NHL Season Preview Show with Gil Martin, Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Hello The Moosa Slobodian network Friends,

Gil Martin and I had n excellent conversation on the NHL season preview, as well as the Dylan Larkin situation. Please have a listen at the following link, and please remember to follow the podcast whereever you find your favourite podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wpKPOBIg8GtuQ7RxV3twT?si=oYtddVKcRry8_Jxs4j2hsw

Show notes:

Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin Situation: Aliasgar Moosa and Gil Martin discuss Dylan Larkin being stripped of their captaincy and seeking a trade from the Detroit Red Wings due to frustration over a ten-year playoff drought and approaching thirty years of age (00:16:59). Gil notes that a potential trade depends on finding a willing destination, fitting under the salary cap, and navigating player trade vetoes, further complicated by Detroit currently operating with an interim general manager (00:20:32).
General Manager Hiring Strategies in the NHL: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy evaluate the practice of promoting general managers in-house versus hiring from the outside. Gilstates that the success of either approach depends on specific circumstances, where in-house promotions provide continuity while outside hires are preferable when a major change in direction is required (00:21:38).
New York Islanders Coaching Transition and Defensive Strategy: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy discuss the New York Islanders hiring Peter DeBoer to replace Patrick Roy (00:22:45). Sports History Guy explains that while Roy favored an emotional, high-attack system with poor defensive fundamentals, DeBoer is expected to implement a stricter defensive structure to reduce high-danger scoring chances and protect goaltender Ilya Sorokin, who finished second in Vezina Trophy voting (00:23:50). DeBoer’s extensive experience, including two Stanley Cup final appearances, is highlighted as a key asset (00:25:02).
Montreal Canadiens Coaching Extension and Playoff Home Performance: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy examine Martin St. Louis receiving a contract extension from the Montreal Canadiens following strong progress that met team expectations (00:26:09). Aliasgar Moosa points out the team’s struggles in their home arena during the playoffs, and Sports History Guy suggests that elaborate pre-game ceremonies and alumni events may disrupt players’ pre-game routines and focus (00:27:21).
Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Outlook: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy analyze the competitive landscape of the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. Sports History Guy expects the Montreal Canadiens to remain contenders alongside strong division rivals such as Buffalo, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Boston, while projecting the Ottawa Senators to land roughly a half-tier below as a playoff team (00:29:38).
Western Conference Division Overviews and San Jose Sharks Prospects: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy discuss the Western Conference, noting that the Central Division is top-heavy with Minnesota, Dallas, and Colorado, while the Pacific Division presents more unknowns (00:30:37). Sports History Guy highlights the San Jose Sharks as a young, patient team built through top-ten draft picks, predicting they will reach the playoffs behind standout player Macklin Celebrini (00:31:33). Dallas is also noted as a perennial contender seeking to break through (00:32:38).
Edmonton Oilers Roster Construction and Goaltending Challenges: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy discuss the Edmonton Oilers’ roster construction, noting that high cap allocations for star players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman have historically created depth and goaltending challenges (00:32:38). Sports History Guy points out that goaltender Tristan Jarry’s consistency and health remain major question marks for the team’s playoff aspirations (00:33:56).
Nazem Kadri and Zach Hyman Player Roles: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy examine veteran players Nazem Kadri and Zach Hyman (00:35:01) (00:38:12). Sports History Guy explains that Kadri benefits in Colorado by playing a middle-six role with lower pressure compared to carrying the offense in Calgary. Similarly, Hyman’s goal-scoring output surged after joining Edmonton and playing alongside superstars, though matching peak goal totals will depend on proper line combinations (00:35:01) (00:37:10).
