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. 12h ago

    Summer Coolers – Detroit Red Wings

    Summer Coolers – Detroit Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings enter 2026-27 with more uncertainty than momentum. Todd McLellan is heading into another season behind the bench, but Detroit still does not have a general manager, captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, and the franchise now owns the NHL’s longest active playoff drought at 10 seasons. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Red Wings have enough talent to avoid sliding backward, why their late-season collapses remain such a major concern, and how unusual it is for an Original Six organization to be searching externally for a new GM this late in the summer. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Todd McLellan prepares for another season in Detroit, but the biggest story surrounding the Red Wings is happening off the ice. The organization still does not have a general manager, while captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade. [00:00:25] Neil questions whether Larkin and his agent are waiting to see who Detroit hires as GM before determining what happens next. [00:00:45] The timing is especially concerning. Detroit is already deep into the summer, yet significant organizational decisions remain unresolved heading toward training camp. [00:01:00] Larkin’s future becomes the biggest immediate issue. He has asked to be traded and reportedly provided the organization with a short list of teams he would accept. [00:01:20] Steve Yzerman was reportedly unhappy with the request while he was still serving as GM, but the situation remains unresolved. The question is whether the Michigan native ultimately returns to the only NHL franchise he has known. [00:01:40] Detroit finishes sixth in the Atlantic Division with 92 points and 16th overall, extending its playoff drought to 10 consecutive seasons. [00:02:00] The Red Wings have also failed to win a playoff series since defeating Anaheim in the opening round in 2013. [00:02:20] Detroit’s major statistical categories remain underwhelming. The offense ranks 22nd, the defense is tied for 19th, the power play finishes 12th, and the penalty kill sits 23rd. [00:02:40] The only notable trade addition is bottom-six forward Keegan Kolesar, acquired from Vegas for two draft picks. [00:03:00] Patrick Kane departs for the Chicago Blackhawks, while Detroit adds Victor Arvidsson from Boston. Vic still sees many of the same problems that have prevented the Red Wings from breaking through. [00:03:20] Alex DeBrincat continues to provide strong offensive production, but there does not appear to be enough surrounding talent to significantly change Detroit’s trajectory. [00:03:40] One recurring issue is Detroit’s inability to finish seasons strongly. The Red Wings have repeatedly put themselves into playoff contention before struggling badly during March and losing momentum when it matters most. [00:04:00] Neil believes Detroit essentially spent the summer treading water and could actually move backward in the standings. [00:04:20] He does not see the Red Wings ending the drought in what would be their 11th consecutive season without playoff hockey. [00:04:40] The uncertainty surrounding Larkin makes the situation even more difficult because he is not only Detroit’s captain but arguably one of its most important players. [00:05:00] Detroit will be hoping Marco Kasper takes another significant step and can provide more offensive support alongside DeBrincat and the rest of the forward group. [00:05:20] The discussion turns back to Detroit’s search for a new general manager, with the organization hiring an outside firm to assist in identifying candidates. [00:05:40] Neil finds that approach surprising for an Original Six franchise with such deep hockey roots and decades of organizational experience under the Ilitch family. [00:06:00] He believes Detroit should already have enough experienced hockey people around the organization to help identify the right GM without relying heavily on an external search firm. [00:06:20] Neil specifically mentions longtime organizational figures who could assist, along with the possibility that Steve Yzerman could still provide input if his relationship with ownership remains intact. [00:06:40] The fact that Detroit could reach late August without a general manager strikes Neil as particularly unusual given how much work still needs to be completed before the season. [00:07:00] Vic believes the roster is weak enough that Detroit could even drift toward the NHL Draft Lottery conversation if things go badly. [00:07:20] Neil pushes back slightly on the idea that Detroit will become a true bottom-feeder because the Red Wings still possess several high-end players capable of keeping the team competitive. [00:07:40] The larger concern is the mood surrounding the franchise. Neil sees a frustrated and increasingly angry fan base that was already unhappy even when franchise legend Steve Yzerman was running the team. [00:08:00] Neil does not expect Little Caesars Arena to be an especially happy environment if Detroit struggles again this season. [00:08:20] John Gibson provided solid goaltending after arriving from Anaheim, while Moritz Seider remains one of the NHL’s top defensemen and an important cornerstone for the franchise. [00:08:40] Even with those pieces, Neil and Vic agree that Detroit does not have enough collectively when compared with the stronger teams in the Atlantic Division and across the NHL. [00:09:00] Neil closes by saying he would personally like to see Detroit return to the playoff mix because of his own history with the organization, but he simply cannot envision that happening with the roster and uncertainty currently surrounding the club.

  2. 12h ago

    Summer Coolers – Edmonton Oilers

    Summer Coolers – Edmonton OilersAfter consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers took a major step backward, finishing second in the Pacific before losing to Anaheim in six games in the opening round. The early exit cost Kris Knoblauch his job and opened the door for Mike Babcock’s return to an NHL bench. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Babcock can change Edmonton’s structure, the significant questions surrounding Frederik Andersen and the goaltending, a revamped defense without Darnell Nurse, and the lack of depth behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With McDavid potentially approaching unrestricted free agency in two years, the pressure is mounting for Edmonton to prove it can build another championship-caliber roster around him. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Edmonton finishes second in the Pacific Division but suffers a major postseason disappointment, losing to Anaheim in six games in the opening round after reaching the Stanley Cup Final in each of the previous two seasons. [00:00:25] The first-round exit costs Kris Knoblauch his job, and General Manager Stan Bowman makes a dramatic coaching change by hiring Mike Babcock. [00:00:45] Babcock returns to NHL coaching for the first time since his tenure with Toronto ended, following the controversy surrounding his brief hiring by Columbus. [00:01:00] Vic believes Babcock could provide an immediate jolt, but he does not see enough personnel improvement to believe Edmonton is automatically headed back to the Stanley Cup Final. [00:01:20] Neil identifies depth as one of Edmonton’s biggest problems. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman remain elite pieces, but the quality of the roster drops quickly behind the stars. [00:01:40] The Oilers attempt to address another longstanding concern by signing Frederik Andersen, but Neil immediately questions whether Edmonton’s goaltending will be strong enough to support another championship run. [00:02:00] Andersen signs a one-year, $1 million contract and joins a goaltending group that also includes Tristan Jarry. [00:02:20] Edmonton also acquires Devon Levi and a 2028 seventh-round pick from Buffalo in exchange for a 2028 third-round selection, giving the Oilers another potential option in goal. [00:02:40] Vic believes Andersen will face a much different challenge in Edmonton. The quality and quantity of shots he sees could increase substantially compared with his years playing behind Carolina’s structure. [00:03:00] Edmonton has traditionally played a more wide-open style, raising the possibility that Babcock will attempt to make the Oilers more defensively responsible in order to protect his goaltenders. [00:03:20] Neil identifies Andersen’s injury history as another major concern. If Andersen misses significant time, the Oilers could quickly be forced to rely more heavily on their other goaltending options. [00:03:40] Levi possesses upside and could eventually become an important piece, but Neil still considers Edmonton’s overall goaltending situation a major question mark. [00:04:00] Babcock himself represents another unknown. He has been away from NHL coaching for an extended period, and Neil notes the controversies surrounding the end of his previous NHL opportunities. [00:04:20] The discussion turns to how Babcock will connect with a different generation of players and whether his approach can successfully translate to Edmonton’s current locker room. [00:04:40] Babcock will also inherit a revamped defense after Edmonton trades Darnell Nurse and his $9.5 million contract to San Jose. [00:05:00] The Oilers receive defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp in the Nurse deal, creating a significant change to the composition of Edmonton’s blue line. [00:05:20] Edmonton further addresses the defense by signing Ryan Shea from Pittsburgh to a five-year contract worth $4 million per season. [00:05:40] The Oilers retain restricted free agents Spencer Stastney and Colton Dach while also keeping several other depth pieces on the roster. [00:06:00] Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy arrive from Chicago, while Kasperi Kapanen and Max Jones remain part of Edmonton’s supporting cast. [00:06:20] Matthew Joseph also joins from Los Angeles, giving Babcock another veteran forward option as Edmonton attempts to strengthen the lineup around its superstars. [00:06:40] Among the departures, Calvin Pickard signs with Minnesota, while Jack Roslovic leaves Edmonton for the Toronto Maple Leafs. [00:07:00] Edmonton will need contributions from its younger players. Josh Samanski appeared in 24 games last season, while Isaac Howard played 29 and now faces pressure to prove he can establish himself permanently in the lineup. [00:07:20] Forward Quinn Hutson is another prospect to watch as the Oilers search internally for affordable young talent capable of strengthening their depth. [00:07:40] Despite Edmonton still having McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Vic questions whether the overall roster is strong enough for Babcock to turn the Oilers back into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. [00:08:00] Neil shares those doubts. He remembers Babcock’s championship success in Detroit but points out that those teams featured experienced veteran leaders and a very different generation of NHL players. [00:08:20] How Babcock adapts to the modern NHL—and how Edmonton’s players respond to him—becomes one of the league’s most fascinating coaching storylines entering the season. [00:08:40] The biggest long-term issue remains McDavid. With the superstar potentially reaching unrestricted free agency in two years, Edmonton has limited time to convince him that the organization can surround him with another championship-caliber roster. [00:09:00] Neil worries that if Edmonton does not significantly improve the team around McDavid, the captain could eventually decide his best opportunity to win lies somewhere else. [00:09:20] Vic asks whether Edmonton could benefit from a longer offseason after two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final. The additional recovery time could help players heal, condition, and prepare physically for another season. [00:09:40] Neil acknowledges that the extra rest could help individual players, particularly those dealing with injuries or fatigue, but he returns to the larger issue of the roster itself. [00:10:00] The episode concludes with Neil saying he simply does not see Edmonton improving as a team this season. The Oilers still have some of the greatest offensive talent in hockey, but questions about depth, goaltending, coaching, and McDavid’s future make 2026-27 a potentially defining season for the franchise.

