NHL Wraparound Podcast

One of only 48 men to have reached the 500-goal mark in NHL history. The second installment of the "NHL Wraparound Hall of Fame Edition" welcomes 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Pierre Turgeon.In this discussion, Neil and Vic hit on numerous topics from Turgeon's junior hockey days in Granby to his Little League World Series appearance in 1982 to the Dale Hunter hit 11 years later to being the last Montreal Canadiens captain to leave Montreal Forum Ice with the symbolic torch raised high.Turgeon - similar to Neil - is open about the pain of losing a child but being able to find strength in the good of life and moving forward while never forgetting.IN THIS EPISODE:[2:01] - After acknowledging congratulations for his 2023 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Neil points out the irony of Pierre's junior team and the NHL club that selected him first overall in 1987.[3:05] - A natural talent, Turgeon speaks about his early years when he racked up 114 points as a 16-year-old despite playing for four different coached in his first of two seasons in Granby.[4:54] - Playing in the 1982 Little League World Series for Rouyn-Noranda alongside fellow NHL'er Stephane Matteau.[7:12] - Thoughts about Colorado. A former home and where Turgeon ended his NHL career but still visits frequently.[8:27] - Returning to the hockey piece, Turgeon recalls the magical 1992-93 where he reached statistical milestones as a New York Islander before being injured in the final game of the opening round, victim of a vicious cheap shot.[11:37] - Neil and Pierre share some stories of players and games from years past - Stephane Quintal, Clark Gillies, Benoit Hogue and Clint Malarchuk, who suffered one of hockey's most gruesome injuries as a teammate of Turgeon's in March of 1989.[19:08] - It took 13 years for Turgeon to be elected to the Hall of Fame after his first year old eligibility in 2010. Pierre reflects on whether there was a lack of appreciation for his production having not played on many contending teams.[21:57] - While playing for six teams and only 104 games for the Canadiens, it was Turgeon who was the captain that skated the torch off Montreal Forum ice for the final time in March, 1996.[24:54] - The importance of family and the mutual pain Pierre and Neil share in losing a child. Though some days bring back painful reminders, Turgeon embraces each day as both men have learned to move forward carrying the memories.[29:17] - Amidst appreciating small things in life, Turgeon enjoys golf on a frequent basis.[30:08] - A few words about Pierre's brother Sylvain, who was selected second in the 1983 Draft.[32:10] - Putting a wrap on the chat with Pierre Turgeon.#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #ScottyBowman #PierreTurgeon #GranbyBisons #JacquesCloutier #LittleLeagueWorldSeries #StephaneMatteau #Rouyn-Noranda #NewYorkIslanders #ColoradoAvalanche #AlArbour #DavidVolek #RayFerraro #MontrealCanadiens #PatrickRoy #StephaneQuintal #BostonBruins #EricDesjardins #ClarkGillies #BuffaloSabres #BryanTrottier #BenoitHogue #ClintMalarchuk #Jim Pizzutelli #UweKrupp #SteveTuttle #MarcelDionne #KyleOkposo #ButchBouchard #JeanBeliveau #YvanCournoyer #HenriRichard #SergeSavard #BobGainey #GuyCarbonneau #MauriceRichard #ElizabethTurgeon #DetroitRedWings #BrianLawton #SteveYzerman #PatLafontaine #SylvainTurgeon #HartfordWhalers

Some significant league news heading into the weekend so a good time dust off Short Shifts. Vic and Neil will talk about the five World Junior players from team Canada in 2018 that were acquitted on sexual misconduct charges in July and will now have the opportunity to resume their NHL careers.The contract saga of Minnesota star Kirill Kaprizov will be discussed along with some goaltending news and dates to mark on your 2025-26 hockey calendar as a quartet of prominent names make their first visits back to their old stomping grounds.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #HallofFameEdition #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets 2018WorldJuniorChampionships #DillonDube #CarterHart #MichaelMacLeod #CalFoote #AlexFormenton #KirillKaprizov #BillGuerin #PaulTheofanous #FrankSeravalli #LeonDraisaitl #MitchMarner #ConnorMcDavid #KyleConnor #JackEichel #AdrianKempe #ZachParise #RyanSuter #Marc-AndreFleury #JimRutherford #MattMurray #GerardGallant #SidneyCrosby #AlexandarGeorgiev #Ukko-PekkaLuukkonen #AlexLyon #DustinWolf #DevinCooley #CraigConroy #BradMarchand #NikolajEhlers #ChrisKreider #RodGilbert #JeanRatelle #JacobTrouba #PierreTurgeon

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren head to the desert to break down the Vegas Golden Knights, a team still in win-now mode—and not afraid to prove itComing off a 110-point season and a second-round loss to Edmonton, Vegas pulled off the biggest move of the offseason, acquiring Mitch Marner from Toronto and signing him to an 8-year, $12M AAV deal. The message? The Golden Knights are all-in again.But with aging stars, injury concerns, and cap issues, is this the final swing of the sword before the dynasty window closes?

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect the Winnipeg Jets, who entered 2025 as the surprise Presidents' Trophy winners—only to fall in the second round of the playoffs.After a miraculous comeback in Game 7 vs. St. Louis, the Jets were grounded by the Dallas Stars—and the split personality home/road record (6–1 at home, 0–6 on the road) told the story.Now, with Nikolaj Ehlers gone, Connor Hellebuyck under scrutiny, and Jonathan Toews making a shocking return, is this team still built to contend?

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren head to the nation's capital to break down the Washington Capitals, a team coming off a quietly dominant 2024–25 regular season... and a playoff run that ended just as quietly.Washington finished with 111 points, 1st in the Metro, and 2nd overall in the NHL—yet fizzled in the second round against Carolina after dispatching Montreal in five games. But with no major offseason additions, the OV goal chase behind them, and multiple players coming off career seasons, is this team poised for a step forward—or a step back?

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren turn their sights to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a franchise with sky-high expectations and one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports.Despite finishing first in the Atlantic Division with 108 points, the Leafs fell in seven games to Florida—with especially disappointing efforts in Games 5 and 7. And this offseason, the biggest domino fell: Mitch Marner was traded to Vegas for center Nicolas Roy, ending his nine-year tenure with the team.With Matthew Knies elevated to the new "Core Four", is this version of the Leafs any closer to a Cup? Or are we staring down another April collapse?

In this edition of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into one of the NHL's most iconic yet most uncertain franchises: the Pittsburgh Penguins.For the fourth straight season, the Penguins look like they'll miss the playoffs—despite having Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson still on the roster. With rookie head coach Dan Muse taking the reins from Mike Sullivan (now in New York), the team seems more focused on riding out legacies than chasing another Stanley Cup.Is this the year that Crosby finally waves the towel and requests a trade?

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect the rollercoaster that is the Vancouver Canucks. Coming off a season filled with locker room drama, failed expectations, and big-name regression, the Canucks hit reset under first-year head coach Adam Foote.After missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, Vancouver aims to rediscover the promise shown during their 2024 second-round playoff run. But with tensions between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, injuries to Demko and Hughes, and Rick Tocchet walking out the door, can this new-look squad get back on track?

In this episode of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team loaded with offensive firepower—but still struggling to get out of the first round of the playoffs.Despite finishing second in the Atlantic and ranking #1 in league scoring, the Lightning were eliminated in the first round by the Panthers for the third consecutive season. With John Cooper entering his 14th season behind the bench and Steven Stamkos gone to free agency, is this still a contender—or a team quietly slipping?The hosts discuss Tampa's cap-strained strategy, new bottom-six reinforcements, and whether this team can still fight for another Cup before the window closes.

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren spotlight one of the most resilient turnarounds of the 2024–25 season: the St. Louis Blues.After a rough start under Drew Bannister, the Blues handed the reins to Jim Montgomery—and never looked back. A remarkable 35-18-7 run followed, including a 12-game winning streak that pushed them into the playoffs. Though their season ended in heartbreak—blowing a two-goal lead in the final minutes of Game 7 vs. Winnipeg—the Blues showed serious promise.With savvy offseason additions, consistent goaltending, and a rock-solid system, the Blues are building a team that no one wants to play against. Montgomery's influence is already turning heads.

If you believe in second chances, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan has a story or two he could share. After being relieved of his duties in 2013 by general manager Jim Nill, it's that same GM who has brought back Gulutzan to complete some unfinished business in Dallas.Engaging and insightful, Gulutzan clearly has the vision and sees the end game for a Stars team which has found different ways of falling short in each of the last three springs.Neil and Vic will also touch on some other league news, which includes the passing of a Hall-of-Fame netminder, a playoff salary cap and new fashion statements across the NHL.IN THIS EPISODE:[01:36] - Glen Gulutzan joins Neil and Vic and quickly recognizes the unique opportunity of joining a team that is among the NHL's elite.[02:23] - Gulutzan shares the experience of interviewing for the same job with the same GM who had fired him a dozen years earlier. He goes on to add how many familiar faces have remained with the Stars organization since his first go-round.[06:37] - Given the uniqueness of being re-hired by the GM who fired you, Vic poses to Neil whether he would have been able to do likewise given the the right conditions.[08:19] - Recollections of the ECHL days when Gulutzan was coaching in Las Vegas. While the Golden Knights put on a show now, they'd be hard-pressed to come up with some of the innovations introduced by the Wranglers.[10:45] - With six years behind the Wranglers bench between 2003-2009, Gulutzan shares whether he believed back then that the NHL could survive and thrive in Sin City.[13:07] - Evolving as a head coach through the minors to the NHL.[16:29] - Between his Dallas head coaching stints was a two-year run heading up the Flames. Gulutzan shares the importance of those two seasons leading up taking over the reins in Dallas again. [19:18] - Credited with helping the Edmonton Oilers becoming one of the most fearsome power play units in NHL history, Gulutzan takes over an offensively gifted group which will be less superstar driven and more a product of two very able units.[23:02] - Dallas has fallen in three consecutive Western Finals, the last two to Edmonton with Gulutzan as an assistant. Having played a role in exploiting the Stars in 2025 might be the secret sauce in fixing things come next spring.[25:54] - The top the hockey summit is in Florida. Thoughts on never altering the style of play from October-June.[28:37] - Wrapping up with the pronunciation of Glen's birthplace.[34:36] - News from around the NHL starts with the passing of Canadiens legend Ken Dryden, addressed the business component into the Carey Price trade to San Jose, the upcoming playoff salary cap, some fashion news and the 2025 US Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees. X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #SUmmerCoolers #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #GlenGulutzan #JimNill #JoeNieuwendyk #DennisSoetaert #MarkJanko #ScottWhite #JordyBenn #VernFiddler #MaxFortunus #TravisMorin #RogerNeilson #MikeKeenan #ColinCampbell #JohnMuckler #ECHL #TheAHL #LasVegasWranglers #BillyJohnson...

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the newly renamed Utah Mammoth—formerly the Utah Hockey Club—who enter their first season with a permanent identity and rising expectations.Despite a rebrand and a new home in Salt Lake City, the pressure remains: make the playoffs for the first time in six years. With a talented forward group, fresh additions on defense, and three NHL-level goaltenders, this team may be young—but they're no longer rebuilding.

