Boston.com's Bruins reporter Conor Ryan offers up weekly thoughts, opinions and analysis on all things surrounding the Black and Gold in “Poke The Bear” — a new podcast centered on the Original Six club. Each week, Conor and a number of guests offer in-depth breakdowns on the latest news surrounding the B’s — and having plenty of fun along the way. So sit back, grab a libation (or Dunks, no one’s judging here) and let’s talk some hockey.
Will Bruins give Frederic Brunet a chance this season?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty run through the NHL hopes of Frederic Brunet and Matt Poitras — and look at Marat Khusnutdinov's upside in his second full season in the NHL. 0:00 – Intro 6:53 – Bruins offseason state of play 8:24 – Matt Poitras unsigned & Frederic Brunet's roster spot 13:57 – PrizePicks 15:24 – Linus Ullmark trade talk & cap situation 19:37 – Cleaning house: the case for moving on from certain players 22:36 – Prospect depth & the young forward group 29:52 – Line combinations and role projections 32:01 – Outro / where to find Ty's work Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What will the Bruins' lineup be this season?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan run through their early predictions of what the Bruins' lineup will be to open the 2026-27 season. 0:00 - Welcome in 3:22 - Projecting the Bruins Lineup for this season 4:18 - Bruins 1st Line 7:51 - Bruins 2nd Line 10:14 - Looking at the projected Top 6 15:32 - Prizepicks 16:33 - Should James Hagens start on 3rd line? 20:04 - Bruins 3rd Line 23:09 - Bruins 4th Line 25:47 - Subscribe to the podcast! 26:35 - Bruins 1st Defensive Pairing 29:30 - Bruins 2nd Defensive Pairing 32:08 - Bruins 3rd Defensive Pairing 35:50 - Goalies 35:58 - Wrapping up! Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in lineups when you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is Don Sweeney's long-term plan for Bruins?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor answers some of your mailbag questions about Don Sweeney, the Bruins' schedule, and Fraser Minten's next contract. 0:00 - Welcome in! 3:13 - What’s Don Sweeney’s plan for the future of the Bruins? 12:18 - Will Bruins trade Mason Loheri or Henri Jokiharju? 16:59 - Prizepicks 18:13 - Looking at potential extensions for Fraser Minten & Marat Khusnutdinov 23:52 - Subscribe to the podcast! 24:19 - Looking at Bruins schedule this upcoming season 28:59 - Wrapping up! Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is a Pavel Zacha trade the best path forward for Bruins (Mailbag)?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor answers some of your mailbag questions about Pavel Zacha, Boston's best contracts, and much more! Poke the Bear on CLNS is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Could a Fraser Minten Extension Look Like?
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Evan Marinofsky fills in for Conor Ryan and chats with Ty Anderson about all the latest Bruins moves and what might still be to come. 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Traveling Stories & Summer Check-In 2:35 - Bruins Offseason Moves Breakdown 9:39 - Too Many Defensemen — Who Gets Moved? 15:35 - PrizePicks 16:51 - Fraser Minten Extension Talk 22:43 - The Zacha Question 28:13 - Where Do the Bruins Stand as Contenders? 29:29 - Breaking Down the Atlantic Division Race 41:01 - Closing Thoughts Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly in lineups when you play your first $5! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing leftover thoughts from Bruins' free-agent moves
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor shares some leftover thoughts from the Bruins' moves on Wednesday. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bruins Free Agency Predictions
Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky go live to preview NHL free agency, which begins Wednesday, July 1, at 12 pm ET. They predict who the Bruins could sign tomorrow and give thoughts on development camp. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
REACTING to JJ Peterka Trade, Fabian Lysell's Exit, and NHL Draft
Connor Ryan and Ty break down a jam-packed stretch of Bruins news, starting with the signing of JJ Peterka and whether it's the right price for the production they're hoping to get. They dig into the draft results — a defense-light, goalie-heavy class that leaves some fans wanting more on the back end — and have a long, honest conversation about what went wrong in Fabian Lysell's development before his trade to Colorado. 0:00 - Intro 1:23 - Bruins Acquire JJ Peterka 4:25 - Was This the Right Move at the Right Price? 5:26 - Other Forward Targets the Bruins Passed On 7:42 - Why the Next Move Matters Just as Much 8:25 - The Glaring Need on Defense 11:21 - How Acquiring Veterans Helps the Young Core 14:17 - PrizePicks 16:01 - Bruins Draft Recap: Missing Out on Top D-Men 17:48 - Goalie-Heavy Draft Class — Smart or a Logjam? 21:20 - Wishing They'd Traded Up for a High-Upside Defenseman 23:39 - The Bigger Picture: Spending Premium Picks on Goalies 29:37 - Bruins Trade Fabian Lysell to Colorado 33:24 - What Went Wrong with Lysell's Development? 41:59 - The Need for a New Player Development Approach 48:57 - Closing Thoughts on Letting Go of Lysell 50:22 - Looking Ahead: What's Next This Offseason 53:06 - Can the Bruins Run It Back on Defense? 55:51 - Reaction to Losing Out on a Zellweger Trade 58:17 - Bridging the Gap: Trueba, Nurse & Short-Term Options 1:02:38 - Building a Realistic Darnell Nurse Trade Framework 1:04:42 - Final Thoughts on the Offseason Plan 1:10:19 - Outro Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Predictions for a Tricky Bruins Offseason
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan talk Don Sweeney's latest comments, the state of the NHL trade market, and make our predictions for the NHL Draft and the rest of the Bruins' moves. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should Bruins PIVOT to John Carlson This Summer?
Connor Ryan and Ty Anderson break down a busy week of Bruins news, starting with the trade of Andre Gasseau's rights for added draft capital and why it might net Boston a long-term replacement at center. They dig into the thin remaining options on the UFA defenseman market after Toronto signed Darren Raddysh, debate whether John Carlson or Tony DeAngelo makes more sense on a short-term deal, and float a dream Zellweger-Carlson pairing if the Bruins can pull off a trade. Plus: a deep dive into the Pavel Zacha trade rumors, what kind of return Boston could realistically get, and why patience might not be a virtue this offseason. They close with a preview of what Boston should be targeting at pick 23 in Friday's draft. 0:00 - Intro 0:59 - World Cup Buzz & Boston's International Crowd 3:48 - Bruins Trade Andre Gasseau for Draft Capital 6:06 - Why Gasseau Could Be a Long-Term Crowley Replacement 8:08 - Toronto Signs Darren Raddysh — What's Left on the Defense Market? 9:38 - Are the Remaining UFA Defensemen Worth Pursuing? 11:56 - Why Raddysh Landed in a Better Spot in Toronto 13:08 - What the Bruins Actually Need on the Right Side 15:29 - The Case for Trading for Zellweger Instead of Free Agency 17:31 - Do the Bruins Even Have the Cap Space to Add Two Pieces? 18:56 - Lessons from the David Backes Contract 19:43 - Why a Short-Term Overpay Could Make Sense 20:37 - John Carlson vs. Tony DeAngelo — Who Fits Better? 23:32 - Building a Zellweger-Carlson Pairing Fantasy 24:41 - Backup Plans: Ilya Lyubushkin & Reclamation Targets 26:10 - Why This Defense Corps Already Looks Better 28:31 - Pavel Zacha Trade Buzz: Bruins Listening on Offers 29:39 - Does Zacha's Sample Size Justify a Big Extension? 31:54 - The Risk of Paying for Playoff Performance You Haven't Seen 33:28 - The Islanders/Noah Dobson Trade Comparison 35:46 - Could a Zacha Trade Net Big Draft Capital? 36:43 - Pushing Back on the "Locker Room Impact" Argument 38:17 - Why Patience Has Burned the Bruins Before 40:25 - Draft Preview: What Boston Needs at Pick 23 41:29 - The Case for Targeting a Puck-Moving Defenseman 43:06 - Prioritizing Skill and Upside Over Safe Picks 46:02 - How a Strong Prospect Pool Helps Trade Leverage 47:14 - Outro Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Patrice Bergeron Gets Number RETIRED, Bruins Make a Trade
