the offseason look like for the Oilers or Leafs if they lose in the first round. We end off with a visit from Dan Shulman (28:29) on the Blue Jays slump and why changing the batting order might not have a significant impact.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/13/202249 minutes, 14 seconds
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Between the Benches with Colby Armstrong

Ben and Stephen speak to Mike Futa (15:46) about the fallout if the Leafs were to lose in Game 7 against the Lightning. Then we check in with Colby Armstrong (31:18) who was between the benches for Game 6 and paints us a picture of what it was like being at ice level and how Crosby's concussion could affect the Penguins in their series against the Rangers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/13/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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Campbell Has Been The Best, Will Vasilevskiy Respond?

We kick off the hour with Leafs Nation host Gord Stellick (0:52) who discussed the Leafs tough starts to games and what Sheldon Keefe might tell his team ahead of Game 6. Next, we head to Tampa where Luke Fox (17:36) checks in from the rink and sifts through Auston Matthews comments about controlling the game and being much more aggressive. Finally, Jim Ralph (28:57) looks ahead to how the Leafs could win the game. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/12/202249 minutes, 18 seconds
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Why Tonight Feels Like Elimination For Two Teams

Ben and Stephen are all over Leafs vs. Lightning in Game 6, and how the pressure will shift if the series reaches a Game 7. Joe Smith of The Athletic (16:00) looks ahead to the game and the series' goaltending matchups. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman (27:28) weighs in on Game 6 and the 1st round of the playoffs with 4 series potentially ending tonight and who he's leaning towards in the Hart Trophy race.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/12/202249 minutes, 3 seconds
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Break Bat In Case of Emergency

We head to MSG where Ren Lavoie (1:00) is covering the Rangers and Penguins and he describes why he really wanted to cover this series which might be Sidney Crosby's "Last Dance." Then over to the Leafs and how if they eliminate Tampa, he believes Toronto will be the team to beat in the East. He points to how the team learned from last year vs Montreal and they won't make the same mistakes. Then his thoughts on the Canadiens winning the Draft Lottery in the year they host the event which plays a part in keeping or trading the pick. Later Arash Madani (28:00) checks in from New York where Vladdy Jr broke a bat over his knee today, Springer also showed frustration and the Jays are officially slumping. Then how MLB is not properly prepping baseballs, a lack of mud and grip and someone is going to get hurt. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/11/202249 minutes, 8 seconds
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Even Nylander and Tavares Were Good ...

We kick off the show with the Leafs incredible win and a comeback specifically for Nylander and Tavares. Later, the umpires have gone wild and the Charlie Montoyo ejection was absolutely bizarre. Beneath all that, the Jays struggles offensively are not the obvious reason for their slide. Finally, Adnan Virk joins us. John Tavares scores a goal in a game where he played fewer mins than any game in his career. Meanwhile when it comes to the umps, he loves their imperfection and still enjoys a manager getting tossed. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/11/202249 minutes
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Tom Brady Receiving More Money As An Analyst

We head to New York where Ben and Stephen are joined by Shi Davidi (1:04) at Yankees Stadium to break down the Blue Jays offensive struggles and how they are connected to the bottom of the lineup. After, a chat about MLB making a deal with London and why baseball might be a great fit for the UK. Plus, Tom Brady gets a 10-year deal for $375M from FOX Sports to be their lead analyst. Finally, Mike Zeisberger (29:22) checks in from Scotiabank Arena ahead of Game 5 between the Leafs and Lightning.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/10/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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How Two Former Leafs See Game 5 Playing Out

Ben and Stephen kick off the show with Nick Kypreos (1:36) where he explains what it’s like to play in big games including a Game 5 and the impact of the atmosphere with hardcore fans. Later, Andrew Raycroft (16:29) on the goalie perspective and shares his thoughts on why Keefe felt the need to make sure Campbell did not feel embarrassed when he was pulled in Game 4. Finally, Jon Morosi (29:17) explains why the Yankees are as good as their record shows and why the Red Sox are as bad as their record shows. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/10/202249 minutes, 1 second
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Why Leafs Fans Need To Chill

Damien Cox (1:00) joins the show and thinks Leafs Nation needs to chill after splitting with the Lightning and he feels they have held their own against the 2-time defending Champs. This is not the usual "here we go again" for Leafs playoff hockey. Home teams that are desperate seem to find a way to win. We saw that with the Kings and Bruins last night.  Then a discussion about the role of the coaches and Keefe's handling of Jack Campbell. Officiating in the playoffs has now focused on too many whistles after years of complaining about not enough. Does having more power-play opportunities = more entertainment? Later, Pat Tabler (27:00) discusses how the Jays approach changed once the expectations began to mount and it's time to go back to basics a bit. They are good but putting too much pressure on themselves. To close, the deadened baseball, why it does not travel as well and how Tabler can see and hear the difference. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/9/202248 minutes, 57 seconds
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Advice for Vladdy and Struggling Jays Offence

Ben and Stephen are enjoying the weather and how they spent Mothers Day weekend - but - for Toronto sports the Jays lost another series and the Leafs appeared to outright give up in Game 4 vs Tampa. Toronto has questions around players like Tavares and especially Nylander after the viral video of him giving up on a puck in the corner. Later, while the jays pitchers have been hot, hitting has struggled and even Vladdy Jr does not look right. Later on we are joined by Kevin Barker (30:00) who looks at the Jays offensive struggles and the adjustments that Vladdy Jr specifically can make at the plate. One option is getting closer to the plate and forcing the pitchers to adjust.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/9/202248 minutes, 55 seconds
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Less Swinging, More Winning? It's True

We start in Cleveland with Arash Madani (0:05)who is now chilling after the Jays games was cancelled due to rain. Along with thoughts about Berrios and not time to panic, we hit him closer to home. The CFL and their CBA negotiations might do away with the ratio of Canadian players and specifically starters. Arash explains why this will be bad news for the league. Later we are joined by baseball analytics writer for The Athletic - Eno Sarris. He has worked on a story for a year and a half that looks into how teams that swing less are more efficient and win more games. He takes s through the research and what this could mean. One negative is that those teams also strike out more. Finally, Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com on the Leafs game tonight and what we have learned so far in Round #1 of the playoffs. We end up getting back on the Matthews/McDavid debate and why Frank feels the 2 are closer for the Hart and best player in the world than people think. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
5/9/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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Clock Ticking For Tavares To Perform

Ben and Stephen look ahead to Leafs/Lightning Game 3 and why Sheldon Keefe decided to go with a strategy of toughness which is something they didn't do with success all season. Then, the Jays get postponed in Cleveland and last night another tough performance by Jose Berrios who got battered by the Guardians. He has given up the most hits in the AL (20:00). Later we head to Tampa where Luke Fox is (29:00) covering the Leafs/Lightning. Jason Spezza was not thrilled to be benched and is back in the lineup tonight. Meanwhile there is pressure on John Tavares who is on the verge of media and fans turning on him.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/6/202249 minutes, 1 second
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Long Term - Jays Can't Afford Both Vladdy & Bo

We start with the Leafs loss in Game 2 vs Tampa and how perhaps the strategy of trying to be extra tough in the playoffs has backfired. Later on a visit from Jeff Blair who discusses the lack of respect from umpires to Vlad Jr and he is not getting a number of calls. Then on Bo Bichette, he is struggling and built in a way where he can't think his way out of a problem he has to work at it and correct his mistakes. The Jays seem to have committed to Bo at SS and won't be shuffling him to 2B. Jeff feels that once you factor in the money, the Jays will not be able to retain both Vladdy and Bo. We wrap with a piece from Eno Sarris from The Athletic suggesting that teams who like to swing less - actually - win more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
5/5/202249 minutes, 13 seconds
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Getting Amped for Leafs - Lightning Game 2

Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt discuss the Masai Ujiri press conference, break down what he said regarding head coach Nick Nurse, and look ahead to a busy offseason for the Raptors. MLB Network's Adnan Virk stops by to discuss calling the Red Sox - Angels game at Fenway, and shares some stories on uncomfortable places to watch movies (17:49) . TNT sideline reporter Julie Stewart-Binks joins live from Scotiabank Arena to preview the Leafs game, and gives a checkup on the energy levels down at the rink. Plus, final predictions for Leafs - Lightning Game 2! (33:52)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/4/202248 minutes, 55 seconds
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Is Bo Bichette the Shortstop of the Future?

Stephen and Ben tee up Game 2 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the return of Michael Bunting, and Andrei Vasilevskiy's record coming off losses. Afterwards, they break down the latest Blue Jays loss to the New York Yankees and debate whether Bo Bichette is really a shortstop. Dan Shulman drops by to discuss the bullpen's performance and what to expect when Hyun-jin Ryu returns. Finally, they dive into Julian Merryweather's long term role in the bullpen and the Blue Jays roster going forward with Gosuke Katoh being designated for assignment.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
5/4/202248 minutes, 47 seconds
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A Funeral for The Flower

Ben and Stephen are back to hockey, first with John Buccigross from ESPN who is in town calling the Leafs/Lightning. He says the Leafs fans did not seem as nervous as in previous years, Toronto was always a step ahead and Tampa looks like they have really missed a step. Later a chat with Ron MacLean who worked the Guy LaFleur funeral with Stephen today. He explains what made The Flower so unique and described him a "Reluctant Royal" Finally, Stephen recalls part of his week away including a lengthy interview with Canada Soccer coach John Herdman. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/3/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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The NHL Version of a "Perfect Game"

Stephen Brunt is back with Ben Ennis and they kick off the show with Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne after the Leafs 5-0 win over Tampa. From goaltending to special teams it was essentially a "perfect game" and everyone would be shocked if the Lightning play the same game on Wednesday. Then the lessons the Leafs learned about their roster, the potential loss of Clifford and how he team turned around their luck when they fixed the power-play. Later we are joined by Jon Morosi who says the Jays hitting has truly been just middle-of-the-pack and perhaps their tough schedule explains it a lot. The slow start by Bo and the injury to Teo really slowed down the Jays hitting. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/3/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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Damn Yankees: How They Got Back to 1st Place

We start the hour at Rogers Centre with Marly Rivera who is on town covering the Blue Jays and loving some Tim Horton's for breakfast. She talks about how the Yankees are winning in ways they are not used to. Cole has not been pitching like an ace and the vaccine controversy followed Aaron Judge and had an impact. While the Jays are legit she points to Cleveland as one of the surprise teams of the season so far. Finally her thoughts on Robinson Cano who was DFA'd by the Mets and someone she covered for years and the incredible decline of someone that was on track for a Hall of Fame career. We wrap with a visit from Mike Zeisberger from NHL.com who is at Scotiabank Arena for Game 1 tonight between the Leafs and Lightning. Starting with WHY and HOW are the Leafs the favs? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/2/202248 minutes, 41 seconds
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In Playoffs You Can't Run From History

Stephen is away one more day and so Ben is joined by Arash Madani for the show. The Leafs start their series with the Lightning tonight in Toronto and nobody better than Nick Kypreos to kick off the show. Nick talks about winning The Stanley Cup with the Rangers ending a 54-year streak and how it compares to Toronto. You inherit the history of the team when the jersey goes on. we break down why the regular season points mean nothing and how in the playoffs who win from the net ... out. Finally, back to baseball as the Jays welcome the 1st place Yankees to town. Then a discussion of most entertaining pitchers to watch between Gausman and Manoah. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
5/2/202248 minutes, 59 seconds
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Leaning McDavid Over Matthews For Hart

We head to Chicago where Jesse Rogers of ESPN joins us as the trade between the Jays and White Sox earlier this season (Collins/McGuire) has worked out well for both teams. Jesse picked the Jays as his World Series winner and so far they have looked the part, especially the pitching. Then over to the breaking news of the day with Trevor Bauer being suspended for 2 full seasons and 300+ games. Later a chat with Brad Fay, host of The Raptors on SN and he points to the team being in a similar position to where the team was before Kawhi joined. Finally, we speak with Frank Seravalli about the end of the season, the fall of the Vegas Golden Knights and why he's leaning towards McDavid over Matthews for the Hart. Plus, answering the question of what Dubas has to do in order to keep his job. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/29/202248 minutes, 57 seconds
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Was Raptors Season A Win Or A Loss?

Ben is with Arash Madani today and they begin the show with a debate about the Raptors season and whether or not it's a success. Arash claims that people are treating the team with kid gloves and celebrating a season that ended terribly especially a blow out on home court. Later, a visit from Rogers Centre where Shi Davidi joins us to discuss the growth of Alek Manoah plus the performance of Kevin Gausman as the Jays seem to have a couple of Cy Young candidates. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/29/202249 minutes, 12 seconds
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It's the Sixers vs. Everybody

Adnan Virk joins Ben (3:56) and recounts a chat with former colleague and former Astros manager Alex Cora who said George Springer was the best player on that infamous Houston team. Then a chat about the golden era for Toronto sports fans with Matthews getting to 60 goals, the Jays' hot start, and the Raptors looking to push the Sixers to a Game 7. Then a look at the NBA playoffs with former Raptor Matt Bonner (25:22) who says the series has come back around to coaching and right in the middle you have Doc Rivers then a hilarious story about how he wound up in the starting lineup with the Spurs in the playoffs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/27/202248 minutes, 51 seconds
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How Matthews Became A 60-Goal Scorer

Justin Bourne joins Ben Ennis (1:40) to discuss the potential Leafs-Lightning first round series, Auston Matthews hitting #60, and how his pace is already there with Ovie. Then we catch up with Joe Bowen (17:27) who has called all of Matthews' goals - especially #60 - and he looks at his growth and where he is now compared to when he entered the league. We wrap with Arash Madani (30:12) from Rogers Centre after watching the 9th inning George Springer HR and how he somehow avoided the Gatorade shower in the post-game plus a discussion on the offence at the bottom of the order, an update on Teoscar Hernandesz's return to the lineup and another setback for Ryan Borucki.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/27/202248 minutes, 46 seconds
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Bo Breaks Out: The Story Behind His Grand Slam

Arash Madani joins us from Rogers Centre coming off of the Bo Bichette grand slam last night and Bo explains how he changed his approach at the plate, being too defensive and hoping last night was just the start. Then over to Kevin Gausman, his incredible control while at 95+ and why he might be the most powerful pitcher of the Jays staff. Later, Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer gives us the Sixers perspective and how James Harden has fallen so far that he needs to be a distributor since he's unable to take shots and be a scorer. Then he explains why the Raps chose to take Maxey out of the game instead of Harden and it paid off. Maxey was a much more impactful player to eliminate. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/26/202249 minutes
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Raptors Believed In Themselves When Nobody Else Did

