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The definitive NHL podcast network with expert analysis and insider perspectives.
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Spring Cleaning – New York Rangers The New York Rangers entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations under first-year head coach Mike Sullivan, but even a Wild Card berth proved well beyond their reach. A season defined by offensive struggles, major trades, and an aggressive roster teardown ended with the Rangers eliminated on March 25. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the dismantling of a team that reached the Eastern Conference Final only two years earlier, the young players receiving late-season opportunities, and the long rebuild now facing General Manager Chris Drury. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Rangers are eliminated from playoff contention on March 25 after entering the season as a possible Wild Card team. Neil and Vic revisit their preseason belief that New York would need to overachieve under Mike Sullivan to remain in the playoff race. [00:00:40] Neil’s preseason warning to “bring a program” proves accurate as the roster becomes increasingly unrecognizable. By the final weeks, the Rangers are relying heavily on Hartford call-ups, college signings, and inexperienced players auditioning for future roles. [00:01:00] New York’s offensive problems surface immediately. The Rangers are shut out by Pittsburgh on opening night and fail to score in each of their first three home games before finally breaking through in their fourth appearance at Madison Square Garden. [00:01:30] The dismantling continues after the offseason departures of K’Andre Miller and Chris Kreider. Artemi Panarin is later traded to the Los Angeles Kings, further removing proven scoring from a team already struggling to generate offense. [00:02:00] Neil explains that the returns for those veteran players may eventually benefit the organization through prospects and draft picks, but they provide almost no immediate help during the 2025-26 season. [00:02:20] The Rangers eventually discover a productive late-season line featuring Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gabe Perreault. Zibanejad delivers a strong bounce-back season, Lafrenière improves, and Perreault emerges as one of the organization’s more promising young forwards. [00:02:45] Other prospects receive extended opportunities, including Noah Laba, Adam Sýkora, Drew Fortescue, and goaltender Dylan Garand. Their improved play provides some optimism, but Neil cautions against overvaluing performances after the team has already been eliminated. [00:03:00] Neil calls the late-season surge a mirage. With no playoff pressure and young players desperate to prove themselves, the final games resemble preseason auditions more than meaningful evidence of what the Rangers will become next year. [00:03:30] Attention turns to the unrestricted free agents, including Jonny Brodzinski, Conor Sheary, and veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick, who may retire after the season. [00:03:50] Restricted free agents Braden Schneider, Vincent Iorio, and Dylan Garand represent more important decisions for Chris Drury as the organization begins identifying which younger players belong in the next version of the team. [00:04:00] The Rangers enter the 2026 NHL Draft with 11 selections, including two first-round picks and four third-round picks. One of those first-rounders came from Carolina in the K’Andre Miller trade. [00:04:25] Despite the large number of selections, Neil believes the rebuild will take considerable time. The Rangers possess some useful pieces, but their prospect pipeline lacks enough elite talent to make them a likely playoff contender next season. [00:04:45] Neil identifies the draft as the organization’s most important path forward. Drury must maximize those selections while continuing to explore trades involving veterans who can bring back younger players or additional assets. [00:05:00] Igor Shesterkin remains the most important building block and gives the Rangers an elite foundation in goal. From there, management must determine how many current veterans still fit the club’s long-term timeline. [00:05:20] Mika Zibanejad remains a highly respected player, but his age creates questions about whether he should be part of a multi-year rebuild. Neil also argues that Lafrenière has not developed into the franchise-altering player expected from a first-overall pick. [00:05:45] The episode concludes with cautious evaluations of Perreault, Sýkora, Laba, and Garand. Each player showed promise, but Neil emphasizes that the pressure-free final weeks cannot be treated as proof that the Rangers are ready to contend again.
