Episode 54: Defensive Discourse

Johnny 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