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive deep into the least inspiring of the 32 NHL teams heading into the 2025–26 season: the Seattle Kraken.After a quick taste of playoff success in their second year, the Kraken have slid into irrelevance—27th overall last season, a questionable coaching hire in Lane Lambert, and little improvement made during the offseason.They've got some exciting prospects like Shane Wright and former Calder winner Matty Beniers, but the goaltending is shaky, the power play regressed, and the club is still searching for its identity in a league that has passed them by.

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dig into a franchise in transition: the Philadelphia Flyers.Rick Tocchet steps behind the bench, marking the team's third coach in three seasons after Brad Shaw and John Tortorella. Meanwhile, Trevor Zegras arrives in a headline-making trade, bringing high-end skill and a much-needed spark to a Flyers team that's been stuck in neutral offensively—particularly on the power play.The Flyers haven't made the playoffs since the COVID-era bubble (2020), but now—with an infusion of youth, a tough-minded new bench boss, and real promise in net—the orange and black faithful may finally have a reason to believe.

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down one of the league's grittiest young clubs: the Ottawa Senators.After ending their playoff drought with a gutsy first-round battle against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Sens showed resilience—pushing the Leafs to six games after being down 3–0. But questions remain as they head into 2025–26, particularly around one glaring issue: Who's going to score the goals?Steve Staios and head coach Travis Green have built a roster defined by toughness and effort—but is that enough to stay in the playoff picture?

In the final episode of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren close out the series with the San Jose Sharks — a team that might just be entering its most hopeful rebuild phase in years.After finishing dead last in 2024–25 with only 52 points, the Sharks are beginning to turn the corner. They've added key veterans like Jeff Skinner, John Klingberg, and Dmitry Orlov, while ushering in a promising new era led by Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.From goaltending uncertainty to an emerging forward group, the Sharks' 2025–26 season might not be playoff-bound — but it's shaping up to be a big leap forward for the franchise.

In this episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine one of the most baffling underperformers of the 2024–25 season: the Nashville Predators.Coming off a year that began with high expectations after blockbuster free-agent signings, the Preds collapsed to a 30–44–8 record and were never competitive. Now, as they enter 2025–26 with virtually the same roster, hosts Neil and Vic ask the hard question: What exactly is Barry Trotz building?The team didn't win a playoff series since 2018, and despite shedding cap space and expectations, the front office made only marginal changes — none of which suggest a clear direction or uptick in performance. Is this just a mulligan for Trotz and Brunette? Or the beginning of a longer identity crisis?

In this edition of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect one of the most dramatic collapses in recent NHL memory: the New York Rangers.Just one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy, the Rangers became only the fourth team in league history to miss the playoffs the following season. From special teams regression to star players disappearing and internal drama erupting midseason, the Broadway Blueshirts became a cautionary tale.This episode unpacks the offseason roster shakeup—highlighted by the exit of longtime fan favorite Chris Kreider, the addition of top-pair defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, and a new head coach with a Stanley Cup pedigree: Mike Sullivan.Will it all be enough to turn things around? Or are the Rangers slipping into rebuild territory?

In this episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren turn their attention to the Montreal Canadiens — a team on the rise after breaking back into the playoffs for the first time since their 2021 Stanley Cup Final appearance.The hosts dig deep into Montreal's pivotal offseason, highlighted by a massive trade for defenseman Noah Dobson and the big-ticket extension that followed — 8 years at $9.5M AAV. Is Dobson truly a franchise defenseman? Can he deliver on that contract, especially paired with Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson?Neil and Vic also explore Montreal's elite prospect pool, including standout names like Ivan Demidov, David Reinbacher, and Jacob Fowler — plus what their development means for the future of the franchise. And with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky continuing to grow, the Habs look poised to become a major threat… but are they ready now?

The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions — and now chasing history. In this episode, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down how GM Bill Zito has kept the core together, added smart depth pieces, and positioned Paul Maurice's team for a legitimate shot at a third straight Cup.The hosts discuss offseason moves, key re-signings, and health questions that could impact the Panthers' pursuit of a dynasty.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:34] – Florida goes for the three-peat[01:17] – Re-signing Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand & Aaron Ekblad[02:45] – Depth moves: Tarasoff in, Nate Schmidt & Vanecek out[03:32] – Why Jeff Petry may be the key under-the-radar addition[04:15] – Mackie Samoskevich brings the Cup to Sandy Hook Elementary[06:08] – Matthew Tkachuk's injury status and potential surgery[07:12] – Historical look: Can Florida join the NHL's dynasty elite?[09:00] – Neil on what it will take: "Bobrovsky and health, that's the answer."KEY TAKEAWAYS:Bill Zito nailed the offseason, keeping his top players and avoiding major lossesDepth matters: Smart additions like Jeff Petry and Tarasoff could be difference-makersMatthew Tkachuk's health will be a key storyline to watch all seasonBobrovsky's performance and age will factor heavily into a deep playoff runIf Florida can stay healthy and maintain chemistry, they have a real shot at a historic three-peatRESOURCE LINKS:

This Summer Cooler features one of the most fascinating—and fragile—franchises in the NHL: the Edmonton Oilers.Despite being two-time defending Western Conference champions, the Oilers have no Cup to show for it, and now they face the biggest storyline in the NHL heading into 2025–26:

The New York Islanders enter the 2025–26 season with a new GM at the helm, Matthew Darche, replacing Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello. After finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference last season and missing the playoffs with a 500 record, the Islanders are retooling—and arguably rebuilding.Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down what Darche inherited, what he's changed, and what it means for a franchise that had the worst special teams index in the NHL last season. Power play? 31st. Penalty kill? 31st. Combine them? Dead last. Both assistant coaches were let go, but the pressure now falls squarely on Patrick Roy, who stays on as head coach.They dive into the loss of key players like Noah Dobson and Brock Nelson, dissect what Emil Heineman, Jonathan Drouin, and David Rittich bring to the team, and consider whether top prospect Matthew Schaefer is ready to fill a top-pairing role on the blue line.With a thin prospect pool and major question marks on the power play, can the Islanders overachieve and make a push for the playoffs? Or is this a transition year with the eyes squarely on the future?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Overview: New GM, missed playoffs, worst special teams in NHL[01:10] Noah Dobson & Brock Nelson departures — big losses[02:45] Offseason signings: Drouin, Rittich, CC, DeAngelo[04:30] Who replaces Dobson's minutes and Nelson's production?[05:50] Can Barzal rebound from injury and stay healthy?[06:30] The outlook for Matthew Schaefer and other young defensemen[07:10] Patrick Roy's challenge: improve special teams or face consequences[08:20] Depth concerns, aging veterans, and overachievement expectations[09:00] Can Rittich or Varlamov give Sorokin needed rest?[09:50] Roy-Darche dynamic: How long is the leash for the head coach?[10:15] Closing thoughts: An Islanders team focused more on the future than the presentKEY TAKEAWAYS:Special teams were historically bad, and improving both units is mission-critical.Noah Dobson and Brock Nelson are major losses, even if Montreal may have overpaid for Dobson.The Islanders are not clearly better on paper heading into 2025–26—they may need to overachieve to stay competitive.Goaltending remains a strength, especially if Sorokin gets support from Varlamov or Rittich.Patrick Roy will be under pressure, both from a new GM and from a fanbase tired of mediocrity.This season may be less about contention and more about transition, with key prospects like Schaefer taking on big roles early.RESOURCE LINKS:

In this episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the Minnesota Wild — a team that continues to underperform in the playoffs despite regular season success. With 97 points last season and yet another first-round exit, the Wild haven't won a playoff series in a decade. So what's next?Neil and Vic evaluate the off-season moves by GM Bill Guerin — including the retirement of Marc-André Fleury, key signings like Vladimir Tarasenko and Nico Sturm, and what it means that Guerin didn't make bigger changes despite finally having cap flexibility after the Parise/Suter buyouts.They dive into the team's core — Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Jared Spurgeon — and whether that group is strong enough to push past the Wild Card bubble. Plus, goaltending questions with Filip Gustavsson taking over and top prospect Jesper Wallstedt stepping in.Is this a playoff team or just more of the same?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Minnesota's playoff frustrations and off-season expectations[01:30] Breaking down the Wild's key losses and additions[04:20] Guerin's conservative approach despite cap space[05:45] Defensive depth and Jonas Brodin's injury[07:00] Goaltending tandem: Gustavsson and Wallstedt[08:15] Kaprizov's future and the weight he carries[10:00] Is John Hynes on the hot seat?[11:25] Can this roster survive the Central Division pressure?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The Wild made minimal upgrades despite having more flexibility this summer.Kaprizov is entering a contract year — and the pressure is on.John Hynes is entering a pivotal year as head coach.Minnesota may be fighting for a Wild Card spot unless their top players break through.

In this episode of Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into the offseason developments for the Los Angeles Kings after another frustrating playoff exit. For the fourth consecutive year, the Kings were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round—this time after holding multiple leads and letting key games slip away. With Rob Blake out and Ken Holland in as GM, the Kings are attempting to retool—but are they reloading or regressing?The hosts break down the impact of Holland's veteran-heavy signings—Corey Perry, Cody Ceci, Joel Armia, and Brian Dumoulin—all of whom push the Kings' roster deeper into “win-now” territory. But with an aging core that includes Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar, and a first-time head coach in Jim Hiller, there are real questions about whether this team can make it out of the first round, let alone compete for the Cup.They also revisit LA's playoff series against Edmonton, highlighting how close the Kings were to taking control—and how costly breakdowns and coaching decisions may have sealed their fate.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] A fourth straight playoff loss to the Oilers — what went wrong again?[01:00] Ken Holland takes over as GM — will he be the answer?[01:33] Offseason additions: Perry, Armia, Ceci, Dumoulin — average age over 34[02:40] Perry's Stanley Cup Final curse — five different teams, five losses[04:15] Game-by-game recap: blown leads, failed challenge, poor puck decisions[06:00] Byfield's development, Fiala's upside, and depth up front[07:15] Defensive drop-off: losing Gavrikov, aging Doughty, concerns with Ceci[08:10] Coaching hot seat: how long is the leash for Jim Hiller?[09:15] Could Peter DeBoer be an option if things go south early?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The Kings continue to stumble in the postseason, despite holding multiple leads over the Oilers in key games.Ken Holland's first offseason as GM focused on experience, but at the expense of speed and youth.The blue line took a hit with the loss of Vladislav Gavrikov, and the replacements (Ceci, Dumoulin) raise concerns.Jim Hiller is not Holland's hire, and with big expectations and a veteran group, a slow start could trigger changes.Quinton Byfield's second-half surge and the continued consistency of Kempe and Danault offer hope—but the pressure is building.RESOURCE LINKS:

