Ray and Steve break down the Florida Panthers’ commanding 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6, securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup. The Panthers’ success is attributed to:

• Elite depth scoring, led by Sam Reinhart’s historic four-goal performance.

• Stifling defense, anchored by Sergei Bobrovsky’s 28-save effort.

• Smart acquisitions, like Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, who added grit and experience2.

The brothers explore how Florida’s balanced roster construction and relentless forecheck overwhelmed Edmonton’s top-heavy attack—and what lessons the Islanders can draw from that blueprint.

With the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Islanders are expected to select Matthew Schaefer, a dynamic left-shot defenseman. But the buzz on social media and across the league suggests something bolder: a potential trade to also acquire James Hagens, the Long Island native and Boston College standout4.

Ray and Steve weigh in on:

• The emotional and marketing appeal of drafting Hagens.

• The logistical gymnastics required to pull off a deal with teams like Utah or Nashville, who hold top-five picks.

• The rumored trade packages, possibly involving Alexander Romanov or future first-rounders5.

It’s a high-stakes gamble—but one that could reshape the Islanders’ identity overnight.

Former Rangers and Islanders GM Neil Smith joins the show to reflect on:

• His storied career, including building the 1994 Stanley Cup–winning Rangers.

• His tenure with the Islanders, offering rare behind-the-scenes insights.

• His latest venture as co-host of the NHL Wraparound Podcast, where he and Vic Morren blend historical context with sharp analysis of today’s game7.

Smith also shares thoughts on what it takes to build a championship-caliber team in today’s NHL—timely wisdom as the Islanders look to emulate Florida’s rise.

Islanders’ Draft Strategy: Can They Land Hagens and a Top Prospect?Special Guest: Neil Smith on Front Office Life and the NHL Wraparound Podcast

Steve and Ray break down the Islanders' hiring of Matthieu Darche as their new General Manager and Executive Vice President. Darche, a former Tampa Bay Lightning executive, brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. His hiring signals a new era for the Islanders, with a focus on transparency and collaboration—a stark contrast to the previous leadership style.

With the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, the Islanders have a rare opportunity to reshape their future. Steve and Ray analyze the top prospects, including Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and James Hagens, and discuss which player best fits the Islanders' long-term vision

Ted Nolan joins the show to discuss his new book, Life in Two Worlds. The book explores his journey from the reserve to the NHL, detailing his experiences as an Indigenous coach in professional hockey. Nolan shares personal stories, lessons on perseverance, and insights into the challenges he faced throughout his career.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone following the Islanders' new direction, draft strategy, and the inspiring story of Ted Nolan.

Ray and Steve dive into the implications of a leadership change at the top of the Islanders’ hockey operations. With the departure of Lou Lamoriello on the horizon, they explore the various directions the organization could take—whether it’s hiring a seasoned veteran with a track record of playoff success or someone with fresh ideas to re-tool the team for a more modern era. The discussion breaks down notable candidates. They consider the challenges these candidates face—such as aligning with the existing roster and capitalizing on upcoming assets like high draft picks—while weighing the legacy and potential pitfalls of past leadership.

In an unexpected twist, the Islanders’ improbable draft lottery win has the team sitting at the top of the draft board. Ray and Steve analyze what this means for the club’s future, breaking down the first-round options available. They detail the top prospects on the board, discussing their strengths, potential upside, and how each might fill crucial gaps in the current lineup. Beyond simply being a numbers game, the conversation elaborates on how the right pick could synergize with the new leadership’s vision, acting as a cornerstone for rebuilding a competitive team in a short period of time.

Adding another rich layer to the discussion is former Madison Square Garden President Bob Gutkowski. In this episode, Gutkowski brings not only his seasoned perspective on team operations and management but also shares insights from his new book, Gut Punch. His commentary ties historical context with actionable insights into the Islanders’ current state, offering a unique comparison to past successes and missteps across the league. His experience navigating high-pressure roles at top-tier organizations brings a timely analysis of what the Islanders need to do now to set themselves up for long-term success.

Why This Episode Stands Out

By merging the strategic evaluation of a leadership void with a deep dive into draft prospects, Ray and Steve cover both the immediate tactical shifts and the long-term blueprint for the franchise. Their balanced, nuanced discussion not only reviews the facts on the ground but also challenges conventional narratives about the Islanders’ roadmap moving forward.

Don’t miss it—this episode is packed with strategic insights and bold predictions that could very well shape the next chapter of Islanders hockey.