We begin with the story of the day as the Raptors force a Game 6 and we speak with Michael Grange who was in Philly last night and the momentum for an 0-3 comeback is legit. How the Raps used defence to stay alive and how James Harden looks like his tank is empty. Plus, this would be one of the greatest coke jobs on sports history since in the NBA games ae connected and it's worse than baseball for example where each individual game is so unique. The Raptors went from gravy to win a game to potential history. Later on our weekly visit with Jon Morosi on pitching up and offence down in MLB and why the way games are called favour pitchers like Gausman and Berrios. Then the controversy surrounding Angel Hernandez and why it's motivating people to cheer on robot umps.  Plus what the recent investigation into the Yankees and cheating really means when it comes to cheating and why they are not the Houston Astros.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.  
4/26/202248 minutes, 39 seconds
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The Curious Story of Dryden McKay

Ben Ennis is joined by Arash Madani (2:43) to chat about how close Jackie Bradley Jr. was extremely close to joining the Blue Jays, how Bo Bichette has become a vocal leader of the team, how he helped inspire Santiago Espinal and was welcoming to Zack Collins. Later, a chat with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman (16:04) on why the Leafs signed NCAA goalie Dryden McKay who was under suspension for doping and won't be available until next season. Finally, we catch up with NBA agent Bernie Lee (26:44) who explains why a Raptors win tonight puts pressure on Philly, especially Doc Rivers, why people should have more compassion for Ben Simmons than criticism.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/25/202249 minutes
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Making The Case For Raptors To Push Sixers Further

Ben is solo as Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman (3:50) jumps on to discuss Cavan Biggio's slump, the rise of the role players, improvements in defence and in the bullpen. Later, a chat with JD Bunkis from The FAN Morning Show (20:37) on the Jays need for lefty hitters, why fans and media view Matthews and Marner differently, how a first-round matchup against the Lightning might be the toughest for the Leafs. Finally, we head to Philadelphia where Doug Smith (40:54) joins us ahead of Game 5 between the Raptors and Sixers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/25/202248 minutes, 53 seconds
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Why You'll Never See Another Guy LaFleur

Ben is solo today and starts off the hour with Greg Wyshynski from ESPN who discusses his theory as to why offence has exploded, why the NHL should consider expanding the playoffs and of the Leafs should be concerned with a potential first round series against the Cup Champs - Tampa. Next up Ren Lavoie from TV-A Sports looks back at the career of Guy LaFleur who passed away at the age of 70 today. He was so beloved that the fans still gave him a 6 min standing ovation even when returning as a member of the Quebec Nordiques. Ren explains between the multiple Cups and love of the fans, you will never see another player like this in that uniform again. Plus a cool story about his final NHL game that was played in Montreal. We finish with Pat Tabler in Houston with the Jays, the incredible start from Gausman and the great little pick ups like Zack Collins. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/22/202249 minutes, 12 seconds
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3-0 Is Different in the NBA – Sorry Raptors

We kick off the hour with Alvin Williams who called the Raptors Game 3 loss vs Philly and how it was so tough to watch the game slip away. AWill says the series took a turn with Scottie Barnes got hurt because he is so hard to scheme against that it gave the Sixers a significant advantage. Then a discussion about the coming back from 0-3 has happened in hockey and baseball but it has still never happened in the NBA. Over to the NHL and a suggestion that the playoff should be expanded again. Then, The Arizona Coyotes unveil ticket prices for their new (little) arena and we can’t believe what they’re asking for. Finally we catch up with Arash Madani who was in Fenway for the Jays/Red Sox today and the glorious performance of Kevin Gausman And why Charlie Montoyo was so quick to replace him in the 9th. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/21/202249 minutes, 6 seconds
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Jays Picked the Right Year to Go All-In

Ben and Stephen pick up where the Blue Jays left off after winning their series in Boston, recapping how it all went down at Fenway Park. Then, over to the Raptors OT loss in Game 3, the similarities that this team has to the pre-Kawhi era, and why Scottie Barnes has the potential to become the real star to push them over the top (01:56). Later on, we are joined by Karl Ravech from ESPN and Sunday Night Baseball (27:16)! After getting his views on the Jays, we move to the significance of Miguel Cabrera approaching 3,000 hits and his thoughts on how micing up players is growing the game. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/21/202249 minutes, 7 seconds
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Scottie Barnes: Playing vs Protecting

Adnan Virk makes his weekly appearance and right into Sports TV with Jerry West being upset with his portrayal during the HBO Show – Winning Time. Sports movies are tough to be taken seriously because there is always a way to sanitize it make it for kids. The movie “42” struggled to properly tell the story of Jackie Robinson. Then a discussion of why offence has been down in the early MLB season. Vaccine rules in Canada are exposing unvaccinated players that can’t play in Toronto. Finally, whether it’s fair for Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes. Finally, Michael Grange live from Game 3 between the Raptors and Sixers suggests the best thing for Scottie Barnes is to play the long game and not rush him back in the lineup.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/20/202248 minutes, 48 seconds
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The Lost Art of “Calling” A Baseball Game Without Technology

Ben and Stephen breaking down the Jays' series in Boston, why Bo and Vlad deserve more credit for their early defensive play, before Stephen pours some cold water on those who are already in panic mode about Bo Bichette at the plate (01:42). Next up, we hear from Joe Siddall who discusses Yusei Kikuchi's potential on the mound, updates us on Hyun-Jin Ryu's injury, and shares why he believes PitchCom takes some of the "soul" from the game of baseball (15:46). Later on, Blake Murphy joins to look ahead to Game 3 between the Raps and Sixers, how people in AND outside of Canada were drinking the Raptors Kool-Aid, and breaks down why the strategy of trying to be physical with Philly is not working (31:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/20/202248 minutes, 12 seconds
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The Catchers Role In Blown Calls & Anger Toward Umps

Jon Morosi makes his weekly appearance fresh off a trip to LA where Freddie Freeman faced his former Atlanta team.In the AL East he thinks that while the Jays are on the way up, the red Sox are expected for a step backward this season. Then the debate about if MLB is now using a “dead ball” and the pressure mounting as technology is showcasing how terribleCertain umpires have been. Plus sometimes catchers set up wrong and make a strike look like a ball and everyone blames the umpire unfairly. Finally a chat with Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com on the Auston Matthews injury being of concern,the rise of the Canucks and fall of the Vegas Golden Knights and Johnny Gaudreau makes a final push for the Hart Trophy.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/19/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Hopeful or Hopeless? Raptors Come Home 0-2

Ben & Stephen start off by breaking down the Raptors' recent loss in Philly and are joined by Nabil Karim, a Canadian journalist and now working with TNT (05:02)! He discusses the tactics utilized by Nick Nurse, the disparity in officiating, and why Joel Embiid is a different player this time around, an MVP candidate that is truly on a mission. Afterwards, the fellas look ahead to the Leafs final six regular season games and discuss if Auston Matthews needs to reach 60 goals for the Hart Trophy, before teeing up the Blue Jays series that’s about to start at Fenway Park (29:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/19/202248 minutes, 44 seconds
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The Jays Injury That Worries Them The Most

We start with Ben Nicholson Smith and the amount of injuries the Jays are already dealing with when it comes to Jansen, Hernandez and Ryu. Ben says there is a real debate in terms of what to do with him. At this point, Ross Stripling is more important to the Jays lineup. Then a look at why offence is down so much across MLB. Later, Damien Cox from The Toronto Star says all teams lie about injuries, including the Leafs when it comes to Matthews and he believes it's more serious than we are led to believe. Now with legalized gambling, teams may have to be more honest with the status of their players. Finally, Nick Nurse calls out the refs and asks if they have the "guts" to call the game right,.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/18/202248 minutes, 58 seconds
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Raptors Battle Injuries Ahead of Game 2 in Philly

Ben and Stephen open the show discussing the Raptors' Game 1 performance against the Sixers, and update the injury report ahead of tonight's matchup (01:47). Later on, they chat about Auston Matthews' mystery ailment, the Blue Jays series win against the A’s, and one of the worst umpire performances we’ve ever seen, before wishing Buck Martinez well as he leaves the Blue Jays broadcast to fight cancer (10:37). Finally, SI’s Howard Beck looks on Game 1 between the Raptors and Sixers, before previewing how Nick Nurse has to adjust his game plan especially with Scottie Barnes out of the lineup (33:47). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/18/202248 minutes, 51 seconds
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Coaching Is Biggest Matchup Between Raps/76ers

We start with Mike Futa, SN Analyst (1:00) as the Leafs host the Caps, Matthews and Ovie. Mike explains that while the Leafs have struggled against weaker teams like the Sabres, they have managed to avoid long losing streaks this season. Then the need for people like Jack Campbell to get back in form before the playoffs. Then the Leafs options when it comes to Matthew Knies and why they are feeling nervous. Then a preview of Raptors vs Sixers with Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer (27:00) and then Michael Grange (11:00) Aside from the focus on James Harden, everyone agrees that coaching will be the most important matchup and Nick Nurse has an advantage in terms of roster and defensive scheme. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/14/202249 minutes, 10 seconds
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Raining Homers At Yankees Stadium

Ben and Stephen look back at Vladdy’s home run hat trick in New York and the concerns with Danny Jansen and Teoscar Hernandez headed to the injured list. Later, Jon Morosi (24:24) explains why Vladdy Jr. is turning heads with his hitting across the MLB world. Finally, the voice of the Jays, Ben Wagner (38:42) joins us in the studio to look at lineup adjustments through injuries and address why Matt Chapman was off in the final meeting against the Yankees. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/14/202249 minutes, 8 seconds
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Perfect and Pulled? Everyone Angry About Kershaw

We start the hour with Mark DeRosa (2:00) from MLB Network and former Blue Jay in 2013. He looks back at why that team was such a good fit for him and despite the World Series aspirations, the pressure was high and they just could not find a way to explain why they didn’t win. Then to this team, why he feels so many players are pure athletes and how Charlie Montoyo has options to flip any player in any part of the lineup. Later, why Alek Manoah could end up being the ace of the staff and what’s impressed him the most. Next up Adnan Virk (16:00) on Kershaw getting yanked. And why the Reds owner made a horrible move by telling upset fans “Where you gonna go?” Finally, the founder of PitchCom, Craig Filicetti (33:00), on developing the new technology after the Astros cheating scandal and how they got approval across MLB.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/13/202248 minutes, 18 seconds
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Tanenbaum Wants Chelsea – Do They Want Him?

Ben and Stephen start off by taking a closer look at the Jays' latest loss to the Yankees ahead of Berrios' start tonight, before recapping the Leafs' misery against the Sabres and question if their performance against bad teams has cost them a potential President’s Trophy and home ice in the playoffs (02:01)? Later on, we speak with Scott Trotter, who covers Chelsea F.C. in London (26:28)! This week it was revealed that Larry Tanenbaum was joining a bid to purchase the team, and Scott details why the fans are so very vocal about their ownership and how this all stems from sanctions on their current owner, Roman Abramovich, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/13/202247 minutes, 33 seconds
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Forget 60, Matthews In Range For 70

We check in with Arden Zwelling at Yankees Stadium (3:00) where he looks back at the Alek Manoah performance and then how other players deeper in the lineup are making a huge difference like Santiago Espinal. For Tuesday night's game there are so many things to like about Yusei Kikuchi - and yet - nobody really knows what to expect from him. Later on (32:00) we hear from Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com who is down at Scotiabank Arena where Matthews is 2 goals away from 60, where Muzzin and and Campbell are not playing and Owen Power makes his NHL debut with the Sabres. Zeis thinks Matthews will at least hit 65 and says the Leafs will baby Jack Campbell as they head into the playoffs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/12/202248 minutes, 39 seconds
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Manoah Just Might End Up The Jays' Ace

Ben and Stephen look back at the masterful performance Alek Manoah put together to beat the Yankees, before switching their attention to the Raptors series with a Sixers team mired in Harden controversy and more “mystery” injuries with the Leafs (01:48). Later on, Sports Illustrated's Jimmy Traina checks in to discuss how Yankees fans are realizing how good the Jays are, technology that is allowing players to be mic’d up mid-game, and how streaming services are slowly taking greater control of live events (26:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/12/202248 minutes, 14 seconds
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Schedule More Nasty Than Jays Opponents

Dan Shulman (0:30) joins the show to recap Opening Weekend against Texas, the new series vs the Yankees tonight and why the schedule will test the Jays arms if the starters don’t make long starts. Then, while so much focus has been on the Jays offence, the real rest will be how the team handles defence. Doug Smith (27:00) of The Toronto Star says the Raptors are suddenly among the best in the East and James Harden really did get old fast and the Sixers are simply not a mentally tough team. The Lakers pursuit of Nick Nurse makes sense and he’d be surprised if the Raptors coach gave it a serious look. He thinks if Nick Nurse leaves, this is not the place he’d go. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
4/11/202248 minutes, 41 seconds
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Old Debate Is New Again with Matthews & Hart

Ben & Stephen start off discussing the start to the Blue Jays season with a couple wins and record tv ratings and look ahead to tonight's series with the Yankees in the Bronx, before switching focus to the NBA as the Raptors draw the 76ers in the first round and the Lakers are rumoured to be interested in Nick Nurse (00:13). Finally a chat with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski on Matthews' Hart Trophy candidacy, before stepping back and asking if the award should be for the most valuable overall, or rather the most valuable to their team (32:21).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
4/11/202248 minutes, 37 seconds
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Grilling Up Some Blue Jays Takes

Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt continue their preview of the 2022 Blue Jays season from the Sportsnet Grill at Rogers Centre, and bring on radio play-by-play voice Ben Wagner to discuss the first batting order of the season, what to expect from the team's stars, and the energy down at the stadium (19:01). They also discuss Auston Matthews breaking Rick Vaive's franchise record for most goals in a season by a Toronto Maple Leaf, and ask the question: is Pascal Siakam a superstar?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/9/202241 minutes, 25 seconds
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Adam Cimber and Gosuke Katoh Preview the 2022 Blue Jays Season

Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt make their way down to the Sportsnet Grill at Rogers Centre, as they await first pitch of the 2022 Blue Jays season opener! They speak to a host of characters, including Blue Jays Adam Cimber (2:01) and Gosuke Katoh (26:00). Afterwards, they're joined on the desk by Arash Madani, who discusses the offseason moves and what to expect tonight (29:44), plus the duo of Ben Nicholson-Smith and Arden Zwelling from Sportsnet's At The Letters podcast (41:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/9/202256 minutes, 8 seconds
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Don’t Worry If Jays Offence Dips

Dan Shulman (1:00) kicks of the MLB season with some expectations for the Jays and how last year the team took advantage of Dunedin and Buffalo which helped them offensively. If some numbers go down, don’t be shocked but the overall team can win more games. Later (37:00) we speak with Christine Brennan from USA Today who is at Augusta covering The Masters and specifically the return of Tiger Woods. It's almost impossible to compare this to anything in sports. She has been critical of him in the past and is still blown away from his performance. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.  
4/7/202248 minutes, 30 seconds
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Tracking Tiger: In Contention Or Not?

