Episode 72 - 2025 Summer Cooler - Pacific Division

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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