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The definitive NHL podcast network with expert analysis and insider perspectives.
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The Chicago Blackhawks remained in rebuilding mode during the 2025-26 season, finishing last in the Central Division for the fourth consecutive year. While another playoff berth was never expected, Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss why there are encouraging signs throughout the organization. From Connor Bedard's continued development under new head coach Jeff Blashill to an impressive collection of future draft picks and a stronger defensive identity, the Blackhawks appear to be laying the foundation for a return to contention in the years ahead. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Blackhawks are officially eliminated from playoff contention on April 2 after another season at the bottom of the Central Division. Neil and Vic discuss why expectations remained modest entering the year despite Jeff Blashill taking over behind the Chicago bench, and why the rebuild appears to be progressing in the right direction. [00:00:45] Neil explains that Chicago's long-term plan remains focused on accumulating elite young talent before aggressively adding veteran pieces. Connor Bedard continues his development, showing significant improvement defensively under Blashill while maturing into the franchise cornerstone the Blackhawks envisioned. [00:01:00] The discussion turns to Chicago's impressive collection of future assets. The Blackhawks own nine selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, including two first-round picks and three second-round picks, while also holding the possibility of multiple first-round selections again in 2027, giving General Manager Kyle Davidson tremendous flexibility to continue building the roster. [00:01:45] Neil and Vic review Chicago's offseason contract priorities. Connor Bedard headlines the restricted free agent class, while defenseman Kevin Korchinski also requires a new contract. The panel expects Bedard's extension to be one of the organization's easiest decisions after his continued growth. [00:02:00] Defensively, the Blackhawks show noticeable improvement. Their penalty kill becomes one of the NHL's best, while goals against decline from the previous season despite still finishing above three goals allowed per game. Neil credits Jeff Blashill for establishing stronger defensive habits throughout a young roster. [00:02:30] The conversation shifts to the changing leadership within the organization following the departures of longtime veterans Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Connor Murphy. With Connor Bedard now wearing an "A," the Blackhawks officially enter a new era centered around their emerging young core. [00:03:00] Neil and Vic evaluate the supporting cast around Bedard, highlighting productive seasons from Tyler Bertuzzi and Ryan Donato while acknowledging that Chicago still lacks the overall depth necessary to compete consistently with the NHL's top teams. [00:03:30] The episode concludes with optimism about Chicago's future. Although the rebuild is far from complete, the Blackhawks possess a deep prospect pool, significant draft capital, an improving defensive structure, and one of the league's brightest young stars in Connor Bedard, giving the organization reason to believe brighter days are approaching.
Spring Cleaning – Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes reached the summit of the hockey world during the 2025-26 season, capturing the Stanley Cup after finishing first in the Eastern Conference with 113 points. While Carolina entered the season as a perennial contender, few believed this roster had enough to finally win it all. Neil Smith and Vic Morren look back at the moves that transformed the Hurricanes into champions, the emergence of unexpected playoff heroes, Brandon Bussey's remarkable story, and why General Manager Eric Tulsky may have built a team capable of contending for years to come. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate their first Stanley Cup championship since 2006 after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Neil explains why winning the Stanley Cup only begins one of the busiest periods for an NHL general manager as the draft and free agency quickly follow a championship run. [00:01:00] Vic reviews Carolina's outstanding season, finishing first in the Eastern Conference and reaching the Stanley Cup Final after sweeping Ottawa and Philadelphia before eliminating Montreal in five games. Neil and Vic revisit their preseason expectations following the additions of Nikolaj Ehlers and K'Andre Miller, while questioning whether the Hurricanes had done enough to become true Stanley Cup contenders. [00:03:00] Neil discusses the offseason additions that ultimately changed Carolina's fortunes. K'Andre Miller strengthens the blue line, Nikolaj Ehlers flourishes in his first season away from Winnipeg, and the biggest surprise of all arrives when Brandon Bussey is claimed