New York Islanders Roster Management and Lou Lamoriello’s Legacy: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy analyze the New York Islanders’ roster outlook as a transition year relying on Peter DeBoer’s structure, Ilya Sorokin, and prospect Matthew Schaefer (00:39:15). Sports History Guy criticizes former general manager Lou Lamoriello for signing older players to long-term contracts with no-trade clauses and trading away first-round picks and prospects, though acknowledging Lamoriello previously built a successful core by hiring coach Barry Trotz (00:40:23).
Mike Babcock’s Return to the NHL and Coaching Controversy: Aliasgar Moosa expresses surprise regarding Mike Babcock being hired by the Oilers following past controversies involving intrusions into players’ phones. Sports History Guy attributes Babcock’s re-hiring to an industry tendency to overlook personal conduct issues for individuals with proven winning resumes, noting that a slow start will quickly attract harsh criticism (00:41:26). John Tortorella’s brief, effective interim stint with Vegas is also noted for producing short-term results despite media friction (00:43:33).
Toronto Maple Leafs Preseason and Team Additions: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs’ preseason performance and schedule changes, noting that the number of preseason games was reduced from six to four. Aliasgar Moosa views the early losses as minor adjustments during training camp, while Sports History Guy emphasizes that preseason records are quickly forgotten (00:45:28). John Chayka’s roster construction and the addition of Sergei Bobrovsky are noted as significant factors (00:46:28).
Locked On NHL Podcast Format and Local Coverage: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy highlight the Locked On NHL podcast format, which provides thirty-minute episodes divided into three ten-minute segments covering all thirty-two teams daily. Sports History Guy hosts the Monday edition and co-hosts the Friday edition with Rachel Donner (00:47:30). They also discuss local podcasts like Locked On Leafs hosted by Mike DiStefano and Dave Morandini, Locked On Senators hosted by Ross Levitan and Brendan Pillar, and Locked On NHL Game Night (00:49:40).
Retiring Broadcasters and Cultural Impact of Sports Media: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy discuss retiring legendary broadcasters such as Howie Rose, who spent nearly forty years covering the Mets and previously called Islanders and Rangers games, including the famous 1994 Stanley Cup call for Stephane Matteau (00:50:35) (00:52:32). They also mention John Sterling, Susan Waldman, Jerry Howorth, and Joe Bowen, noting how long-tenured broadcasters become an integral part of team culture and fans’ childhood memories (00:54:23).
Commercialization of Sports Broadcasting and Alternative Media Consumption: Aliasgar Moosa and Sports History Guy discuss the financialization of sports media, highlighting how removing Hockey Night in Canada from traditional access and replacing it with expensive streaming packages, blackout rules, and multiple subscriptions (such as Prime, SportsNet Plus, and Center Ice) frustrates fans (00:56:43). Sports History Guy and Aliasgar Moosa conclude that these high costs drive fans toward podcasts like Locked On NHL as an accessible alternative to stay updated without purchasing multiple live broadcast packages (00:58:56).
Cost and Prioritization of Sports Content: Sports History Guy and Aliasgar Moosa discussed the financial impossibility of paying for every sports streaming service, agreeing that viewers must select what they truly value and utilize free alternatives for remaining games. Sports History Guy noted that having everything reduces appreciation, and Aliasgar Moosa emphasized determining which features they can live without (00:59:52). Sports History Guy stated that personal priorities dictate these choices, suggesting that basic needs like clothing supersede optional streaming subscriptions. Aliasgar Moosa highlighted YouTube as a major free resource, pointing specifically to content like Locked on NHL (01:00:42).
Historical Hockey Content on YouTube: Sports History Guy and Aliasgar Moosa discussed the accessibility of historical hockey footage on YouTube, with Sports History Guy sharing that they occasionally watch vintage games from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as matchups between the Colorado Rockies and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sports History Guy mentioned viewing 15 to 20-minute segments featuring historical highlights of players like Bobby Orr, Daryl Sittler, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux (01:01:39).
YouTube Viewing Habits and Show Support: Aliasgar Moosa explained that they consume content on YouTube by checking subscribed channels rather than browsing the home tab, following programs such as Locked on NHL and Locked on Islanders. Sports History Guy expressed gratitude for that support and engagement (01:02:36).