100% Hockey

Fresh off the NHL Draft in Buffalo, Daren Millard and John Shannon break down everything happening across the league as free agency looms.
Daren shares firsthand impressions from the draft floor, including thoughts on the atmosphere and notable format changes. The conversation zeroes in on some of the biggest contract situations in the game — Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, and Jason Robertson — analyzing potential trades and what each situation means for their respective teams.
The Pacific Division gets particular attention, with San Jose, Anaheim, and Vegas all facing key decisions. The guys also dig into the nuances of reciprocal no-trade clauses, jersey designs, broadcast considerations, and wrap up with predictions on where the top unrestricted free agents will land and why franchise face players remain the cornerstone of any successful NHL organization.

Daren Millard and John Shannon are joined by Brian Lawton — former first-round pick, agent, and general manager — for a wide-ranging conversation on the NHL draft and player movement. 
Lawton breaks down how dramatically the draft process has evolved, from scouting to player preparation, and why he believes this year's class could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory due to sharply divided opinions on prospect rankings. 
The discussion heats up around the growing power of players with no-trade protections — Lawton reveals that roughly 250 NHL players currently hold no-trade clauses, compared to just 45 across all other major professional sports combined — and what that means for teams trying to make moves. Jason Robertson's potential trade from Dallas to Seattle serves as the focal point for a broader conversation on how players are increasingly prioritizing winning over salary alone. 
The episode wraps with an expansion debate, as Lawton makes his case for Austin as the NHL's next market, pointing to its booming tech industry and financial appeal — though John suspects it may be a negotiating tactic to squeeze better terms out of Houston.

John Shannon sits down with Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse for a bonus episode of 100% Hockey. 
Hired in June 2025, Muse reflects on a first year that brought both progress and lessons, sharing an honest assessment of where the Penguins are headed. He traces his unlikely path to the NHL — picking up hockey late in Birmingham, Alabama, and grinding through college coaching, the USHL, and several NHL assistant roles before landing one of the league's most storied head coaching jobs.
Muse discusses his philosophy on coaching generational talents like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, emphasizing relationship-building over authority. The conversation also covers the growth of American hockey, and Muse shares his cautious optimism about the new NCAA-CHL player transfer rules and what they could mean for the next generation of players.

Daren Millard and John Shannon sit down with newly elected Hockey Hall of Famer Brian Burke for a wide-ranging conversation covering a remarkable career and a deeply personal journey. 
Burke reflects on his unlikely path — picking up hockey at age 13 in Minnesota — and credits Lou Lamoriello as the mentor who pushed him toward the game despite his own initial resistance. He walks through his evolution from player to agent to general manager, the thrill of winning the Stanley Cup with Anaheim, and his tenures with Vancouver, Toronto, and his time as NHL Executive Vice President. 
Burke also opens up about the personal sacrifices that came with the job, the challenge of maintaining relationships with his children throughout his career, and the profound loss of his son Brendan.
When Brian leaves, John and Daren shift gears to break down recent NHL transactions, with analysis of team strategies heading into the draft.

Daren Millard and John Shannon bring in draft expert Sam Cosentino, who will be covering the NHL Draft for Sportsnet and NHL Network, to break down a draft landscape that's already full of intrigue.
The centerpiece of the conversation is the Brady Tkachuk trade from Ottawa to Florida and how it reshapes draft strategies league-wide. Sam runs through the top prospects — including Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stennberg, and Caleb Malhotra — and the guys tackle the elephant in the room: would Vancouver dare to draft Caleb Malhotra, son of new head coach Manny Malhotra? 
The discussion also covers the real possibility of trades within the top 5 picks, the shifting development paths between the CHL and NCAA, and why American players are increasingly gravitating toward non-Canadian markets. Plus, speculation heats up around what Winnipeg and other teams might do before draft day.