Spits & Suds Podcast

Gavin shares projections from AFP Consulting regarding Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, estimating a market value of $96 million with a $12 million average annual value (AAV), and compares this against tax implications in various NHL markets. Sean argues that state tax advantages are overblown.

Gavin and Sean review two trades, Michael Kesselring to the Sharks and Ross Colton to the Predators. Then they transition to the PWHL draft process, specifically confusion over the lack of a revealed draft order until the last minute and the unexpected movement of players like Hilary Knight to Detroit. Sean expresses concern over the single-ownership model and the nature of player movement between...

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle on a Friday edition of Spits and Suds. The guys begin with Kelly McCrimmon's comments regarding widespread league criticism, which McCrimmon attributed to jealousy over the team's success. They give their thoughts on the Golden Knight and Toronto Maple Leafs hiring new coaches. They also discuss the NHL clearing Mike Babcock to return to the league...

It’s officially the off-season for the NHL after Carolina won the Stanley Cup on Sunday night. Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro discuss the excitement for the fans in Carolina. Rumors are circulating that the Ducks could shop Mason McTavish. Could the Stars make a trade for him? What will it take for Liam Bichsel to move up to the second defensive pairing? Looking at Jason Robertson...

Gavin Spittle and Joey Erickson from Locked On Stars hand out season awards for the 2025-2026 Dallas Stars. They also touch on the Dallas Stars offseason stories with the new arena being in Plano and Jason Robertson contract negotiations. 

The Stars are moving to Plano. Gavin and Joey share their thoughts on the move and then they get into Jason Robertson contract negotiations. Gavin throws a question at Joey, if Robertson signs and the Stars run it back with their current team, do they have what it takes to make a run at the Cup next year? 

Gavin and Joey are giving out awards for the Dallas Stars from this past season. They pick who they think deserves the Norris Trophy, Selke Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Lady Byng & Masterton Award. 

Gavin and Joey are giving out awards for the Dallas Stars from this past season. They pick who they think deserves the Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and Calder Trophy.

The Hurricanes are one win away from winning the Stanley Cup. Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro break down the series. Sean compliments Carolina's switch to Brandon Bussi in the series, noting it has worked. Dylan Larkin and Darnell Nurse are both looking to be traded. Given Nurse's salary, Sean points out that the return Edmonton receives will not meet their expectations. If the Stars ca...

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins Gavin Spittle to discuss many different topics. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is reportedly willing to be traded to one of three teams: Minnesota, Vegas, or Florida. Sean noted that while those three teams are being reported, there are other interested teams. There are rumors linking Joe Pavelski to a potential head coaching role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gavin...

Gavin highlighted that Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between Carolina and Vegas averaged a 2.4 rating, marking the most-watched Game 2 since the 2015 Blackhawks-Lightning series. Sean credited this viewership growth to the high-quality play on the ice, the expansion of hockey at the college level, and the sport's increasing appeal in "Sunbelt" markets, which has helped disprove previous concerns...

There are rumors linking Joe Pavelski to a potential head coaching role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sean noted that Pavelski lacks the professional coaching background. Both Gavin and Sean agreed that the high-pressure environment of the Toronto media market is significantly different from the conditions Pavelski experienced while playing in Dallas or San Jose. Gavin and Sean reviewed reports li...

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins Gavin Spittle to discuss many different topics. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is reportedly willing to be traded to one of three teams: Minnesota, Vegas, or Florida. Sean noted that while those three teams are being reported, there are other interested teams. He explains Jim Nill keeps things quiet. The Stars could be interested in Larkin but Dallas currently lacks...

David Castillo from Stars Stack and D Magazine joins Gavin Spittle. They discuss what the Stars need to improve on for next year so they have a better chance at playing in the Stanley Cup. What is the Stars identity? Gavin says when they’re physical they’re very effective, but they have not been able to use that. The consistent identity of this team is currently a mystery. David says they’re not a...