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan talk Patrice Bergeron's No. 37 retirement, the Bruins dealing away Andre Gasseau's rights, and Boston's willingness for blockbuster deals. 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Bergeron Number Retirement Announcement Prank 2:58 - Reactions to the Surprise Announcement 4:10 - Why the Timing Made Sense 4:28 - What's Next for Bergeron's Career? 8:00 - Bergeron's Role Working with Current Players 9:04 - Building a Culture with Bruins Legends 12:07 - Comparing to the Red Sox's Front Office Struggles 13:17 - Internal Hires vs. Outside Hires for Coaching Roles 14:07 - PrizePicks 16:23 - Bruins Trade Andre Gasseau to San Jose 17:39 - Breaking Down the Return for Gasseau 19:11 - Was This Good Asset Management? 21:04 - Could the Bruins Package Picks to Move Up in the Draft? 23:44 - Listener Q&A 28:31 - Would You Trade Hagens & Lauko for a Star? 29:48 - Dylan Larkin vs. Truly Elite Centers 33:13 - The Case for Acquiring a Younger Player 35:59 - Outro Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can Bruins take advantage of a shifting NHL landscape?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty talk the Bruins' new coaching hire, NHL players getting more control in a growing trade market, and Cam Neely's recent comments about adding to Boston's roster. 0:00 - Intro 0:47 - Kilts, Scots & Summer Vibes in Boston 4:38 - Bruins Hire Matt McIlvaine as Assistant Coach 12:20 - PrizePicks 14:26 - The Trade Market & Player Movement Around the NHL 16:34 - Why Free Agency Isn't the Answer for Boston 22:19 - Boston as a Destination — Is It Still Appealing? 29:09 - Cam Neely Quotes & Bruins' Offseason Approach 31:35 - Alex Tuck, Arvidsson & Aging Player Concerns 38:05 - What to Do with Lindholm, Lohrei & the Roster Bubble Guys 39:21 - Wrapping Up! Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dylan Larkin's expanding trade list might be BAD news for the Bruins
On this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan discuss the Bruins’ new coaching hire on Marco Sturm’s staff, as well as whether or not it’s good news that Dylan Larkin might be expanding his list of trade suitors. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why the Bruins Should NOT Trade for Dylan Larkin | Poke The Bear
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty discuss Dylan Larkin trade rumors, the cost Boston would pay, and other potential targets down the middle. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should the Bruins flip Pavel Zacha for a top draft pick?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan break down Pavel Zacha's future in Boston and whether he should be traded for top draft capital. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What can Bruins learn from Vegas and Carolina?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty talk about James Hagens' future at center, the value of Boston's first-round pick, and what lessons Boston can take from the Golden Knights and Hurricanes. Poke the Bear on CLNS is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should we change our expectations for James Hagens?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan talk James Hagens' play at Worlds, Viktor Arvidsson's contract, and Mason Lohrei's trade value. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: Reserve your consultation today at http://awaken180weightloss.com. Tell ’em you heard it from Joe Haggerty or on our CLNS podcasts. That’s awaken180weightloss.com. Prize Picks 💰 - https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS 📲Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is the worst-case scenario for the Bruins this offseason?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty talk Simon Nemec, Boston's issues with developing players, and the worst-scenario scenario this summer. 0:00 - Welcome in Ty! 3:27 - Should Bruins trade for Simon Nemec? 17:21 - Prizepicks 18:57 - Awaken 180 20:09 - What is the worst-case scenario for the Bruins this offseason? 35:54 - Subscribe to the podcast! 36:13 - Looking at Bruins recent draft struggles 52:04 - Wrapping up! Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: Reserve your consultation today at http://awaken180weightloss.com. Tell ’em you heard it from Joe Haggerty or on our CLNS podcasts. That’s awaken180weightloss.com. Prize Picks 💰 - https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS 📲Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Should the Bruins Do With Elias Lindholm?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan discuss Elias Lindholm's contract, what Darren Raddysh would look like in Boston, and James Hagens' play for Team USA at the World Championship. Poke the Bear on CLNS is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who should the Bruins draft at No. 23?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty discuss all of your burning Bruins questions in our latest mailbag episode. They discuss who the Bruins should draft with their first-round pick, potential trade targets, and other offseason talking points. Poke the Bear on CLNS is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
