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The definitive NHL podcast network with expert analysis and insider perspectives.
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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.
Spring Cleaning – Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild took an important step forward during the 2025-26 season, finishing third in the Central Division and winning their first playoff series in 11 years. After defeating the Dallas Stars in six games, Minnesota’s run ended against the Colorado Avalanche in the second round as several major injuries weakened the lineup. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the impact of the Quinn Hughes trade, the emergence of Jesper Wallstedt, and the offseason decisions facing General Manager Bill Guerin as the Wild attempt to move from playoff team to legitimate Stanley Cup contender. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Wild finish third in the Central Division before defeating Dallas in the opening round and falling to Colorado in five games. Neil and Vic discuss how injuries to Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, and Zach Bogosian significantly affected Minnesota’s chances against the Avalanche. [00:00:45] Minnesota’s elimination includes a painful collapse in Game 5 after surrendering a late two-goal lead. Despite the disappointment, Neil believes the season represented meaningful progress for an organization that had not advanced beyond the first round in more than a decade. [00:01:00] The panel revisits the modest expectations surrounding the Wild entering the season. A quiet 2025 offseason featured the acquisition of Vladimir Tarasenko and the signing of Nico Sturm, while the organization continued carrying a reduced salary-cap penalty from the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts. [00:02:00] Kirill Kaprizov’s massive contract extension becomes one of the season’s defining stories. His new deal begins next season at $17 million annually, placing him among the highest-paid players in NHL history and increasing the pressure on Minnesota to build a championship-level roster around him. [00:02:30] The December acquisition of Quinn Hughes dramatically changes the Wild’s outlook. Neil describes Hughes as one of the NHL’s elite defensemen and credits his arrival with helping transform Minnesota from a potential Wild Card team into one of the Central Division’s strongest clubs. [00:03:00] After beginning the season 3-6-3, the Wild respond with a 10-0-2 run in November that includes seven consecutive victories. Additional winning streaks throughout the season solidify their place alongside Colorado and Dallas near the top of the division. [00:04:00] Neil and Vic also examine Winnipeg’s unexpected decline and how it created an opening for Minnesota. While the Jets were expected to remain one of the Central’s dominant teams, their regression allowed the Wild to move firmly into the division’s top three. [00:04:30] Minnesota’s statistical improvement is reviewed. The Wild score 44 more goals than the previous season, improve their goal differential from minus-11 to plus-32, climb to second on the power play, and move from 30th to 13th in penalty killing. [00:05:00] Rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt emerges as one of the NHL’s best young players, finishing second in the league in save percentage while recording four shutouts. Kirill Kaprizov scores 45 goals, Matt Boldy adds 42, and Brock Faber reaches career highs with 15 goals and 51 points. [00:06:00] The discussion highlights Minnesota’s impressive young foundation. Wallstedt, Kaprizov, Boldy, Faber, and Hughes give the Wild elite talent at every major position and provide legitimate reasons to believe the club can remain among the NHL’s top teams for years. [00:07:00] Bill Guerin enters the offseason with only five selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. Minnesota does not own a first-round pick after the Hughes trade, has no second-round selection following the Gustav Nyquist deal, and also lacks a seventh-round pick. [00:07:45] The Wild have limited projected cap space and an aging unrestricted free agent class. Nick Foligno, Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson, Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael McCarron, Robby Fabbri, Jeff Petry, and Zach Bogosian are all eligible to reach the open market. [00:08:30] Neil identifies Zuccarello and McCarron as two veterans Minnesota should strongly consider retaining. Zuccarello remains an important offensive contributor despite his age, while McCarron adds size, toughness, and valuable depth down the middle. [00:09:00] Restricted free agents Bobby Brink and Damon Hunt also require new contracts. Meanwhile, Filip Gustavsson’s offseason hip surgery creates another goaltending storyline after Wallstedt overtook him as Minnesota’s primary option during the playoffs. [00:10:00] The episode concludes with optimism surrounding the Wild’s future. Unlike previous seasons when simply making the playoffs was the goal, Minnesota now possesses the talent and foundation to expect postseason qualification and focus on how high it can climb in the standings.
Spring Cleaning – Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings reached the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Western Conference Wild Card but were quickly swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the opening round. While making the postseason appeared to be a positive step, a closer examination revealed a team with significant flaws that barely survived the regular season. Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the coaching turmoil, declining offensive production, and major rebuilding challenge now facing General Manager Ken Holland as he attempts to return one of the NHL's marquee franchises to true contender status. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Kings qualify for the playoffs as the second Wild Card before being swept by Colorado in four games. Neil and Vic discuss the expectations entering the season after Ken Holland's veteran-heavy offseason additions, including Corey Perry, Joel Armia, Cody Ceci, and Brian Dumoulin, raised questions about the age and direction of the roster. [00:01:00] Neil reflects on Ken Holland's third NHL general manager position, explaining why Los Angeles represents the greatest challenge of his career after successful runs in Detroit and Edmonton. Unlike those situations, Holland inherits a roster with significant holes rather than an established championship core. [00:01:45] The discussion turns to the coaching carousel. Jim Hiller begins the season under heavy scrutiny after questionable playoff decisions the previous year before being dismissed on March 1. Interim coach D.J. Smith finishes the season, but Neil believes Holland will likely hire his own permanent bench boss this offseason. [00:03:00] Despite losing Kevin Fiala for the season after the Olympics and changing coaches late in the year, the Kings somehow rally to earn a playoff berth. Neil and Vic describe the finish as "smoke and mirrors," helped as much by Nashville and San Jose fading as by Los Angeles improving its own play. [00:04:00] The panel examines some alarming team statistics. The Kings finish with one of the NHL's worst home winning percentages, rank near the bottom of the league on both the power play and penalty kill, score the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL, and struggle mightily in overtime and shootout games. [00:05:00] Offensive regression becomes another major concern. Adrian Kempe remains productive, but Quinton Byfield, Andrei Kuzmenko, Alex Turcotte, and Alex Laferrière all fail to provide the secondary scoring needed to support the club's top players throughout the season. [00:06:00] Neil suggests the Kings may have actually benefited more from missing the playoffs than being swept in the opening round, as a higher draft position could have accelerated the rebuilding process. Instead, Los Angeles exits early without significantly improving its long-term outlook. [00:06:30] The retirement of longtime captain Anže Kopitar creates another major offseason challenge. Neil and Vic discuss potential successors, including Drew Doughty and Adrian Kempe, while emphasizing the enormous leadership void left by one of the greatest players in franchise history. [00:07:00] Looking ahead, the Kings enter the 2026 NHL Draft with nine selections, including two second-round picks and two sixth-round picks. The organization also projects to have approximately $3.6 million in salary cap space before the league's July cap increase. [00:07:45] Los Angeles' unrestricted free agents include Andrei Kuzmenko, Scott Laughton, Mathieu Joseph, Jeff Malott, Jacob Moverare, and goaltender Phoenix Copley. Neil believes Scott Laughton is the veteran most likely to return because of the style of game Ken Holland values. [00:08:15] Restricted free agent Brandt Clarke headlines the organization's contract negotiations. Neil questions whether the young defenseman will command more money than the Kings are willing to pay and suggests Holland could consider moving him if the right trade package becomes available. [00:09:00] The episode concludes with the enormous task awaiting Ken Holland. Between hiring a permanent head coach, replacing Kopitar's leadership, improving special teams, increasing offensive production, and reshaping the roster, the Kings face one of the busiest and most important offseasons in the NHL.