Episodes
JD is joined at the top of the show by theScore's lead Raptors and NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro, to talk about the Raptors' season opening loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jamal Shead, Scottie Barnes, fans' interest level in the team, Evan Mobley, Victor Wembanyama, and thoughts from around the league (00:00). Then, Senior Writer for the Athletic, James Mirtle joins the program to talk about Joseph Woll, the goalie split, Dennis Hildeby, pressure on Nick Robertson, Jani Hakanpää and Conor...
Published 10/24/24
JD begins the show discussing opening night in the NBA (00:00). Mats Sundin, Maple Leafs all-time leading scorer, joins the show to get into the foundations of his new book 'Home and Away'; the new generation of hockey players, the professionalization of hockey, parting ways with the Maple Leafs, the final years of his career, the return of international hockey and what being Canadian means to him (11:00). Kris Vertseeg, two-time Stanley Cup Champion, analyzes the buttons Craig Berube could...
Published 10/23/24
The Raptors Show co-host, Blake Murphy, joins JD at the top of the program to preview the Raptors' season. The two talk about the team rebuilding, expectations for the core in '24-25, and what they need to see from Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes (00:00). Then, the Athletic's Zach Harper joins JD to talk about their overrated and underrated storylines including Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama's connection, the new wave of players, Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets, Joel Embiid and the...
Published 10/22/24
Ben Ennis, co-host of the The FAN Morning Show, joins JD to kick off the week with Good Hour! JD and Ben react to the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees meeting in the World Series, Juan Soto's value and upcoming payday, what the Jays can take from the Yankees success (00:00). JD and Ben then debate if you can be a 'choker' even if you weren't expected to win (35:00). Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and our Monday Morning Insider, breaks down Patrick Mahomes' season thus far, what's...
Published 10/21/24
Corey Kluber, 13-year MLB veteran and two-time Cy Young Award winner, joins the show to get into the miraculous walk-off comeback by the Cleveland Guardians, Jose Bautista's bulletin board material, defining clutch, and the novelty of Shohei Ohtani (3:00). The conversation then switches to the Maple Leafs and the thought of signing Brad Marchand as a 2025 free agent if a deal with Mitch Marner never gets done (30:45). Ben Ennis from The FAN Morning Show chats with JD about the Guardians'...
Published 10/18/24
JD is joined by James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, to talk about Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, Max Domi, William Nylander, if Anthony Stolarz can lose the net, expectations for Joseph Woll's return, the Maple Leafs being the heaviest team in the league, and Phil Kessel (00:00). After, NFL insider for ESPN, Dan Graziano, joins the show to talk about Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, the Deshaun Watson situation in Cleveland, options for the Kansas City Chiefs, and if Russell Wilson...
Published 10/17/24
JD dives into the updated version of the Maple Leafs' blueline; is it the best of this era (00:00)? Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith checks-in from the Bronx to discuss what it's like being around the New York Yankees and the pressure on José Ramírez (20:00). Later, JD and Armen chat about the Raptors' competitive preseason win over the Celtics (51:00). Mike Futa, co-host of The FAN Hockey Show, joins JD in-studio to get into the Leafs' blue line improvements, Timothy Liljegren drawing-in, how...
Published 10/16/24
Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD at the top of the show to break down the MLB playoffs and their level of interest in the New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians series (00:00). Later on, the two chat about Teoscar Hernández, Gabriel Moreno, and the Toronto Blue Jays' woes (33:22). In the back half, FOX NFL Analyst Brady Quinn joins the program to speak on the league's officials, Aaron Rodgers, Mike Williams, the Baltimore Ravens, the Dallas Cowboys' relevancy, and...
Published 10/15/24
JD opens with a couple thoughts on Sheldon Keefe and Dennis Hildeby following the Leafs' 4-2 win against the Devils (00:00). Dave Dameshek of the Minus 3 podcast checks in to get into Pittsburgh sports; specifically Sidney Crosby's last great years and the Steelers' sticky quarterback situation (7:00). P.K. Subban, ESPN analyst and former Norris Trophy winner, analyzes how Craig Berube has implemented his style in Toronto, the Leafs' defensive core, and scrutiny of Mitch Marner (53:00). The...
Published 10/11/24
JD begins the show with his initial reactions from the Maple Leafs season opener (00:00). Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion and creator of the CLEVR app, discusses what it's like playing with injury-ridden teammates, how Craig Berube managed the lines, what changes the Leafs might benefit from, Timothy Liljegren, and how the Leafs matchup against Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils (05:45). Cory Schneider, former NHL goaltender and analyst for NHL Network, breaks down the...
Published 10/10/24
JD begins with his points of emphasis as the Toronto Maple Leafs start their season tonight (00:00). Daily Faceoff Insider, Frank Seravalli, discusses the inception of the Utah Hockey Club, contract talks for Mitch Marner and John Tavares, Nick Robertson's standing, Igor Shesterkin's offer rejection, and Alexander Ovechkin's chase for history (9:00). JD then touches on the juice between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the MLB playoffs (44:32). Sportsnet's Leafs reporter, Luke...
Published 10/09/24
JD and Ben Ennis from The FAN Morning Show debate if George Springer's contract is the worst in Blue Jays history and a touch on a couple other lingering Blue Jays thoughts (00:00). JD and Ben then dive into the biggest storylines in the MLB playoff, rivalry recipes, and Shohei Ohtani (28:15). Jason Bukala, former Director of Amateur Scouting with the Florida Panthers, analyzes what he saw from Easton Cowan's pre-season with the Maple Leafs and priorities as Cowan returns to the OHL's London...