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Detroit Red Wings—a franchise inching toward contention but still battling to break through.It's been nine consecutive seasons without a playoff berth in Hockeytown. The last time the Red Wings won a playoff series? Back in 2013.Now, under Steve Yzerman's front office leadership, Detroit hopes that one major offseason swing—a trade for John Gibson—can stabilize their goaltending and finally push them over the edge.Will it be enough?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Red Wings: A decade of frustration[00:36] Power play high, penalty kill worst in the league[01:00] John Gibson acquisition: a franchise-altering gamble?[02:00] Goaltending swap: Gibson for Mrazek[02:45] Other offseason additions: JVR, Appleton, Hamonic[03:50] Prospect pool preview: Danielson, Mazur, Cossa[04:30] Offensive core: DeBrincat, Larkin, Raymond, Kane[05:15] Is there enough depth if someone goes down?[06:00] Playoff competition: Too many contenders, too few spotsKEY TAKEAWAYS:John Gibson is the swing piece. If he returns to form, Detroit may finally have the goaltending they've lacked for years. If not, the playoff drought could hit a full decade.Power play success masked penalty kill disaster. Detroit ranked 4th in PP% last year—but dead last (32nd) in PK%, and had just 2 shorthanded goals.Yzerman's offseason was conservative. Outside of the Gibson trade, additions like James van Riemsdyk, Mason Appleton, and Travis Hamonic won't move the needle significantly.Detroit's window is tightening. With the East getting deeper (Montreal, Ottawa, Columbus, Buffalo all fighting), the margin for error is razor thin.Offensive leaders like Dylan Larkin, DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, and Patrick Kane must stay healthy—this team can't afford to lose top-end scoring.FINAL VERDICT:Detroit made one major move this offseason—and if John Gibson plays like the All-Star he once was, it could be a franchise-defining deal. But with penalty-kill woes, aging secondary scoring, and intense wild card competition, the Red Wings remain a bubble team in a crowded East.Is year 10 of the rebuild the one that finally breaks the curse—or does the streak stretch into double digits?RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787HASHTAGS:#DetroitRedWings #NHLWraparound #SummerCoolers #JohnGibson #PetrMrazek #JamesvanRiemsdyk #MasonAppleton #WilliamLagesson #AlbertJohansson #JonatanBerggren #ElmerSoderblom #SteveYzerman #VladimirTarasenko #AlexLyon #PatVerbeek #LucasRaymond #AlexDebrincat #DylanLarkin

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into the offseason changes, roster dynamics, and forward outlook for the New Jersey Devils, a team that finished third in the Metropolitan Division with 91 points and was bounced in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes.With playoff experience under their belt but key players returning from injury, the Devils are looking to take another step in 2025–26. But after a relatively quiet summer, the question is: Did they do enough to take that step?Notable acquisitions include Connor Brown from Edmonton and Evgenii Dadonov from Dallas, both projected to solidify the bottom six. The club also re-signed center Cody Glass and goaltender Jake Allen—a move the hosts view as crucial, not just on the ice, but in the locker room. Meanwhile, defenseman Jeremy Hanzel was brought in via trade from Nashville in a surprising deal that sent Erik Haula the other way.With Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton back to full health, and Jacob Markstrom now in net, New Jersey could be ready to climb—but concerns remain about veteran production and playoff identity.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Devils recap: Another early exit[00:38] Offseason moves: Understated but strategic[01:00] Acquisitions: Brown, Dadonov, Hanzel, Riley Stillman[01:45] Departures: Haula, Lazar, Dulan, Bastian[02:15] Re-signings: Cody Glass, Jake Allen[02:45] Top-six review: Bratt, Hughes, Heischer, Meier, Palat[04:00] The need for more from Palat and Meier[05:00] Defense pairings: Hamilton/Dillon, Hughes/Pesce[05:45] Jeremy Hanzel arrives… but where's Gretel?[06:00] Final verdict: Respect earned, but is it enough to contend?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton returning to full health will be vital to any Devils playoff success.The additions of Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov boost the bottom six, but this is still a top-heavy offense dependent on Bratt, Hughes, Heischer, and Meier.Ondrej Palat's offensive output has yet to match expectations from his Lightning days, while Timo Meier still hasn't become a 30–35 goal scorer in New Jersey.On defense, Brendan Dillon's arrival should provide physical protection and pair chemistry for Dougie Hamilton, while Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce round out a promising top four.The goalie tandem of Markstrom and Allen might finally give the Devils the playoff stability in net they've long needed.With a healthy roster, New Jersey is expected to battle Carolina for the top of the Metro—if the pieces click.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #NewJerseyDevils #TomFitzgerald #JeremyHanzel #ErikHaula #ConnorBrown #EvgeniiDadonov #StanBowman #PeterDeBoer #JackHughes #DougieHamilton #JakeAllen #CodyGlass #BrianDumoulin #CurtisLazar #NathanBastian #NicoHischier #JesperBratt #OndrejPalat #TimoMeier #StefanNoesen #DawsonMercer #BrendenDillon #LukeHughes #BrettPesce #JonasSiegenthaler #SimonNemec #JacobMarkstrom

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive deep into the state of the Dallas Stars, a team that continues to knock on the door but can't quite break it down. After a heartbreaking third straight Conference Final loss, the Stars made a surprising offseason move—replacing head coach Peter DeBoer with Glen Gulutzan, signaling a reset without dismantling their core.Dallas finished the 2024–25 regular season with 102 points and were one of the West's most dangerous teams on paper. But after a Game 1 offensive outburst against Edmonton in the Conference Final, the Stars' scoring completely dried up. That collapse has left major questions about leadership, playoff preparedness, and whether the window to win with Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Matt Duchene is beginning to close.The episode covers offseason moves, the state of the blue line, the future of Jake Oettinger, and why the new coach might finally be what pushes this veteran-heavy team to the next level.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Dallas Stars 2024–25 recap: Another deep run, same ending[00:38] Jim Nill wins GM of the Year again—but makes a major change[01:00] Glen Gulutzan replaces Peter DeBoer: Why now?[02:00] Veteran core aging: Benn, Seguin, Duchene[03:00] Free agent re-signings: Duchene, Benn, Blackwell, Bork, Lundkvist[03:45] Offseason additions: RFA Rodak Faksa returns, Nathan Bastian signs[04:15] Key departures: Mason Marchment, Matt Dumba, Cody Ceci[05:00] Offensive depth: Still dangerous despite losses[05:45] Defensive pairings: Heiskanen, Lindell, Harley, Laaksonen, Burns[06:00] Goaltending: Oettinger & DeSmith remain the tandem[07:00] Miro Heiskanen's return and Brent Burns' arrival[08:00] Rantanen's revenge against Colorado: A defining moment[09:00] Why the scoring collapsed vs. Edmonton[10:00] Was DeBoer's message stale? Can Gulutzan change the tone?[11:00] Final thoughts: The Stars are a contender—but for how much longer?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The window is closing: Benn, Seguin, and Duchene are aging, and the opportunity to win with this core is narrowing.Jim Nill's bold coaching change to bring back Glen Gulutzan—whom he originally let go—shows humility and a desire to fix culture from the top down.Scoring vanished in the Conference Final, and questions remain about why so many top-tier players underperformed.Jake Oettinger is still one of the league's top young goaltenders, but he'll need to carry the load again in 2025–26.Miro Heiskanen's return to full health, along with the quiet addition of Brent Burns, could be critical for defensive stability.The Central Division is loaded, with Dallas, Winnipeg, and Colorado all battling for top spots—but one of them is destined to go home early, again.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #DallasStars #GlenGulutzan #PeterDeBoer #JakeOettinger #JimNill #JamieBenn #TylerSeguin #MattDuchene #ColinBlackwell #NilsLundkvist #MavrikBourque #RadekFaksa #NathanBastain #MasonMarchment #MikaelGranlund #CodiCeci #EvgeniiDadonov #MattDumba #RoopeHintz #WyattJohnston #JasonRobertson #MikkoRantanen #SamSteele #OskarBack #MiroHeiskanen #EsaLindell #ThomasHarley #IlyaLyubushkin #LianBichsel #CaseyDeSmith

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren review the offseason, roster structure, and playoff hopes of the Columbus Blue Jackets—a team that came painfully close to breaking their five-year postseason drought in 2024–25.The Blue Jackets finished with 89 points, just two shy of the final wild card spot, and were eliminated by a regulation win tiebreaker after going winless against the St. Louis Blues in the season series. Despite the heartbreak, the Jackets were one of the NHL's surprise teams, boasting an offense that tied for 7th in the league (3.26 GPG) and scoring six or more goals in 16 games.This episode examines Columbus's offseason decisions, including the high-profile Charlie Coyle–Miles Wood trade with Colorado, the questionable seven-year, $8.5M deal for Ivan Provorov, and the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau, which emotionally galvanized the team early in the season.Can this team stay healthy and consistent for all 82 games? And does head coach Ken Evison have another motivational gear without the emotional backdrop of last year?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Columbus recap: Falling short of the wild card[00:38] Offensive strides and surprising firepower[01:00] Coyle & Wood in, Brindley & picks out in trade with Colorado[01:45] Reviewing free agent signings: Hudson Fasching and re-signings[02:30] The shock of the Provorov deal: 7 years, $8.5M AAV[03:30] Tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and impact on locker room[04:00] Goalie update: Jet Greaves promoted behind Elvis Merzlikins[05:00] Deadline departures: Tarasov, Kuraly, JVR, Danforth, Harris[06:00] What might have been: injuries to Monahan and Jenner[06:30] Playoff odds: Can they push over the line this time?[07:00] Shoutout: Matthew Olivier's breakout year and fan favorite statusKEY TAKEAWAYS:Columbus made strides offensively last season but lacked late-season consistency, finishing the final stretch 4–11–1 before winning six straight.The Provorov contract surprised many: a long-term, high-AAV commitment for a player with declining impact.Injuries to Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan derailed what was shaping up to be a playoff-bound season.Players like Kent Johnson, Marchenko, Fantilli, and Sillinger will need to continue developing for the team to reach the next level.Matthew Olivier and Miles Wood are expected to form one of the toughest fourth lines in the NHL, offering a physical edge.In a crowded Metro Division, the Blue Jackets' playoff hopes are real—but so are the risks of another near miss.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #ColumbusBlueJackets #CharlieCoyle #MilesWood #GavinBrindley #HudsonFasching #IvanProvorov #DanteFabbro #OwenSillinger #DmitriVoronkov #DaemonHunt #JohnnyGaudreau #MatthewGaudreau #DeanEvason #SeanMonahan #KirillMarchenko #YegorChinakov #AdamFantilli #KentJohnson #BooneJenner #ZachWerenski #DaniilTarasov #ElvisMerzlikins #JetGreaves #SeanKuraly #JordanHarris #PatrikLaine #JustinDanforth #JamesvanRiemsdyk #MathieuOlivier

