NHL Wraparound Podcast

byNeil Smith & Vic Morren

SocietyCulturePersonalJournalsSportsHockey

Breadth and depth. Contemporary and historical. Straight-forward and experienced. The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League. Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, on...

Episodes(40 episodes)

NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Oct. 6, 2026

The Winnipeg Jets third period three-spot in Pittsburgh prevented Neil from a winning night and settle for 2-2. He takes a 26-17 straight up record into Tuesday's nine-game slate.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic 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 #BZZR #UBS #TheLineup.pro

Published: Oct 6, 2026Duration: 2m 54s

NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The Great 8 Makes a Call - Oct. 5, 2026

A major announcement kicks off Monday's show as the NHL's all-time goal scoring king shares this season will be his last.Elsewhere, while the NHL's first full weekend provided plenty of entertainment, there's still the headline news of trade demand stars Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin with the commissioner and NHLPA taking different sides on the issue.There's also plenty of personnel news on and off the ice as well as Smith's Pix to kick off the new week.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil<...

Published: Oct 5, 2026Duration: 45m 39s

NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Oct. 4, 2026

Looking to bounce back after his first losing night following three straight winning evenings to begin the season, Neil posted an 8-5 mark Saturday. His straight up win-loss mark now sits at 20-14.A handful of games on the Sunday docket starting with a matinee in Detroit.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic 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...

Published: Oct 4, 2026Duration: 2m 11s

NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Oct. 3, 2026

The road teams had their way Friday sweeping all five games. Neil only won with the Rangers in Detroit in posting a 1-4 mark to drop his straight up record to 12-9. The first Saturday of the new season provides a 13-game test.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic 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 #BZZR #UBS #TheLineup.pro

Published: Oct 3, 2026Duration: 3m 22s

NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Let the Storylines Begin! - Oct. 2, 2026

Finally time to talk about things happening on the ice. The 84-game regular season is here and Vic and Neil have plenty to cover from the first three nights as we go live on BZZR.com and YouTube.We had a goalie score a goal and offensive outbursts bringing back memories of the mid-1980's. There's also some potentially significant injury news regarding Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov plus Smith's Pix.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/...

Published: Oct 2, 2026Duration: 38m 49s

NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Oct. 1, 2026

Neil ran the home teams across the limited three-game schedule Wednesday and was 2-1 straight up to improve to 5-3 through eight games.That's how many games are on the Thursday schedule so check them out.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic 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 #BZZR #UBS #TheLineup.pro

Published: Oct 1, 2026Duration: 2m 20s

NHL Wraparound Smith's Pix - Sept. 30, 2026

Neil is back for a second season of Smith's Pix. After posting a .625 winning percentage a season ago, he's truly challenging himself as his overall record for this season with be straight wins and losses and no credit for teams picking up a point by virtue of an overtime or shootout loss.Thus, his opening night record was 3-2 as opposed to 3-0-2. And therein, lies the challenge. What would have been an .800 winning percentage in 2025-26 sits merely at .600.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil<...

Published: Sep 30, 2026Duration: 1m 16s

NHL Wraparound Quick Takes - Marchenko a Leaf - Sept. 29, 2026

Nothing like a blockbuster trade on the eve of a new season to get fans going as Kirill Marchenko has moved on from the Columbus Blue Jackets to Toronto.Vic and Neil break it down and go straight to the heart of the matter: for two non-playoff teams from a season ago, does the move push either into the top eight in the Eastern Conference?X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www...

Published: Sep 29, 2026Duration: 10m 33s

Episode 116 - Into the Wild - John Hynes - Sept. 28, 2026

After eleven years without a playoff series win, the Minnesota Wild got that score settled in the spring by taking out the Dallas Stars in the opening round. Now they look to take the next steps.Armed with a new contract, head coach John Hynes joins Neil and Vic to share how his team can elevate further in a brutally competitive Central Division.In the post-interview segment, there's captaincy news, RFA and UFA signings, injury news, salary cap and a few interesting sidebar stories. We'll also introduce a new partner and some an update on...

Published: Sep 28, 2026Duration: 55m 0s

Episode 115 - Starting Anew: 2026-27 Season Preview - Craig Button - Sept. 24, 2026

An increased schedule and an earlier start to the season.If you're a hockey fan, you're about to enter nirvana for the next nine months as we prepare the 2026-27 season.For NHL Wraparound, Neil and Vic enter their third full season - and part of a fourth overall - with a new open and a Hall of Fame voice to mark the occasion.Over the past two springs, TSN's Craig Button has joined the show throughout the playoffs but, why wait? There's plenty to get to now and Button's expertise goes on...

Published: Sep 24, 2026Duration: 1h 5m 20s

Episode 114 - A New Beacon on Long Island - Peter DeBoer - Sept. 23, 2026

It's his sixth stop running an NHL bench. For Peter DeBoer, the New York Islanders will offer a challenge different from others faced previously. Since taking over for Patrick Roy in April, there's been minimal personnel turnover and an offense and power play among the lowest tanked in the NHL.Still, there's a solid defense core led by Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer and an elite-level goaltender in Ilya Sorokin.DeBoer will share his thoughts on his team amidst a very competitive Metropolitan Division.IN THIS EPISODE:[01:52] - N.Y. Islanders...

