As training camps get underway, news around the NHL is beginning to pick up. Vic and Neil go over several areas of interest including the McDavid/Kaprizov drama, a new captain in the Big Apple and several other player news. Also, some familiar names will be behind the bench for the United States at the Winter Olympics in Italy in February.

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 #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #HallofFameEdition #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #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 #ConnorMcDavid #KirillKaprizov #JackEichel #JTMiller #JacobTrouba #MikaZibanejad #AdamFox #VincentTrocheck #FilipChytil #EliasPettersson #WorldJuniorChampionships #TeamCanada #SexualAssual #CarterHart #DillonDube #AlexFormenton #MichaelMcLeod #CalFoote #StanBowman #ConnorIngram #VitekVanecek #KarelVejmelka #NHL-NHLPAPlayerAssistanceProgram #BillArmstrong #DavidPastrnak #AlexOvechkin #ToreyKrug #ZachHyman #MatthewTkachuk #TomasNosek #BillZito #PaulMaurice #AnzeKopitar #KenHolland #MikeSullivan #JohnHynes #DavidQuinn #JohnTortorella

One of only 48 men to have reached the 500-goal mark in NHL history. The second installment of the "NHL Wraparound Hall of Fame Edition" welcomes 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Pierre Turgeon.

In this discussion, Neil and Vic hit on numerous topics from Turgeon's junior hockey days in Granby to his Little League World Series appearance in 1982 to the Dale Hunter hit 11 years later to being the last Montreal Canadiens captain to leave Montreal Forum Ice with the symbolic torch raised high.

Turgeon - similar to Neil - is open about the pain of losing a child but being able to find strength in the good of life and moving forward while never forgetting.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:01] - After acknowledging congratulations for his 2023 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Neil points out the irony of Pierre's junior team and the NHL club that selected him first overall in 1987.

[3:05] - A natural talent, Turgeon speaks about his early years when he racked up 114 points as a 16-year-old despite playing for four different coached in his first of two seasons in Granby.

[4:54] - Playing in the 1982 Little League World Series for Rouyn-Noranda alongside fellow NHL'er Stephane Matteau.

[7:12] - Thoughts about Colorado. A former home and where Turgeon ended his NHL career but still visits frequently.

[8:27] - Returning to the hockey piece, Turgeon recalls the magical 1992-93 where he reached statistical milestones as a New York Islander before being injured in the final game of the opening round, victim of a vicious cheap shot.

[11:37] - Neil and Pierre share some stories of players and games from years past - Stephane Quintal, Clark Gillies, Benoit Hogue and Clint Malarchuk, who suffered one of hockey's most gruesome injuries as a teammate of Turgeon's in March of 1989.

[19:08] - It took 13 years for Turgeon to be elected to the Hall of Fame after his first year old eligibility in 2010. Pierre reflects on whether there was a lack of appreciation for his production having not played on many contending teams.

[21:57] - While playing for six teams and only 104 games for the Canadiens, it was Turgeon who was the captain that skated the torch off Montreal Forum ice for the final time in March, 1996.

[24:54] - The importance of family and the mutual pain Pierre and Neil share in losing a child. Though some days bring back painful reminders, Turgeon embraces each day as both men have learned to move forward carrying the memories.

[29:17] - Amidst appreciating small things in life, Turgeon enjoys golf on a frequent basis.

[30:08] - A few words about Pierre's brother Sylvain, who was selected second in the 1983 Draft.

[32:10] - Putting a wrap on the chat with Pierre Turgeon.

#NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #ScottyBowman #PierreTurgeon #GranbyBisons #JacquesCloutier #LittleLeagueWorldSeries #StephaneMatteau #Rouyn-Noranda #NewYorkIslanders #ColoradoAvalanche #AlArbour #DavidVolek #RayFerraro #MontrealCanadiens #PatrickRoy #StephaneQuintal #BostonBruins #EricDesjardins #ClarkGillies #BuffaloSabres #BryanTrottier #BenoitHogue #ClintMalarchuk #Jim Pizzutelli #UweKrupp #SteveTuttle #MarcelDionne #KyleOkposo #ButchBouchard #JeanBeliveau #YvanCournoyer #HenriRichard #SergeSavard #BobGainey #GuyCarbonneau #MauriceRichard #ElizabethTurgeon #DetroitRedWings #BrianLawton #SteveYzerman #PatLafontaine #SylvainTurgeon #HartfordWhalers

Some significant league news heading into the weekend so a good time dust off Short Shifts. Vic and Neil will talk about the five World Junior players from team Canada in 2018 that were acquitted on sexual misconduct charges in July and will now have the opportunity to resume their NHL careers.