  3. 12h ago

    Summer Coolers – New Jersey Devils

    Summer Coolers – New Jersey DevilsThe New Jersey Devils enter 2026-27 as one of the NHL’s biggest question marks. After finishing seventh in the Metropolitan Division and missing the playoffs, New Jersey changed general managers, traded Jacob Markstrom, and now appears prepared to enter the season without a proven No. 1 goaltender. New GM Sunny Mehta brings an analytics-heavy background, while Sheldon Keefe could find himself coaching for his job. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Jack Hughes can finally stay healthy for a full season, whether Timo Meier can deliver the production New Jersey expected, and why the Devils may need almost everything to go right to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] New Jersey finishes seventh in the Metropolitan Division, 13th in the Eastern Conference, and 21st overall, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs after entering the season with much higher expectations. [00:00:25] The Devils have now reached the playoffs only three times since appearing in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, with just one series victory during that span—against the New York Rangers three years ago. [00:00:45] Nearly every important team metric declines. New Jersey finishes 27th offensively and 18th defensively, while the power play falls from third to 13th and the penalty kill drops from second to 17th. [00:01:00] Sunny Mehta takes over as general manager from Tom Fitzgerald, while Sheldon Keefe prepares for his third season behind the Devils’ bench. [00:01:20] Mehta brings one of the NHL’s more unusual résumés to the GM position, combining a data-science and analytics background with his experience as a former professional poker player. [00:01:40] Neil has no doubt that Mehta can run an NHL organization. The real question is whether his approach can outperform the competition and turn New Jersey back into a contender. [00:02:00] Neil’s biggest concern is immediately clear: the Devils appear ready to enter the season without a true No. 1 goaltender. [00:02:20] New Jersey adds David Rittich after his stint as the Islanders’ backup, but Neil views him as another depth option rather than the answer in goal. [00:02:40] Jake Allen currently appears positioned to receive the No. 1 opportunity, while Nico Daws may finally have his best chance to establish himself after several years of being discussed as part of New Jersey’s future. [00:03:00] The uncertainty follows New Jersey’s decision to trade Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers along with Angus Crookshank. [00:03:20] In return, the Devils acquire Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Ben Steeves, adding three forwards to a lineup that needs more offensive support. [00:03:40] Rodrigues has demonstrated the ability to play significant minutes, including first-line opportunities in Florida, while Boqvist and Steeves project more as supporting forwards. [00:04:00] Vic questions whether those additions are substantial enough for a team that already struggled to distinguish itself offensively last season. [00:04:20] Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer remain important pieces, but Timo Meier’s production since arriving from San Jose has been a major disappointment compared with expectations. [00:04:40] New Jersey’s additions may make the roster deeper, but Vic does not believe they significantly change the overall ceiling of the team. [00:05:00] One free-agent signing Vic does like is Arseni Gritsyuk, who receives a three-year contract worth $3.25 million per season after producing 13 goals and 31 points last season. [00:05:20] Even with that addition, the overriding feeling is that a lot must go right for the Devils if they are going to return to the postseason. [00:05:40] Sheldon Keefe could also be under significant pressure because he was hired by the previous administration rather than Mehta’s new front office. [00:06:00] After a disappointing season, Keefe will be heavily scrutinized. A slow start could put the Devils’ coaching situation among the NHL’s early-season storylines. [00:06:20] Neil returns to the goaltending issue as the biggest concern. He likes the Rodrigues acquisition and believes New Jersey has useful supporting forwards, but does not see those players dramatically moving the needle. [00:06:40] The contrast with expectations from only a year earlier is striking. New Jersey entered last season being discussed as a potential challenger for first place in the division. [00:07:00] Injuries to Jack Hughes played a significant role in the disappointing season, making his ability to remain healthy one of the most important variables for 2026-27. [00:07:20] Neil believes New Jersey needs a full season of superstar-level hockey from Hughes if the Devils are going to become a playoff team again. [00:07:40] The roster also loses two promising players when Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov are traded to Calgary for three draft picks, giving New Jersey additional future assets but sacrificing young talent. [00:08:00] Paul Cotter signs with Vancouver after not receiving a qualifying offer, while Zack MacEwen joins Toronto and Dennis Cholowski signs with the New York Rangers. [00:08:20] New Jersey still has prospects who could become part of the solution, including 2024 first-round selection Anton Silayev and defenseman Seamus Casey, who appeared in two games for the Devils last season. [00:08:40] Goaltending prospect Mikhail Yegorov also represents an intriguing future option at a position that has become one of the organization’s most immediate concerns. [00:09:00] Luke Hughes will be expected to continue developing into a major force on the blue line, but the greatest pressure remains on his brother Jack. [00:09:20] Neil believes Jack Hughes must put his Olympic success behind him and turn his complete attention toward delivering a healthy, productive season for the Devils. [00:09:40] Staying out of the trainer’s room and producing elite-level hockey for an entire season could be essential not only to New Jersey’s playoff hopes but also to helping Sheldon Keefe navigate what could become a very difficult year. [00:10:00] New Jersey still possesses high-end talent, but questions in goal, uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff, and the need for its stars to deliver consistently make the Devils one of the NHL’s most difficult teams to project entering 2026-27.