Spring Cleaning – Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Eastern Conference Wild Card, but their postseason stay ended quickly with a four-game sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes. Even so, Ottawa made measurable progress during the 2025-26 season, improving significantly on offense while overcoming injuries to several of its most important players. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Senators’ scoring growth, defensive and goaltending concerns, and the increasingly important decisions surrounding Claude Giroux and captain Brady Tkachuk. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Senators qualify for the playoffs as the second Wild Card before being swept by Carolina in the opening round. Neil and Vic revisit the biggest question entering the season: whether Ottawa could generate enough offense after failing to produce a 30-goal scorer the previous year. [00:00:35] Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson both surpass 30 goals, while Dylan Cozens finishes with 28. Ottawa scores 278 goals as a team, an improvement of 35, and raises its goal differential from plus-nine to plus-32. [00:01:00] Neil discusses the continued development of Ottawa’s young core. Stützle, Batherson, and several other key players are entering the prime years of their careers, giving the Senators hope that their best talent can mature together. [00:01:20] Special teams remain a major concern. The penalty kill drops from 19th to 29th overall and ranks 31st on the road, creating a weakness that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome against stronger opponents. [00:01:45] Ottawa’s goaltending produces an unusual statistical profile. The Senators rank near the middle of the league in goals-against average but near the bottom in save percentage, suggesting the club limits shots but struggles to stop enough of the dangerous chances that get through. [00:02:00] Linus Ullmark misses time on personal leave, Levi Merzlikins fails to match his previous performance, and James Reimer is added later in the season to stabilize the backup position. [00:02:20] Injuries create even greater problems on defense. Brady Tkachuk suffers a thumb injury early in the season, while Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, Nick Jensen, Tyler Kleven, and other defensemen miss significant time. [00:03:00] Neil explains how the repeated absences of Sanderson, Chabot, Jensen, and Kleven damaged Ottawa’s defensive structure. With several regulars unavailable at the same time, the Senators struggled to protect their goaltenders and maintain consistency. [00:03:30] Despite improved scoring, Ottawa cannot break through against Carolina. The Senators compete hard but lack the depth and execution necessary to challenge one of the NHL’s elite teams. [00:04:00] The discussion shifts to the offseason. Ottawa enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven picks, including three selections in the third round, but has no second-round or seventh-round pick. [00:04:45] The Senators project to have approximately $2.34 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. Their unrestricted free agents include Claude Giroux, Lars Eller, Nick Cousins, Nick Jensen, Dennis Gilbert, Lassi Thomson, and James Reimer. [00:05:15] Restricted free agents Stephen Halliday, Jordan Spence, and Levi Merzlikins also require new contracts. Neil expects General Manager Steve Staios to prioritize Spence and address the defense and goaltending before making decisions on veteran forwards. [00:05:45] Claude Giroux’s future becomes another major storyline. The veteran has taken a hometown discount to remain in Ottawa, and Neil believes Giroux may prefer to finish his career with the Senators, although management must determine whether he still fits the club’s direction. [00:06:30] Attention then turns to Brady Tkachuk, who has two years remaining on his contract at $8.2 million annually. Trade speculation continues despite Tkachuk publicly denying that he wants to leave Ottawa. [00:07:00] Neil explains why the rumors will not disappear until Tkachuk signs another contract. As the captain approaches the final year of his deal, Ottawa must continue evaluating the market and understand what other teams might offer for its most valuable player. [00:08:00] Tkachuk’s value extends far beyond his production. He is the face of the franchise, an emotional leader, and one of the NHL’s most intimidating and competitive captains. [00:09:00] The episode concludes with Neil emphasizing that Steve Staios cannot remove any possibility from consideration. Ottawa has a strong young foundation, but improving the penalty kill, stabilizing the goaltending, resolving the defensive depth, and securing Tkachuk’s future will determine whether the Senators can take another step next season.
