NHL Wraparound Podcast

Wild GM Bill Guerin made a statement with his record extension to Kirill Kaprizov in late September. Friday, he put the rest of the NHL on notice with a blockbuster trade acquired Vancouver captain Quinn Hughes for three players and a draft pick. Vic and Neil have the analysis.

Among the other happenings since Friday's show, a big injury, a big return and, if the Pittsburgh Penguins get nudged out of a playoff berth, they'll look back at this weekend and call it the big whiff.

And guess who's returning to MSG Monday? For that...

Pierre Turgeon, 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and one of only 48 players in NHL history to score 500 goals, joins Neil and Vic for an intimate Hall of Fame Edition conversation. From representing Canada in the Little League World Series alongside Stefan Matteau to scoring 132 points in his best NHL season, Turgeon reflects on his remarkable 19-year career. He shares memories of the Dale Hunter hit, the emotional closing of the Montreal Forum, playing alongside legends, and the personal tragedy that changed his perspective on life and gratitude.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Pierre Turgeon joins as...

Scott Stevens, the greatest open-ice hitter in NHL history and three-time Stanley Cup champion, joins Neil and Vic for an unforgettable Hall of Fame Edition conversation. From his early days as the fifth overall pick in Washington to becoming the first player to have his number retired by the New Jersey Devils, Stevens reflects on his 22-year Hall of Fame career. He shares stories about learning to channel his intensity, the legendary 1994 Eastern Conference Final, winning three championships with three different coaches, and the art of delivering clean, devastating hits while never finishing a season as a minus player.<...

As the Edmonton Oilers continue to emerge from their first quarter slumber, the team swung a pair of deals heading into the weekend with Pittsburgh and Nashville. Vic and Neil have the latest.

Coming off Tuesday's last second thrillers, more comebacks were in store on Wednesday and Thursday but, not to be outdone, two notable goalie performances and and handful of four-point games, including the second four-goal game of the season.

And, once again, can teams stop insulting our intelligence when it comes to injuries?

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Neil...

Anyone have the Anaheim Ducks in first place at this point of the season with the likes of Vegas, Los Angeles and Edmonton residing with them in the Pacific Division? If you said no, you're not alone but there they sit. Long-time Ducks TV analyst Brian Hayward join Neil and Vic to discuss the "whys" to their first-half success.

In Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To, the Toronto Maple Leafs are surging - in part due to a rookie goaltender and despite a power play which sunk to the depths of the NHL. We also...

The first weekend of December continued to roll out strong storylines as the two-time defending champs won in a pair of games in very different ways, with controversy surrounding one of them.

Their opponent for those two Cup wins hung another big score on Saturday and appear to have regained so mojo.

Elsewhere, a pre-season favorite is in the midst of a five-game slide with rumblings they may be seeking trade partners and two superstars spin some OT brilliance at MSG.

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Pat Verbeek, General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks and Hall of Fame player, joins Neil and Vic to discuss the franchise's exciting transformation. Fresh off a 21-point improvement in the standings and the blockbuster hiring of three-time Stanley Cup champion Joel Quenneville as head coach, Verbeek shares his vision for building a playoff contender. From his playing days alongside Quenneville in Hartford to assembling a roster with former Rangers talent and developing young stars, Verbeek provides insight into the Ducks' path forward and the lessons learned from near-playoff misses.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Pat Verbeek...

The legendary Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history, joins Neil and Vic for the inaugural episode of NHL Wraparound Hall of Fame Edition. At 91 years old, Bowman shares remarkable stories from his seven-decade journey through hockey, from his childhood in Verdun to building dynasties in Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Detroit. He discusses his mentorship under Sam Pollock, the evolution of the game, coaching superstars, and the challenges facing teams trying to rebuild in today's NHL.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Launching NHL Wraparound Hall of Fame Edition franchise with hockey's greatest coach, Scotty Bowman.

How often do you hear "on any given night, any team can beat any other team?"

Let's just say if you were siding with heavy favorites Thursday, you didn't sleep well.

And the misery wasn't limited to the top teams a couple of rising clubs in California got taken to school on Wednesday.

