Hello hockey fans, episode 170 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast has arrived for your summer offseason hockey fix, topics-

#1. There are no guarantees of a roster spot in the upcoming Olympics. Every spot has to be earned. Samuel Montembeau will have to earn it.

#2. There is no Lane Hutson contract dilemma, stop trying to create chaos and distractions.

#3. Andrei Markov was an unexpected 6th round draft pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

#4. Andrei Markov was a good transition game defenseman

#5. Andrei Markov was very good at carrying the puck into the opposition end and setting up the power play.

#6. Andrei Markov had a solid hard low shot from the point.

#7. Stop trying to include Andrei Markov on the same list with Doug Harvey, Tom Johnson, Emile “Butch” Bouchard, Serge Savard, Guy Lapoint, Jacque Laperriere, Larry Robinson, Brian Engblom, Rod Langway, Craig Ludwig or Chris Chelios. Andrei Markov is not on or part of this list.

#8. Maybe it’s because of the teams and era that Andrei Markov played on and in?

#9. Lane Hutson and other current Montreal Canadien defensemen will leap over Andrei Markov by the completion of their careers.

#10. Stop with the ridiculous and unfounded chaos of needing a 2nd line center at any cost.

#11. Saku Koivu was an excellent captain!

#12. Let Aatos Koivu make his way, find his own game, curve out his own style and most of all, stop with the comparisons of his father.

#13. The Montreal Canadiens have had, and continue to have many great captains.

#14. How about determining if the health reports on Kirby Dach are actually accurate?

#15. Alex Newhook is the go-to answer If Kirby Dach can’t go. Why? Alex Newhook has earned that chance based on the final 20 to 25 games of his performance in the 2024/2025 season. Montreal gave up the 31st and 37th picks to acquire him, it doesn’t rush any prospects and he has the skating speed and distribution skills to keep pace with and get the puck to skilled wingers who can bury it.

#16. The Montreal Canadiens as an organization, have impressive center depth.

#17. Regarding Marco Rossi and Brad Marchand. Many said Marco Rossi would not make because of his size. Many said Brad Marchand could not make it because of his size. Anyone even remotely recall the comments and remarks of Canadiens Director of Hockey Development Adam Nicholas about Sean Farrell?