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Published 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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Clearly the weakest of the four divisions in 2025-26, half of the teams in this octet enter the new season with a change behind the bench, including the one and two teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers. While the VGK did stun many sweeping the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche enroute to the Final, a rookie head coach will be under the microscope as will a veteran in Edmonton trying to re-build his reputation. Let's also not forget what's taking place in the Golden State. Can the Sharks be the Ducks of the new season and are the Kings simply stuck in suspended animation? IN THIS EPISODE: [05:26] - Vegas Golden Knights [13:41] - Edmonton Oilers [21:29] - Anaheim Ducks [27:08] - Los Angeles Kings [33:53] - San Jose Sharks [40:06] - Seattle Kraken [46:26] - Calgary Flames [51:26] - Vancouver Canucks X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/ NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/ #NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #BZZR #AnaheimDucks #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets
In 2025-26, the top three teams in the Western Conference all resided in the Central Division...and all failed to make the Stanley Cup Final. In this episode, Neil and Vic examine the powerhouses in Colorado, Dallas and Minnesota while also checking to see if there's enough upgrade in Winnipeg to return to the Presidents' Trophy form of 2024-25. Also under the radar: The up-and-coming Utah Mammoth and the very active Nashville Predators under new Head of Hockey Operations, Chris MacFarland. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:32] - Colorado Avalanche [11:52] - Dallas Stars [16:07] - Minnesota Wild [22:39] - Utah Mammoth [27:31] - St. Louis Blues [31:48] - Nashville Predators [37:57] - Winnipeg Jets [46:54] - Chicago Blackhawks X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/ NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/ #NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #BZZR #AnaheimDucks #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets
The second installment of the Summer Coolers brings the Atlantic Division into focus. 2025-26 saw the rise of the Buffalo Sabres and the fall of both the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. To say there has been change among this group of eight teams would be an understatement but, will change actually result in positive movement? IN THIS EPISODE: [02:47] - Buffalo Sabres [09:44] - Tampa Bay Lightning [16:49] - Montreal Canadiens [22:22] - Boston Bruins [30:32] - Ottawa Senators [36:39] - Detroit Red Wings [43:44] - Florida Panthers [49:40] - Toronto Maple Leafs X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/ NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/ #NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #BZZR #AnaheimDucks #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets
Training camps are on the horizon but, before we get there, Neil and Vic return with their 2026 edition of the Summer Coolers. As has been the case in the previous two summers, the division of the Stanley Cup-winning team leads off the round up of team movement during the course of the off-season. Who's upgraded, who appears to have taken a step back and those who have maintained the status quo is the focus of this four-part series. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:58] - Carolina Hurricanes [08:44] - Pittsburgh Penguins [17:47] - Philadelphia Flyers [25:47] - Washington Capitals [31:34] - Columbus Blue Jackets [39:00] - New York Islanders [43:48] - New Jersey Devils [50:37] - New York Rangers X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/ NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/ #NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #BZZR #AnaheimDucks #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets
Spring Cleaning – Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals entered the 2025-26 season expecting some regression after nearly winning the Presidents’ Trophy the year before. That concern proved justified as declining production, injuries, weaker special teams, and uncertainty surrounding Alex Ovechkin’s future left Washington outside the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why the Capitals could not recreate the magic of their previous season and the major fork in the road facing General Manager Chris Patrick this summer. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Capitals are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13 after entering the season with expectations of taking a step backward from their Eastern Conference-leading 2024-25 campaign. [00:00:25] Neil and Vic revisit Washington’s late-season decline from the previous year. The Capitals were 32 games above .500 on March 23, 2025, but finished the regular season 4-7-1 as the pursuit of Alex Ovechkin’s scoring record became the team’s central focus. [00:00:55] Washington still won the Eastern Conference and defeated Montreal in five games, but looked noticeably slower than Carolina during its second-round playoff elimination. [00:01:15] Eight Capitals players produced career seasons in 2024-25, making it difficult to expect the same level of performance one year later. [00:01:35] Neil believes the attention surrounding Ovechkin’s record chase disrupted the team’s rhythm. Once the record was secured, Washington never fully regained the form it displayed earlier in the season. [00:02:00] A quiet offseason provides little reinforcement, and the Capitals pace toward only 90 points through their first 72 games before finishing the season with an 8-2-0 run. [00:02:20] Several important players experience major declines in production. Dylan Strome falls from 82 points to 58, while Aliaksei Protas drops from 66 points to 52. [00:02:45] Connor McMichael also regresses, falling from 26 goals and 57 points to 14 goals and 46 points. Neil and Vic discuss how only a few additional goals could have changed several close games and kept Washington in the playoff race. [00:03:00] Pierre-Luc Dubois becomes one of the team’s most significant losses. After playing all 82 games and producing career highs with 46 assists and 66 points the previous season, Dubois is limited to only 29 games. [00:03:30] Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun, and Logan Thompson remain dependable, while Ryan Leonard takes an encouraging step with 20 goals and 45 points. [00:03:50] Justin Sourdif contributes 15 goals and 35 points after arriving from Florida, while Aliaksei Protas’ younger brother, Ilya Protas, positions himself for a full-time role next season. [00:04:10] Washington’s special teams also regress. The power play falls from 14th to 25th, while the penalty kill drops from fourth to 15th. [00:04:35] Neil explains that even moderate declines become costly in a league where so many games are decided by one goal. [00:04:55] The Capitals also remain one