Episode 105 - Amidst Change, Who's Actually Improved? - With Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period

In the season finale, Neil and Vic are joined by noted NHL contributor Dave Pagnotta to springboard us into the off-season. However, that doesn't mean business is shutting down.

There are noted unsigned UFA's but, perhaps more significantly, RFA's and offer sheets are certain to affect the NHL landscape both in the immediate and in years to come with the salary cap continuing to rise and several of the league's superstars set to become UFA's in two years.

Plenty to unpack including Dave's take on how the needle has moved for certain teams amidst a flurry of off-season activity to date.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:34] - Dave Pagnotta from The Fourth Period provides updates on several UFA's still looking for their destination for the 2026-27 season.

[09:57] - The Flyers shock the hockey world signing Ducks forward Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet that would make him the highest-paid player in NHL history...for now.

[15:58] - Having been in this spot dating back to the offer sheet saga with Joe Sakic in 1997, Neil talks about the resentment Ducks GM Pat Verbeek might have towards Flyers management. This also extends to the business ramifications for other teams around the NHL.

[26:28] - How the economic climate brought on by the Carlsson offer sheet might affect the UFA market, particularly in two years when superstars Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Zach Werenski all will hit market unless they extend with their current clubs.

[31:05] - Quietly, the New Jersey Devils signed Utah forward Barrett Hayton to a one-year offer sheet. Dave offers up the positions by both the Devils and Mammoth.

[33:46] - With the trade market active prior to July first and, given the free agent activity since, Neil, Vic and Dave weigh in with where they see the needle moving with various teams around the league.

[44:07] - A look back to the growth for the podcast during 2025-26 and thank you listeners and viewers.

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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