Frankly Speaking - with Frank Seravalli

How do you win in a place where no one has won before? Frank is joined by Don Waddell, president of hockey operations & GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets, to discuss why he chose Columbus, Pascal Vincent, what he's prioritizing, creating a new culture in Columbus, having Rick Nash part of the management team, and going to the draft in Vegas as a Columbus Blue Jacket. 3:45 - Why now? Why Columbus...

How do you approach life after staring death in the face? Frank is joined by Hockey Hall of Fame chairman and Stanley Cup trustee, Lanny McDonald, to discuss his cardiac event after returning home from the All-Star Game in February. McDonald provides a health update, how he's approaching a second chance at life, being the chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, what it means to be a Stanley Cup Trust...

It’s been a challenging season for the Buffalo Sabres. They missed the playoffs for a 13th straight season. Frank is joined by Sabres GM Kevyn Adams to discuss why the team took a step back this season, weighing youth vs experience, hiring Lindy Ruff, trading for Bowen Byram, being aggressive in the rebuild, contract talks with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, an  4:10 - Why did Buffalo take a step back...

The NHL Draft Lottery has arrived! The consensus first overall pick is Macklin Celebrini of the Boston University Terriers. Frank is joined by former NHLer and current head coach at BU, Jay Pandolfo, to talk about Maklin Celebrini, why he's NHL ready, his physically, how he got to BU and the impact he's had on the program, and Jay tells us what its like to be coaching kids of former teammates. 3:4...

There's a new beast in the east! Bill Zito became the GM of the Florida Panthers on September 2, 2020. Since then, the Panthers are 189-88 with a Presidents' Trophy and a Stanley Cup appearance under their belt. Bill Zito joins Frank to discuss his game day routine, how he manages his days in the playoffs, taking down Tampa Bay, the impact of Matthew Tkachuk, learning from Paul Maurice, the play o...

How do you approach life when facing a challenge? Frank is joined by longtime NHL goalie coach, Sudarshan Maharaj —also known as Sudsie, to talk about his road to the NHL, how the goaltending position has evolved, and his fight against cancer.  3:45 - Getting to the NHL 6:00 - Teaching Career  7:30 - Family Sacrifices 10:10 - Finding Self Confidence 13:10 - Changing Training in the NHL 1...

A World Series champion, a Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer, and a diehard hockey fan. On this episode, Frank is joined by Rob Thomson, manager of the Philadelphia Phillies and a lifelong hockey fan. They discuss Rob’s hockey fandom (7:45), growing up in Southwestern Ontario playing hockey, being a fan of the Maple Leafs (7:00), his career path (11:00), trusting his gut on career decisions (13:10),...

Josh Morrissey has played for one team his entire NHL career. Coming off an All-Star season in 2023, the Winnipeg Jets defenseman found a new gear, helping his team finish the regular season with 110 points. Morrissey joins Frank to discuss the Stanley Cup playoffs (3:00), hitting a rough patch in March (3:45), adding new players at the trade deadline (5:15), playing with a defensive mindset (6:45...

He was a prolific scorer and great teammate wherever he played. But now Rick Nash is carving out a new path for himself off the ice. He joins Frank to discuss his rise within the Blue Jackets organization as the Director of Player Development, being named GM of Team Canada at the World Championships, how he’s building out the team, networking within the game, the importance of the off-season for C...

From agency to management. Kent Hughes has made the jump and is doing it with his childhood team. As the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes has shaken things up in Montreal by bringing in Martin St. Louis as head coach, trading away several players to acquire draft picks and prospects, created an in-house analytics department, and hosted a very entertaining NHL Draft last seaso...

He's a fan favourite who just played in his 1000th NHL game. Jordan Eberle joins Frank to discuss the milestone, being able to stay consistent in his career, his time in Edmonton, how he approaches the playoffs, what he picked up playing for the Islanders, how he has changed over the years, what he passes down to the younger players, getting an extension at the trade deadline, and what makes Seatt...

Imagine going 2,885 days between professional hockey games! That's what Cody Hodgson just did as he returned to professional hockey with the Milwaukee Admirals on a PTO on January 17, 2024. The first round pick of the Vancouver Canucks hadn't played since 2016 after being diagnosed with malignant hyperthermia. He joined Frank to talk about his road back to hockey, his disorder, how he spent his ti...