of the NHL’s older teams, and the unified effort that produced so many career seasons in 2024-25 does not carry over. [00:05:10] Alex Ovechkin’s future becomes the defining offseason question. He has not yet decided whether he will return for another season or retire. [00:05:30] General Manager Chris Patrick enters the 2026 NHL Draft with five selections, including two first-round picks. [00:05:50] Washington owns its original first-round selection and Anaheim’s pick acquired in the John Carlson trade. [00:06:05] The Capitals do not own a second-round pick after the Justin Sourdif trade, a third-round pick following the Jakob Chychrun deal, or a sixth-round selection after acquiring David Kämpf. [00:06:25] Washington projects to have approximately $4.4 million in cap space, leaving Patrick with limited flexibility before additional offseason moves. [00:06:45] Unrestricted free agents include Ovechkin, Brandon Duhaime, David Kämpf, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Timothy Liljegren. [00:07:00] Restricted free agents Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre also require new contracts as management evaluates which younger players belong in the next version of the team. [00:07:20] Neil believes ownership and management must first learn Ovechkin’s intentions before deciding whether to retool or begin a more significant rebuild. [00:07:40] If Ovechkin returns, Washington is unlikely to dismantle the roster around him. The organization may instead attempt one more playoff push during the final chapter of his career. [00:08:00] If Ovechkin retires, the Capitals could accept several difficult seasons in order to acquire higher draft picks and inject more youth into the lineup. [00:08:20] Vic argues that Washington still possesses enough useful pieces to avoid tearing the roster down completely. A retool may be more appropriate than a total rebuild. [00:08:40] Neil compares the possible approach with Pittsburgh’s successful strategy of adding several complementary veterans around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. [00:09:00] The episode concludes with Washington standing at a clear organizational crossroads. Every major offseason decision—from free agency to roster construction—will depend on whether Ovechkin chooses to return for one more season.
Spring Cleaning – Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets suffered one of the NHL’s most dramatic declines during the 2025-26 season, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs just one year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy. After entering the year as one of the expected powers in the Central Division, Winnipeg collapsed under the weight of declining goaltending, a lack of secondary scoring, and an overwhelming dependence on its top line. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine what went wrong, the challenges of building in the Winnipeg market, and the difficult offseason awaiting General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Jets are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13, becoming the second consecutive Presidents’ Trophy winner to miss the postseason the following year. [00:00:25] Neil and Vic revisit the preseason expectation that Winnipeg would join Colorado and Dallas among the Central Division’s elite teams. [00:00:50] The departures of Nikolaj Ehlers and Mason Appleton weaken the forward group, while questions remain about how much Jonathan Toews can contribute after several years away from the NHL. [00:01:20] Winnipeg also enters the season needing more offense from its third and fourth lines to reduce the burden on Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi. [00:01:45] Toews is viewed as a potential leadership addition for a team believed to be close to Stanley Cup contention, while Connor Hellebuyck returns as the reigning Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy winner. [00:02:00] The Jets’ collapse is dramatic. Winnipeg finishes 34 points worse than the previous season, while its goal differential falls from plus-86 to minus-29. [00:02:25] After beginning the season 9-3-0, the Jets go 6-19-5 over their next 30 games, including four regulation losing streaks of at least three games. [00:02:50] An 0-7-4 stretch becomes the clearest sign that Winnipeg’s season is spiraling out of control. [00:03:00] Hellebuyck’s numbers fall sharply after his MVP season. His record drops from 47-12-3 to 23-23-11, while his goals-against average rises from 2.00 to 2.86 and his save percentage falls from .925 to .895. [00:03:30] Winnipeg becomes overwhelmingly dependent on its top line. Scheifele, Connor, and Vilardi account for 105 of the team’s 231 goals, representing more than 45 percent of the offense. [00:04:00] The supporting cast fails to provide enough production. Cole Perfetti, Vladislav Namestnikov, Nino Niederreiter, Adam Lowry, and Alex Iafallo collectively fall from 77 goals to 46. [00:04:25] Free-agent signing Gustav Nyquist produces only one goal and 12 points in 51 games, making his season one of the organization’s biggest disappointments. [00:04:45] Neil explains that injuries played a role, but the larger problem was the absence of meaningful secondary scoring throughout the lineup. [00:05:00] The discussion turns to the challenge of attracting free agents to Winnipeg. The weather, Canadian dollar, family considerations, and smaller market all complicate recruitment. [00:05:30] Despite those challenges, players who do join the Jets often speak highly of the organization and the city. [00:05:45] Cheveldayoff enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven selections but no second-round pick after acquiring Luke Schenn from Pittsburgh. [00:06:00] Winnipeg owns two seventh-round picks, including one acquired from Buffalo in the Tanner Pearson trade. [00:06:15] The Jets project to have approximately $3.3 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. [00:06:30] Unrestricted free agents include Nyquist, Toews, Colin Miller, Jacob Bryson, and backup goaltender Eric Comrie. [00:06:50] Restricted free agents Cole Perfetti and Isak Rosén represent more important long-term decisions for the organization. [00:07:00] Neil expects Perfetti to be a priority but questions whether Winnipeg will retain Comrie, Toews, or Nyquist. [00:07:20] Cheveldayoff must find a way to add higher-end support players despite the difficulty of convincing free agents to sign in Winnipeg. [00:07:45] The Jets still possess a strong core that includes Scheifele, Hellebuyck, Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Neal Pionk. [00:08:00] Kyle Connor’s new eight-year, $12 million-per-season contract provides another major long-term commitment from one of the franchise’s top players. [00:08:20] Neil credits Cheveldayoff for successfully keeping several elite players in Winnipeg despite the market’s disadvantages. [00:08:40] The episode concludes with a clear offseason priority: improve the team’s depth and secondary scoring so the Jets are no longer dependent on one line and one goaltender to carry them back into the playoffs.
