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  • Summer Coolers – Columbus Blue Jackets

    Summer Coolers – Columbus Blue Jackets
    2026/09/09
    Summer Coolers – Columbus Blue JacketsThe Columbus Blue Jackets have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for six consecutive seasons, but there may finally be reasons for optimism. Rick Bowness returns after helping stabilize the club following his midseason arrival, Zach Werenski has recommitted to Columbus, Jet Greaves has emerged as the No. 1 goaltender, and the addition of Valeri Nichushkin could provide a significant offensive boost. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Blue Jackets can finally take the next step, how they replace former captain Boone Jenner, and why Adam Fantilli could become one of the defining players—and leaders—of Columbus’ future.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Columbus finishes fifth in the Metropolitan Division with 92 points, 11th in the Eastern Conference and 17th overall, missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.[00:00:25] The franchise still owns only one playoff series victory in its history—the stunning 2019 sweep of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning.[00:00:45] Columbus remains largely middle-of-the-pack offensively, defensively, on the power play, and on the penalty kill. Vic describes the team as simply “okay” in almost every major area.[00:01:00] Rick Bowness replaces Dean Evason in January and initially produces significant improvement, particularly in Columbus’ ability to protect leads and avoid giving away points late in games.[00:01:20] The Blue Jackets finish 10 games above .500 during Bowness’ 37 games, but a disastrous 3-9-1 finish over their final 13 games destroys their playoff hopes.[00:01:40] Bowness publicly challenges the team after the season, making it clear that changes would be necessary if he returned behind the bench. He is back, setting the stage for an important training camp.[00:02:00] The offseason initially brings major uncertainty when two important players indicate they may not remain with the organization. Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski eventually reverses course and says he wants to stay and win in Columbus.[00:02:25] With Boone Jenner leaving for Washington, Werenski could become a candidate for the captaincy as Columbus searches for its next locker-room leader.[00:02:45] Kirill Marchenko becomes the remaining contract concern. He will be a restricted free agent after the season and has expressed uncertainty about signing another deal with Columbus.[00:03:00] General Manager Don Waddell makes one of his biggest moves by acquiring Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche for second-, third-, and fifth-round draft picks spread across 2026, 2027, and 2028.[00:03:25] Neil acknowledges the concerns surrounding Nichushkin’s past but says he has heard the forward is a changed person who is excited about his opportunity in Columbus.[00:03:45] Nichushkin should receive increased ice time and additional power-play opportunities, potentially giving the Blue Jackets an important new offensive weapon.[00:04:00] Columbus loses several players, beginning with longtime captain Boone Jenner. Mason Marchment signs with San Jose, Brendan Gaunce joins Boston, and Zach Aston-Reese leaves for Philadelphia.[00:04:20] Charlie Coyle remains in Columbus on a six-year, $6 million-per-season contract and could assume some of the veteran leadership responsibilities previously carried by Jenner.[00:04:40] Ryan Lomberg arrives from Calgary, bringing additional energy and physicality to the lineup, while Columbus also retains several of its own depth pieces.[00:05:00] Two important restricted free agents avoid arbitration. Jet Greaves signs for three years at $5 million per season, while Cole Sillinger agrees to a three-year deal worth $4.6 million annually.[00:05:25] Greaves’ contract reflects his emergence as Columbus’ No. 1 goaltender after overtaking Elvis Merzlikins during the 2025-26 season. Neil believes Greaves proved he can become a very good NHL netminder.[00:05:50] Sillinger’s commitment, along with Werenski’s renewed desire to remain with the organization, provides evidence that Columbus is not struggling to retain everyone.[00:06:10] Neil believes the organization enters training camp in a much healthier position than it appeared to be only a month earlier, with Marchenko now representing the primary unresolved long-term concern.[00:06:30] Columbus also has young talent coming through the pipeline, including defenseman Jackson Smith, the 14th overall selection in 2025, who produced 26 points in 35 games at Penn State.[00:06:50] Cayden Lindstrom, the fourth overall selection in the 2024 Draft, remains another major prospect, while Luca Del Bel Belluz has already begun gaining NHL experience.[00:07:10] The central question becomes whether all these pieces are enough for Columbus to finally take the last step and qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.[00:07:30] Neil believes the answer will partially depend on the strength of the competition. He sees Columbus as a work in progress...
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    7 分
  • Summer Coolers – San Jose Sharks

