Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the tragic passings of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in a biking incident prior to Labor Day weekend. The show opens on this solemn note and concludes by noting how the hockey community supports its own in time of tragedy.

The body of the show focuses on Neil's most improved teams during the off-season heading into the 2024-25 campaign. While some teams are obvious based on the discussions in the "Summer Cooler" series, others may take some listeners and viewers by surprise.

Another key point of discussion notes Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl re-signing with the club for an NHL-record $14 million per season for eight years effective 2025-2026. Conversely, with Connor McDavid's deal expiring in two years, is GM Stan Bowman boxed into a similar corner back to his days in Chicago when Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews occupied almost a third of the Blackhawks salary cap?

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:56] - Opening thoughts on the passing of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and this brother Matthew
• [2:35] - Neil's most improved team during the off-season - The Nashville Predators
• [4:10] - Second on the list: the New Jersey Devils
• [6:00] - The Vancouver Canucks have replaced a couple of important players and are primed to contend in the West
• [8:10] - Two offer sheets change the outlook for the St. Louis Blues
• [10:10] - The Chicago Blackhawks additions have given reasons for optimism in the Windy City
• [11:53] - The Utah Hockey Club has bolstered their defense after their move from the desert and earn an honorable mention
• [13:25] - Leon Draisaitl is under contract through 2032-33. However, with Connor McDavid's deal ending in two years, are the Oilers committing too much of their salary cap to two players?

[17:45] The Human Side of the Story discusses the the support of the hockey community in light of the Gaudreau tragedy. Neil provides his own personal perspective.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Hockey is no stranger to unexpected loss. The loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau has left a hole in the hockey community heading into training camp.
• Several teams stand out to Neil as having improved the most during the season in relation to how they finished 2023-24.
• One superstar is locked up long-term in Edmonton but with a Connor McDavid deal coming up, are the Oilers going to begin leaving themselves short when it comes to spending on the supporting cast?

RESOURCE LINKS

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

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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