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
Dave Jackson, former NHL referee and current ESPN Rules Analyst, joins Neil and Vic to discuss the intensity of playoff hockey, the role and challenges of officials, and the evolution of the two-man officiating system.
They explore video review complexities and the subjective nature of certain calls. Critiquing the rules like hand passing in the defensive zone and puck-over-glass penalties, while Jackson suggests reforms...
John Buccigross, Long-time studio host and Play-by-Play man for the NHL on ESPN, is back for round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They provide detailed analysis and predictions for each series, including team matchups and key players to watch.
Throughout the episode, insights into coaching strategies, player performances, and potential outcomes of the playoffs are shared, alongside personal anecdotes and memories of wo...
Bill Daly, the Deputy Commissioner of the NHL joins Neil and Vic on an in depth discussion in Episode 15. Daly discusses the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah, highlighting the complexities of finding a long-term arena solution and the unexpected rejection of a public referendum for a new arena in Tempe, Arizona. He explains the transitional plan, which allows the team's owner to reactivate the franchise if a suitable arena...
Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren, along with special guest George McPhee, President of Hockey Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights, discuss the NHL playoff scenario, team dynamics, and franchise movements. They reflect on the historical and recent team relocations within the NHL, offering a glimpse into the impact on communities and individuals involved.
George McPhee shares his extensive career journey, from his playing day...
Special guest John Buccigross Long-time studio host and Play-by-Play man for the NHL on ESPN joins us to cover the Stanley Cup Playoff Preview Show. Focus is on the teams strengths, weaknesses, and key factors that could influence the outcomes, such as coaching styles, player performances, and injuries.
Predictions for each series and in depth discussion on the New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricane...
The final week of the NHL regular season is here and the intense competition for playoff spots, particularly focusing on the battle among five teams for the last two spots in the Eastern Conference.
The episode features an insightful interview with Ken Holland, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, discussing various aspects of his career, player development, and the Oilers' playoff prospec...
Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the latest developments as the regular NHL season nears its end, analyzing the playoff prospects for both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Special guest Nick Kypreos provides insights into the New York Rangers' chances in the playoffs and discusses the ongoing drought of Canadian teams not winning the Stanley Cup.
The episode also touches on the Dallas Stars' strengths, Artemi P...
Episode 11 features an engaging interview with Craig Laughlin, a Washington Capitals TV analyst, exploring his career, insights on the Capitals' performance, and stories about Alexander Ovechkin. The hosts also address the recent controversy involving Zach Hyman's 50-goal milestone achievement and the debate on the influence of privilege in reaching NHL success.
Reflections on missed story opportunities and critiques of ...
Episode 10 features Don Waddell, the Carolina Hurricanes' president and general manager, discussing player acquisitions and future plans.
The hosts analyze wild card races, praising standout players like Hyman and Reinhardt, and spotlighting teams like the Washington Capitals and the Nashville Predators.
Waddell shares insights on strategic acquisitions and roster management, including reflections on goaltending dynamics....
Episode 9 features Brian Boucher, the analyst for TNT and NBC Sports Philadelphia. The discussions cover various topics, including the performance of the New York Rangers, the challenges faced by NHL teams, and the playoff race in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
They dive into the competitive landscape, strategic decisions, and critical factors influencing playoff success in the NHL. Throughout the podcast, the hosts and B...
Episode 8 features discussions on the NHL playoffs, trade deadline moves, and the future of Team 33 with Mike Santos, an experienced NHL assistant GM and the founder of Team 33. They evaluate the impact of trade deadline moves on the playoff race, strategic implications of pulling the goalie in overtime, and the physicality of games in the Western Conference.
The conversation also addresses the complexities of evaluating playe...
The NHL trade deadline recap features significant moves and their impact on various teams. The Vegas Golden Knights' aggressive approach, acquiring Thomas Hertl, Anthony Mantha, and Noah Hanifin, aims for a second straight Stanley Cup.
The Winnipeg Jets acquired Tyler Toffoli and added depth with Colin Miller, while the Colorado Avalanche bolstered their lineup with acquisitions like Scott Walker and Casey Mittelstadt. T...
Special guest Brian Engblom joins Neil and Vic in a comprehensive discussion about the physical play and historical aspects of the NHL. The focus is on the impact of hits and injuries in the game, particularly with insights from Brian Engblom regarding the performance, schedule, and standings of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The conversation takes an in-depth look at the evolution of player protection in the NHL, exploring topics s...
Episode 6 features special guest Brian Burke, the executive director of the Professional Women's Hockey League Players Association. The hosts, Neil and Vic explore potential trades involving Eastern Conference UFAs, such as Jake Guentzel and Vladimir Tarasenko.
Burke joins the conversation to discuss the second topic, the puzzle in Pittsburgh. The focus is on his impact and the challenges faced by the Penguins since their 2017 Stan...
Neil Smith and Vic Morren, welcomes Keith Tkachuk, a former NHL player and father of current players Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. This Special Edition discusses the Florida Panthers' successful season, their physical and fast-paced playing style, and their strong team chemistry. Keith shares his thoughts on why the Panthers are performing well and credits their general manager, Bill Zito, for building a competitive team.
The conversat...
"Panthers on the Prowl" episode five of NHL Wraparound, the One-Timers segment kicks off with Vic praising Auston Matthews' brilliance, drawing a comparison between Matthews and Jagr's jersey numbers. Neil follows with an analysis of the pros and cons of the Stadium Series games.
The main topics highlight Vancouver as the next powerhouse in the West, dissecting their recent performance, champions' headlines, and key acquisitio...
In episode four, they discuss the unexpected success of teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers, analyze the polarizing career of player Brad Marchand, delve into the significance of backup goaltenders, and examine the strategic decision-making process in team management, especially with the impending trade deadline.
The episode also features a segment titled "Winterpeg" where they interview Kevin Cheveldayoff...
Former Edmonton Oilers GM and coach Craig MacTavish joins Neil and Vic to discuss the team's recent performance and playoff hockey adversity.
They also celebrate Gary Bettman's 31 years as NHL commissioner and delve into NHL standings projections. The challenges of NHL head coaches, recent firings, and mid-season coaching changes are explored. MacTavish highlights the Oilers' resurgence, discussing player choices, reclamation...
Neil and Vic are joined by "The Great One," Wayne Gretzky, who shares his thoughts on the current generation's game, the improvement of players, and the future of the NHL.
The hosts analyze several teams, including the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, and Chicago Blackhawks. They scrutinized the recent adjustments implemented by Lou Lamoriello, the Islanders' General Manager, in the team's coaching structure.
Addition...
Welcome to the NHL wraparound podcast! It's time to drop the puck with hosts Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren.
They aim to bridge the past, present, and future of the game, providing diverse insights into the National Hockey League, including gameplay, opinions on broadcasting, and the evolution of the sport.
The hosts emphasiz...
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.