123: Inside Edmonton’s Early Season: Kris Knoblauch Joins 100% Hockey

John Davidson joined John in Daren’s absence for a wide-ranging conversation on 100% Hockey. The two Johns start with a quick look at the Columbus Blue Jackets and the progress the organization has made, before shifting into league-wide topics. They dig into the challenges of the NHL’s “mushy middle,” the timing and philosophy behind bringing prospects into the league, and their preferences when it comes to draft age and development paths. Davidson also reflects on his memories from the broadcast booth and shares what it has been like returning to the screen on Prime’s Monday night hockey broadcasts.

8 Des 1h 7min

Jeff Gorton, President of Hockey Operations for the Montreal Canadiens, joins the show to discuss the Habs’ progress and direction as their rebuild continues. Gorton talks about the challenges of competing through injuries and market pressure, and why maintaining a long-term focus remains essential in Montreal. He highlights the strides made in player development, the growing impact of the team’s analytics department, and the collaborative dynamic between himself, GM Kent Hughes, and Coach Martin St. Louis. Gorton also touches on the team’s approach to trades and acquisitions, the growth of their young core, and the constant battle within a highly competitive Atlantic Division — all while expressing optimism about where the Canadiens are headed.

5 Des 58min

Pete DeBoer joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to share where he’s at during an unexpected break from coaching — his first real time away from the bench in nearly twenty years. DeBoer talks about adjusting to life without the daily grind of an NHL schedule, how he’s staying connected to the game, and what this pause has taught him. With his role on Hockey Canada’s staff for the 2026 Olympic Games, DeBoer also gives a detailed look at the early stages of Team Canada’s selection process — from identifying the right mix of players to the timeline leading into February’s tournament. He discusses what fans can expect when Olympic hockey arrives and how the coaching group is shaping its vision for Milan.

3 Des 58min

Jim Hiller, head coach of the LA Kings, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey on a rare day off during a packed stretch of games. Hiller gives a detailed look at the Kings’ surprising split between their strong road play and their struggles at home — the complete inverse of last season — and explains why finding balance has been such a challenge early on. He touches on the mix of young players and veterans in the lineup, what the group does to reset on off days, and how the ultra-tight Pacific Division has elevated expectations and intensity on a nightly basis. Hiller provides a clear, inside look at the Kings’ day-to-day operations and what he believes will help the team turn the corner at home.

1 Des 42min

It’s just John Shannon and Daren Millard on this American Thanksgiving edition of 100% Hockey, as the two take stock of an NHL season defined by razor-thin margins. With the standings already incredibly tight — and this point in the calendar often viewed as a playoff indicator — they break down who’s positioned well, who’s in trouble, and why this season feels unusually congested. John and Daren also touch on the impact of key injuries, the mood around different fanbases, and the storylines shaping the league as teams hit one of the first real checkpoints of the year.

28 Nov 54min

Devan Dubnyk joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to talk goaltending across the NHL, starting with a market he knows better than most — Edmonton. Drawing from his own experience between the pipes in a high-pressure environment, Dubnyk gives his perspective on Stuart Skinner, how a goalie handles stretches of doubt, and what might be going through Skinner’s mind right now. From there, the conversation moves around the league as Dubnyk weighs in on several goalie tandems, offering a candid and uniquely goalie-focused look at their situations. Along the way, he reflects on his own journey, the mental side of the position, and how the role continues to evolve.

26 Nov 59min

Lou Lamoriello joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to discuss his transition from longtime NHL general manager to his new role as a consultant. Lamoriello outlines what his day-to-day looks like now, how he supports the organization, and why the shift made sense at this stage of his career. He also shares his thoughts on the New York Islanders, the evolution of the GM position, and how changes around the league — from cap pressures to player movement — have reshaped the job. Lou talks about why building strong relationships with players was always a priority for him, and weighs in on topics including the new dress code, Olympic preparation, and how the league continues to evolve.

24 Nov 53min

Pat Verbeek, General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks, joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey to talk about his team’s surprising rise to first place early in the season. Verbeek breaks down how Anaheim’s young, fast, high-scoring group has driven the offense, and how Joel Quenneville’s influence has encouraged the defense to activate and support the attack. He also touches on the steadying presence of the veterans he added in the offseason — players who have brought a much-needed “calming effect” to a young room. Verbeek shares why the team is having so much fun right now, how the coaching staff has helped shape their identity, and what he sees as the next steps as the Ducks try to build on their strong start.

21 Nov 41min