Baker Fairburn Hockey Show · Kris Baker and Matthew Fairburn

What is the plan?

July 2, 2025·1 hr 43 min·5 clips

Kris Baker kicks off the NHL league year with a playful apology for running late on the Baker Fairburn Hockey Show.

This episode of the Baker Fairburn Hockey Show, hosted by Chris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn, analyzes the Buffalo Sabres' early moves in the 2025 NHL league year. The hosts, both established Sabres commentators, react to the team's initial transactions and draft strategy. They recorded live on July 1st, 2025, marking the official start of the NHL offseason. The show opens by noting the Sabres conducted business to open the league year, including a reference to "R.I.P. J.B.D." The hosts immediately draw a parallel between the team's draft tendencies and a personal preference, stating the Sabres have shown "they have a type at the NHL draft." Chris Baker prompts Matthew Fairburn to begin the substantive discussion on these topics. The conversation centers on evaluating the team's specific plans and actions at this critical offseason juncture. They plan to dissect the logic and potential impact of the Sabres' recent decisions. A key point of analysis is the identifiable pattern in the Sabres' draft selections, which the hosts characterize as a consistent "type." The discussion is framed around the fundamental question of the organization's overarching strategy, as suggested by the episode's title, "What is the plan?" The hosts examine whether the early moves align with a coherent team-building vision for the upcoming season. The tone is informal and conversational, featuring friendly banter between the co-hosts about technical delays. The style is opinion-driven analysis, blending immediate reaction with deeper scrutiny of the franchise's direction. It is tailored for an audience deeply invested in the Buffalo Sabres' roster construction. This episode is ideal for Sabres fans seeking instant, detailed commentary on the team's offseason beginnings from trusted insiders. Listeners looking for a broad, league-wide free agency overview or those unfamiliar with the team's recent history might find the discussion too narrowly focused.

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