1000 games played and still going strong! Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars joins Frank to discuss his time in the Lone Star State, the feeling of being bought out from a place you call home, learning lessons along the way, what made Nashville so special, and the emotions of joining a new team and moving to a new city. Music Credit: The Sacred Souls - Will I See You Again? The episode was hosted by...

Here's a player you should keep your eye on. Seth Jarvis was drafted in the 2020 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. He has become one of the go-to players on the team and someone who is always good for a laugh. Frank chatted with Seth about how he adjusted to the league, some of his career goals, the growth of the team, playing hockey in Winnipeg, and he tells us one thing he’d like to see chan...

Colorado is on a tear this season. Frank is joined by Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland to discuss his approach as we near the trade deadline, the health of Gabriel Landeskog, Alexandar Georgiev’s workload, managing the salary cap, and if we’re seeing another level from Nathan MacKinnon. Music Credit: Skinshape - I Won’t Be There The episode was hosted by Frank Seravalli, and produced &am...

He’s become one of the top scorers in the NHL and is leading his team to another special season. Florida Panthers All-Star Sam Reinhart joins Frank to discuss his great start, being selected to the All-Star team, playing with Aleksander Barkov, his hockey roots, playing on the penalty kill, and his desire to stay in Florida. Music Credit: Jay Robinson - You Are Mine The episode was hosted by Frank...

He’s the 18th head coach in the history of the Edmonton Oilers. Kris Knoblauch knows Alberta and he’s no stranger to an NHL bench. But the first time NHL head coach understands the task at hand in Edmonton. He joined Frank this week in New Jersey as the Oilers wrap up their New York swing.  Music Credit: Morlucs - Rolling On The episode was produced & hosted by Frank Seravalli, and mixed...

Back in Music City! After a Stanley Cup in Washington and back to back trips to the Eastern Conference final with the Islanders, Barry Trotz is back home in Nashville. He chats with Frank about replacing David Poile as the Predators GM, continuing to build the culture in Nashville, building on the current roster, and what it was like when he joined the franchise in the late 90s. Music Credit: Brig...

Obstacles are part of the game. Jakob Chychrun tells Frank about his injury battles, challenges with equipment, finding a home in Ottawa, his interesting diet, and the importance of family. Music Credit: Peter Cat Recording Co. - Memory Box The episode was hosted by Frank Seravalli, and produced & mixed by Amil Delic. Audio Credit: CFGO & NHL Network. Frankly Speaking is presented by Betwa...

Frank had the opportunity to sit down with NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh in Sweden for a lengthy chat about his friendship with US President Joe Biden, growing the game in non-hockey markets, his fall tour, making hockey more inclusive, franchise values, changes to staffing, and Rolexes! Music Credit: Lifafa - Nikamma The episode was produced and hosted by Frank Seravalli, and mixed by Amil...

Frank is in Sweden! While at the Global Series, Frank caught up with Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin in Stockholm at Hovet Arena during the team practice. They chatted about Bill's memories of Sweden, the importance of a trip like this for his team, the cap situation they are in, the relationship with his coach, dealing with injuries, making an early season trade, his expectation of the...

While in Toronto for Hall of Fame weekend, Frank had the opportunity to sit down with St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong for a lengthy conversation about the future of his team, how he got his start in hockey, the approach he takes to building his teams, recruiting players, and what gets him excited about the job 30 years later. Music Credit: Malik Elijah - DONTPLAY The episode was hosted by Frank...

It wasn't an easy journey, but Zack Kassian accomplished something many can only dream of. After 661 NHL games, the pride of Windsor, Ontario has decided to call it a career. Zack joins Frank for a lengthy conversation about his early career struggles, finding a home in Edmonton, wanting to be involved in hockey post-career, and he takes some rapid fire questions to finish it off. Music Outro: Nig...

Frank is in Pittsburgh for Connor Bedard's NHL debut against the Penguins. To find out what makes this first overall pick different from the rest, he chats with Taylor Hall, owner and chairman of the Wirtz Corporation Danny Wirtz, and then is joined for a lengthy conversation with Blackhawks GM, Kyle Davidson. Frankly Speaking is presented by Betway. Please play responsibly. Ontario Only! Must be...

Frank wraps up his Western Canada preview season tour with a stop in Edmonton. He sat down with Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft and president of hockey operations & general manage, Ken Holland. Frankly Speaking is presented by Betway . Please play responsibly. Ontario Only! Must be 19 years of age or older. Music Credit: NCZA LINES - Opening Night The episode was produced and recorded by Frank...