The FAN Morning Show

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the second hour of Monday with thoughts on Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman's insight into the future of Auston Matthews in Toronto. Has anything changed between the Maple Leafs and their captain? The boys break down how this impacts the trade deadline, assess Brad Treliving’s responsibility for where the team stands this season, and consider how significant a potential teardown could be. After the break, Sportsnet NHL analyst Jason Bukala joins the show to evaluate the Buds ahead of the deadline. They discuss the need for a possible reset, identify potential trade pieces and untouchables, and examine the fallout of not owning their first-round pick. The conversation also covers the Brandon Carlo trade, expected returns in a sell-off, balancing draft capital versus NHL-ready players, and the risks of rushing young talent, before wrapping up with some appreciation for goalies standing up for themselves again. 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.

In the final hour of the morning show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning welcome Maple Leaf Hotstove contributor Anthony Petrielli. They discuss the Leafs' trade deadline strategy and the potential for significant roster changes. Key topics include targeting needs for improvement, evaluating the value of trading a puck-moving defenseman, and balancing draft pick priorities. Afterward, they chat with Blake Murphy (28:46), co-host of the Raptors Show. Blake shares his thoughts on the Raptors' recent win, the team's current performance, and his surprise at Brandon Ingram's all-star snub. They discuss the Raptors' position in the Eastern Conference, potential trades for improvement, and player development, along with reflections on the Jakob Poeltl extension. 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 welcomes Brent Gunning back after a two-weeks away from the program. He shares what life has been like with new twins in the family, before diving into what’s changed with the Leafs during that time. They reflect on the team's sudden collapse, goaltending issues, where the blame lies, and whether a sell-off before the deadline is necessary. The guys also react to Sunday's Stadium Series goalie fight and debate whether outdoor NHL games have lost their shine. After the break, they discuss the Raptors’ win over the Jazz, Scottie Barnes being named an All-Star, if the team is being overlooked around the league, and how this era of Raptors basketball is being evaluated. The boys wrap up the hour with thoughts on Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA and Justin Rose’s impressive current form. 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.

In this week's wrap-up, Ben Ennis and Daniele Franchesci welcome Lance Hornby from the Toronto Sun to discuss the Leafs' recent performance against Seattle. They explore whether the team is in a selling position, potential trades, and the current goaltending situation. They also touch on the Leafs' health science department and its impact on injuries. After the break, NBA writer Keith Smith (23:26) joins to analyze the upcoming trade deadline and the Raptors' potential moves, including any interest in stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Domantas Sabonis. They also discuss the Raptors' opponent, the Magic, and wrap up with a look at LeBron's future in the league. 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 Daniele Franceschi kick off the second hour alongside Amazon Prime NHL & MLB Network host, Adnan Virk! He dives into the Maple Leafs’ recent struggles, the state of the current era, and the scrutiny surrounding Auston Matthews. The conversation then shifts to the Blue Jays as pitcher and catcher reporting approaches, including Vegas’ AL East odds, the impact of losing Bo Bichette, and whether offseason additions could position Toronto as contenders once again. After the break, the guys are joined by Ty Dunne (23:17) of GoLongTD.com to discuss the Bills’ hiring of Joe Brady, fan reaction to his introduction, changes within the organization, offseason priorities, and the state of Buffalo’s Super Bowl window. The show closes with a comparison of leadership and accountability between Josh Allen and Auston Matthews. 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 Daniele Franceschi wrap up the week by breaking down the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken. After hearing from Craig Berube, they discuss whether the team has accepted their fate, Anthony Stolarz’ struggles, and how his contract extension looks in hindsight. The guys then dive into reports that Artemi Panarin could be on the trade block and whether the Leafs could realistically be involved. Before the break, they examine a report on the Leafs’ sports science issues, potential links to increased injuries, the impact of a condensed Olympic schedule, and Brad Treliving’s response. After the break, Ben and Daniele react to comments from Josh Allen on playing through injury, what that mindset means for star players, and hear from new Bills head coach Joe Brady. They chat about what his hiring could mean in Buffalo moving forward and the confidence he inspired at his introductory press conference. 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 Daniele Franceschi welcome Joe House to break down the Raptors’ season, trade-deadline questions, and the state of pro golf. Then, The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke (26:16) previews the Leafs’ final road trip before the Olympic break and where the team stands heading into the stretch run. 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 Daniele Franceschi open the second hour breaking down Shams Charania's report of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market ahead of the deadline. The boys questions what Toronto’s realistic price would be, how Giannis would fit with the roster, and other potential landing spots if he’s moved. They then shift to the Maple Leafs as the team begins their final road trip before the Olympic break. Nick Kypreos (24:14) of Real Kyper and Bourne joins the conversation to dive into his latest Toronto Star column on William Nylander and the culture around the Leafs. The trio also touch on how the buds' upcoming road trip can restore optimism, the possibility of a larger teardown versus waiting until the offseason, the future of Auston Matthews, and how this season will ultimately be remembered heading into the Olympic pause. 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 Daniele Franceschi open Thursday's show by breaking down the Raptors’ blowout loss to the Knicks. They focus on Toronto's second half collapse, the team's offensive inconsistency, and what this game says about their place in the Eastern Conference hierarchy. They also discuss the team’s need for shooting, Collin Murray-Boyles’ impressive play in Jakob Poeltl’s absence, and how recent losses may influence the Raptors’ trade deadline approach. After the break, the guys react to Brian Cashman’s comments on the Yankees’ offseason, debate shifts in the AL East landscape, and assess the Blue Jays’ standing and New York’s chances next season. The hour wraps with a discussion of Bill Polian’s Hall of Fame vote and the ongoing debate around Bill Belichick’s missing out on his first ballot. 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.

The Leafs’ struggles at home are front and centre as Ben Ennis and Sho Alli kick off hour three of The FAN Morning Show with Luke Fox joining the show to discuss Toronto’s playoff outlook and looming trade-deadline decisions. Later, the boys take a look at the NBA landscape, the Raptors’ season so far, and the current state of the New York Knicks. 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.