32 Thoughts: The Podcast

Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman break down the Wild’s first loss since the Quinn Hughes trade, Colorado’s pointed response, Buffalo’s win on Jack Hughes’ return, and Jarmo Kekäläinen reshaping the Sabres. They hit Nashville’s push to “win the week,” Ryan O’Reilly’s importance, a heated Michkov–Tocchet exchange, key injuries, Sidney Crosby passing Mario Lemieux, Danault’s return to Montreal, Ottawa’s rise, and Toronto’s ongoing scoring woes. The episode also tackles NHL Draft changes, looming ECHL labor unrest, and wraps with Kyle’s Grand Junction travel story.

Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman break down Craig Berube’s pointed postgame comments and the shifting tone around the Maple Leafs. They examine Edmonton’s goaltending concerns after another Tristan Jarry injury, the Oilers’ interest in Alex Lyon, and trade rumblings around the league ahead of the roster freeze. The episode also looks at Florida’s climb back into the playoff race and closes with a Final Thought on the Seattle Kraken’s alarming slide down the standings.

Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas return with a special edition of the pod featuring an interview from Toronto with Chicago Blackhawks forwards Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar (10:15). Before that, the guys break down the big changes in Buffalo, with the Sabres deciding to replace GM Kevyn Adams with Jarmo Kekäläinen. Email the podcast at [email protected] or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail. This podcast was produced and mixed by Steven Coyle and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

In this episode of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman unpack the blockbuster Quinn Hughes trade to Minnesota, examining how Bill Guerin pulled it off, how Vancouver arrived at this crossroads, and why New Jersey, along with Detroit and Carolina, couldn’t close the deal. They discuss the implications for the Wild, Elliotte’s unease with teams asking players to waive no-move clauses, and downplay concerns about Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald’s job security. The guys also cover the Oilers–Penguins goaltending swap, Celebrini locking in his place on Canada’s roster, big weekend games including Leafs–Oilers, and Connor Hellebuyck’s return steadying the Jets. The episode wraps with questions from the Thoughtline and an exclusive interview with Tom Wilson.

Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman open the episode by highlighting strong early performances from Brandon Bussi and Canadiens rookie Jacob Fowler before shifting to notable injuries impacting Roope Hintz and Logan Cooley. They discuss Nashville’s offensive surge, the Rangers’ disappointing loss to Chicago, and JT Miller’s slipping Olympic outlook, along with broader concerns in St. Louis and Ryan Strome’s uncertain fit in Anaheim. Elliotte breaks down the latest Olympic chatter, including player-driven decisions, safety priorities, and frustration over the lack of a hockey hospitality area in Milan. The episode also revisits the growing hand-pass review controversy before wrapping with Elliotte’s sit-down in Washington with Tom Wilson.