Spring Cleaning – New York Islanders The New York Islanders narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs after remaining in the postseason race almost the entire 2025-26 season. While the year ultimately ended in disappointment, the emergence of first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, a resurgent Ilya Sorokin, and a brighter organizational outlook gave Islanders fans reasons for optimism. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the turning point that derailed the season, the coaching change from Patrick Roy to Peter DeBoer, and the offseason challenges facing General Manager Mathieu Darche. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Islanders are eliminated from playoff contention on April 12 after spending much of the season battling for a Metropolitan Division playoff spot. Neil and Vic revisit the preseason expectations, which focused less on immediate success and more on building a stronger future through young talent and organizational growth. [00:00:45] Despite trading Noah Dobson to Montreal in exchange for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks, the Islanders emerge with a brighter long-term outlook. Neil credits the remarkable rookie season of first-overall selection Matthew Schaefer as one of the biggest surprises in the entire NHL. [00:01:00] The discussion highlights several major positives from the season. Schaefer immediately establishes himself as a future superstar, Ilya Sorokin returns to Vezina Trophy form, and Bo Horvat delivers one of the best goal-scoring seasons of his career while helping stabilize the Islanders' offense. [00:02:00] Schaefer's rookie campaign exceeds every expectation, tying Brian Leetch's long-standing rookie record for goals by a defenseman with 23. Despite Dobson's departure, New York's blue line remains productive thanks largely to Schaefer's immediate impact in all situations. [00:02:30] Injuries to Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov challenge the roster throughout the season, while the special teams produce mixed results. The penalty kill climbs dramatically from 31st to 10th in the NHL, but the power play improves only slightly, moving from 31st to 30th despite an abundance of offensive talent. [00:03:00] The defining moment of the Islanders' season arrives on March 30 against Pittsburgh. Holding a 3-1 lead and on the power play, New York surrenders a shorthanded goal to Rickard Rakell. Neil and Vic describe that play as the turning point that completely changed the trajectory of the season. [00:04:00] Following the collapse against the Penguins, the Islanders lose seven of their final eight games. Patrick Roy is dismissed with four games remaining, and Peter DeBoer is brought in to begin preparing the organization for the future after another disappointing finish. [00:05:00] Looking ahead, New York enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections after previous trades involving Josh Bailey's contract and the acquisition of Carson Soucy. The Islanders also project to be approximately $3.8 million over the salary cap before offseason adjustments. [00:05:45] The goaltending situation becomes another major storyline. Semyon Varlamov returns to action late in the season with Bridgeport after missing the entire NHL campaign, raising hopes that he can once again form a dependable tandem with Sorokin if his health cooperates. [00:06:30] Neil believes the Islanders will likely add another experienced goaltender regardless of Varlamov's status to protect against further injuries. Finding reliable depth in net will remain one of Mathieu Darche's offseason priorities. [00:06:45] Captain Anders Lee headlines the unrestricted free agent class alongside Carson Soucy, Tony DeAngelo, and David Rittich. Neil expects Lee to remain with the organization, potentially on a team-friendly contract, while several of the other veterans could be replaced during the offseason. [00:07:30] Restricted free agents Max Chabanov, Mark Gatcomb, and Adam Boqvist also require new contracts as Darche continues reshaping the roster around its younger core. [00:08:00] The episode concludes with Neil and Vic projecting the Islanders as a bubble playoff team once again next season. With Matthew Schaefer continuing to develop, Sorokin back at an elite level, and Peter DeBoer behind the bench, New York's future appears brighter, but additional offensive production—particularly from Mathew Barzal—will be necessary to become a legitimate playoff contender.
Summer Coolers – New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils entered the 2025-26 season expecting to challenge the Carolina Hurricanes for the Metropolitan Division title. Instead, injuries, inconsistent goaltending, declining production from key players, and growing organizational instability resulted in a deeply disappointing season. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why New Jersey’s once-dangerous transition game has become easier to defend, the front-office changes coming after Tom Fitzgerald’s dismissal, and whether Sheldon Keefe will remain behind the bench. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Devils are eliminated from playoff contention on April 7 after beginning the season with championship-level expectations. Despite adding Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, New Jersey fails to emerge as the serious Metropolitan Division challenger many expected. [00:00:40] Neil reviews the problems that quickly derailed the season, including Jacob Markstrom’s subpar play and Jack Hughes missing significant time after accidentally cutting his finger at a restaurant. The Devils once again prove to be a dramatically different team without Hughes in the lineup. [00:01:00] Ondřej Palát struggles to produce before being traded to the New York Islanders. His departure becomes another sign that the roster assembled to contend was not performing at the level expected by management. [00:01:15] Sheldon Keefe’s handling of several difficult situations comes under examination. The head coach benches Dougie Hamilton despite his $9 million salary and later leaves Markstrom in net during a lopsided defeat, creating questions about his decision-making and relationships with veteran players. [00:01:40] General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is dismissed by the end of the season, leaving New Jersey searching for both a new GM and a new president. Keefe’s future also becomes uncertain as the organization prepares for a potentially significant leadership overhaul. [00:02:00] The Devils receive disappointing offensive production from several core players. Jesper Bratt’s totals decline, Nico Hischier scores fewer