The Western Conference gets the stage starting with the Central Division in the third of four Summer Cooler shows.

IN THIS EPISODE

[02:31] - Winnipeg Jets - The defending Presidents' Trophy winners fell short in the second round of the playoffs. They face a new world with the departure of star wing Nikolaj Ehlers to Carolina.

[14:56] - Dallas Stars - Always positioning themselves for a deep run, something always seems to happen in "Big D" when the stakes raise in the playoffs. A coach getting a second chance in Dallas has the opportunity to reverse that trend.

[25:55] - Colorado Avalanche - Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, the Avs have won a single playoff series since. Is this high-octane team getting a reputation of being more sizzle than steak?

[34:52] - Minnesota Wild - Though finally getting out from under massive dead cap space, the Wild haven't exactly wowed anyone during the off-season.

[43:24] - St. Louis Blues - No team made more of an about-face in 2024-25. Despite a heartbreaking opening round loss to Winnipeg, all indications point to a team that will be very stiff to play against in the new season.

[53:58] - Utah Mammoth - With a season under their belt in Salt Lake City, the time has come for the newly-named Utah Mammoth to make some inroads after five consecutive playoffs misses going back to their days in Arizona.

[1:05:20] - Nashville Predators - The team with the big free agent splash a year ago was the biggest disappointment of 2024-25. The summer of '25 has been quiet. Has GM Barry Trotz simply written off last season as a bad year to the point he's willing to go with much the same lineup starting in October?

[1:13:05] - Chicago Blackhawks - Long-suffering fans in the Windy City will have a new head coach behind the bench. Still, Connor Bedard and co. appear to have more lean years ahead.

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/

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Installment 2 of the 2025 Summer Cooler Series as Vic and Neil examine the off-season moves in the Metropolitan Division.

IN THIS EPISODE

[03:29] - Washington Capitals - From barely making the post-season in 2024 to the top regular season team in the East, can many who had career seasons stage an encore?

[12:23] - Carolina Hurricanes - Do two significant off-season acquisitions make the Hurricanes any more of a threat to escape the East?

[24:20] - New Jersey Devils - With Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton returning healthy, the might be the club that sneaks up on Washington and Carolina for one of the top two spots in the division.

[30:45] - Columbus Blue Jackets - A new identity was forged after the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau a year ago. The ability to sustain that identity over 82 games will be necessary in order to crack the playoff lineup next spring.

[40:09] - New York Rangers - From Presidents' Trophy winners to fractured franchise, the Broadway Blueshirts start anew with Mike Sullivan taking over behind the bench.

[50:03] - New York Islanders - A playoff team in 2024, the Isles missed out last season, switched GM's and have seen players move in and out of the organization during the summer. Though likely to be competitive, the future may be brighter than the present for this group.

[1:00:58] - Pittsburgh Penguins - The good news is first time NHL head coach Dan Muse has the likes of Crosby, Malkin and Letang to work with. The downside: aside from a few that will support the trio, the future doesn't look favorable in the Steel City.

[1:09:34] - Philadelphia Flyers - Former Flyer and a year removed from the Jack Adams Award, Rick Tocchet takes over behind the bench with some pieces which should be maturing into bona fide NHL talents. But will that goaltending ever come around?

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

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The Summer Coolers return for a second season as Neil and Vic kick off the quarter of shows by digging into the Atlantic Division.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:53] - Florida Panthers. Can the two-time defending champions make history?

[11:34] - Toronto Maple Leafs. Will the coming season be any different than each one since 1967?

[19:48] - Tampa Bay Lightning. Still formidable but will they have enough to avoid a fourth straight early playoff exit?

[25:50] - Ottawa Senators. A surprise playoff appearance in 2024-25, is there enough punch in this lineup to get back in again?

[32:26] - Montreal Canadiens. After a late push to qualify as the second wild card, the upstart Habs have new expectations in the coming season.

[41:58] - Detroit Red Wings. It's been a nine-season playoff drought in the Motor City. Does a goalie with a fresh start make the difference?

[47:39] - Buffalo Sabres. The Red Wings playoff dry spell pales to that of the Sabres. Some good pieces are in place but can this group sustain over the course of 82 games to finally end the slide?

[52:22] - Boston Bruins. How the mighty have fallen in a short time. A once-loaded team now appears as if it's David Pastrnak against the world.

