🎙️ The Mask & The Mic Podcast | Episode 24
The Anaheim Ducks made their decision...now the real work begins.
On Episode 24 of The Mask & The Mic, Guy Hebert and Kent French react to one of the biggest stories of the NHL offseason as the Anaheim Ducks officially matched the Philadelphia Flyers' five-year, $90 million offer sheet for restricted free agent Leo Carlsson.
What does this decision mean for the future of the franchise?
Guy and Kent break down why the Ducks chose to match the historic contract, what it means to make Leo Carlsson the NHL's highest-paid player, and the expectations that now come with wearing that distinction. They also discuss the next major priority for General Manager Pat Verbeek—signing fellow restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier—and how the Ducks can build the rest of the roster with limited salary cap flexibility.
With opportunities opening throughout the lineup, the conversation turns to Anaheim's highly regarded prospect pool and which young players could be ready to make the jump to the NHL.Â
The guys also examine what comes next for the Philadelphia Flyers after their aggressive offer sheet strategy. With former Ducks Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale now headed to salary arbitration, how much has the Carlsson contract changed the negotiating landscape around the league?
The discussion then shifts to the FIFA World Cup, where the action on the pitch has been matched by the incredible passion of fans from around the globe. Guy and Kent explore how the tournament continues to elevate soccer's popularity in the United States and what the long-term impact could be after the final whistle.
To close the episode, the focus turns to baseball. The Los Angeles Angels selected Huntington Beach High School standout Jared Grindlinger in the MLB Draft, adding one of the country's top two-way prospects to the organization.Â
The guys also celebrate Mike Trout's selection to his 12th MLB All-Star Game and discuss what it will mean for the future Hall of Famer to play this year's Midsummer Classic just 45 minutes from his hometown of Millville, New Jersey.
From blockbuster NHL contracts and roster building to international soccer and baseball's next generation, Episode 24 covers another exciting week across the sports world.
