The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD is joined by Sam McKee and Ben Ennis to dive into the Maple Leafs acquisition of defensemen Darren Raddysh via sign-and-trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. JD and Sam discuss all the pros and cons of Raddysh's game, the Leafs' eight-year contract offer, and how Toronto's defensive core could look next season. JD and Ben then (30:00) shift focus to the Blue Jays sweep at Fenway Park and what level Vladimir Guerrero Jr. needs to be at to make the Jays competitive. 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.

JD reacts further to the Maple Leafs hiring Jim Hiller. Justin Bourne (08:15), co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, joins JD to share what he expects from Hiller, the patience this hire allows Toronto to have, and his likes and dislikes from his time with Hiller. JD and Justin then touch on Gavin McKenna and why he should be the number one overall pick (46:07). After the break, JD talks about the Blue Jays future sans Max Scherzer, Spencer Miles’ impressive season, and the need for a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to hit a homerun. JD and producer Armen wrap up with a preview of Canada’s second game versus Qatar. 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.

JD reacts to breaking news of the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring Jim Hiller their next head coach. JD also reacts to the Leafs trading away Joseph Woll before bringing on James Mirtle (12:45), senior writer at The Athletic. JD asks James about Hiller’s coaching history and characteristics and what fans can expect from Hiller based on his former tenure on the Leafs coaching staff. JD and James shift their focus (23:55) to the number one overall draft pick, the Woll trade, the value of goaltending depth, Emil Andrae’s potential, and the future of Morgan Rielly. 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.

JD gives his final thoughts on Mitch Marner, before shifting focus to the Blue Jays (4:30). JD highlights the Jays’ lack of magic compared to the 2025 season, their lack of consistency, and the mounting pressure on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After the break, JD is joined by Blake Murphy, host of Blue Jays Talk Plus (19:00), to get into George Springer’s struggles, Brandon Valenzuela potentially playing first base, and the bat they have the most confidence in right now. The show wraps up with debate about if the Raptors should be interested in De'Aaron Fox. 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.

JD recaps the Stanley Cup Final victory for the Carolina Hurricanes (4:00). He highlights Jordan Staal winning the Conn Smythe, ponders if the 'Canes team-building can be duplicated, and outlines Mitch Marner’s play in Games 5 and 6. JD then dives into the Knicks breaking their 53-year championship drought (24:00), Jalen Brunson altering the small guard narrative, the future of De'Aaron Fox, and how the Raptors fumbled the post-Kawhi era. After the break (35:00), JD jumps into the Blue Jays weekend series against the Yankees, Canada’s start to the World Cup and UFC Freedom 250 . 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.

JD previews Canada’s opening matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina and ponders what the fan ratio might be in the home-opener. JD then talks about the Blue Jays series against the New York Yankees before. Two-time Stanley Cup champion Kris Versteeg (08:30) joins the show to react to the Stanley Cup Final, the chippiness of Game 5, what Vegas can do in Game 6 to stay alive, who needs to step up for Vegas Conn Smythe favourites, Jordan Staal turning back the clock, and the play of Brandon Bussi. The week ends with JD and Versteeg debating Dylan Larkin's list of trade destinations. 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.

JD tips off the pod with his thoughts on the New York Knicks unreal 29-point comeback against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. He breaks down how OG Anunoby might be the favorite for Finals MVP, how the Raptors' trading him has never looked worse, and how De'Aaron Fox will bear the brunt of the blame for the collapse. JD and Ben Nicholson Smith, MLB insider and Sportsnet Jays reporter, discuss the Jays following their 7-4 loss against the Philadelphia Phillies. JD and Ben get into what’s next for the Jays' pitching staff and specifically Max Scherzer, Brandon Valenzuela's future, and potential trade candidates ahead of the trade deadline. After the break, JD returns to the NBA and discusses the state of New York City as the Finals continue. 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.

JD tips off the show with his thoughts on the Blue Jays' 5-2 loss in their series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, breaking down the hot streak Ernie Clement is on, the poor play of George Springer, and the never-ending disappointment of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. JD and Ray Ferraro, NHL analyst for Sportsnet and ESPN, discuss the incredibly exciting ride that the Stanley Cup Final has been, a potential goalie decision for Carolina ahead of Game 4, the Mitch Marner saga, and the impact leaving Toronto has had on him. They wrap things up with NHL Combine chatter, and Ray shares his opinion on who the Leafs should take with the No. 1 pick. After the break, JD shares his thoughts on Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Victor Wembanyama's ability to wreck the game, and the pressure the Knicks now face ahead of Game 4. 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.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' comeback win against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, and the incredible recent play of rookie Brandon Valenzuela, the continued struggles of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the tear Louis Varland continues to be on. JD and James Sharman, Co-host of Footy Prime The Podcast, discuss the lack of buzz around this year's World Cup, the mentality of Team Canada, the likelihood of Alphonso Davies playing and Canada’s injuries, before wrapping things up talking about the future of the program. After the break, JD touches on Mitch Marner before he ends the day with his thoughts on Game 3 of the NBA Finals as the Knicks host the Spurs in their first home Finals game in 27 years. 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.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays much-needed win against Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves. JD and Shayna Goldman, national NHL writer at The Athletic, discuss the controversial no-goal call from Game 2, what they've learned about these teams through two games, how the teams may be feeling after splitting the first two games, the goaltending battle, the Hurricanes' unproductive top line, why Mitch Marner has worked so well with the Golden Knights, and Dylan Larkin's trade request. The week ends with JD's thoughts about the proposed Matthew Knies to Montreal trade that never went through. 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.