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/

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He's a hockey Hall of Famer who now has a movie credit to his name. He's also an entrepreneur in a life that has always been on the go.

Chris Chelios drops by for a fun chat with Neil and Vic

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:38] - The Happy Gilmore 2 experience where Chris played a non-speaking role as a henchman alongside fellow NHLer Sean Avery.

[04:07] - Chris shares the story of when Avery moved into his house when the two were UHL teammates during the 2004-05 NHL lockout. That Avery wasn't the ideal house guest would be an understatement.

[06:06] - Aside from the final seven games of his NHL career as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers, Cheli shares the significance of playing the other 1644 games with three of the "Original Six" teams, Montreal, Chicago and Detroit.

[09:21] - How Cheli wound up with number 7 in Chicago with some additional backstory on him wearing 24 in Detroit.

[10:34] - Playing for Scotty Bowman and Mike Keenan

[13:46] - Cheli trashes Keenan's office.

[15:36] - With the Winter Olympics coming up in Italy in 2026, Chris talks about the differences competing as an olympic amateur in 1984 on the heels of the "Miracle on Ice" team and as a professional in 1998, 2002 and 2006. He also notes that though many on that 1980team did not have star careers, the doors that opened for Americans because of that group were immeasurable.

[18:08] - Returning to Chicago and Wrigley Field to throw out the first pitch and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

[21:11] - Having owned restaurants and having his own brand of Chili, Cheli talks about his venture into tequila.

[23:18] - What's next for Chris Chelios?

[25:32] - Looking back, despite not having won a Stanley Cup in Chicago, seeing Patrick Kane's overtime winner in 2010 to give the Blackhawks their first championship since 1961 still rings special for Cheli.

[29:37] - Having played with so many players over 26 NHL seasons and international tournaments, there's still two players Chris would have like to have played just one game with...

[31:17] - Returning to thoughts on Messier, Chris tells the story of accidently clipping him with his stick and then happening to Google Mess top elbows. Amidst the banter, there is little mistaking the ruthlessness needed to win in the NHL.

[34:51] - A legendary workout fiend, Cheli's approach is a bit different than in the past.

[38:03] - Vic and Neil wrap up with another franchise on the horizon.

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/

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With NHL training camps set to open in a few weeks, the anticipation of a new season will begin. Still, the sport has received unwanted attention in an area that has had an unseemly history that goes back decades.

On July 24, five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Championship team were found not guilty of sexual assault in a highly publicized trial. While the decision was favorable for the players involved, the incident itself paints an ugly picture and goes deeper into today's culture and society.

Katie Strang from The Athletic has covered the NHL as a reporter for Newsday and ESPN.com with her first work into investigative reporting being the Michigan State gymnastics trial in 2017.

Having written other pieces on sexual abuse, Katie joins Neil and Vic to discuss the London trial, hockey's history of abuse and the responsibility of hockey's governing bodies going forward.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:54] - Katie Strang joins Neil and Vic and shares what led to her career moving in the direction of investigative reporting.

[02:46] - Katie discusses her first major story as an investigative reporter covering the Michigan State Gymnastics case against Larry Nassar adding the indelible impact it had on her.

[05:03] - The difficulty and challenges of detaching from covering a story such as that at Michigan State amidst having a family life.

[06:43] - Strang speaks about the unusual happenings during the trial centering around five former NHL players who were accused of sexual assault while members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Championship Team.

[11:20] - Even after the decision, public opinion remained very split. Katie shares why she believes this is so.

[13:06] - Neil shares his personal revulsion to the the acts alleged in the case before raising the question of the future of the five players who were acquitted. Katie goes deep in her response noting Gary Bettman's ruling the players are still ineligible to return to the NHL, possible pushback from the NHLPA and what an internal investigation by the NHL may have revealed information which was inadmissible in court.

[20:16] - Should any of the five players be reinstated, which team(s) would step forward and sign any of them knowing the possible public backlash which could follow?

[23:04] - Katie turns the tables on Neil asking him what he would have done during the Rangers Cup run in 1994 had he been aware of a situation similar to the one which took place in Chicago in 2010.

[24:27] - Vic follows up asking Neil whether he would have hired a head coach not guilty of a crime but banned for "inadequate response" as Joel Quenneville was.

[25:59] - Given there has been a history of abuse in hockey that extends beyond the ice surface, the question is posed about the responsibilities of governing bodies such as the NHL and Hockey Canada to ensure a safe environment for all players. Katie goes a step further addressing systemic issues which still exist in hockey culture.

