Overview of Spittin' Chiclets Episode 612 (feat. Barrett Jackman)
This episode (presented by Pink Whitney) is a long, wide-ranging Spittin' Chiclets conversation led by the hosts (Biz / Paul Bissonnette and Ryan “Whit” Whitney) with segments on Biz’s TNT “between the benches” bit in Buffalo, NHL team and player news, RA’s World, and a feature interview with former St. Louis Blues defenseman Barrett Jackman. The show mixes locker-room stories, tactical/hockey analysis, media/coach commentary, and off-ice observations (youth hockey, alumni work, movies/TV and betting picks).
Key segments & topics
Biz’s TNT Buffalo bit / between-the-benches
- Biz recaps his high-profile in-arena bits in Buffalo (the between-the-benches piece), thanks the production crew (Tyler Lassiter, TNT staff) and praises the Sabres organization for hospitality.
- Rob Ray paddled Biz after a Sabres win (a fan-driven bit); Biz took two paddles.
- Biz says he’d be open to doing on-ice bench work occasionally, but prefers studio chair work; he emphasizes how mentally taxing live bench reporting is.
Buffalo Sabres scouting/analysis
- Guests praise Buffalo’s improvement, especially defensive commitment and how four puck-moving defensemen (Byram, Samuelsson, Darlene, and Power) joining the rush creates confusion for opponents.
- Josh Doan highlighted for leading the NHL in takeaways and for his 200-foot game; possibility of Selke consideration if he keeps it up.
- Strong push from hosts to re-sign Alex Tuch (discussion around contract length/value; suggestion: hometown discount in the 8–9 year range rather than 10+).
Flyers / Matvei Michkov situation
- Hosts discuss Matvei Michkov’s disappointing sophomore stretch (lack of goals with a goalie in net for a long stretch), alleged conditioning concerns, language/cultural adjustment, and sophomores’ “figure-it-out” curves.
- Strong defense of coach Rick Tocchet — argument: Tocchet wants Michkov to succeed and isn’t “burying” him; young players still must earn trust/ice time.
- Recommendation to Flyers fans: be patient; Michkov can become a top player but needs development, conditioning and film adjustments.
Injuries / Team news & roster rumors
- Braden Point injury: concern for Team Canada / Olympics; hosts suggest Sam Bennett as a prime replacement and discuss other names (Zach Hyman, Bedard).
- Mentions of multiple teams being “open for business” at the trade market: St. Louis (rumors), Vancouver (Pettersson/Gaudette/Besser discussions), Nashville’s surprising run and future roster questions (Ryan O’Reilly), Utah’s surprising form and prospect depth.
- Brief takes on Rangers struggles at MSG, Leafs/Toronto dynamics (post-Marner), Tampa Bay/Brayden Point, and other league-wide tidbits.
RA’s World / pop-culture & picks
- RA segment covers retired numbers (Zdeno Chara in Boston), movie/TV recommendations (including a Clooney film and Frankenstein), memorable hockey photos, and RA’s betting picks: Islanders (vs. Calgary) and Patriots ML (moneyline).
- Prime Monday Night Hockey promo details and schedule note for Canadian viewers.
Feature interview — Barrett Jackman (highlights)
Who he is now
- Barrett Jackman is the director of the St. Louis Blues alumni program and coaches his son’s 16U team in St. Louis. He still skates with the alumni three times a week.
Career recollections
- Won the Calder Trophy as a rookie defenseman (credit to pairing with Al MacInnis).
- Recounted early AHL / junior toughness: told to “be a prick” in Worcester; heavy PIMs earned him NHL call-up opportunities.
- Threw himself into the physical, shut-down defense role and embraced fighting as part of his game.
- Memorable teammates/coaches: Al MacInnis (huge mentor), Q (Quenneville), Hitch (coach who could get under players’ skin), Bob Plager (personal hero — Jackman has Plager’s number and a tattoo over his heart).
- Tough moments: playoffs losses (Vancouver) where injuries and sickness derailed runs.
Personal background & character
- Grew up in Trail, BC; single mother raised him; learned responsibility early.
- Proud of being a “Blues guy” — the organization’s alumni ties and culture run deep.
- Mentoring younger players (TJ Oshie, Ryan Reaves) and staying engaged in the community/organization.
On retirement and life after hockey
- Bought out by Nashville and later had hip labrum surgery — decided to stop playing to be with family and focus on life after hockey.
- Coaching his son and youth hockey is a big part of his current life; he stresses multi-sport development and team practice/scrimmage importance for youth (against early specialization).
Views on development & hockey culture
- Concerned kids specialize too early, spend too much time with one-on-one skills coaches and not enough team-based competition and small-area games.
- Values “homegrown” development and keeping family around younger players when possible.
Anecdotes & stories
- Many locker-room and road stories: TJ Oshie warming his bed with “snow angels,” rookie pranks, Hitch tirades, Battle-of-the-benches skirmishes, and alumni camaraderie.
- Memorable rivals/fights: Bertuzzi, Looch, and other toughs — Jackman respected opponents and his role.
Notable Jackman quotes
- “I wake up and I see that number five with a heart and the wings on it and think of [Bob Plager].”
- On development: “I think these kids are specializing way too young… there should be a lot more team practices, playing scrimmages, small-area games where you’re competing and just learn the game that way.”
Main takeaways
- The Buffalo Sabres are playing an exciting, cohesive brand of hockey; signings and culture are key to keeping momentum (hosts advocate for Alex Tuch re-signing).
- Matvei Michkov’s struggles are likely a mix of conditioning, adaptation and sophomore scouting; the coach (Tocchet) is not intentionally hiding him — patience is advised.
- In-game bench reporting is challenging; Biz enjoyed the experience but sees it as something to do occasionally rather than a full-time move.
- Barrett Jackman’s interview shows the value of organizational culture, alumni programs, and mentorship; his career arc emphasizes grit, adaptability, and paying it forward as a coach and alumni director.
- Youth hockey advice: prioritize team play, multi-sport participation and scrimmages over early, exclusive specialization.
Notable quotes / soundbites
- Biz on Michkov: “Nobody wants Michkov to light it up more than Rick Tocchet.”
- Jackman on Plager: “He was more proud to wear a blue note and be a Blue than anyone I’ve seen.”
- Biz on bench work: “I have a ton of respect for guys who do it… it’s harder.”
Actionable recommendations & “to-dos” (from the episode)
- Buffalo management: seriously consider re-signing Alex Tuch on a team-friendly long-term deal to preserve culture and buy-in.
- Flyers fans: temper expectations and allow Michkov to earn minutes rather than demand top-personnel usage immediately.
- Former players / broadcasters: try a bench-level game once to understand the cognitive load and the value it brings (hosts encourage more ex-players to try it at lower levels).
- Youth hockey programs/parents: delay specialization, encourage multi-sport play, schedule more small-area team games and scrimmages to build hockey IQ and competitive instincts.
Quick list of other referenced items
- TNT announcement: Biz confirmed his TNT deal earlier in the summer; announcement timing explained.
- Braden Point injury: likely week-to-week; Sam Bennett floated as a likely Team Canada replacement.
- RA’s picks: Islanders (vs. Calgary) and Patriots moneyline.
- Netflix / pop culture: hosts discussed recent films/series and recommended a few titles (Clooney film, Frankenstein, Brockmire).
If you want to skim the episode: the Barrett Jackman interview is the longest, most substantive piece — ideal for listeners who want the player-career stories, alumni perspective, and coaching/parenting insights.