The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD reacts to the Blue Jays signing Tyler Rogers to their bullpen (00:00). Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith (10:00) explains how the Jays and Rogers came together, his impression of the contract, how he anticipates the Jays to strategize the rest of the off-season, the pace of the market for Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, and the most likely scenario(s) for José Berríos. JD then touches on the Kansas...

JD explains why he's not down on William Nylander's drought and his demotion to the third line, and details why he's backing the Maple Leafs attempt to spread their talent out more. JD and Producer Brandon then get into Sunday's big game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots (13:00), as well as some other fun storylines from the NFL's Week 15 schedule, before ending the week with 'Wha...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show , chop it up about the New York Mets not being able to retain their free agents and how the effect may trickle down to the Blue Jays. They also compare Bo Bichette to Pete Alonso and Kyle Tucker, and debate what would happen if the Blue Jays miss out on their primary free-agent targets. Later (37:00), JD and Ben get into José Berríos' strange posts...

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 opinio...

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 Di...

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 late...

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...

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...

JD touches on the tilt between the Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning and the end of the Kansas City Chiefs 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, dish out the Chiefs blame pie, push back on the fourth down analytics, and share if he feels differently about the Buffalo Bills. JD then...

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 thi...

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 expr...

Kevin Kiermaier, former Toronto Blue Jay and 12-year MLB centrefielder, joins JD to discuss 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...

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). Later, JD and Producer Armen then look ahead to the Los Angeles Lakers coming to tow...

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins JD to discuss Cody Ponce’s track record, how good he can be in MLB, if former Blue Jay Hyun Jin-Ryu had an impact, how the Jays are scouting in the Pacific rim, the Jays' overloaded starting rotation, Jose Berrios’ standing on the rotation, if the Ponce signing signals the departure of Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer and how that may impact the team, predicting...

JD reacts to the wins from the Maple Leafs and Raptors, before bringing on James Mirtle (12:00), senior writer from The Athletic. JD and James get into the Leafs' best performance of their season, if they're buying stock in the third line after their encouraging performance, why Scott Laughton's presence has made a difference, Troy Stecher's surprising impact, the Leafs poor powerplay, Auston Matt...

Mike Futa, co-host of The FAN Hockey Show, joins JD in-studio to get into real litmus tests, the bar for the Maple Leafs, how executives apply what they see on the ice into boardroom conversations, which Maple Leafs would garner value in the trade market, and how to plan a to pitch a rebuild to ownership. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (39:30)  The views and opinions expressed in this podcas...

Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD in-studio to chop it up about Brad Marchand's trolling, modern rivalries, Devin Williams signing with the New York Mets, the remaining market for pitchers, and the ever-strong American League East.  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 & Me...

Matthew Barnaby, 14-year NHL forward, joins JD to discuss how much defence can be improved mid-season, if the Maple Leafs next game is their biggest litmus test yet, how to evaluate the Leafs next stretch, and Dakota Joshua's bounce-back performance after being a healthy scratch (00:00). Later, JD weighs where the Leafs season is at and compares them to the Edmonton Oilers, before wrapping up with...

JD looks over the up-and-down weekend for the Maple Leafs and Raptors (00:00). Former NFL quarterback, Brady Quinn, joins JD (10:00) to analyze the suddenly surging Dallas Cowboys, Ben Johnson maximizing the first-placed Chicago Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles' dysfunction, what team is this safest bet to fall off, why the Buffalo Bills have no excuse, and Shedeur Sanders' performance. JD then touc...

The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD to dive into the uptick of injuries in the NHL; if it's impacting the product and how it compares to other leagues. Then, JD and James discuss Dakota Joshua's scratch and reemergence in the lineup, how to productively shake up the lines, and what the Leafs' case is for getting involved in the bubbling trade market. JD and Producer Armen hit 'What We Missed!' (3...

JD lays out his Black Friday gripe (00:00). Raptors play by play voice, Eric Smith, joins JD to discuss his new book 'We the Raptors', and chat about which past version of the Raptors the current Raptors team reminds him of, what's gone into the Raptors winning ways so far this season, and how Darko Rajakovic has put his imprint on the team (8:00). JD and {Producer Brandon then get into the NFL's...

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins JD to dive deeper into the Blue Jays signing Dylan Cease; how is this signing on-brand with the Jays strategy? What is Cease's value and expectation? What are the advantages of jumping the free-agenct market? Why is the transofmred starting rotation in a good position? And, what's next on the off-season priority list? The views and opinions expressed in this p...

JD and Ben Ennis, from The FAN Morning Show, react to the Blue Jays signing starting pitcher Dylan Cease. The good hour duo discuss what Cease brings to the Jays, compare him to past starting pitchers the Jays have signed, what this signals about the Jays ownership and front office off-season plans. After, the guys bring up the worst contracts in Toronto sports history (40:00). The views and opini...

Matt Bonner, former Raptor and co-host of The Raptors Show, and JD chat about the Raptors winning streak, Nikola Jokic's greatness, Chris Paul's legacy, and how the point guard position has changed (00:00).  The show ends with 'What We Missed!'  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...

JD mulls over the rising frequency of injuries before bringing on Nick Kypreos, from the Real Kyper and Bourne, to get into Auston Matthews' injury reporting, how the teams injury concerns have changed since Craig Berube took over, and Nick's trade board on Sportsnet.ca.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position...