NHL Wraparound Podcast

By Neil Smith & Vic Morren

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Category: Hockey

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Subscribers: 6
Reviews: 0
Episodes: 155

Description

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.

Episode Date
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 54 - Uniting as Teammates...Despite Past History
Apr 03, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - High Drama in Montreal and St. Louis - April 2, 2025
Apr 02, 2025
NY Centric - Getting Late for Rangers and Islanders with Colin Stephenson from Newsday - April 1, 2025
Apr 01, 2025
Episode 54 - What's Next in Philly? With Hall of Fame Journalist Al Morganti
Mar 31, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Change in Philly, Class by OV - March 28, 2025
Mar 28, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 53 - Jack Michaels: From Meadville to Edmonton
Mar 27, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - A Heavyweight Bout as Good as Advertised -March 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025
NY Centric - Isles Get Closer, Rangers and Devils Struggling with Thomas Hickey - March 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Episode 53 - Drilling Down with Edmonton Oilers PxP Jack Michaels
Mar 24, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - March Madness - The NHL Way - March 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 52 - Hey Dad, You're Trading Me?
Mar 20, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - A Rotten Apple Pushes Montreal Into Wild Card Position - Mar. 19, 2025
Mar 19, 2025
NY Centric - A Final Islanders Push at Hand? With Stefen Rosner of NHL.com - Mar. 18, 2025
Mar 18, 2025
Episode 52 - Be-Leaf Them or Not? With Steve Simmons from The Toronto Sun
Mar 16, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The Senators Create Seperation - March 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 51 - They Call Him Maurice
Mar 13, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The New Bruins Embracing the Underdog Role - March 12, 2025
Mar 12, 2025
NY Centric - Realities for the New York City Locals Post Deadline - March 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Episode 51 - Top Cat - A Chat with Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice
Mar 10, 2025
NHL Wraparound 2025 NHL Trade Deadline Recap Show
Mar 08, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 50 - The Angst of a GM at the Trade Deadline
Mar 06, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Calm Before the Storm? - March 5, 2025
Mar 05, 2025
NY Centric - The Rangers Trade Update with Peter Baugh from The Athletic - Mar. 4, 2025
Mar 04, 2025
Episode 50 - Buckle Up for the Trade Deadline with TSN's Chris Johnston
Mar 03, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Intrigue Abounds Heading Into March - Feb. 28, 2025
Feb 28, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 49 - Three Very Different Types of Compassion
Feb 27, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Three Teams at a True Crossroads - Feb. 26, 2025
Feb 26, 2025
NY Centric - Olympic Gold and Stanley Cup Silver with Ken Morrow - Feb. 25, 2025
Feb 25, 2025
Episode 49 - Columbus: Sailing to the Playoffs? With General Manager Don Waddell
Feb 24, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - We Have a Champion - Feb. 21, 2025
Feb 21, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 48 - Magic in Monotone
Feb 20, 2025
Episode 48 - Power Grab with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski
Feb 19, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - USA Punches Their Ticket to the Final - February 16, 2025
Feb 16, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The Four Nations Faceoff is Underway - Feb. 14, 2025
Feb 14, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 47 - The Albert Broadcasting Legacy
Feb 12, 2025
Episode 47 - A Man For All Seasons With Kenny Albert
Feb 11, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - An Anniversary Season to Remember and Newcomers Making an Impact - Feb. 7, 2025
Feb 07, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Episode 46 - Handling Strife Within a Team
Feb 06, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Wings Rolling Sevens, Hartman Suspended and Talking Toughness - Feb. 5, 2025
Feb 05, 2025
NY Centric - News, Views and Question Marks with Arthur Staple - Feb. 4, 2025
