Don Cherry’s observation cuts to the heart of what playoff hockey is about. Skill gets you there, but grit often wins it. And in 2025, the Edmonton Oilers may have learned that lesson the hard way—by missing their toughest scorer when it mattered most
It’s impossible to say with certainty that Zach Hyman would have won the Oilers the Cup. But in a series defined by tight games and low margins, it’s entirely plausible he could have made a major difference.
Whether by jamming in a rebound, setting a screen, or simply firing up the team with a big hit, Hyman’s presence might have tilted one or two games—and that’s all it takes in the Final.
In an era where sports media constantly shifts and personalities come and go, Don Cherry remains a steady presence for fans who appreciate his unique voice.
The rumors of his retirement were just that—rumors. Cherry will be back, more opinionated and energetic than ever, once the puck drops again in the fall.
As he himself said: “I’m coming back next season, I can’t wait.”
For fans of The Grapevine Podcast, that’s all they needed to hear.
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Table of Contents
Don Cherry: The Truth Behind the Grapevine Podcast Rumors
A Misunderstanding That Sparked Retirement Speculation
Don Cherry, the legendary and often polarizing hockey personality, found himself at the center of swirling retirement rumors after his recent podcast episode seemed to suggest a final farewell.1
Fans who tuned in to the last episode of The Grapevine Podcast were quick to interpret his closing words as a sign that he was calling it quits.
The moment came when Cherry signed off by saying, “Well, Tim, this is our last show.” The brief and vague nature of the farewell caught listeners off guard.
Many of them took to social media to express disappointment, gratitude, and nostalgia—believing that the 91-year-old was officially stepping away from the mic.
But that wasn’t the case.
Don Cherry Says Goodbye in Final Podcast https://t.co/Z6HAWQGu1n via @YouTube
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) June 23, 2025
Clearing the Air: “It’s Just the End of the Season”
In a follow-up statement to The Toronto Sun‘s Joe Warmington, Don Cherry put an end to the speculation. He explained that his comment was simply a seasonal goodbye, not a permanent one.
“We just meant to say goodbye for this year,” Cherry said. “We always do that at the end of the season. There’s no more hockey this year, so there’s no podcast for the summer. I guess we should have said for the season.”
That clarification was a welcome relief to his loyal fanbase. Cherry has long been a staple voice in Canadian hockey culture, and his podcast has served as a platform to share unfiltered opinions since his exit from television.
The Legacy of The Grapevine Podcast
The Grapevine Podcast launched in 2019, shortly after Cherry’s controversial departure from Hockey Night in Canada. It was a revival of a name he previously used for a TV show in the 1980s.
Co-hosted with his son, Tim Cherry, the podcast has gained a steady following of listeners who appreciate Don’s candid takes on everything from NHL games to the state of Canadian hockey.
The format is relaxed, conversational, and full of the personality fans expect from Cherry—blunt, patriotic, and old-school in both charm and philosophy.
While other hockey media tend to focus on data analytics and younger perspectives, Cherry’s voice continues to offer something different: a connection to the past and a traditionalist lens on the sport.
Don Cherry’s Comments on the 2025 Stanley Cup Final
Before the season finale, Cherry made headlines for his opinions on the officiating during the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers.2
Never one to shy away from controversy, Cherry suggested that the calls favored the Panthers and criticized the lack of consistency in the refereeing.
“You’ve got to call it fair both ways,” Cherry insisted. “The Oilers got a raw deal on a couple of those penalties.
That’s not how a final should be decided.”
Comments like these are a hallmark of Grapevine. It’s not just a recap show—Cherry offers impassioned defenses of the “right way to play hockey” and doesn’t hesitate to criticize modern trends he disagrees with.
Fans’ Reactions to the Rumors
The possibility of Don Cherry retiring, even for just a moment, shook up a large portion of the hockey world. For many, Cherry’s presence is intertwined with their love of the game. On Reddit, Twitter (X), and Facebook, fans expressed their confusion and concern over what seemed to be a sudden and unannounced departure.
Posts like “End of an era,” and “Thanks for everything Grapes” started trending, highlighting just how important he remains to a segment of the audience. Others, more critically minded, noted that perhaps it was time for Cherry to hang it up and enjoy retirement at age 91.
Still, the overwhelming sentiment was relief once Cherry confirmed he was coming back.
A Symbol of Old-Time Hockey
Cherry is one of the last remaining major voices from the era of “old-time hockey.” A former NHL coach turned broadcaster, his career has always revolved around passion, tradition, and controversy.
While many media outlets have moved toward polished and politically careful commentary, Cherry remains unapologetically blunt.
This authenticity—whether fans agree with him or not—is part of what keeps people tuning in. His criticisms, jokes, and strong opinions bring back the feel of a hockey bar discussion. He speaks like a fan, and many appreciate that.
The Importance of Clarity in Media
This incident also points to a broader issue in the age of instant news and social media: vague language can easily spiral into misinformation.
Cherry’s farewell lacked clarity, and within minutes, the narrative that he was retiring had gone viral.
It’s a reminder that in today’s media landscape, public figures—even seasoned ones—must communicate clearly to avoid unnecessary panic or rumor.
Cherry later acknowledged this, saying they should have made it more obvious that the podcast was simply going on a seasonal break.
