The FAN Morning Show

Ben Ennis and Sho Alli wrap up the week with NHL on Sportsnet host David Amber, discussing the Leafs’ recent struggles, whether it’s time to panic, potential changes in net and Jim Hiller’s start in Toronto. They also look ahead to Saturday’s matchup against the Oilers. Later, FAN 590 play-by-play voice Eric Smith (27:28) joins to discuss how the Raptors are navigating their injury troubles, Kawhi Leonard’s potential return and the importance of picking up wins against a tough Eastern 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 affiliate.

Ben Ennis and Sho Alli begin this episode alongside Jon Morosi, MLB Network insider. Jon discusses what he's learned from the GM meetings in Las Vegas this week, why free agency is off to a slow start, what an ideal off-season for the Blue Jays looks like, the state of the league's CBA negotiations, and how long a potential lockout might last. After the break, Tom Pelissero (29:05), Netflix NFL insider and host with The Ringer, joins to break down the Commanders' win over the Giants on Thursday Night Football to keep pace in the NFC East. Tom also reflects on the NFL trade deadline, the biggest winners and losers, the Jaguars as Super Bowl contenders, the state of the Vikings after re-acquiring Kirk Cousins, the top dogs in the NFC North, and the early MVP favourites, before setting up this weekend's Week 10 action. 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 Sho Alli kick off Friday morning with a recap of Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. The guys reflect on the team’s 0-5 homestand, the growing urgency to turn things around, Anthony Stolarz’s performance, and William Nylander’s game. They also look ahead to Saturday’s marquee matchup against the Oilers. After the break, the guys discuss the Raptors’ loss to the 76ers and what can be learned from the team’s performance without its two best players. They wrap up the hour by breaking down Thursday Night Football and the Commanders’ chances of re-entering the NFC East race. 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 FAN Morning Show with Damien Cox to break down the Leafs' six-game homestand skid, the team's pace of play, Jim Hiller's impact, Gavin McKenna's early days in Toronto, and the Connor Hellebuyck situation in Winnipeg. Then, Alvin Williams (25:48) shares his thoughts on the Raptors' injury-riddled start, Immanuel Quickley’s play, the team's playoff outlook, and tonight’s matchup against Philadelphia. 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 things off with thoughts on William Nylander's comments about his recent play. They chat about his acknowledgement of the noise surrounding him, what's behind his recent recent dip in performance, and how the Maple Leafs can get the most out of him. The guys also discuss who should start in goal tonight against the Wild and why it feels like a must-win game. After the break, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (24:05) weighs in on Nylander's comments amid his recent slump, before reflecting on how the team has handled Gavin McKenna's first year in the NHL. He questions if McKenna's defensive limitations take away from where he can play, the ideal linemates for him, which netminder will get the call tonight, and Quinn Hughes' tenure in Minnesota. 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 Thursday morning with a look back on the Raptors' deflating 98-93 loss to the Boston Celtics. The guys break down how Toronto's 22-point lead evaporated in the second half, what was behind the team's late game struggles, and the importance of both Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett with Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard sidelined. They also take a moment to reflect on Nikita Kucherov's stellar season on the heels of last night's hat-trick. After the break, Ben and Brent celebrate Louis Varland winning the American League Reliever of the Year award! They chat about how sustainable his form out of the bullpen is, before sifting through some rumours emerging from the GM meetings including the Blue Jays' interest in Tarik Skubal, what the team should prioritize this off-season, and if Max Scherzer has one more year left in the tank. 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 FAN Morning Show with Sam McKee to break down the Leafs' latest loss, Darren Raddysh’s first goal with Toronto, William Nylander’s recent play, the goalie rotation between Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, Chris Tanev’s workload management, and whether fan concerns have outpaced the team's reality. Later, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski (28:41) discusses Connor Hellebuyck’s return to Winnipeg, the reaction surrounding it, whether the Devils handled it properly, and the broader conversation around NHL stars leaving Canadian markets. 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 this episode with thoughts on Chris Tanev's comments about the Maple Leafs' load management of him. The guys then pivot to the hardcourt to discuss the Raptors' update that Kawhi Leonard will miss another week. How much wind does this take out of their sails ahead of this weeks Eastern Conference gauntlet ahead? They also touch on how much better the Vikings are after re-acquiring Kirk Cousins at the trade deadline. After the break, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (24:10) stops by to share his take on the Leafs' 6-3 loss to Colorado last night. He breaks down his level of concerns with the group, what's going on with William Nylander, the team's approach to developing Gavin McKenna, and how Tanev has been managed this season. Jason wraps up with his view on the how the Devils handled Connor Hellebuyck's return to Winnipeg. 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 begin Wednesday morning with a recap of the Maple Leafs' 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche last night. The guys share their thoughts on the team's fourth-straight loss including Sergei Bobrovsky's performance, Darren Raddysh finally scoring his first goal in Toronto, William Nylander's recent form, Jack Roslovic continuing to impress, and the keys to a turnaround with the Wild and Oilers coming to town. After the break, the guys listen back to Connor Hellebuyck's pregame comments about his return to Winnipeg and discuss how sincere they believe his statement was. They also touch on Hellebuyck's absence from the Devils' bench during the game, the confusing emotions for Jets fans after securing a win without facing their former netminder, and question what his return to the city will be like next year. 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 FAN Morning Show with Michael Grange to break down the Raptors' uneven start, Jakob Poeltl’s play of late, the team’s shooting concerns, and expectations surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s latest injury update. Later, former Maple Leafs and Avalanche defenceman John-Michael Liles (23:25) weighs in on Colorado’s season, the differences from their Stanley Cup team, and what he sees from the Leafs so far. 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.