Feb 04, 2025
Episode 46 - Let's Make a Deal - With NHL on TNT Analyst Brian Boucher
Feb 03, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Flames, Flyers & Fleury - Jan. 31, 2025
Jan 31, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Episode 45 - The Only Player to Wear All Original Six Sweaters
Jan 30, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - This Is Why It's Called the "Mosh Pit of Mediocrity" - Jan. 29, 2025
Jan 29, 2025
NY Centric with Devils Radio Analyst Chico Resch - Jan. 28, 2025
Jan 28, 2025
Episode 45 - Storm Chasing - With Hurricanes TV Analyst Tripp Tracy
Jan 27, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Major Injury News in New Jersey and OV Gets Closer - Jan. 24, 2025
Jan 24, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 44 - Willie O'Ree
Jan 23, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The Big Cheese of the NHL - Jan. 22, 2025
Jan 22, 2025
NY Centric - Rangers and Islanders Still Hopeful While Devils Offense Sputters - January 21, 2025
Jan 21, 2025
Episode 44 - It's Miller Time! with Gord Miller from TSN
Jan 18, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Hot Oil - Jan. 17, 2025
Jan 17, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Episode 43 - Luc Robitaille: Forever a King
Jan 16, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - In a Pitfall - Jan. 15, 2025
Jan 15, 2025
NY Centric - Starting the Week On A High Note with Peter Baugh from the Athletic - January 14, 2025
Jan 14, 2025
Episode 43 - The Kings Reign Again with President Luc Robitaille
Jan 13, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Dubois, Trap Games and Annoying PA Announcers- Jan. 10, 2025
Jan 10, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Two Nights of Late Game Heroics - Jan. 8, 2025
Jan 08, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Episode 42 - Nashville Predator Fulfills Dream for Mom
Jan 08, 2025
Episode 42 - NHL Wraparound & Debuting NY Centric
Jan 06, 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Kicking Off the New Year - Jan. 2, 2025
Jan 02, 2025
Human Side of the Story - Episode 41 - The Ilitch Legacy in Detroit
Dec 31, 2024
Episode 41 - Clipped Wings - With Max Bultman from The Athletic
Dec 30, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Wings of Change in Detroit - Dec. 27, 2024
Dec 27, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - News Still Plentiful at the Holiday Break - Dec. 24, 2024
Dec 24, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Dec. 20, 2024 - Goalies in Unique Spotlights
Dec 20, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The Higher Ups Speak - December 18, 2024
Dec 18, 2024
Episode 40 - Avalanche of Change with General Manager Chris MacFarland
Dec 16, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Hats Off! - Dec. 13, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - We ARE Going to Talk About Colorado Goaltending! - Dec. 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024
Episode 39 - New York Shuffle with Arthur Staple from The Athletic
Dec 09, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Dec. 5, 2024
Dec 05, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Dec. 3, 2024
Dec 03, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 27, 2024
Nov 27, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 38 - Hey Nineteen: Thornton Jersey Retirement and Toews Trip to India
Nov 27, 2024
Episode 38 - Texas Hockey with Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill
Nov 25, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 22, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 37 - Val Nichushkin Returns - Can He Regain The Avs Trust?
Nov 19, 2024
Episode 37 - Boston "Un-Commons" - With Hall of Fame Writer Kevin Paul Dupont
Nov 18, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 15, 2024
Nov 15, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 13, 2024
Nov 13, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 36 - New to The Hockey Hall of Fame...and Notable Omissions
Nov 12, 2024
Episode 36 - Speak of the Devils - With GM and President of Hockey Operations Tom Fitzgerald
Nov 12, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 8, 2024
Nov 08, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 35 - Bill Guerin
Nov 07, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 6, 2024
Nov 06, 2024
Episode 35 - Wild Things - With GM and President of Hockey Operations Bill Guerin