The contract saga of Minnesota star Kirill Kaprizov will be discussed along with some goaltending news and dates to mark on your 2025-26 hockey calendar as a quartet of prominent names make their first visits back to their old stomping grounds.

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 #ShortShifts #NYCentric #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #HallofFameEdition #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #SummerCoolers #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 #2018WorldJuniorChampionships #DillonDube #CarterHart #MichaelMacLeod #CalFoote #AlexFormenton #KirillKaprizov #BillGuerin #PaulTheofanous #FrankSeravalli #LeonDraisaitl #MitchMarner #ConnorMcDavid #KyleConnor #JackEichel #AdrianKempe #ZachParise #RyanSuter #Marc-AndreFleury #JimRutherford #MattMurray #GerardGallant #SidneyCrosby #AlexandarGeorgiev #Ukko-PekkaLuukkonen #AlexLyon #DustinWolf #DevinCooley #CraigConroy #BradMarchand #NikolajEhlers #ChrisKreider #RodGilbert #JeanRatelle #JacobTrouba #PierreTurgeon

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren head to the desert to break down the Vegas Golden Knights, a team still in win-now mode—and not afraid to prove it

Coming off a 110-point season and a second-round loss to Edmonton, Vegas pulled off the biggest move of the offseason, acquiring Mitch Marner from Toronto and signing him to an 8-year, $12M AAV deal. The message? The Golden Knights are all-in again.

But with aging stars, injury concerns, and cap issues, is this the final swing of the sword before the dynasty window closes?

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] 110 points in 2025, second-round exit vs. Edmonton

[00:30] Mitch Marner trade & 8-year, $12M extension

[01:00] Vegas' “go-for-it” identity: how long can it last?

[01:30] Cap trouble: $7.6M over the limit—what's next?

[02:00] Prospect pool ranked among NHL’s worst

[02:30] Additions: L’Heureux, Sissons, Jacob Magna

[03:00] Big loss: Alex Pietrangelo injury likely career-ending

[03:30] D-core still solid: Theodore, McNabb, Hanifin, Whitecloud

[04:00] Forward depth: Is Vegas actually deeper than Edmonton?

[05:00] Top-six preview: Eichel, Marner, Dorofeyev / Hertl, Stone, Barbashev

[06:00] Playoff scoring drop-off: Only 10 goals vs. Oilers

[06:30] Health concerns: Mark Stone + Jack Eichel

[07:00] Goaltending: Aidan Hill vs. the field

[07:30] Can Vegas still lead the Pacific—or is the window closing?

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Vegas always finds a way to land the big fish, and Marner is the latest proof. But cap issues loom, and depth will be tested.

The top six is elite, but the bottom six must contribute. With guys like Barbashev, Roy, and Dorofeyev, there’s promise—but also pressure.

Losing Alex Pietrangelo to a career-threatening injury is massive. Luckily, Hanifin, McNabb, Whitecloud, and Theodore make up a strong top four.

Aidan Hill isn’t flashy—but he’s got a Cup ring. With Schmid backing him up, goaltending may not win games, but it shouldn’t lose them either.

The clock is ticking. Eichel’s UFA status in 2026, Stone’s lingering injuries, and the lack of elite prospects mean the time to win is now.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

Vegas still plays with swagger. They still have the firepower. And they still believe the Stanley Cup runs through the desert.

But after a playoff flameout and another headline-grabbing offseason, this version of the Golden Knights may be their last, best chance at glory.

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS

#VegasBorn #GoldenKnights #NHLWraparound #SummerCoolers #NHLPodcast #StanleyCupWindow #NHL2026 #PlayoffPush #SalaryCapCrunch #EichelExtension #MarnerTrade #PacificDivision #NHLNews #MitchMarner #NickRoy #MarkStone #TomasHertl #WilliamKarlsson #ReillySmith #BrandonSaad #JeremyLauzon #ColtonSissons #NicolasHague #JaycobMegna #TannerPearson #VictorOlofsson #AlexPietrangelo #SheaTheodore #BraydenMcNabb #NoahHanafin #ZachWhitecloud #BruceCassidy #KaedanKorczak #BrettHowden #KeeganKolesar #PavelDorofeyev #JackEichel #IvanBarbashev #AdinHill #AkiraSchmid

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect the Winnipeg Jets, who entered 2025 as the surprise Presidents’ Trophy winners—only to fall in the second round of the playoffs.