Published: Sep 23, 2026Duration: 50m 58s

Summer Coolers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Summer Coolers – Toronto Maple LeafsFew NHL organizations have undergone a transformation quite like the Toronto Maple Leafs. John Chayka takes over as GM, Jim Hiller replaces Craig Berube behind the bench, and the Mitch Marner saga is finally in the past. After plummeting from Atlantic Division champions to just 78 points, Toronto responded with major additions including Sergei Bobrovsky, Darren Raddysh, Nick Paul and first-overall pick Gavin McKenna. Neil Smith and Vic Morren see considerably more talent—but also plenty of questions about whether all these pieces can fit together.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Toro...

Published: Sep 16, 2026Duration: 10m 25s

Summer Coolers – Washington Capitals

Summer Coolers – Washington CapitalsThe Washington Capitals received a major wake-up call last season. After finishing atop the Eastern Conference in 2024-25, Washington dropped 16 points, finished fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 95 and missed the playoffs. GM Chris Patrick responded aggressively, surrounding Alexander Ovechkin with Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch and Boone Jenner. Neil Smith and Vic Morren see a Capitals roster that, on paper, looks significantly stronger—and determined not to repeat last season’s disappointment.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Washington finishes fourth in the Metro with 95 points, a 16-point decline from the previous season...

Published: Sep 16, 2026Duration: 7m 41s

Summer Coolers – Winnipeg Jets

Summer Coolers – Winnipeg JetsThe Winnipeg Jets went from winning the Presidents’ Trophy to one of the NHL’s biggest disappointments. A 34-point decline left Winnipeg at .500, seventh in the Central and outside the playoffs. Nearly every major metric collapsed, including Connor Hellebuyck’s normally dominant goaltending. Neil Smith and Vic Morren disagree somewhat on how quickly Winnipeg can rebound, but both agree the margin for error is small—and Scott Arniel enters the season under significant pressure.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Winnipeg suffers a stunning 34-point decline one year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy, fini...

Published: Sep 16, 2026Duration: 8m 53s

Summer Coolers – Vegas Golden Knights

Summer Coolers – Vegas Golden KnightsThe Vegas Golden Knights may finally be changing their philosophy. After a 95-point regular season, a late coaching change sparked an incredible run to the Stanley Cup Final, where Vegas ultimately fell to Carolina. Now Ryan Craig takes over behind the bench, Pavel Dorofeyev is gone, six draft picks have been acquired through offseason moves, and an organization famous for chasing every available star appears ready to put more emphasis on player development. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Vegas can build for tomorrow while still competing today.IN TH...

Published: Sep 16, 2026Duration: 8m 40s

Summer Coolers – Tampa Bay Lightning

Summer Coolers – Tampa Bay LightningThe Tampa Bay Lightning enter 2026-27 with Jon Cooper beginning his 15th season behind the bench after finally capturing the Jack Adams Award. But Tampa Bay’s championship core is getting older, and GM Julien BriseBois made some fascinating decisions this summer. Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul are gone, while veteran John Carlson joins a blue line already featuring Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Tampa still has another Stanley Cup run left—or whether age is finally becoming the Lightning’s biggest opponent.IN THIS...

Published: Sep 15, 2026Duration: 7m 3s

Summer Coolers – Utah Mammoth

Summer Coolers – Utah MammothThe Utah Mammoth took a major step forward last season, finishing with 92 points and reaching the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 bubble—and only the second time in 14 seasons dating back to the Arizona era. After losing to Vegas in six games, GM Bill Armstrong responded with an aggressive offseason built around keeping his core together while adding veteran leadership. Neil Smith and Vic Morren both see Utah as a team on the rise, with the potential to move beyond the wild-card conversation and challenge for a top-three spot in the Cent...

Published: Sep 15, 2026Duration: 4m 32s

Summer Coolers – Vancouver Canucks

Summer Coolers – Vancouver CanucksThe Vancouver Canucks are starting over. After finishing dead last with only 58 points, a minus-100 goal differential and a staggering 32-point decline, the organization has undergone a major housecleaning. Ryan Johnson takes over as GM alongside co-presidents Daniel and Henrik Sedin, while Manny Malhotra replaces Adam Foote behind the bench. Neil Smith and Vic Morren aren’t talking playoffs—they’re looking for signs that Vancouver can finally begin building something sustainable.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Vancouver undergoes a complete organizational reset after one of the NHL’s most difficult seasons.<...

Published: Sep 15, 2026Duration: 4m 33s

Summer Coolers – Pittsburgh Penguins

Summer Coolers – Pittsburgh PenguinsThe Pittsburgh Penguins surprised almost everyone in 2025-26, returning to the playoffs for the first time in four years before losing to Philadelphia in six games. Their offense exploded from 18th to third overall, the defense improved, and Dan Muse emerged as a Jack Adams finalist in his first season behind the bench. But Neil Smith and Vic Morren see warning signs. Pittsburgh remains built around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, several players who produced career seasons are gone, and goaltending has become a major question. Can the Penguins recreate last ye...

Published: Sep 15, 2026Duration: 9m 3s

Episode 113 - On the Prowl - Andrew Brunette - Sept. 14, 2026

Two years ago at this time, the Nashville Predators were the talk of the NHL signing a trio of high-profile free agents and assuming the expectations that came with it. In short, 2024-25 was a train wreck from opening night.Last season didn't start much better before a late push got the Predators into a spot in late March before falling short at the finish.After an aggressive off-season by new team President/GM Chris MacFarland improved team depth considerably, the expectations have returned.Head coach Andrew Brunette joins Neil and Vic to...

Published: Sep 14, 2026Duration: 44m 19s