  4. 12h ago

    Summer Coolers – Dallas Stars

    Summer Coolers – Dallas StarsThe Dallas Stars remain one of the NHL’s strongest regular-season teams, but another painful playoff exit raises an increasingly uncomfortable question: is their Stanley Cup window beginning to close? Dallas finished second in the Central Division, second in the Western Conference, and third overall before blowing a 2-1 series lead and losing to Minnesota in six games. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine Glen Gulutzan’s remarkable impact on the power play, the difficult moves required to keep Jason Robertson, Jamie Benn’s shrinking championship window, and why Robertson’s contract situation could become the defining storyline for the future of the Stars. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Dallas finishes second in the Central Division, second in the Western Conference, and third overall, putting the Stars in another excellent position entering the Stanley Cup Playoffs. [00:00:20] Despite their regular-season success, the Stars are eliminated by the Minnesota Wild in six games during the opening round. [00:00:40] Dallas holds a 2-1 series advantage and appears positioned to take control of Game 4, leading with only 5:20 remaining before Minnesota ties the game and eventually wins in overtime. [00:01:00] The loss becomes even more frustrating when placed alongside Dallas’ recent playoff history. The Stars had reached—and lost in—the Western Conference Final in each of the previous three seasons. [00:01:20] Vic notes that no matter how well positioned Dallas appears each spring, something continually seems to go wrong before the Stars can finish the job. [00:01:40] Neil believes Stars fans are understandably becoming impatient. Dallas has consistently been good enough to contend, but the franchise has repeatedly fallen short of reaching its ultimate goal. [00:02:00] One of the biggest positives from the season is the impact of Glen Gulutzan, who returned for his second stint in Dallas after serving as an assistant and power-play specialist with the Edmonton Oilers. [00:02:20] Gulutzan’s influence produces a dramatic transformation with the man advantage. Dallas jumps from 16th on the power play in 2024-25 to second in the NHL at 28 percent. [00:02:40] Neil credits Gulutzan with bringing effective power-play concepts from Edmonton and turning what had been an average Dallas unit into one of the NHL’s most dangerous. [00:03:00] The Stars are equally impressive defensively, finishing second in the league at 2.66 goals against per game. [00:03:20] Jake Oettinger remains the foundation in goal, with Casey DeSmith providing support behind him and helping Dallas maintain one of the league’s best defensive records. [00:03:40] Unlike several other contenders, Dallas experiences relatively little offseason roster movement, but one trade becomes necessary because of the salary cap. [00:04:00] Maverick Bourque and Ilya Lyubushkin are traded to Nashville for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round selection. [00:04:20] The move is largely about creating enough financial flexibility for Dallas to retain restricted free agent Jason Robertson. [00:04:40] Robertson signs a one-year contract worth $12 million, keeping the Stars’ premier goal scorer in Dallas for another season—but setting up an enormous decision when he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027. [00:05:00] Captain Jamie Benn also returns, signing a one-year deal worth $850,000 with the opportunity to earn more than $1 million in additional bonuses. [00:05:20] Vic believes the lack of major roster changes puts even more pressure on the current group. Dallas has been close repeatedly, but the opportunity to win with this particular core may be running out. [00:05:40] Neil agrees that Benn is clearly on the clock. The longtime captain has experienced years of playoff contention in Dallas, but there are fewer opportunities remaining for him to lead this version of the Stars to a championship. [00:06:00] Robertson’s future may be an even bigger concern for General Manager Jim Nill. Dallas must determine what it will take to retain its best goal scorer beyond the upcoming season. [00:06:20] Neil also views the loss of Bourque as unfortunate because the young forward was beginning to come into his own just as Dallas was forced to move him. [00:06:40] Bourque and Lyubushkin become meaningful additions for Nashville, illustrating the difficult choices championship-caliber teams sometimes have to make to remain under the salary cap. [00:07:00] Neil and Vic agree that the championship window is beginning to close on the current iteration of the Dallas Stars. The talent remains, but the pressure to finally convert regular-season success into a Stanley Cup run continues to increase. [00:07:20] Dallas does have younger players who could begin contributing, including forward Emil Hemming, the 29th overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. [00:07:40] Hemming produced 63 points in 46 games with Barrie of the OHL last season, making him one of the organization’s prospects to watch as Dallas attempts to transition younger talent into its veteran lineup. [00:08:00] Defenseman Trey Taylor is another prospect worth monitoring as the Stars look for internal options capable of helping extend their competitive window. [00:08:20] Dallas enters 2026-27 still capable of competing with the NHL’s best teams. But after four consecutive disappointing playoff endings, the central question is no longer whether the Stars are good enough—it is how many more chances this core will have to finally win the Stanley Cup.