Ben and Stephen open with Day 1 at The Masters and specifically Tiger Woods shooting -1. After a quick chat about the Jays And opening night, the guys are joined by Rex Hoggard (15:00) from The Golf Channel. They debate whether Tiger can be considered “in contention” today and how there is a hole in The Masters when he’s not there. Later on, Frank Seravalli (25:30) from DailyFaceoff.com shares why he believes Matthews is the favourite for The Hart, but he’s not 100% sold. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.   
4/7/202248 minutes, 1 second
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Tiger Author Says He’s In it To Win It

Adnan Virk (0:32) joins us to set up the 2022 MLB season and how the Yankees specifically are so tough to predict. Plus the Guardians getting a long term deal done with Jose Ramirez today. Later on a chat with Lorne Rubenstein (26:00), golf author who wrote a book with Tiger Woods. Lorne discusses how Tiger only shows up at a tournament if he thinks he can win, otherwise, he would not even appear at Augusta this week. From Tiger to Ali, athletes that changed and elevated their sport. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/6/202248 minutes, 59 seconds
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The One Who Got Away – Ramirez Stays in Cleveland

Ben and Stephen look ahead to the start of the baseball season and the eventual renovations at Rogers Centre. (02:15)Then the news today of Jose Ramirez signing an extension with Cleveland and taking himself out of the Jays plans. Next, the Leafs find themselves in a bizarre “defence optional” game with the Panthers and how they would make a good matchup for them. Meanwhile the Raptors clinched a playoff spot and sit at #5 in the East. Finally, Alvin Williams (29:00) on the recent rise of the Raptors despite so much unknown this year and how they might not be big but they are really scrappy. Finally, Toronto officially submits their bid for $290M for the right to host as many as 5 games in World Cup 2026.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
4/6/202248 minutes, 18 seconds
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Another Tough Setback For Nate Pearson

Joe Siddall joins Ben & Stephen to discuss to the Opening Day roster for the Blue Jays, the impact of losing Nate Pearson to Mononucleosis, Toronto's tough schedule to start the season, and how Charlie Montoyo's communication skills helped keep the team afloat through COVID restrictions and multiple home stadiums (00:48). Later on, Adam Stanley joins to look ahead to The Masters, forecasts if Tiger Woods will play, and breaks down his chances to win if he does compete (30:43). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/5/202248 minutes, 41 seconds
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Matthews Over McDavid – It’s Happening

Ben Ennis is back alongside Stephen Brunt, and the pair are joined in-studio by Mike Futa, a Sportsnet Analyst and former Los Angeles Kings Assistant GM! He reflects on Auston Matthews' incredible scoring run this season and how it compares to the other great Leaf seasons, before sharing his first-hand impressions of Jake Muzzin and Jack Campbell from his time in L.A. (01:08). Later on, Stephen and Ben compare each of their recent visits to Florida and who had the better time in the Sunshine State, before turning their attention to the diamond and discussing the Blue Jays' final roster moves and Jose Ramirez' latest contract talks with the Guardians (23:02) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/5/202248 minutes, 44 seconds
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Opening the Ontario Sports Betting Floodgates

Damien Cox joins Stephen and Gord to share why he believes Auston Matthews' 2022 season might be the best in Maple Leafs history, before weighing in on the Blue Jays' World Series hopes and the Raptors' rise (01:07). To wrap up, the pair discuss the connection between sports and gambling and how Ontario's new sports gambling legislation has made it so far less taboo (27:13). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/4/202249 minutes, 1 second
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Best Theories for the NHL's Sudden Scoring Surge

Gord Stellick tags in for Ben Ennis today alongside Stephen Brunt! The pair welcome in Nick Kypreos to look ahead to tonight's Leafs-Lightning matchup, the playoff implications for both teams,  the evolving player-coach relationship, and theorizes about what might be causing NHL scoring to rise of late (01:03). Later on, we visit with Shi Davidi who shares the Blue Jays final rosters changes ahead of opening day Friday, makes the case that they should want to carry three catchers, and reflects on the change of attitude surrounding this iteration of the Jays (25:39) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/4/202249 minutes, 6 seconds
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Making the Case for Canada Advancing in Group F

Stephen & Arash are joined by James Sharman to react to Canada's World Cup draw and share why he believes that Group E featuring Spain, Germany and Japan could be this year's "group of death", before Stephen goes out on a limb and picks England to win the entire tournament (01:03). Later on, they pair take a moment to reflect on Kyle Lowry's tenure in Toronto & his departure from the Raptors ahead of his upcoming return home Sunday (23:03). Finally, voice of the Blue Jays Buck Martinez stops by to share his praises for Manager Charlie Montoyo after signing a new contract extension today and highlights some of his greatest skills as a leader, before discussing the ongoing changes and tweaks to the Jays' bullpen (30:59). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/1/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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Auston Matthews' Mark on Leafs History with Rick Vaive

Stephen Brunt is joined in Florida by guest host Arash Madani! The pair start off the show by discussing Blue Jays Manager Charlie Montoyo's contract extension and the pressure on Montoyo this season, before switching gears to weigh in on Auston Matthews' legacy in Toronto after netting goal #50 (00:10). Later on, soccer journalist Grant Wahl breaks down today's World Cup draw, how CONCACAF teams stack up against the World's best, and how fatigue may factor in come November (27:12). Finally, we close with Rick Vaive, who holds the Maple Leafs' single-season scoring record, to reflect on Auston Matthews finally reaching his 50th goal (40:26). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
4/1/202248 minutes, 53 seconds
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World Cup 2022 Draw Preview!

Ben & Stephen kick off the hour with John Molinaro to help preview the 2022 World Cup Draw! He makes the case that Canada should want to face off against the World's elite teams, and shares which International programs match up best with Canada (00:23). Next up, the guys turn their attention to Tampa Bay to discuss Buccaneers' Head Coach Bruce Arians' retirement (19:05). Finally, Michael Grange stops by to look ahead to the potential challenges unvaccinated American players may face crossing the border, before sharing his thoughts on Scottie Barnes' Rookie of the Year case and Kyle Lowry's upcoming return to Toronto this weekend (27:56). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/31/202248 minutes, 30 seconds
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Santiago Espinal: The Dark Horse of the Jays Infield

Ben Ennis welcomes in Stephen Brunt on day 2 of his Florida trip to sort through today's 5-3 Blue Jays win over the Tigers with Alek Manoah on the mound, preview the arms in Toronto's bullpen, and question the idea of Cavan Biggio playing in the outfield (04:19). Later on, the pair go over Team Canada's lackluster performance against Panama in World Cup qualifying last night (20:14). Finally, Dan Shulman joins live from Florida to share why he believes Santiago Espinal could be the Jays' everyday second baseman, before switching gears to College hoops action to preview Coach K and Duke's matchup against UNC in the Final Four (30:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/31/202248 minutes, 27 seconds
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Ren Lavoie on the Senators-Quebec City Rumours

Ren Lavoie joins Ben & Stephen to discuss latest on the leak linking the Ottawa Senators to Quebec City and the suspect timing of the news release (00:28). Later on, former Oakland Raiders CEO Amy Trask weighs in on the NFL meetings this week, the future of Baker Mayfield, and how the league is handling the Deshaun Watson situation (27:43). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/30/202248 minutes, 45 seconds
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Jays Ink Dexter Fowler, Brunt & Arash Check In From Florida

Ben checks in with Stephen Brunt, who's stationed in Florida for the next couple days, to look back on the ways the Blue Jays' complex has changed over the years and share the latest on newest signing Dexter Fowler (00:13). Next up, Arash Madani checks in after a long chat with Jays' starter Kevin Gausman to share his findings, before switching gears to the soccer pitch to preview Canada's bout against Panama tonight it's potential the impact on Friday's World Cup draw (27:50).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/30/202248 minutes, 52 seconds
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Reflecting on the Life & Legacy of Eugene Melnyk

Ben & Stephen welcome in The Athletic's Tim Graham live from the NFL meetings in Florida today to go over the new overtime rules, unofficially known as the "Josh Allen" rule, before delving into the Buffalo Bills' new stadium deal funded with $850M of taxpayer money (01:55). Finally, the pair speak with Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen who shares a little about the polarizing life of late Senators' Owner, Eugene Melnyk. From being regarded as a savior, bringing the team to the brink of a Stanley Cup, to the tough times that followed, Ken shares how he will be remembered in Ottawa before looking ahead to what's next for the team (29:02). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/29/202249 minutes, 10 seconds
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A Deep Dive with CanMNT Head Coach, John Herdman

Ben and Stephen lead by reflecting on the death of the owner of the Ottawa Senators, Eugene Melnyk, and how his legacy developed and changed throughout the years (00:18). Later on, we dive deep into the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team with Head Coach John Herdman! He looks back on setting the goal of making it to the World Cup in Qatar, how he and the team learned to play without big stars like Alphonso Davies and Cyle Larin at times, and how Davies' goal against Panama changed everything (26:46).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/29/202248 minutes, 42 seconds
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Sports Can't Avoid The Smith/Rock Incident

Adnan Virk, host of the Cinephile Podcast reviews the wild night at the Oscars, explains why he thinks Will Smith handled the moment poorly and botched his acceptance speech, before ranting about the few hits and many misses during the broadcast (1:43). Finally a chat with Ben Nicholson Smith on the recent Jays cuts at spring training and why Vlad Jr. is taking a new approach at the plate this season (28:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
3/29/202249 minutes, 29 seconds
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Canada Heads to Qatar! Celebrating with Iain Hume, CanMNT President & Sid!

Ben & Stephen open today's show by looking back at celebrating in the freezing cold as Canada beat Jamaica 4-0 to qualify for the World Cup (00:58). Breakfast Television's Sid Seixeiro joins to share the history behind Canada's World Cup birth, how the qualification helps the program financially, and why there are nerves about losing head coach John Herdman one day (15:17). Later on, we speak with former Canadian National team member, Iain Hume, who describes his experience on Team Canada and being so far away from contending for years, and the leadership and culture that was created (30:02). Finally, Dr. Nick Bontis, President of Canada Soccer, weighs in on defending John Herdman's move from Canada's women's program years ago, and looks ahead to the time before Qatar and the potential for international friendlies to prepare for the World Cup (40:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/28/202248 minutes, 53 seconds
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FAN Soccer Show: Canada Clinches!

Canada is heading to the 2022 World Cup after defeating Jamaica 4-0 in qualifying! James Sharman joins Jeff Blair, Dan Riccio, and Vivek Jacob to discuss the scene at BMO Field and this watershed moment in Canadian sports history (23:09). Former Canadian women’s national team player Kaylyn Kyle discusses what it’s like to play for John Herdman, the coach’s match-by-match preparation, and how he lets different personalities shine on the roster (51:44). Former Canadian international and Brampton, Ontario native Jason Bent talks about his hometown being a hotbed of talent for Canada with key players like Cyle Larin hailing from the area; and the emergence of players like Michael Anthony Kaye (1:18:38).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/28/20221 hour, 23 minutes, 53 seconds
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How a Loss in Costa Rica Still Felt Like a Win

Craig Forrest stops by to discuss how far the Canadian men's national soccer team has come, how even a loss feels like a win, the leadership of the team and impressive arrival of Ismael Kone (0:45). Later, Frank Isola chats about NYC changing mandates and allowing athletes like Kyrie Irving to play, how the Canada-USA rivalry was supposed to be basketball but has moved to soccer, his disappointment in Italy missing the World Cup and why the qualification process has major faults (24:23). Finally, Ben and Stephen wrap the week with the Deshaun Watson press conference today and how he managed to make himself look worse (43:59). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/25/202249 minutes, 6 seconds
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Spring Training Behind the Scenes with Hazel Mae

Ben & Stephen start off a little sleep deprived after staying up to watch Canada's narrow loss to Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying, as Stephen explains why Canada's second-half push was one of his favourite moments from the journey so far (00:55). Next up, we head to Dunedin to catch up with Hazel Mae who spoke to Blue Jays' President Mark Shapiro today about the major renovation planned to revitalize the Rogers Centre by 2024, including ripping out the entire lower bowl seating! Later on, she reveals the strong leadership shown by newest Jay Matt Chapman since joining the team (29:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/25/202249 minutes, 2 seconds
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FAN Soccer Show: There's No Place Like Home?

Jeff Blair and Vivek Jacob open with a chat about Canada having not yet clinched a World Cup berth after a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica and the team now having to look ahead to Sunday’s match vs. Jamaica (1:05). Next, James Sharman shares his thoughts on the match from San Jose, Canada playing down to 10 men for most of the match, the team’s surge in the second half despite not scoring and standout performances from Richie Laryea and Ismael Kone (18:26 ). Later, Stephen Brunt talks about John Herdman’s coaching style, his decision put the 19-year old Kone into the match, and compares this incarnation of the National Team in years past (51:26). Dwayne De Rosario discusses the national team’s journey to this point, his former teammate Atiba Hutchinson leading the team with his inspired play, and the joy he gets from seeing Canada atop the table (1:12:14). To wrap, Canada’s captain at the 1986 World Cup Bruce Wilson  talks about the thrill of clinching a spot in the World Cup on home soil in 1985 in Newfoundland – can Canada do the same on Sunday at BMO Field (1:18:35)?The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/25/20221 hour, 38 minutes, 37 seconds
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What are the Blue Jays getting in Raimel Tapia?

Ben and Stephen welcome Ben Wagner (2:00) to the show as the Blue Jays deal Randal Grichuk away and a look at the most key roster moves going forward. Later, Kristian Jack (29:01) discusses Alphonso Davies eventual return to Team Canada, if local clubs control players' availability, and Italy missing the World Cup.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/24/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Canada Smiles, Italy Cries in World Cup Qualifying

Ben & Stephen open by reacting to the latest Toronto Blue Jays trade, sending Randal Grichuk to Colorado for Raimel Tapia, a speedy, left-handed depth bat, before discussing why they feel it's high time to enjoy the team in front of us instead of stressing about the future (00:42). Later on, the fellas are joined by Arash Madani live from Costa Rica in the anticipation of a Canadian World Cup clinch tonight (32:21)! Before wrapping up, we learn that Italy has failed to quality for a 2nd straight World Cup(47:02)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/24/202248 minutes, 57 seconds
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FAN Soccer Show: Canada on the Cusp of Qatar

It's a special 'FAN Soccer Show!' Jeff Blair opens with a discussion about the Canadian men's pursuit of a World Cup berth for just the second time in the program's existence (0:26). Then Jeff and Vivek Jacob touch on the team's different paths to a  berth and the confidence of this squad (7:37). James Sharman tees up tonight's Canada-Costa Rica match, and what we've learned tactically from this team in the absence of Alphonso Davies (16:35). Later, Jeff and Vivek talk about Canada's intention to run the table during this qualifying window and the differences between this quad and the '86 team that earned a World Cup berth (29:08). Afterwards, Grant Wahl stops by to give an American POV on this qualifying window and the Canadian men's play  (51:51). Next, Paul Stalteri weighs in on the growth of the Canadian men's team, the type of player Richie Laryea is, the soccer community in Brampton, and Jonathan Osorio's progression (1:10:45). To wrap, Dan Riccio joins the guys to talk about how this is a unifying moment, what the last window did for fandom, the national reach of this squad, and the importance of Canada finishing this octagon in first place (1:24:59).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/24/20221 hour, 38 minutes, 12 seconds
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Lack of Cup Experience Will Haunt the Maple Leafs

In our weekly visit with Adnan Virk, Ben & Stephen look towards Dunedin and ask why the ceiling is high for Alejandro Kirk, before they react to today's blockbuster trade that saw Tyreek Hill head to the Dolphins and thoroughly break down the upcoming Academy Awards (01:19). Later on, Damien Cox from The Toronto Star joins to shares how the Leafs are handling Petr Mrazek, why he believes Kyle Dubas should have held back at the trade deadline, and explains why so few Toronto athletes have bounced back after falling on hard times (28:24). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/23/202249 minutes, 10 seconds
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Master Motivator: The Secret Behind John Herdman’s Coaching Style

Ben Ennis & Stephen Brunt open today by reacting to Petr Mrazek getting the call to start in goal tonight, before sharing their thoughts on Mark Giordano's impending hometown debut and Toronto's Next Gen jerseys (02:17). Later on, Sportsnet soccer analyst James Sharman checks in live from Costa Rica to break down Head Coach John Herdman's masterful motivation tactics and highlight potential areas for improvement despite their winning streak, before looking back on the history of this program and what clinching their place in the World Cup would mean tomorrow (26:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/23/202248 minutes, 45 seconds
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Tanenbaum's Chelsea Bid: Favourite or Underdog?