goals, and Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer fail to deliver the consistent secondary scoring New Jersey needs. [00:02:20] Neil and Vic revisit the transition game that made the Devils one of the NHL’s most exciting teams several seasons earlier. Opponents have adjusted, but New Jersey has failed to develop the heavier forecheck or more physical style needed to create space and make that transition attack effective again. [00:02:45] Neil argues that the issue goes beyond coaching strategy. The Devils may not currently possess enough size, strength, and physicality within the roster to successfully make the tactical changes required. [00:03:00] The offseason begins with major uncertainty at the top of the organization. The incoming president and general manager must quickly determine the direction of the franchise and decide whether Keefe remains the right coach to lead the next phase. [00:03:15] New Jersey enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections. The Devils previously traded their third-round pick to the Islanders in the Palát deal and sent their seventh-round selection to Seattle in the trade for Daniel Sprong. [00:03:30] Evgenii Dadonov, Zack MacEwen, and defenseman Dennis Cholowski headline the unrestricted free agent class. After Dadonov’s disappointing season, the organization appears likely to move on from several veteran depth pieces. [00:03:40] Restricted free agents Arseni Gritsyuk, Paul Cotter, and Šimon Nemec represent more important decisions. Gritsyuk emerges as one of the few bright spots during his rookie season, while Cotter provides useful energy and physicality. [00:04:00] Neil believes the current version of the Devils is not a guaranteed playoff team entering 2026-27. While he does not directly call for Keefe’s dismissal, he expects the new management group may choose its own coach to bring renewed energy and a different approach. [00:04:20] The episode concludes with the recognition that major work lies ahead. New Jersey still possesses high-end talent, but the next leadership group must address the team’s identity, physical makeup, goaltending, and declining offensive production before the Devils can return to contention.
Spring Cleaning – Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens continued one of the NHL's most impressive rebuilds during the 2025-26 season, finishing third in the Atlantic Division with 106 points before advancing to the Eastern Conference Final. Powered by the emergence of several young stars and significant growth throughout the roster, Montreal exceeded preseason expectations and established itself as one of the league's rising contenders. Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the Canadiens' remarkable progression, their evolving goaltending situation, and the important roster decisions awaiting Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton this offseason. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Canadiens finish third in the Atlantic Division with 106 points before defeating Tampa Bay and Buffalo in consecutive seven-game playoff series. Although Carolina ends Montreal's postseason run in the Eastern Conference Final, Neil and Vic agree the season represents another major step forward for one of the NHL's youngest teams. [00:00:45] Expectations entering the season centered on simply returning to the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Instead, Montreal surpasses those expectations as several young players elevate their games and transform the Canadiens into a legitimate contender. [00:01:30] Cole Caufield headlines the breakout performances with a spectacular 51-goal season. Montreal improves by 15 points in the standings, scores 38 more goals than the previous year, and finishes tied for the fifth-highest point total in the NHL. [00:02:00] The Canadiens' special teams take mixed steps forward, while the goaltending situation undergoes a dramatic shift. Sam Montembeault struggles after entering the season as the starter, allowing Jakub Dobes to seize the number-one role during Montreal's impressive playoff run. [00:03:00] Neil discusses the changing landscape of NHL goaltending, where many teams now rotate capable netminders rather than relying on one established superstar. Montreal becomes another example of how confidence and momentum can dramatically reshape a team's crease during a single season. [00:04:30] The conversation turns to Jakub Dobes' future. While Jacob Fowler continues developing within the organization, Neil believes Dobes possesses the competitiveness and edge necessary to remain Montreal's starter after an outstanding postseason performance. [00:06:00] Montreal's young core continues to impress. Cole Caufield reaches 51 goals, Nick Suzuki records his first 100-point season, Juraj Slafkovský enjoys a career year, and rookie Ivan Demidov leads all first-year players in scoring one season after Lane Hutson accomplished the same feat. [00:07:00] Neil and Vic highlight the Canadiens' growing depth with contributions from Alex Newhook, Jake Evans, Kirby Dach, Josh Anderson, Zach Bolduc, Phillip Danault, and Alexander Texier. On defense, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier provide a strong foundation despite questions surrounding Dobson's new contract value. [00:08:30] Marty St. Louis receives praise for his continued development as an NHL head coach. After arriving in Montreal with virtually no professional coaching experience, St. Louis has guided the Canadiens through one of the league's most successful rebuilds. [00:09:00] Looking ahead, Montreal enters the offseason with eight selections in the 2026 NHL Draft and approximately $11 million in projected salary cap space. Brendan Gallagher's reported desire for a trade could create additional financial flexibility if a deal can be completed. [00:10:00] Neil reflects on Gallagher's outstanding career in Montreal, praising his leadership and passion while acknowledging that a change of scenery may benefit both player and organization at this stage of his career. [00:11:00] Patrick Laine's disappointing tenure in Montreal is revisited after another injury-filled season. Neil explains why he questioned the acquisition from the beginning and believes Laine's inability to consistently impact the game beyond goal scoring has once again prevented him from becoming a long-term solution. [00:13:00] The episode concludes with Montreal's remaining contract decisions, including restricted free agents Kirby Dach, Zach Bolduc, Joe Veleno, and Arber Xhekaj. Neil expects Xhekaj's toughness and physical presence to keep him in Montreal as the Canadiens continue building toward sustained Stanley Cup contention.