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Colorado Avalanche, a franchise that continues to contend—but still hasn't returned to the Stanley Cup Final since hoisting the trophy in 2022.The Avalanche finished the 2024–25 season with 102 points and their eighth straight playoff appearance, but fell in Game 7 to the Dallas Stars in the second round. The hosts dive into what's holding the Avs back from reclaiming the Cup, despite the presence of two of the league's most electrifying stars: Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.They also break down a relatively quiet offseason highlighted by the signing of Brent Burns, the addition of Victor Olofsson, and the trade that brought in Gavin Brindley while shipping out Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. The Avalanche also re-signed key contributors like Brock Nelson, Parker Kelly, and Josh Manson, while losing depth pieces like Jonathan Drouin and Ryan Lindgren.As the Avs prepare for another run, the big questions remain: Is this still a Cup-caliber team? Or have they become more sizzle than substance?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Avalanche recap: Consistency without deep playoff success[00:36] Game 7 vs. Dallas: A haunting finish to a promising year[01:00] Star power vs. depth: Are MacKinnon & Makar enough?[02:00] Offseason review: Brent Burns signs, Coyle/Wood traded[03:00] Gavin Brindley's upside and forward depth[04:00] UFA/RFA re-signings: Nelson, Manson, Vejdemo, Kelly[05:00] Defensive pairings: Makar, Toews, Manson, Burns[06:00] Goaltending: Blackwood and Wedgewood tandem[07:00] Full-strength roster? Landeskog returns to open season[08:00] A stacked Central Division: Dallas, Winnipeg, Colorado[09:00] Why playoff format hurts deep divisionsKEY TAKEAWAYS:Colorado's core remains elite, with MacKinnon, Makar, Rantanen, and Landeskog leading the way, but playoff progress has stalled.The addition of Brent Burns offers leadership and power-play presence, but the team needs more from its second-tier stars.Gabriel Landeskog's full-season return could be a game-changer, giving Colorado much-needed leadership and physicality.Goaltending remains a question: Blackwood and Wedgewood must prove they can deliver postseason-caliber performances.The Central Division is brutal—with Dallas and Winnipeg also strong, one top-tier team will inevitably exit early due to the current playoff format.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #ColoradoAvalanche #JaredBednar #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar #BrentBurns #VictorOlofsson #GavinBrindley #CharlieCoyle #MilesWood #BrockNelson #ParkerKelly #JoshManson #JoelKiviranta #JonathanDrouin #RyanLindgren #JimmyVesey #IvanIvan #DevonToews #SamGirard #SamMalinski #MackenzieBlackwood #ScottWedgewood #ValNichushkin #JackDrury #RossColton #MartinNecas #ArtturiLehkonen #GabrielLandeskog

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into the state of the Calgary Flames—a team coming off a surprising 2024–25 campaign that ended in heartbreak. Despite being one of the league's feel-good stories down the stretch, the Flames missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season, falling short via regulation win tiebreaker to the St. Louis Blues.With no major additions and two notable losses—Dan Vladar to Philadelphia and Anthony Mantha to Pittsburgh—the Flames opted to run it back with nearly the same lineup. The big question: Is that enough in an improving Western Conference?The hosts break down what Calgary retained, highlight the need for scoring help, and examine whether Dustin Wolf can carry the goaltending load without proven backup support.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Recap: Flames just miss postseason on tiebreaker[00:38] No outside additions, just internal retention[01:00] Breaking down the J.J. Peterka trade & what was lost[01:45] Offensive challenges: 29th in NHL in goals per game[02:00] Who's back: Coronado, Kevin Bahl, Morgan Frost, Joel Hanley[03:00] Jonathan Huberdeau's contract vs. performance[04:00] Goaltending outlook: Dustin Wolf as the No. 1[04:30] Lack of experience behind Wolf with Devin Cooley[05:00] Blue line leadership & future of Rasmus Andersson[05:30] Zayne Parekh and the hope of future upside[06:00] Why a wildcard is the best-case scenarioKEY TAKEAWAYS:Calgary's quiet offseason is a head-scratcher, especially with $15M+ in cap space unused.Dustin Wolf is the new starter in goal, but with no experienced backup, the position remains fragile.Jonathan Huberdeau's contract (still one of the NHL's worst value deals) looms large until his production returns.Rasmus Andersson's future is a trade deadline storyline to watch as he enters the final year of his deal.The Flames didn't upgrade—and in a stronger Pacific Division, standing still might equal regression.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #CalgaryFlames #DanVladar #AnthonyMantha #KevinBahl #RasmusAndersson #JoelHanley #MackenzieWeegar #JakeBean #MattCoronato #AdamKlapka #MorganFrost #JustinKirkland #JonathanHuberdeau #NazemKadri #DustinWolf #DevinCooley #ZayneParekh

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren assess the state of the Buffalo Sabres, a team that once again finds itself outside the playoff picture—with 14 consecutive seasons without a postseason appearance.Despite fielding the 10th-ranked offense in the NHL last year (3.23 goals per game), the Sabres were undone by a porous defense, surrendering 3.50 goals against per game—tied for 29th in the league. That imbalance ultimately left them short once again, and this offseason's moves raise more questions than answers.Buffalo made a surprising decision to trade J.J. Peterka—one of their most promising offensive talents—to Utah for Josh Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring, signaling a possible shift in identity. The hosts debate whether the team has improved at all, or if they've simply shuffled the deck with hopes of becoming "harder to play against."IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] The Sabres: Still on the outside looking in[00:30] Trading Peterka: A puzzling move for physicality over skill[01:00] Offseason additions: Doan, Kesselring, Timmins, Bevo, Jones, Danforth[01:30] Goalie update: Devon Levi returns, Luukkonen still in the mix[02:00] Key RFA re-signings: Byram, McLeod, Quinn, Johnson[02:45] Where does the turnaround come from?[03:15] Prospect watch: Anton Wahlberg & Konsta Helenius[04:00] Defensive outlook: Dahlin, Power, Byram, and new faces[04:45] Can the goaltending support this blue line?[05:15] Final verdict: More grit—but not more wins?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Buffalo's defense-heavy offseason suggests a pivot toward physicality—but the loss of J.J. Peterka removes a key offensive weapon.The defense core has potential, with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Bowen Byram leading the way, but it's still unproven as a cohesive unit.Goaltending needs to be elite if this team wants to overcome its offensive step back—can Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen deliver?While the Sabres appear deeper on the blue line, it's unclear if they've made enough improvement to leapfrog teams like Montreal, Detroit, Columbus, or Ottawa in the East.With Lindy Ruff back behind the bench, expectations are higher—but so is the pressure.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #BuffaloSabres #JJPeterka #JoshDoan #MichaelKesselring #ConorTimmins #IsaacBelliveau #ConnorClifton #JustinDanforth #ZacJones #JackQuinn #RyanJohnson #TysonKozak #RyanMcLeod #BowenByram #DevonLevi #LindyRuff #RasmusDahlin #OwenPower #Ukko-PekkaLuukkonen

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren take a sobering look at the Chicago Blackhawks, a franchise still in the early stages of a rebuild despite having Connor Bedard, the most hyped first-overall pick in years.Chicago finished last in the Central Division for a third straight season and posted just 61 points in 2024–25. With few meaningful additions and continued roster instability, Neil and Vic examine whether this team has moved forward at all—or if it's still stalled at the starting line.The hosts break down puzzling offseason decisions by GM Kyle Davidson, including the $46.2 million contract extension for Frank Nazar, who has barely touched NHL ice, and the team's inability to retain Philipp Kurashev. With questionable signings like Andre Burakovsky, Sam Lafferty, and Jordan Harris, the team appears no closer to contention.Despite Bedard's individual offensive production (22G, 39A in Year 1; 23G, 44A in Year 2), he has a combined -80 rating over two seasons, and lacks a true support cast. They also explore what new head coach Jeff Blashill can realistically achieve with a bottom-tier roster and whether defense-first hockey is even viable given Bedard's weaknesses without the puck.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] A three-year rebuild with no traction[00:38] Frank Nazar's shocking extension[01:00] Reviewing Chicago's minimal offseason moves[02:00] Bedard vs. Celebrini: Are fans already second-guessing the pick?[03:00] Connor Bedard's playmaking—and defensive lapses[04:00] Veterans lost: Pat Maroon & Alec Martinez retire[04:32] Can Jeff Blashill fix anything in Year 1?[05:30] Where is the leadership and scoring help?[06:00] Blue line depth—or lack thereof[07:00] Goaltending preview: Soderblom vs. Spencer Knight[08:30] Reality check: Can this team compete?[09:30] Should Chicago shift to a defense-first system?[11:00] Why fans may have to wait even longer for progress.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Connor Bedard can't carry this team on his own. While his offensive numbers are strong, his defensive game has drawn league-wide criticism.The Frank Nazar contract ($6.6M x 7 years starting 2026–27) raises serious concerns about Chicago's salary strategy and projection risks.Despite a few gritty offseason additions, Chicago lacks scoring depth, defensive reliability, and veteran leadership.Jeff Blashill's first year behind the bench may be defined more by survival than success.Chicago will likely compete for another lottery pick rather than a playoff spot, with fan patience wearing thin.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #ChicagoBlackhawks #ConnorBedard #FedorSvechkov #JeffBlashill #AndersSorensen #AndreBurakovsky #RyanDonato #SamLafferty #JoeVeleno #LouisCrevier #ArvidSoderblom #FrankNazar #KyleDavidson #PhilippKurashev #AlecMartinez #PatMaroon #NickFoligno #ConnorMurphy #MacklinCelebrini #TeuvoTeravainen #TylerBertuzzi #IlyaMikheyev #SpencerKnight #ArtyomLevshunov #SamRinzel #KevinKorchinski #MarcoSturm #DavidPastrnak #JohnPaddock #AlexVlasic

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the Carolina Hurricanes' offseason, their consistent regular season success, and the lingering concerns that have prevented them from reaching the Stanley Cup Final—despite three Conference Final appearances in the last seven years.The Canes finished second in the Metro Division with 99 points in 2024–25 and made quick work of New Jersey and Washington before falling to Florida in five games in the Eastern Conference Final—again.Neil and Vic analyze the team's latest acquisitions, including the high-profile signing of Nikolaj Ehlers from Winnipeg, and the trade for K'Andre Miller from the Rangers. They also examine what's lost with the departures of Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov, and Scott Morrow, and how the defense corps now leans heavily on Jacob Slavin, Alexander Nikishin, and Jalen Chatfield.The episode also features a fascinating side story: Rod Brind'Amour's son Skyler Brind'Amour and Keith Primeau's son Caden Primeau are now teammates—23 years after their fathers were traded for each other.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Summer Coolers intro: Carolina Hurricanes outlook[00:36] 2024–25 season recap: Regular season strong, playoffs stalled[01:10] Forwards set: Ehlers, Aho, Jarvis, Svechnikov, Blake, Martinook[02:00] Defense changes: Miller in, Burns, Orlov, and Morrow out[03:00] K'Andre Miller's fit and the high cost of acquisition[03:43] Goaltending concerns: Freddie Andersen, Pyotr Kochetkov, Caden Primeau[05:00] Re-signings and RFA updates: Suzuki, Skyler Brind'Amour, Stan Coven[06:00] The Brind'Amour–Primeau trade connection, 23 years later[06:50] Jacob Slavin's leadership and Shane Gostisbehere's PP role[08:00] Are the Hurricanes truly better than last year?[09:00] Why Carolina dominates the regular season but stalls in May[10:30] The need for playoff-style hockey to break through[11:00] Final verdict: Metro favorite—but Cup contender?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Carolina remains one of the NHL's most consistent regular-season teams, but hasn't been able to convert that into a Stanley Cup Final appearance.Nikolaj Ehlers' signing adds another skilled forward, but may not be enough to change the team's playoff identity.The defense is in transition, with Burns and Orlov gone and K'Andre Miller's growth now a key variable.Goaltending remains a concern, and a major question mark heading into 2025–26.Carolina must learn to play playoff-style hockey earlier—and more consistently—if they hope to get over the hump.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #K'AndreMiller #NikolajEhlers #SebastianAho #AndreiSvechnikov #SethJarvis #JacksonBlake #TaylorHall #JordanMartinook #LoganStankoven #JordanStaal #K'AndreMiller #ScottMorrow #MikeReilly #CaydenPrimeau #SkylerBrind'Amour #FrederikAndersen #EricRobinson #RyanSuzuki #RodBrind'Amour #KeithPrimeau #BrentBurns #DmitryOrlov #PyotrKochetkov #AlexanderNikishin #JaccobSlavin #JalenChatfield #ShayneGostisbehere #SeanWalker #EricTulsky