Michael Grange leads off the hour alongside Ben & Stephen to update the Raptors' growing injury concerns and highlights that the team has virtually no margin for error, before taking a closer look at Larry Tanenbaum's career and his bid for Chelsea F.C. (00:50). Next up, Chris Creamer of Sportslogos.net shares his thoughts on Toronto's Next Gen jerseys (23:11). Finally, we check in with Sportsnet soccer analyst Peter Galindo, who zeroes in on Canada's Men's National Soccer Team and their newest addition, Ismaël Koné (31:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/22/202248 minutes, 23 seconds
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How the Matt Chapman Trade Keeps Getting Better

Ben & Stephen update us on Toronto's newest Blue Jay Matt Chapman after suffering a minor hand injury today, before reacting to the Maple Leafs' freshly unveiled "Next Gen" jerseys designed in collaboration by Justin Bieber & Drew House (00:33). Later, they chat with Arden Zwelling live from Florida to share what role Nate Pearson might play for the Jays this season and take us through Matt Chapman's salary adjustments, before Ben makes the case for Toronto to add a former Yankee (28:43). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/22/202248 minutes, 37 seconds
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Trade Leak Leads to Bad Blood Between Dubas & Davidson

Ben & Stephen take a step back from today's trade deadline news to switch gears to the Toronto Blue Jays for a baseball palate cleanser (00:12)! Afterwards, the pair check in with Jeff Marek to explain what led to Kyle Dubas and Kyle Davidson's dispute after a rumoured trade for Marc-André Fleury (27:43). To wrap up, the fellas react to the Toronto Raptors weekend of action, discuss the CFL considering adding an additional down, and look ahead to Team Canada’s World Cup qualifier (43:03). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/21/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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Dubas Didn’t Act Like a GM on the Hot Seat

Ben and Stephen wrap up the NHL Trade Deadline by welcoming in Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne! The pair look at the Leafs' roster moving forward, reflect on Kyle Dubas' reserved deadline strategy, how the team should manage Petr Mrazek, and update the injury report including Jack Campbell, Jake Muzzin and most recently, Rasmus Sandin (00:40). Later on, David Amber stops by to share his experience hosting today's trade coverage, before taking a look around the NHL to determine who stands out as the current Stanley Cup favourites (23:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/21/202249 minutes, 2 seconds
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Which Blue Jay is Flying Under the Radar?

Ben & Stephen head to Florida to chat with Kevin Barker about his excitement for the upcoming MLB season, before sharing that Teoscar Hernandez looks quicker than usual in Dunedin and how the Jays' lineup has shaped up into one of the best in baseball (00:21). Later on, the guys look back on the last two days of NFL transitions, including Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders and Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns, before weighing the ethics of the Bills' new stadium funding (29:24). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/18/202248 minutes, 45 seconds
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Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins Shares He's Not Done Yet

Ben and Stephen go 1-on-1 with the General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Ross Atkins! They ask Ross about his busy spring so far since the end of the lockout and how the Matt Chapman deal came together, before he shares that the team may not be done adding to the lineup and highlights the benefit of an extra left-handed bat (02:01). Later on, the pair call up NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger to share where the Leafs are at heading into the Monday's trade deadline, raises concerns over their inconsistent play and evaluates Erik Källgren's value moving forward (29:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/18/202248 minutes, 42 seconds
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How Buffalo is Following L.A.'s Super Bowl Playbook

Ben & Stephen are joined by Ren Lavoie from TVA Sports to look back on how the Habs got a 1st round pick for Ben Chiarot, discuss the impact his deal will have on the trade market, and shares what's next for GM Kent Hughes (00:12). Later on, the Athletic's Keith Law breaks down what the Jays had to give up for Matt Chapman and shares his surprise that Toronto's top prospects remained untouched (20:10). Finally, Mike Florio of NBC Sports and Football Night in America discusses the Bills' surprise signing of Von Miller, the Browns' mess at the QB position, and how Deshaun Watson remains a hot commodity despite his legal situation (30:21). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/17/202248 minutes, 47 seconds
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Deal or No Deal? Toronto's Pursuit of José Ramírez

Ben & Stephen kick off today's show by basking the springtime weather as Spring Training baseball games finally arrive (01:21)! Afterwards, they direct their attention to Cleveland to chat with Anthony Castrovince about the Blue Jays' chances at adding Jose Ramirez, other potential suitors around MLB, and why Cleveland needs to learn after losing Francisco Lindor (28:26). Later, former GM Jim Duquette shares his front office perspective on the Jays roster, and discusses why he believes that Jose Ramirez is a "want" and not a "need" for Toronto, and how the market will evolve between now and the trade deadline (39:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/17/202248 minutes, 47 seconds
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How Solid Defence Leads to Confidence on the Mound

Ben & Stephen are joined Adnan Virk for their weekly chat to breakdown the Jays' acquisition of Matt Chapman, how his numbers during an off-year will still be better than most, and the potential he has to be an absolute premier defender (00:23). Later on, former Blue Jay Ricky Romero discusses his connection with Matt Chapman, why he's a terrific fit for Toronto, and describes the confidence solid defence can bring to a pitcher on the mound (25:13). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/16/202248 minutes, 30 seconds
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Blue Jays Add MLB's Best Defender Matt Chapman

Ben and Stephen open by reacting to the Blue Jays trade for Oakland's Matt Chapman  and breaking down with Chapman is a perfect fit for the team that does not hurt their farm system or financially (00:08). Later on, Dan Shulman joins to share his excitement to call the 2022 Blue Jays season with the many changes and improvements to the roster that boosted the team from AL East contenders to potential World Series favourites (17:40). Finally, The Athletic's Eno Sarris shares his first-hand impressions of Matt Chapman's development to become MLB's best defensive run saver, why he is not concerned about his offensive production, and evaluates the Jays' overabundance of right-handed hitters (31:44). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/16/202248 minutes, 38 seconds
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Where Do You Draw the Line With Athlete-Fan Interaction?

Ben and Stephen discuss the latest confrontation between tennis star Naomi Osaka and a fan at the Indian Wells Open, and bring on Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim to discuss the limits of fan interaction with athletes and the comparison to the Williams sisters at the same tournament 20 years ago (03:10). The Star's Doug Smith stops by to break down the Raptors four-game winning streak, including wins vs. Phoenix and Denver, and the impressive post-All Star Break numbers being put up by rookie Scottie Barnes (19:12). Afterwards, Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling joins to discuss some of the minor league prospects that could spend time in the majors this year, the work put in this offseason by Nate Pearson, and the continuing trend by teams to use starting pitchers less and the bullpen as a whole more (29:23). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/15/202248 minutes, 54 seconds
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A Different Vibe at Blue Jays Spring Training

Ben and Stephen open today's show by discussing the news that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. might be open to playing some third base, according to Ross Atkins (00:04). They then bring on the Toronto Sun's Rob Longley to share his thoughts from Yusei Kikuchi's introductory press conference and the feeling around the players down in Dunedin, before pivoting to Cincinnati and discussing Joey Votto's future with the club (14:00). Afterwards, MLB Network's Jon Morosi stops by to chat about the free agency rumours around the league, including Freddie Freeman being heavily courted by at least six teams, and what the acquisition cost for Joey Votto might look like (34:08). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/15/202248 minutes, 52 seconds
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NFL & MLB Hot Stove with Arash Madani

Ben and Stephen are joined by Sportsnet's Arash Madani in-studio for the full hour today! The trio analyze the factors behind Tom Brady's return from retirement, the ongoing QB carousel in the NFL, the rumours surrounding the Blue Jays' interest in Freddie Freeman and the front office strategy ahead of this season (00:08). To wrap up, Arash discusses Petr Mrazek's tough stretch in goal, why GM Kyle Dubas needs to make a change, and looks ahead to Canada's World Cup qualifying on the pitch (25:22). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/14/202246 minutes, 39 seconds
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Freddie Freeman Rumours Continue to Heat Up

Ben and Stephen begin the week by discussing the swirling rumours that Freddie Freeman could be interested in signing with the Blue Jays. They discuss what a lineup with Freeman would look like, what a contract would look like for the 32-year-old first baseman, and whether or not the current social media sources can be trusted (01:40). They also break down the Yusei Kikuchi signing being made official, and bring on Sportsnet's Shi Davidi to try and corroborate the rumours (41:51). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/14/202250 minutes, 7 seconds
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Salary Shenanigans! Utilizing the Leafs' LTIR Space

TV Voice of the Blue Jays Buck Martinez checks in with Ben & Stephen from Florida to discuss the conversations he had today with several Blue Jays, specifically Bo Bichette, the team's World Series aspirations, and shares some insight into Mark Shapiro & Ross Atkins' team building blueprint (02:18). Finally, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli stops by for a chat on how the Leafs should utilize the long-term injury reserve to add to their roster, and weighs the potential that Toronto may do nothing at all at the trade deadline (27:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/12/202249 minutes, 16 seconds
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The One Position Vladdy Jr. Should Not Play

Ben and Stephen open today's show by taking a look around at MLB free agency and shopping for the Jays, before diving into why they feel Vlad Guerrero Jr. should not be used at DH and how the Leafs continue to find new ways to lose (09:11). Then, over to ESPN's Jesse Rogers for his take on what it was like covering the lockout, why he believes the Jays aren't the only AL East team searching an additional bat, and shares a snapshot of MLB's free agent market (38:24). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/11/202249 minutes, 1 second
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MLB Frenzy Begins! Who's Most Likely IN & OUT of Toronto?

The FAN Drive Time heads into overtime during our "Baseball is Back Special", and Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Ben & Stephen to dive into potential roster moves and rumours around the MLB including what's next for Freddie Freeman and the Blue Jays need for an infielder (01:40). Finally, our radio voice of the Blue Jays, Dunedin's own Ben Wagner, looks ahead to the 2022 season and meeting up with the team in mere days, before revealing why he believes Nate Pearson will be a part of the big-league roster (26:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/11/202249 minutes, 34 seconds
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2022 MLB Season Begins to Take Shape + Rob Manfred Live

Ben & Stephen are joined by Joe Siddall, Toronto Blue Jays TV analyst on Sportsnet, to recall what it was like to be a player in spring training during the last work stoppage, before sharing why he feels that today's agreement has significant upside for the players (00:49). Afterwards, we go live to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's press conference following the deal struck between the MLB and MLBA (27:33). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/11/202249 minutes, 9 seconds
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Baseball Is Back and the Union Is Broken

Baseball is back! Ben and Stephen celebrate MLB's announcement and dissect the details from today's story including what looked to be a breaking of the MLBPA after the team representatives opposed the executive committee (00:11). Former MLB executive David Samson then stops by to help explain how Scott Boras' involvement was not a good thing for the MLBPA (19:23). Later on, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi joins to takes us behind the scenes of how today's agreement came together and the apparent divide between the players, before looking ahead to the tidal wave of moves the next 72 hours may have in store (32:35). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/10/202248 minutes, 41 seconds
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MLB Cancels Two Additional Series After Deal Not Reached

Ben & Stephen are joined by MLB Network's Adnan Virk who, like many of us, was convinced a deal would be announced today between MLB & the MLBPA to discuss why the International Draft has slowed down today's negotiations (02:08). Later on, former Blue Jays executive and writer for The Athletic Keith Law stops by to share why the International Draft only helps MLB, before dissecting the corruption behind the scenes surrounding poaching young international prospects (28:23). To wrap up, the guys react to the news becoming official that, sadly, two additional series have been cancelled by MLB.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/10/202249 minutes
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Fair or Foul? How MLB's International Draft Factors Into the CBA

It's another day of waiting for baseball to return and Ben and Stephen open the show by breaking down the latest from today's negotiations. Soon after, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker hop into the studio to talk about their optimism for a new deal and how the International Draft has become an important aspect of a new CBA (14:30). Finally, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith takes us inside what's happening during today's bargaining sessions and suggests that the International Draft might be a tool that's used to divide the players (27:18).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/9/202248 minutes, 51 seconds
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Avoiding a MLB Impasse with Michael McCann

Seth Wickersham, Senior Writer for ESPN, joins Ben & Stephen to share his surprise after Aaron Rodgers chose to stay in Green Bay and Russell Wilson headed to Denver, and why he believes today's moves will not impact Tom Brady's return (02:01). Next up, legal analyst Michael McCann walks us through the potential strategy for the owners to declare an impasse, what MLB can learn from other pro leagues, and shares why the MLBPA de-certifying would lead to a missed season (15:17). Finally, we end with Jeff Blair who discusses why Apple is a terrific streaming partner for MLB, looks back on how MLB negotiations have gone in the past and why how he does not see a path where the players will ever "win" (25:08). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/9/202248 minutes, 18 seconds
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QB Floodgates Open as Wilson Departs & Rodgers Re-Signs

Ben & Stephen open with Major League Baseball teasing us once again with more negotiations and positive progress, before discussing the newly outlined MLB streaming deals and the flurry of QB news today with Aaron Rodgers staying in Green Bay and Russell Wilson heading to Denver (00:23). Finally, former MLB executive and host of the "Nothing Personal" podcast, David Samson shares the owners point of view and breaks down how it's a "smoke screen" when small market teams compete (26:45). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/8/202248 minutes, 14 seconds
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The NFL Has a Love/Hate Relationship With Gambling

We kick off the hour with Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk to examine the Calvin Ridley gambling story and why it's just the tip of the iceberg that fell into the NFL's lap. With the league relying so much on gambling it does not need a situation where the integrity of games are compromised (00:48). Later we check in with Ren Lavoie who looks at the deadline market and if a team is looking for a savior in net - they are not available. Ren also says Ben Chiarot is playing well enough to warrant a #1 pick but some are suggesting they won't get that price for him (15:28). Finally a chat with Michael Grange about one of the best rookie classes in years and where Scottie Barnes fits, the Raptors struggles, the issues with minutes and struggling without Fred VanVleet (33:54). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
3/8/202249 minutes, 14 seconds
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Andrew Raycroft on the Burden of Being a Leafs Goalie