off waivers after injuries to Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov force Carolina to rely on an unknown goaltender. [00:05:00] Brandon Bussey emerges as one of the NHL's biggest surprises, posting a 31-6-2 record while helping stabilize Carolina's goaltending. The discussion also highlights the continued development of Logan Stankoven, Jackson Blake, and the resurgence of veteran Taylor Hall as the Hurricanes' young core matures into championship contributors. [00:06:00] Vic breaks down Carolina's statistical improvements, including a significant jump in road performance, the NHL's second-ranked offense, and a top-five goals-against average despite relying on three different goaltenders throughout the season. [00:07:00] The conversation shifts to Carolina's balanced attack during the playoffs. Six players finish the regular season with at least 50 points, while nine players record double-digit playoff points. Neil explains how the Hurricanes won without relying on a traditional superstar, instead overwhelming opponents with depth, defensive structure, and exceptional team play. [00:08:30] Logan Stankoven's acquisition from Dallas continues to pay enormous dividends, while Jordan Staal delivers a Conn Smythe Trophy-winning postseason through dominant two-way play, leadership, and faceoff excellence. The panel also praises contributions throughout the lineup from Eric Robinson, Mark Jankowski, and Carolina's outstanding forward depth. [00:10:00] Attention turns to Eric Tulsky's offseason priorities. Carolina enters the draft with only four selections after previous trades but possesses nearly $12 million in projected salary cap space. The Hurricanes face relatively few contract decisions, with Frederik Andersen headlining the unrestricted free agents and Alexander Nikishin representing the lone restricted free agent discussed as part of the club's future plans. [00:12:00] Neil and Vic examine why Carolina's roster remains almost entirely intact heading into the 2026-27 season. With long-term contracts already in place for much of the championship core and the salary cap continuing to rise, Eric Tulsky has significant flexibility to reinforce an already elite roster. [00:13:00] The episode concludes with a look toward Carolina's chances of repeating as Stanley Cup champions. Neil believes the Hurricanes have every opportunity to defend their title if they remain healthy, while Vic credits Rod Brind'Amour's balanced, team-first approach and outstanding playoff execution as the driving force behind one of the NHL's most complete championship performances.
Wednesday morning, it was announced Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman was stepping down from the position and into a senior advisory role under team CEO Chris Ilitch. With captain Dylan Larkin's desire to be traded still at the forefront, the incoming GM will have this saga waiting from the moment the ink is dry on a contract. Beyond that, a proud franchise which hasn't made the playoffs in ten seasons appears to be in some disarray. Plenty to unpack as the Wings look to steady the waters. 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 #DetroitRedWings #SteveYzerman #JimDevellano #ChrisIlitch #Dylan Larkin #ViktorArvidsson #DaniilTarasov #KeeganKolesar #BradyTkachuk
Spring Cleaning – Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames once again fell short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season, officially seeing their postseason hopes come to an end on April 7. While expectations entering the year were modest following a quiet offseason, Calgary's inability to generate offense ultimately proved too much to overcome. Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the Flames' disappointing season, the emergence of young goaltending, and why General Manager Craig Conroy may still be well positioned to accelerate the club's rebuild thanks to significant draft capital, ample salary cap space, and a new arena on the horizon. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Flames are eliminated from playoff contention after another season in which expectations remained relatively low following minimal roster changes during the previous offseason. Neil and Vic examine why Calgary was unable to build upon its near-playoff finish from the year before. [00:00:30] Calgary proves to be one of the NHL's strongest home teams but struggles badly on the road. The panel identifies the club's biggest issue—one of the league's lowest-scoring offenses—as the primary reason the Flames were unable to remain in the playoff race. [00:01:00] Jonathan Huberdeau's continued offensive struggles are discussed after recording just 194 points over four seasons in Calgary before shutting himself down prior to the end of the season. On a positive note, Devon Cooley establishes himself as a dependable backup to Dustin Wolf following Dan Vladar's departure to Philadelphia. [00:01:30] Looking ahead, Vic outlines why Calgary's future remains brighter than its current results suggest. The Flames possess 11 selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, including two first-round picks and four second-round picks, while also holding multiple premium selections in both the 2027 and 2028 drafts. [00:02:00] The discussion turns to General Manager Craig Conroy's long-term rebuilding strategy. With a new arena scheduled to open in the coming years, the organization appears focused on assembling a competitive young roster that can grow alongside the franchise's next chapter. [00:02:45] Neil and Vic examine Calgary's offseason flexibility. The Flames enter free agency with nearly $10 million in available salary cap space, giving Conroy the opportunity to aggressively pursue upgrades through free agency, trades, or by leveraging the organization's impressive collection of draft assets. [00:03:00] Calgary's pending free agents are reviewed, including unrestricted free agents Ryan Lomberg, Victor Olofsson, and Jake Bean, along with restricted free agent John Beecher. The panel discusses which players may fit into the club's long-term plans. [00:03:30] The episode concludes by emphasizing that Calgary possesses many of the ingredients necessary for a quick turnaround. With significant cap flexibility, one of the league's deepest collections of future draft picks, and several important organizational decisions ahead, Neil believes the Flames have an opportunity to return to playoff contention much sooner than many expect—provided the right moves are made this offseason.
The Buffalo Sabres finally ended the NHL's longest active playoff drought during the 2025-26 season, capturing the Atlantic Division title with 109 points and returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 15 years. After defeating the Boston Bruins in the opening round, Buffalo pushed the Montreal Canadiens to a thrilling seven-game series before falling in overtime of Game 7. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine one of the league's most remarkable turnarounds, from a struggling team in November to one of the NHL's hottest clubs, while discussing the impact of a midseason front office change, Lindy Ruff's leadership, and the bright future ahead for one of hockey's youngest rosters. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Sabres complete an incredible turnaround by winning the Atlantic Division with 109 points and ending a 15-year playoff drought. Neil and Vic revisit the modest expectations entering the season after Buffalo acquired Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring from Utah in exchange for JJ Peterka and signed veteran goaltender Alex Lyon, with few expecting a dramatic improvement. [00:01:00] Buffalo catches fire after a slow start, launching a 10-game winning streak that begins in Edmonton. The discussion centers on the dismissal of General Manager Kevin Adams, the hiring of Jarmo Kekäläinen, and whether the front office change helped fuel Buffalo's remarkable turnaround. [00:02:00] The Sabres finish 30 points better than the previous season, posting a dominant 33-6-2 run while climbing from the bottom of the standings to first place in the Atlantic Division. Neil compares Buffalo's surge to some of the NHL's most improbable in-season turnarounds. [00:03:00] Vic examines Buffalo's dramatic statistical improvements, including a 67-goal swing in goal differential, major improvements in home and road records, a penalty kill that climbs to fourth in the NHL, and significant gains in goals against and save percentage. [00:04:00] Neil explains why Buffalo's improvement wasn't simply the result of coaching, as Lindy Ruff remained behind the bench. Instead, the panel discusses how confidence, defensive commitment, and organizational stability transformed the Sabres into one of the league's best teams. [00:04:45] Buffalo's stars deliver career seasons. Tage Thompson reaches the 40-goal mark for the third time, Alex Tuch posts another outstanding year, and Rasmus Dahlin establishes himself among the NHL's elite defensemen with career highs while entering the Norris Trophy conversation. [00:05:30] The conversation shifts to Buffalo's impressive young core, including Josh Doan, Ryan McLeod, Jack Quinn, Owen Power, Bowen Byram, Mattias Samuelsson, Zach Benson, Konsta Helenius, and Noah Östlund, giving the Sabres one of the league's brightest futures. [00:07:00] Neil and Vic examine Jarmo Kekäläinen's first offseason as Buffalo's general manager. The Sabres have only four draft picks, limited cap space, and several important unrestricted and restricted free agents requiring decisions. [00:08:00] Alex Tuch headlines Buffalo's offseason priorities after another outstanding campaign. The panel also discusses pending decisions involving Beck Malenstyn, Tanner Pearson, Luke Schenn, Logan Stanley, Zach Benson, Peyton Krebs, and Michael Kesselring. [00:09:00] The episode concludes with a discussion about whether Tuch should accept a hometown discount to remain in Buffalo or maximize his value on the open market, while looking ahead to what could be another exciting season for one of the NHL's fastest-rising franchises.