    Summer Coolers – San Jose Sharks
    2026/09/13
    Summer Coolers – San Jose Sharks

    The San Jose Sharks may be ready to make the jump. After finishing 39-35-8 and making a legitimate push toward the playoffs, San Jose enters 2026-27 with one of the NHL’s most exciting collections of young talent. Macklin Celebrini exploded for 115 points in his second NHL season, while Will Smith, Michael Misa and other young players give the Sharks enormous upside. GM Mike Grier has also spent aggressively, adding veteran muscle and experience around that young core. Neil Smith and Vic Morren believe San Jose could follow the same path Anaheim did a year ago and emerge as a legitimate wild-card contender.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    [00:00:00] San Jose finishes 39-35-8, falling short of the playoffs but taking a major step forward under Ryan Warsofsky, who begins his third season behind the bench.

    [00:00:25] Almost every major statistic improves. The Sharks jump from 32nd to 17th offensively and from 26th to 16th on the power play.

    [00:00:45] The defense improves only slightly from 32nd to 30th, making goals against the biggest remaining concern.

    [00:01:00] Vic compares San Jose to Anaheim from a year earlier—a young team loaded with enough emerging talent to make an unexpected playoff breakthrough.

    [00:01:15] Celebrini leads the way after an extraordinary 115-point second NHL season, while Smith, Misa and Collin Graf give the Sharks an impressive young foundation.

    [00:01:35] San Jose also gets significantly more experienced on defense by acquiring Darnell Nurse and signing Jacob Trouba.

    [00:01:50] Those additions are expensive. Nurse arrives with his full $9.5 million contract, while Trouba signs for four years at $8.25 million annually.

    [00:02:00] Mason Marchment also receives a five-year deal worth $6.75 million per season as San Jose uses its available cap space aggressively.

    [00:02:15] Celebrini receives the biggest contract of all—$18.8 million per season beginning the following year, making him the league’s highest-paid player.

    [00:02:30] Neil believes the investment makes sense because San Jose may already possess the best young player in hockey.

    [00:02:45] Michael Kesselring arrives from Buffalo to further strengthen the defense, while Eric Comrie comes from Winnipeg to provide goaltending help.

    [00:03:00] San Jose does lose William Eklund, who is traded to Ottawa for the ninth overall draft pick.

    [00:03:15] The Sharks ultimately hold two first-round selections, adding even more talent to an already impressive prospect system.

    [00:03:30] Ivar Stenberg becomes another high-end prospect to watch as San Jose continues assembling what could become one of the NHL’s deepest young talent pools.

    [00:03:45] Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp head to Edmonton in the Nurse trade, while Mario Ferraro signs with Winnipeg and Vincent Desharnais joins Washington.

    [00:04:00] Vic believes the Sharks can make the playoffs this season, although improving defensively remains essential.

    [00:04:15] Neil agrees that San Jose should at least contend for a wild-card position, but points out one difference from Anaheim’s breakthrough.

    [00:04:30] Anaheim had veteran championship coach Joel Quenneville guiding its rise. San Jose remains committed to Warsofsky, who has done a good job but does not possess Quenneville’s championship résumé.

    [00:04:50] That puts pressure on Warsofsky to prove how much he can get from an extremely talented roster now carrying legitimate expectations.

    [00:05:00] Another major question involves Celebrini’s leadership. After three seasons and an impressive Olympic performance, could he already be ready to become captain?

    [00:05:20] Neil says his performance on the ice suggests he absolutely could. Celebrini has already demonstrated he can thrive alongside older elite players.

    [00:05:40] The unanswered question is whether he is ready for the responsibility inside the locker room.

    [00:06:00] Neil says only Warsofsky, Grier and those closest to Celebrini can truly evaluate whether his maturity and leadership are ready for the captaincy.