Ben and Stephen open with breaking news that Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games. We look at other gambling controversies like Pete Rose and where this will eventually lead especially as sports and gambling becomes more legalized this year. Later, some baseball chat as more team execs are voicing displeasure and Stephen explains the strategy behind declaring an impasse. Finally a chat with former Leafs goalie Andrew Raycroft on Jack Campbell feeling the burden of being #1, lack of experience and how Covid and the lack of fans can impact performance (27:07). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
3/7/202249 minutes, 3 seconds
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Dan Shulman Ahead of Calling Coach K's Final Home Game

Ben and Stephen welcome Sportsnet's Shi Davidi who looks back at this weeks unsuccessful labour discussions in MLB, why it's clear the owners are following a script, and take a look at today's development potentially extending the playoff format to 14 teams (01:17). Finally, Dan Shulman returns to The FAN Drive Time and despite expressing anger and disappointment in MLB, he share his excitement ahead of being on the call for Coach Mike Krzyzewski's final home game for Duke University as he sets to retire (28:26).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/5/202249 minutes, 7 seconds
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How Sports Leverage Putin's Power with T.J. Quinn

Ben welcomes back Stephen after his time away - only to be greeted with war and an extended MLB lockout. The pair further discuss MLB's deal falling apart and outlines many areas where the owners have failed baseball fans (02:08). Later, they welcome in ESPN's TJ Quinn for an in-depth chat explaining how sports are a central aspect to Vladimir Putin's power in Russia (25:23).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/4/202249 minutes, 15 seconds
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Agent Dan Milstein’s POV on the CHL’s Import Draft Ban

We start with Justin Bourne (0:43) who dropped by our studios for a debate about rule changes and why he feels leagues get in the way of strategy much like MLB with the shift. Next up, NHLPA agent, Ukrainian born Dan Milstein (21:53) joins us to discuss the discrimination his clients are receiving as he represents 75% of Russian NHL players. Later a look at the suggested rule changes in MLB and if banning the shift is manipulating strategy or fair game. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/4/20221 hour, 11 minutes, 4 seconds
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Bo Bichette on Working with Tulo and Lockout Frustration

Bo Bichette from the Blue Jays joins Ben Ennis and Arash Madani to share his concerns over the lockout, how hard it is to watch it from the sidelines, how he's staying ready until the end of the lockout and working with former Blue Jay Troy Tulowitzki. Then, Jesse Rogers from ESPN on what it was like covering the MLB negotiations in Florida, and how a more private setting in New York City might be much more effective. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/3/202226 minutes, 25 seconds
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Can Rob Manfred Fix His Image Problem?

Ben and Arash check in with Adnan Virk who is heartbroken over the MLB labour dispute continuing - especially with some games now cancelled - and takes a look at why Tom Brady is still in NFL headlines (0:16).  Later, lawyer and baseball labour author Eugene Freedman goes behind the scenes of the labour dispute and discusses why Ron Manfred has rubbed everyone the wrong way, both publicly and behind closed doors (26:34).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/3/202248 minutes, 37 seconds
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Behind the Scenes of CBA Reporting with Elliotte Friedman

Ben Ennis and Arash Madani are joined in-studio by Elliotte Friedman, who looks back on covering labour disputes, the challenges that accompany such reporting, and why commissioners are great shields for owners of any sport (0:15). Elliotte also breaks down the evolution of watching games in a stadium, and the move towards more of a lounge atmosphere. Afterwards, MLB Network's Jim Duquette stops by to compare Bud Selig and Rob Manfred, and how MLB franchise owners might not actually feel the financial strain for at least another month (27:06).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/2/202248 minutes, 32 seconds
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MLBPA Responds to Rob Manfred Amid Lockout

Ben and Arash are joined by Jeff Blair to hear his instant reaction on the lockout news today and why he feels that Rob Manfred is also fighting some of the owners with the recent cancellation of games (02:15). Later, voice of the Blue Jays Buck Martinez shares his thoughts on the recent news and questions the owners' statement that teams don’t produce enough money (16:03). Finally, we share live coverage of the MLBPA's news conference including Executive Director Tony Clark and pitchers Max Scherzer and Andrew Miller (27:45). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/2/202250 minutes, 21 seconds
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MLB Cancels Opening Day After Deadline Passes

Ben Ennis & Arash Madani open by reacting to today's MLB news after talks did not produce an agreement and the first two series' of the season were cancelled. We start off live from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's press conference live as he explains what led up to the cancellation of games (07:18). Later on, Ben Nicholson-Smith reacts to the extension of MLB's lockout and expresses his displeasure after a deal was not made today (29:43). Finally, World Series Champion Will Middlebrooks joins the conversation to share his perspective on how sad today is for baseball players and fans (38:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/1/202249 minutes, 9 seconds
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Dallas Braden on MLB Lockout: A Tragedy Unfolding in Real Time

Ben & Arash start the hour with former pitcher and co-host of the "Starting 9" podcast Dallas Braden as he expresses his displeasure with what's occurring in baseball as the lockout continues, and breaks down the negotiations from a player's point of view (01:20). Afterwards, we hear from an owner's perspective as former MLB executive David Samson joins to look into the role that agent Scott Boras is playing in these negotiations (16:45). Finally, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi gives his take on the ongoing labour negotiations and speaks to the levers that the owners have at their disposal to take advantage of the players (34:16). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
3/1/202248 minutes, 57 seconds
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Russia Suspended Across International Competitions

It’s "deadline" day in baseball and Ben and Arash start today's show by reflecting on the ever-changing timeline during the lockout and explain why even after more negative talks, the potential for a new deal still exists (02:15). Later on, former Team Canada goaltender Craig Forrest joins to outline FIFA's latest sanctions against Russia and expresses why it's difficult to discuss any sporting news meaningfully when there is so much suffering going on abroad (14:23). Finally, Sportsnet's Alvin Williams chats about the Raptors' sluggish start after the All-Star break, the advice he’d give rookie Scottie Barnes, and compares Ben Simmons' upcoming return to Philly to Vince Carter's welcome in his first trip back to Toronto (25:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/28/202246 minutes, 22 seconds
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How Putin Uses Sports for Power

Back from covering the Olympics in Beijing, Christine Brennan recaps her breaking story with Russian doping during figure skating and how it’s the #2 all time crisis outside of Tonya and Nancy in 1994. she gives her thoughts on Russia, their ties to the IOC and how the only way Russia gets banned is when sponsors start to pull out of the games (1:56). Later we head to Charlotte where Doug Smith is with the Raptors. Fred VanVleet is banged up and now OG Anunoby has a finger injury. Then a chat about DeMar’s MVP push and why he still remains so popular in Toronto (22:05). Finally, author Tim Wharnsby on his book about the 2002 Team Canada Olympic Gold and how in 1998 Bobby Clarke pushed Hockey Canada to make sure Wayne Gretzky was involved and that he ended up playing such a significant role in the win (38:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/26/202249 minutes, 14 seconds
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MLB Playing a Risky Game With Fans

Ben and Arash open with Alex Ovechkin meeting the media today, asking for peace and addressing the situation between Russia and Ukraine. The guys discuss the Atlanta Brave's $100 million profits and other baseball happenings. Then Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic on the lockout, why it’s complicated to break down into key points and why the players stance is absolutely hardened. Ken also questions the “return of fans” who may react even harsher than 1994 (27:35).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/25/202248 minutes, 50 seconds
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Fired to be Hired: Why Bob Murray's Hiring is Problematic

Frank Seravalli, President of Hockey Content at Daily Faceoff, joins Ben & Arash to discuss the march to the trade deadline and the options on the table for the Leafs, before diving into the issues behind Bob Murray's hiring in Calgary after being fired in Anaheim for mistreatment of staff (00:20). Later on, they chat with Michael Grange about Goran Dragic's comments about his time in Toronto, before looking ahead to the second half of the NBA season with stories surrounding Ben Simmons, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and especially LeBron James (26:05). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/25/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Inside Alex Ovechkin's Influence in Russia

With Stephen away, Ben hosts alongside Arash Madani to chat about the tensions in baseball today after labour talks made little progress again, before taking a quick look at Troy Aikman possibly leaving FOX for ESPN. Afterwards, they are joined by Slava Malamud, a journalist reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He describes his personal history with Alex Ovechkin, why they are not on speaking terms, Ovechkin's immense influence in Russia and the power he has to enact change (26:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/24/202248 minutes, 42 seconds
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The Canadian Connection: Freddie Freeman to the Jays?

Ben & Stephen are joined by Adnan Virk, still suffering an Olympic hangover, to discuss the pros and cons of sports in different time zones, why he feels Aaron Rodgers is still too good to retire, and if Freddie Freeman would fit well with the Toronto Blue Jays (00:14). Later on, Shi Davidi explains how MLB could sacrifice April games for an expanded playoff structure, how the players view that possibility, and shares an update ahead of MLB's "deadline" for a deal (26:39). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/24/202248 minutes, 28 seconds
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Solidifying Toronto's Goalie Tandem with Mike Futa

Ben and Stephen open today's show by discussing the Leafs' struggles of late and the impact of moving Jake Muzzin to the LTIR, before diving into MLB's latest labour discussions and if Freddie Freeman would fit with the Blue Jays (05:01). Later on, Senior Consultant to General Manager in Carolina, Mike Futa joins to share why he believes that Jack Campbell was negatively affected playing without fans in the stands, and weighs in on Jake Muzzin's injury and the difficulty of managing a concussion (28:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/23/202248 minutes, 19 seconds
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Being On and Off The Record with Alan Shipnuck

Ben and Stephen chat with the recently retired Steve Armitage, who discusses what went into his decision to call it a career, and looks back on some of his most memorable calls (0:19). Sportsnet's own Jeff Blair stops by to take a look at the latest round of negotiations between MLB and the Players Association, and if there's still hope the baseball season starts on time (15:17). Finally, Alan Shipnuck breaks down his war of words with Phil Mickelson, who was quoted for a book and then claimed those quotes were off the record (39:28).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/23/202248 minutes, 34 seconds
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Playing and Partying Hard with Brianne Jenner

Ben and Stephen discuss Jake Muzzin's latest injury, whether or not his history of concussions this season alone is cause for concern, and when we might see him on the ice again. NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger continues the conversation on the Muzzin injury, and more on the Leafs' backup goaltending issues (28:05). Later, gold medalist Brianne Jenner breaks down arriving home from Beijing, playing hard and partying hard as well (while following restrictions), and what's next for the future of women's hockey in Canada and North America at large (39:54).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/22/202248 minutes, 20 seconds
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Baseball’s Hidden Deadline Begins to Surface

TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie joins Ben & Stephen from Montreal to help tee-up tonight's Leafs-Habs matchup, explains the Canadiens' latest hiring of Vincent Lecavalier, the impact Martin St Louis has made in his short time behind the bench and the ideal return for Ben Chiarot (00:39). Later, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith shares an optimistic look at MLB's labour talks and why today's long meeting is sign of good news to come, before sorting through the Blue Jays' potential options to add to their roster around the diamond (27:29). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/22/202248 minutes, 37 seconds
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Money for Medals: The Secret Behind a Successful Olympics

Ben and Stephen kick off today's Family Day show by looking back on the NBA All-Star weekend festivities, before sharing a positive update on MLB's labour talks and recapping Canada's final medal count in the Beijing Games (00:32). Later on, CBC's Scott Russell adds to the conversation and reflects on the 2022 Winter Olympics, before discussing why he believes Vancouver has a great chance at hosting in 2030 and the real-world impact of the "Own the Podium" program (26:26). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/21/202248 minutes, 47 seconds
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COVID as a Cover: A Dangerous Precedent Set During the Beijing Games

Ben & Stephen live up to their promise to have some actual baseball talk today, instead of the usual lockout discussion. Enter: Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling to share his deep dive into the Blue Jays' roster construction, how the infield and bullpen will shape up ahead of opening day, and sorts through some of the best free agent options still available (00:53). Later we head to Beijing with CBC's Adrienne Arsenault to give us a glimpse into China during the Games, why it's dangerous to use "COVID as a cover”, and shares how the pandemic served as a convenient way to repress protests (28:49). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/19/202248 minutes, 43 seconds
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Gold Medalist Max Parrot on His Olympic Journey

Ben and Stephen start Friday's show by looking back on the first Maple Leafs game with fans since 2021, and reflect on how much we take for granted the impact fans have even when viewing sports at home (03:42). Later, after winning Canada's first Gold Medal in 2022 (plus a bronze as well), we are joined by Max Parrot on the heels of his stellar performance in Beijing! He looks back his journey beating cancer and his experience working his way back from a hospital bed to the top step of the podium (27:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/18/202249 minutes, 2 seconds
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MLB Meets with Players...for 15 Minutes

Ben and Stephen bring on ESPN's Jesse Rogers to discuss the ongoing negotiations between Major League Baseball and the Players Association, and how today's meeting barely lasted 15 minutes (1:34). Postmedia's Scott Stinson joins from Beijing, as he discusses the aftermath of the Canadian national women's team winning gold over their American rivals (27:48). Finally, Raceline Radio's Erik Tomas discusses Canadian Jacques Villeneuve qualifying for the Daytona 500 at the tender age of 50 (39:06).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/18/202248 minutes, 42 seconds
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This Olympic Hockey Gold Feels Different

Ben and Stephen break down Canada's thrilling gold medal win over the United States in women's hockey at the Olympics. Colby Armstrong, Sportsnet Analyst and former linemate of Sidney Crosby, discusses Crosby's 500th goal and how he compares to all others who have accomplished that feat (15:57). Cassie Campbell-Pascall, former Olympic champion and current consultant with Team Canada, discusses the gold medal in Beijing for the women's national team and Marie-Philip Poulin's case for being the greatest female player of all time (28:50).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/17/202248 minutes, 42 seconds
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Kurt Browning's View on Figure Skating's Doping Scandal

Kurt Browning talks about the challenges keeping figure skating clean with the Russian team being involved, but agrees that a skater that is 15 is still a kid and should be allowed to skate (00:55).  Later we check in with Jennifer Botterill ahead of the Canada/USA Gold Medal game (26:23). Then it's over to Las Vegas with Gary Lawless as Jack Eichel will be making his debut this evening. Then a debate about salary cap manipulation (36:15).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/17/202248 minutes, 57 seconds
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When Sports Parents Become Bad Parents

Ben and Stephen open with Olympic hockey and how disappointment for the men's team could turn to happiness for the women with a win tonight. Then a chat about bad sports parents and the idea that if the kids make the pros it’s seen as “tough love” whereas if they don’t make it, they’re abusive. Later some audio from Mike Florio who suggests Tom Brady could return as soon as this season with the 49ers. Adnan Virk on the Olympics, cheering for Canada while in the US and the Canadian behind Ghostbusters passed away this week (38:16).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/16/202248 minutes, 36 seconds
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Opioids in MLB: Why Teams Need to Take Accountability