Don Cherry’s Dedication
Staying Active at 91
At 91, Don Cherry’s continued presence behind the mic is impressive. While many his age are fully retired, Cherry still prepares each week to deliver episodes filled with hockey stories, opinions, and reactions to the latest games.3
His enthusiasm for returning next season was evident when he said, “I’m coming back next season, I can’t wait.” That level of commitment speaks volumes about his love for the game and his dedication to his listeners.
It also demonstrates the strong bond he shares with his son, Tim, who helps guide the podcast and provides support both technically and conversationally.
The Evolution of Cherry’s Audience
- While Cherry’s core audience has remained mostly loyal, his podcast has also helped introduce him to a new generation of hockey fans—many of whom may not have watched Coach’s Corner in its heyday.
- The podcast format has allowed Cherry to speak freely, without the time limits or broadcast constraints of television.
- That said, the format does come with challenges, especially when it comes to interpreting tone and context. As seen in this recent misunderstanding, words matter—especially when they’re not accompanied by visuals or further explanation.
- With confirmation that Cherry will return for the 2025–26 NHL season, fans can expect more of what they love: hot takes, old-school wisdom, and possibly a few off-the-cuff rants.
- The break during the summer allows Cherry time to rest, review the offseason, and prepare for a fresh slate of games come October.
- It’s likely he’ll have a lot to say about trades, drafts, and preseason developments when the show resumes.
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Don Cherry’s Perspective: Hyman Was the Missing Piece
Don Cherry, never shy about voicing his opinion, didn’t hesitate to point out what he believed was a critical void in the Oilers’ lineup.
“I really do,” Cherry said on his Grapevine podcast. “He would’ve kicked in a few goals and been in front of the net. Good guy in front of the net.”
Cherry’s remarks zero in on an often-overlooked aspect of hockey success: net-front presence. In a series that featured low-scoring, tight-checking games, the kind of gritty goals that Hyman specializes in could have turned the tide.
Cherry’s belief isn’t based on sentimentality—it’s rooted in a firm understanding of playoff hockey and what it takes to win the Stanley Cup.
Hyman’s Playoff Impact Before the Injury
Before being sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained during the Western Conference Final, Hyman was a force. His 11 points were hard-earned, and he consistently disrupted opposing defenses by parking himself in front of the crease.
Beyond the points, his physicality—leading all playoff players with 111 hits—made life miserable for defenders and goalies alike.
These qualities don’t just impact box scores—they tilt the ice. A net-front agitator can screen goalies, force defensive mistakes, and open lanes for linemates.
Against a structured Florida team that thrived on limiting second chances, Hyman’s presence could have created crucial chaos.
Florida’s Defense vs. Hyman’s Style
The Florida Panthers executed a defensive masterclass in the Stanley Cup Final. They clogged shooting lanes, cleared rebounds, and boxed out effectively.
Without Hyman, the Oilers lacked a reliable net-front disruptor. While players like Evander Kane and Warren Foegele provided some grit, none matched Hyman’s blend of scoring touch and physical edge.
A healthy Hyman might have drawn more attention in front of Bobrovsky, possibly pulling defenders out of position and opening up opportunities for McDavid or Draisaitl. This is exactly the type of presence Cherry believes could’ve tipped the scale.
Game-by-Game Breakdown: Where Hyman Could’ve Made a Difference
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Game 1 (Panthers win 3–2): The Oilers had trouble creating traffic in front of the net. Hyman’s presence could’ve made Bobrovsky’s life more difficult.
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Game 3 (Oilers win 4–3 OT): Edmonton showed their offensive capability, but a second net-front option might have ended it earlier.
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Game 4 (Panthers win 2–1): A one-goal loss where gritty scoring might have made the difference. This was a textbook “Hyman goal” type of game.
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Game 6 (Panthers clinch 3–1): With the Cup on the line, the Oilers couldn’t generate dangerous chances from in close—an area where Hyman thrives.
Cherry’s argument gains weight when viewed through this lens. Each of these games hung in the balance, and just one or two timely greasy goals from Hyman could have shifted momentum.
Don Cherry’s History of Supporting Gritty Players
Cherry has long championed the value of grinders, power forwards, and sandpaper players.
From Wendel Clark to Cam Neely to Hyman, Cherry has always praised those who make their living in the dirty areas of the ice.
His support for Hyman is consistent with his broader philosophy: playoff success is built not just on finesse, but on toughness and determination.
In Hyman, Cherry sees a player who personifies these traits, and his absence—according to Cherry—is a big reason why the Oilers fell short.
Injuries are a cruel reality of the NHL postseason. Every champion has to battle through adversity, and every runner-up has at least one “what if” storyline. For the Oilers, that story is now intertwined with Hyman’s absence.
Edmonton’s Path Forward
While Hyman’s absence in the Final will sting for some time, the Oilers are still in a strong position moving forward.
With a core group of McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and hopefully a fully healthy Hyman in 2026, Edmonton remains a legitimate Cup contender.
However, Cherry’s comments may lead Oilers management to further emphasize depth and net-front grit in roster building.
Finding a player who can replicate Hyman’s role—or ensuring his health throughout a deep playoff run—will be critical in the coming years.
Cherry’s comment isn’t just speculation—it’s a broader commentary on how thin the margin for error is in the Stanley Cup Final.
Losing a player like Hyman, who epitomizes playoff-style hockey, might not seem devastating in the moment, but in a six-game series, those inches matter.
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