    The Sharks are no longer simply rebuilding. Celebrini has become a superstar, the prospect pipeline remains loaded, and Grier has surrounded the young core with expensive veteran help. If San Jose can improve defensively, Neil and Vic believe this could be the year the Sharks return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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    6 分
  • Summer Coolers – New York Islanders

    Summer Coolers – New York Islanders
    2026/09/12
    Summer Coolers – New York Islanders

    The New York Islanders enter 2026-27 looking remarkably similar to the team that missed the playoffs last season—with one major exception: longtime captain Anders Lee is gone. After finishing sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 91 points, the Islanders turn to Peter DeBoer behind the bench. Neil Smith and Vic Morren question whether DeBoer can squeeze more out of a roster that made few significant offseason additions. Ilya Sorokin remains an elite foundation in goal, Matthew Schaefer looks like a future superstar, and several promising prospects are coming, but is there enough improvement to get the Islanders back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    [00:00:00] The Islanders finish with 91 points and sixth place in the Metropolitan Division, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

    [00:00:20] Peter DeBoer takes over behind the bench after replacing Patrick Roy with four games remaining last season.

    [00:00:35] Some team statistics improve, particularly the penalty kill, which makes an impressive jump from 31st to 10th overall.

    [00:00:50] The power play remains a major weakness, improving only slightly from 31st to 30th.

    [00:01:00] The Islanders make no offseason trade acquisitions. Tony DeAngelo re-signs for two years at $4.5 million, while Matias Maccelli arrives from Toronto.

    [00:01:15] Vitek Vanecek signs a one-year deal after playing in Utah, providing insurance given the uncertainty surrounding Semyon Varlamov.

    [00:01:30] The biggest departure is captain Anders Lee, who leaves for Utah. Backup goaltender David Rittich also departs for New Jersey.

    [00:01:45] Vic’s assessment is straightforward: this looks like essentially the same Islanders team as last season, except now it has lost its captain.

    [00:02:00] Neil agrees. Looking at the roster on paper, he cannot identify an area where the Islanders have significantly improved.

    [00:02:15] One major reason for optimism is Matthew Schaefer, who is coming off a terrific rookie season and appears to have a brilliant future.

    [00:02:30] Goaltending should remain a strength as long as Sorokin stays healthy. Neil still considers him one of the NHL’s best.

    [00:02:45] Varlamov remains a major question after being out of the lineup for roughly a year and a half, making Vanecek an important depth signing.

    [00:03:00] The Islanders do have promising young talent coming. Cole Eiserman scored 18 goals in 32 games at Boston University last season.

    [00:03:15] Victor Eklund is another intriguing prospect and gives the Islanders another potential offensive piece for the future.

    [00:03:30] K'Shawn Aitcheson, selected 17th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is another young player who could eventually push for an opportunity.

    [00:03:45] But Neil separates the future from the present. The question is what New York will be in 2026-27, and his expectation is that the Islanders may look very similar to what they were in 2025-26.

    [00:04:00] The conversation turns to leadership. With Anders Lee gone and Schaefer emerging as a potential franchise player, should the young defenseman already receive the captaincy?

    [00:04:15] Neil says no. Being the team’s best or most talented player does not automatically mean someone should wear the “C.”

    [00:04:30] Lee himself is an example. He earned the captaincy through leadership rather than simply being the Islanders’ most talented player.

    [00:04:45] Neil believes Bo Horvat is the more logical choice. Horvat has established leadership qualities and previously served as captain of the Vancouver Canucks.

    [00:05:00] Schaefer’s opportunity to become captain may eventually arrive, but Neil believes that responsibility should come later in his career.

    The Islanders still have Sorokin, a potential star in Schaefer, and some promising prospects. But for 2026-27, Neil and Vic see the same fundamental problem: where did this team actually get better? Unless DeBoer can manufacture a major improvement from essentially the same roster, another fight just to reach the playoffs appears likely.
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    5 分
  • Episode 109 - 2026 Pacific Division Summer Cooler

    Episode 109 - 2026 Pacific Division Summer Cooler
    2026/08/27

    Clearly the weakest of the four divisions in 2025-26, half of the teams in this octet enter the new season with a change behind the bench, including the one and two teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers.

    While the VGK did stun many sweeping the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche enroute to the Final, a rookie head coach will be under the microscope as will a veteran in Edmonton trying to re-build his reputation.

    Let's also not forget what's taking place in the Golden State. Can the Sharks be the Ducks of the new season and are the Kings simply stuck in suspended animation?