Ben & Stephen are joined by former MLB executive David Samson to discuss how teams are failing their players by not addressing opioid use, comments on Tyler Skaggs ongoing trial, and shares when he's projecting baseball to start their season (01:45). Finally, Postmedia's Dan Barnes joins us live from Beijing to break down Canada's Olympic performance so far, and why he is not concerned about the lack of gold medals compared to past year's totals (26:34).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/16/202248 minutes, 39 seconds
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The Latest Excuse in the ROC Figure Skating Scandal

Ben and Stephen kick off the show alongside Justin Bourne in-studio for a chat about Mitch Marner's appreciation in Toronto, our super “rookie” Michael Bunting and his terrific season, why the Seattle Kraken are bad - even for an expansion team (00:06). Later, the pair look towards Canada’s Olympics performance and how the Russian figure skating scandal took a turn with an athlete “accidentally” taking her grandfathers medicine (20:39). To close, the guys discuss Ben Simmons joining the Brooklyn Nets for a practice and why his mental health has been criticized by some in the media (42:48). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/15/202248 minutes, 34 seconds
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Why Canada Is Stuck on One Gold Medal

Ben and Stephen are joined by Marc Ross from NFL Network who explains why “copycat” teams don’t work in football, how owners differ from each other, the Bengals it’s traditional and simple with stars on cheap rookie deals but the Rams went all in and spent big (00:31). Nick Murray from the CBC explains the Canadian “Own The Podium” program and why it appears so far that Canada is far behind expectations when it comes to Gold Medals and why the Russians who already tested positive are still allowed to compete in Beijing (26:53).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/15/202249 minutes, 14 seconds
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No Love Between MLB Players and Owners on Valentine's Day

Ben and Stephen review the incredible half time show before digging into the game and commenting about the debate over the game MVP, Kupp or Donald? And will Sean McVay stay in coaching or is the pull to ESPN too much to resist if the salary is the same. Plus, on Valentines Day there “no love” between MLB and the PA. Shi Davidi gives his thoughts on the latest talks not going over well (27:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/14/202249 minutes, 13 seconds
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Was Mike Tyson's K.O. the Greatest Upset in Sports History?

Ben & Stephen are joined by snowboarder and CBC analyst Craig McMorris  to discuss the controversial scoring in the sport on the heels of his brother Mark saying he felt his bronze medal should have been a gold (00:43). Next up, Sportsnet's Arash Madani stops by to share his favourite prop bets ahead of Super Bowl Sunday and weighs in on which side he believes will walk away as champions (15:37). Later on, Stephen Brunt reflects on the Mike Tyson's historic upset against Buster Douglas 32 years ago today (33:17). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/12/202248 minutes, 41 seconds
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Super Sunday On & Off the Field with Amy Trask

Ben and Stephen start off by sorting through the best prop bets and storylines heading into Super Bowl Sunday, before weighing in on the changing media landscape in the NFL next season (02:52). Later on, former Raiders CEO and current Analyst for CBS Sports Amy Trask joins us from radio row in Los Angeles to weigh in on Aaron Donald's throwback style of play, why it’s inaccurate to focus too much on sack numbers as opposed to the total impact of the defence, and shares why the late Al Davis was a trailblazer for diversity in the NFL (25:59). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/11/202248 minutes, 38 seconds
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Sifting Through the NHL Coaching Changes with Frank Seravalli

Ben and Stephen open with Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli to discuss why the Oilers finally decided to make a coaching change with Dave Tippett, and shares his takeaways from Martin St Louis' media availability today (00:14). Later on, fresh off the MLB owners meeting, we speak with the New York Post's Ken Davidoff to explain why the mood has turned pessimistic of late (20:54). To wrap up, the guys look towards Beijing to share an update on the Olympics and why Stephen feels Jack Crawford is the story of the games so far (33:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/11/202248 minutes, 49 seconds
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Raptors Roll The Dice Without Depth

Ben and Stephen discuss a busy NBA Trade Deadline day including the Raptors' finally ridding themselves of Goran Dragic and Ben Simmons and James Harden swapping teams, before breaking down Rob Manfred's comments and the Oilers' firing of Head Coach Dave Tippett (00:31). Later, a chat with Doug Smith of The Toronto Star about what to expect from Thaddeus Young and the blockbuster Harden-Simmons deal (25:20). Finally, the pair look into the Coyotes new arena deal with Arizona State University and what a pro hockey team will look like in front of 5,000 or less capacity (35:43). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/10/202249 minutes, 14 seconds
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How Canada May Benefit From a Positive Drug Test in Beijing

Ben and Stephen are joined by former Raptors GM Glen Grunwald to talk about what it’s like around the trade deadline, how to know the truth from reality, and how rumours play a part in trade conversations (00:57). We hear a portion of Roger Goodell's media conference, where Jim Trotter grilled the Commissioner for the lack of minorities in the NFL and NFL Media offices. Finally, Christine Brennan from USA Today joins the show after breaking the first doping story at the Olympics involving Russian figure skaters (32:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/10/202248 minutes, 36 seconds
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What Led the Habs to Hire Martin St. Louis?

Ben and Stephen open with the breaking news of the Montreal Canadiens firing head coach, Dom Ducharme, then announcing Martin St Louis as the interim replacement. Ren Lavoie from TV-A Sports broke the St Louis hiring and he talks about why so many people were upset after the Habs 7-1 loss to the Devils, the players sent the message that they were done with the coach, and that Kent Hughes feels he has the potential to be the next Rod Brind’Amour (16:31). Adnan Virk breaks down the Oscar nominations from this week and the coverage of the Olympics and how many have been open about discussing China’s human rights (33:05).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate. 
2/9/202248 minutes, 41 seconds
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Are the Leafs and Lightning on a Collision Course?

Ben and Stephen are joined Tim Micallef of Tim and Friends to take a closer look at the NHL playoff format and how the Leafs are destined to draw a Florida team, before sharing his thoughts on the upcoming Bengals-Rams Super Bowl matchup (00:14). Later, they speak with Post Media's Scott Stinson live from Beijing surrounding what it has been like to navigate China during the pandemic and the challenges he's facing while covering the Olympics (25:09). Finally, former Olympian Brian Stemmle weighs in on Canadian Olympian Jack Crawford, who barely missed a medal in the men’s downhill, and shares why it’s seen as one of the marquee events of the games (35:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/9/202248 minutes, 47 seconds
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The Toronto Heater; When Every Team in the City Heats Up

Ben and Stephen open today's show by reflecting on the good times in the streets of Toronto as the Leafs and Raptors are both riding six-game winning streaks, the Jays are still contenders, and TFC & the Argonauts have added big names of their own this off-season. Frank Isola of Sirius XM and ESPN then joins to chat about the NBA trade deadline, the wide open Eastern Conference, and why the Nets are in no rush to deal James Harden (05:43). Finally, The FAN Morning Show's Ailish Forfar shares what we learned about Canada in their win over the USA late Monday night, before discussing the growing gap between the elite hockey nations and those still developing (22:50). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/8/202248 minutes, 49 seconds
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Canada's First Ski Jumping Medal...Ever

Ben and Stephen are joined by Ski Jumping Canada's Executive Director Sian Bolton to discuss Canada's bronze medal in the event, the first non-European medal for ski jumping since 1924 (0:52). Later, ESPN's Jesse Rogers sheds some more light on the story he helped to break on the Blackhawks and a trainer who was fired amidst sexual assault allegations (24:49). Afterwards, a conversation on the labour dispute in baseball between owners and players, and why service time manipulation has been a key issue thus far.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/8/202248 minutes, 33 seconds
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Do All-Star Events Try Too Hard?

Ben and Stephen kick off the show by breaking down NHL All-Star Weekend with Nick Kypreos, as they debate why the festivities aren't for them any more (0:18). The trio discuss the return of Frederik Andersen with the Hurricanes and Jake Muzzin still not being ready to return post-concussion. Later, Ben and Stephen examine the Winter Olympics and Canada's results so far, and look ahead to the NBA's trade deadline on Thursday.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/7/202248 minutes, 23 seconds
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Inside Canada's 2030 Olympic Bid with Chief Wayne Sparrow

Ben and Stephen are joined by ESPN's Howard Bryant to go through the latest on Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL, and shares his takeaways after hearing Stephen Ross and John Elway respond to the matter (00:10). Next up, The Athletic's Evan Drellich discusses the news today that the players rejected the latest offer from MLB to consider mediation (19:48). Finally, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow on the pursuit of the Olympics returning to Vancouver in 2030 and how this is the first ever Indigenous led bid (29:43). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/5/202248 minutes, 47 seconds
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Fred VanVleet’s Imprint on Toronto Sports History

Ben and Stephen discuss the latest in MLB news after the most recent CBA mediation was rejected, share their Olympic excitement following the Opening Ceremonies for Beijing, and why Fred VanVleet making the All-Star Team has become one of the greatest stories in Toronto sports history. Later, Sportsnet's Michael Grange weighs in on Fred's journey to becoming an All-Star, shares his outlook on the Raptors' ahead of the trade deadline next week, and discusses if James Harden may be on the move in a potential Ben Simmons deal (25:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/4/202248 minutes, 35 seconds
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Tanking in Sports Now Has a Different Meaning

Ben and Stephen are joined by DailyFaceoff.com's Frank Seravalli with a revamped NHL All-Star Game, and what it takes to get extra eyeballs during the Super Bowl's off week. Afterwards, the trio discuss the Rocky Wirtz' outburst at the Blackhawks' town hall, and what the organization has to do going forward (3:09). Later, Dave Zirin from Edge of Sports on Brian Flores launching a lawsuit against the NFL, the mishandling of Black coaches, and the allegations surrounding coaches being offered cash to throw games (25:21)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/4/202248 minutes, 49 seconds
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The Beginning of the Beijing Winter Olympics

Ben and Stephen open the show by discussing the coming Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics, which begin tomorrow morning. CBC's Scott Russell joins to look ahead to the games and the off-field protests and statements (7:58). Afterwards, they break down the always entertaining potential for a Canada/USA matchup in women and men's hockey, and why there are no shootouts for the gold medal. Later, James Sharman discusses another Canada Soccer win in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, including the most bizarre goal you'll ever see (28:51).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/3/202248 minutes, 47 seconds
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Jim Burrow on Joe's Icy Demeanour

Ben and Stephen speak with Adnan Virk about covering the Olympics for NBC and Peacock and then his shock that Brian Flores sacrifice his entire NFL career with his suit and the accusations of money for lost games (00:13). Later, Dr. Nick Bontis, President of Canada Soccer on how tonight’s game almost didn’t happen and his conversations with FIFA and CONCACAF leading up to the game (19:55). Finally, Joe Burrow's dad, Jim, reflects on his son’s quick rise from Heisman to the Super Bowl in just 2 years (30:45).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/3/202249 minutes, 12 seconds
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How Canada vs El Salvador Almost Didn’t Happen

Ben and Stephen are joined by Oliver Platt from ONE Soccer on why El Salvador was on the verge of refusing to play tonight against Canada, but then after consultation and meeting with government officials it looks like the game is back on (4:14). Next up, Greg Cote from The Miami Herald on why the NFL might have to remove Stephen Ross as Dolphins owner if allegations in the Brian Flores lawsuit are proven to be true (26:37).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
2/2/202249 minutes, 16 seconds
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Will Carey Price Play Hockey Again?

Ben and Stephen are joined by Ren Lavoie (0:11) to discuss Carey Price's health, and his future with the Canadiens. Later, a chat with Donnovan Bennett (19:50) about Black History Month and the content plans for Sportsnet. Finally, Jarrett Bell (26:38) from USA Today on the bombshell story of former coach Brian Flores suing the NFL and why it was inevitable that this was going to happen. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/2/202248 minutes, 54 seconds
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NFL Faces Lawsuit Alleging Racism & Throwing Games

Ben and Stephen open with the breaking news surrounding former NFL coach Brian Flores after he filed a lawsuit against the NFL for discrimination and racism during an interview process, along with being paid to throw games while coaching in Miami. On the heels of Tom Brady's retirement announcement, his former teammate and three-time Super Bowl Champion Matt Chatham joins to look back on his time in the NFL with Tom and shares some stories from his New England days (21:25). Finally, Sara Walsh from NFL Network speaks about her experience covering Brady during the two years he spent with Tampa Bay (37:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/1/202248 minutes, 43 seconds
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Is Canada The Best Team in CONCACAF?

Ben and Stephen are joined by Team Canada's head coach John Herdman (3:16) to discuss the men's win over the U.S., sharing an emotional moment with goalkeeper Milan Borjan, and how the team is preparing for their next match again El Salvador. Later, James Sharman (15:56) checks in and the group discuss the rise of coach Herdman and how much he will be in demand from other clubs and countries. Finally, Ben Volin (27:02) of The Boston Globe looks at potential end to Tom Brady's career and Super Bowl LVI matchup. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
2/1/202249 minutes, 18 seconds
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From Underdog to Top Dog: The Improbable Rise of Canadian Men's Soccer

Ben and Stephen rejoice as the Drive Time duo return to the studio today and chat about Canada's 2-0 win over the United States in World Cup Qualifying action. They are then joined by Alexi Lalas, FOX Sports analyst former Captain of Team USA, to discuss the growth of the Canadian program and the budding rivalry between Canada & the United States (15:18). To wrap up, the guys take an in-depth look at the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and L.A. Rams, before reflecting on Rafael Nadal becoming the first player to win 21 Grand Slams with his win at the Aussie Open (25:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/31/202248 minutes, 14 seconds
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What's Next for Rodgers and Brady?