Vic and Neil break it down and get set for the first weekend in December which includes an update on the status of the Olympic hockey facility in Italy.

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Neil Smith...

Though scored upon early and victimized by his own turnover, Carter Hart's return to the NHL was a successful one.

Vic and Neil discuss that plus a myriad of other storylines from the brilliance of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini to other highs and lows in the goaltending world to a special night for two youngsters in Nashville.

By the way, can the Avalanche clinch a playoff berth next week?

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45 Games worth of action in a brief window since the last show. Vic and Neil offer up their thoughts on whether they believe a greater or lesser percentage of teams in playoff position on American Thanksgiving will qualify by the time we reach mid-April.

Also, some significant injury news and an upcoming season debut for a player who's been out of the NHL for almost two years.

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Jeff Blashill, head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, joins the show to discuss his mission to rebuild one of hockey's most storied franchises. After proving his ability to develop young talent during his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings, Blashill shares his vision for turning around a Blackhawks team that has missed the playoffs five straight seasons. From his philosophy on building a winning culture to his approach with superstar Connor Bedard, Blashill provides an inside look at the foundation being laid in Chicago.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Jeff Blashill joins the show and reflects...

Ken Holland, the legendary hockey executive, joins the show to discuss his surprising move to become Vice President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings. After a distinguished career that included building championship teams in Detroit and Edmonton, Holland shares insights on his transition to LA, his philosophy on team building, and what it takes to construct a Stanley Cup contender in the modern NHL.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Ken Holland joins the show and discusses his unexpected move to become VP/GM of the Los Angeles Kings after a stint in the NHL's...

After missing the playoffs a season ago, the expectations for the New York Islanders was a bit lower in the eyes of many coming into 2025-26.

Though they struggled at the outset of the new season, things have reversed course to the positive highlighted by a recent 6-1-0 road trip.

Former Islander and current TV analyst Cal Clutterbuck joins Neil and Vic to look at what's different thus far as well as key areas going forward.

Before the conversation, Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To focuses on a few clubs...

In the third of the NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series, Neil and Vic welcome three-time Super Bowl champion placekicker with the New England Patriots Stephen Gostkowski to the show.

The four-time Pro Bowler and Patriots all-time scoring leader covers a range of topics from his early days or an athlete, to playing under Bill Belichick and with Tom Brady to life after football.

Gostkowski even mixes in a little hockey as a young fan of the Buffalo Sabres and, more recently, the Boston Bruins.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:49] - Neil welcomes Stephen Gostkowski...

There's the Colorado Avalanche. And then there's everyone else as the NHL's top team has a seven point lead on the field just past the quarter pole.

Vic and Neil will talk about the Avs but also a weekend which saw some other good (calling the Wild, Flames, Sabres, Flyers and Morgan Geeking)... and some bad (Calling the Maple Leafs, Rangers and Mikko Rantanen.)

We'll have some key injury updates as well as a special anniversary for one of the hosts.

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The NHL season has entered the second quarter having delivered on a grand scale over the first 330 games played. The past couple of nights have encapsulated what the first quarter was about: Legendary greatness, a new age of greatness, surprises, disappointments and a late-breaking significant injury.

In short, never a dull moment in the NHL.

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The NHL regular season will hit the quarter pole Thursday with all but a very few right in the mix. One of those teams is the Utah Mammoth, who have hung right in despite a very heavy road schedule. Team GM Bill Armstrong will stop by to update a unit more comfortable at home in their second season in Salt Lake City.

In Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To, we have three hat tricks, a wild finish Tuesday in Dallas and a look at just how unpredictable the league is thus far.

Following...

Some NHL history was made in Friday's quartet of games while we also saw a quartet of happy returns of some sort.

The Florida rivals got re-acquainted while some key injury news makes the show among our divisional updates.

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Another couple of nights rife with storylines. From Brad Marchand to home struggles to a few surging teams, Vic and Neil have it covered.

We'll also have the latest personnel news and the passing of a Hall of Fame journralist.

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It's the most over-hyped title in the NHL: The Generational Player. Every high-profile player projected to be a number one overall pick seems to get the label. In 2023, it was Connor Bedard. In '24, Macklin Celebrini. And be ready for Gavin McKenna to be anointed in advance of the 2026 Entry Draft.

Let's now take a step back. What truly defines a generational talent and who are those that are worthy? Who better to dissect that than hockey's most renowned history, Stan Fischler.

In Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To, a milestone and a...

While unpredictability can always be counted on in the NHL, it's how those storylines take shape that provides the most intrigue.

We're still over a week or so from the quarter pole of the 2025-26 but what takes place on a nightly basis never leaves a shortage of talk points. Some good. Some not so good. And some outright ugly.

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...

At one time, it was difficult to fathom anyone reaching 500 goals, then 600, 700 and 800. And now, the 900 mark has been breached with ALex Ovechkin having reached the mark Wednesday and, he eventually got hold a hold of the puck.

Heading into the weekend, other vets left their marks over the past couple of evenings as have the first overall picks from 2023 and 2024.

We'll also touch on team-related items as Pittsburgh, Anaheim and Boston continue to hold up well in the first month of play and has the most high-profiled free agent from the class of 2024 already...

A season after surprising many with their first-ever Presidents' Trophy, the Winnipeg Jets are around the top of the NHL standings once again despite losing some key components from a season ago.

Executive VP/GM Kevin Cheveldayoff joins Neil and Vic to discuss his team, the challenges of remaining competitive in the league's smallest market and the inspiration by the return to play of native son Jonathan Toews.

In Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To, the Ducks continue to prove they are to be taken seriously while the Rangers play at home is...

The calendar has flipped to November as we begin to settle in for the long winter months ahead. The flip side is the Eastern Conference is showing signs of a true dogfight that might have everybody in the playoff hunt come April while in the West...not so much.

Vic and Neil catch you up on the weekend highlighting some key games including the latest stunning performance from the first overall pick of the Entry Draft, a couple of veteran moments and what the Calgary Flames decided to do with their first pick in last year's draft.<...

In this Halloween edition, Vic and Neil don't trick-or-treat but, instead theme on good news and bad news around the league. They add in some other notable items and injury news before wrapping up with a great gesture by a Florida Panther and an honor for a Lightning superstar.

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Professional sports was rocked October 23rd when a prominent NBA head coach and a Miami Heat player were arrested as part of two separate illegal gambling investigations, one allegedly connected to organized crime. The ripple effect of these cases underscores that sports betting is not only a concern for the NBA, but extends to other major sports as well as the college ranks.

While betting scandals in sports goes back over a century, pro leagues partnering with sports books and casinos combined with the vulnerability of today's youth being able to place bets with the click on...

The first month of the season always yields some surprises. It's just hard to predict where they'll be originating from.

This season, it happens it be coming from the NHL's newest market as the Utah Mammoth have used a seven-game winning streak to vault themselves to the top of the Central, above three other division powerhouses.

Plenty of other news coming out of a 25-game weekend...some good, some bad and some ugly.

And, gear up for Frozen Frenzy, a 16-game evening-long marathon coming up Tuesday.

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In a night that saw 90 goals, scored, we're beginning to witness some of the NHL's former lesser teams show some genuine progress. That includes the league's lone winless team finally breaking into the win column.

Vic and Neil also note at a couple wild contests in the West, the latest injury updates and look ahead to a 25-game weekend.

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His voice has boomed across the airwaves of Canada for almost four-and-a-half decades. After the 2025-26 season, Joe Bowen will retire from behind the Maple Leafs microphone but not before hoping to make the one call Leafs fans have waited for since 1967.

Bowen joins Neil and Vic for an enlightening conversation covering his career, his famous moniker and his memories from a Hall-of-Fame career.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:15] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To pays a lot of attention to Brad Marchand's return Boston for the first time since the March...

A day later than planned but then again, who wasn't affected in some way by Monday's AWS outage?

Speaking of which, while the Rangers did manage to score a goal at home for the first time in four games, but their offense continues to fizzle at MSG.

Also, the NHL is an unforgiving league so there's little doubt 30 teams aren't feeling sorry for both the Panthers and Oilers - the frustration manifesting in different ways over last weekend.

Elsewhere, Vic and Neil look at a teams making early progress and one in particular...

Three struggling clubs in the East get much needed wins while the ghosts of the Montreal Forum appear to have taken residence in the Bell Centre.

Vic and Neil have the updates plus Carter Hart's new home headlines several goalie items heading into the weekend.

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14 years ago, the Buffalo Sabres qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Lindy Ruff behind their bench. Fourteen years and six head coaches later, Ruff was tabbed again last year to try to recapture some post-season magic in Buffalo. Unfortunately, it hasn't gone exactly to plan.

Another slow start punctuated by lack of offense has quickly tested the patience of the fans in Western New York. Buffalo News columnist Mike Harrington joins Neil and Vic to get the pulse in the winning starved city.

We'll also return with Three Things You Need to Pay Attention...

The first week of the 2025-26 season is complete. Teams have played an average of three games apiece. Entering Tuesday only Buffalo, the N.Y. Islanders and San Jose are winless but each has a very different feel to it.

We bounce around to some other league happenings, some major injury news in Ottawa and a nice, new contract for last year's Calder Trophy winner.

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Professional hockey has a long lineage of families who have had a prominent impact on the game. From the Staal's and Sutter's to the Hull's and Bentley's and beyond, each has left it's mark.

However, if one is looking for the true first family of hockey, you'd have to go back well over a century to the name Patrick...one which continues to influence hockey today.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:53] - Neil's and Craig's first meeting.

[02:58] - Rules that Patrick's great uncle, Frank and grandfather Lester introduced into hockey over a century...

Twenty-one games in the books as the new season is underway. Plenty of coverage including contract extensions, debuts in new places and observations as all 32 teams have emerged from the starting blocks.

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After some shenanigans in Ottawa and the Sunshine State to wrap up the pre-season, the Tuesday openers can't get here fast enough.

Vic and Neil look at those three games, coaches debuting with new teams and dates major free agents kick off their respective seasons.

And, it's never too late to look ahead to the 2026 Entry Draft where the projected number one pick is already making an impression...and a former number one overall has signed a contract extension that may surprise many of you.

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Neil...

Ready for another round? The new season is at our doorstep and, with it, comes our season preview show with long-time Canadian commentator and host of The Sheet Podcast, Jeff Marek.

We'll be talking the new era of money as it pertains to player contacts and free agency, new faces behind the bench and who may be on the hot seat, plus players and teams to look out for as the Florida Panthers look to three-peat despite having to deal with some key injuries.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:15] - Show me the money! Minnesota...

The NHL has a long history of players who have made their mark as open-ice hitters, perhaps none who delivered more punishment than Scott Stevens.

The 2007 Hall of Fame inductee joins Neil and Vic to talk playing style, leadership and captaincy and winning three Stanley Cups in New Jersey under three different head coaches.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:44] - Neil opens about one of his pet peeves: a player having to answer for delivering a big hit. As Stevens shares, it's a far cry from when he played.

[04:06] - Neil takes Scott...

A major contract extension and it's potential ripple effect. Some major injury updates starting with the defending Stanley Cup champions and while one goalie says says farewell, another veteran netminder is looking to hook on with his original team.

The 2025-26 regular season is just a week away and we have the latest.

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The third installment of the Hall of Fame Edition is a man synonymous with the Winged Wheel logo. Steve Yzerman's entire playing career was spent in the Motor City with the transition to management taking place nearly two decades ago.

Steve stops by for a chat with Vic and Neil and we cover the entire spectrum for youth to his playing career to the rivalry with the Colorado Avalanche to life as a hockey executive.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:10] - The show opens with Neil and Steve recalling their first meeting at the 1983 Memorial...

The envy of the NHL for the first half of last decade, the Chicago Blackhawks have come upon difficult times since winning their last Stanley Cup in 2015. The road back to respectability has been slow and frustrating for fans in the Windy City.

While a bit more patience may be in order, there's reason for optimism as Jeff Blashill begins a new era behind the Blackhawks bench bringing with him a reputation for developing players with a focus on fundamentals. Neil and Vic speak with Blashill to get a line on his expectations for the coming season.<...

Following the passing of Hall-of-Fame goaltender Bernie Parent, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren re-release the podcast which first aired in May 2024 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Flyers’ first Stanley Cup victory in 1974. This unforgettable conversation featured Parent, cornerstone of the Cup-winning team, and Jay Snider, son of Flyers’ founder Ed Snider and former team president.

Together, they reflected on the rise of the Broad Street Bullies, the grit, passion, and leadership that defined their era, and the lasting legacy of the Flyers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 1974 and 1975. From intense battles with the Boston Bruins to behind...

As training camps get underway, news around the NHL is beginning to pick up. Vic and Neil go over several areas of interest including the McDavid/Kaprizov drama, a new captain in the Big Apple and several other player news. Also, some familiar names will be behind the bench for the United States at the Winter Olympics in Italy in February.

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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...

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.

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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 it

Coming 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 be...

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 ve...

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 EPISODE:

[00:00...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 Tamp...

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 to...

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...

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...

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 playo...

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 EPISODE:

[00:00] Why Neil hates team names without an...

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 it...

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...

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 defens...

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 sugges...

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-boun...

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 pressu...

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:

🔥 Connor McDavid enters the final year of his contract.

With Leon Draisaitl locked in through 2033 at $14M per, the expectation is that McDavid will command $16M+ AAV—but only if Edmonton proves they’re still capable of winning it all.

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Why we’re leadin...

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...

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 buyou...

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...

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 who...

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 Ed...

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 Conf...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 deci...

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...

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, Mike...

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 l...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings...

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...

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...

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.

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Neil Smith: http...

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...

In 2024, the Panthers led the Stanley Cup Final 3-games-to-2 with pressure headed back to Edmonton against an Oiler team bent on continuing an historic comeback.

This time around, they head home with a chance to repeat after a commanding 5-2 win at Rogers Place led by a 37-year-old unrestricted free agent whose value is actually increasing.

Vic and Neil hit the key points, including the Oilers decision to start Calvin Pickard in goal plus the apparent lethargy for the home team after a quick turnaround between Games 4 and 5.

This Day in Stanley Cup...

Once a winner is determined Saturday, the Florida Panthers will be within a win of a repeat or the Edmonton Oilers will move to within a victory of being the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup in 32 years.

Vic and Neil cover all of the angles from goaltending to special teams as many of the points made in the Final Preview are playing our through the first four games of this series.

The Maple Leafs headline the news with two significant parts of the organization departing...one via free agency on July 1 and...

For the third time in four games, high drama captures the Stanley Cup Final. For the second time, it's Leon Draisaitl delivering in OT for the Oilers as the series becomes a best-of-three on a night where the Panthers appeared primed to go up 3-1.

Vic and Neil break it down as the teams head back to Edmonton with the burning question of who starts in the Oilers net?

In league news, the final three NHL awards - the Hart, Vezina and Lady Byng - were handed out and a rumored trade between the Rangers...

Known more as a long-time analyst for the Vancouver Canucks, John Garrett's career as a professional goaltender was a modest one played out over 12 seasons, 6 teams and two leagues.

As often happens, however, hockey has an odd way of connecting individuals. One previously existed between "Cheech," as Garrett is known and Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, going back to their days in the World Hockey Association.

Now, after more than 45 years, there's a second connection - one Garrett will enjoy far more than the first...

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Neil Smith...

Not only was Game 3 a rout, but it was also a classic of example of the Florida Panthers being to exercise their style of play in a way which trapped the Edmonton Oilers into a space they didn't want to be in.

With Game 4 on tap Thursday, it's no secret the Panthers will want a repeat and won't be changing a thing while the Oilers look for the heavy pushback with both poise and discipline.

News items include the announcement of the Norris Trophy winner and the increasing possibility of the longest tenured New York...