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren take a hard look at the Boston Bruins, a team that has fallen dramatically from its historic high just two seasons ago.After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Bruins are in unfamiliar territory. With major roster departures and minimal offseason improvements, David Pastrnak may find himself carrying more than just the offensive load—he may be carrying the entire franchise.Neil and Vic analyze GM Don Sweeney's offseason acquisitions, including Victor Arvidsson, Tanner Jeannot, Jordan Harris, Mikey Eyssimont, and the return of Sean Kuraly, as well as re-signings like Morgan Geekie and Charlie McAvoy's hopeful bounce back. The consensus? Grit and toughness are there—but goal-scoring depth is not.The episode also examines the transition to new head coach Marco Sturm, the impact of last year's decision to fire Jim Montgomery, and the enormous pressure on Jeremy Swayman to carry this team in low-scoring, defense-heavy games.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Boston Bruins: What happened and where are they now?[00:38] From historic highs to missing the playoffs[01:00] Offseason acquisitions: Soderstrom, Arvidsson, Jeannot, Eyssimont, Harris[02:00] The fallout of the Patrick Laine trade[02:48] Reviewing re-signings: Geekie, Zacha, McAvoy, Lohrei[03:43] Can James Hagens crack the lineup?[04:00] Marco Sturm takes over as head coach[04:32] Jeremy Swayman must shine in net[05:00] Jim Montgomery's bounce back with the Blues[05:32] The Bruins' identity: Tough, but can they score?[06:00] Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm & Nikita Zadorov must lead the blue lineKEY TAKEAWAYS:David Pastrnak is the lone offensive constant, and without stronger support, the Bruins may struggle to generate goals.Jeremy Swayman must deliver a breakout season, as Boston will rely on tight, low-scoring games to stay competitive.Don Sweeney's offseason moves focus more on toughness than skill—Jeannot, Eyssimont, and others bring grit, but little proven offense.With Marco Sturm in his first NHL head coaching role, leadership and locker room chemistry will be tested early.Defensemen like McAvoy, Zadorov, and Lindholm must step up for Boston to have any hope of a playoff rebound.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #DavidPastrnak #BradMarchand #PatriceBergeron #DavidKrejci #DonSweeney #VictorSoderstrom #ViktorArvidsson #TannerJeannot #MikeyEyssimont #JordanHarris #AlexSteeves #SeanKuraly #MorganGeekie #PatrikLaine #DonWaddell #PavelZacha #MasonLohrei #HenruJokiharhu #JohnBeecher #RileyTufte #JamesHagens #MarcoSturm #JeremySwayman #JimMontgomery #CharlieMcAvoy #HampusLindholm #NikitaZadorov #JoeSacco

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive deep into one of the NHL's most intriguing rebuilding teams—the Anaheim Ducks.After a quiet climb last season, Anaheim has made bold moves, signaling their intent to challenge for a wild card spot in 2026. From the surprise hiring of Joel Quenneville to a dramatic shakeup in goal and up front, the Ducks are becoming a team to watch.The hosts break down Anaheim's offseason acquisitions, including Chris Kreider, Mikael Granlund, Ryan Poehling, and Peter Mrazek, and assess what losing cornerstone pieces like Trevor Zegras and John Gibson really means. They also explore whether a young blue line—featuring names like Olen Zellweger, Jackson LaCombe, and Pavel Mintyukov—can hold the fort behind a confident Lucas Dostal in net.They close with a candid look at Joel Quenneville's return to coaching and the potential influence of one of the winningest coaches in NHL history on a promising roster that's nearing playoff contention.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Ducks Preview: Could Anaheim be this year's surprise team?[00:38] Reviewing Anaheim's bold offseason moves[01:00] The Chris Kreider trade & new forward lines[01:48] Goaltending changes: Dostal's time to shine[03:00] Defensive questions: Young blue line analysis[03:43] The rise of Bennett Seneka and prospects to watch[04:32] Trust in Dostal & veteran presence from Mrazek[05:44] Coaching spotlight: Joel Quenneville returns[07:00] Addressing Quenneville's past and Anaheim's due diligence[07:40] His influence on player development & team culture[08:00] The Verbeek-Quenneville connection from Hartford days[08:45] Final verdict: Is Anaheim a wild card sleeper?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The Anaheim Ducks have made major roster changes, including the additions of Chris Kreider, Mikael Granlund, and Peter Mrazek, while saying goodbye to Zegras and Gibson.Lucas Dostal, now the clear-cut No. 1 goalie, will be tested behind an inexperienced defensive corps—but could thrive with Mrazek's veteran guidance.The hiring of Joel Quenneville signals the Ducks are serious about culture and competitiveness. His resume and relationship with GM Pat Verbeek could fast-track the development of the team's young core.Anaheim's depth up front and special teams potential make them a playoff dark horse, provided the defense matures ahead of schedule.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #AnaheimDucks #JoelQuenneville #ChrisKreider #LucasDostal #MikaelGranlund #NHLProspects #PacificDivision #GameSevenGroup #StanleyCup #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatVerbeek #BennettSeneka #NHLWraparound #SummerCoolers #NHLRebuild

With the calendar flipping to September and the 2025-26 season now just a month away, Neil and Vic are proud to launch the Hall of Fame Edition.NHL Wraparound launched in January 2024 with the greatest player, Wayne Gretzky, as the first guest. This new franchise begins with its greatest-ever coach, Scotty Bowman. IN THIS EPISODE:[02:52] - Scotty joins the show and we go all the way back to the his beginnings starting with his parents coming over from Scotland to being raised in a suburb of Montreal to learning to speak French.[08:24] - Growing up in Montreal, one would think Bowman would have been a fan of the Canadiens. Not so. Scotty also shares fond memories of his day and working as a laborer on the Verdun Auditorium.[12:00] - Into the coaching world and learning the tricks of the trade of hockey business under the legendary Sam Pollock.[19:22] - More insight into the success of Pollock. [23:53] - Though the objectives of hockey have remained consistent, through the lens of seven decades, Scotty notes the game itself differs greatly now from the days when he first broke in - particularly in terms of how teams are built.[28:19] - Further elaboration on team construction and why some approaches work better than others. [30:34] - The influence of European systems - particularly Russian - in the North American game. Scotty shares how Slava Fetisov and Igor Larionov ended up in Detroit.[36:19] - Today's player and the entitlement of that appears to permeate through a new generation of professionals in all fields.[37:22] - Coaching superstars. Save for his first head coaching role in St. Louis, Scotty has coached the elite in Montreal, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Detroit and sees a differently methodology in having to coach today's superstars.[41:25] - The different approaches to getting the best from Guy Lafleur and Steve Yzerman. [45:08] - Having coached the Canadiens dynasty from 1976-79 and the Penguins team that fell short in 1993, Scotty has seen it from both sides. With the Florida Panthers in a position to join an elite group, he shares what he deems as key as to whether the Panthers make history in the spring of 2026.[48:46] - Neil and share recollections of two head coaches they both were connected to: Roger Neilson and Mike Keenan.[59:28] - Vic and Neil wrap on a memorable hour with Scotty Bowman.#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #ScottyBowman #WayneGretzky #SamPollock #ClaudeRuel #BobbyRousseau #GillesTremblay #JCTremblay #PaulMaurice #BradMarchand #StLouis Blues #MontrealCanadiens #PittsburghPenguins #DetroitRedWings #MontrealMaroons #KrautLine #MiltSchmidt #BobbyBauer #WoodyDumart #EdditShore #DitClapper #BostonBruins #VerdunAuditorium #DenisSavard #FrankSelke #KenReardon #LouPassador #EmileFrancis #CliffFletcher #JimGregory #JacquesPlante #DougHarvey #PunchImlach #MikeIlitch #JackKentCooke #HarrySInden #RayBourque #SkipKrake #GuyLafleur #SteveShutt #BobGainey #RickDudley #PaulFenton #BillZito #LesJackson #EsaTikkanen #CraigMacTavish #AaronEkblad #AleksanderBarkov #DaleTallon #AntonLundell #EetuLuostarinen #NikoMikkola #SamBennett #AnatolyTarasov #RussianFive #SergeiFedorov #IgorLarionov #SlavaKozlov #ViacheslavFetisov #VladimirKonstantinov #ChristerRockstrom #NicklasLidstrom #BryanMurray #LouMamoriello #GatesOrlando #KevinLowe #MarkMessier #GlennAnderson #JeffBeukeboom #AdamGraves #GilbertPerreault #MarioLemieux #JaromirJagr #DominikHasek #SteveYzerman #LucRobitaille #ChrisChelios #BrettHull #SidneyCrosby #NathanMacKinnon #NikitaKucherov #ConnorMcDavid #JeanBeliveau #JeanRatelle #BobbyClarke #PhilEsposito #YvanCournoyer #MarcelDionne #BobJohnson #MikeKeenan #SethJones #MatthewTkachuk #SergeiBobrovsky #RogerNeilson #HarryNeale #JackDiller #RendezVous'87 #ESPN

The hosts wrap up the Summer Cooler series focusing on the Pacific Division where the Edmonton Oilers have represented the Western Conference in the past two Stanley Cup Finals though the division sent only three teams to the playoffs in 2025.IN THIS EPISODE[01:44] - Edmonton Oilers - The most compelling question for the upcoming campaign is whether enough has been done to keep impending UFA Connor McDavid in the fold beyond this season. And, if so, for how long?[11:41] - Vegas Golden Knights - The biggest off-season move was authored by the VGK in acquiring Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs. The franchise consistently operates in the "now and we'll worry about the future when we get there."[19:37] - Los Angeles Kings - After finally having everything in their favor in the opening round, the Kings still managed to fall for a fourth straight spring to the Oilers. Can a bunch of older free agents move this team forward in 2026?[28:47] - Calgary Flames - One of the real surprises in 2024-25 re-signed many of their own players as opposed to adding any free agents. Not much room for error with an offensively challenged team that won't be sneaking up on anyone in the new season.[36:29]- Vancouver Canucks - If there's an opposite to the Flames, it the Canucks who entered 2024-25 with high expectations only to go through a tumultuous season. Rookie head coach Adam Foote takes over a team with a much lower bar heading into the new campaign.[44:14] - Anaheim Ducks - A team many are looking at to take a big step forward, the Ducks do so with the second winningest coach in NHL history, returning to the best for the first time in almost four years.[52:37] - Seattle Kraken - In the spirit of Pacific Division continuity, there's the 2024-25 overachiever, the underachiever, the up-and-comer and the status quo. The fifth year Kraken somewhat fit into that category, even with a new head coach.[1:02:01] - San Jose Sharks - Yes, reason for optimism in the Bay Area. While pushing the Western bubble would still be a long shot, their youth down the middle is set to become the cornerstone of the franchise for the next decade.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #Loogaroo #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #ConnorMcDavid #LeonDraisaitl #StanBowman #EvanderKane #ViktorArvidsson #CoreyPerry #ConnorBrown #JohnKlingberg #JeffSkinner #TrentFrederic #KasperiKapanen #EvanBouchard #AndrewMangiapane #CurtisLazar #IsaacHoward #RileyStillman #ZachHyman #VasilyPodkolzin #RyanNugent-Hopkins #MatthewSavoie #MattiasJanmark #AdamHenrique #MattiasEkholm #DarnellNurse #BrettKulak #JakeWalman #TyEmberson #StuartSkinner #CalvinPickard #MitchMarner #NickRoy #MarkStone #TomasHertl #WilliamKarlsson #ReillySmith #BrandonSaad #JeremyLauzon #ColtonSissons #NicolasHague #JaycobMegna #TannerPearson #VictorOlofsson #AlexPietrangelo #SheaTheodore #BraydenMcNabb #NoahHanafin #ZachWhitecloud #BruceCassidy #KaedanKorczak #BrettHowden #KeeganKolesar #PavelDorofeyev #JackEichel #IvanBarbashev #AdinHill #AkiraSchmid #SergeiBobrovsky #KenHolland #JoelArmia #CodiCeci #BrianDumoulin #RobBlake...

The Western Conference gets the stage starting with the Central Division in the third of four Summer Cooler shows.IN THIS EPISODE[02:31] - Winnipeg Jets - The defending Presidents' Trophy winners fell short in the second round of the playoffs. They face a new world with the departure of star wing Nikolaj Ehlers to Carolina.[14:56] - Dallas Stars - Always positioning themselves for a deep run, something always seems to happen in "Big D" when the stakes raise in the playoffs. A coach getting a second chance in Dallas has the opportunity to reverse that trend.[25:55] - Colorado Avalanche - Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, the Avs have won a single playoff series since. Is this high-octane team getting a reputation of being more sizzle than steak?[34:52] - Minnesota Wild - Though finally getting out from under massive dead cap space, the Wild haven't exactly wowed anyone during the off-season.[43:24] - St. Louis Blues - No team made more of an about-face in 2024-25. Despite a heartbreaking opening round loss to Winnipeg, all indications point to a team that will be very stiff to play against in the new season.[53:58] - Utah Mammoth - With a season under their belt in Salt Lake City, the time has come for the newly-named Utah Mammoth to make some inroads after five consecutive playoffs misses going back to their days in Arizona.[1:05:20] - Nashville Predators - The team with the big free agent splash a year ago was the biggest disappointment of 2024-25. The summer of '25 has been quiet. Has GM Barry Trotz simply written off last season as a bad year to the point he's willing to go with much the same lineup starting in October? [1:13:05] - Chicago Blackhawks - Long-suffering fans in the Windy City will have a new head coach behind the bench. Still, Connor Bedard and co. appear to have more lean years ahead.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #Loogaroo #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #NikolajEhlers #ColePerfetti #AdamLowry #ConnorHellebuyck #JonathanToews #GabrielLandeskog #MasonAppleton #BrandonTanev #DominicToninato #GustavNyquist #ColeKoepke #TannerPearson #PhilDiGiuseppe #WalkerDuehr #HadynFleury #MorganBarron #GabeVilardi #DylanSamberg #KevinCheveldayoff #MarkScheifele #KyleConnor #VladislavNamestnikov #JoshMorrissey #DylanDemelo #NealPionk #LukeSchenn #ScottArniel #GlenGulutzan #PeterDeBoer #JakeOettinger #JimNill #JamieBenn #TylerSeguin #MattDuchene #ColinBlackwell #NilsLundkvist #MavrikBourque #RadekFaksa #NathanBastain #MasonMarchment #MikaelGranlund #CodiCeci #EvgeniiDadonov #MattDumba #RoopeHintz #WyattJohnston #JasonRobertson #MikkoRantanen #SamSteele #OskarBack #MiroHeiskanen #EsaLindell #ThomasHarley #IlyaLyubushkin #LianBichsel #CaseyDeSmith #JaredBednar #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar #BrentBurns #VictorOlofsson #GavinBrindley #CharlieCoyle #MilesWood #BrockNelson #ParkerKelly #JoshManson #JoelKiviranta #JonathanDrouin #RyanLindgren #JimmyVesey #IvanIvan #DevonToews #SamGirard #SamMalinski #MackenzieBlackwood #ScottWedgewood #ValNichushkin #JackDrury #RossColton #MartinNecas #ArtturiLehkonen #Marc-AndreFleury #FrederickGaudreau #JustinBrazeau...

Installment 2 of the 2025 Summer Cooler Series as Vic and Neil examine the off-season moves in the Metropolitan Division.IN THIS EPISODE[03:29] - Washington Capitals - From barely making the post-season in 2024 to the top regular season team in the East, can many who had career seasons stage an encore?[12:23] - Carolina Hurricanes - Do two significant off-season acquisitions make the Hurricanes any more of a threat to escape the East?[24:20] - New Jersey Devils - With Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton returning healthy, the might be the club that sneaks up on Washington and Carolina for one of the top two spots in the division.[30:45] - Columbus Blue Jackets - A new identity was forged after the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau a year ago. The ability to sustain that identity over 82 games will be necessary in order to crack the playoff lineup next spring.[40:09] - New York Rangers - From Presidents' Trophy winners to fractured franchise, the Broadway Blueshirts start anew with Mike Sullivan taking over behind the bench.[50:03] - New York Islanders - A playoff team in 2024, the Isles missed out last season, switched GM's and have seen players move in and out of the organization during the summer. Though likely to be competitive, the future may be brighter than the present for this group.[1:00:58] - Pittsburgh Penguins - The good news is first time NHL head coach Dan Muse has the likes of Crosby, Malkin and Letang to work with. The downside: aside from a few that will support the trio, the future doesn't look favorable in the Steel City.[1:09:34] - Philadelphia Flyers - Former Flyer and a year removed from the Jack Adams Award, Rick Tocchet takes over behind the bench with some pieces which should be maturing into bona fide NHL talents. But will that goaltending ever come around?X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #Loogaroo #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #AnthonyBeauvillier #HendrixLapierre #AndrewMangiapane #TaylorRaddysh #LarsEller #AlexanderAlexeyev #TJOshie #NicklasBackstrom #MartinFehervary #SpencerCarbery #DylanStrome #AliakseiProtas #TomWilson #ConnorMcMichael #PierreLuc-Dubois #JakobChychrun #NicDowd #LoganThompson #AlexOvechkin #WayneGretzky #RyanLeonard #JohnCarlson #K'AndreMiller #NikolajEhlers #SebastianAho #AndreiSvechnikov #SethJarvis #JacksonBlake #TaylorHall #JordanMartinook #LoganStankoven #JordanStaal #K'AndreMiller #ScottMorrow #MikeReilly #CaydenPrimeau #SkylerBrind'Amour #FrederikAndersen #EricRobinson #RyanSuzuki #RodBrind'Amour #KeithPrimeau #BrentBurns #DmitryOrlov #PyotrKochetkov #AlexanderNikishin #JaccobSlavin #JalenChatfield #ShayneGostisbehere #SeanWalker #EricTulsky #TomFitzgerald #JeremyHanzel #ErikHaula #ConnorBrown #EvgeniiDadonov #StanBowman #PeterDeBoer #JackHughes #DougieHamilton #JakeAllen #CodyGlass #BrianDumoulin #CurtisLazar #NathanBastian #NicoHischier #JesperBratt #OndrejPalat #TimoMeier #StefanNoesen #DawsonMercer #BrendenDillon #LukeHughes #BrettPesce #JonasSiegenthaler #SimonNemec #JacobMarkstrom #CharlieCoyle #MilesWood #GavinBrindley #HudsonFasching #IvanProvorov #DanteFabbro #OwenSillinger #DmitriVoronkov...

The Summer Coolers return for a second season as Neil and Vic kick off the quarter of shows by digging into the Atlantic Division.IN THIS EPISODE:[02:53] - Florida Panthers. Can the two-time defending champions make history?[11:34] - Toronto Maple Leafs. Will the coming season be any different than each one since 1967?[19:48] - Tampa Bay Lightning. Still formidable but will they have enough to avoid a fourth straight early playoff exit? [25:50] - Ottawa Senators. A surprise playoff appearance in 2024-25, is there enough punch in this lineup to get back in again?[32:26] - Montreal Canadiens. After a late push to qualify as the second wild card, the upstart Habs have new expectations in the coming season.[41:58] - Detroit Red Wings. It's been a nine-season playoff drought in the Motor City. Does a goalie with a fresh start make the difference?[47:39] - Buffalo Sabres. The Red Wings playoff dry spell pales to that of the Sabres. Some good pieces are in place but can this group sustain over the course of 82 games to finally end the slide?[52:22] - Boston Bruins. How the mighty have fallen in a short time. A once-loaded team now appears as if it's David Pastrnak against the world. X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #Loogaroo #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #PaulMaurice #BillZito #SamBennett #BradMarchand #AaronEkblad #NateSchmidt #NicoSturm #VitekVanecek #OliverEkman-Larsson #BrandonMontour #JimNill #DaniilTarasov #JeffPetry #TomasNosek #MackieSamoskevich #SandyHookelementarySchool #MatthewTkachuk #SergeiBobrovsky #MitchMarner #NickRoy #BradTreliving #KyleDubas #MatiasMaccelli #MichaelPezzetta #TravisBoyd #VinniLettieri #DakotaJoshua #CraigBerube #JohnTavares #StevenLorentz #NicolasRobertson #MatthewKnies #AustonMatthews #WilliamNylander #RyanReaves #HenryThrun #PontusHolmberg #JonCooper #StevenStamkos #JakeGuentzel #NikitaKucherov #AndreiVasilevskiy #PatrickKane #JonathanToews #DuncanKeith #SamReilly #IsaacHoward #JakobPelletier #JulienBriseBois #JonasJohansson #YanniGourde #GageGonclaves #NickPerbix #BraydenPoint #BrandonHagel #AnthonyCirelli #OliverBjorkStrand #JordanSpence #LarsEller #ArthurKaliyev #HunterShepard #NikolasMatinpalo #TylerKleven #FabianZetterlund #ClaudeGiroux #LeeviMerilainen #NickCousins #HaydenHodgson #LinusUllmark #BradyTkachuk #JakeSanderson #DrakeBatherson #TimStutzle #AntonForsberg #AdamGaudette #TravisHamonic #SteveStaios #TravisGreen #NoahDobson #EmilHeineman #MartinStLouis #LaneHutson #ZackBolduc ##LoganMailloux #KaapoKahkonen #SammyBlais #JoeVeleno #JakubDobes #JaydenStruble #CaydenPrimeau #JoelArmia #ChristianDvorak #MichaelPezzetta #RafaelHarvey-Pinard #AlexBarre-Boulet #IvanDemidov #NickSuzuki #JurajSlafkovsky #ColeCaufield #JohnGibson #PetrMrazek #JamesvanRiemsdyk #MasonAppleton #WilliamLagesson #AlbertJohansson #JonatanBerggren #ElmerSoderblom #SteveYzerman #VladimirTarasenko #AlexLyon #PatVerbeek #LucasRaymond #AlexDebrincat #DylanLarkin #JJPeterka #JoshDoan #MichaelKesselring #ConorTimmins #IsaacBelliveau #ConnorClifton #JustinDanforth #ZacJones #JackQuinn #RyanJohnson #TysonKozak #RyanMcLeod #BowenByram #DevonLevi...