Soccer journalist Grant Wahl (0:16) joins Ben and Stephen to discuss the state of soccer in North America, what is at stake between the U.S. and Canada in their qualifying match, and why Team Canada is the biggest story in the world. Then, Former Packers executive Andrew Brandt (27:11) shares his thoughts on the coaching changes across the NFL and what's in the future for Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/29/202249 minutes, 17 seconds
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Canada/USA Rivalry Heads to the Soccer Pitch

Ben and Stephen open by chatting about Canada's historic win over Honduras in World Cup qualifying, Evander Kane's media availability in Edmonton today, and if Rafael Nadal can become the first tennis great to win their 21st major tournament (00:13). Later, Oliver Platt from One Soccer joins to discuss Canada's win Thursday evening in San Pedro Sula, fending off Honduras' late push to win the match 2-0 (28:43). To wrap up, the fellas consider if Rogers Centre should alter it's centre field configuration on the heels of Baltimore changing Camden Yards' dimensions this offseason (43:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/28/202248 minutes, 37 seconds
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20 Years After the Rooney Rule, the NFL Has One Black Coach

Ben and Stephen are joined by ESPN's Greg Wyshynski who takes a look at Evander Kane to the Oilers, the Coyotes finding a new home for next season and why he believes the Leafs will at least win a playoff round (2:48). Then Marc Ross from NFL Network on the NFL coaching stories, who is the most attractive team and attractive candidate, Eric Bieniemy getting overlooked remains a mystery and Marc says it's impossible not to put a light on racism and coaching hires (15:43). Finally,  Ron MacLean joins the show ahead of this weekend's Hockey Day in Canada and the adjustments they had to make because of Covid-19 and using the platform to address issues in hockey and especially the acts of racism that continue across all levels of the game (30:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/28/202249 minutes, 21 seconds
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Craig Forrest on What Makes John Herdman Special

Ben and Stephen open with news that Evander Kane is joining the Oilers, preview tonight's Canada vs Honduras game, and discuss the news that Rogers has no plan to sell the Blue Jays. Then a chat with Craig Forrest on what it's like to play in Honduras, the strategy that we might see John Herdman use this evening and why he has been such a great coach and recruiter (28:04). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/27/202248 minutes, 52 seconds
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Team Canada's Gameplan Without Alphonso Davies

Ben and Stephen are joined by Frank Seravalli (2:15) weighs in on which player from Team Canada should we watch for at the Beijing Games and why the women's tournament never fails to deliver. Later, Kristian Jack (16:53) from One Soccer on how Canada soccer's men's team will set up their squad against Honduras and then the U.S. on Sunday. Finally, Michael Grange (27:39) on his sit down with Fred VanVleet on a recent road trip and his hopes for being named an All-Star. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/27/202248 minutes, 56 seconds
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The One Topic Brunt Refuses to Engage In

Ben & Stephen open today's show by looking back on the reaction to the Hall of Fame vote yesterday and go over Team Canada's rocky soccer history against Honduras ahead of the team's match Thursday in San Pedro Sula. The guys then discuss the strong showing from Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger Aliassime in the ATP Cup, and what to expect from Jack Campbell in the crease for the Maple Leafs moving forward (16:50). Next up, Adnan Virk joins us for his weekly chat to share his review of "American Underdog" and various sports biopics, before discussing the Hall of Fame vote and what to expect during this weekend's AFC and NFC Conference Championships (29:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/26/202249 minutes, 16 seconds
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And The Single Hall of Fame Nominee Is...

Ben and Stephen bring on Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss the heated labour talks in the world of baseball, the idea that Hall of Fame debates have gotten less fun, and reaction to the news that the year's lone inductee is David Ortiz (1:16). Afterwards, they're joined by the Leafs' Mark Fraser, who talks about the importance of having open conversations around racism in the world of hockey, and how he was encouraged by the progress that was made (25:35). The New York Times' Christopher Clarey joins from Australia to discuss the anger of Denis Shapovalov vs. Rafael Nadal last night, and looks ahead to Felix Auger-Aliassme's quarter-finals match (40:03).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/26/202248 minutes, 37 seconds
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Inducting a Person vs. Inducting Statistics

Ben and Stephen open with the latest on baseball's lockout and why there is plenty to be encouraged by this week as negotiations continue, and discuss the coming Hall of Fame announcement. They bring on former MLB executive David Samson to break down why he feels the owners and players are getting closer, why the Montreal/Tampa deal fell apart, and whether or not MLB will eventually return to Montreal at all (26:07).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/25/202248 minutes, 56 seconds
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The Power in Speaking Up

Ben and Stephen are joined by David Amber and talk about the racist acts that have occurred in hockey over the last few days and the importance of having the conversation.  Finally, Arash Madani checks in to knock around Aaron Rodgers, the wild run by Canadians at the Aussie Open and why this is the best chance for Shapo to eliminate Nadal (27:06). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/25/202249 minutes, 38 seconds
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Heartbreak in Buffalo

Ben and Stephen open discussing a tremendous weekend in the NFL which culminated in a tough loss for the Bills and cover some decent news regarding MLB labour talks. Next, they speak with Howard Simon from WGR 550AM Buffalo and talk about how the city is still incredibly numb after that wild loss to Kansas City (24:58). The boys are then joined by Eric Smith who is celebrating 25 years at The FAN, while simultaneously mourning the Bills' loss.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/24/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Robot Umps Are One Step Away From MLB

Ben and Stephen take a look at some interesting MLB stories including a counter proposal coming Monday by the MLBPA and Robo Umps coming to Triple A baseball, now just a single step away from MLB. Damien Cox of The Toronto Star on Sheldon Keefe's emotions when calling the soft this week, why the door is open for Shapo at the Aussie Open, and the new look of tennis post Fed-Rafa-Novak (31:03).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/22/202249 minutes, 22 seconds
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Dave Tippett Deserves an Upgrade in Net

Ben and Stephen welcome Mark Spector from Edmonton where the Oilers are in full freefall mode, he mentions a coaching change is pointless right now since they don't have a goalie, and he feels Tippett is owed an opportunity to turn this around with an upgrade in net (7:07). Next,  Nate Geary from WGR joins the show to preview the Bills and Chiefs matchup and for many on the team and in the organization this is their last chance (27:45).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/21/202249 minutes, 19 seconds
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Limited Spectators Allowed for Canada vs. USA

Ben and Stephen welcome Joshua Kloke from The Athletic (13:40) with the news today that Canada Soccer has been given a green light to have fans attend the January 30th game vs. USA at Tim Horton's Field. Next, Ian Eagle from CBS (24:44) on calling Bills-Patriots and watching a history altering performance. Finally, Stephen Brunt reveals that he's writing a book with Christine Sinclair, to discuss her journey and the rise of the women's game.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/21/202249 minutes, 14 seconds
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Tampa Bay-Montreal Project Put on Pause

Ben and Stephen are joined by The FAN's Jeff Marek to chat about the Leafs' recent loss to the Rangers and why it is so concerning to hear Sheldon Keefe use the term "soft" to describe his team (06:57). Later, the guys welcome in Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times after he broke the news that the MLB shut down the idea of a Montreal-Tampa Bay split, and discusses the lack of clarity from MLB as both sides felt like they got the rug pulled out beneath them (30:02).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/20/202248 minutes, 38 seconds
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Amy Trask Reflects on the 20th Anniversary of the "Tuck Rule"

Ben opens with Amy Trask from CBS and the former Raiders CEO to look back on the Tuck Rule on its 20th Anniversary. Later, Shi Davidi details how the Jays should wait no longer and find ways to extend Vladdy and Bo (15:04).  Next, a chat with the goalie guru Kevin Woodley from NHL.com, who breaks down Jack Campbell's improvement, rebound control and how he has been reducing any unnecessary movements (29:10). Finally, Adam Stanley on the start of the 2022 PGA season, Tiger watch and top Canadians to follow (41:24). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/20/202249 minutes, 46 seconds
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Do Steroids Belong in the Hall of Fame?

Ben is working solo today with Stephen Brunt off. We open the show with his former broadcast partner JD Bunkis as they dissect where the Leafs and Raptors stand, the surprise start of Scottie Barnes and whether or not Jack Campbell can keep up this pace. Then Adnan Virk defends tennis from JD's earlier insults before discussing if the 49ers gave up on Jimmy G too soon, and then talks about how baseball might have back-to-back years without any Hall of Fame inductees. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/19/202249 minutes, 12 seconds
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The Raptors' Deadline Mindset with Brian Windhorst

Renaud Lavoie joins the show to discuss the Canadiens' hiring of Kent Hughes as the team's new GM, what he knows about Hughes, Carey Price's future in Montreal and the goaltender's contract (0:40). Afterwards, Brian Windhorst discusses how Nick Nurse always gets a lot out of his roster, where this leaves the Raptors when it comes to a push this season, and how there is value - no matter the result - in getting some playoff experience for Scottie Barnes (18:45). Finally, a chat with baseball insider and former Blue Jays AGM Keith Law on the scouting and drafting of young players and how owners are finding ways to spend less and how that's taking advantage of people (34:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/19/202249 minutes, 40 seconds
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The Search Is on for a New MLSE President

Ben and Stephen open with a discussion about the Habs' new GM Kent Hughes, before pivoting to the Raptors and how the team has gotten to the point where perhaps they are looking to win now and not later. Next, the guys discuss MLSE and how the search is now on for a new president and CEO (18:30). Later, Ben and Stephen are joined by Richard Peddie, the former president of MLSE, who explains the role, why it has changed and how teams like the Leafs, Raptors and TFC used to report to the president instead of a board (26:53).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/18/202249 minutes, 15 seconds
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Kyle Lowry Misses First Meeting Against Raptors

Ben and Stephen are joined by Alvin Williams (10:54) to discuss the Raptors first meeting against the Miami Heat without Kyle Lowry in the lineup and the lingering absence of Goran Dragic. Then, discuss Christine Sinclair's media availability after getting a special award from FIFA and what is next in her playing career (24:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/18/202248 minutes, 39 seconds
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On-Field Account of the Big Win in Buffalo

Ben Ennis is back alongside Stephen Brunt to discuss today's massive snowstorm, the NFL playoff slate and the Bills' perfect game, and Stephen's distaste for the Dallas Cowboys ever since being a child. Later, the pair detail what's on the horizon for Novak Djokovic in 2022 and questions if Canada will welcome him to play in the Rogers Cup this year (20:44). Next up, Sal Capaccio from WGR550 shares his first-hand experience from the sidelines in Buffalo, describes why it meant so much to defeat the Patriots, and why Ryan Fitzpatrick still loves the city so much even as a player for another team (27:04). Finally, International Scout for the Blue Jays Andrew Tinnish shares an update live from the Dominican Republic and details the team's recent signings and potential options to upgrade at the catcher position (39:09). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/17/202249 minutes, 5 seconds
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Team Canada's Identity Without Alphonso Davies

Arash and Stephen welcome former Toronto FC and Team Canada captain Dwayne DeRosario to discuss how the team will manage with the news of Alphonso Davies being out of action for at least the next 3 WCQ games, playing without fans and his desire to at some point have a real role with the team (6:12). Conor Orr of MMQB and SI previews the NFL playoffs, explains why so many are hot on the Bills and how the rest of the NFL has caught up to the Chiefs (30:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/15/202249 minutes, 33 seconds
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The Djokovic Saga Continues in Australia

Arash and Stephen open with the news that Alphonso Davies will miss the next 3 WCQ games for Team Canada, they go through the depth of the team and how they will manage without their top star and whether or not the strategy of the team will have to change. Then, over to the breaking news today that Novak Djokovic is once again being detained and Chris Almeida from SI on why this saga in Australia has become the #1 Covid sports story and how it has crossed into politics and no longer science and health (29:39). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/14/202249 minutes, 30 seconds
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Back to Square One Between MLB and PA

Arash and Stephen bring in Shi Davidi (2:11) who breaks down the latest on MLB's proposal and why the PA were so quick to reject it. Finally, we wrap with Kris Versteeg (29:53) on the Leafs, why Sheldon Keefe chose to rip his team in public and how teams blow off steam during road trips. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/14/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Nick Nurse Q&A

Toronto Raptors' Head Coach Nick Nurse to chat about his team's All-Star candidates, the young talent throughout the roster, and shares the craziest mascot he's ever encountered. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/13/202214 minutes, 10 seconds
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Optimism is Growing for Nick Nurse and the Raptors

Arash and Stephen open up by discussing Leafs' Head Coach Sheldon Keefe's criticisms of the team after losing 2-1 to Arizona last night, and if he perhaps voiced them too quickly. Next up former MLB slugger Sean Casey a.k.a. "The Mayor" updates us on the latest proposal made by MLB to the MLBPA today, and shares some of his ideas on how to draw in more baseball fans (11:27). Finally, a visit with Raptors' Head Coach Nick Nurse to chat about his team's All-Star candidates, the young talent throughout the roster, and shares the craziest mascot he's ever encountered (32:11). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/13/202248 minutes, 50 seconds
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What's Keeping the Habs From Hiring Patrick Roy?

Arash and Stephen are joined by Ren Lavoie from TV-A Sports to discuss the return of the Canadiens after many games missed, then they dive into Patrick Roy and why there is a need to have him return to the Habs in some capacity (00:53). Next, Brock McGillis has seen his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ make it into The Hockey News 100 Most Influential people, he goes on to discuss how he'd love to make hockey a safe place and why that's not always the case (19:32). Finally, Ben Volin from The Boston Globe on openings in the NFL and why bad owners hire bad coaches, his look at the Pats/Bills and why Buffalo does not look great at home, and how Bill Belichick is now a changed man and getting better with the media (30:48). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/13/202249 minutes, 32 seconds
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How to Take Baseball From Local Interest to National

Arash and Stephen talk about a Leafs win and a Raptors loss last night, a homecoming for Auston Matthews tonight in Arizona and then a chat about why the Coyotes arena deal is still interesting. Later, Adnan Virk joins the show to discuss which NFL coaching vacancy is the most attractive based on ownership, the roster and the city, then a look at how to fix baseball and how expanded playoffs will get more teams involved and opened up to a wider audience (27:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/12/202248 minutes, 49 seconds
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Baseball Fans Rejoice! MLB & MLBPA Resume Talks

Arash and Stephen are joined by Ken Rosenthal, MLB insider for FOX and The Athletic, to chat about today's talks between MLB and MLBPA and breaks down each side's stance after today's discussion (02:33). Later, we speak with Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli to share the latest on what's next for Evander Kane and debates if and when teams will hire Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman (18:11). Finally, "The Godfather of Analytics" also known as Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz breaks down the upcoming slate of NFL playoff games and the importance of a stat known as DVOA (27:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/12/202248 minutes, 59 seconds
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Inside How TFC Enticed Insigne with Bill Manning

Arash and Stephen start off today's show with the news that the MLB and MLBPA are in talks once again with a new proposal set for Thursday (00:23). Next up, Nick Kypreos shares which teams are lining up for Evander Kane now that the Sharks have terminated his contract (14:18). Next up, TFC President Bill Manning discusses how the team enticed Lorenzo Insigne to join the club, including factors such as an expiring contract, transfer fees, and being the right person at the right time (26:21). Finally a chat with Troy Ryan, Head Coach of the Canadian Women's National Hockey Team after their roster was announced this afternoon (40:54). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/11/202248 minutes, 58 seconds
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The Journalist Who Dared to Take on the IOC and FIFA

Arash and Stephen are joined by Olympic Champion and Chef de Mission for Beijing 2022 Catriona Le May Doan to discuss the progress pushing forward with training in COVID bubbles, the health and safety procedures for athletes competing, and why she feels the Games are needed as much as ever (01:02). Later, sports attorney Dan Lust joins the FAN Drive Time to break down the latest in the Novak Djokovic saga and the Australian government's response (15:32). Then, Stephen Brunt helps pay tribute to Andrew Jennings, an investigative journalist who helped take on the IOC and FIFA, and won (28:17)! Finally we catch up with ESPN's Seth Wickersham to preview the upcoming Patriots-Bills playoff matchup (36:53). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/11/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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How a Tie Nearly Altered NFL History

Arash and Stephen open today's show by looking back on Week 18 in the NFL, including the incredible game between the Chargers and Raiders that nearly ended in a draw (00:29). Later, The Athletic's Tim Graham discusses the tough task ahead for the Buffalo Bills this week against their division rival  New England Patriots, if the weather will once again factor in, before weighing in on the challenges of building a new stadium in markets such as Buffalo (26:12). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/10/202248 minutes, 44 seconds
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The Biggest Heel in Sports Is...