Nov 04, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Nov. 1, 2024
Nov 01, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Oct. 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 34 - Remembering Hockey Ambassador Bill Hay
Oct 29, 2024
Episode 34 - Plight of the Penguins with Josh Yohe from The Athletic
Oct 29, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Oct. 25, 2024
Oct 25, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Oct. 23, 2024
Oct 23, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 33 - The First-Ever NHL Draftee
Oct 23, 2024
Episode 33 - Hot Start with Calgary Flames President of Hockey Ops Don Maloney
Oct 22, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Oct. 18, 2024
Oct 18, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 32 - Johnny Gaudreau Honored and Celebrated at Many Home Openers
Oct 16, 2024
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Oct. 16, 2024
Oct 15, 2024
Episode 32 - All American with LaSonjia "LJ" Jack
Oct 15, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 31 - Opening Night for a GM
Oct 10, 2024
Episode 31 - 2024-25 The E.J. Way! - Season Preview
Oct 09, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 30 - Doug & Neil Armstrong
Sep 28, 2024
Episode 30 - Looking to Hit the High Note with Blues GM Doug Armstrong
Sep 27, 2024
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 29 - The Gaudreau Brothers/Hockey Community
Sep 11, 2024
Ep 29 - From the GM Perch
Sep 08, 2024
EP 28 Summer Cooler Pacific Division
Aug 29, 2024
Human Side of the Story- Ep 27 Joe Pavelski
Aug 27, 2024
EP 27 Summer Cooler Central Division
Aug 27, 2024
Human Side of the Story -Ep 26 Patrick Family
Aug 24, 2024
EP 26 Summer Cooler Metropolitan Division
Aug 23, 2024
Human Side of the Story- Ep 25
Aug 22, 2024
EP 25 Summer Cooler Atlantic Division
Aug 20, 2024
Human Side of the Story Ep 24- Keith Jones
Aug 12, 2024
EP 24 Building it Back up with Keith Jones
Aug 09, 2024
Human Side of the Story- Ep 23
Jul 08, 2024
EP 23 Trading Places with Mike Santos
Jul 04, 2024
Human Side of the Story- Ep 22 Paul Maurice
Jun 27, 2024
EP 22 Playoff Run with Craig MacTavish
Jun 25, 2024
Human Side of the Story- Ep 21 Jim Montgomery
Jun 20, 2024
EP 21 Stanley Cup update with Jim Montgomery
Jun 18, 2024
Special Series Ep 5 Reflection
Jun 17, 2024
Special Series Ep 4 This One Will Last a Lifetime with Mark Messier, Brian Leetch & Adam Graves
Jun 14, 2024
Human Side of the Story- Ep 20
Jun 12, 2024
Special Series Ep 3 A Series for the Ages with Mike Richter & Stephane Matteau
Jun 10, 2024
Ep 20 Stanley Cup Preview with Eddie Olczyk
Jun 06, 2024
Special Series EP 2 Quick Path to the Eastern Final with Steve Larmer & Kevin Lowe
Jun 05, 2024
Human Side of the Story- Ep 19 Rick Bowness
Jun 03, 2024
EP 19 Playoff “Bowness” Edition with Rick Bowness
May 31, 2024
Special Series: Episode 1 The Road Begins with Glenn Healy & John Davidson
May 31, 2024
One Timers- Canucks' Tough Lessons and Overcoming Playoff Adversities
May 28, 2024
EP 18 Conference Finals Preview with Eddie Olczyk
May 21, 2024
Special Edition : Reliving the Cup on Broad Street 50 Years Later
May 20, 2024
EP 17 Unbiased: With Former NHL Referee Dave Jackson
May 15, 2024
EP 16 Bucci Strikes Again! Round Two Playoff Preview with John Buccigross
May 07, 2024
Ep 15 Second in Command A Discussion with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly
Apr 30, 2024
EP 14 What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas? With George McPhee
Apr 23, 2024
Special Edition: Playoff Preview with John Buccigross
Apr 19, 2024
EP 13 Looking to Strike Oil with Ken Holland
Apr 16, 2024
EP 12 Talking NY & Canadian Hopes with Nick Kypreos
Apr 09, 2024
EP 11 Capital Gains with Craig Laughlin
Apr 02, 2024
EP 10 Taking the NHL by Storm with Don Waddell
Mar 26, 2024
EP 9 Between the Benches with Brian Boucher
Mar 19, 2024
EP 8 Dissecting the Deadline with Mike Santos
Mar 12, 2024
Trade Deadline Recap Show
Mar 08, 2024
Ep 7 Power Outage in Tampa? with Brian Engblom
Mar 05, 2024
EP 6 “My Way” with Brian Burke
Feb 27, 2024
Special Edition : A Conversation with “Big Walt” Keith Tkachuk
Feb 23, 2024
EP 5 Panthers on the Prowl
Feb 20, 2024
EP 4 Flying Under the Radar with Kevin Cheveldayoff
Feb 13, 2024
Ep 3 Hats off to the Oilers with Craig MacTavish
Feb 06, 2024
Ep 2 GREAT Beginnings with Wayne Gretzky
Jan 30, 2024
EP 1 Wraparound Puck Drop
Jan 23, 2024
NHL Wraparound Trailer
Jan 16, 2024
NHL Wraparound Podcast - Coming Soon
Jan 01, 2024