Corrado on if Mike Babcock is a good fit in Edmonton, Jordan Staal's Conn Smythe case, and which players need to step up in the final stretch

The Edmonton Oilers' pursuit of Mike Babcock as head coach is a risky proposition, according to TSN analyst Frankie Corrado, who argues that while Babcock is one of the most knowledgeable hockey minds in the game, his management style and ego make him a poor fit for a team that needs systemic roster and cultural overhaul, not just a coaching fix. Corrado contrasts this with Bruce Cassidy’s firing from both Boston and Vegas, suggesting his abrasive approach would only exacerbate the Leafs’ current challenges. On the Stanley Cup Final, Corrado identifies Carolina’s defensive lapses—particularly in allowing breakaways and odd-man rushes—as the key vulnerability that Vegas has exploited. He believes a Carolina victory hinges on both Brandon Bussie’s goaltending and a disciplined defensive reset. In a bold take, Corrado makes a compelling case for Jordan Staal as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, citing his defensive dominance, offensive contributions in high-leverage moments, and embodiment of the Hurricanes’ gritty identity. He also notes that if Carolina wins, Staal’s performance may be the most impactful of any player in the series, even over Mitch Marner’s flashy plays. The episode’s chaotic live broadcast, including a power outage that left Corrado on screen mid-sentence, adds a layer of real-time unpredictability to the analysis.