The Boston Bruins exceeded expectations during the 2025-26 season, rebounding from one of the worst campaigns in franchise history to earn the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Although their postseason ended with a six-game first-round loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Boston's dramatic turnaround under first-year head coach Marco Sturm restored optimism throughout the organization. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine how the Bruins rediscovered their identity, why several players enjoyed career-best seasons, and whether this surprising success is sustainable heading into another critical offseason for General Manager Don Sweeney. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Bruins return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after finishing as the second Wild Card team in the Eastern Conference before falling to Buffalo in six games. Neil and Vic revisit Boston's dismal 2024-25 season, which included the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference, one of the league's worst goal differentials, poor special teams, Jeremy Swayman's struggles, and the departure of longtime captain Brad Marchand. [00:01:00] Despite modest offseason additions that included Victor Arvidsson, Tanner Jeannot, and Sean Kuraly, along with the hiring of first-time NHL head coach Marco Sturm, expectations remained low entering the season. Neil explains why few believed Boston would be anything more than David Pastrnak carrying an otherwise rebuilding roster. [00:02:00] Marco Sturm quickly changes the culture. Boston improves dramatically defensively while becoming one of the NHL's best home teams. Offensively, the Bruins score 50 more goals than the previous season as Morgan Geekie, Pavel Zacha, Charlie McAvoy, Victor Arvidsson, Casey Mittelstadt, Fraser Minten, Marat Khusnutdinov, and several newcomers enjoy breakout or career-best seasons. [00:04:00] The discussion turns to Boston's vastly improved blue line. Jonathan Aspirot emerges as an unexpected contributor, Mason Lohrei makes a remarkable turnaround from minus-43 to plus-17, and Nikita Zadorov develops into the physical defensive presence the Bruins had hoped for after signing him. [00:05:00] While Boston's power play jumps from 29th to ninth in the NHL, the penalty kill remains a concern. Neil explains that the larger issue isn't simply killing penalties but avoiding unnecessary trips to the penalty box after the Bruins finished as the league's most frequently penalized team. [00:06:00] Neil and Vic discuss how Boston appeared to regain its trademark identity despite losing Brad Marchand at the previous trade deadline. Don Sweeney, heavily criticized one year earlier, now receives credit for many of the offseason and in-season moves that helped fuel Boston's unexpected playoff run. [00:06:45] Attention shifts to the offseason. The Bruins enter the 2026 NHL Draft with seven selections, including three fourth-round picks, while continuing to benefit from previous trades involving Charlie Coyle, Jeffrey Viel, and Lucas Reichel. Boston also prepares to welcome highly regarded prospect James Hagens for his first full NHL season. [00:07:30] Free agency presents relatively few challenges. Victor Arvidsson headlines the unrestricted free agents after a bounce-back season, while Lucas Reichel and Jordan Harris top the restricted free agent list. Neil believes re-signing Arvidsson should be one of Don Sweeney's highest priorities. [00:08:00] Neil emphasizes that Boston's biggest objective moving forward is injecting more youth into the lineup while remaining competitive. James Hagens represents an important first step, but the Bruins must continue balancing veteran leadership with younger talent to sustain long-term success. [00:09:00] The episode concludes by comparing Boston's surprising season to recent campaigns by the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, where numerous players enjoyed career years before regression followed. Neil and Vic debate whether Boston's breakout performances from Morgan Geekie, Pavel Zacha, Charlie McAvoy, and others represent a sustainable foundation or a difficult act to repeat in 2026-27.