Spring Cleaning – Vancouver Canucks The 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 managers must use draft picks as both future players and trade assets while simultaneously finding experienced talent to support the roster. [00:08:00] The episode concludes with a blunt assessment of Vancouver’s direction. The Canucks have draft picks, but Neil does not believe the organization is currently drafting, trading, developing, or attracting players well enough to execute a successful rebuild.
Spring Cleaning – Vegas Golden Knights The 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. [00:09:30] With the salary cap increasing significantly over the next two seasons, Neil expects Vegas to navigate the current financial squeeze before continuing its familiar strategy of chasing championships every year. [00:10:00] The search for a new head coach becomes the organization's biggest immediate priority. Henderson AHL coach Ryan Craig has been mentioned, but Neil questions whether Vegas would suddenly change philosophies after consistently hiring experienced NHL coaches. [00:10:40] Neil believes Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee will once again pursue a proven veteran capable of managing expectations, pushing an experienced roster, and keeping the Golden Knights among the NHL's elite. Winning immediately—not developing for the future—remains the Vegas Golden Knights' identity.
Spring Cleaning – Toronto Maple Leafs The 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. [00:06:50] Neil does not simply believe the window is closing—he believes it has been slammed shut. The Maple Leafs now face a difficult organizational reset involving the front office, coaching staff, roster construction, and long-term direction.
Spring Cleaning – Utah Mammoth The 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 free agents include Alex Kerfoot, Kevin Stenlund, Kevin Rooney, Kailer Yamamoto, Ian Cole, Nick DeSimone, and Vitek Vanecek. Barrett Hayton is the team’s lone restricted free agent. [00:07:15] Neil identifies Kerfoot as the unrestricted free agent Utah should prioritize retaining. Armstrong must then determine how to replace any veterans who leave during the offseason. [00:07:35] Compared with many teams featured in Spring Cleaning, Utah does not require a major overhaul. The roster already has a strong foundation and primarily needs additional depth and goaltending support. [00:07:55] Neil believes the Mammoth remain a few years away from becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. However, their playoff experience and young core could allow them to challenge for a top-three position in the division as soon as next season.
Spring Cleaning – Seattle Kraken The 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 organization higher in the standings. [00:06:40] The episode concludes with uncertainty surrounding the Kraken’s immediate future. With a new decision-maker, another head coach, limited scoring, and several unresolved roster questions, Seattle must establish a clear organizational direction before it can become a consistent playoff team.
Spring Cleaning – Tampa Bay Lightning The 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 Lightning also lack a fourth-round selection and enter the offseason slightly above the projected salary cap before the July 1 reset. [00:07:30] Unrestricted free agents include Oliver Bjorkstrand, Corey Perry, Mitchell Chaffee, Scott Sabourin, Darren Raddysh, and Declan Carlile. The Lightning have no restricted free agents requiring new contracts. [00:07:50] Several members of the core remain signed through the 2029-30 season, including Guentzel, Point, Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, Cernak, and J.J. Moser. [00:08:10] Nikita Kucherov becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency after the following season. With Kucherov, Point, and Vasilevskiy currently carrying team-high salaries of $9.5 million, BriseBois may soon need to open the vault to retain his superstar. [00:08:35] The Lightning are also becoming one of the NHL’s older teams. Neil believes their win-now window remains open, but the organization must acknowledge that its championship core cannot remain at the top forever. [00:09:00] Tampa Bay’s limited draft capital and consistently low draft position have weakened the prospect pipeline. That makes it difficult to replace aging veterans with inexpensive young players. [00:09:30] Neil concludes that free agency may be Tampa Bay’s most realistic path for supplementing the roster in the immediate future. Until the Lightning rebuild their collection of draft picks and prospects, BriseBois must continue using creative trades and veteran signings to keep the team among the NHL’s contenders.
