R&D are back for Season 8! 2026/27 Season Preview Episode!

Ray and Dregs dig into the ongoing Connor Hellebuyck situation in Winnipeg and how it compares to the Dylan Larkin saga in Detroit, with both teams trying to balance trade pressure against the need to get proper value. The guys discuss Ottawa’s decision to give Travis Green a three-year extension and Brady Tkachuk’s first return to Ottawa since forcing his way to Florida, before turning to the Maple Leafs’ still-developing power play and the early challenges of managing Gavin McKenna’s role and ice time. They also look at how quickly Bruce Cassidy could emerge as an option for a contending team that stumbles out of the gate. In Ask Ray & Dregs Anything: Connor McDavid’s incredible scoring pace, whether Winnipeg’s Hellebuyck offers will improve, which early standings positions might be mirages, and some memorable stories from Ray’s time with the Hartford Whalers and Atlanta Thrashers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray and Dregs recap a busy night around the NHL, beginning with Carolina’s six-game winning streak despite a growing injury list and a broader look at how much early-season hot and cold starts really matter. The guys discuss Florida navigating injuries to Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand while Brady and Matthew Tkachuk finally make an impact together, Rick Bowness calling out the Blue Jackets (again) after another rough performance, and Philadelphia’s continued search for its first win. In Detroit, the Dylan Larkin situation continues to hang over the Red Wings even as Alex DeBrincat signs a major extension, while Nathan MacKinnon drops the gloves for the second time this season in a heated Colorado-Dallas matchup. Winnipeg keeps winning despite injury concern around Josh Morrissey, and Utah continues to establish itself as one of the league’s most dangerous early-season teams after beating Toronto. Plus, Ask Ray and Dregs Anything! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray and Dregs dig into some of the NHL’s most impressive early starts, including the Rangers, Oilers, Jets, Golden Knights and an intriguing Utah team. They take a closer look at Evan Bouchard’s red-hot start in Edmonton and how his game is fitting under Mike Babcock, before shifting to Toronto’s power play, Darren Raddysh’s role and the early development of Gavin McKenna. The guys also break down the uncertainty surrounding Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson in Detroit, and what Alex Ovechkin’s announcement that this will be his final NHL season means for Washington. In Ask Us Anything: should Edmonton’s soft early schedule temper expectations, can Toronto’s new top-six winger surpass his career-high 22 goals, how should Florida handle the injuries to Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand, and do Ray and Landon Ferraro actually sound alike? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Free Agency Season Finale Special is loaded! The Leafs were a centrepiece on Canada Day after reshaping their roster, highlighted by the signing of veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to form a tandem with Anthony Stolarz and a wave of additions including Nick Paul, Jack Roslovic, Teddy Blueger and Colton Sissons. While Toronto appears to have better-defined roles throughout its lineup, there are questions about whether the club sacrificed too much speed. Zach Werenski remained in Columbus after apparently blocking a reported trade to Dallas, creating another layer of drama for the Blue Jackets. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers cleared significant cap space by moving Darnell Nurse to San Jose without retaining salary. Vancouver continued its retool by flipping Marcus Pettersson for a first-round pick before adding Jamie Oleksiak and Montreal locked up cornerstone forward Ivan Demidov to a long-term extension Elsewhere, Winnipeg signed Stuart Skinner to stabilize its goaltending depth without necessarily taking Connor Hellebuyck off the trade market, as the Jets continue searching for help down the middle. Plus, Devils offer sheet, Larkin stays put, Florida pivots, Caps are HUGE and Sharks expected to take the next step. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The offseason carousel kept spinning as Washington made a major push by acquiring Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch, with Tuch’s new $10.5 million AAV adding another layer to the Capitals’ aggressive retool. Chicago also jumped into the action by landing Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway, raising the question of whether Connor Bedard is finally getting the support he needs. In Buffalo, Jarmo Kekäläinen takes over with the Sabres still searching for stability in goal, while Ottawa’s addition of William Eklund brings intrigue around where he fits and what Senators fans can expect. Calgary made a bold move of its own by acquiring Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov from New Jersey, adding more youth and upside to the Flames’ picture. In Edmonton, the Oilers introduced Mike Babcock and DJ Smith, with Ryan Rishaug speaking to Connor McDavid about what the new coaching setup could mean for a team still chasing the final step. Plus, the guys look at whether the Lightning, Penguins, Ducks, Stars, Blue Jackets and Mammoth have more moves coming, and whether Dallas will ultimately move Jason Robertson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.