After a miraculous comeback in Game 7 vs. St. Louis, the Jets were grounded by the Dallas Stars—and the split personality home/road record (6–1 at home, 0–6 on the road) told the story.

Now, with Nikolaj Ehlers gone, Connor Hellebuyck under scrutiny, and Jonathan Toews making a shocking return, is this team still built to contend?

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Jets finish 56–22–4, win their first-ever Presidents’ Trophy

[00:30] Wildest moment of the playoffs: Game 7 comeback vs. Blues

[01:00] But then… 0–6 road record ends the run vs. Dallas

[01:45] Connor Hellebuyck wins MVP and Vezina—but struggles in postseason again

[02:15] Jonathan Toews returns to hockey! What can he bring?

[03:15] Key losses: Ehlers, Appleton, Tanev, Toninato

[04:00] New faces: Nyquist, Toews, Pearson, Peeke, Kuhlman

[05:15] Depth concerns beyond the top line: is the second line too thin?

[06:30] Is Winnipeg becoming a market no one wants to sign in?

[07:15] Forward lines review: Top 6 talent, but bottom 6 uncertainty

[08:00] Defense overview: Morrissey, DeMelo, Sandberg, Pionk

[09:00] Connor Hellebuyck’s playoff resume under the microscope

[10:30] Can Scott Arniel repeat the magic in Year 2?

[11:00] Realistic expectations for 2025–26: Top 3 in Central?

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Jonathan Toews returns in a stunning move, but it's unclear how much the former Blackhawks captain has left in the tank.

Connor Hellebuyck won everything… except in the playoffs. His postseason save percentage over the last 3 years is below .870.

The top line is elite: Connor – Scheifele – Vilardi could be one of the best trios in hockey.

Second line is unproven: Can Perfetti, Toews, and Nyquist replace the lost firepower of Ehlers and Appleton?

The Jets still have one of the NHL’s best defenses—but goals will be harder to come by.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

The Winnipeg Jets shocked the NHL last year. But with age creeping in and a roster that didn’t improve on paper, 2025–26 might be their last real shot at chasing a Cup with this core.

A repeat of the President’s Trophy is unlikely. The real question is: can they finally be a playoff team that performs when it matters most?

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS:

#WinnipegJets #PresidentsTrophy #StanleyCup #NHLWraparound #JetsNation #NikolajEhlers #ColePerfetti #AdamLowry #ConnorHellebuyck #JonathanToews #GabrielLandeskog #MasonAppleton #BrandonTanev #DominicToninato #GustavNyquist #ColeKoepke #TannerPearson #PhilDiGiuseppe #WalkerDuehr #HadynFleury #MorganBarron #GabeVilardi #DylanSamberg #KevinCheveldayoff #MarkScheifele #KyleConnor #VladislavNamestnikov #JoshMorrissey #DylanDemelo #NealPionk #LukeSchenn #ScottArniel

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren head to the nation's capital to break down the Washington Capitals, a team coming off a quietly dominant 2024–25 regular season... and a playoff run that ended just as quietly.

Washington finished with 111 points, 1st in the Metro, and 2nd overall in the NHL—yet fizzled in the second round against Carolina after dispatching Montreal in five games. But with no major offseason additions, the OV goal chase behind them, and multiple players coming off career seasons, is this team poised for a step forward—or a step back?

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] 111 points in 2025: Best in East, 2nd in NHL

[00:45] First playoff series win since 2018… but Carolina exposed their pace

[01:15] Quiet offseason: No notable adds, re-signs only Blais & LaPierre

[01:45] Notable exits: Mantha, Raddysh, Eller, Alexeyev

[02:15] Farewell to T.J. Oshie (retired) & Nick Backstrom (Sweden)

[02:45] OV hits 900 goals — record-breaking moment, but costly distraction?

[03:30] Spencer Carbery wins Jack Adams — can he do it again?

