Episode 10

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Published on:

26th Mar 2024

EPISODE 10: Taking the NHL by Storm with Don Waddell | Wild Card Races, Goaltending Strategy & The Power of Perseverance

In Episode 10 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by Don Waddell, president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, for a conversation about roster building, goaltending depth, and the road to playoff success.

The episode opens with a breakdown of the wild card races in both conferences. Teams like the Washington Capitalsand Nashville Predators are making strong late-season pushes, while players like Zach Hyman and Sam Reinhartcontinue to lead their clubs with impact performances.

Waddell provides insight into strategic acquisitions, his approach to roster management, and his views on contract negotiations—including the evolving situation with Rod Brind’Amour. The discussion also touches on the Hurricanes' structure, culture, and postseason aspirations.

The episode concludes with The Human Side of the Story, spotlighting the incredible journey of Laila Anderson, the young fan who inspired the St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup run. Her resilience and continued presence in the hockey community remain a reminder of the sport's emotional power and lasting impact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:30] Washington Capitals’ playoff chase and identity

[05:09] Spotlight on the Predators and Capitals as resilient contenders

[18:24] Rod Brind’Amour’s legacy, health, and leadership

[20:03] Discussion on Brind’Amour’s upcoming contract decision

[22:12] The Boston Bruins’ season challenges and postseason prep

[29:09] Introduction to Laila Anderson’s story and her impact on the hockey world

[30:24] Laila’s state championship with the Chesterfield Lady Falcons

[32:00] Don Waddell’s personal career path and philosophy as a GM

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Don Waddell breaks down how strategic player moves and internal development fuel Carolina’s consistent success.
  • Rod Brind’Amour’s contract status looms large, but his dedication to the game is unquestioned.
  • Teams like the Capitals, Predators, and Golden Knights are heating up at the right time in a tight playoff race.
  • Laila Anderson’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and the deeper meaning behind the game of hockey.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

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/

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

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

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ABOUT DON WADDELL:

Donald Douglas Waddell, born August 19, 1958, is a veteran hockey executive and former player. He is currently the president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, where he’s led one of the NHL’s most consistent and competitive teams. Waddell previously served as GM of the Atlanta Thrashers and has decades of experience in professional hockey operations.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #DonWaddell #CarolinaHurricanes #StanleyCup #Playoffs #ZachHyman #RodBrindAmour #WashingtonCapitals #NashvillePredators #LailaAnderson #Leadership #HockeyManagement #VicMorren #NeilSmith #NHLWraparound

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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
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.