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    [05:26] - Vegas Golden Knights

    [13:41] - Edmonton Oilers

    [21:29] - Anaheim Ducks

    [27:08] - Los Angeles Kings

    [33:53] - San Jose Sharks

    [40:06] - Seattle Kraken

    [46:26] - Calgary Flames

    [51:26] - Vancouver Canucks

    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 #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #BZZR #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
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    1 時間
  • Summer Coolers – Boston Bruins

    Summer Coolers – Boston Bruins
    2026/09/08
    Summer Coolers – Boston BruinsThe Boston Bruins bounced back with a 100-point season and a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but their first-round loss to Buffalo exposed several concerns heading into Marco Sturm’s second year behind the bench. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine Boston’s discipline problems, the number of players coming off career seasons, the pressure on Elias Lindholm to produce more offense, and whether J.J. Peterka can finally deliver on his potential. With limited goaltending depth and little margin for error, the Bruins may need another season of unexpected performances just to remain in the playoff race.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Boston finishes fourth in the Atlantic Division with 100 points and returns to the playoffs after missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. The Bruins are eliminated by Buffalo in six games during the opening round.[00:00:25] The Bruins improve offensively, defensively, and on the power play during Marco Sturm’s first season, giving the organization several encouraging signs.[00:00:45] The penalty kill becomes a major concern, finishing 24th in the NHL while Boston is shorthanded a league-high 278 times.[00:01:00] Neil explains that poor discipline and weak penalty killing are a dangerous combination. When a team takes that many penalties and cannot consistently kill them, goals against quickly accumulate.[00:01:25] The discussion shifts to whether Boston could follow the same path as recent teams that benefited from several unexpected career seasons before falling back the following year.[00:01:45] A year earlier, the Bruins appeared heavily dependent on David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. Instead, several supporting players significantly exceeded expectations.[00:02:00] Pavel Zacha produces 30 goals and 65 points, while Victor Arvidsson scores 25 goals before leaving Boston to sign with the Detroit Red Wings.[00:02:20] Casey Mittelstadt scores 15 goals, rookie Fraser Minten adds 17, Marat Khusnutdinov contributes 15, and physical forward Mark Kastelic scores 12.[00:02:40] Those performances must be repeated or improved for Boston to remain competitive, but Neil questions whether so many players can produce at that level again.[00:02:55] Elias Lindholm becomes one of the most important players entering the season. The former 40-goal scorer managed only 17 goals and must provide more offense behind Pastrnak and Geekie.[00:03:15] Neil believes Boston exceeded expectations during Sturm’s first season but does not think the roster has enough dependable scoring depth to comfortably remain in the playoff picture.[00:03:35] Geekie’s excellent season included multiple extended goal droughts, showing that even one of Boston’s biggest success stories produced unevenly throughout the year.[00:03:55] The Bruins acquire J.J. Peterka from Utah, hoping to unlock the offensive potential he previously displayed with Buffalo.[00:04:15] Neil expresses concern whenever a player is moved in a major trade and then dealt again only one year later. Utah’s willingness to move on quickly raises questions about Peterka’s consistency and overall value.[00:04:40] Peterka carries expectations of becoming a 35- or 40-goal scorer, but Boston will be his third team in three seasons.[00:05:00] Contract and ice-time issues may have contributed to Peterka leaving Buffalo, but Utah also decides to move on after only a short period. Boston now becomes the latest team betting on his upside.[00:05:25] The Bruins also acquire defenseman Will Borgen from the New York Rangers for two draft picks and add forward Ivan Ivan from the Colorado Avalanche.[00:05:50] Backup goaltender Jonas Korpisalo is traded to the Rangers for a prospect and a fourth-round pick, creating a potential weakness behind Jeremy Swayman.[00:06:10] Boston signs Jiri Patera to a one-year, $850,000 contract after he appeared in only one game for Vancouver the previous season.[00:06:30] Neil believes Korpisalo played well when called upon and warns that the Bruins could be in trouble if Swayman suffers an injury or enters an extended slump.[00:06:50] Connor Clifton joins Boston from Pittsburgh, while Jordan Harris returns on a one-year contract to provide additional defensive depth.[00:07:10] The Bruins will also look toward their prospects, including 2025 seventh-overall pick James Hagens, to determine whether younger players can contribute immediately.[00:07:30] Forwards Dean Letourneau and Will Zellers may also compete for roster spots and could become important if Boston’s veterans cannot maintain last season’s production.[00:07:50] The episode concludes with Boston facing numerous unanswered questions. The Bruins possess some upside, but their veterans, new additions, and young players may all need to outperform expectations for the team to return to the playoffs.
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    8 分
  • Summer Coolers – Colorado Avalanche

