Zach Berman opened the episode by announcing that New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta made his first major hire of the offseason, bringing in Braden Birch as Assistant General Manager and as General Manager of the Utica Comets, the Devils’ AHL affiliate. This move marks the beginning of Mehta’s efforts to strengthen the Devils’ front office, starting by recruiting talent from his previous organization, the Florida Panthers, where Birch played a pivotal role in their recent Stanley Cup successes. In detailing Birch’s background, Zach Berman highlighted his 12-year tenure with the Panthers, most recently as Director of Hockey Operations and salary cap management. Birch's experience includes significant involvement in contract negotiations for key players and maintaining Florida’s excellent salary cap health, something the Devils have struggled with in recent years. His hockey roots include playing professionally and earning a master’s degree in sport management, further underscoring his blend of on-ice and management expertise. Zach Berman provided examples of Birch’s impact in Florida, referencing his hand in savvy contracts and cap management for top players like Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Sam Reinhart. He also noted Florida’s ability to replace key departures internally and find valuable contributors through their farm system or waivers, contrasting this with New Jersey’s struggles to develop homegrown talent or depth. The hire of Birch is positioned as Mehta’s commitment to instilling a more proactive, organized, and effective approach to team building in New Jersey. To conclude, Zach Berman speculated about future front office moves, suggesting that Bryan McCabe could be another addition if not intercepted by the Maple Leafs, and addressed the current uncertainty regarding other Devils executives. He emphasized that Birch’s arrival should significantly improve the Devils’ farm system—considered among the league’s weakest—and that player development is critical to reducing reliance on expensive acquisitions. The episode closed with the assertion that Mehta’s moves signal an exciting, less predictable era for the Devils, promising ongoing updates and further discussion of mock drafts and organizational changes. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LODevils?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Subscribe to Locked On Devils! Follow me on the "X" app: @zachbrettberman Follow the show on the "X" app: @LockedOnDevils Listen to Locked On Devils: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnDevils For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Listener Survey: We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner. Visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Thumbnail credit: USA TODAY #NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL
*The Vancouver Canucks are at a crossroads.* 🏒 Holding the *3rd overall pick* in the 2026 NHL Draft isn't just about adding a prospect—it’s about a decision that will trigger a massive domino effect across the entire roster this offseason. In this video, we break down why the "uncertainty" at #3 is throwing a wrench into the Canucks' immediate trade and free agency plans. Depending on who the Sharks take at #2, the Canucks' choice could force the team to move core veterans like *Jake DeBrusk*, *Marcus Pettersson*, or even *Filip Hronek*. *We dive into the potential scenarios:* 🚨 *The Stenberg Factor:* If the Canucks land Ivar Stenberg, does Jake DeBrusk become the odd man out? 🛡️ *The Blueline Shakeup:* Drafting a left-shot defender (Carels or Smits) vs. a right-shot defender (Verhoeff or Reid) changes EVERYTHING for Marcus Pettersson and Filip Hronek. 🏒 *The Malhotra Dilemma:* Could drafting Malhotra prevent the Canucks from hiring his father, Manny Malhotra, as the next head coach? With only five days between the Draft and Free Agent Frenzy, the new Canucks GM is walking into a pressure cooker. Will they be forced to deal at the draft table, or wait for the UFA dust to settle? *What do YOU think the Canucks should do at 3rd overall? Let us know in the comments!* 👇 *Support The Line Change:* 🔥 Become a Member for _exclusive_ perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2S5HLOK4sReNm3FZpg_1zg/join *Don't forget to:* ✅ *SUBSCRIBE* for more Canucks trade rumors, draft analysis, and NHL news! 🔔 *HIT THE BELL* so you never miss a live stream or breaking news update. 👍 *LIKE THE VIDEO* if you want to see the Canucks make a big splash! INTRO & OUTRO: Music from Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/purple-world License code: S3ZB5DGW2S2IU9GL Presented by: DraftKings Use PROMO Code THPN tinyurl.com/DKSBTHPN Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use code THPN. That's code THPN to turn five bucks into $300 hundred dollars in Bonus bets if your bet wins. In partnership with DraftKings - The Crown is Yours. Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (four six seven three six nine) In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call triple eight seven eight nine seven seven seven seven or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resorts. Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21 plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive bonus bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer Be sure to check out GASSY JACK ART! Gassy Jack Art produces hockey prints on archival paper and canvas that have been rated to last over 100 years. Their product range features a variety of players from different teams including Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and more. GET YOURS TODAY! https://gassyjackart.com GET YOUR LINE CHANGE MERCH HERE: https://thelinechangepodcast.threadless.com/ CHECK OUT THE HOCKEY PODCAST NETWORK: https://thehockeypodcastnetwork.com FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: instagram.com/thelinechange Twitter / X: https://x.com/LineChangeVAN TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thetlcpodcast Facebook: Search 'The Line Change' to find our Facebook page Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thelinechange.bsky.social BE A PART THE CONVERSATION ON DISCORD: IT'S FREE! https://discord.gg/8vp9QQX5Wz CHECK US OUT ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLineChangeVAN FIND US ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ONsO3NvKDW1zaaO31gvmo FIND US ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-line-change/id1798678329 For all media inquiries please email us at thelinechangepod@gmail.com Anaheim Ducks Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks Colorado Avalanche Columbus Blue Jackets Dallas Stars Detroit Red Wings Edmonton Oilers Florida Panthers Los Angeles Kings Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators New Jersey Devils New York Islanders New York Rangers Ottawa Senators Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks Seattle Kraken St. Louis Blues Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto Maple Leafs Utah Mammoth Vancouver Canucks Vegas Golden Knights Washington Capitals #canucks #vancouvercanucks #nhldraft #nhl #hockey #hockeytalk #tradetalk #nhlnewstoday #nhltraderumors #nhltrade #nhltrades #nhlprospects #canucksnews #canuckshighlights #nhlnews #newvideo #nhlhighlights #vancouverhockey
Providence Bruins’ record-setting season ends in shock as Springfield Thunderbirds pull off a dramatic Calder Cup playoff upset. Are organizational flaws in player development and playoff mentality holding back Boston’s next generation? Ian McLaren unpacks the fallout, spotlighting major questions around Matt Poitras, Fabian Lysell, and the looming contract uncertainty among Providence’s top scorers. As key prospects weigh their futures, will Boston risk losing young talent to NHL “retreads” and a system reluctant to trust youth? Team USA calls up Mason Lohrei and James Hagens for the World Championships, offering both a fresh chance to impress after postseason benchings. Meanwhile, Ian McLaren launches a Noah Kahan-themed player review series, beginning with Charlie McAvoy’s resilient, injury-marred season. Will Boston finally address its right-shot defense gap and unleash its youth, or will a conservative approach stifle progress and postseason ambitions? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… https://lockedonbruins.supercast.com/ Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #BostonBruins #Bruins #NHL #LockedOnBruins Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Tampa Bay Lightning face a pivotal offseason as Darren Raddysh's breakout 70-point season sparks contract uncertainty. Can the ...