Spring Cleaning – St. Louis Blues The 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.
Spring Cleaning – San Jose Sharks The 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 afterward. [00:08:10] Comparing the pair to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton, Neil believes Celebrini and Smith represent the foundation of San Jose's next era. With elite young talent already in place, the Sharks now turn their focus toward building a defense capable of supporting what could become one of the NHL's most dynamic teams.
Spring Cleaning – Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers made a surprising return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, finishing third in the Metropolitan Division and reaching the postseason for the first time since the 2020 bubble. After defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, Philadelphia was swept by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine Rick Tocchet’s impact, the late-season surge that changed the Flyers’ trajectory, and the offseason decisions facing Danny Brière and Keith Jones as the organization attempts to build on a major step forward. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Flyers complete a surprise playoff run after finishing third in the Metropolitan Division. Philadelphia defeats Pittsburgh in the opening round before Carolina ends the season with a four-game sweep. [00:00:40] Neil and Vic revisit the modest expectations surrounding the Flyers entering the season. While few predicted a playoff berth, Neil believed Philadelphia could remain in the Wild Card race if Rick Tocchet could get the roster to overachieve. [00:01:20] The Flyers’ young foundation already included Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Noah Cates, Jamie Drysdale, and Cam York. Veterans Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim provided leadership, while Trevor Zegras, Christian Dvorak, and Dan Vladař were added during the offseason. [00:02:00] Tocchet receives significant credit for producing immediate results. Zegras finds new life after leaving Anaheim, while Vladař stabilizes a goaltending position that has troubled the Flyers for years. [00:02:40] Owen Tippett’s injury after the first round becomes a major loss against Carolina. Neil reflects on how Tippett developed into an important return from the trade that sent longtime captain Claude Giroux to Florida. [00:03:15] On February 26, the Flyers sit four games above .500 and eight points outside the final Wild Card position. Philadelphia responds with an 18-6-1 finish, including multiple five-game winning streaks, to force its way into the playoffs. [00:04:00] The late-season surge reveals a clear identity. The Flyers become difficult to play against in every zone, applying pressure on the forecheck, maintaining tighter defensive gaps, and fully embracing Tocchet’s demanding system. [00:04:30] Neil compares the team’s style to the traditional Philadelphia identity of physical, relentless hockey. Opponents once again understand that playing the Flyers will require a difficult, exhausting night. [00:05:00] Philadelphia’s first-round victory over Pittsburgh becomes a defining achievement. The Flyers eliminate a Penguins team led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson before running into a deeper and more experienced Carolina club. [00:05:30] Dan Vladař emerges as the clear number-one goaltender, with Samuel Ersson serving as the backup. Ivan Fedotov is traded to Columbus before the season, ending another uncertain chapter in Philadelphia’s ongoing search for stability in net. [00:06:00] Rasmus Ristolainen misses much of the first half while recovering from triceps surgery. The Flyers also receive a major late-season boost from Porter Martone, who produces 10 points in his first nine NHL games. [00:06:30] Despite the team’s progress, the power play remains the NHL’s worst for another season. The relationship between Tocchet and Matvei Michkov also becomes a concern after the young forward is scratched twice during the playoffs. [00:07:00] Neil questions how Philadelphia handled Michkov’s arrival, arguing that the organization presented him as a franchise savior before he had earned that status. Both John Tortorella and Tocchet have since challenged his defensive play and willingness to follow the team’s structure. [00:08:00] Michkov remains one year away from restricted free agency. Neil believes the Flyers are unlikely to trade him immediately, but his future could become uncertain if his relationship with the coaching staff does not improve before his next contract. [00:08:30] Philadelphia still lacks a true game-breaking scorer and goes a second consecutive season without a 30-goal player. However, the organization’s prospect pipeline includes Martone, Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, Nikita Grebenkin, Jett Luchanko, and Oliver Bonk. [00:09:00] The Flyers enter the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections and no picks in the fourth or fifth rounds. They project to have more than $7 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. [00:09:30] Unrestricted free agents include Carl Grundström, Rodrigo Ābols, Luke Glendening, and Noah Juulsen. Restricted free agents include Zegras, Grebenkin, Drysdale, Emil Andrae, and Ersson. [00:10:00] Neil identifies Zegras and Drysdale as the two most important players to re-sign. The organization must also continue adding young talent through the draft and determine which depth veterans still fit Tocchet’s system. [00:10:30] With available cap space and a suddenly more attractive competitive environment, Neil expects the Flyers to pursue at least one meaningful free agent who can improve the current roster without compromising the long-term plan. [00:11:00] The episode concludes with optimism surrounding Philadelphia’s direction. The Flyers now possess a defined identity, a respected head coach, a reliable starting goaltender, and an improving young core that has made the franchise an appealing destination once again.
Spring Cleaning – Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2025-26 season with low expectations, an unproven head coach, and widespread speculation that the franchise might finally begin dismantling its aging core. Instead, rookie head coach Dan Muse engineered one of the NHL’s biggest surprises, guiding Pittsburgh to a second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division before a first-round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Neil Smith and Vic Morren revisit how badly they underestimated the Penguins, the remarkable resurgence of Erik Karlsson, and the difficult offseason decisions now facing General Manager Kyle Dubas. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Penguins finish second in the Metropolitan Division before being eliminated by Philadelphia in the opening round. Neil and Vic revisit the extremely low expectations surrounding Pittsburgh entering the season under first-year head coach Dan Muse. [00:00:40] Questions existed about whether Sidney Crosby would remain with the team through the trade deadline, whether Erik Karlsson would be dealt, and whether the collection of veteran depth additions could keep Pittsburgh competitive. [00:01:00] Dan Muse exceeds every expectation and quickly gets the roster to buy into his system. Pittsburgh becomes a more difficult, responsible, and consistent team than it had been the previous season. [00:01:20] Erik Karlsson’s transformation becomes one of Muse’s greatest accomplishments. After a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, Karlsson plays responsibly at both ends of the ice and reestablishes himself as a major contributor. [00:01:45] Neil and Vic admit they completely misjudged the Penguins during their preseason analysis. Muse becomes a Jack Adams Award finalist after leading a team expected to miss the playoffs to one of the strongest records in the Metropolitan Division. [00:02:00] Pittsburgh improves dramatically on offense, increasing its goal total from 243 to 293. The club’s goal differential rises by 75 goals, moving from minus-50 to plus-25. [00:02:20] The Penguins receive scoring throughout the lineup, with 12 players reaching double digits in goals and five surpassing 20. Anthony Mantha delivers a career-best season after signing a one-year contract. [00:02:45] Yegor Chinakhov scores 21 goals after arriving from Columbus, while Justin Brazeau, Connor Dewar, Tommy Novak, and Noel Acciari all contribute career-best or near-career-best production. [00:03:00] Karlsson improves from 53 points and a minus-24 rating to 66 points and a plus-eight. Rookie Ben Kindel also makes an immediate impact with 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games. [00:03:30] The coaching comparison becomes impossible to ignore. Mike Sullivan leaves Pittsburgh for the New York Rangers, while Muse departs the Rangers’ staff and immediately delivers a far more successful season with the Penguins. [00:04:00] Pittsburgh also makes major defensive progress. Its goals-against average drops from 3.46 to 3.09, supported by improved structure and a productive overhaul in goal. [00:04:20] The trade sending Tristan Jarry to Edmonton for Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak becomes one of the season’s most successful moves. Pittsburgh escapes Jarry’s long-term contract while adding a more dependable starting goaltender. [00:04:45] Kulak is later moved to Colorado for Samuel Girard, giving the Penguins another useful defenseman. Artūrs Šilovs also provides reliable goaltending depth behind Skinner. [00:05:30] Neil explains why the season felt almost like a championship for Pittsburgh when compared to the expectations entering the year. Nearly every major move worked, and several veterans delivered unexpected career seasons. [00:06:00] The offseason presents a complicated challenge for Kyle Dubas. Pittsburgh enters the 2026 NHL Draft with five selections, including two second-round picks, but no choices in the fourth, fifth, or seventh rounds. [00:06:30] The Penguins project to have approximately $10.2 million in salary-cap space before the July 1 reset. Their unrestricted free agents include Evgeni Malkin, Kevin Hayes, Anthony Mantha, Noel Acciari, Connor Dewar, Connor Clifton, Ryan Shea, Ilya Solovyov, and Stuart Skinner. [00:07:00] Restricted free agents Yegor Chinakhov and Artūrs Šilovs also need new contracts. Neil expects a busy summer with the possibility of significant turnover if Dubas cannot retain several of the players who helped drive this year’s success. [00:07:20] Malkin wants to return, and Crosby has publicly expressed support for keeping his longtime teammate. Mantha’s career year creates a more difficult decision because another team may offer him a larger contract in free agency. [00:08:00] The Penguins’ unique challenge is that they are still building around one of the NHL’s oldest cores. Malkin turns 40, Crosby turns 39, Kris Letang is already 39, Erik Karlsson turns 36, and Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are also well into their 30s. [00:08:40] Neil and Vic compare Pittsburgh’s position to the previous season’s Washington Capitals. Washington received career years from multiple veterans before injuries and regression caused the team to miss the playoffs one year later. [00:09:00] The Penguins could face the same danger if their older stars decline and the supporting players cannot repeat their career seasons. Pittsburgh must continue adding younger talent rather than assuming this year’s formula will work again. [00:09:30] Dan Muse receives enormous credit for creating belief, accountability, and structure throughout the lineup. His ability to get the players to buy into his approach becomes the defining reason behind Pittsburgh’s unexpected success. [00:10:00] The episode concludes with Neil and Vic admitting their preseason prediction was completely wrong. The Penguins earn an A-plus for the season, but sustaining that success will require a smart, aggressive, and carefully managed offseason.
Spring Cleaning – New York Rangers The New York Rangers entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations under first-year head coach Mike Sullivan, but even a Wild Card berth proved well beyond their reach. A season defined by offensive struggles, major trades, and an aggressive roster teardown ended with the Rangers eliminated on March 25. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the dismantling of a team that reached the Eastern Conference Final only two years earlier, the young players receiving late-season opportunities, and the long rebuild now facing General Manager Chris Drury. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Rangers are eliminated from playoff contention on March 25 after entering the season as a possible Wild Card team. Neil and Vic revisit their preseason belief that New York would need to overachieve under Mike Sullivan to remain in the playoff race. [00:00:40] Neil’s preseason warning to “bring a program” proves accurate as the roster becomes increasingly unrecognizable. By the final weeks, the Rangers are relying heavily on Hartford call-ups, college signings, and inexperienced players auditioning for future roles. [00:01:00] New York’s offensive problems surface immediately. The Rangers are shut out by Pittsburgh on opening night and fail to score in each of their first three home games before finally breaking through in their fourth appearance at Madison Square Garden. [00:01:30] The dismantling continues after the offseason departures of K’Andre Miller and Chris Kreider. Artemi Panarin is later traded to the Los Angeles Kings, further removing proven scoring from a team already struggling to generate offense. [00:02:00] Neil explains that the returns for those veteran players may eventually benefit the organization through prospects and draft picks, but they provide almost no immediate help during the 2025-26 season. [00:02:20] The Rangers eventually discover a productive late-season line featuring Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gabe Perreault. Zibanejad delivers a strong bounce-back season, Lafrenière improves, and Perreault emerges as one of the organization’s more promising young forwards. [00:02:45] Other prospects receive extended opportunities, including Noah Laba, Adam Sýkora, Drew Fortescue, and goaltender Dylan Garand. Their improved play provides some optimism, but Neil cautions against overvaluing performances after the team has already been eliminated. [00:03:00] Neil calls the late-season surge a mirage. With no playoff pressure and young players desperate to prove themselves, the final games resemble preseason auditions more than meaningful evidence of what the Rangers will become next year. [00:03:30] Attention turns to the unrestricted free agents, including Jonny Brodzinski, Conor Sheary, and veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick, who may retire after the season. [00:03:50] Restricted free agents Braden Schneider, Vincent Iorio, and Dylan Garand represent more important decisions for Chris Drury as the organization begins identifying which younger players belong in the next version of the team. [00:04:00] The Rangers enter the 2026 NHL Draft with 11 selections, including two first-round picks and four third-round picks. One of those first-rounders came from Carolina in the K’Andre Miller trade. [00:04:25] Despite the large number of selections, Neil believes the rebuild will take considerable time. The Rangers possess some useful pieces, but their prospect pipeline lacks enough elite talent to make them a likely playoff contender next season. [00:04:45] Neil identifies the draft as the organization’s most important path forward. Drury must maximize those selections while continuing to explore trades involving veterans who can bring back younger players or additional assets. [00:05:00] Igor Shesterkin remains the most important building block and gives the Rangers an elite foundation in goal. From there, management must determine how many current veterans still fit the club’s long-term timeline. [00:05:20] Mika Zibanejad remains a highly respected player, but his age creates questions about whether he should be part of a multi-year rebuild. Neil also argues that Lafrenière has not developed into the franchise-altering player expected from a first-overall pick. [00:05:45] The episode concludes with cautious evaluations of Perreault, Sýkora, Laba, and Garand. Each player showed promise, but Neil emphasizes that the pressure-free final weeks cannot be treated as proof that the Rangers are ready to contend again.
Spring Cleaning – Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Eastern Conference Wild Card, but their postseason stay ended quickly with a four-game sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes. Even so, Ottawa made measurable progress during the 2025-26 season, improving significantly on offense while overcoming injuries to several of its most important players. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Senators’ scoring growth, defensive and goaltending concerns, and the increasingly important decisions surrounding Claude Giroux and captain Brady Tkachuk. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Senators qualify for the playoffs as the second Wild Card before being swept by Carolina in the opening round. Neil and Vic revisit the biggest question entering the season: whether Ottawa could generate enough offense after failing to produce a 30-goal scorer the previous year. [00:00:35] Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson both surpass 30 goals, while Dylan Cozens finishes with 28. Ottawa scores 278 goals as a team, an improvement of 35, and raises its goal differential from plus-nine to plus-32. [00:01:00] Neil discusses the continued development of Ottawa’s young core. Stützle, Batherson, and several other key players are entering the prime years of their careers, giving the Senators hope that their best talent can mature together. [00:01:20] Special teams remain a major concern. The penalty kill drops from 19th to 29th overall and ranks 31st on the road, creating a weakness that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome against stronger opponents. [00:01:45] Ottawa’s goaltending produces an unusual statistical profile. The Senators rank near the middle of the league in goals-against average but near the bottom in save percentage, suggesting the club limits shots but struggles to stop enough of the dangerous chances that get through. [00:02:00] Linus Ullmark misses time on personal leave, Levi Merzlikins fails to match his previous performance, and James Reimer is added later in the season to stabilize the backup position. [00:02:20] Injuries create even greater problems on defense. Brady Tkachuk suffers a thumb injury early in the season, while Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, Nick Jensen, Tyler Kleven, and other defensemen miss significant time. [00:03:00] Neil explains how the repeated absences of Sanderson, Chabot, Jensen, and Kleven damaged Ottawa’s defensive structure. With several regulars unavailable at the same time, the Senators struggled to protect their goaltenders and maintain consistency. [00:03:30] Despite improved scoring, Ottawa cannot break through against Carolina. The Senators compete hard but lack the depth and execution necessary to challenge one of the NHL’s elite teams. [00:04:00] The discussion shifts to the offseason. Ottawa enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven picks, including three selections in the third round, but has no second-round or seventh-round pick. [00:04:45] The Senators project to have approximately $2.34 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. Their unrestricted free agents include Claude Giroux, Lars Eller, Nick Cousins, Nick Jensen, Dennis Gilbert, Lassi Thomson, and James Reimer. [00:05:15] Restricted free agents Stephen Halliday, Jordan Spence, and Levi Merzlikins also require new contracts. Neil expects General Manager Steve Staios to prioritize Spence and address the defense and goaltending before making decisions on veteran forwards. [00:05:45] Claude Giroux’s future becomes another major storyline. The veteran has taken a hometown discount to remain in Ottawa, and Neil believes Giroux may prefer to finish his career with the Senators, although management must determine whether he still fits the club’s direction. [00:06:30] Attention then turns to Brady Tkachuk, who has two years remaining on his contract at $8.2 million annually. Trade speculation continues despite Tkachuk publicly denying that he wants to leave Ottawa. [00:07:00] Neil explains why the rumors will not disappear until Tkachuk signs another contract. As the captain approaches the final year of his deal, Ottawa must continue evaluating the market and understand what other teams might offer for its most valuable player. [00:08:00] Tkachuk’s value extends far beyond his production. He is the face of the franchise, an emotional leader, and one of the NHL’s most intimidating and competitive captains. [00:09:00] The episode concludes with Neil emphasizing that Steve Staios cannot remove any possibility from consideration. Ottawa has a strong young foundation, but improving the penalty kill, stabilizing the goaltending, resolving the defensive depth, and securing Tkachuk’s future will determine whether the Senators can take another step next season.
Spring Cleaning – New York Islanders The New York Islanders narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs after remaining in the postseason race almost the entire 2025-26 season. While the year ultimately ended in disappointment, the emergence of first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, a resurgent Ilya Sorokin, and a brighter organizational outlook gave Islanders fans reasons for optimism. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the turning point that derailed the season, the coaching change from Patrick Roy to Peter DeBoer, and the offseason challenges facing General Manager Mathieu Darche. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Islanders are eliminated from playoff contention on April 12 after spending much of the season battling for a Metropolitan Division playoff spot. Neil and Vic revisit the preseason expectations, which focused less on immediate success and more on building a stronger future through young talent and organizational growth. [00:00:45] Despite trading Noah Dobson to Montreal in exchange for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks, the Islanders emerge with a brighter long-term outlook. Neil credits the remarkable rookie season of first-overall selection Matthew Schaefer as one of the biggest surprises in the entire NHL. [00:01:00] The discussion highlights several major positives from the season. Schaefer immediately establishes himself as a future superstar, Ilya Sorokin returns to Vezina Trophy form, and Bo Horvat delivers one of the best goal-scoring seasons of his career while helping stabilize the Islanders' offense. [00:02:00] Schaefer's rookie campaign exceeds every expectation, tying Brian Leetch's long-standing rookie record for goals by a defenseman with 23. Despite Dobson's departure, New York's blue line remains productive thanks largely to Schaefer's immediate impact in all situations. [00:02:30] Injuries to Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov challenge the roster throughout the season, while the special teams produce mixed results. The penalty kill climbs dramatically from 31st to 10th in the NHL, but the power play improves only slightly, moving from 31st to 30th despite an abundance of offensive talent. [00:03:00] The defining moment of the Islanders' season arrives on March 30 against Pittsburgh. Holding a 3-1 lead and on the power play, New York surrenders a shorthanded goal to Rickard Rakell. Neil and Vic describe that play as the turning point that completely changed the trajectory of the season. [00:04:00] Following the collapse against the Penguins, the Islanders lose seven of their final eight games. Patrick Roy is dismissed with four games remaining, and Peter DeBoer is brought in to begin preparing the organization for the future after another disappointing finish. [00:05:00] Looking ahead, New York enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections after previous trades involving Josh Bailey's contract and the acquisition of Carson Soucy. The Islanders also project to be approximately $3.8 million over the salary cap before offseason adjustments. [00:05:45] The goaltending situation becomes another major storyline. Semyon Varlamov returns to action late in the season with Bridgeport after missing the entire NHL campaign, raising hopes that he can once again form a dependable tandem with Sorokin if his health cooperates. [00:06:30] Neil believes the Islanders will likely add another experienced goaltender regardless of Varlamov's status to protect against further injuries. Finding reliable depth in net will remain one of Mathieu Darche's offseason priorities. [00:06:45] Captain Anders Lee headlines the unrestricted free agent class alongside Carson Soucy, Tony DeAngelo, and David Rittich. Neil expects Lee to remain with the organization, potentially on a team-friendly contract, while several of the other veterans could be replaced during the offseason. [00:07:30] Restricted free agents Max Chabanov, Mark Gatcomb, and Adam Boqvist also require new contracts as Darche continues reshaping the roster around its younger core. [00:08:00] The episode concludes with Neil and Vic projecting the Islanders as a bubble playoff team once again next season. With Matthew Schaefer continuing to develop, Sorokin back at an elite level, and Peter DeBoer behind the bench, New York's future appears brighter, but additional offensive production—particularly from Mathew Barzal—will be necessary to become a legitimate playoff contender.
Summer Coolers – New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils entered the 2025-26 season expecting to challenge the Carolina Hurricanes for the Metropolitan Division title. Instead, injuries, inconsistent goaltending, declining production from key players, and growing organizational instability resulted in a deeply disappointing season. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why New Jersey’s once-dangerous transition game has become easier to defend, the front-office changes coming after Tom Fitzgerald’s dismissal, and whether Sheldon Keefe will remain behind the bench. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Devils are eliminated from playoff contention on April 7 after beginning the season with championship-level expectations. Despite adding Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, New Jersey fails to emerge as the serious Metropolitan Division challenger many expected. [00:00:40] Neil reviews the problems that quickly derailed the season, including Jacob Markstrom’s subpar play and Jack Hughes missing significant time after accidentally cutting his finger at a restaurant. The Devils once again prove to be a dramatically different team without Hughes in the lineup. [00:01:00] Ondřej Palát struggles to produce before being traded to the New York Islanders. His departure becomes another sign that the roster assembled to contend was not performing at the level expected by management. [00:01:15] Sheldon Keefe’s handling of several difficult situations comes under examination. The head coach benches Dougie Hamilton despite his $9 million salary and later leaves Markstrom in net during a lopsided defeat, creating questions about his decision-making and relationships with veteran players. [00:01:40] General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is dismissed by the end of the season, leaving New Jersey searching for both a new GM and a new president. Keefe’s future also becomes uncertain as the organization prepares for a potentially significant leadership overhaul. [00:02:00] The Devils receive disappointing offensive production from several core players. Jesper Bratt’s totals decline, Nico Hischier scores fewer goals, and Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer fail to deliver the consistent secondary scoring New Jersey needs. [00:02:20] Neil and Vic revisit the transition game that made the Devils one of the NHL’s most exciting teams several seasons earlier. Opponents have adjusted, but New Jersey has failed to develop the heavier forecheck or more physical style needed to create space and make that transition attack effective again. [00:02:45] Neil argues that the issue goes beyond coaching strategy. The Devils may not currently possess enough size, strength, and physicality within the roster to successfully make the tactical changes required. [00:03:00] The offseason begins with major uncertainty at the top of the organization. The incoming president and general manager must quickly determine the direction of the franchise and decide whether Keefe remains the right coach to lead the next phase. [00:03:15] New Jersey enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections. The Devils previously traded their third-round pick to the Islanders in the Palát deal and sent their seventh-round selection to Seattle in the trade for Daniel Sprong. [00:03:30] Evgenii Dadonov, Zack MacEwen, and defenseman Dennis Cholowski headline the unrestricted free agent class. After Dadonov’s disappointing season, the organization appears likely to move on from several veteran depth pieces. [00:03:40] Restricted free agents Arseni Gritsyuk, Paul Cotter, and Šimon Nemec represent more important decisions. Gritsyuk emerges as one of the few bright spots during his rookie season, while Cotter provides useful energy and physicality. [00:04:00] Neil believes the current version of the Devils is not a guaranteed playoff team entering 2026-27. While he does not directly call for Keefe’s dismissal, he expects the new management group may choose its own coach to bring renewed energy and a different approach. [00:04:20] The episode concludes with the recognition that major work lies ahead. New Jersey still possesses high-end talent, but the next leadership group must address the team’s identity, physical makeup, goaltending, and declining offensive production before the Devils can return to contention.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 14, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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