[04:00] The overachievers: Strom, Lapierre, Wilson, Dubois, Chičhryn, McMichael

[04:45] Regression incoming? Expectation vs. reality for 2025–26

[05:30] Capitals identity: More Tom Wilson than Alex Ovechkin?

[06:00] Defense: Martin Fehérváry extension, Chychrun, Carlson aging

[07:00] OV's twilight years — now what?

[08:00] Final verdict: Still a playoff team, but not chasing the President’s Trophy again

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The OV chase is finally over. With the Gretzky record broken in 2025, Washington can now shift full focus back to team hockey — and they’ll need to.

Last season's success came from 8 career-best performances. That kind of lightning rarely strikes twice, especially with an aging core.

Chychrun looked like a Norris candidate, and Strom emerged as a true #1 center — but can they sustain it?

Carbery coached a masterclass in 2025. But with no new weapons and the league now targeting the Caps, coaching will be tested more than ever.

Capitals' identity has changed. It’s less about the OV slapshot now, and more about the grit and leadership of Tom Wilson.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

The Washington Capitals proved everyone wrong in 2025 with a dominant regular season—but can they recreate the magic without the motivation of history chasing them?

Expectations are higher, but age is creeping in. If they fall short, the story of 2026 may be the end of an era—not a deep playoff run.

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS

#WashingtonCapitals #NHLWraparound #TomWilson #PresidentTrophy #SpencerCarbery #CapitalsPodcast #NHLPlayoffs #OV900 #JackAdams #OVGoalRecord #StanleyCupPush #HockeyPodcast #SummerCoolers #EasternConference #NHL2026 #AnthonyBeauvillier #HendrixLapierre #AndrewMangiapane #TaylorRaddysh #LarsEller #AlexanderAlexeyev #TJOshie #NicklasBackstrom #MartinFehervary #SpencerCarbery #DylanStrome #AliakseiProtas #ConnorMcMichael #PierreLuc-Dubois #JakobChychrun #NicDowd #LoganThompson #AlexOvechkin #WayneGretzky #RyanLeonard #JohnCarlson

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren turn their sights to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a franchise with sky-high expectations and one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports.

Despite finishing first in the Atlantic Division with 108 points, the Leafs fell in seven games to Florida—with especially disappointing efforts in Games 5 and 7. And this offseason, the biggest domino fell: Mitch Marner was traded to Vegas for center Nicolas Roy, ending his nine-year tenure with the team.

With Matthew Knies elevated to the new "Core Four", is this version of the Leafs any closer to a Cup? Or are we staring down another April collapse?

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] 2025 recap: 108 points, 1st in Atlantic, early exit to Florida

[01:00] Mitch Marner traded to Vegas, signs 8 years, $12M AAV

[02:00] Leafs add forward depth: Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, Michael Pezzetta

[03:00] Re-signings: John Tavares (hometown discount), Matthew Knies (6 yrs, $7.75M AAV)

[04:00] Knies' breakout & new Core Four status

[05:00] Drops: Ryan Reaves to San Jose, Pontus Holmberg to Tampa

[06:00] Can this forward group replace Marner’s 100+ point production?

[07:00] Austin Matthews’ leadership under fire: Time to step up

[08:00] Craig Berube’s system: Can he mold this group into playoff warriors?

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Mitch Marner is gone—and he’s not coming back. He controlled the situation, didn’t want to stay in Toronto, and ultimately forced the Leafs’ hand.

Matthew Knies is officially a franchise cornerstone. With a six-year extension and a power-forward game built for the playoffs, he must carry more of the load.

John Tavares took a massive pay cut, re-signing at $4.389M per year. His leadership on and off the ice remains critical for a group chasing postseason credibility.

Craig Berube must transform Toronto’s identity, instilling grit, urgency, and resilience. Without it, history will repeat itself again.

Austin Matthews must finally own the playoffs. He’s already a Hall of Fame talent, but postseason success has to match regular season dominance.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

The Leafs still have elite talent. They still have the most media attention. And they still have the longest active Stanley Cup drought.

If Toronto can’t break through now—with Marner gone, Berube in charge, and a reshaped core—the conversation in 2026 will be exactly the same. Time is ticking.

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS

#TorontoMapleLeafs #LeafsForever #NHLWraparound #SummerCoolers #MitchMarner #NickRoy #BradTreliving #KyleDubas #MatiasMaccelli #MichaelPezzetta #TravisBoyd #VinniLettieri #DakotaJoshua #CraigBerube #JohnTavares #StevenLorentz #NicolasRobertson #MatthewKnies #AustonMatthews #WilliamNylander #RyanReaves #HenryThrun #PontusHolmberg #CoreFour

In this edition of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into one of the NHL's most iconic yet most uncertain franchises: the Pittsburgh Penguins.

For the fourth straight season, the Penguins look like they'll miss the playoffs—despite having Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson still on the roster. With rookie head coach Dan Muse taking the reins from Mike Sullivan (now in New York), the team seems more focused on riding out legacies than chasing another Stanley Cup.

Is this the year that Crosby finally waves the towel and requests a trade?

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] New coach Dan Muse takes over in Pittsburgh

[00:40] Key offseason additions: Brazeau, Mantha, Pinard, Alexeyev, Dumba, Cossa

[01:30] Major re-signings: Tomasino, Dewar

[02:00] The big drop: Alex Nedeljkovic traded to San Jose

[02:30] Crosby (38), Malkin (39), Letang (38), Karlsson (35): Aging and fading?

[03:30] Depth review: Ricard Rakell, Bryan Rust, Anthony Mantha

[04:30] This roster screams “lottery team,” not playoff hopeful

[05:00] Dubas had $13M in cap space—what did he do with it?

[06:00] Is Sidney Crosby open to a trade if things go south?

[07:30] Would you trade Crosby at the deadline if he asked?

[08:30] Why Penguins ownership may have misread the state of the franchise

[09:00] The unfortunate truth: This rebuild should’ve started two years ago

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Penguins are the NHL’s oldest team (average age: 31.5) and aren’t getting younger—or better.

No playoff series wins since 2017, and no signs that’ll change without a major shakeup.

New coach Dan Muse inherits a roster that feels more like a retirement tour than a contender.

Despite having $13 million in cap space, GM Kyle Dubas didn’t significantly improve the roster.

Sidney Crosby’s future looms large: If the team tanks early, could a blockbuster trade be on the table?

🎯 FINAL WORD:

The Penguins' once-proud window has long since closed. While Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Karlsson will one day have statues, their time as legitimate contenders has clearly passed. This is a transition year—if not the start of a full teardown. And for the first time ever, Pittsburgh may need to ask: Is it time to trade Sid?

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

🎥 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound on Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS

#PittsburghPenguins #NHLWraparound #SummerCoolers #SidneyCrosby #DanMuse #KyleDubas #EvgeniMalkin #ErikKarlsson #KrisLetang #DanMuse #KyleDubas #ConnorClifton #JustinBrazeau #AnthonyMantha #RafaelHarvey-Pinard #AlexanderAlexeyev #MattDumba #ArtursSilovs #ConnorDewar #PhilipTomasino #AlexNedeljkovic #DavidQuinn #RickardRakell #BryanRust #RutgerMcGroarty #KevinCheveldayoff #MarioLemieux #PatBrisson

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect the rollercoaster that is the Vancouver Canucks. Coming off a season filled with locker room drama, failed expectations, and big-name regression, the Canucks hit reset under first-year head coach Adam Foote.

After missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, Vancouver aims to rediscover the promise shown during their 2024 second-round playoff run. But with tensions between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, injuries to Demko and Hughes, and Rick Tocchet walking out the door, can this new-look squad get back on track?

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Coaching change: Rick Tocchet out, Adam Foote in

[01:00] Rewind to 2024: Why so much promise fell apart

[02:00] Pettersson vs. Miller drama & Demko injury fallout

[03:00] Brock Boeser: Contract chaos & eventual re-signing

[04:00] Offseason adds: Evander Kane, PO Joseph, Chase Stillman

[05:00] Key re-signings: Boeser (7 yrs, $7.25M), Demko (3 yrs, $8.5M), Aatu Räty

[06:00] Notable losses: Dakota Joshua, Pius Suter, Di Giuseppe

[07:00] Top 6 preview: Pettersson, Boeser, DeBrusk, Kane, Chytil

[08:00] Defensive core still solid: Hughes, Hronek, Myers, Pettersson

[09:00] Rookie coach, lower expectations: Can that help Vancouver rebound?

