The JD Bunkis Podcast

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD to discuss the Leafs clinching the Atlantic Division to set up the Battle of Ontario in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (11:05). JD and James talk through the excitement of the playoff matchup, the plan for Anthony Stolarz as the starting goalie, what the line combinations should look like, the plan for the final game of the season, and the effect on the backend with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe's injuries. JD takes a look at Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in their Play-In victory over the Grizzlies (50:13). Later, Caleb Joseph, Blue Jays Central analyst, jumps on to recap the Jays' offensive burst against the Braves (53:13). They react to Anthony Santander finding his groove at the plate, the challenge of keeping starting pitchers efficient, the plan at third base, and missing the power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:23:26). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD brings on Joseph Casciaro, lead Raptors and NBA reporter at theScore, to react to the Raptors locker room clean-out day and put a bow on their season (8:00). JD and Joseph chat about Scottie Barnes' improvements on defense and in leadership, how Darko Rajaković can be judged in a tanking season, what they'd like to hear from Masai Ujiri, next season's expectations and what may have gone overlooked. Afterwards, JD and Joseph look at the points of the interest in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Arden Zwelling, Blue Jays reporter, joins JD in-studio for the second hour to sift through the Jays' season thus far (52:00). JD and Arden discuss John Schneider's feel for taking out starting pitchers, how the Jays' base-running might improve, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a leader, how Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension impacts what's next with Bo Bichette, and the status of Daulton Varsho and Max Scherzer. The show finishes with discussion of Paddy Pimblett's star-power following his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 (1:29:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD recaps The Masters alongside Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, and Sam McKee, host and producer at Sportsnet 590 The FAN, discussing Rory McIlroy's weekend performance at Augusta, the matchup with Bryson DeChambeau, the humanity of McIlroy's reaction after finally winning his green-jacket, and where the 2025 finish stands in the Masters hierarchy (00:00). Later, JD & Ben dive into the Blue Jays' comeback win in Baltimore, Jeff Hoffman's start to the season amidst injury fears in the offseason, and the expectations of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after signing his big contract (36:33). Then, CBS & Sirius XM Golf Analyst Jason Sobel joins the show to continue the conversation around McIlroy's Masters' win, the history within McIlroy's play in the tournament, the adversity that he faced along the way, and what the next compelling story in Golf could be (52:15). Finally, JD takes a look at UFC 314 before he and the producers jump into “What We Missed” (01:20:56). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD is excited for baseball season. Kevin Barker, co-host of Blair & Barker, joins JD (6:00) to dive into the state of the Blue Jays 14 games into the season; Vladimir Guerrero Jr. getting an early day off, Guerrero Jr.'s pressure and expectations following his pay day, Anthony Santander's slow start, what's working well for George Springer and the pathways to a successful season. Éric Gagné, former CY Young Award winner, World Series champion, and chairman of bat manufacturing company B45, chats about the explosion of torpedo bats and the nuance of the closer role (51:45). Brent Gunning, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, touches on Rory McIlroy and The Masters (1:09:30). The week ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:17:00) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD is joined by James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' crucial win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night (6:50). They discuss Matthew Knies' exponential growth, Anthony Stolarz' edge over Joseph Woll as the postseason starter, Max Domi's imperfect bottom-six fit, and why the Leafs are set up better than ever for a long playoff run. Then, JD reacts to Ross Atkins speaking with the media yesterday, and a sudden feeling of optimism around Bo Bichette's future with the Toronto Blue Jays (47:18). Afterwards, JD catches up with Devante Smith-Pelly, Stanley Cup champion with the Washington Capitals (52:30). Devante reflects on being in attendance to see Alex Ovechkin break the all-time record NHL goal record, the Great 8's ability to bond an entire dressing room, and how the Capitals overcame their playoff ghosts to win it all in 2018. Later, the conversation shifts back to the MLB with Jared Carrabis, co-host of the Baseball is Dead and Section 10 podcasts (1:20:08). Jared comments on Boston Red Sox fans' hopes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reaching free agency and his impressions on the Blue Jays following three straight wins at Fenway Park. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs loss to their potential playoff foes, the Florida Panthers. Derek Lalonde, former NHL head coach, breaks down (8:00) what the Leafs can takeaway from their loss to the Panthers, what he's seen from them this season, what he'd emphasize in the Leafs' film room, and how long a coach needs to evaluate a depth line. Shane Ryan, writer from Golf Digest, joins JD to get into The Masters (52:45). JD and Shane chat about the course at Augusta, how competition is driving golf, interesting storylines, and Rory McIlroy's chances. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (1:24:00) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show (0:00), to discuss the emotional and psychological boost of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. re-signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, and Anthony Santander's slow start compared to George Springer's early bounce back. Later, JD and Ben entertain theories that the Florida Panthers are tanking their playoff position, before teeing up The Masters and familiar storylines surrounding Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (42:30). Then, the focus shifts back to the Toronto Blue Jays with Sportsnet's Dan Shulman (53:30). The Jays' play-by-play voice reflects on what Guerrero Jr.'s new deal signifies for the team's identity and reasons for optimism based on Toronto's play through 11 games. Afterwards, JD and the producers close out the show with 'What We Missed!' The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD begins the show reacting to reports that the Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have agreed to a 14-year, $500-million contract extension. The conversation continues with Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith (10:30) to detail the timing behind the second-richest deal in MLB history, why Toronto was comfortable going past their offseason valuation, the elevated expectations for Guerrero Jr., and whether the Blue Jays will turn their spending focus to Bo Bichette or the pitching staff. Then, JD touches on Nick Robertson's two-goal performance for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the weekend (48:30). Afterwards, Washington Capitals play-by-play voice Joe Beninati (54:15) joins to discuss his call on Alex Ovechkin's 895th goal to break the all-time NHL record. Joe shares his thoughts on how the perception around Ovechkin has evolved over the years and what yesterday's moment meant to the Washington sports market. JD and the producers conclude the show with What We Missed (1:17:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD starts the show with a look at the Blue Jays ahead of their weekend series in New York against the Mets, and Jon Heyman's latest reporting on the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract negotiations (00:00). Then, Jake Mintz, Senior Baseball Writer for Yahoo, joins the show to discuss the hype around Torpedo Bats in the MLB, the Yankees' role in fueling the fire, and where the trend may be heading down the road, before chatting about Jackson Merrill's nine-year contract extension, and where the Vladdy story could head if an extension isn't reached soon (06:28). Later, JD touches on The Gr8 Chase, the coverage that's surrounded Alex Ovechkin throughout the season (43:02). Jeff Blair, Host of Blair & Barker, jumps on with JD to break down George Springer's start to the season, the strengths of the bullpen, the Vlad distraction heading into New York and Boston, and where Bo Bichette fits into the plan (50:41). Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:23:15). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD starts the show giving the Maple Leafs props for winning a big game against the Florida Panthers (00:00). Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, breaks down the importance of Mitch Marner's clutch moment, trending positively at the right time, Bobby McMann's impact on the Leafs' second line, if this the best version of William Nylander, John Tavares aging like wine, the locker room motivation to chase the first seed, and concerns about the third line (8:00). JD then touches on the Blue Jays sweep of the Washington Nationals (44:00), before bringing on Sportsnet hockey analyst, Jason Bukala (50:00). Bukala discusses the pressure on the Leafs, the injury-riddled Panthers, where the Leafs have an edge on the Panthers, special teams margins, and takeaways for the playoffs (1:26:00).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.