The Athletic dropped its latest NHL under-23 rankings and we have some serious fucking questions.
Gavin McKenna sits at #18, Zach Benson comes in all the way down at #124, and some of the names ahead of McKenna have us scratching our heads. We break down the rankings, what McKenna still needs to prove and whether Benson is getting completely disrespected.
Around the NHL, we ask whether the new-look **San Jose Sharks can actually make the playoffs**, what expectations should be in Ottawa, and what a new Drake Batherson contract could look like after a career year.
Then we continue our **2026 NFL Division Preview** with the NFC North and NFC South. Bears. Packers. Vikings. Lions. Panthers. Buccaneers. Falcons. Saints. We go team by team through the offseason moves, expectations and our predictions for two divisions that could be completely up for grabs.
We finish things off on the golf course with our **BMW Championship recap**, our picks for the **Tour Championship**, and another week of Lock of the Week and Bet the Farm.
**Buds Mafia Episode 83.**
⚡ Fueled by Rogue Energy
Use code BUDSMAFIA for 10% off your next order.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 📱
Follow us everywhere → @budsandpucks
⏱️ CHAPTERS
(00:00) — Intro and Marners Security
(8:12) — Ottawa Senators and Their Expectations
(12:10) — Can San Jose Make Playoffs?
(16:34) — The Athletics Under-23 Rankings
(29:45) —NFC North Breakdown
(38:02) — NFC South Breakdown
(44:55) — BMW Recap, Tour Championship Draft, Betting Segments