    Summer Coolers – Colorado Avalanche
    2026/09/09
    Summer Coolers – Colorado AvalancheThe Colorado Avalanche were arguably the NHL’s most dominant regular-season team, capturing the Presidents’ Trophy while leading the league in offense, defense, save percentage, and penalty killing. But their pursuit of another Stanley Cup ended abruptly when the Vegas Golden Knights swept them in the Western Conference Final, with an injured Cale Makar unable to make his usual impact. Now Colorado enters 2026-27 with significant roster turnover, Joe Sakic temporarily back in the GM chair, questions about lost depth, and one enormous piece of business looming: Makar’s next contract. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Avalanche remain the powerhouse they were a year ago.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] Colorado comes off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, capturing the award for the fourth time in franchise history while reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a ninth consecutive year.[00:00:25] The Avalanche race through the first two rounds, sweeping Los Angeles before eliminating Minnesota in five games and reaching the Western Conference Final in only nine playoff games.[00:00:45] Their postseason ends dramatically against Vegas. The Golden Knights sweep Colorado in the conference final, with Cale Makar missing the opening two games before returning for the final two while clearly not at full strength.[00:01:10] The result becomes another reminder that regular-season dominance guarantees nothing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Recent Presidents’ Trophy winners have experienced dramatically different outcomes once the postseason begins.[00:01:35] Neil points back to Boston’s record-setting 2022-23 season as perhaps the ultimate example. The Bruins dominated the regular season before being eliminated by Florida in the opening round.[00:02:00] Winning the Presidents’ Trophy requires tremendous consistency over a full season, but Neil explains that the grind can also take a physical toll before the playoffs even begin.[00:02:20] Makar’s health becomes especially significant because Neil considers him, along with Nathan MacKinnon, one of the two most important players on the Avalanche roster.[00:02:40] Colorado’s regular-season numbers demonstrate just how dominant the team was. The Avalanche lead the NHL offensively at 3.63 goals per game.[00:03:00] Colorado also finishes first defensively at 2.37 goals allowed per game, while Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood combine to help produce an NHL-best .908 save percentage.[00:03:20] The penalty kill ranks first at 84.6 percent, giving the Avalanche elite performance in almost every major statistical category.[00:03:40] Then comes one of the NHL season’s biggest statistical mysteries: despite possessing an incredible collection of offensive talent, Colorado’s power play finishes only 27th.[00:04:00] A unit featuring Makar, Devon Toews, MacKinnon, Martin Nečas, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, and Valeri Nichushkin consistently struggles to translate its skill into production with the man advantage.[00:04:20] Vic believes the Avalanche frequently tried to be too perfect, forcing passes into the middle while too many long-distance shots missed the net.[00:04:40] Neil offers another explanation: Colorado may simply have had too many players who wanted the puck. With only one puck available, the group never consistently established who should shoot, who should distribute, and who should become the primary setup option.[00:05:00] Despite Jared Bednar’s coaching and Colorado’s extraordinary talent, the power play remains an unexplained weakness throughout an otherwise dominant season.[00:05:20] The offseason brings a major front-office change when General Manager Chris MacFarland leaves Colorado on June 2 to join Nashville as President of Hockey Operations.[00:05:40] Joe Sakic steps back into the general manager role on an interim basis and quickly begins reshaping the roster.[00:06:00] Colorado trades Ross Colton and a goaltending prospect to Nashville in exchange for another goalie prospect and third-round selections in 2026 and 2027.[00:06:20] Eight days later, Sakic makes another deal with his former GM, sending Jack Drury, Chase Bradley, and a 2029 third-round selection to Nashville for promising forward Fedor Svechkov and physical forward Zachary L’Heureux.[00:06:45] Valeri Nichushkin is also traded to Columbus for three draft picks, removing another significant forward from Colorado’s lineup.[00:07:00] Neil notes that MacKinnon and Makar remain the franchise cornerstones, but championship teams cannot survive on superstars alone. Losing players such as Colton, Drury, Nichushkin, and Joel Kiviranta changes Colorado’s overall depth.[00:07:25] Neil remains confident that Colorado will be a strong team, but unlike a year ago, he takes more of a wait-and-see approach because of the amount of supporting talent that has departed.[00:07:50] The biggest long-term storyline surrounds Makar, who ...
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    10 分
  • Summer Coolers – New Jersey Devils

