NHL Wraparound Podcast

By: Neil Smith & Vic Morren
  • Summary

  • 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.
    Copyright 2024 Neil Smith & Vic Morren
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Episodes
  • EP 28 Summer Cooler Pacific Division
    Aug 29 2024

    Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the Pacific Division, offering a detailed analysis of each team's offseason moves, challenges, and prospects for the upcoming NHL season. From the dominant Edmonton Oilers to the rebuilding San Jose Sharks, they discuss player signings, coaching changes, and the overall landscape of the division.

    The episode covers all eight teams in the Pacific Division: Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks. The episode also highlights key player movements, the impact of injuries, and the potential for each team to make a playoff run.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • [01:39] - Discussion on Edmonton Oilers' offseason moves and key player departures, key player additions and salary cap challenges
    • [9:47] - Vancouver Canucks' offseason analysis and their potential for the upcoming season
    • [16:15] - Breakdown of the LA Kings’ offseason changes and expectations for the season
    • [23:36] - Discussion on Vegas Golden Knights' roster challenges and injury impact
    • [28:48] - Calgary Flames' rebuild process and key player signings
    • [34:04] - Seattle Kraken’s new coaching staff and chances of playoff contention
    • [43:27] - San Jose Sharks' outlook with new head coach Ryan Warsofsky and the arrival of top prospect Malcolm Celebrini

    [48:36] Human Side of Coaching in the Pacific Division

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • The Oilers face significant challenges managing their salary cap while retaining star players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.
    • The Canucks are one of the most complete teams in the Pacific Division, but their success hinges on their goaltending situation.
    • The Golden Knights might struggle this season due to key losses and salary cap constraints, despite their strong core players.
    • The Sharks are in full rebuild mode, with the focus on the development of their young star, Malcolm Celebrini, under a new head coach.


    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/

    NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

    NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

    NHL Wraparound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787


    SPONSORSHIP:

    GAME 7 GROUP- www.gamesevengroup.com/nhlwraparound

    At Game Seven Group, we specialize in transforming individuals into cohesive teams through our team-building events, coaching, and speaking. We believe every team has the potential to achieve extraordinary results.



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    54 mins
  • EP 27 Summer Cooler Central Division
    Aug 27 2024

    Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren analyze the Central Division's eight teams, covering key offseason moves, signings, and prospects for the upcoming season. They discuss the Dallas Stars' aging roster, the Winnipeg Jets' challenges after significant player departures, and the Colorado Avalanche's defensive uncertainties. The Nashville Predators' bold signings under GM Barry Trotz are highlighted, alongside the St. Louis Blues' surprising offer sheet acquisitions. The Minnesota Wild's salary cap struggles, the Utah Hockey Club's fresh start, and the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuilding efforts are also examined, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the division. Additionally, the hosts share a heartfelt segment on the "Human Side of the Story," reflecting on Joe Pavelski's retirement and his impactful career in the NHL.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • [01:35] - Dallas Stars: Analysis of the Stars' offseason moves and challenges with an aging roster
    • [04:15] - Peter DeBoer's Playoff Woes: Discussion on DeBoer’s postseason struggles and the potential closing window for the Stars
    • [09:07] - Winnipeg Jets Offseason changes and the challenges of maintaining competitiveness
    • [18:20] - Colorado Avalanche Key signings and the impact of Gabriel Landeskog’s potential return
    • [23:04] - Nashville Predators Barry Trotz’s bold offseason moves and the team’s outlook
    • [31:46] - St. Louis Blues Surprising offseason acquisitions and the team’s playoff aspirations
    • [37:20] - Minnesota Wild Challenges with salary cap constraints and limited offseason activity
    • [45:40] - Utah Hockey Club the new team on the block and their potential to shake things up in the Central Division
    • [45:45] - Chicago Blackhawks rebuilding process and the impact of new signings on the team’s future
    • [49:44] - Human Side of the Story on Joe Pavelski's retirement and his impactful career


    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • The Stars face a pivotal season with a roster that is getting older. Key players like Joe Pavelski have retired, and the team needs to find a balance between veteran experience and young talent.
    • Barry Trotz is making his mark as GM with aggressive signings, including Steven Stamkos, signaling that the Predators are serious about contending in the upcoming season.
    • The Blues made several unexpected moves, including offer sheets to Edmonton players, signaling their intention to return to playoff contention.
    • With new signings and the continued development of Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks are looking to move past their rebuilding phase and become competitive again.



    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/

    NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

    NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

    NHL Wraparound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787


    SPONSORSHIP:

    GAME 7 GROUP- www.gamesevengroup.com/nhlwraparound

    At Game Seven Group, we specialize in transforming individuals into cohesive teams through our team-building events, coaching, and speaking. We believe every team has the potential to achieve extraordinary results.


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    55 mins
  • Human Side of the Story- Ep 27 Joe Pavelski
    Aug 27 2024

    The Human Side of the story on the recently retired NHL star Joe Pavelski. The episode highlights Pavelski's impressive career, despite being drafted in the seventh round. The hosts reflect on his journey from the USHL to becoming a standout player for the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. They discuss his potential candidacy for the Hockey Hall of Fame, emphasizing his leadership, toughness, and exceptional skill in deflecting pucks. The episode also features a segment on Peter DeBoer's remarkable Game 7 coaching record.

    Sponsored by the Game 7 Group, the episode wraps up with listener engagement details and a teaser for the upcoming Pacific Division analysis.

    TIMESTAMP:

    • [00:50] Discussion on Peter DeBoer's Game 7 Record (8-0)
    • [01:30] Introduction to Joe Pavelski's Career
    • [02:05] Joe Pavelski's Early Career and Draft Details
    • [03:00] Pavelski's Time with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars
    • [03:30] Career Stats: 1,332 Games, 1,068 Points
    • [03:45] Analysis of Pavelski's Playing Style and Leadership
    • [04:30] Reflection on Pavelski's Potential Hall of Fame Induction
    • [04:50] Vic Morren on Pavelski's Toughness and Puck Deflection Skills
    • [05:00] Closing Remarks and Tribute to Joe Pavelski's Career
    • [05:10] Thanks to Game 7 Group for Sponsorship

    SPONSOR:

    GAME 7 GROUP- www.gamesevengroup.com/nhlwraparound

    At Game Seven Group, we specialize in transforming individuals into cohesive teams through our team-building events, coaching, and speaking. We believe every team has the potential to achieve extraordinary results.


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    6 mins

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