The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD deep dives into the Toronto Blue Jays' unexpected nine-game win streak, the contributions from players up-and-down the roster, comparisons with the 2015 Blue Jays, and where things are headed as we inch closer to the MLB Trade Deadline (00:00). Michael Pezzetta, newly signed Maple Leafs forward, joins the show to chat about his decision to sign with the Maple Leafs, what it means to him to get...

JD breaks down the Blue Jays' four-game sweep of the Yankees at Rogers Centre, and looks back to compare this series with other memorable Jays moments in recent years (00:00). Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne , joins the show to discuss the Maple Leafs' offseason so far, what they've lost with Mitch Marner heading to the Vegas Golden Knights and what can be done to replace him, befo...

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' crazy win over the Yankees with Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, Joe Siddall (00:00). They discuss the energy at the Rogers Centre after the Jays got out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning, the scrappy offense becoming more consistent amongst a lack of power in the lineup, George Springer's return to form in 2025, what's led to the team's improvement this season, and the dir...

JD opens with his thoughts on the Canada Day victory for the Blue Jays over the Yankees at Rogers Centre, the belief that the team can be competitive after a tough start to the season, George Springer's renaissance at age 35, and the direction they're headed as we get closer to the MLB Trade Deadline at the end of July (00:00). JD dives into the deals signed during the first day of NHL free agent...

JD continues the deep dive into the pre-free agency moves across the NHL with David Pagnotta, Editor-In-Chief at The Fourth Period (00:00). They discuss the moving parts around the Mitch Marner trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, what led Marner and the Maple Leafs to this point, and how Toronto could replace him in free agency. They shift to the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, and their abi...

JD breaks down the latest moves ahead of NHL Free Agency, including Mitch Marner being dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights (00:00), before Luke Fox, Sportsnet NHL writer, joins the show. He continues the conversation around Marner's departure and legacy, what the Leafs have done so far this offseason, and who they might be targeting in free agency. Colby Armstrong, NHL analyst for Sportsnet and the...

JD dives into the John Tavares and Matthew Knies' contract extensions with the Maple Leafs, before James Mirtle (00:00), senior writer at The Athletic, joins the show to chat about what Tavares could've gotten on the open market and what the deal means for Tavares' legacy in Toronto, before assessing the Knies extension. Then, they take a look at Mitch Marner's situation, the odds a sign-and-trade...

JD goes through the Blue Jays win over the Cleveland Guardians, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Jose Ramirez both getting beaned, and how to view this Jays team as we approach the MLB trade deadline (00:00). Frank Seravalli, President of Hockey Content at Daily Faceoff, joins the show to chat about the upcoming CBA announcement, and the latest updates concerning the Leafs' negotiations with John Tavares...

JD and The Ringer's Tate Frazier break down the first round of the NBA Draft, including the Raptors taking Collin Murray-Boyles out of South Carolina and his initial reaction (00:00), the talent taken at the top compared to projections, the astonishing trade between the Hawks and Pelicans, the Brooklyn Nets using all five of their acquired first-rounders, and the continued influx of Canadian talen...

JD and Blake Murphy, co-host of Jays Talk Plus & The Raptors Show , discuss the activity in the NBA trade market ahead of the Draft, where the Raptors fit within all of the recent player movement, and some potential targets for Toronto with the ninth overall pick, before touching on the Blue Jays' options as we get closer to the MLB Trade Deadline (37:20). Later, JD hits on the 2025 Hockey Hall of...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, debate the Blue Jays needs at the MLB trade deadline (00:00) and the sustainability of the starter depth with Eric Lauer and Max Scherzer starting consecutive games, before taking a look at the front office's off-season additions as the Jays approach the mid-season mark. Later, JD and Ben discuss their differences in handling sports-pain amidst JD...

JD breaks down the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA Championship win in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, with thoughts on the prolific season from the Thunder and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (00:00). James Mirtle of the Athletic joins JD to chat about the rumours surrounding John Tavares, whether or not they can come to a team-friendly agreement, and the lack of centre depth available in free...