  5. 16h ago

    Episode 112 - Continuing to Build - Jeff Blashill - Sept. 10, 2026

    The last decade has not been kind to the Chicago Blackhawks. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2015, the franchise has not won a playoff series and has missed the post-season eight times in the last nine campaigns including six in a row. Progress often comes in small steps and for head coach Jeff Blashill, there may be more reason for optimism than meets the eye. Noted for his work developing young players, Blashill enters his second season behind the Chicago bench with the youngest team in the NHL enhanced by some veteran acquisitions over the summer. The show will also pay tribute to long-time ESPN analyst Barry Melrose, who passed away Thursday after battling Parkinson's Disease for the last three years, and we'll close the show looking back 25 years and how the hockey community was directly rocked by the 9/11 attacks. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:39] - Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill joins the show opening with memories of Barry Melrose. [04:31] - After suffering a shoulder injury while training in July, star forward Connor Bedard is back on the ice, possibly a bit ahead of his rehab schedule. [06:06] - From the inside, the experience of coaching Bedard. [09:31] - The overarching view of the Blackhawks roster this season compared to last, a true mix of youth and experience for one of the NHL's youngest teams. [12:54] - The expected trajectory for forward Frank Nazar, who signed an eye-opening contract a year ago which is kicking in this season. [14:40] - Having coached Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk in Detroit and being an assistant in a Tampa Bay lineup with Nikita Kucherov, the benefits gained with Patrick Kane coming to Chicago for a second stint. [17:20] - Speaking from experience, Blashill expects Kane to have an influence on Bedard in Chicago comparable to Zetterberg and Datsyuk on Dylan Larkin in Detroit. [19:09] - With former captain Nick Foligno in Minnesota, where Blashill will be looking to for leadership. [20:48] - The potential of a young defense which is going to be led by trade acquisition Bowen Byram. [23:46] - The goaltending, led by Spencer Knight and supported by Arvid Soderblom. [25:20] - Three fun questions for Blashill before departing - two of them rather loaded. [27:58] - Recapping the discussion with Jeff Blashill. [29:50] - Remembering Barry Melrose. [36:32] - 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the direct impact on the NHL. 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 #JeffBlashill #BarryMelrose #CindyMelrose #JimDevellano #BrianEngblom #BillClement #ConnorBedard #PatrickKane #AntonFrondell #RomanKantserov #NickLardis #SamRinzel #ColeSmith #IanCole #JordanGreenway #BowenByram #FrankNazar #PavelDatsyuk #HenrikZetterberg #NikitaKucherov #NicklasLidstrom #DylanLarkin #TylerBertuzzi #ConnorMurphy #JasonDickinson #AlexVlasic #WyattKaiser #ArtyomLevshunov #LouisCrevier #MatthewSchaefer #SpencerKnight #ArvidSoderblom #BruceMcNall #JohnSaunders #BillPidto #AceBailey #MarkBavis #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 #AdirondackRedWings #DetroitTigers #ChicagoWhiteSox #ChicagoCubs #LittleCaesarsPizza #LouMalnatiPizza #CincinnatiStingers #WHA #SeattleThunderbirds #WayneGretzky #LucRobitaille #BobPlager #JoeWatson #WayneCashman #AceBaileyChildren'sFoundation #TheMarkBavisLeadershipFoundation #AndrewBrunette