Published 10/08/24
Sam McKee joins JD to start the week previewing the Maple Leafs' season. The duo talk preseason, William Nylander, the positivity and negativity around the team, goaltending, the club's new defensive look, and expectations for Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev (00:00). Later, the two discuss the bottom six, the most underrated storylines for the season including Mitch Marner at the Four Nations Face-Off, and what Matthew Knies' season will look like. Then, JD and Sam dive into their annual...
Published 10/07/24
JD reacts to Nick Robertson's scoring outburst in the preseason. What does Robertson's fit and leeway look like on the Maple Leafs' regular season roster? (00:00) Jackie Redmond from WWE Network and NHL on TNT joins the show to discuss Faceoff: Inside the NHL and the dwindling 'no personality' joke of the NHL (10:30). Jackie and JD then get into some of the biggest questions marks of the Maple Leafs' season (24:00). Later, JD touches on the MLB playoffs before bringing on Sportsnet's David...
Published 10/04/24
JD begins the program digesting the Blue Jays front office season-wrap media availability, before being joined by co-host of the Heed the Call podcast, Dan Hanzus, to talk Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams to the Jets, the evolution of kickers, coaches being less conservative, the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans matchup, the Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Yankees (00:00). Then, Senior Managing Editor at The Athletic, James Mirtle, joins the show to chat the Maple Leafs' cap space, contracts,...
Published 10/03/24
JD and Ben Ennis from The FAN Morning Show get into the squandered opportunity by the Blue Jays front office; the moves and mindset in the Vladdy-Bo era that landed them in last place in the AL East (00:00). JD and Ben also discuss what they want to hear at the Jays end-of-year press conference and the luster of October baseball. MLB Insider Jim Bowden joins the show to evaluate what the goal of an executive is at a season-ending presser, why it's hard for Mark Shapiro to move on without Ross...
Published 10/02/24
JD kicks off the show with his thoughts on the Blue Jays' season ending. Then, FOX Sports NFL analyst Brady Quinn joins the show to recap the Detroit Lions win over the Seattle Seahawks, before discussing two-high safeties, young quarterback play, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., the frightful Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Jets, and if the Washington Commanders are the best team in the NFC East (00:00). After, JD speaks on Raptors media day, the team's rebuild, Scottie Barnes, and ...
Published 10/01/24
Ben Ennis and JD Bunkis fill in for Ailish and Justin and begin the show discussing how the Blue Jays' 2024 season will be remembered, projections for who will crack the lineup in 2025 and Vladdy Jr.'s strong upturn in hitting. Then, the guys dive into the Toronto Raptors' official announcement of retiring Vince Carter's jersey and the fanbase's mixed reactions to the decision. Finally, the NFL teams under the most pressure heading into Week 4. The views and opinions expressed in this...
Published 09/27/24
JD starts the podcast digesting the latest comments from William Nylander. Then, Charles McDonald, NFL analyst for Yahoo Sports and author of the Four Verts column, joins the show to talk about the New York Jets' dominant win over the New England Patriots, Drake Maye's garbage time minutes, Bryce Young, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New Orleans Saints' offence, two-high safeties, and the 0-2 Baltimore Ravens (00:00). After, JD gives his expectations for the Leafs' lines (46:14).  The views...
Published 09/20/24
Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD at the top of the program to chat about Adrian Wojnarowski's retirement from journalism, the changing landscape of sports journalism on Twitter/X, and the new Vince Carter Raptors jersey (00:00). After, JD and Ben talk the MLB playoff picture, Bo Bichette's future, the 2025 Blue Jays, Chris Bassitt's frustrations, Mark Shapiro, and Ross Atkins (28:52).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and...
Published 09/19/24
JD starts the show with his thoughts on Rogers acquiring 37.5% of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment. Then, Sportsnet NHL analyst and co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, Justin Bourne, joins the show to chat about Sidney Crosby's latest deal, superstar contracts, Mitch Marner, what he wants to hear at Leafs media day, Nicholas Robertson, and Max Pacioretty (00:00).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position...
Published 09/18/24
JD opens the show with his thoughts on Sidney Crosby's new deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Then, JD sits down with former Toronto Raptor, current Sacramento Kings' guard, and author of "Above the Noise," DeMar DeRozan, to talk mental health, therapy, his new book, and his career (00:00). After, JD speaks on the Carolina Panthers benching Bryce Young and Kirk Cousins beating the Philadelphia Eagles in prime time (39:57).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the...
Published 09/17/24
JD kicks off the show with his thoughts on the underdog upsets from Week 2 in the NFL. FOX Sports NFL Analyst Brady Quinn joins the conversation to chat about the New Orleans Saints, the Dallas Cowboys' defence, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, the 0-2 Baltimore Ravens, Trevor Lawrence's Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Afterwards, JD wraps the program with his thoughts on UFC 306 (46:44).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do...
Published 09/16/24
JD kicks off the show with his thoughts on the Bills' Super Bowl window, before Sportsnet's NHL insider Elliotte Friedman joins the program to talk about the Leafs' roster including Nicholas Robertson, Max Pacioretty, Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, Jani Hakanpää, and Mitch Marner (00:00). After, JD gives his picks for Week 2 of the NFL (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 &...
Published 09/13/24
Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD at the top of the program to recap the big stories during the podcast's time off including Bowden Francis, possible depth for the 2025 Jays, Mark Shapiro, and an Alex Anthopoulos homecoming (00:00). Then, the duo talks about Nicholas Robertson, the warning signs of signing Max Pacioretty, taking pressure off of Easton Cowan, left wing depth, and Jani Hakanpää (22:19).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts...
Published 09/12/24