The FAN Morning Show

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open Thursday morning by sharing their last-minute Christmas shopping still needing to be done, before turning to the Blue Jays’ holiday wish list. They look into the impact of Bo Bichette potentially playing second base and how that affects his value and Toronto’s plans. They also discuss the controversy around the Seattle Kraken and Lane Lambert limiting media questions to team employees. After the break, the guys break down NFL news heading into Week 16, including the Dolphins benching Tua Tagovailoa and what it could mean for his future, as well as Joe Burrow’s recent comments and growing uncertainty surrounding his long-term outlook with the Bengals. 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 second hour by discussing Auston Matthews’ relationship with Maple Leafs fans. They touch on his recent emotional reaction after scoring, growing market pressure, health concerns, trade value, and whether he has reached his limit in Toronto. They also debate whether the Blue Jays risk losing Bo Bichette by waiting on Kyle Tucker's market to develop. After the break, Sportsnet NHL analyst Jason Bukala (25:32) joins to break down Team Canada’s win over Sweden, their outlook heading into the World Juniors, and expectations around Gavin McKenna. The conversation then shifts back to the Leafs’ matchup with the Capitals, Matthews’ recent play, potential trade scenarios, possible disconnects between coaching and players, and whether deeper, long-standing issues continue to hold the team back. 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 by welcoming Joe Thomas, NFL Hall of Fame left tackle. He shares his insights on some key Week 16 storylines including Rams vs. Seahawks, the NFC and AFC landscapes, some standout defenders and quarterback situations around the league, and his own career comparisons. After the break, they’re joined by the co-host of The FAN Hockey Show and two-time Stanley Cup champion, Mike Futa (24:15)! He breaks down the Maple Leafs recent form, Auston Matthews’ play, the team's brewing leadership concerns, and more! Ben and Brent wrap up today's show with the Canadian Sports Moment of the Day. 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 finish off the morning by welcoming NHL insider Frank Seravalli from Victory+. Frank shares his thoughts on the win yesterday over the Chicago Blackhawks and discusses Auston Matthews’ recent play, if Craig Berube calling him out played a role, what it will take for Matthews to return to the conversation as the best player in the league, and what has happened to the aura surrounding him. They explore whether the issue is physical or something bigger, including the possibility of a DNA change as Brad Treliving previously hinted at. Frank also weighs in on whether Matthews would still be the choice as Team USA’s captain for the Olympics. The guys then get into the Canucks’ decision to move on from Quinn Hughes and whether they sees him in Minnesota long-term. Later, Sam McKee (26:19) of Leafs Talk and Real Kyper and Bourne shares his thoughts on the Leafs’ comeback last night. He chats about if the win changed his feelings about the team’s long-term outlook, the constant cycle of believing this could be the turning point, and Matthews’ form of late. The guys close out the morning with the Canadian Sports Moment of the Day. 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 start the second hour alongside Gord Stellick, former Maple Leafs general manager and friend of the show! Gord shares his thoughts on the Leafs’ win over the Blackhawks last night, including their third period comeback, Auston Matthews’ emotional response to the fans, the state of the power play after finally scoring, and how much the team can rely on Joseph Woll down the stretch. Gord also discusses "Holy Mackinaw Night" honoring of Joe Bowen and reflects on some of Joe’s great calls throughout the years. Ben and Brent then chat about the idea that Craig Berube’s criticism may have motivated Auston Matthews and whether that kind of approach is needed consistently. After the break (30:50), the guys look at how the Knicks celebrated winning the NBA Cup and debate whether it was fair or foul. The guys also react to Jim Bowden’s comments about team allegiance, discuss whether his take is correct or offensive to fans, explore whether people who work in sports truly understand fandom, and consider whether it’s possible to truly switch teams. 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 by recapping the Maple Leafs’ wild win over the Blackhawks. They highlight Auston Matthews’ much-needed third period power play goal, Craig Berube’s message to the team, and Joseph Woll's play in his return from injury. They also reflect on “Holy Mackinaw Night" at Scotiabank Arena and the tribute to play-by-play voice Joe Bowen in his final season in the booth. After the break, the guys discuss the New York Knicks winning the NBA Cup, what it means for the fan base, and the legitimacy of cup competitions in North American sports. The boys wrap up with thoughts on a recent interview from Cody Ponce which featured his love of Star Wars, sparking a debate on the nerdiest position in sports. 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 the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Joe Bowen! The guys take a moment to look back on some of Joe’s career highlights as they get ready for Holy Mackinaw Night at the Scotiabank Arena tonight. Joe also shares his assessment of the team so far this year and shares this Leafs team differs from others they came up with in the city. Ben and Brent wrap up the interview with thoughts on the broadcaster's legendary career in Toronto and what he's meant to both of them. After the break, ESPN NHL writer Greg Wyshynski joins Ben and Brent to share stories from across the league including the Auston Matthews' form, the Quinn Hughes trade, and the Buffalo Sabres’ decision to fire GM Kevyn Adams after so many years. The guys close out the morning with your Canadian Sports Moment of the Day. 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 second hour reacting to comments from Craig Berube about Auston Matthews' recent form. They dive into the captain's response, potential lineup changes with William Nylander skating on the top line, and the goaltending outlook with Joseph Woll's return on the horizon. They also touch on Connor Bedard being out ahead of tonight's clash between the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs, and forecast if this injury will impact his Olympic availability. After the break, Sportsnet Raptors reporter Michael Grange (27:13) joins the show to break down the Raptors’ win over the Heat last night. He assess their defensive effort and scoring outlook with RJ Barrett’s return, before discussing some potential trade targets, including how realistic a pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo may be for Toronto. 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 Tuesday's program recapping the Raptors’ road win over the Heat! They focus in on Toronto's defense, their late-game reliance on Brandon Ingram, and some realistic expectations for the team this season. They also debate whether the Raps should pursue a superstar like Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo, before reacting to Fred VanVleet recalling the story of Kawhi Leonard's final year in Toronto and his choice to not re-sign. After the break, they discuss the Sabres firing GM Kevyn Adams, the Steelers’ win over the Dolphins, and the Braves signing Ha-Seong Kim. What does it indicate for Bo Bichette’s future in Toronto? 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 Monday morning alongside Sportsnet's Luke Fox. Luke shares what he saw on Saturday that led to the Maple Leafs' letdown, discusses expectations around Auston Matthews compared to Connor McDavid, and reacts to Craig Berube’s post-game press conference. The guys examine the team’s urgency given their current position, who would feel the most pressure if the Leafs miss the playoffs, where Matthew Knies fits into the leadership core, when Joseph Woll could return to the net, and who should start in goal for Canada at the Olympics. Later, Trey Wingo (24:55) of the Straight Facts Homie podcast gives his thoughts on a wild Week 15 in the NFL. He chat about the Chiefs elimination from playoff contention, the similarities between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes' trajectories, and whether the Chiefs can still emulate the Patriots dynasty. They also get into the Bills’ chances to win the AFC East, how he expects New England to respond after their loss to Buffalo, his impressions of Philip Rivers, and the latest on the Bengals and Joe Burrow. Ben and Brent close out the morning with the Canadian Sports Moment of the Day. 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.