Episode 54: Defensive Discourse | Tri-State Hockey Podcast

Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp are back for Episode 54 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast to debate some of the biggest questions surrounding the Rangers, Islanders, Devils, and the Metropolitan Division heading into the 2026-27 NHL season.

The guys react to the NHL Network’s Top 20 defensemen rankings, including Adam Fox being left outside the top 10, Matthew Schaefer landing at No. 7, Lane Hutson’s rise, Evan Bouchard, Charlie McAvoy, and more.

Then, they break down Jason Demers’ early Metro Division predictions and give their own 1-through-8 rankings, debating where the New York Rangers and Islanders stack up against the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Plus, the crew answers your voicemails, including whether Dylan Larkin could be a fit with the Devils, what Detroit could possibly get back in a trade, whether Quinn Hughes would give New Jersey or Minnesota the better Stanley Cup window, and the latest debate over Hughes’ future with the Wild.

Could Quinn eventually join Jack and Luke Hughes in New Jersey? Does Minnesota need to get an extension done before the season begins? All that and more on a new Tri-State Hockey Podcast.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Episode 54
1:00 — NHL Network’s Top 20 Defensemen
1:24 — Adam Fox OUTSIDE the Top 10?!
1:50 — Is Matthew Schaefer already the No. 7 defenseman?
5:33 — Lane Hutson’s rise & how NHL Network rankings are made
8:29 — Adam Fox, Rangers bias & what makes an elite defenseman
15:32 — Biggest snubs & future Top 20 defensemen
18:02 — Adam Fox vs. Evan Bouchard
20:48 — Luke Hughes prediction
21:25 — WAY-too-early Metropolitan Division rankings
28:02 — Johnny’s Metro Division predictions
31:35 — Arthur’s Metro Division predictions
33:08 — Mike’s Metro Division predictions
33:30 — Could the Atlantic send five teams to the playoffs?
36:19 — VOICEMAILS: Could Dylan Larkin be traded to the Devils?
37:07 — What would New Jersey give up for Larkin?
41:04 — Can Detroit enter training camp with Larkin still there?
45:05 — Quinn Hughes: Devils vs. Wild — who has the better future?
47:03 — Would Quinn make New Jersey a Stanley Cup favourite?
52:07 — Will Quinn Hughes sign an extension with Minnesota?
55:02 — Would a one-year Quinn Hughes extension make sense?
58:59 — Could Quinn eventually join Jack & Luke Hughes in New Jersey?
1:03:33 — Would acquiring Dylan Larkin convince Quinn to stay?
1:06:27 — What happens next with Quinn Hughes?
1:07:00 — Final thoughts & wrap-up

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