Episode 72 - 2025 Summer Cooler - Pacific Division

Episode 72 - 2025 Summer Cooler - Pacific Division

Author: Neil Smith & Vic Morren August 27, 2025 Duration: 1:14:10

The hosts wrap up the Summer Cooler series focusing on the Pacific Division where the Edmonton Oilers have represented the Western Conference in the past two Stanley Cup Finals though the division sent only three teams to the playoffs in 2025.

IN THIS EPISODE

[01:44] - Edmonton Oilers - The most compelling question for the upcoming campaign is whether enough has been done to keep impending UFA Connor McDavid in the fold beyond this season. And, if so, for how long?

[11:41] - Vegas Golden Knights - The biggest off-season move was authored by the VGK in acquiring Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs. The franchise consistently operates in the "now and we'll worry about the future when we get there."

[19:37] - Los Angeles Kings - After finally having everything in their favor in the opening round, the Kings still managed to fall for a fourth straight spring to the Oilers. Can a bunch of older free agents move this team forward in 2026?

[28:47] - Calgary Flames - One of the real surprises in 2024-25 re-signed many of their own players as opposed to adding any free agents. Not much room for error with an offensively challenged team that won't be sneaking up on anyone in the new season.

[36:29]- Vancouver Canucks - If there's an opposite to the Flames, it the Canucks who entered 2024-25 with high expectations only to go through a tumultuous season. Rookie head coach Adam Foote takes over a team with a much lower bar heading into the new campaign.

[44:14] - Anaheim Ducks - A team many are looking at to take a big step forward, the Ducks do so with the second winningest coach in NHL history, returning to the best for the first time in almost four years.

[52:37] - Seattle Kraken - In the spirit of Pacific Division continuity, there's the 2024-25 overachiever, the underachiever, the up-and-comer and the status quo. The fifth year Kraken somewhat fit into that category, even with a new head coach.

[1:02:01] - San Jose Sharks - Yes, reason for optimism in the Bay Area. While pushing the Western bubble would still be a long shot, their youth down the middle is set to become the cornerstone of the franchise for the next decade.

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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There’s no shortage of hockey talk out there, but what sets the NHL Wraparound Podcast apart is the specific, hard-earned perspective of its hosts. Neil Smith, the architect of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers, and longtime ESPN/NHL voice Vic Morren don’t just react to headlines-they unpack them with a blend of front-office savvy and media insight that’s rare to find. Their conversations move seamlessly from today’s breaking news to historical context, giving listeners a full understanding of why things happen the way they do in the league. This isn’t about hot takes; it’s a no-nonsense examination of the sport’s biggest issues, grounded in decades of direct experience. You’ll hear how decisions in the boardroom affect plays on the ice, how narratives are built in the press box, and what it all means for the future of hockey. The dynamic between Smith and Morren creates a unique partnership that feels like a compelling, inside conversation you’re privy to. Each episode of this podcast delves into the intersections of sports, culture, and personal legacy, offering depth that appeals to both the casual fan and the dedicated historian of the game. It’s that thoughtful, experienced analysis that keeps an audience returning, episode after episode.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 440

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 2:34
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Duration: 4:00
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NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Apr. 8, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14
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NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Apr. 7, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:35
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NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Apr. 6, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:54
Similar to Saturday, Easter Sunday started strong and fizzled late for Neil going 3-4-0. A tidy four-pack awaits on Monday with a 533-302-114 overall mark.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.c…
NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - April 5, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:06
In the collective, the 9-6-0 Saturday was quite good, but the taste went a bit sour with four regulation losses in the late games.Still, Neil's overall bumps to 530-298-114 with an Easter slate of seven games.X: https://…