    Episode 112 - Continuing to Build - Jeff Blashill - Sept. 10, 2026

  6. 2d ago

    Summer Coolers – Buffalo Sabres

    Summer Coolers – Buffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres finally broke through. After a 14-season playoff drought, Buffalo finished first in the Atlantic Division, second in the Eastern Conference, and fourth overall before defeating Boston in the opening round and taking Montreal to overtime in Game 7. Now the expectations change. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Sabres can build on their breakthrough season despite losing Alex Tuch, how their revamped defense could make them even stronger, and why goaltending may still separate Buffalo from the NHL’s true Stanley Cup contenders. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Buffalo finishes first in the Atlantic and second in the Eastern Conference, ending a 14-season playoff drought by qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2011. [00:00:25] The Sabres defeat the Boston Bruins in six games before their season ends with an overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the second round. [00:00:45] Nearly every major team metric moves in the right direction. Buffalo improves offensively, defensively, on the power play, and on the penalty kill during Lindy Ruff’s second season back with the organization. [00:01:00] With the playoff drought finally over, Neil explains that the expectations in Buffalo have completely changed. Simply improving is no longer enough—the fan base will expect another playoff appearance and a place among the Atlantic Division’s top teams. [00:01:25] The biggest offseason departure is Alex Tuch. The unrestricted free agent is moved to Washington in a sign-and-trade that brings David Kämpf and a 2026 third-round selection back to Buffalo. [00:01:50] Buffalo also makes a significant change on defense, trading Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks for Louis Crevier and first- and second-round selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. [00:02:10] Vic likes the addition of Crevier, who showed that he could be a serviceable NHL defenseman even while playing for a struggling Chicago team. [00:02:25] The Sabres further reshape the blue line by acquiring Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks and signing him as a restricted free agent. [00:02:45] Zach Benson’s emergence, particularly during the postseason, gives Buffalo another reason for optimism, while more will be expected from Peyton Krebs. [00:03:00] Even after losing Tuch, Vic believes the Sabres have enough talent to challenge for another 100-point season and remain near the top of the Atlantic Division. [00:03:20] Neil agrees that Tuch is a significant loss but wonders whether the forward’s previous season may ultimately prove to have been a career year. His performance in Washington will provide the next test. [00:03:40] Neil remains skeptical about Byram developing into the player his contract and expectations suggest he can become, making Buffalo’s decision to move him easier to understand. [00:04:00] Buffalo still possesses high-end talent led by Tage Thompson, and Neil believes the Sabres should remain firmly in the battle for the top of the Atlantic. [00:04:20] Rasmus Dahlin’s postseason performance reinforces his status as an elite NHL defenseman, while Owen Power gives Buffalo another major piece on the back end. [00:04:40] The larger concern is in goal. Devon Levi is traded to Edmonton for a 2028 third-round pick, leaving Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Colten Ellis, and Alex Lyon as Buffalo’s primary options. [00:05:00] Vic believes that goaltending group may be sufficient to produce another strong regular season but questions whether it is good enough to win a Stanley Cup. [00:05:20] Neil agrees that Buffalo does not currently possess championship-level goaltending, but he also does not view the Sabres as a true Stanley Cup contender yet. He sees them as a dangerous Atlantic Division team still trying to reach the NHL’s elite tier. [00:05:40] Additional defensive changes include Michael Kesselring being traded to San Jose and Luke Schenn leaving after his brief stint with Buffalo. [00:06:00] Young forwards Konsta Helenius and Noah Östlund could become increasingly important after showing flashes late in the regular season and during the playoffs. [00:06:20] Vic believes increased contributions from Buffalo’s younger forwards could help compensate for Tuch’s departure, but Neil cautions that replacing him will require more than one player. [00:06:40] Tuch contributed in numerous situations and was one of Buffalo’s most important regular-season players. Neil expects Ruff to replace that production by committee rather than relying on a single forward. [00:07:00] The conversation turns to Tuch’s disappointing postseason and whether those struggles influenced Buffalo’s willingness to let him leave despite his connections to Western New York and history as a Sabres fan. [00:07:20] Ultimately, Neil believes the financial commitment was simply too large. With Washington prepared to give Tuch an eight-year, $84 million contract, Buffalo was not ready to make that kind of long-term investment. [00:07:40] The Sabres enter 2026-27 with something they have not carried in years: expectations. The defense may be stronger, the young talent continues to develop, and Buffalo should remain an Atlantic contender—but replacing Tuch and proving the goaltending can hold up will determine just how high this team can climb.

