Ducks Draft Strategy, Free Agency & The Next Captain

Ducks Draft Strategy, Free Agency & The Next Captain

The NHL offseason is officially underway, and for the Anaheim Ducks, the future may have changed in just a few days. On Episode 22 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down one of the busiest weeks on the NHL calendar — the 2026 NHL Draft and the opening of free agency. The conversation begins with a fascinating draft weekend for the Anaheim Ducks. Entering the draft with six selections and no first-round pick, Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek orchestrated a series of moves that left Anaheim with nine total selections, including two first-round picks. Guy and Kent analyze the trades involving Owen Zellweger and Mason McTavish, discuss the prospects acquired, and examine the long-term vision Verbeek appears to be building. The guys also take a closer look at several of Anaheim's newest draft picks and discuss which prospects could make an impact at the NHL level sooner rather than later. With NHL Free Agency opening on July 1st, the focus shifts to improving the roster for another playoff run. Guy and Kent discuss potential free-agent targets, whether the Ducks should instead explore the trade market, and could a player like reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski be available. The episode also tackles one of the biggest leadership questions facing the organization. With captain Radko Gudas' rights traded to the Florida Panthers, the Ducks will soon need a new captain. Guy shares firsthand insight into what wearing the "C" truly means in the NHL, the responsibilities that come with leading a locker room, and the qualities the Ducks should be looking for in their next captain. From draft strategy and roster construction to leadership and free agency, Episode 22 takes you inside one of the most important weeks of the NHL offseason. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskTheMic]

Travis Moen: Hockey Player & Farmer

What does it take to win a Stanley Cup? And what happens after the final horn sounds? On Episode 21 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French welcome former Anaheim Ducks forward Travis Moen, a key member of the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup Championship team. Joining the show from his hometown of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Travis reflects on one of the most memorable seasons in Anaheim Ducks history. He takes us behind the scenes of the 2007 championship run, sharing stories from the locker room, memories from the playoffs, and what made that team so special. Travis discusses the leadership styles of Ducks legends Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, and why the shutdown line he formed alongside Samuel Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer became such an important piece of the Ducks' championship formula. From shutting down the opposition's top players to contributing timely offense, the trio earned a reputation as one of the most reliable lines in hockey. Beyond the Stanley Cup memories, Travis opens up about life after hockey. Today, he is a farmer, business owner, hockey instructor, and family man. He talks about running Swift Hockey Co., teaching the next generation of players, and the lessons he learned during his NHL career that continue to shape the way he coaches young athletes—including his son, Carter. This episode is filled with great hockey stories, leadership lessons, championship memories, and insight into what it means to build a meaningful life after professional sports. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskTheMic]

Stanley Cup Champions | NHL Offseason | U.S. Open Picks

From a family farm in upstate New York to championship hockey, NHL free agency, golf, and the World Cup, Episode 20 of The Mask & The Mic covers the biggest stories across the sports landscape. This week, Guy Hebert joins the podcast from his father-in-law's farm in upstate New York. Guy shares some of the history of the property, what life is like on the farm, and how he's been putting in a little work of his own — including mowing the lawn on a riding mower. During his trip, Guy also spent time in New York City visiting his daughter and happened to witness a historic sports moment as the New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA Championship in 53 years. He shares what the atmosphere was like around the city during the celebration. The conversation then turns to the Stanley Cup Final, where the Carolina Hurricanes captured their second Stanley Cup championship and first since 2006. Guy and Kent French revisit the unique goaltending tandem of Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi, discussing how Carolina's championship run was the ultimate example of a complete team effort and a "next man up" mentality. The guys also spotlight Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour and the culture he has built in Carolina. Guy reflects on his time playing alongside Brind'Amour and explains how his leadership, work ethic, and competitive drive have shaped the franchise. With the championship, Brind'Amour joined one of hockey's most exclusive groups by winning a Stanley Cup with the same organization as both a player and head coach. From there, the conversation shifts to the NHL offseason. Guy and Kent discuss Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson's decision to test the free-agent market rather than sign a contract extension and what that could mean for the Ducks moving forward. They also examine potential offseason moves Anaheim could make as the organization looks to build on its successful return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The episode wraps up with predictions for the U.S. Open Golf Championship over Father's Day weekend and a look at the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup, including early impressions and storylines that have captured attention so far. From championship celebrations and coaching legacies to NHL roster decisions, major golf championships, and global soccer, Episode 20 truly has something for every sports fan. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskTheMic]

Stanley Cup Final & Bravo TV

From Bravo TV to the Stanley Cup Final to the U.S. Open, Episode 19 of The Mask & The Mic covers a little bit of everything from the world of sports and entertainment. Guy Hebert and Kent French kick off the episode by recapping a memorable weekend at the Newport Beach TV Fest, where Guy and his wife Sarah attended an event honoring Bravo TV's Andy Cohen with the Variety Creative Impact Award. Surrounded by Bravo personalities and television stars, Guy reveals a surprising guilty pleasure that may catch hockey fans off guard — his regular viewing habits when it comes to Bravo TV. The conversation then shifts to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. Before the series began, Guy and Kent believed goaltending would be the defining storyline given the incredible play of both teams' netminders throughout the postseason. Instead, through the first three games, offense has stolen the spotlight as goals have come in bunches. The guys discuss what has changed, whether the trend will continue, and what adjustments each team needs to make. They also examine Carolina's decision to replace Frederik Andersen with Brandon Bussi during the third period of Game 3. With Bussi making his first appearance in nearly two months, the question becomes: Should he get the start in Game 4, or do the Hurricanes turn back to Andersen? Finally, the guys head to the golf course to discuss one of the biggest stories leading into the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Seventeen-year-old phenom Miles Russell earned his place in the field, but almost as much attention has been paid to who was carrying his bag during qualifying — Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods. Guy and Kent discuss whether Charlie will remain on Russell's bag for the U.S. Open and the potential benefits and challenges that come with one of the most recognizable names in golf being part of the story. From hockey and golf to television and pop culture, Episode 19 truly paints with a broad brush. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskTheMic]

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights + The Curry Brand

The Stanley Cup Final is set, and on Episode 18 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French break down the matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. The guys recap how both teams advanced through the Conference Finals and discuss the strengths that have each club just four wins away from hoisting the Stanley Cup. As expected, the conversation quickly turns to the most important position on the ice — goaltending. Guy and Kent take a deep dive into the matchup between Carolina's Frederik Andersen and Vegas' Carter Hart and explain why the battle between the pipes could ultimately decide the series. The discussion also shines a spotlight on Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour. Having played alongside Rod during his time with the St. Louis Blues, Guy shares firsthand stories about Brind'Amour's legendary work ethic, leadership, and competitiveness, and how those same traits have helped make him one of the NHL's premier coaches. Then the conversation pivots from the rink to the business of sports. NBA superstar Stephen Curry recently signed a groundbreaking 10-year agreement worth more than $400 million with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning. The deal expands the Curry Brand into basketball products, lifestyle apparel, athlete endorsements, and even golf equipment. Guy and Kent discuss the evolving world of athlete endorsements, the business opportunities available to today's stars, and share a few stories about their own experiences with sponsorships and endorsement deals. From Stanley Cup predictions and elite goaltending to sports business and branding, Episode 18 covers the biggest stories in sports from every angle. Subscribe to TheMaskTheMic YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskTheMic]