Free Daily Podcast Summary
NHL Wraparound Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Breadth and depth. Contemporary and historical. Straight-forward and experienced. The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League. Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past. With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed. Bio’s Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years. Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings. Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager. A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL. After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003. His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.
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- Yesterday4 min
Spring Cleaning – Vancouver Canucks
Spring Cleaning – Vancouver CanucksThe Vancouver Canucks suffered one of the NHL’s sharpest declines, becoming the first team eliminated from playoff contention on March 22. Just two years removed from winning the Pacific Division and pushing Edmonton to seven games in the second round, Vancouver has been torn apart by internal conflict, major trades, coaching uncertainty, and poor performance at home. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how the Canucks fell so quickly and why their large collection of draft picks may not produce immediate results.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Canucks become the first NHL team eliminated from playoff contention on March 22. Neil and Vic begin by reviewing the expectations entering the season, the reality of Vancouver’s collapse, and the enormous amount of work ahead.[00:00:25] Expectations were already low after Vancouver missed the playoffs in four of the previous five seasons. The lone exception came in 2024, when the Canucks won the Pacific Division and reached the second round.[00:00:50] That successful run created optimism that Vancouver had filled several important roster gaps. However, the organization quickly unraveled during the following seasons.[00:01:05] The highly publicized conflict between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson became one of the franchise’s biggest problems. Miller was eventually traded in a deal involving Filip Chytil, but the move failed to stabilize the team.[00:01:30] Vancouver also faced uncertainty surrounding Brock Boeser’s contract, Thatcher Demko’s health, and Rick Tocchet’s future behind the bench.[00:01:50] Tocchet ultimately chose to leave Vancouver despite previously winning the Jack Adams Award with the Canucks. He returned to Philadelphia, where he had been a popular player, raising additional questions about what he saw inside the Vancouver organization.[00:02:15] Boeser publicly indicated he would not re-sign with the Canucks, entered free agency, and then surprisingly returned to Vancouver on a new contract.[00:02:35] Kiefer Sherwood emerged as one of Vancouver’s better players before being traded to the San Jose Sharks, removing another productive piece from the lineup.[00:02:55] The Canucks then made their biggest move by trading Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild amid concerns that he would not sign another contract in Vancouver.[00:03:20] Neil acknowledges that Vancouver received a respectable return in the Hughes trade, but emphasizes that no package can fully replace a player of his caliber.[00:03:40] Conor Garland, whose energy and competitiveness represented much of Vancouver’s identity, was traded to Columbus and went on to play well for Rick Bowness and the Blue Jackets.[00:04:00] Veteran defenseman Tyler Myers was also moved to the Dallas Stars, leaving Vancouver without several recognizable pieces from its recent playoff team.[00:04:20] The Canucks’ disastrous home record further illustrates how far the franchise has fallen. A team that appeared to be building momentum two seasons earlier becomes one of the league’s biggest disappointments.[00:04:45] Vancouver’s notable unrestricted free agents include Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and Derek Forbort, creating additional decisions for an already depleted roster.[00:05:05] The Canucks do possess a strong collection of draft capital, entering the 2026 NHL Draft with 10 selections.[00:05:25] Vancouver owns two first-round picks, including its original selection and another acquired through the Quinn Hughes trade.[00:05:45] The organization also holds two second-round picks and three sixth-round selections, giving management several opportunities to add young talent.[00:06:05] Neil believes the draft picks provide a possible foundation for improvement three years from now, but they do very little to solve Vancouver’s immediate problems next season.[00:06:30] He explains that modern NHL team-building requires much more than simply accumulating picks and waiting for prospects to develop.[00:06:50] Successful organizations must balance drafting with trades, free-agent signings, player development, and creating an environment where established players want to join and remain with the team.[00:07:15] Neil compares the current NHL with his experience in Detroit during the 1980s, when teams could focus more heavily on collecting draft selections and patiently developing players.[00:07:40] Today’s general manager
- Yesterday11 min
Spring Cleaning – Vegas Golden Knights
Spring Cleaning – Vegas Golden KnightsThe Vegas Golden Knights captured the Pacific Division title and returned to the Stanley Cup Final, but the biggest story of their offseason wasn't their playoff run—it was the stunning decision to part ways with head coach John Tortorella just 48 hours after losing to the Carolina Hurricanes. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down one of the NHL's most fascinating organizations, examining Vegas' win-now philosophy, looming salary-cap challenges, lack of draft capital, and what comes next for Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Golden Knights finish first in the Pacific Division with 95 points before defeating Utah and Anaheim, sweeping Colorado, and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final, where they fall to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games. Just two days later, Vegas shocks the hockey world by moving on from head coach John Tortorella.[00:00:35] Neil reacts to the surprising coaching change. Although the organization publicly praises Tortorella's work, the announcement does not suggest the separation was mutual, leaving many questions about what happened behind the scenes.[00:01:00] Unlike most Spring Cleaning episodes, Neil and Vic shift away from evaluating expectations and immediately focus on the uncertainty surrounding the franchise because the coaching situation overshadows everything else.[00:01:30] Vegas underachieves during the regular season despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Pavel Dorofeyev, and captain Mark Stone. Bruce Cassidy is replaced late in the year before Tortorella guides the team to a 7-0-1 finish and a deep playoff run.[00:02:15] While the Golden Knights fail to reach the 100-point mark many expected, their run to the Stanley Cup Final ultimately fulfills the organization's championship expectations.[00:02:45] The discussion turns to Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee. Rather than analyzing player statistics, Neil focuses on the difficult roster decisions awaiting one of the NHL's most aggressive front offices.[00:03:15] Vegas has mortgaged much of its future in pursuit of championships. The organization owns no first-round selections until 2028 and only 14 total draft picks over the next three drafts.[00:03:45] The Golden Knights are projected to become the NHL's oldest team when free agency begins, carrying an average roster age of 31.2 years.[00:04:10] Vegas enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only four selections and no first-round pick after acquiring Noah Hanifin. The club also forfeits its second-round selection following an organizational media violation during the playoffs and no longer owns its fourth-round pick after acquiring Anthony Mantha.[00:04:50] Salary-cap flexibility is limited, with approximately $4.6 million in projected space. However, the Golden Knights could gain nearly $9 million more if Alex Pietrangelo remains on long-term injured reserve.[00:05:20] Neil explains the long-term risk of Vegas' aggressive "win-now" strategy. Every contender eventually pays the price for trading away future assets, just as the Rangers did several years after winning the Stanley Cup in 1994.[00:05:50] Even with Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and young sniper Pavel Dorofeyev leading the offense, Neil stresses that three elite players alone cannot sustain a championship-caliber roster without continually replenishing talent.[00:06:20] Vegas' unrestricted free agents include Riley Smith, Cole Smith, Colton Sissons, Brandon Saad, Rasmus Andersson, Ben Hutton, Jeremy Lauzon, and Dylan Coghlan. Neil believes Andersson deserves another opportunity after an underwhelming but steady postseason.[00:07:10] Riley Smith and Jeremy Lauzon are also viewed as valuable pieces worth retaining if possible, while Vegas continues evaluating its veteran depth.[00:07:35] Restricted free agent Pavel Dorofeyev becomes the organization's top priority. Reports suggest he could receive a significant offer sheet, potentially forcing Vegas into one of the offseason's biggest contract negotiations.[00:08:10] Neil does not believe the Golden Knights will allow another team to steal Dorofeyev. Based on Vegas' history, he expects McCrimmon to match almost any offer necessary to keep one of the organization's young offensive stars.[00:08:45] Vic raises the possibility of accepting four first-round picks if Dorofeyev receives an offer sheet exceeding the highest compensation threshold. Neil rejects the idea, believing Vegas will continue operating aggressively rather than beginning a rebuild.
- 2 days ago5 min
Spring Cleaning – Toronto Maple Leafs
Spring Cleaning – Toronto Maple LeafsThe Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2025-26 season coming off a 108-point, first-place finish, but the loss of Mitch Marner, injuries, internal tension, and disappointing roster decisions sent the franchise in the opposite direction. Toronto missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016, leading to the dismissal of General Manager Brad Treliving and serious questions about Craig Berube’s future. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how the Maple Leafs’ championship window slammed shut and why fixing the organization may take much longer than one offseason.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Maple Leafs are eliminated from playoff contention on April 2 after entering the season with high expectations following a 108-point campaign and a first-place finish in 2024-25.[00:00:25] The offseason trade of Mitch Marner creates an enormous offensive void. Toronto hopes Matthew Knies, Max Domi, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson can collectively replace Marner’s production, but that offense-by-committee approach never develops.[00:00:50] Neil revisits his preseason concerns about the return for Marner and the overall construction of the roster. Even before the season began, he did not believe the Leafs were properly built for a deep playoff run.[00:01:10] Brad Treliving ultimately pays the price for the team’s collapse. Neil emphasizes that Marner’s value went far beyond his 100-point production because he was also one of Toronto’s most dependable defensive forwards.[00:01:35] Auston Matthews’ knee injury becomes another devastating setback. The Maple Leafs captain misses the final weeks of the season and faces a lengthy recovery following an injury suffered after leading the United States to Olympic gold.[00:02:00] Internal dysfunction contributes to the disappointing season. Neil points to tension between the coaching staff and management, along with widespread dissatisfaction over the direction of the team.[00:02:20] Craig Berube’s coaching also comes under scrutiny. With Toronto missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, questions immediately arise about whether he will return behind the bench.[00:02:40] The difficult relationship between Berube and William Nylander becomes one of the season’s recurring storylines, with the two appearing to clash throughout much of the year.[00:03:00] Keith Pelley’s role in hockey decisions is heavily criticized. Although Pelley insists he is not making the hockey decisions, Neil believes his public comments suggest otherwise.[00:03:25] Neil describes Pelley’s leadership as “Buffoonery 101,” criticizing his statements about finding a data-focused general manager while simultaneously presenting opinions about the quality of Toronto’s core.[00:03:50] Since taking control, Pelley has dismissed Brendan Shanahan, moved on from the Raptors’ leadership, and remained highly visible as the Leafs’ hockey operation deteriorated.[00:04:10] The next general manager inherits a deeply complicated situation. Toronto owns only six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft and has no picks in either of the first two rounds.[00:04:30] The Maple Leafs add an extra third-round selection through the Scott Laughton trade with Los Angeles and acquire another pick from Colorado in the Nicolas Roy deal.[00:04:50] Neil points out that the practical return from the Mitch Marner situation amounts to a fifth-round draft pick, a result he considers a major failure by the organization.[00:05:10] Toronto previously surrendered first-round picks in trades involving Laughton and Nikita Grebenkin, leaving the franchise with very little high-end draft capital returning in the other direction.[00:05:30] Many of the acquired selections do not arrive until 2027. If Colorado remains a contender, its pick will likely fall near the bottom of the round, while the picks Toronto traded away could become more valuable if the Leafs continue to struggle.[00:05:55] Neil expresses sympathy for Maple Leafs fans who have endured decades of disappointment. He believes the situation may become even more difficult before the franchise begins to recover.[00:06:15] Calle Järnkrok and Troy Stecher headline Toronto’s unrestricted free agents, while Nick Robertson and Matias Maccelli are the notable restricted free agents requiring new contracts.[00:06:35] The episode concludes with a bleak assessment of Toronto’s future. What once appeared to be one of the NHL’s strongest championship windows now looks completely closed.
- 2 days ago7 min
Spring Cleaning – Utah Mammoth
Spring Cleaning – Utah MammothThe Utah Mammoth took a major step forward during the 2025-26 season, qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in only their second year in Salt Lake City. Led by Clayton Keller and an exciting young core, Utah earned the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the franchise’s progress, its impressive depth, the areas that still need improvement, and why Utah could soon challenge for a top-three position in its division.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Mammoth qualify for the playoffs as the Western Conference’s first Wild Card team. It marks the first postseason appearance for the Arizona-Utah franchise since the 2020 bubble and its first traditional playoff berth since 2012.[00:00:25] Utah gives a strong account of itself in the opening round before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Neil sees the Mammoth as a young, exciting team that has made meaningful progress.[00:00:45] Captain Clayton Keller leads a talented young foundation. After entering the season expected to challenge for a Wild Card berth, Utah does more than simply knock on the door and successfully earns a playoff position.[00:01:00] Vic looks back at the franchise’s final season in Arizona, when the team remained competitive through roughly 45 games before news of the relocation contributed to an 0-12-2 collapse.[00:01:25] The move to Salt Lake City provides stability, but Utah remains inconsistent at home. The Mammoth post a .537 winning percentage at the Delta Center, tied for 22nd in the NHL.[00:01:50] Keller is joined by Dylan Guenther, Nick Schmaltz, and Logan Cooley as the centerpiece of the offense. Utah also strengthens the lineup by acquiring J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres.[00:02:10] The defense features Mikhail Sergachev, Ian Cole, John Marino, and Sean Durzi. Utah also signs Nate Schmidt following his Stanley Cup-winning season with the Florida Panthers.[00:02:30] Karel Vejmelka provides dependable goaltending, but Neil believes the Mammoth need another strong option in net with Vitek Vanecek approaching unrestricted free agency.[00:02:50] Statistically, Utah improves by only three standings points from the previous season. However, its goal differential jumps from minus-10 to plus-28, showing a much stronger overall team.[00:03:15] The Mammoth improve from 17th to 12th in goals against, although their goals-against average and save percentage remain similar. Their special teams rankings also decline despite the playoff qualification.[00:03:35] Utah makes an important late-season acquisition by adding defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames, further strengthening an already capable blue line.[00:03:55] Much of Utah’s improvement comes from deeper in the lineup. Lawson Crouse matches a career high with 24 goals and finishes with a career-best plus-20 rating.[00:04:15] Michael Carcone scores 16 goals and records a career-high 31 points. Kailer Yamamoto becomes increasingly important late in the year and contributes five points in the playoff series against Vegas.[00:04:35] Kevin Stenlund, Alex Kerfoot, Jack McBain, and Brandon Tanev give André Tourigny four dependable forward lines. That depth allows Utah to remain competitive even when its stars are not producing.[00:04:55] Neil cautions that the Western Conference was weaker than the East, making the playoff path somewhat easier. Utah will need further improvement to guarantee another postseason appearance.[00:05:15] Compared with Nashville, Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim, St. Louis, and Winnipeg, Utah appears to maintain a small but consistent edge throughout the season.[00:05:35] The Mammoth avoid the extended winning and losing streaks that define many other teams. Their consistency from October through April becomes one of their greatest strengths.[00:05:55] General Manager Bill Armstrong enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven selections, including two third-round picks and two fifth-round picks.[00:06:15] Utah does not own a second-round pick after including it in the MacKenzie Weegar trade. The organization also lacks a sixth-round selection following a previous pick swap with Nashville.[00:06:35] The Mammoth project to have approximately $5.5 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. Neil believes Salt Lake City has also become a more attractive destination for NHL players.[00:06:55] Unrestricted f
- 3 days ago3 min
Spring Cleaning – Seattle Kraken
Spring Cleaning – Seattle KrakenThe Seattle Kraken entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations and once again fell short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite an encouraging start and stretches of strong play, extended losing streaks, inconsistent offense, and limited development from several young forwards kept Seattle stuck in the middle of the Western Conference. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the front-office transition from Ron Francis to Jason Botterill, the organization’s revolving door behind the bench, and why the Kraken may still be several years away from becoming a true contender.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Kraken are eliminated from playoff contention on April 11 after missing the postseason for the fourth time in their first five NHL seasons. Seattle’s only playoff appearance remains its surprising second-year run to Game 7 of the second round.[00:00:25] Lane Lambert completes his first season behind the Seattle bench after replacing Dan Bylsma. The Kraken entered the year hoping offseason additions could provide more stability and help the club move closer to a Wild Card position.[00:00:45] Mason Marchment, Ryan Lindgren, and Frederik Gaudreau were among the veterans added to strengthen the roster, although Marchment was later traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets.[00:01:00] Seattle begins the season with an encouraging 11-5-5 record. The goaltending tandem of Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord also performs better than expected and gives the team a chance to compete early.[00:01:20] The positive start quickly disappears during a damaging 1-9-1 stretch between mid-November and mid-December. Although Seattle responds with an 8-0-2 run, the club never finds lasting consistency.[00:01:40] The Kraken suffer at least three consecutive regulation losses on six separate occasions. Those repeated slides prevent the team from building momentum or remaining firmly involved in the playoff race.[00:02:00] Scoring remains one of Seattle’s biggest weaknesses. The Kraken finish among the NHL’s lowest-scoring teams and fail to receive the expected growth from several important forwards.[00:02:20] Jared McCann has not replicated the 40-goal season he produced in 2022-23. Matty Beniers appears to have settled into the range of a 50-point player rather than developing into a dominant first-line center.[00:02:40] Shane Wright also continues to fall short of expectations attached to his high draft position. His limited progress becomes another major concern for an organization that needs its young players to drive the next stage of growth.[00:03:00] The conversation turns to Seattle’s leadership transition. Ron Francis, the franchise’s original general manager, is departing after previously moving into the role of team president.[00:03:20] Jason Botterill now assumes complete control of hockey operations. Neil questions the organization’s direction and notes that Botterill’s previous tenure as general manager of the Buffalo Sabres produced mixed results.[00:03:45] Seattle’s constant coaching changes also come under scrutiny. The franchise has moved from Dave Hakstol to Dan Bylsma and now Lane Lambert, yet no coach has been able to create sustained success.[00:04:10] The Kraken’s lone breakthrough came during their second season, when they defeated the defending champion Colorado Avalanche before pushing the Dallas Stars to seven games in the second round.[00:04:30] Botterill enters the 2026 NHL Draft with eight selections, including two first-round picks. Seattle owns its original selection and the pick acquired from Tampa Bay in the Oliver Bjorkstrand trade.[00:04:50] The Kraken also hold multiple selections in the fourth and seventh rounds, giving the organization additional opportunities to strengthen a prospect system that must produce more impact players.[00:05:10] Seattle projects to have approximately $4.3 million in cap space. That provides some flexibility, but likely not enough to completely reshape the roster through free agency.[00:05:30] Unrestricted free agents include Jaden Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen, trade-deadline acquisition Bobby McMann, and original Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak.[00:05:55] Vic does not expect Seattle to be significantly better next season. The Kraken may not be a bottom-tier team, but the roster currently appears trapped between rebuilding and legitimate playoff contention.[00:06:20] Neil believes Seattle will remain around the Wild Card conversation, but major offseason work is required to move the
- 3 days ago9 min
Spring Cleaning – Tampa Bay Lightning
Spring Cleaning – Tampa Bay LightningThe Tampa Bay Lightning remain one of the NHL’s model organizations, but another first-round playoff exit raises serious questions about whether their championship window is beginning to close. After finishing second in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay lost a tightly contested seven-game series to the Montreal Canadiens, marking a fourth consecutive opening-round elimination. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Lightning’s regular-season excellence, postseason scoring problems, major injury challenges, and the difficult decisions awaiting General Manager Julien BriseBois.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Lightning finish second in the Atlantic Division before losing to Montreal in seven games during the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It becomes Tampa Bay’s fourth straight first-round defeat since reaching the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.[00:00:30] Despite the playoff disappointment, Neil emphasizes the extraordinary consistency of the organization. Since winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup in 2021, the Lightning have averaged more than 102 standings points per season.[00:01:00] Jon Cooper continues to get strong results regardless of injuries or roster limitations. Even when key players are unavailable, Cooper consistently finds combinations that allow Tampa Bay to remain competitive.[00:01:30] Nikita Kucherov delivers another elite regular season, recording his fourth consecutive 100-point campaign and the sixth of his career. His production keeps Tampa Bay among the NHL’s most dangerous offensive teams.[00:01:50] Jake Guentzel reaches the 30-goal mark for the sixth time in his career while setting a personal best with 88 points. Brandon Hagel also produces a career season with 36 goals and a plus-34 rating.[00:02:10] Defenseman Darren Raddysh provides one of the season’s biggest surprises, finishing with 22 goals, 48 assists, and 70 points while posting a plus-21 rating. His breakout season positions him for a significant contract as an unrestricted free agent.[00:02:30] Brayden Point experiences a major decline in goal production. After previously scoring 51, 46, and 42 goals, he finishes with only 18 while missing 19 games due to injury.[00:02:50] Injuries become a defining part of Tampa Bay’s season, with the club losing 339 man-games. Victor Hedman appears in only 33 games because of injuries and a leave of absence to focus on his mental health.[00:03:10] Ryan McDonagh, Emil Lilleberg, and Erik Cernak also miss significant time, often leaving the Lightning without multiple regular defensemen simultaneously.[00:03:30] Neil believes Cooper deserves serious consideration for his first Jack Adams Award. He compares Cooper’s candidacy with Dan Muse in Pittsburgh and Lindy Ruff in Buffalo.[00:04:00] While the regular-season product remains excellent, the Lightning’s postseason results reveal a troubling trend. Tampa Bay has now failed to advance beyond the first round in four consecutive seasons.[00:04:25] Tampa Bay scores only 15 goals during its seven-game series against Montreal. Because nearly every game remains within one goal, a single additional offensive play could have changed the outcome.[00:04:45] Brandon Hagel leads the Lightning with six playoff goals, but the rest of the offense struggles. Jake Guentzel and Dominic James finish with two goals each, while Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov score only once apiece.[00:05:05] Kucherov’s postseason production becomes a major concern. Despite his regular-season brilliance, he has scored only two goals across his last 22 playoff games over four seasons.[00:05:30] Corey Perry and Nick Paul also fail to provide the secondary scoring Tampa Bay needs. Neil believes the Lightning occasionally become too focused on making the perfect play instead of creating simpler scoring opportunities.[00:05:50] Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobeš delivers an outstanding performance in Game 7, helping the Canadiens survive despite Tampa Bay controlling much of the play.[00:06:15] Andrei Vasilevskiy forces the deciding game with a 1-0 shutout in Game 6, although he faces only nine shots. In Game 7, Alex Newhook scores the series-winning goal on a puck that caroms off Vasilevskiy after being played from behind the net.[00:06:45] Attention shifts to Julien BriseBois and the offseason ahead. Tampa Bay owns six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft but does not have a first-round pick after trading it to Seattle in the Oliver Bjorkstrand deal.[00:07:10] The Lightnin
- 4 days ago5 min
Spring Cleaning – St. Louis Blues
Spring Cleaning – St. Louis BluesThe St. Louis Blues entered the 2025-26 season expecting to build on their surprising late-season surge under Jim Montgomery, but instead fell well short of a playoff berth. Offensive regression, inconsistent goaltending, and prolonged losing streaks prevented the Blues from challenging for a Wild Card position. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine what went wrong, the transition from Doug Armstrong to Alex Steen in the front office, and how St. Louis can use an impressive collection of draft picks to begin its next chapter.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Blues are eliminated from playoff contention on April 11 after entering the season with realistic hopes of earning a Wild Card berth. Following their strong finish in 2024-25 under Jim Montgomery, expectations were considerably higher than the previous year.[00:00:30] St. Louis never finds sustained consistency. Losing streaks of 1-6-2 and 1-8-1 derail the season, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the schedule and making it difficult to recover in a competitive Western Conference.[00:00:50] Offensive production falls well below expectations. The Blues fail to produce a single 25-goal scorer, while injuries contribute to declines from Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, leaving the offense without a consistent finishing touch.[00:01:10] Goaltending also becomes a concern. Jordan Binnington struggles throughout much of the season, forcing Jim Montgomery to rely more heavily on Joel Hofer down the stretch as St. Louis searches for answers in net.[00:01:30] Neil explains that the Blues never truly challenged the Utah Mammoth for the final playoff position despite preseason expectations that the two clubs would battle throughout the year. Instead, Utah clearly separated itself while St. Louis remained near the bottom of the standings.[00:01:45] Attention turns to the future as Alex Steen prepares to officially replace longtime General Manager Doug Armstrong on July 1. After spending two years preparing for the role, Steen now inherits responsibility for reshaping the franchise.[00:02:00] The Blues possess one of the strongest collections of draft assets in the league, entering the 2026 NHL Draft with 12 selections, including three first-round picks and three third-round picks acquired through previous trades.[00:02:30] Although St. Louis lacks a second-round selection, the organization also owns multiple fourth- and fifth-round picks, giving Alex Steen significant flexibility to either build through the draft or pursue trades.[00:02:45] Salary-cap flexibility remains limited, with the Blues projected to have only about $1.84 million in available space before the July 1 reset. That leaves little room for major free-agent additions.[00:03:00] Oscar Sundqvist headlines the unrestricted free agent class, while restricted free agents Jonathan Berggren, Matt Kessel, and Dylan Holloway become much higher priorities for the organization.[00:03:20] Neil points to Holloway as one of the club's most important offseason decisions after arriving via offer sheet. While another offer sheet remains possible in theory, Neil believes St. Louis will make retaining the young forward a top priority.[00:03:40] Looking at the roster from a broader perspective, Neil questions whether the Blues are close enough to contend or whether a more significant rebuild is necessary. He believes simply making minor adjustments may not be enough to return to the playoffs.[00:04:00] Jordan Binnington becomes one potential trade candidate. Neil wonders whether another organization would be interested in acquiring the Stanley Cup-winning goaltender, whose international success may still make him attractive despite an inconsistent NHL season.[00:04:30] Alex Steen now faces difficult decisions about which veterans remain part of the organization's future. Moving established players could accelerate the transition to a younger core while creating additional salary-cap flexibility.[00:04:50] Despite holding a wealth of draft picks, Neil cautions against trading too many of them away. Those selections represent one of the franchise's greatest long-term assets and must be used wisely to strengthen the organization.[00:05:00] The episode concludes with Neil emphasizing that modern NHL general managers must treat draft picks as both future players and valuable trade currency. For Alex Steen, successfully balancing those two approaches will determine how quickly the St. Louis Blues can return to playoff contention.
- 4 days ago8 min
Spring Cleaning – San Jose Sharks
Spring Cleaning – San Jose SharksThe San Jose Sharks took one of the NHL's biggest steps forward during the 2025-26 season, narrowly missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs after exceeding nearly every preseason expectation. Fueled by the emergence of superstar Macklin Celebrini and a growing collection of young talent, the Sharks became one of the league's most exciting offensive teams. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down San Jose's rapid progress, the defensive issues that still need attention, and why General Manager Mike Grier may have one of the brightest futures in the NHL.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Sharks are eliminated on April 13 after making an unexpected push toward the playoffs. Neil and Vic revisit their preseason expectations, when both believed San Jose was still another year away from serious contention despite an active offseason by General Manager Mike Grier.[00:00:35] Macklin Celebrini emerges as the driving force behind the Sharks' remarkable improvement. The young superstar explodes from 63 points as a rookie to 115 points in his second NHL season while improving his plus-minus from minus-31 to plus-eight.[00:01:00] Will Smith continues his development with 58 points despite playing fewer games than the previous season. Michael Misa also shows tremendous promise, while Kiefer Sherwood earns a five-year contract extension after arriving from Vancouver.[00:01:20] Veterans Tyler Toffoli, William Eklund, and Alexander Wennberg provide stability alongside the Sharks' young core, helping San Jose become a far more competitive team throughout the season.[00:01:45] Neil admits no one could have predicted Celebrini's meteoric rise, which included becoming an important contributor for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics. His development dramatically accelerates San Jose's rebuild.[00:02:00] Additional young forwards Pavel Regenda, Igor Chernyshov, and Michael Misa each contribute offensively, giving the Sharks an even deeper pipeline of emerging talent expected to improve in the coming years.[00:02:20] Team-wide improvements are significant. San Jose finishes 34 points better in the standings, improves its goal differential from minus-105 to minus-41, and scores 41 more goals than it did the previous season.[00:02:50] While the offense flourishes, major defensive concerns remain. The Sharks improve their power play to the middle of the NHL rankings, but the goals-against average and penalty kill remain among the league's weakest.[00:03:20] Neil credits the offensive explosion almost entirely to Celebrini's impact while emphasizing that Ryan Warsofsky's next challenge is transforming the Sharks into a stronger defensive hockey club.[00:03:45] Looking ahead, Mike Grier enters the 2026 NHL Draft with eight selections, including two first-round picks—one acquired from Edmonton in the Jake Walman trade—and two fourth-round selections accumulated through previous deals.[00:04:30] The discussion reviews the complicated series of trades that reshaped San Jose's draft capital, illustrating how Grier has continued collecting assets while rebuilding the organization.[00:05:00] The Sharks project to have minimal cap space before the July 1 reset, largely because they absorbed Carey Price's contract from Montreal to help reach the NHL salary floor while acquiring additional assets in return.[00:05:30] Neil explains why rebuilding teams often take on long-term contracts from other organizations, using available cap space to collect draft picks and prospects while remaining compliant with league salary requirements.[00:06:00] Logan Couture's retirement, Marc-Edouard Vlasic's buyout, Martin Jones' buyout, and retained salary from the Erik Karlsson and Tomáš Hertl trades continue to affect San Jose's salary structure, though much of that financial picture improves after July 1.[00:06:45] A large portion of the Sharks' defense enters free agency. Ryan Reaves, Pavel Regenda, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, Mario Ferraro, and Vincent Desharnais headline the unrestricted free agent class, making defense Mike Grier's top offseason priority.[00:07:20] Restricted free agents Colin Graf, Philipp Kurashev, Zack Ostapchuk, and defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin also require new contracts. Neil expects Mukhamadullin to continue developing into an important piece of San Jose's blue line.[00:07:50] Neil also looks ahead to the following offseason, when Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith become restricted free agents. Celebrini is expected to command a franchise-changing contract, with Smith likely following shortly a
About NHL Wraparound Podcast
Breadth and depth. Contemporary and historical. Straight-forward and experienced. The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League. Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past. With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed. Bio’s Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years. Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings. Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager. A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL. After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003. His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.
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