JD discusses how Matt Duschene's contract extension in Dallas should be viewed here in Toronto (00:00). JD then shifts focus to the NBA Finals and brings on Sportsnet's Michael Grange (12:00) to get into the Indiana Pacers forcing a Game 7. JD and Grange discuss Pascal Siakam's case for Finals MVP, if Siakam has more love in Canada then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, TJ McConnel's allure, the keys in Ga...

JD is joined by Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg, to list and debate the best teams in the NHL's salary cap era (00:00). JD and Kris also discuss the make-up of the Panthers and whether Connor McDavid's time in Edmonton is running out.  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 a...

JD reacts to the Oklahoma City Thunder taking control of the NBA Finals in game 5, then gives his thoughts on the NBA's parity era and what the Raptors plan is as they "lurk" in sweepstakes for seemingly every star. Later (36:00), JD clarifies his stance on Mitch Marner. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (46:30). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests...

JD reacts to reports that Mitch Marner is unwilling to communicate with the Maple Leafs (00:00) and the Boston Red Sox trading Rafael Devers (6:00). Blake Wheeler, 16-year NHL forward and former teammate of Brad Marchand, gets into (9:00) the transformation of Marchand, what teams from the past mirror the current Florida Panthers, judging Connor McDavid's performance in the Stanley Cup Final, what...

JD reacts to the Edmonton Oilers stunning comeback victory in game 4, Connor McDavid's performance, how Leon Draisaitl will be remembered and a sign of rising popularity for the NHL (00:00). Later, JD and producer Armen get into the off-putting change in basketball development and Adam Silver's comments on NBA expansion (30:00).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the ho...

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show , admit they were wrong about the Indiana Pacers (00:00), talk about the complicated feelings when sports franchises relocate, and debate if the Blue Jays are a good baseball team? (13:00) JD and Ben evaluate Spencer Turnbull's debut, Alejandro Kirk's stardom, the starting rotation and who the Jays can trade for. Later, the duo discuss how ring cul...

JD rides the high of the Blue Jays securing their fifth-straight series victory (00:00). Jackie Redmond, from the NHL on TNT, checks-in from Florida to dip into the stakes in the Stanley Cup Final (5:00). JD and Jackie chat about the storylines surrounding Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, plus thoughts on Brad Marchand or Sam Bennett signing with the Maple Leafs. Later, JD gets into the latest b...

JD reacts to another comeback win from the Blue Jay and why this hot stretch of play feels sustainable (00:00). Two-time Stanley Cup Champion, Kris Versteeg, joins JD (7:00) to get into the depth of the Florida Panthers, if and how Connor McDavid can will the Edmonton Oilers back into the series, the Conn Smythe race, if older NHL players are valued more than ever, and turning frustration into pro...

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' mostly good weekend and the obvious trade that needs to materialize (00:00). The Athletic's James Mirtle checks-in from the NHL combine to discuss the buzz among front offices (3:00) including teams interested in Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett's rising stock, plus the positioning of John Tavares and Morgan Reilly. JD and James finish the conversation deliberating who or what...

JD reacts to the historic comeback win from the Indiana Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton (00:00). JD then goes through his feelings following the report of Mitch Marner, his relationship with the Maple Leafs and his looming free-agency (20:00). The show ends with JD's gripes following the news of Aaron Rodgers finally signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers (34:00), along with Gary Bettman addressing the...

JD goes over the dramatics in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, along with the "what if" of Sam Bennett signing with the Maple Leafs (00:00). JD then shifts focus to the NBA (12:00) as Sportsnet's Michael Grange checks-in from Oklahoma City to chat about the Raptors' chase for a star, if a NBA title will change Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's connection with Canadian fans, how the Indiana Pacers can make...

JD explains what he was thinking at Rogers Centre as the Philadelphia Phillies lit up Bowden Francis (00:00). Sean Avery, 10-year NHL forward and author of Summer Skate, discusses what inspired him to write a book, the state-tax debate in NHL circles, the "pests" and "dogs" in playoff hockey, Corey Perry, Brad Marchand, the Maple Leafs identity and if Sam Bennett would change it (10:00). JD ends w...

JD explains why he's buying the rumours tying Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Toronto Raptors (00:00). Colby Armstrong, NHL analyst for Sportsnet and the NHL on TNT, joins JD (14:00) to catch up and chat about their biggest points of interest heading into the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the...