  7. 2d ago

    Summer Coolers – Calgary Flames

    Summer Coolers – Calgary FlamesThe Calgary Flames have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for four consecutive seasons and five of the last six, but with Scotia Place scheduled to open in 2027-28, the pressure is growing to get the franchise moving in the right direction. Calgary made significant changes to its blue line by acquiring Simon Nemec, Maxim Tsyplakov, and Jake Middleton, while young players like Zayne Parekh and Samuel Honzek represent hope for the future. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Flames have enough to improve, why Jonathan Huberdeau and Matt Coronato face pivotal seasons, and the difficult position head coach Ryan Huska could find himself in if Calgary misses the playoffs again. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Calgary finishes seventh in the Pacific Division and misses the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season—and for the fifth time in six years. [00:00:20] The underlying results offer little encouragement as the Flames decline offensively, defensively, and on the power play. Management responds with a more active offseason. [00:00:40] Calgary acquires defenseman Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 second-round selection and first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. [00:01:00] The Flames also acquire defenseman Jake Middleton from Minnesota as part of a deal involving multiple draft picks, Blake Coleman, and Olli Määttä. [00:01:20] With Scotia Place scheduled to open for the 2027-28 season, Craig Conroy and Don Maloney face increasing pressure to have the franchise trending upward before entering its new home. [00:01:40] Vic believes Calgary should improve this season, but much depends on players such as Matt Coronato and Jonathan Huberdeau producing at a higher level. [00:02:00] Huberdeau remains a particular concern after failing to reproduce the level of offensive production he delivered during his years with the Florida Panthers. [00:02:20] Strong seasons from Calgary’s established players could also make the organization more attractive to future free agents as the opening of Scotia Place approaches. Without progress, the Flames risk entering their new building with a stagnant team. [00:02:40] Neil likes the Nemec acquisition and explains the structure of the New Jersey trade, suggesting that taking on Tsyplakov was effectively part of the price Calgary had to pay to acquire Nemec. [00:03:00] Middleton brings size and experience to the blue line after playing effectively for Minnesota when healthy and in the lineup. [00:03:20] Despite those defensive additions, Neil still does not believe Calgary possesses enough talent to become a playoff team this season. [00:03:40] Neil recognizes that the Flames are attempting a slower build and also face some of the financial challenges that come with operating a Canadian franchise, but he would not pick Calgary as one of the Pacific Division’s playoff teams. [00:04:00] Calgary makes relatively modest additions through unrestricted free agency, bringing in defensemen Andreas Englund from Nashville and Michael Benning from Florida. [00:04:20] Forward Ben Jones also joins the Flames on a one-year contract after playing in the Minnesota organization. [00:04:40] Several useful players depart. Ryan Lomberg, described as a spark plug for Calgary, signs with the Columbus Blue Jackets. [00:05:00] Victor Olofsson leaves for Vegas, Justin Kirkland joins Minnesota, John Beecher signs with Florida, and Dillon Dubé moves to St. Louis. [00:05:20] The Flames will need more from their young talent, beginning with defenseman Zayne Parekh, the ninth overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. [00:05:40] Parekh appeared in 37 games last season and experienced a significant NHL learning curve. Vic expects him to be considerably more comfortable during his second extended opportunity. [00:06:00] Samuel Honzek, the 16th overall pick in 2023, is another young player Calgary hopes can make a larger impact after showing promise before suffering a season-ending injury in November. [00:06:20] Honzek’s injury came following a collision with captain Mikael Backlund, prematurely ending an opportunity for the young forward to establish himself. [00:06:40] Neil and Vic discuss the extremely narrow margin separating NHL teams trying to take the next step from those that can quickly fall further down the standings. [00:07:00] That uncertainty puts Ryan Huska in a difficult position as he enters his fourth season behind Calgary’s bench. [00:07:20] Neil explains the unforgiving reality facing NHL coaches: sometimes a coach can be given a roster that is unlikely to make the playoffs and still lose his job when the team inevitably falls short. [00:07:40] The key question becomes what Conroy and Maloney realistically expect from Huska with the roster they have assembled. Neil believes Maloney understands the situation and likely recognizes Calgary’s limitations. [00:08:00] The episode concludes with cautious optimism about some of Calgary’s young pieces and defensive additions, but Neil remains unconvinced that the Flames have enough talent to end their playoff drought this season.

