117: Speed, Structure, and the Hughes Effect: Tom Fitzgerald Joins 100% Hockey
Tom Fitzgerald, General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to talk about what’s driving his team’s strong start to the season. Fitzgerald breaks down the elements behind the early success — from the Devils’ speed and structure to the impact of new head coach Sheldon Keefe and the familiarity that’s starting to take hold within the group.
He also discusses the continued rise of the Hughes brothers, including Luke Hughes’ new contract, and how their growth has helped define the team’s identity. The conversation wraps with a look ahead to Team USA’s 2026 Olympic plans and how the American program is shaping up on the international stage.
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116: Inside the NHL’s Early Storylines with Ray Ferraro: Boston’s Core, Detroit’s Youth, & New York’s Struggles.
Hockey analyst Ray Ferraro joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging breakdown of early-season storylines around the league. The conversation begins in Boston, where Brad Marchand’s return has sparked questions about the Bruins’ direction and whether a rebuild could eventually mean tough choices involving David Pastrňák. Ray offers insight into how teams can stay competitive while managing aging cores and shifting priorities.
The group then turns its attention to other clubs making noise — including the Detroit Red Wings’ promising young roster and the New York Rangers’ offensive inconsistencies — while also discussing the evolving challenges facing goaltenders across the NHL.
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115: Another Slow Start: Bob Stauffer On The Troubling Edmonton Oilers.
Bob Stauffer, colour analyst for the Edmonton Oilers and host of Oilers Now on 630 CHED, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to break down Edmonton’s sluggish start to the 2025–26 season. With Connor McDavidgoalless through six games, Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse struggling to find consistency, and Zach Hyman’sinjury leaving a major gap up front, the Oilers’ early performance has raised some eyebrows.
Bob brings his perspective from inside the organization to discuss whether this is just another slow start for a proven team or an early warning sign of deeper issues. The three dive into lineup depth, defensive play, and how Edmonton can get back on track after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
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114: Lindy Ruff on Building Depth and Breaking Buffalo’s Playoff Drought
Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to talk about navigating a tough stretch early in the season. Ruff provides updates on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s recovery and possible conditioning stint in Rochester, while praising Devin Levi’s continued development and value as organizational depth. He also discusses the return of Mattias Samuelsson and how the group is managing injuries through a demanding schedule.
The conversation shifts to life in Buffalo — from the city’s pull on players to Ruff’s determination to end the Sabres’ long playoff drought and bring postseason hockey back to Western New York.
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113: The Keeper of the Cup: Philip Pritchard on Hockey’s Greatest Trophy.
Philip Pritchard, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s legendary Keeper of the Cup, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to pull back the curtain on the Stanley Cup’s incredible post-championship journey. From the moment it’s awarded, the Cup begins a 100-day schedule that takes it around the world — parades, private celebrations, community events, and everything in between. Pritchard explains how that whirlwind is organized, coordinated with team staff, and managed with precision as hockey’s most iconic trophy travels thousands of miles each summer.
Along the way, he shares remarkable stories from his decades with the Cup — unforgettable moments with players, families, and fans — while explaining the delicate work of maintaining and protecting a piece of hockey history that never seems to slow down. The conversation wraps with thoughts on the NHL’s current landscape, the sport’s continued global growth, and why the Stanley Cup remains the ultimate symbol of both tradition and joy in hockey.
100% Hockey is your go-to podcast for all things NHL, delivering three fresh episodes every week - Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Hosted by hockey insiders John Shannon and Daren Millard, the show offers unmatched insights, expert analysis, and passionate commentary. With a deep well of connections across the hockey world, they bring you the latest news, sharp opinions, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the rink. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual follower, 100% Hockeykeeps you in the game.
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