The FAN Morning Show

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close out the week with Damien Cox, who weighs in on Jim Hiller’s decision to bench Gavin McKenna, the balance between winning and developing a young star, and the Leafs’ early-season identity under their new coach. They also discuss Auston Matthews’ return, his long-term future in Toronto, and the legacy of Cliff Fletcher. Later, Greg Wyshynski (28:32) joins the show to share his thoughts on the McKenna situation, the Atlantic Division race, the Devils’ outlook, Dylan Larkin’s fit in Detroit, and the Flyers’ surprising struggles. The guys wrap up with their final takeaways on Hiller’s handling of McKenna. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning break down the Leafs' OT loss to Buffalo, including another blown lead, questions about their late-game approach, Gavin McKenna’s limited ice time, and growing concerns in net. They discuss whether McKenna’s usage could become an unnecessary storyline and how much confidence the Leafs can have in their goaltending moving forward. Later, NFL insider Tom Pelissero (25:15) joins the show to discuss Bo Nix and the Broncos, Sean Payton’s offence, Sam Darnold’s health, the impact of injuries around the league, the NFC East race, and what Marvin Harrison Jr. could bring to the Texans. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning recap the Leafs' OT loss to the Sabres after surrendering a lead, breaking down the team's process, Kirill Marchenko’s hat trick, and John Tavares’ move to the wing before his third-period exit. They also discuss Gavin McKenna’s benching, Jim Hiller’s explanation, and whether goaltending concerns are starting to surface. Later, the guys react to the Brewers reaching the World Series (30:54), debate the Dodgers’ legacy, and discuss Gavin Williams’ dominant postseason run and the Guardians’ ALCS outlook. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of The FAN Morning Show alongside Jim Ralph to discuss the Maple Leafs’ turnaround from last season, their renewed offensive attack, Auston Matthews looking more like himself, and whether the goaltending tandem can sustain its strong play over the course of the season. They also debate whether Toronto is poised for another playoff appearance. Later, Luke Fox (25:05) joins the show to break down the Leafs’ start through seven games, why there are more reasons for optimism this year, the need for added defensive depth with Chris Tanev sidelined, and what to watch for in tonight’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off this episode with more ahead tonight's Maple Leafs matchup against the Sabres. They touch on the impact of Chris Tanev's injury, his timeline to return to the ice, if John Chayka will make a move to bolster the blue line, and what potential options are available on the market. After the break, The Ringer's Joe House joins the guys to discuss his impressions of the Raptors' new-look lineup and gauge how high the team can climb with Kawhi Leonard at the helm. Joe also takes a closer look at the 76ers' outlook after adding LeBron Jams and how the NBA's new anti-tanking initiative will impact regular season play, before wrapping up thoughts on the demise of LIV Golf. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show with a preview of tonight's Maple Leafs vs. Sabres clash. The guys review what we've learned about Toronto's group on their road trip, the major strengths and weaknesses of this roster, and the keys to a successful homestand kicking off tonight. After the break, the guys share their thoughts on the Brewers' 6-2 victory in Game 3 of the NLCS to move within one game of the World Series. They break down how Milwaukee's bats have been able to attack the Dodgers' pitching staff, what's gone wrong for LA as they sit on the brink of elimination, and what to expect in the American League ahead of this afternoon's Game 3 between the Guardians and Rays. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning close out Thursday’s show with Jason Bukala, breaking down the Leafs' play in Utah, expectations for Kirill Marchenko, blue-line concerns with Chris Tanev sidelined, power-play adjustments, and whether the road trip changed the outlook on the team. Later, Jon Morosi (25:27) joins to share his firsthand experience watching Connor McDavid, before diving into the MLB Championship Series, Shohei Ohtani’s struggles, the mood in Los Angeles, the ALCS, and whether a Brewers-Rays World Series would reignite the salary-cap debate. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Brent Gunning and Ben Ennis begin the second hour alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs GM and friend of the show! Together, they break down last night's 5-4 loss in Utah with thoughts on Anthony Stolarz's play, the ideal split between Toronto's two netminders, and if the team can stay afloat on the blue line without Chris Tanev. They also touch on John Tavares' return to the first power play unit, Gavin McKenna's bid for the spot, and how Leafs Nation should feel after collecting three points on the road trip. After the break, the guys chat about the NHL's Frozen Frenzy with all 32 teams in action last night. Ben and Brent debate if hockey is suited for multiple screens, if it works as a TV spectacle, and whether it's conducive to displaying the sport at its best. The guys wrap up with thoughts on who will record the Maple Leafs' first fight this season, along with Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness' reaction to his team's loss last night. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Wednesday morning with a look back at the Maple Leafs' 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth. They break down Anthony Stolarz's shaky performance in goal, Jim Hiller utilizing a 11-7 split between forwards and defencemen, and if this will be the new normal until Chris Tanev returns. The guys also chat about John Tavares' return to the first power play unit, if Gavin McKenna deserves an extended look with PP1, and what we've learned about Kirill Marchenko during his first seven games with the Leafs. After the break, Ben and Brent discuss Kawhi Leonard's return to Scotiabank Arena in the Raptors' preseason rout of the Knicks. They share their takeaways from the 148-98 victory including Leonard's fit with the core of the team, before wrapping up with thoughts on Game 2 of the ALCS. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the final hour of the morning by welcoming on Sportsnet NHL insider Frank Seravalli. They discuss the Leafs losing Chris Tanev, whether the Leafs will look into the trade market for another defencemen, Auston Matthews' start so far and Dylan Larkin's reception in Montreal. After the break, the guys are joined by MLB Network host Adnan Virk (25:38) What has Adnan made of the start of the championship series, the Brewers approach against the Dodgers and whether this is almost a last dance for the Dodgers? They also touch on Vladdy's Lasik eye surgery and if it could lead to different results next year? The Guys close out the hour by setting up the Leafs final game of the road trip! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.