The Drop: Connor Bedard Overhyped? Vegas' Slot Machine Banner Ceremony + Tribute to Barry Melrose

Arda Öcal and Greg Wyshynski talk to NHL Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer about hockey’s young stars promoting the league in new ways, Vegas’ bar-setting banner raising ceremony and details surrounding 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto (Drake AND Justin Bieber to perform??) The guys also break down which players are overhyped/underhyped, followed by a passionate rant on the NHL pride tape ban. Arda and Greg close the show with a heartfelt tribute to hockey legend Barry Melrose.  0:00 Welcome back to The Drop!  0:45 Connor Bedard’s NHL debut  1:30 Overhyped/Underhyped NHL Rankings 2:00 The hype train needs to slow its roll for the Sabres - Greg 6:54 Breaking down the Connor Bedard hype 9:45 Elias Pettersson going unnoticed? 10:38 Jack Eichel is a superstar  11:54 Steve Mayer joins The Drop!  13:36 Pulling the curtain back on Vegas’ Cup banner ceremony 16:00 Young stars marketing the NHL in new ways  19:02 “Big City Green” alternate cast & innovative NHL broadcasts 22:00 Outdoor games coming to Mexico City? 26:00 Steve Mayer’s memorable Outdoor Games  29:10 Drake AND Justin Bieber at NHL All-Star Weekend?? 32:30 Greg weighs in on the NHL banning pride tape  38:13 Lindy Ruff was the right coach for the Devils all along?! 39:51 Paying tribute to hockey legend Barry Melrose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices