NHL Wraparound Podcast

Neil Smith & Vic Morren
  • 4.8 (20)
  • Hockey
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 5d ago

    Spring Cleaning – Washington Capitals

    Spring Cleaning – Washington CapitalsThe 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.

  2. 5d ago

    Spring Cleaning – Winnipeg Jets

    Spring Cleaning – Winnipeg JetsThe 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.

  3. 5d ago

    Spring Cleaning – Vancouver Canucks

    Spring Cleaning – Vancouver CanucksThe Vancouver Canucks suffered one of the NHL’s sharpest declines, becoming the first team eliminated from playoff contention on March 22. Just two years removed from winning the Pacific Division and pushing Edmonton to seven games in the second round, Vancouver has been torn apart by internal conflict, major trades, coaching uncertainty, and poor performance at home. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how the Canucks fell so quickly and why their large collection of draft picks may not produce immediate results. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Canucks become the first NHL team eliminated from playoff contention on March 22. Neil and Vic begin by reviewing the expectations entering the season, the reality of Vancouver’s collapse, and the enormous amount of work ahead. [00:00:25] Expectations were already low after Vancouver missed the playoffs in four of the previous five seasons. The lone exception came in 2024, when the Canucks won the Pacific Division and reached the second round. [00:00:50] That successful run created optimism that Vancouver had filled several important roster gaps. However, the organization quickly unraveled during the following seasons. [00:01:05] The highly publicized conflict between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson became one of the franchise’s biggest problems. Miller was eventually traded in a deal involving Filip Chytil, but the move failed to stabilize the team. [00:01:30] Vancouver also faced uncertainty surrounding Brock Boeser’s contract, Thatcher Demko’s health, and Rick Tocchet’s future behind the bench. [00:01:50] Tocchet ultimately chose to leave Vancouver despite previously winning the Jack Adams Award with the Canucks. He returned to Philadelphia, where he had been a popular player, raising additional questions about what he saw inside the Vancouver organization. [00:02:15] Boeser publicly indicated he would not re-sign with the Canucks, entered free agency, and then surprisingly returned to Vancouver on a new contract. [00:02:35] Kiefer Sherwood emerged as one of Vancouver’s better players before being traded to the San Jose Sharks, removing another productive piece from the lineup. [00:02:55] The Canucks then made their biggest move by trading Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild amid concerns that he would not sign another contract in Vancouver. [00:03:20] Neil acknowledges that Vancouver received a respectable return in the Hughes trade, but emphasizes that no package can fully replace a player of his caliber. [00:03:40] Conor Garland, whose energy and competitiveness represented much of Vancouver’s identity, was traded to Columbus and went on to play well for Rick Bowness and the Blue Jackets. [00:04:00] Veteran defenseman Tyler Myers was also moved to the Dallas Stars, leaving Vancouver without several recognizable pieces from its recent playoff team. [00:04:20] The Canucks’ disastrous home record further illustrates how far the franchise has fallen. A team that appeared to be building momentum two seasons earlier becomes one of the league’s biggest disappointments. [00:04:45] Vancouver’s notable unrestricted free agents include Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and Derek Forbort, creating additional decisions for an already depleted roster. [00:05:05] The Canucks do possess a strong collection of draft capital, entering the 2026 NHL Draft with 10 selections. [00:05:25] Vancouver owns two first-round picks, including its original selection and another acquired through the Quinn Hughes trade. [00:05:45] The organization also holds two second-round picks and three sixth-round selections, giving management several opportunities to add young talent. [00:06:05] Neil believes the draft picks provide a possible foundation for improvement three years from now, but they do very little to solve Vancouver’s immediate problems next season. [00:06:30] He explains that modern NHL team-building requires much more than simply accumulating picks and waiting for prospects to develop. [00:06:50] Successful organizations must balance drafting with trades, free-agent signings, player development, and creating an environment where established players want to join and remain with the team. [00:07:15] Neil compares the current NHL with his experience in Detroit during the 1980s, when teams could focus more heavily on collecting draft selections and patiently developing players. [00:07:40] Today’s general 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.

  4. 6d ago

    Spring Cleaning – Vegas Golden Knights

    Spring Cleaning – Vegas Golden KnightsThe Vegas Golden Knights captured the Pacific Division title and returned to the Stanley Cup Final, but the biggest story of their offseason wasn't their playoff run—it was the stunning decision to part ways with head coach John Tortorella just 48 hours after losing to the Carolina Hurricanes. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down one of the NHL's most fascinating organizations, examining Vegas' win-now philosophy, looming salary-cap challenges, lack of draft capital, and what comes next for Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Golden Knights finish first in the Pacific Division with 95 points before defeating Utah and Anaheim, sweeping Colorado, and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final, where they fall to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games. Just two days later, Vegas shocks the hockey world by moving on from head coach John Tortorella. [00:00:35] Neil reacts to the surprising coaching change. Although the organization publicly praises Tortorella's work, the announcement does not suggest the separation was mutual, leaving many questions about what happened behind the scenes. [00:01:00] Unlike most Spring Cleaning episodes, Neil and Vic shift away from evaluating expectations and immediately focus on the uncertainty surrounding the franchise because the coaching situation overshadows everything else. [00:01:30] Vegas underachieves during the regular season despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Pavel Dorofeyev, and captain Mark Stone. Bruce Cassidy is replaced late in the year before Tortorella guides the team to a 7-0-1 finish and a deep playoff run. [00:02:15] While the Golden Knights fail to reach the 100-point mark many expected, their run to the Stanley Cup Final ultimately fulfills the organization's championship expectations. [00:02:45] The discussion turns to Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee. Rather than analyzing player statistics, Neil focuses on the difficult roster decisions awaiting one of the NHL's most aggressive front offices. [00:03:15] Vegas has mortgaged much of its future in pursuit of championships. The organization owns no first-round selections until 2028 and only 14 total draft picks over the next three drafts. [00:03:45] The Golden Knights are projected to become the NHL's oldest team when free agency begins, carrying an average roster age of 31.2 years. [00:04:10] Vegas enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only four selections and no first-round pick after acquiring Noah Hanifin. The club also forfeits its second-round selection following an organizational media violation during the playoffs and no longer owns its fourth-round pick after acquiring Anthony Mantha. [00:04:50] Salary-cap flexibility is limited, with approximately $4.6 million in projected space. However, the Golden Knights could gain nearly $9 million more if Alex Pietrangelo remains on long-term injured reserve. [00:05:20] Neil explains the long-term risk of Vegas' aggressive "win-now" strategy. Every contender eventually pays the price for trading away future assets, just as the Rangers did several years after winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. [00:05:50] Even with Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and young sniper Pavel Dorofeyev leading the offense, Neil stresses that three elite players alone cannot sustain a championship-caliber roster without continually replenishing talent. [00:06:20] Vegas' unrestricted free agents include Riley Smith, Cole Smith, Colton Sissons, Brandon Saad, Rasmus Andersson, Ben Hutton, Jeremy Lauzon, and Dylan Coghlan. Neil believes Andersson deserves another opportunity after an underwhelming but steady postseason. [00:07:10] Riley Smith and Jeremy Lauzon are also viewed as valuable pieces worth retaining if possible, while Vegas continues evaluating its veteran depth. [00:07:35] Restricted free agent Pavel Dorofeyev becomes the organization's top priority. Reports suggest he could receive a significant offer sheet, potentially forcing Vegas into one of the offseason's biggest contract negotiations. [00:08:10] Neil does not believe the Golden Knights will allow another team to steal Dorofeyev. Based on Vegas' history, he expects McCrimmon to match almost any offer necessary to keep one of the organization's young offensive stars. [00:08:45] Vic raises the possibility of accepting four first-round picks if Dorofeyev receives an offer sheet exceeding the highest compensation threshold. Neil rejects the idea, believing Vegas will continue operating aggressively rather than beginning a rebuild. [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.

  5. 6d ago

    Spring Cleaning – Toronto Maple Leafs

    Spring Cleaning – Toronto Maple LeafsThe Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2025-26 season coming off a 108-point, first-place finish, but the loss of Mitch Marner, injuries, internal tension, and disappointing roster decisions sent the franchise in the opposite direction. Toronto missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016, leading to the dismissal of General Manager Brad Treliving and serious questions about Craig Berube’s future. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how the Maple Leafs’ championship window slammed shut and why fixing the organization may take much longer than one offseason. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Maple Leafs are eliminated from playoff contention on April 2 after entering the season with high expectations following a 108-point campaign and a first-place finish in 2024-25. [00:00:25] The offseason trade of Mitch Marner creates an enormous offensive void. Toronto hopes Matthew Knies, Max Domi, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson can collectively replace Marner’s production, but that offense-by-committee approach never develops. [00:00:50] Neil revisits his preseason concerns about the return for Marner and the overall construction of the roster. Even before the season began, he did not believe the Leafs were properly built for a deep playoff run. [00:01:10] Brad Treliving ultimately pays the price for the team’s collapse. Neil emphasizes that Marner’s value went far beyond his 100-point production because he was also one of Toronto’s most dependable defensive forwards. [00:01:35] Auston Matthews’ knee injury becomes another devastating setback. The Maple Leafs captain misses the final weeks of the season and faces a lengthy recovery following an injury suffered after leading the United States to Olympic gold. [00:02:00] Internal dysfunction contributes to the disappointing season. Neil points to tension between the coaching staff and management, along with widespread dissatisfaction over the direction of the team. [00:02:20] Craig Berube’s coaching also comes under scrutiny. With Toronto missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, questions immediately arise about whether he will return behind the bench. [00:02:40] The difficult relationship between Berube and William Nylander becomes one of the season’s recurring storylines, with the two appearing to clash throughout much of the year. [00:03:00] Keith Pelley’s role in hockey decisions is heavily criticized. Although Pelley insists he is not making the hockey decisions, Neil believes his public comments suggest otherwise. [00:03:25] Neil describes Pelley’s leadership as “Buffoonery 101,” criticizing his statements about finding a data-focused general manager while simultaneously presenting opinions about the quality of Toronto’s core. [00:03:50] Since taking control, Pelley has dismissed Brendan Shanahan, moved on from the Raptors’ leadership, and remained highly visible as the Leafs’ hockey operation deteriorated. [00:04:10] The next general manager inherits a deeply complicated situation. Toronto owns only six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft and has no picks in either of the first two rounds. [00:04:30] The Maple Leafs add an extra third-round selection through the Scott Laughton trade with Los Angeles and acquire another pick from Colorado in the Nicolas Roy deal. [00:04:50] Neil points out that the practical return from the Mitch Marner situation amounts to a fifth-round draft pick, a result he considers a major failure by the organization. [00:05:10] Toronto previously surrendered first-round picks in trades involving Laughton and Nikita Grebenkin, leaving the franchise with very little high-end draft capital returning in the other direction. [00:05:30] Many of the acquired selections do not arrive until 2027. If Colorado remains a contender, its pick will likely fall near the bottom of the round, while the picks Toronto traded away could become more valuable if the Leafs continue to struggle. [00:05:55] Neil expresses sympathy for Maple Leafs fans who have endured decades of disappointment. He believes the situation may become even more difficult before the franchise begins to recover. [00:06:15] Calle Järnkrok and Troy Stecher headline Toronto’s unrestricted free agents, while Nick Robertson and Matias Maccelli are the notable restricted free agents requiring new contracts. [00:06:35] The episode concludes with a bleak assessment of Toronto’s future. What once appeared to be one of the NHL’s strongest championship windows now looks completely closed. [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.

  6. Jul 30

    Spring Cleaning – Utah Mammoth

    Spring Cleaning – Utah MammothThe Utah Mammoth took a major step forward during the 2025-26 season, qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in only their second year in Salt Lake City. Led by Clayton Keller and an exciting young core, Utah earned the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the franchise’s progress, its impressive depth, the areas that still need improvement, and why Utah could soon challenge for a top-three position in its division. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Mammoth qualify for the playoffs as the Western Conference’s first Wild Card team. It marks the first postseason appearance for the Arizona-Utah franchise since the 2020 bubble and its first traditional playoff berth since 2012. [00:00:25] Utah gives a strong account of itself in the opening round before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Neil sees the Mammoth as a young, exciting team that has made meaningful progress. [00:00:45] Captain Clayton Keller leads a talented young foundation. After entering the season expected to challenge for a Wild Card berth, Utah does more than simply knock on the door and successfully earns a playoff position. [00:01:00] Vic looks back at the franchise’s final season in Arizona, when the team remained competitive through roughly 45 games before news of the relocation contributed to an 0-12-2 collapse. [00:01:25] The move to Salt Lake City provides stability, but Utah remains inconsistent at home. The Mammoth post a .537 winning percentage at the Delta Center, tied for 22nd in the NHL. [00:01:50] Keller is joined by Dylan Guenther, Nick Schmaltz, and Logan Cooley as the centerpiece of the offense. Utah also strengthens the lineup by acquiring J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. [00:02:10] The defense features Mikhail Sergachev, Ian Cole, John Marino, and Sean Durzi. Utah also signs Nate Schmidt following his Stanley Cup-winning season with the Florida Panthers. [00:02:30] Karel Vejmelka provides dependable goaltending, but Neil believes the Mammoth need another strong option in net with Vitek Vanecek approaching unrestricted free agency. [00:02:50] Statistically, Utah improves by only three standings points from the previous season. However, its goal differential jumps from minus-10 to plus-28, showing a much stronger overall team. [00:03:15] The Mammoth improve from 17th to 12th in goals against, although their goals-against average and save percentage remain similar. Their special teams rankings also decline despite the playoff qualification. [00:03:35] Utah makes an important late-season acquisition by adding defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames, further strengthening an already capable blue line. [00:03:55] Much of Utah’s improvement comes from deeper in the lineup. Lawson Crouse matches a career high with 24 goals and finishes with a career-best plus-20 rating. [00:04:15] Michael Carcone scores 16 goals and records a career-high 31 points. Kailer Yamamoto becomes increasingly important late in the year and contributes five points in the playoff series against Vegas. [00:04:35] Kevin Stenlund, Alex Kerfoot, Jack McBain, and Brandon Tanev give André Tourigny four dependable forward lines. That depth allows Utah to remain competitive even when its stars are not producing. [00:04:55] Neil cautions that the Western Conference was weaker than the East, making the playoff path somewhat easier. Utah will need further improvement to guarantee another postseason appearance. [00:05:15] Compared with Nashville, Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim, St. Louis, and Winnipeg, Utah appears to maintain a small but consistent edge throughout the season. [00:05:35] The Mammoth avoid the extended winning and losing streaks that define many other teams. Their consistency from October through April becomes one of their greatest strengths. [00:05:55] General Manager Bill Armstrong enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven selections, including two third-round picks and two fifth-round picks. [00:06:15] Utah does not own a second-round pick after including it in the MacKenzie Weegar trade. The organization also lacks a sixth-round selection following a previous pick swap with Nashville. [00:06:35] The Mammoth project to have approximately $5.5 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. Neil believes Salt Lake City has also become a more attractive destination for NHL players. [00:06:55] Unrestricted 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.

  7. Jul 29

    Spring Cleaning – Seattle Kraken

    Spring Cleaning – Seattle KrakenThe Seattle Kraken entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations and once again fell short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite an encouraging start and stretches of strong play, extended losing streaks, inconsistent offense, and limited development from several young forwards kept Seattle stuck in the middle of the Western Conference. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the front-office transition from Ron Francis to Jason Botterill, the organization’s revolving door behind the bench, and why the Kraken may still be several years away from becoming a true contender. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Kraken are eliminated from playoff contention on April 11 after missing the postseason for the fourth time in their first five NHL seasons. Seattle’s only playoff appearance remains its surprising second-year run to Game 7 of the second round. [00:00:25] Lane Lambert completes his first season behind the Seattle bench after replacing Dan Bylsma. The Kraken entered the year hoping offseason additions could provide more stability and help the club move closer to a Wild Card position. [00:00:45] Mason Marchment, Ryan Lindgren, and Frederik Gaudreau were among the veterans added to strengthen the roster, although Marchment was later traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. [00:01:00] Seattle begins the season with an encouraging 11-5-5 record. The goaltending tandem of Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord also performs better than expected and gives the team a chance to compete early. [00:01:20] The positive start quickly disappears during a damaging 1-9-1 stretch between mid-November and mid-December. Although Seattle responds with an 8-0-2 run, the club never finds lasting consistency. [00:01:40] The Kraken suffer at least three consecutive regulation losses on six separate occasions. Those repeated slides prevent the team from building momentum or remaining firmly involved in the playoff race. [00:02:00] Scoring remains one of Seattle’s biggest weaknesses. The Kraken finish among the NHL’s lowest-scoring teams and fail to receive the expected growth from several important forwards. [00:02:20] Jared McCann has not replicated the 40-goal season he produced in 2022-23. Matty Beniers appears to have settled into the range of a 50-point player rather than developing into a dominant first-line center. [00:02:40] Shane Wright also continues to fall short of expectations attached to his high draft position. His limited progress becomes another major concern for an organization that needs its young players to drive the next stage of growth. [00:03:00] The conversation turns to Seattle’s leadership transition. Ron Francis, the franchise’s original general manager, is departing after previously moving into the role of team president. [00:03:20] Jason Botterill now assumes complete control of hockey operations. Neil questions the organization’s direction and notes that Botterill’s previous tenure as general manager of the Buffalo Sabres produced mixed results. [00:03:45] Seattle’s constant coaching changes also come under scrutiny. The franchise has moved from Dave Hakstol to Dan Bylsma and now Lane Lambert, yet no coach has been able to create sustained success. [00:04:10] The Kraken’s lone breakthrough came during their second season, when they defeated the defending champion Colorado Avalanche before pushing the Dallas Stars to seven games in the second round. [00:04:30] Botterill enters the 2026 NHL Draft with eight selections, including two first-round picks. Seattle owns its original selection and the pick acquired from Tampa Bay in the Oliver Bjorkstrand trade. [00:04:50] The Kraken also hold multiple selections in the fourth and seventh rounds, giving the organization additional opportunities to strengthen a prospect system that must produce more impact players. [00:05:10] Seattle projects to have approximately $4.3 million in cap space. That provides some flexibility, but likely not enough to completely reshape the roster through free agency. [00:05:30] Unrestricted free agents include Jaden Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen, trade-deadline acquisition Bobby McMann, and original Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. [00:05:55] Vic does not expect Seattle to be significantly better next season. The Kraken may not be a bottom-tier team, but the roster currently appears trapped between rebuilding and legitimate playoff contention. [00:06:20] Neil believes Seattle will remain around the Wild Card conversation, but major offseason work is required to move the 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.

  8. Jul 29

    Spring Cleaning – Tampa Bay Lightning

    Spring Cleaning – Tampa Bay LightningThe Tampa Bay Lightning remain one of the NHL’s model organizations, but another first-round playoff exit raises serious questions about whether their championship window is beginning to close. After finishing second in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay lost a tightly contested seven-game series to the Montreal Canadiens, marking a fourth consecutive opening-round elimination. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Lightning’s regular-season excellence, postseason scoring problems, major injury challenges, and the difficult decisions awaiting General Manager Julien BriseBois. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] The Lightning finish second in the Atlantic Division before losing to Montreal in seven games during the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It becomes Tampa Bay’s fourth straight first-round defeat since reaching the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. [00:00:30] Despite the playoff disappointment, Neil emphasizes the extraordinary consistency of the organization. Since winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup in 2021, the Lightning have averaged more than 102 standings points per season. [00:01:00] Jon Cooper continues to get strong results regardless of injuries or roster limitations. Even when key players are unavailable, Cooper consistently finds combinations that allow Tampa Bay to remain competitive. [00:01:30] Nikita Kucherov delivers another elite regular season, recording his fourth consecutive 100-point campaign and the sixth of his career. His production keeps Tampa Bay among the NHL’s most dangerous offensive teams. [00:01:50] Jake Guentzel reaches the 30-goal mark for the sixth time in his career while setting a personal best with 88 points. Brandon Hagel also produces a career season with 36 goals and a plus-34 rating. [00:02:10] Defenseman Darren Raddysh provides one of the season’s biggest surprises, finishing with 22 goals, 48 assists, and 70 points while posting a plus-21 rating. His breakout season positions him for a significant contract as an unrestricted free agent. [00:02:30] Brayden Point experiences a major decline in goal production. After previously scoring 51, 46, and 42 goals, he finishes with only 18 while missing 19 games due to injury. [00:02:50] Injuries become a defining part of Tampa Bay’s season, with the club losing 339 man-games. Victor Hedman appears in only 33 games because of injuries and a leave of absence to focus on his mental health. [00:03:10] Ryan McDonagh, Emil Lilleberg, and Erik Cernak also miss significant time, often leaving the Lightning without multiple regular defensemen simultaneously. [00:03:30] Neil believes Cooper deserves serious consideration for his first Jack Adams Award. He compares Cooper’s candidacy with Dan Muse in Pittsburgh and Lindy Ruff in Buffalo. [00:04:00] While the regular-season product remains excellent, the Lightning’s postseason results reveal a troubling trend. Tampa Bay has now failed to advance beyond the first round in four consecutive seasons. [00:04:25] Tampa Bay scores only 15 goals during its seven-game series against Montreal. Because nearly every game remains within one goal, a single additional offensive play could have changed the outcome. [00:04:45] Brandon Hagel leads the Lightning with six playoff goals, but the rest of the offense struggles. Jake Guentzel and Dominic James finish with two goals each, while Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov score only once apiece. [00:05:05] Kucherov’s postseason production becomes a major concern. Despite his regular-season brilliance, he has scored only two goals across his last 22 playoff games over four seasons. [00:05:30] Corey Perry and Nick Paul also fail to provide the secondary scoring Tampa Bay needs. Neil believes the Lightning occasionally become too focused on making the perfect play instead of creating simpler scoring opportunities. [00:05:50] Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobeš delivers an outstanding performance in Game 7, helping the Canadiens survive despite Tampa Bay controlling much of the play. [00:06:15] Andrei Vasilevskiy forces the deciding game with a 1-0 shutout in Game 6, although he faces only nine shots. In Game 7, Alex Newhook scores the series-winning goal on a puck that caroms off Vasilevskiy after being played from behind the net. [00:06:45] Attention shifts to Julien BriseBois and the offseason ahead. Tampa Bay owns six selections in the 2026 NHL Draft but does not have a first-round pick after trading it to Seattle in the Oliver Bjorkstrand deal. [00:07:10] The 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.

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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Neil Smith & Vic Morren
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    500
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Neil Smith & Vic Morren
  • Show Website
    NHL Wraparound Podcast

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