Live from the NHL Draft Combine, NHL insider Sean Shapiro joins Gavin Spittle to talk about the event. Sean gives his opinion on the controversial goaltender interference call in game 2 of the Stanley Cup. He thinks Allen Texas native JP Hurlbert could go in round 1 in the NHL Draft. Dylan Larkin has requested a trade out of Detroit. Could Dallas make a play for him? The guys break down possible t...

Robert Tiffin from Stars Thoughts dot com joins host Gavin Spittle to talk about the Mavericks naming Valley View the new site for home games. Then the guys discuss possible trade scenarios for the Stars this offseason. Robert says all signs point towards a Robertson contract extension before the NHL draft. Is Remi Poirier ready to take that next step and become the backup for Jake Oettinger in Da...

NHL insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the Memorial Cup Championship he covered. The guys review the high level of talent displayed at the Memorial Cup, noting that many players involved are prospects for NHL organizations. Social Media rumors are circulating about what a Jason Robertson contract could look like. Sean explains that while $14 million is a logical opening negotia...

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro breaks down what he has seen this year from Logan Stankoven with Carolina. The Texas Stars re-signed Curtis McKenzie to a one-year contract. Sean brings up how this will be hard for some people to watch the Stanley Cup because Carter Hart is in net for the Golden Knights. He shares his thoughts on Nils Lundkvist's play this season. Gavin and Sean remember Claude Lemieu...

Andi Petrillo from Amazon Prime’s Monday Night Hockey & Thursday Coast2Coast joins host Gavin Spittle on this edition of Spits and Suds. Andi had Dallas winning the Stanley Cup this year and was stunned they were a first round exit. Gavin and Andi discuss her book "Just Call Me "Andi": Sports Stories from a Trailblazer.” Andi explains the transition from radio to television and what her first...

*Host Gavin Spittle is joined by NHL Insider Sean Shapiro. The guys discuss the Memorial Cup tournament. Sean explains what makes Junior Hockey so exciting. He says it's one of the most thrilling products to watch. Then they discuss the Jordan Tourigny ejection for stomping another player with his skate. Sean expresses skepticism about the value of fighting in junior hockey, questioning if it has...

Gavin and Sean analyze the contract situation for Jason Robertson, comparing his value to Mitch Marner's eight-year, $96 million contract. They express the belief that a decision regarding Robertson's future, whether an extension or a potential trade, will likely be resolved before the draft. They also preview Carolina/Montreal game 4.

Gavin questions the validity of the "Presidents' Trophy curse," noting that the 2012-2013 Chicago Blackhawks were the last team to win both the trophy and the Stanley Cup. Sean pushes back on the severity of the curse, citing data from 1971 to 2024 showing that the number one seed wins the Stanley Cup roughly 32% of the time, suggesting the "curse" is an overblown narrative rather than a mathemati...

Host Gavin Spittle is joined by NHL Insider Sean Shapiro. The guys discuss the Memorial Cup tournament. Sean explains what makes Junior Hockey so exciting. He says it's one of the most thrilling products to watch. Then they discuss the Jordan Tourigny ejection for stomping another player with his skate. Sean expresses skepticism about the value of fighting in junior hockey, questioning if it has a...

The Golden Knights struck first in the Western Conference Finals with a 4-2 win against Colorado. NHL Insider Sean Shapiro explains to host Gavin Spittle what Vegas did to slow down the Colorado offense. The guys discuss Pavel Dorofeyev’s contract expiring with the Golden Knights at the end of the year, and that he is due for a raise given how well he’s played this year. Could the Stars make a pla...

David Castillo from Stars Stack and D Magazine joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss why the Stars need to re-sign Jason Robertson. They also discuss coaching vacancies in the NHL. David gives his opinion on Adam Foote and Kris Knoblauch being let go by Vancouver and Edmonton. Since Knoblauch was let go from a team that made it to the Cup the last two years, Gavin asks David if Glen Gulutzan has a s...