The JD Bunkis Podcast

The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD to analyze if Nick Robertson has increased his trade value, what statistics have bolstered the Maple Leafs success, if the Leafs should offer Troy Stecher a contract extension, Chris Tanev's recovery process, and the potential trickle down effects of Dennis Hildeby's impressive stretch of starts. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (43:00) 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 free agency signings of Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Diaz (00:00). Steve Jones, co-host of 'The Dunker Spot' podcast, joins JD to parse through what the Raptors really are (13:00). JD and Steve dive into the Raptors depth and how the league has caught up to their offensive scheme, if Brandon Ingram's heavy work load is sustainable, and the rotation battle between Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick and Ja'Kobe Walter. 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.

John Scott, eight-year NHL forward and host of Dropping the Gloves podcast, joins JD to discuss the NHL's Department of Player Safety having a hearing to debate a potential suspension for Bobby McMann, why he didn't panic about the Leafs during their slow start, Auston Matthews' impressive performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the impact of getting scratched as a healthy player. JD later explains why Nick Robertson would benefit from a new home (25:00), before Producer Armen lays out Shams Charania's report indicating the Raptors interest in Anthony Davis (33:00). 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 Maple Leafs impressive win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jim Bowden, MLB Insider and former General Manager, (6:00) joins the show from the Winter Meetings in Florida to explain if the trade market is moving faster than free agency, the interest in Bo Bichette, what he's hearing about the Blue Jays' AL East counterparts, how Edwin Diaz stacks up against Robert Suarez, and what the Blue Jays could get in return for José Berríos. Then, JD shifts his attention to the Philadelphia Eagles and the lost confidence of Jalen Hurts (39:00). 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.

Two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg, joins JD to analyze why the Maple Leafs have found a better rhythm, the different strengths of Scott Laughton, why Troy Stecher has become so valuable with the Maple Leafs, where the Leafs have room for improvement, the nefarious nature of the Leafs injury timelines, the Leafs putrid powerplay and how they could fix it. The show then ends with 'What We Missed!' (36:00) 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 touches on the tilt between the Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning and the end of the Kansas City Cheifs dynasty. Brady Quinn, former NFL quarterback and analyst on Fox, joins JD (8:00) to explain why Notre Dame was left out of the college football playoffs, to dish out the Chiefs blame pie, push back on the fourth down analytics, and if he feels differently about the Buffalo Bills. JD then gets into the decline of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. JD and Producer Armen then chat about the Raptors losing five of their last six games (37:30). 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.

Luke Gazdic, Sportsnet NHL analyst, hops aboard alongside JD Bunkis to chat about Troy Stecher's past with the Edmonton Oilers, how the Maple Leafs third line is bolstering the team, and if modern coaching has become more challenging, before weighing some different types of coaching styles (00:00). Producer Brandon then joins JD for 'What We Missed!' (35:00) 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 and Producer Armen start the show talking about LeBron James’ 10-point scoring streak ending in Toronto in the most poetic way. JD then shifts focus to the Maple Leafs and brings on (14:00) Jackie Redmond, from the NHL on TNT and WWE, to expand on Woll’s injury, Troy Stecher being relatable, and Auston Matthews closing in on Mats Sundin’s Leafs goal scoring record. 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.

Kevin Kiermaier, former Toronto Blue Jay and 12-year MLB centrefielder, discusses his goal to revolutionize outfield defense, if the Blue Jays influenced his post-playing career, his relationship with Daulton Varsho, what's attractive to free agents about Toronto and the Blue Jays, and his relationship with Kevin Pillar. 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 reports of Giannis Antentekounmpo having discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks about his future. Bobby Marks, ESPN NBA front office insider, joins JD to get into the flattened eastern conference, how the Giannis sweepstakes can play out, and if Toronto's offer to Milwaukee would be competitive (10:00). JD and Producer Armen then look ahead to the Los Angeles Lakers coming to town (35:00). 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.