Arash and Stephen welcome in Canada Basketball's CEO Michael Bartlett to discuss the hiring of Victor Lapena for the women's team, and look ahead to the program's continual construction (1:51). Howard Bryant joins to discuss the week that was for both Novak Djokovic and Antonio Brown, why there is still a ton of focus on Aaron Rodgers, and if the Packers quarterback is the biggest heel in all of sports (23:27). They wrap with the hottest coaching seats in the NFL ahead of Week 18, and discuss the idea that big QB money may no longer always be the solution.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/8/202248 minutes, 49 seconds
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What Will Baseball's ManningCast Look Like?

Ben is away, so Arash Madani joins Stephen as they discuss the vaccination dispute between Novak Djokovic and Australia, and what the world of tennis has been saying about it. CFL Analyst Duane Forde joins the show to remember Larry Haylor, his former coach at Western University, who passed away at the age of 76 (11:43). Afterwards, Sports Illustrated's Jimmy Traina discusses baseball's version of the 'ManningCast' starring Alex Rodriguez, and MLB Network's decision to fire Ken Rosenthal after he was critical of Commissioner Rob Manfred (24:55).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/7/202245 minutes, 24 seconds
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Where in the World is Goran Dragić?

Ben and Stephen welcome in Sportsnet's Michael Grange on the heels of the Raptors' fourth straight win to chat about Fred VanVleet's All-Star campaign, the latest on Goran Dragic, and the latest hire by Canada Basketball Women's National Team (00:17). Later on, we are joined by Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim who weighs in on Novak Djokovic's situation, currently stranded in Australia, and debates that the publicity surrounding his exemption may have led to his visa being cancelled (31:03).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/7/202248 minutes, 27 seconds
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Arians or AB: Who's in the Wrong?

Ben and Stephen open today's show with the latest details on Novak Djokovic's visa being cancelled ahead of the Aussie Open, chat about the worst hotels they have ever stayed at, and debate if Leafs' or Raptors' recent success is more captivating (00:11). Later, NFL Network's Sara Walsh shares the latest from the Antonio Brown saga after the wide receiver shared his side of the story, and searches for the truth between his and Bruce Arians' very different accounts of what happened last Sunday (25:56).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/6/202248 minutes, 53 seconds
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MVP Voter and Aaron Rodgers Spar

Ben and Stephen welcome Adnan Virk (0:28) to discuss Novak Djokovic's situation entering Australia and how Roger Federer is near the top of the list for universally liked and respected athletes plus a discussion about Aaron Rodgers' MVP vote and if it's right to hold his vaccine status against him. Later, Scott Mitchell (27:09) is part of the Ticats ownership group and explains the future of the January 30th WCQ game between Canada and the USA.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/6/202248 minutes, 55 seconds
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Oilers or Leafs: Which Fans Have Endured the Most?

Ben and Stephen open with a review of day one of virtual school in Ontario, before discussing Novak Djokovic's issues entering Australia for the Aussie Open due to vaccine complications (03:14). Next up, Frank Isola of ESPN and YES Network chats about Kyrie Irving's return to the floor tonight for Brooklyn, Fred VanVleet's All-Star campaign, DeMar DeRozan's MVP push, and the incredible crop of rookie talent this season (11:07). Finally, DFO's Frank Seravalli shares the latest on the Oilers' goaltending options, Ken Holland's decisions ahead, and why Carey Price's contract is still impossible to move (28:07). To wrap up, Ben and Stephen compare the pain that Edmonton and Toronto's fan bases have endured over the past few seasons. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/5/202248 minutes, 52 seconds
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Could the 2022 Olympic Games Be Cancelled?

USA Today's Christine Brennan joins Ben and Stephen to discuss the state of the 2022 Olympic Games after Dick Pound becomes the first member of the International Olympic Committee to publicly discuss possibility of cancelingWinter Games (03:02). To wrap up, they welcome Andrew Marchand of the New York Post to discuss Ken Rosenthal's departure from the MLB Network due to previous criticism of commissioner Rob Manfred (30:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/5/202248 minutes, 54 seconds
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Latest TFC Signing Might Produce Greatest Player in MLS

Ben and Stephen open by chatting about Toronto F.C.'s recent signing of former Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne, and why he could turn out to be the best player in MLS history (02:18). The guys also weigh in on the health and safety concerns ahead of Wednesday's Leafs-Oilers matchup and how Novak Djokovic managed to get an exemption to play in the Aussie Open. Next up, John Molinaro from TFC Republic shares details on Lorenzo Insigne's contract with Toronto and the incredibly high ceiling he has in the MLS (28:14). Later, they are joined by Sportsnet's Mark Spector live from Edmonton to discuss what's gone wrong for the Oilers of late, including inconsistent goaltending and more (38:28). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
1/4/202248 minutes, 51 seconds
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Leafs, Raptors Slowly Getting Healthier to Start 2022

Ben and Stephen examine both the Leafs and Raptors, as they get healthier after a bout of COVID-19 ran through both teams. They're joined by Amy Audibert who chats her first season as a Raptors analyst, the team being healthy (finally) for the first time in forever, and Becky Hammon leaving the Spurs to become a head coach in the WNBA (9:35). Afterwards, they chat with Mike Zeisberger on COVID-19 forcing Mitch Marner to miss more games than expected, Auston Matthews testing positive on a rapid test, and Saturday's demolition of the Senators (19:40). To wrap up, they're joined by Amy Trask, who discusses what it's like to deal with a player such as Antonio Brown, and how teams decide to keep (or not keep) their coach at the end of a season (34:27).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/4/202249 minutes, 34 seconds
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NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly Joins The Show

Ben and Stephen open with the latest COVID-19 update today, the Ford presser and Stephen details his experience with the virus as well. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stops by to discuss what it's been like to pause the league and cancel games over the last few weeks, including the decision to not go to the Winter Olympics (27:12). Afterwards, they discuss how Canadian teams can afford hosting games without fans, how the schedule is already starting to get crunched, and if it's going to be possible to get around the border issue.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/3/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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A Great Year for Canadian Athletes

Arash Madani and Jeff Blair are joined by familiar voices Ron MacLean (0:47), Dan Shulman (9:08), Scott Russell (17:33), Caroline Cameron (29:09), and Leah Hextall (34:31) as they look back at a wide-ranging amount of stories from 2021 and share their hottest takes for the upcoming year. To wrap the show, the guys catch up with former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (41:03) to chat about the Atlanta Braves winning the 2021 World Series and what he's been up to during the off-season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
1/1/202249 minutes, 11 seconds
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Hot Takes for 2022

Arash Madani and Jeff Blair invite friends and colleagues Stephen Brunt (5:17), Kevin Barker (11:50), Colby Armstrong (17:48), Matt Devlin (22:42), Peter Mansbridge (29:29), Sid Seixeiro (38:00), and Kristina Rutherford (44:15) to reminisce at the year that was, share their predictions for 2022 and how they are ringing in the new year.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/31/202149 minutes, 13 seconds
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Celebrating Canada's Team of the Year

Bev Priestman, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s National Soccer Team, looks back fondly on her team’s 2021 gold medal win after being named Team of the Year by the Canadian Press (6:25). Former Team Canada Head Coach at the World Juniors Stan Butler shares his view on this year’s edition of the tournament being cancelled and dealing with the players’ disappointment as a coach (31:10).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/31/202149 minutes, 12 seconds
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Leafs and Raptors Games Just Got a Whole Lot Quieter

Arash Madani and Jeff Blair host. Arash and Jeff discuss sporting events in Canada having attendance capped due to rising COVID-19 numbers; specifically Ontario having capacity cut down to a maximum of 1000 fans. Later, the guys shift focus to the Blue Jays: what their offseason shopping list could entail when business resumes and free agents keeping a close eye on Canada’s COVID-19 protocols. NHL insider Frank Seravalli talks about the NHL attempting to power through its schedule amid rising cases, the impact less fans and no concessions is having on revenue, and the league shortening its period of isolation for vaccinated players (27:54).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/30/202148 minutes, 29 seconds
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Remembering John Madden

32 Thoughts’ Elliotte Friedman discusses the NHL following the lead of the NBA and NFL by modifying their COVID-19 protocols, the cancellation of games, and how the disruption in the schedule has impacted trade talks around the league (3:30). Afterwards, Arash and Jeff celebrate the life of legendary NFL Head Coach and broadcaster John Madden speaking with his Monday Night Football colleague Melissa Stark (30:31) and former Raiders wide receiver Mike Siani (39:21). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/30/202149 minutes, 26 seconds
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The 2022 World Juniors are Cancelled

Arash Madani and Jeff Blair host. Mark Spector and Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet join the show to react to the day’s breaking news: that the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships have been cancelled in Edmonton & Red Deer amid rising COVID-19 cases (6:57). ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti discusses the reports that Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne is in negotiations to join Toronto FC, does he foresee the Italian striker coming over to Major League Soccer? (30:49) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
12/29/202149 minutes, 4 seconds
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NFL QB Hits and Busts

Arash and Stephen are joined by Andrew Brandt (1:34) who reflects on drafting both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers and discuss how some players end up rising up the rankings a little sooner than projected. Later, Shi Davidi (16:31) joins the conversation about the Rogers Centre facelift and what's the most important area to start. Finally, Madeline Smith (30:32) from The Calgary Herald tells is why things have fallen apart with the Flames arena deal and if the thought of them possibly leaving is for real? The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates
12/24/202149 minutes, 26 seconds
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How to Fix the Rogers Centre

Arash Madani and Stephen Brunt discuss Canada rising to #40 in the FIFA rankings and listeners weigh in on what changes could be coming to the Rogers Centre in their upcoming massive reno. Later, a chat with Adnan Virk (27:11) about the NFL having 27/32 teams still in contention for the postseason and who are the "legit" contenders. Then, Adnan gives us some behind the scenes with Buck Showalter officially unveiled as manager of the Mets. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates
12/23/202148 minutes, 8 seconds
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Would You Trade for Jose Ramirez if Gabriel Moreno Was Part of the Deal?

Ben and Stephen are joined by Senior VP of Hockey Operations for Hockey Canada to discuss today's official announcement that NHL players will not be going to Beijing 2022 and how they plan on putting a team together on short notice (2:22). Host of The FAN Morning Show JD Bunkis chats about whether he'd put Gabriel Moreno in a package for Jose Ramirez and whether Russell Wilson's time in Seattle is coming to an end (30:32).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/23/202148 minutes, 56 seconds
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Team Canada's GM on NHLers not Headed to the Olympics

Ben and Stephen open with discuss the official announcement that NHL players will not be going to Beijing 2022. Doug Armstrong, the GM of the Blues and Team Canada's 2022 Olympic Team, takes us through the emotions of not having NHL players in the Olympics and explains what the plan of action was going to look like (24:12).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/22/202148 minutes, 56 seconds
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Rogers Centre Getting Makeover Instead of Being Replaced

Ben and Stephen open with Ron MacLean, sidelined during the NHL pause and it's been a tough end to 2021 with Rogers Hometown Hockey also being disrupted. He looks at the relationship with the NHL and the Olympics and if there is a way to recreate the World Cup / Canada Cup as a replacement (2:53). Later, a chat about further renovations being planned at Rogers Centre ahead of eventually building a new stadium. Sports epidemiologist Zach Binney consults with the NBA, NFL and MLB and compares how different leagues use different strategies with testing and potential pause in play (24:50). Then, FIFA considers a World Cup every 2 years instead of 4 - Ben and Stephen lay out the pros and cons and impact on Canada.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/22/202148 minutes, 56 seconds
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What Will the NHL Look Like After the Christmas Break?

Ben and Stephen open with the news today that NHL players won't play in the Olympics, the NHL has taking a pause, a depleted Raptors team just landed in Chicago and Adam Silver says the NBA is not interested in any kind of pause. Doug Smith of The Toronto Star weighs in on Silver's comments and explains why he agrees (14:14). Later, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman equates all the news today with his head exploding in the movie "Scanners" and they discuss the decision to not go to Beijing 2022, whether the World Cup of Hockey could return and how the Canada-US border complicates the rest of the NHL season (29:14).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/21/202148 minutes, 42 seconds
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Why the Paul Brothers Are Changing Combat Sports

Ben and Stephen open the hour with Ariel Helwani who covered the Paul/Woodley fight over the weekend and talks about the theory that Paul is fighting his way to the top in a loophole manner, the growing popularity and rising fight purses for someone who can't really fight, and Ariel makes the case for people not to dismiss the Paul bros (3:18). Later, former golfer and now a writer for Golf Magazine, Dylan Dethier on Tiger Woods coming back and playing with his son (30:09). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/21/202149 minutes, 27 seconds
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Best on Best Hockey Doesn't Need the Olympics

Ben and Stephen open up chatting about how at this point a lot of sports rules feel like they are being made up on the fly and that It's becoming impossible to sell the NHL at Olympics anymore. Later, Kelly Hrudey from Hockey Night in Canada talks about what a tough stretch it has been for the Flames and discusses pulling himself from the broadcast on Saturday night (29:12). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/20/202149 minutes, 19 seconds
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How Covid Protocol Impacts Betting Lines

Ben and Stephen open with Todd Fuhrman in Las Vegas. The former odds-maker and betting analyst looks at how Covid and players missing has impacted the setting of betting lines (0:26). Michael Grange joins to discuss the Raptors playing at 50% capacity this weekend, the return of Kyrie Irving to the Nets and then a chat on the best press box food and drink Stephen has experienced (25:29).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/18/202148 minutes, 58 seconds
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What Went Wrong for Paul Maurice to Resign?

Ben and Stephen open up admitting that while they don’t want to have a Covid show, they might no have a choice. Last night’s Chiefs and Chargers game called into question the OT rules and why the Bills won’t fire anyone if they miss the playoffs. Greg Wyshynski of ESPN discusses how players feel the testing system is flawed (25:05). Sean Reynolds from Winnipeg where players and media are all left shocked by the resignation on Paul Maurice (40:20).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/17/202148 minutes, 36 seconds
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Are We Heading Towards a Sports Pause?

Ben and Stephen chat with Ren Lavoie from TVA Sports as Montreal announces they will host the Philadelphia Flyers without fans tonight. They discuss how the US President impacts sports leagues pausing, the challenges of managing the border between the US and Canada and the Boston Bruins wanting to avoid Montreal and Ottawa this weekend (0:48). Trey Wingo stops by to discuss who is in LA tonight for Chiefs at Chargers, the disaster with Urban Meyer and while he will surely get a job again in the NCAA, he will never work in the NFL again (25:35).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
12/17/202149 minutes, 19 seconds