  8. 2d ago

    Summer Coolers – Colorado Avalanche

    Summer Coolers – Colorado AvalancheThe Colorado Avalanche were arguably the NHL’s most dominant regular-season team, capturing the Presidents’ Trophy while leading the league in offense, defense, save percentage, and penalty killing. But their pursuit of another Stanley Cup ended abruptly when the Vegas Golden Knights swept them in the Western Conference Final, with an injured Cale Makar unable to make his usual impact. Now Colorado enters 2026-27 with significant roster turnover, Joe Sakic temporarily back in the GM chair, questions about lost depth, and one enormous piece of business looming: Makar’s next contract. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Avalanche remain the powerhouse they were a year ago. IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Colorado comes off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, capturing the award for the fourth time in franchise history while reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a ninth consecutive year. [00:00:25] The Avalanche race through the first two rounds, sweeping Los Angeles before eliminating Minnesota in five games and reaching the Western Conference Final in only nine playoff games. [00:00:45] Their postseason ends dramatically against Vegas. The Golden Knights sweep Colorado in the conference final, with Cale Makar missing the opening two games before returning for the final two while clearly not at full strength. [00:01:10] The result becomes another reminder that regular-season dominance guarantees nothing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Recent Presidents’ Trophy winners have experienced dramatically different outcomes once the postseason begins. [00:01:35] Neil points back to Boston’s record-setting 2022-23 season as perhaps the ultimate example. The Bruins dominated the regular season before being eliminated by Florida in the opening round. [00:02:00] Winning the Presidents’ Trophy requires tremendous consistency over a full season, but Neil explains that the grind can also take a physical toll before the playoffs even begin. [00:02:20] Makar’s health becomes especially significant because Neil considers him, along with Nathan MacKinnon, one of the two most important players on the Avalanche roster. [00:02:40] Colorado’s regular-season numbers demonstrate just how dominant the team was. The Avalanche lead the NHL offensively at 3.63 goals per game. [00:03:00] Colorado also finishes first defensively at 2.37 goals allowed per game, while Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood combine to help produce an NHL-best .908 save percentage. [00:03:20] The penalty kill ranks first at 84.6 percent, giving the Avalanche elite performance in almost every major statistical category. [00:03:40] Then comes one of the NHL season’s biggest statistical mysteries: despite possessing an incredible collection of offensive talent, Colorado’s power play finishes only 27th. [00:04:00] A unit featuring Makar, Devon Toews, MacKinnon, Martin Nečas, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, and Valeri Nichushkin consistently struggles to translate its skill into production with the man advantage. [00:04:20] Vic believes the Avalanche frequently tried to be too perfect, forcing passes into the middle while too many long-distance shots missed the net. [00:04:40] Neil offers another explanation: Colorado may simply have had too many players who wanted the puck. With only one puck available, the group never consistently established who should shoot, who should distribute, and who should become the primary setup option. [00:05:00] Despite Jared Bednar’s coaching and Colorado’s extraordinary talent, the power play remains an unexplained weakness throughout an otherwise dominant season. [00:05:20] The offseason brings a major front-office change when General Manager Chris MacFarland leaves Colorado on June 2 to join Nashville as President of Hockey Operations. [00:05:40] Joe Sakic steps back into the general manager role on an interim basis and quickly begins reshaping the roster. [00:06:00] Colorado trades Ross Colton and a goaltending prospect to Nashville in exchange for another goalie prospect and third-round selections in 2026 and 2027. [00:06:20] Eight days later, Sakic makes another deal with his former GM, sending Jack Drury, Chase Bradley, and a 2029 third-round selection to Nashville for promising forward Fedor Svechkov and physical forward Zachary L’Heureux. [00:06:45] Valeri Nichushkin is also traded to Columbus for three draft picks, removing another significant forward from Colorado’s lineup. [00:07:00] Neil notes that MacKinnon and Makar remain the franchise cornerstones, but championship teams cannot survive on superstars alone. Losing players such as Colton, Drury, Nichushkin, and Joel Kiviranta changes Colorado’s overall depth. [00:07:25] Neil remains confident that Colorado will be a strong team, but unlike a year ago, he takes more of a wait-and-see approach because of the amount of supporting talent that has departed. [00:07:50] The biggest long-term storyline surrounds Makar, who enters the final season of his contract at $9 million per year and could become an unrestricted free agent. [00:08:10] With the NHL salary cap scheduled to climb to $113.5 million, Vic expects Makar—along with Dallas star Jason Robertson—to become one of the first players in the next wave of enormous NHL contracts. [00:08:35] Neil explains an important distinction about the rising salary cap: simply because teams are allowed to spend to the ceiling does not mean every franchise has the financial ability or willingness to do so. [00:09:00] The cap represents the maximum a team can spend, not an obligation. Neil compares it to being told you can spend $10,000 in a store—it does not mean you actually have or want to spend the entire amount. [00:09:20] Colorado does spend to retain some defensive depth, re-signing Brent Kulak for five years at $4.5 million per season and bringing back veteran Brent Burns on a one-year, $850,000 contract. [00:09:40] The Avalanche also acquire Jaden Schwartz from Seattle on a three-year deal at $3.25 million per season while adding forwards Vinnie Hinostroza from Florida and Noah Cates from Philadelphia. [00:10:00] Colorado still possesses the superstar foundation necessary to compete for the Stanley Cup, but the supporting cast looks different. Whether the new pieces can replace the depth that departed—and how the Avalanche handle Makar’s looming contract—will help determine whether the Presidents’ Trophy winners remain among the NHL’s true elite in 2026-27.

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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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