Episode 82

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Published on:

26th Nov 2025

Episode 82 - The Clutterpuck View - With Former NY Islander and Current Studio Analyst Cal Clutterbuck

After missing the playoffs a season ago, the expectations for the New York Islanders was a bit lower in the eyes of many coming into 2025-26.

Though they struggled at the outset of the new season, things have reversed course to the positive highlighted by a recent 6-1-0 road trip.

Former Islander and current TV analyst Cal Clutterbuck joins Neil and Vic to look at what's different thus far as well as key areas going forward.

Before the conversation, Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To focuses on a few clubs in with differing concerns. After the interview, we go "Why or Why Not" for the Western clubs which missed the playoffs last season and whether a similar or different fate awaits them come April.

Website: Nhlwraparound.com

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:23] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To

[13:49] - Cal Clutterbuck joins the hosts with Neil opening that he believed Cal had another year or two left to offer a club. Clutterbuck gives several reasons why he retired, one of which being an unselfish gesture to give teammate Matt Martin a chance for a career milestone.

[16:16] - Clutterbuck shares that, while there may have been some options to continue his career, things did not come together in a way which would have enabled him to do so.

[18:04] - On to this season's Islanders and they keys to their strong start.

[21:51] - The confounding tale of the special teams, particularly the power play which has languished near the bottom of the league the past two seasons despite having players capable of producing.

[25:50] - The important role of backup goaltender David Rittich, being able to give Ilya Sorokin the breaks he needs but was unable to get last season after Semyon Varlamov went down.

[29:01] - The injury front which evolves into a longer discussion about how teams should be responding to both legal and illegal hits and what the penalties should be.

[35:31] - The transition for Clutterbuck from player to no longer being a professional athlete, something many players struggle with in all sports.

[39:44] - In his new career as an analyst on Islander games, Clutterbuck notes the most eye opening aspect to life in sports television.

[43:55] - Putting a wrap on the discussion with Cal Clutterbuck.

[45:59] - Why or Why Not for the clubs in the Western Conference - Anaheim, Calgary, Chicago, Nashville, San Jose, Seattle, Utah, Vancouver - which missed the playoffs last season and why their fate may be different in April...or not.

[56:52] - Injury/personnel updates.

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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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
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, one needs to understand its past.

With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.


Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.

Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.

Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.

A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.

His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.