NHL Wraparound Podcast
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.
Episodes
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 bec...
Five days into free agency and we've seen an abundance of activity on both large and small scales.
Still, there's a quartet of players Neil has identified that are for looking teams and would be good fits for a number of clubs.
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/
#NHLWrapa...
The initial rush of free agent signings has passed, as has the abundance of trades which took place well before July 1.
With the holiday weekend upon the U.S., time to exhale just a bit and update on what's taken place since Wednesday's Free Agency recap which is available on YouTube and BZZR.com
X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound
Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil
Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/
NHL W...
If it appears the NHL off-season has been particularly active since the Carolina Hurricanes lifted the Stanley Cup on June 14, you're not alone.
Re-signings, trades, the Draft and the prospect of several notable players looking to be moved are all making headlines.
E.J. Hradek from The NHL Network joins Neil and Vic to discuss all of these areas in advance of free agency officially kicking off on July 1.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:54] - E.J....
Thirty two teams would appear to sit well as an appropriate number of clubs within the NHL. However, with record revenues, greater worldwide appeal and the skill/speed level at an all-time high, it might be hard for commissioner Gary Bettman to resist growing the league footprint further - in this case to Austin or Houston, Texas.
Vic and Neil discuss potential plus and downsides to expanding the league and whether the talent pool c...
Nothing like a little excitement heading into the NHL Draft and Free Agency with a somewhat controversial head coaching hiring in Edmonton and a quartet of deals.
Noted columnist Steve Simmons joins Vic and Neil for an in-depth discussion on these topics plus the latest vibe in Toronto with a new GM, a new head coach, a major acquisition, a veteran on the way out and the first pick of the Draft on the way in.
The crowning of a Stanley Cup champion ends the competition on the ice for another season with the opening of new eras following quickly behind with the NHL Entry Draft.
TSN Analyst and Director of Scouting Craig Button joins Neil and Vic to look at the top prospects and potential strategies for teams either picking near the top or with multiple selections in the first round.
Toronto: You're on the clock!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:39] - Nei...
A blockbuster trade over the weekend has the Tkachuk brothers - Matthew and Brady - as teammates in Florida.
Vic and Neil review the trade which was made possible, in part, due to a deal done a short time before between the Panthers and Seattle Kraken.
We'll also look at some additional signings of players who were retained by their clubs before getting to free agency on July 1 plus a dive into the Toronto-Tampa Bay trade which sees ...
Yes, even the Stanley Cup champions have spring cleaning though, in the case of the Carolina Hurricanes, not nearly as much as past winners.
Sticking with the on-ice strategy set forth by head coach Rod Brind'Amour, the lineup was augmented during the off-season by GM Eric Tulsky with the team among the NHL elite from Day 1 to mid-June.
Vic and Neil break down what made the difference and discuss how Carolina is set up both in the im...
Three head coaching vacancies whittled down to one Wednesday with eye-opening selections in both Toronto and Vegas, leaving the Edmonton Oilers as the lone NHL club without a bench boss though that might not be for long.
Following an apparently exhaustive search, the Maple Leafs landed on former Kings coach Jim Hiller while the Golden Knights opted to stay within the organization, tabbing AHL Henderson Silver Knights coach Ryan Crai...
Since entering the NHL in 2017, no team has operated quite like the Vegas Golden Knights. With a "win now" mindset from their inaugural season, the team has traded draft picks and have made whatever moves the rules have allowed in order to be annual contenders.
After removing Stanley Cup-winning coach Bruce Cassidy with just eight games left in the regular season, the VGK responded to interim coach John Tortorella to within two wins...
It started on Oct. 7 and 1394 regular season and playoff games later, the Carolina Hurricanes sit atop the NHL mountain.
Never wavering from their approach despite past disappointment, the 'Canes clearly separated themselves from the rest of league to claim the Stanley Cup for the second time - 20 years after the first.
Vic and Neil do the deep dive into what went right for the new champs and where the Vegas Golden Knights fell short...
In Thursday's pivotal fifth game, the Carolina Hurricanes moved to within a victory of their first Stanley Cup title in 20 years drawing off from the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period en route to a 4-2 win.
The loss for Vegas was compounded when forward William Karlsson went down to injury midway through the game and may be finished for the Final.
Vic and Neil break it down and look ahead to Sunday's sixth game. Also of n...
In a game they needed to have, the Carolina Hurricanes turned to their captain to even the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights at two games apiece.
Jordan Staal, a champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, tallied twice, including the game winner early in the third period. In doing so, he became the first player 44 years to score in each of the first four games of the Final.
Vic and Neil break it down and also note w...
In the midst of the Stanley Cup Finals, plenty of off ice news. In this edition of Quick Takes, Neil gives his thoughts on the Kings hiring of Peter Laviolette and potential hirings of Joe Pavelski in Toronto and Mike Babcock in Edmonton.
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/nhlwraparou...
After three games of the Stanley Cup Final, we all get an extra day before Game 4 to exhale in what has been an exhilarating first three games. Saturday, an extraordinary four-goal third period comeback by the Carolina Hurricanes fell short in overtime as Shea Theodore's fortunate bounce off Brandon Bussi's skate has the Golden Knights in a position to take command of the series Tuesday.
Vic and Neil are joined by TSN analyst Craig ...
After managing to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a wild card in 2024-25, Le Club de Canadien took another step forward winning two post-season rounds in the spring of 2026.
With one of the most dynamic top lines in the NHL and led by star sophomore Lane Hutson on the backline, the Habs have emerged as one of the most entertaining teams in the NHL.
With their goaltending apparently set with Jakub Dobes emerging as a clear num...
For 50 minutes, the Vegas Golden Knights had control of a game which would have given them a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final.
However, in a most improbable ten minutes, the Carolina Hurricanes managed to score three goals in 5:05 before getting tied in the final minute.
And on a power play, Seth Jarvis became an overtime hero turning the Final into a best-of-five.
Also, the third time's a charm for Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon...
Only 12 minutes into the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final, it appeared as is the Carolina Hurricanes were going to cruise in a manner similar to what we've seen in the first three rounds.
However, their Vegas opponents are a veteran team. Battle-hardened and only three years removed from a championship. Once they get their legs under them, the Golden Knights pressured the 'Canes in a manner that they have yet to see in the play...
There was no team with higher expectations entering 2025-26 than the Colorado Avalanche. However, by late May, no club had suffered greater disappointment.
The Presidents' Trophy winners wired the field from the outset of the regular season but, after disposing the Kings and Wild in just nine games to start the playoffs, the Avalanche crashed in getting swept in the Western Final by the Vegas Golden Knights.
Despite being the oldest ...
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