Spring Cleaning – Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators entered the 2025-26 season with limited expectations after their expensive veteran roster collapsed the year before. Although Nashville recovered from another poor start and remained in the Western Conference playoff race until the final weeks, a late-season stumble ultimately ended its postseason hopes. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Predators’ uneven progress, the encouraging production from several core players, and the major organizational decisions ahead as Nashville prepares to transition from Barry Trotz to a new general manager. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Nashville Predators are eliminated from playoff contention on April 13 after entering the season with relatively low expectations. Neil and Vic revisit the disappointing 2024-25 campaign that followed the high-profile additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. [00:00:45] Neil explains why Nashville made few major changes during the summer of 2025. Barry Trotz appeared committed to allowing the veteran roster another opportunity while continuing to rebuild the organization’s prospect pool and future assets. [00:01:00] The Predators begin the season 6-12-4, leading to growing pressure on head coach Andrew Brunette. After an 8-3 home loss to Florida, questions emerge about Brunette’s future and whether veterans such as Stamkos or Ryan O’Reilly could be traded. [00:01:30] Nashville responds with a strong 28-16-5 stretch over its next 49 games. A five-game winning streak culminates with a victory over San Jose on March 24, giving the Predators a three-point lead over Los Angeles for the final Western Conference Wild Card position. [00:02:00] The playoff push falls apart during the final weeks as Nashville finishes 4-6-1 over its last 11 games. Neil and Vic discuss how the Predators remained competitive with Los Angeles but ultimately surrendered the final postseason spot to the Kings. [00:03:00] Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg each reach the 40-goal mark, while Ryan O’Reilly improves from 53 to 74 points. Luke Evangelista finishes fourth on the team with 56 points, and rookie Matthew Wood contributes 17 goals during an encouraging first NHL season. [00:03:30] The panel also examines several disappointing performances. Jonathan Marchessault falls from 56 points to 31, while Fedor Svechkov records only 17 points for the second consecutive season despite appearing in 18 more games. [00:04:00] Attention turns to Nashville’s front-office uncertainty. Barry Trotz has not yet been replaced as general manager, although several candidates have been connected to the position, including former New Jersey Devils executive Tom Fitzgerald. [00:04:30] Neil expects the Predators to have a new general manager in place before the 2026 NHL Draft. That executive will inherit significant flexibility and the opportunity to establish a new direction for the organization. [00:05:00] Nashville enters the draft with 12 selections, tied for the most in the NHL. The Predators own multiple picks in the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds, giving the incoming management team an unusually large collection of assets to use or trade. [00:05:30] The Predators project to have approximately $7.2 million in salary cap space. Their unrestricted free agents include Eric Haula and Tyson Jost, while defenseman Justin Barron is the organization’s most significant restricted free agent. [00:06:00] Most of Nashville’s veteran core remains under contract beyond next season, including captain Roman Josi. That stability gives the next general manager an opportunity to keep the roster largely intact while adding younger and more productive supporting pieces. [00:06:30] The episode concludes with Neil stressing that Nashville can no longer rely almost entirely on Stamkos and Forsberg to carry the offense. The Predators must develop more young players and create greater scoring depth if they expect to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.