    Summer Coolers – New Jersey Devils
    2026/09/11
    Summer Coolers – New Jersey DevilsThe New Jersey Devils enter 2026-27 as one of the NHL’s biggest question marks. After finishing seventh in the Metropolitan Division and missing the playoffs, New Jersey changed general managers, traded Jacob Markstrom, and now appears prepared to enter the season without a proven No. 1 goaltender. New GM Sunny Mehta brings an analytics-heavy background, while Sheldon Keefe could find himself coaching for his job. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Jack Hughes can finally stay healthy for a full season, whether Timo Meier can deliver the production New Jersey expected, and why the Devils may need almost everything to go right to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00:00] New Jersey finishes seventh in the Metropolitan Division, 13th in the Eastern Conference, and 21st overall, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs after entering the season with much higher expectations.[00:00:25] The Devils have now reached the playoffs only three times since appearing in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, with just one series victory during that span—against the New York Rangers three years ago.[00:00:45] Nearly every important team metric declines. New Jersey finishes 27th offensively and 18th defensively, while the power play falls from third to 13th and the penalty kill drops from second to 17th.[00:01:00] Sunny Mehta takes over as general manager from Tom Fitzgerald, while Sheldon Keefe prepares for his third season behind the Devils’ bench.[00:01:20] Mehta brings one of the NHL’s more unusual résumés to the GM position, combining a data-science and analytics background with his experience as a former professional poker player.[00:01:40] Neil has no doubt that Mehta can run an NHL organization. The real question is whether his approach can outperform the competition and turn New Jersey back into a contender.[00:02:00] Neil’s biggest concern is immediately clear: the Devils appear ready to enter the season without a true No. 1 goaltender.[00:02:20] New Jersey adds David Rittich after his stint as the Islanders’ backup, but Neil views him as another depth option rather than the answer in goal.[00:02:40] Jake Allen currently appears positioned to receive the No. 1 opportunity, while Nico Daws may finally have his best chance to establish himself after several years of being discussed as part of New Jersey’s future.[00:03:00] The uncertainty follows New Jersey’s decision to trade Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers along with Angus Crookshank.[00:03:20] In return, the Devils acquire Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Ben Steeves, adding three forwards to a lineup that needs more offensive support.[00:03:40] Rodrigues has demonstrated the ability to play significant minutes, including first-line opportunities in Florida, while Boqvist and Steeves project more as supporting forwards.[00:04:00] Vic questions whether those additions are substantial enough for a team that already struggled to distinguish itself offensively last season.[00:04:20] Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer remain important pieces, but Timo Meier’s production since arriving from San Jose has been a major disappointment compared with expectations.[00:04:40] New Jersey’s additions may make the roster deeper, but Vic does not believe they significantly change the overall ceiling of the team.[00:05:00] One free-agent signing Vic does like is Arseni Gritsyuk, who receives a three-year contract worth $3.25 million per season after producing 13 goals and 31 points last season.[00:05:20] Even with that addition, the overriding feeling is that a lot must go right for the Devils if they are going to return to the postseason.[00:05:40] Sheldon Keefe could also be under significant pressure because he was hired by the previous administration rather than Mehta’s new front office.[00:06:00] After a disappointing season, Keefe will be heavily scrutinized. A slow start could put the Devils’ coaching situation among the NHL’s early-season storylines.[00:06:20] Neil returns to the goaltending issue as the biggest concern. He likes the Rodrigues acquisition and believes New Jersey has useful supporting forwards, but does not see those players dramatically moving the needle.[00:06:40] The contrast with expectations from only a year earlier is striking. New Jersey entered last season being discussed as a potential challenger for first place in the division.[00:07:00] Injuries to Jack Hughes played a significant role in the disappointing season, making his ability to remain healthy one of the most important variables for 2026-27.[00:07:20] Neil believes New Jersey needs a full season of superstar-level hockey from Hughes if the Devils are going to become a playoff team again.[00:07:40] The roster also loses two promising players when Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov are traded to Calgary for three draft picks, giving New Jersey additional future assets but sacrificing young talent.[00:08:00] Paul...
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    7 分
  • Summer Coolers – Minnesota Wild