[10:00] Connor Garland: Annoying everyone—in the best way

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The drama is over—hopefully. The Canucks parted ways with coach Rick Tocchet and now turn to Adam Foote to stabilize the locker room and unify the bench.

Elias Pettersson's regression (from 102 points to 45) was a major anchor last season. With his big deal in place, it’s time to rebound.

Brock Boeser stays on a seven-year deal, providing some scoring certainty alongside Jake DeBrusk and a hopefully healthy Filip Chytil.

The defense remains the team’s strength, led by Quinn Hughes and a healthy Filip Hronek. If Demko stays healthy, Vancouver has a fighting chance.

Evander Kane adds grit, but Vancouver still lacks forward depth beyond their top two lines.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

The Canucks are not the Cup hopefuls they were a year ago—and that’s a good thing. With expectations reset, a new coach behind the bench, and fewer off-ice distractions, Vancouver has a chance to quietly climb back into the playoff picture. But only if their stars play like stars again.

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS

#NHLWraparound #VancouverCanucks #SummerCoolers #AdamFoote #EliasPettersson #FilipHronek #TylerMyers #DakotaJoshua #DerekForbort #TeddyBlueger #JakeDeBrusk #DantonHeinen #KieferSherwood #VincentDesharnais #JTMiller #BrockBoeser #RickTocchet #ThatcherDemko #FilipChytil #QuinnHughes #AatuRaty #POJoseph #ChaseStillman #ArtursSilovs #PhilDiGiuseppe #PiusSuter #NoahJuulsen #ConorGarland #MarcusPettersson

In this episode of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team loaded with offensive firepower—but still struggling to get out of the first round of the playoffs.

Despite finishing second in the Atlantic and ranking #1 in league scoring, the Lightning were eliminated in the first round by the Panthers for the third consecutive season. With John Cooper entering his 14th season behind the bench and Steven Stamkos gone to free agency, is this still a contender—or a team quietly slipping?

The hosts discuss Tampa's cap-strained strategy, new bottom-six reinforcements, and whether this team can still fight for another Cup before the window closes.

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Tampa finishes 2nd in Atlantic but exits in Round 1 (again)

[00:45] Cooper returns for 14th season; Stamkos is gone

[01:10] Offense ranks 1st in NHL—but depth is the concern

[01:40] New additions: Sam Rielly, Ponta Holmberg, Jacob Pelletier

[02:30] Under-the-radar signings could bolster bottom-six

[03:00] Re-signings: J. Johansson (backup goalie), Yanni Gourde, Gage Goncalves

[03:45] Departures: Isaac Howard, Nick Perbix

[04:20] The real problem: Depth behind the stars

[05:00] Oliver Bjorkstrand injury recap & return outlook

[05:45] What Tampa must do to be more than just a first-round threat

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Lightning are still an offensive juggernaut, even without Stamkos—Kucherov, Point, Hagel, Guentzel, and Cirelli all bring elite scoring power.

Depth remains the biggest concern. The stars are still elite, but Tampa’s third and fourth lines aren’t scaring anyone.

Oliver Bjorkstrand’s injury during the regular season hurt more than most realized—his full-season presence could help stabilize the middle-six.

With the salary cap crunch, GM Julien BriseBois had to get creative, adding overlooked but potentially impactful players like Pelletier and Holmberg.

Vasilevskiy remains a top-tier goaltender, and Tampa’s defense (4th GA/G) is quietly solid—but unless role players step up, a deep run is unlikely.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

The Lightning still have the firepower to win any game—but their margin for error has never been slimmer. With Stamkos gone and the Cup core aging, Tampa’s fate may hinge on the emergence of its overlooked role players. They’ll make the playoffs, but a deep run will require more than just elite talent—it will take grit, health, and unlikely heroes.

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS

#TampaBayLightning #NHLWraparound #SummerCoolers #JonCooper #StevenStamkos #JakeGuentzel #NikitaKucherov #AndreiVasilevskiy #PatrickKane #JonathanToews #DuncanKeith #SamReilly #IsaacHoward #JakobPelletier #JulienBriseBois #JonasJohansson #YanniGourde #GageGonclaves #NickPerbix #BraydenPoint #BrandonHagel #AnthonyCirelli #OliverBjorkStrand