Morning Cuppa Hockey · The Nation Network

Trade Deadline: Two Days Away ft. Marco D'Amico & Martin Biron

·1 hr 3 min·5 clips

Marco D'Amico explains why LA Kings suddenly became frontrunners for Patrick Laine after key injuries.

This episode of Morning Cuppa Hockey focuses on the NHL trade deadline, featuring hosts Kobe Cohen and Johnny Lazarus alongside guests Marco D'Amico and Martin Biron. D'Amico covers the Montreal Canadiens, while Biron provides analysis on the Buffalo Sabres. The hosts discuss recent games, trade rumors, and team needs as the deadline approaches. The conversation begins with analysis of the Minnesota Wild's early trade for Michael McCarron, questioning General Manager Bill Guerin's strategy. They examine the stalled trade talks for New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, noting Minnesota's reported final offer. Buffalo's rumored interest in St. Louis Blues defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk is a major topic, with speculation about a potential return involving Owen Power or Bowen Byram. Marco D'Amico addresses Montreal's 7-5 loss to San Jose and potential interest in Patrick Laine, linking it to the Los Angeles Kings' injury situation. He also discusses Montreal's search for a center and the high price for Robert Thomas, which might involve top prospect Michael Hage. A surprising claim is that the Montreal Canadiens' defensive system may be a bigger issue than their goaltending, with D'Amico citing an abnormal number of high-danger chances against. The panel debates whether trading a prospect like Hage for an established player like Thomas is wise, given the risk of derailing a rebuild. Biron argues the Buffalo Sabres, riding a 21-5-2 hot streak, do not need a major splash like trading for Thomas and should instead seek defensive depth. D'Amico makes a strong case for New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer winning the Calder Trophy, comparing his immediate impact favorably to Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar at the same age. The hosts express admiration for the Buffalo fans' handling of Jack Eichel's return, cheering his Olympic gold medal pre-game but booing him once play began. D'Amico reveals he has heard internal "rumblings" questioning if head coach Martin St. Louis is the right person to take Montreal to the next level, though he clarifies management publicly backs him. The tone is conversational and insider-driven, blending game analysis with speculative trade talk and roster evaluation. This episode is ideal for NHL fans seeking deadline speculation and team-specific analysis on the Canadiens and Sabres. Listeners preferring structured debate or narrative storytelling might find the free-flowing, rumor-heavy discussion less engaging.

As heard by us

Deadline talk stays grounded in roster questions, with Montreal and Buffalo kept in focus.

The episode stays on the trade deadline, with Montreal's 7-5 loss, the Patrick Laine rumors, the Robert Thomas angle, and the sense that one surprise move could still shake up the market before Friday.

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Why you'd press play

Canadiens chatter, Sabres deadline talk, and a few trade names in one quick hockey morning.

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