He's a hockey Hall of Famer who now has a movie credit to his name. He's also an entrepreneur in a life that has always been on the go.Chris Chelios drops by for a fun chat with Neil and Vic IN THIS EPISODE:[01:38] - The Happy Gilmore 2 experience where Chris played a non-speaking role as a henchman alongside fellow NHLer Sean Avery.[04:07] - Chris shares the story of when Avery moved into his house when the two were UHL teammates during the 2004-05 NHL lockout. That Avery wasn't the ideal house guest would be an understatement.[06:06] - Aside from the final seven games of his NHL career as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers, Cheli shares the significance of playing the other 1644 games with three of the "Original Six" teams, Montreal, Chicago and Detroit.[09:21] - How Cheli wound up with number 7 in Chicago with some additional backstory on him wearing 24 in Detroit.[10:34] - Playing for Scotty Bowman and Mike Keenan[13:46] - Cheli trashes Keenan's office.[15:36] - With the Winter Olympics coming up in Italy in 2026, Chris talks about the differences competing as an olympic amateur in 1984 on the heels of the "Miracle on Ice" team and as a professional in 1998, 2002 and 2006. He also notes that though many on that 1980team did not have star careers, the doors that opened for Americans because of that group were immeasurable.[18:08] - Returning to Chicago and Wrigley Field to throw out the first pitch and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."[21:11] - Having owned restaurants and having his own brand of Chili, Cheli talks about his venture into tequila.[23:18] - What's next for Chris Chelios?[25:32] - Looking back, despite not having won a Stanley Cup in Chicago, seeing Patrick Kane's overtime winner in 2010 to give the Blackhawks their first championship since 1961 still rings special for Cheli. [29:37] - Having played with so many players over 26 NHL seasons and international tournaments, there's still two players Chris would have like to have played just one game with...[31:17] - Returning to thoughts on Messier, Chris tells the story of accidently clipping him with his stick and then happening to Google Mess top elbows. Amidst the banter, there is little mistaking the ruthlessness needed to win in the NHL.[34:51] - A legendary workout fiend, Cheli's approach is a bit different than in the past.[38:03] - Vic and Neil wrap up with another franchise on the horizon.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #CenebritySeries #ChrisChelios #MontrealCanadiens #ChicagoBlackhawks #DetroitRedWings #AtlantaThrashers #JasonSpezza #LucRobitaille #HappyGilmore2 #AdamSandler #ShooterMcGavin #TravisKelce #SeanAvery #MotorCityMechanics #BobProbert #MikeKeenan #DenisSavard #BobGaimey #LarryRobinson #GuyLafleur #JacqueLemaire #SergeSavard #EdOlczyk #DaleHawerchuk #MarianIlitch #BobbyHull #PitMartin #RayBourque #PaulCoffey #PhilEsposito #ScottyBowman #KrisDraper #DarrenMcCarty #KirkMaltby #SteveYzerman #DarrylSutter #MarkMessier #KenMorrow #NealBroten #MarkJohnson #DaveChristian #WrigleyField #ChicagoCubs #ChicagoWhiteSox #MikeDitka #OzzyOsbourne #ElBandidoYankeeTequila #BobMorris #ESPN #TNT #CaleyChelios #WayneGretzky #ConnorMcDavid #HenrikLundqvist #JeffBlashill #PatrickKane #SethJones #BrentSeabrook #JonathanToews #DuncanKeith #MikeModano #EddieLitzenberger #MarioLemieux #GordieHowe #ConnorBedard #NathanMacKinnon

With NHL training camps set to open in a few weeks, the anticipation of a new season will begin. Still, the sport has received unwanted attention in an area that has had an unseemly history that goes back decades.On July 24, five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Championship team were found not guilty of sexual assault in a highly publicized trial. While the decision was favorable for the players involved, the incident itself paints an ugly picture and goes deeper into today's culture and society.Katie Strang from The Athletic has covered the NHL as a reporter for Newsday and ESPN.com with her first work into investigative reporting being the Michigan State gymnastics trial in 2017.Having written other pieces on sexual abuse, Katie joins Neil and Vic to discuss the London trial, hockey's history of abuse and the responsibility of hockey's governing bodies going forward.IN THIS EPISODE:[01:54] - Katie Strang joins Neil and Vic and shares what led to her career moving in the direction of investigative reporting.[02:46] - Katie discusses her first major story as an investigative reporter covering the Michigan State Gymnastics case against Larry Nassar adding the indelible impact it had on her.[05:03] - The difficulty and challenges of detaching from covering a story such as that at Michigan State amidst having a family life.[06:43] - Strang speaks about the unusual happenings during the trial centering around five former NHL players who were accused of sexual assault while members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Championship Team.[11:20] - Even after the decision, public opinion remained very split. Katie shares why she believes this is so.[13:06] - Neil shares his personal revulsion to the the acts alleged in the case before raising the question of the future of the five players who were acquitted. Katie goes deep in her response noting Gary Bettman's ruling the players are still ineligible to return to the NHL, possible pushback from the NHLPA and what an internal investigation by the NHL may have revealed information which was inadmissible in court.[20:16] - Should any of the five players be reinstated, which team(s) would step forward and sign any of them knowing the possible public backlash which could follow?[23:04] - Katie turns the tables on Neil asking him what he would have done during the Rangers Cup run in 1994 had he been aware of a situation similar to the one which took place in Chicago in 2010.[24:27] - Vic follows up asking Neil whether he would have hired a head coach not guilty of a crime but banned for "inadequate response" as Joel Quenneville was.[25:59] - Given there has been a history of abuse in hockey that extends beyond the ice surface, the question is posed about the responsibilities of governing bodies such as the NHL and Hockey Canada to ensure a safe environment for all players. Katie goes a step further addressing systemic issues which still exist in hockey culture.[32:21] - The role of the media and its coverage of abuse.[34:57] - The discussion wraps up with another area of concern around hockey: concussions.[40:27] - Vic and Neil put a wrap on the discussion.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #CenebritySeries #KatieStrang #TheAthletic #RickWesthead #WeBreedLions #TSN #LarryNassar #MichiganStateAthletics #MichaelMcLeod #DillonDube #CalFoote #AlexFormenton #CarterHart #MariaCarroccia #GrahamJames #TheoFleury #SheldonKennedy #GaryBettman #MartyWalsh #NHLPA #StanBowman #JoelQuenneville #AlMacIsaac #KyleBeach #BradAldrich #PatVerbeek #DavidGove #ChrisWeiss #HockeyCanada

After a brief break following the long NHL season, Vic and Neil open a new franchise titled "Celebrity Series." With baseball in full swing, no better place to premiere than with an MLB icon who has made a significant impact abroad as well.Bobby Valentine, former player and manager, recalls memorable moments during the course of his career both in the States and in Japan while also sharing the importance of giving back.IN THIS EPISODE:[02:26] - Bobby Valentine and Neil discuss the photo of Valentine taken with the Stanley Cup at Shea Stadium though there's some question of when the shot was taken.[04:03] - Valentine talks about playing summer baseball in 1967 in the Cape Cod league under long-time NHL executive Lou Lamoriello.[06:04] - The differences and similarities Bobby sees in terms of how baseball and hockey players are handled.[07:23] - Valentine shares how he ended up managing in Japan. [09:21] - Thoughts on Shohei Otani, a truly generational talent.[11:34] - Bobby's influence on bringing some American culture to the Japanese fans.[14:12] - "The Disguise" prompted by one of the most obscure rules in baseball and how it became part of Mets lore as they galvanized down through the summer to qualify for the playoffs that fall.[19:32] - With the 24th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks coming up, recollections of the Mets first game back ten days later and the dramatic game winning home run by Mike Piazza.[23:07] - Giving back has always been important to Valentine. Whether it's doing something creative or simply straightforward, the importance of what was learned early on continues to this day.#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #HumanSideoftheStory #CelebritySeries #BobbyValentine #NewYorkMets #LosAngelesAngels #TexasRangers #BostonRedSox #LouLamoriello #TonyAmonte #BabeRuth #LouGehrig #ChibaLotteMarines #SadaharuOh #IchiroSuzuki #ShoheiOtani #GeorgeWBush #HiromitsuOchiai #HideoNomo #MikePiazza #PatMahomes #RandyMarsh #OrelHershiser #RobinVentura #ReggieJackson #JoeNamath #JoeTorre #TommyLasorda

After a long season guests, news, analysis and some levity, Vic and Neil share a few stories from our viewers and listeners. Each is unique and reveals to us that we are reaching folks from diverse backgrounds. You make it worthwhile for and we say thanks heading into a brief break from our regular recording schedule.#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #HumanSideoftheStory #BillZito #FloridaPanthers #ZonaBlu

With the off-season fully underway, no better way to address free agency and other significant league topics than with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Vic and Neil also chat about the Draft and wrap up the season with a special Human Side of the Story which gives a nod to some of our special listeners.IN THIS EPISODE:[02:09] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To focuses on a key free agent signing, the return to the Olympics for NHL players, a couple of areas of question within the extended CBA and, since it's the last show of the season, we've added a fourth item where a grizzled veteran is headed to the Rockies.[10:29] - Elliotte Friedman joins the show and speaks about the foundation and growth of his podcast, 32 Thoughts, which started seven years ago.[13:16] - With Nikolaj Ehlers and Brent Burns moving on, an initial update on Dmitry Orlov...Stay tuned. [14:11] - Offer sheets made news a year ago when St. Louis corralled Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from Edmonton. An update on Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.[16:25] - A deep discussion on the high price tag on certain NHL defensemen and the reasons behind it.[22:16] - One deep discussion deserves another. Neil and Elliotte hit on tampering.[26:48] - How 'bout some LTIR speak and teams circumventing the cap to sit players, saving cap space and acquiring additional assets?[29:41] - A further update on Orlov.[30:08] - Bill Zito's brilliance and the commitment players have to the Panthers franchise...a far cry from what it was like years ago.[32:54] - Neil follows up on contracts given to players - such as Marchand - while allows teams to load up on term in order to free up cap space in the shorter term.[35:47] - Kings GM Ken Holland has made several moves to bolster his new team however, some eyebrows are being raised. A deeper look at some other contracts raising questions.[41:59] - The de-centralized Draft. A one-hit wonder.[44:53] - Elliotte salutes retiring peer, Bob McKenzie.[53:32] - Some broad strokes on the NHL Draft.[1:00:25] - Other league news[1:05:14] - The Human Side of the Story is about our viewers and listeners...with some fun mixed in.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #NikolajEhlers #MitchMarner #SethJarvis #Sebastien#Aho #AndreiSvechnikov #K'AndreMiller #NikitaKucherov #MarkStone #MatthewTkachuk #BrentBurns #ElliotteFriedman #JeffMarek #Sportsnet #32ThoughtsPodcast #MattGrzelcyk JanRutta #TravisHamonic #BowenByram #DylanHolloway #PhilipBroberg #NHLPA #IIHF #CoreyPerry #DmitryOrlov #BowenByram #EvanBouchard #ScottMorrow #DarrenFerris #NoahDobson #IvanProvorov #MitchMarner #BryanRust #RickardRakell #ConnorMcDavid #ArtemiPanarin #KirillKaprizov #JackEichel #CaleMakar #BrianCampbell #DaleTallon #SergeiBobrovsky #ChrisDrury #ChristianDvorak #JohnTavares #LouLamoriello #BillZito #BradMarchand #SamBennett #AaronEkblad BrianBurke #BrockBoeser #PaulMaurice #ChrisTanev #JakeAllen #KenHolland #LucRobitaille #VladislavGavrikov #CodiCeci #BrianDumoulin #JoelArmia #AntonForsberg #AndreiKuzmenko...

The raw volume of signings on Day 1 of Free Agency 2025 was dwarfed by that of a year ago. Still, the off-season is rife with activity and intrigue. Vic and Neil go through a list of topics leaving plenty to ponder...X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #BarryTrotz #MitchMarner #NickRoy #KellyMcCrimmon #BradTreliving #JohnTavares #BillZito #SamBennett #BradMarchand #AaronEkblad #TomasNosek #DaniilTarasov #VitekVanecek #NateSchmidt #JeffPetry #EvanderKane #KasperiKapanen #EvanBouchard #CoreyPerry #ConnorBrown #ViktorArvidsson #ConnorMcDavid #EvanBouchard #EmilHeineman #MatthewSchaefer #VictorEklund #KashawnAitcheson #LaneHutson #JoelArmia #ChristanDvorak #MichaelPezzetta #DarnellNurse #StanBowman #LeonDraisaitl #Mattias#Ekholm #JakeWalman #BrettKulak #TyEmberson #ZachHyman #RyanNugent-Hopkins #AlexanderRomanov #TonyDeAngelo #BrockNelson #PatrickRoy #AnthonyDuclair #JonathanDrouin #SteveYzerman #MikhailSergachev #NathanMacKinnon #KenHolland #TylerWright #CodyCeci #BrianDumoulin #VladislavGavrikov #AntonForsberg #DavidRittich #DarcyKuemper #IlyaSorokin #SemyonVarlamov #GlennHall #ConorGarland #ThatcherDemko #BrockBoeser #BoHorvat #Marc-EdouardVlasic #JohnKlingberg #AdamGaudette #PhilippKurashev #MattTompkins #RileyStillman #LoganStankoven #JakeGuentzel #MikoRantanen #K'AndreMiller #ScottMorrow #JaccobSlavin #TomDundon #EricTulsky #RodBrind'Amour #NikolajEhlers #BrentBurns #JohnTavares #MatthewKnies #StevenLorentz #PontusHolmberg #MikaelGranlund #PatVerbeek #TrevorZegras #EvgeniiDadonov #PiusSuter #DmitryOrlov #KyleDubas #SethJones #CalebJones #PierreLeBrun #ElliotteFriedman #32Thoughts #Sportsnet

Two benchmark events in early summer kicks off every NHL season with the Draft and the opening of free agency. With the Draft coming up first, Vic and Neil look back to the structure of the process, how players selected were communicated with, the effect of the WHA in the early 1970's and whether social media and instant communication adds additional players on current day draftees.#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #HumanSideoftheStory #

While the Florida Panthers players continue to celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup, front offices around the NHL have to major events in the crosshairs starting with the Entry Draft on June 27-28 and the start of free agency on Tuesday, July 1.One of hockey's top columnists and insiders joins Neil and Vic as we welcome Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic and TSN.IN THIS EPISODE:[02:45] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention are the UFA/RFA signings and trades we've seen by clubs retaining players leading up to July 1. [13:29] - Pierre LeBrun joins the show and, with free agency looming, a discussion on the apparent tampering issues which have taken place in advance of July 1st in past years.[19:11] - LeBrun speaks to his surprise that the market heading into this off-season is an odd one with buyers significantly outweighing sellers.[22:56] - Clubs Pierre's looking out for in terms of significant summer movement.[24:40] - Next coach in Dallas?[30:20] - The latest on whether the Panthers can keep both Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand.[33:35] - The dope on Toronto on Mitch Marner and John Tavares.[39:58] - The timeline on a Connor McDavid extension in Edmonton.[42:46] - The possibility the Oilers could be vulnerable to losing RFA Evan Bouchard to an offer sheet similar to them losing two players to St. Louis a year ago. [52:28] - NHL Draft. The Islanders have the first pick and will likely look at one of three players from North America to become the next hope at UBS Arena[1:01:24] - League news starting with a Monday trade between Anaheim and Philadelphia.[1:11:26] - Human Side of the Story - Vic and Neil wrap up the show noting the changes in the Draft over the years from location to structure to the pressure of the spotlight from then til now. Neil shares his own firsthand experience being selected by the Islanders in 1974.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #PierreLeBrun #GinoReda #TheAthletic #TSN #NHLEntryDraft #TrentFrederic #ConnorBrown #CoreyPerry #MattDuchene #JonathanToews #EricRobinson #RyanDonato #MattRempe #FabianZetterlund #NilsLundqvist #MavrikBourque #EricHaula #JeremyHanzel #MasonMarchment #BryanMarchment #JimNill #JamieBenn #JoeVeleno #AndreBurakovsky #BarryTrotz #LannyMcDonald #BillDaly #DonMeehan #PatBrisson #BowenByram #JJPeterka #BrianRust #ChrisKreider #RasmusAndersson #JasonRobertson #KevynAdams #PeterDeBoer #JakeOettinger #GarardGallant #GlenGulutzan #NeilGraham #JimMontgomery #LaneLambert #JonCooper #MikeSullivan #JoelQuenneville #RogerNeilson #SamBennett #BradMarchand #BillZito #DarrenFerris #AaronEkblad #SergeiBobrovsky #MitchMarner #JohnTavares #KylesDubas #BradTreliving #BrockNelson #SidneyCrosby #ConnorMcDavid #JuddMoldaver #AustonMatthews #StanBowman #LeonDraisaitl #ReedLarson #EvanBouchard #DylanHathaway #PhilipBroberg #JoeSakic #DonBaizley #DenisPotvin #BillyHarris #RickDiPietro #MathieuDarche #ConnorBedard #MacklinCelebrini #JimWaters #MatthewSchaefer #ErieOtters #MichaelMisa #SaginawSpirit #JamesHagens #BostonCollegeEagles #BillTorrey #AlArbour #MikeBossy #DwightFoster

As Brad Marchand skated with the Stanley Cup as a member of the Florida Panthers, a former player with some very similar characteristics to Marchand is in the role of trying to move the Anaheim Ducks from outsider to contender.Pat Verbeek enjoyed a 20-year playing career after being drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1982. He's scored 500 goals, won a Stanley Cup and, as Neil points out, displays the same work ethic as a GM as he did as player. That drive helped the Devils to their first playoff berth in 1988. Now, his immediate task is to build the Ducks into a playoff team, something missing in Anaheim since 2018.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #HumanSideoftheStory #PatVerbeek #SteveYzerman #AnaheimDucks #DetroitRedWings #NewJerseyDevils #HartfordWhalers #NewYorkRangers #DallasStars #BrianGionta #Jean-SebastienGiguere #KenHolland #PatrickKane #KeithTkachuk #PeterBondra #PatrickMarleau #PatrickRoy #WayneGretzky #KyleDavidson #EricTulsky #KyleDubas #JoelQuenneville

Only three franchises in NHL history have earned the "dynasty" title with three straight Stanley Cups titles. Next season, the Florida Panthers will have the opportunity to join the Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Islanders in that elite group after a near-perfect 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6.Vic and Neil give their soup-to-nuts breakdown and opinion then look forward to what comes next for a Panther team with a focus on history and an Oiler squad still seeking answers to take the final step.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #StuartSkinner #CalvinPickard #KasperiKapanen #JohnKlingberg #ViktorArvidsson #TroyStecher #EvanderKane #CoreyPerry #BradMarchand #LeonDraisaitl #NikoMikkola #SamReinhart #EvanBouchard #MattiasEkholm #SergeiBobrovsky #BrettKulak #AJGreer #EetuLuostarinen #ConnorMcDavid #JakeWalman #MatthewTkachuk #BradyTkachuk #KeithTkachuk #CarterVerhaeghe #AleksanderBarkov #VasilyPodkolzin #SamBennett #BillZito #GaryBettman #GlenSather #KenHolland #PaulMaurice #RodBrind'Amour #AlexLyon #ConnorHellebuyck #JonathanHuberdeau #MacKenzieWeegar #BrandonMontour #OliverEkman-Larsson #ButchGoring #RobBlake #SethJones #AaronEkblad #TomasNosek #NicoSturm #ColinCampbell #GregoryCampbell #JeffSkinner #ConnorBrown #TrentFrederic #StanBowman #CraigButton #WayneGretzky #KenMorrow

The eye of the hockey world remain on the Panthers and Oilers as the Stanley Cup Final winds down. However, for 30 other clubs, the preparation for the 2025-26 season is well under way. One of those teams appearing to be on the rise is the Anaheim Ducks. General manager Pat Verbeek with join Neil and Vic to talk about a team with an intriguing mix of youth and veteran leadership and a new voice behind the bench.Needless to say, the hosts will focus on Game 6 as the Panthers look to lock down consecutive championships and they'll add some league news as well.The Human Side of the Story focuses on our guest but also addresses the path a former player needs to take in order to assume the role as GM.IN THIS EPISODE:[02:40] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To puts the spotlight on the Florida Panthers as they look to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers need to rectify a couple of areas in order to force a seventh game.[10:11] - Before there was Brad Marchand, there was Pat Verbeek. As Neil opens the discussion, the similarities can't be mistaken.[11:04] - The growth of the Ducks during 2024-25 saw them improve by 21 points over the season before. Still, Verbeek shares why a coaching change was made from Greg Cronin to one second on the all time wins list. A change which should bring more positive results from the Ducks younger players.[13:51] - Whether Verbeek's past relationship with Joel Quenneville played a role in being selected as the Ducks new head coach.[16:13] - While Quenneville was available, Verbeek addresses making the hire only after a thorough vetting process and ownership approval following an incident with the Blackhawks in 2010. [19:35] - Quenneville's reputation with players around the league is expected to be a significant benefit to a Ducks team mixed with youth and veteran leadership.[20:13] - With the acquisition of Chris Kreider, there are now four former Rangers in the Anaheim lineup. [21:29] - Verbeek discusses the adaptation time for Trouba upon his arrival in Anaheim and the ability for him to simply come in and play without having to be a captain.[24:15] - Is the change in Trevor Zegras play sustainable in 2025-26? [26:22] - The Ducks have over $32 million in cap space. While no specifics to be shared, there is clearly an opportunity for Verbeek to upgrade his team further.[28:15] - The qualities the Oilers and Panthers have which Verbeek would like to see within his own team.[29:13] - Neil and Pat do some final reminiscing.[36:46] - Vic and Neil preview Game 6 of the Final [42:24] - Other NHL news[45:37] - The Human SIde of the Story looks back at the career of Pat Verbeek and also does a deeper dive into the work needed to be put in by a former player aspiring to be a GM.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #PatVerbeek #MarkMessier #Bill Zito #SethJones #ConnorMcDavid #LeonDraisaitl #AdamHenrique #JeffSkinner #TrentFrederic #EvanderKane #MattiasJanmark #ViktorArvidsson #BradMarchand #EetuLuostarinen #AntonLundell...