[32:21] - The role of the media and its coverage of abuse.

[34:57] - The discussion wraps up with another area of concern around hockey: concussions.

[40:27] - Vic and Neil put a wrap on the discussion.

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/

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After a brief break following the long NHL season, Vic and Neil open a new franchise titled "Celebrity Series." With baseball in full swing, no better place to premiere than with an MLB icon who has made a significant impact abroad as well.

Bobby Valentine, former player and manager, recalls memorable moments during the course of his career both in the States and in Japan while also sharing the importance of giving back.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:26] - Bobby Valentine and Neil discuss the photo of Valentine taken with the Stanley Cup at Shea Stadium though there's some question of when the shot was taken.

[04:03] - Valentine talks about playing summer baseball in 1967 in the Cape Cod league under long-time NHL executive Lou Lamoriello.

[06:04] - The differences and similarities Bobby sees in terms of how baseball and hockey players are handled.

[07:23] - Valentine shares how he ended up managing in Japan.

[09:21] - Thoughts on Shohei Otani, a truly generational talent.

[11:34] - Bobby's influence on bringing some American culture to the Japanese fans.

[14:12] - "The Disguise" prompted by one of the most obscure rules in baseball and how it became part of Mets lore as they galvanized down through the summer to qualify for the playoffs that fall.

[19:32] - With the 24th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks coming up, recollections of the Mets first game back ten days later and the dramatic game winning home run by Mike Piazza.

[23:07] - Giving back has always been important to Valentine. Whether it's doing something creative or simply straightforward, the importance of what was learned early on continues to this day.

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After a long season guests, news, analysis and some levity, Vic and Neil share a few stories from our viewers and listeners. Each is unique and reveals to us that we are reaching folks from diverse backgrounds. You make it worthwhile for and we say thanks heading into a brief break from our regular recording schedule.

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With the off-season fully underway, no better way to address free agency and other significant league topics than with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Vic and Neil also chat about the Draft and wrap up the season with a special Human Side of the Story which gives a nod to some of our special listeners.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:09] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To focuses on a key free agent signing, the return to the Olympics for NHL players, a couple of areas of question within the extended CBA and, since it's the last show of the season, we've added a fourth item where a grizzled veteran is headed to the Rockies.

[10:29] - Elliotte Friedman joins the show and speaks about the foundation and growth of his podcast, 32 Thoughts, which started seven years ago.

[13:16] - With Nikolaj Ehlers and Brent Burns moving on, an initial update on Dmitry Orlov...Stay tuned.

[14:11] - Offer sheets made news a year ago when St. Louis corralled Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from Edmonton. An update on Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.

[16:25] - A deep discussion on the high price tag on certain NHL defensemen and the reasons behind it.

[22:16] - One deep discussion deserves another. Neil and Elliotte hit on tampering.

[26:48] - How 'bout some LTIR speak and teams circumventing the cap to sit players, saving cap space and acquiring additional assets?

[29:41] - A further update on Orlov.

[30:08] - Bill Zito's brilliance and the commitment players have to the Panthers franchise...a far cry from what it was like years ago.

[32:54] - Neil follows up on contracts given to players - such as Marchand - while allows teams to load up on term in order to free up cap space in the shorter term.

[35:47] - Kings GM Ken Holland has made several moves to bolster his new team however, some eyebrows are being raised. A deeper look at some other contracts raising questions.

[41:59] - The de-centralized Draft. A one-hit wonder.

[44:53] - Elliotte salutes retiring peer, Bob McKenzie.

[53:32] - Some broad strokes on the NHL Draft.

[1:00:25] - Other league news

[1:05:14] - The Human Side of the Story is about our viewers and listeners...with some fun mixed in.

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/

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The raw volume of signings on Day 1 of Free Agency 2025 was dwarfed by that of a year ago. Still, the off-season is rife with activity and intrigue.

Vic and Neil go through a list of topics leaving plenty to ponder...

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/

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Two benchmark events in early summer kicks off every NHL season with the Draft and the opening of free agency.

With the Draft coming up first, Vic and Neil look back to the structure of the process, how players selected were communicated with, the effect of the WHA in the early 1970's and whether social media and instant communication adds additional players on current day draftees.

#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #HumanSideoftheStory