The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a franchise-defining moment with Kawhi Leonard’s future in serious doubt. If a trade becomes reality, one thing must be clear — the Clippers cannot afford to think short-term anymore. After years of building around Kawhi and chasing a championship window, it may finally be time to reset and prioritize the future. This video breaks down why draft picks, young talent, and long-term stability must come before quick fixes or veteran replacements. The Clippers’ next decision could shape the franchise for years to come — and fans are watching closely as uncertainty grows in LA.Will the Clippers stay loyal to the present… or finally secure their future? 👀#Clippers #KawhiLeonard #NBATrade #NBANews #LosAngelesClippers #NBARumors #NBAUpdates #BasketballNews #NBA2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s looming decision puts the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat at a crossroads. With Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam setting a draft-night ultimatum, all eyes turn to whether the Heat can capitalize on this rare window to land a superstar and reshape their roster. Could Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and Miami’s lottery odds be enough to sway Milwaukee’s front office? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil break down the layers of this high-stakes NBA drama, exploring the impact of Giannis’ uncertainty, potential trade scenarios, and how timing around the draft lottery could tip the scales. Key discussions cover Miami’s asset pool, Bam Adebayo’s untouchable status, Giannis’ leverage in shaping his destination, and the ripple effect for teams like the Warriors and Magic. The question remains: can the Heat transform clarity into championship potential, or will another contender jump to the front of the Giannis sweepstakes? 00:00 – Bucks' Giannis Timeline Opens Trade Market 12:20 – Heat Trade Package & Draft Lottery Implications 24:15 – Competition & Giannis' Leverage 🍪 JOIN THE COOKIE GANG 🍪 If you never miss an episode, the Everydayer Club is built for you. Get Locked On Heat ad-free, plus members-only Discord access, the Locked On Heat Text Line, exclusive content, and more. Head to lockedonheat.supercast.com to join the club! Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-heat/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba 📲 Follow Locked On Heat on Twitter Locked On Heat https://twitter.com/LockedOnHeat David Ramil https://twitter.com/dramil13 Wes Goldberg https://twitter.com/wcgoldberg 📸 Follow Locked On Heat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonheat/ 📺 Follow Locked On NBA: https://linktr.ee/lockedonnba 📢 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors: lockedonpodcasts.com/offers Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. DoorDash From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash. Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door. DoorDash. In your bag all season long. PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Quo Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #miamiheat #nba #heat #bamadebayo #giannis
Calgary Flames face a franchise-altering decision: should they trade for Auston Matthews and accelerate their rebuild? We explore the bold possibility of landing the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar, assessing Calgary’s draft capital and roster strengths following their lottery slide. With the team holding the sixth overall pick, the episode spotlights Matthews’ elite scoring, Toronto’s uncertainty, and the Flames’ aggressive options as they eye a return to contention. Key discussions include Carson Carels as Calgary’s projected top draft candidate, the long-term fit alongside Zayne Parekh, and whether patience or bold moves serve the Flames’ future best. We break down the strategies of teams picking ahead, like the San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks, including the ripple effects for draft positioning and potential trades. Could Calgary’s stockpile of picks finally net the generational talent they crave, or is another wait-and-see season on the horizon? Timestamps 00:00 Flames: Matthews Trade Boldness 11:27 Mock Drafts: Carels & Parekh 22:04 Draftees & Team Reactions Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-flames/ Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnNHLPods Everydayer Club Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonflames.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #NHL #CalgaryFlames
Los Angeles Clippers’ future heats up as Kawhi Leonard’s contract nears its end—should fans expect a new era or one more run with Darius Garland? Darian Vaziri and guest Jack Coghlan break down key roster developments, from Benedict Mathurin’s breakout performances to John Collins’ inconsistent impact and looming free agency questions. They size up the value of emerging prospects like Kobe Sanders, Jordan Miller, and Yannick, debating who could become a starting fixture next season. The conversation shifts to Clippers legacy: Should Chris Paul’s number be retired despite his controversial exit? Who makes the all-time LA Clippers top five list—Kawhi, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, or a surprise selection? With Lawrence Frank’s decision-making under the microscope, this episode dissects trade buzz, salary cap debates, and why Clipper Nation’s next chapter is filled with both uncertainty and hope. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-clippers/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba #Clippers #LosAngelesClippers #NBA #kawhileonard Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)