    Summer Coolers – Minnesota Wild
    2026/09/12
    Summer Coolers – Minnesota Wild

    The Minnesota Wild enter 2026-27 believing their playoff run could have gone much deeper if injuries hadn’t intervened. Minnesota finished third in the Central, third in the Western Conference, and seventh overall before defeating Dallas in six games for its first playoff series victory since 2015. The Wild then lost to Colorado in five without Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin, while Zach Bogosian also went down late in the series. Now Bill Guerin and John Hynes have a talented veteran roster led by Kirill Kaprizov—and one enormous question hanging over the franchise: can they convince superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to stay in Minnesota long-term?

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    [00:00:00] Minnesota finishes third in the Central and West and seventh overall before eliminating Dallas in six games.

    [00:00:25] It marks the Wild’s first playoff series victory since defeating St. Louis in the opening round in 2015.

    [00:00:40] Colorado eliminates Minnesota in five, but injuries become a major part of the story. Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin both miss the series.

    [00:00:55] Zach Bogosian also misses the final game, forcing Jake Middleton into a difficult situation against the Avalanche.

    [00:01:00] Neil sees plenty for GM Bill Guerin and head coach John Hynes to build around as Hynes begins his fourth season behind the Minnesota bench.

    [00:01:15] Quinn Hughes, acquired from Vancouver during the season, gives Minnesota one of hockey’s elite offensive defensemen and dramatically changes the Wild’s ceiling.

    [00:01:35] Minnesota improves across the board: 3.27 goals per game, fourth defensively, third on the power play, and 16th on the penalty kill.

    [00:01:55] The penalty kill’s jump from 30th to 16th is especially significant and shows meaningful improvement in an area that had been a major weakness.

    [00:02:00] Minnesota acquires Blake Coleman and Olli Määttä from Calgary for Jake Middleton and three future draft picks.

    [00:02:20] Neil likes Coleman but questions how much Määttä has left, noting that Middleton plus three picks represents a substantial return for Calgary.

    [00:02:40] Michael McCarron and Bobby Brink re-sign. McCarron receives a six-year deal worth approximately $3.33 million per season after making an impact following his arrival from Nashville.

    [00:03:00] Nick Foligno and Zach Bogosian also return, while Minnesota adds Justin Kirkland and goaltender Calvin Pickard on a one-year, $1 million contract.

    [00:03:15] Max Shabanov joins on a one-year deal after not receiving a qualifying offer from the Islanders.

    [00:03:25] The biggest departure is Mats Zuccarello, who signs with the Los Angeles Kings.

    [00:03:40] Neil calls Zuccarello a throwback—undersized and not an elite skater, but consistently effective and especially dangerous on the power play.

    [00:04:00] Attention shifts to Minnesota’s biggest issue: Quinn Hughes still has not signed the long-term extension that had been rumored earlier in the summer.

    [00:04:20] Minnesota is already the NHL’s sixth-oldest team, meaning the Wild are firmly in a win-now window. Keeping Hughes becomes one of Guerin’s highest priorities.

    [00:04:40] Neil points to persistent speculation that Hughes eventually wants to play with his brothers in New Jersey. His failure to sign with Minnesota this summer only adds fuel to those rumors.

    [00:05:00] What will it cost to keep him? Neil believes Hughes could command more than $18 million per season.

    [00:05:20] With Kaprizov already around the $17 million range, Neil believes Hughes will naturally expect to earn at least as much as his superstar teammate.

    [00:05:45] The rapidly escalating NHL salary market could make negotiations even more complicated, particularly after other massive contracts signed around the league.

    [00:06:00] Neil discusses how the Leo Carlsson deal could ripple across future negotiations, including Cutter Gauthier’s situation in Anaheim.

    [00:06:20] The possibility of both Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar reaching unrestricted free agency creates the potential for an unprecedented NHL bidding frenzy.

    Minnesota has enough talent to contend right now, especially if last season’s injured players return healthy. But the biggest storyline extends beyond this season: the Wild have an elite defenseman in Quinn Hughes. Now they have to convince him that Minnesota is where he wants to spend his prime.
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