Episode 12

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Published on:

9th Apr 2024

EPISODE 12: Talking NY & Canadian Hopes with Nick Kypreos | Rangers Playoff Push, Canada’s Drought, and Hockey’s Human Side

In Episode 12 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by former NHL forward and Real Kyper and Bourne podcast host Nick Kypreos for a timely and spirited conversation about the state of the NHL as the regular season nears its end.

The trio discusses New York Rangers’ playoff readiness, comparing the current team to the 1994 Cup-winning squad. Kypreos weighs in on Artemi Panarin’s role, the team's physical identity, and the importance of finding a true leader—or “horse”—for a deep postseason run.

The conversation expands into a broader discussion about the Canadian Stanley Cup drought, highlighting the playoff potential of teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Edmonton Oilers. Kypreos offers insight into players like Evander Kane, emphasizing the need for top-tier performance when it matters most.

The episode closes with The Human Side of the Story, reflecting on the personal challenges NHL players and referees face, reminding listeners that behind the uniforms are real people balancing family, emotions, and career-defining moments.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:35] One-Timers: Playoff changes since 2023 & Dallas leading the West

[05:31] Nick Kypreos joins: Evaluating Rangers’ Cup chances

[07:00] Comparing NYR 2024 to the iconic 1994 squad

[08:00] Rangers’ toughness, style of play, and playoff readiness

[12:09] Panarin’s role, maturity, and need for elite consistency

[16:57] Who can lead this team deep? Kypreos names his “horse”

[17:27] Matt Rempe’s impact on NYR depth and energy

[22:09] Why Canadian teams continue to fall short

[29:53] Insights on Vancouver, Winnipeg, and playoff expectations

[36:03] The X-factor: Evander Kane’s role in Edmonton

[39:18] Kypreos discusses his media work and legacy

[41:28] The Human Side of the Story: behind-the-scenes realities of life in hockey

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Nick Kypreos believes the New York Rangers are built to contend—if key players rise to the occasion.
  • Artemi Panarin’s postseason performance could define the team’s fate.
  • Canada’s Stanley Cup drought remains one of hockey’s most frustrating narratives, despite talented rosters in Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Edmonton.
  • The human toll of hockey—on players, referees, and families—is often overlooked but deeply felt.

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 NICK KYPREOS:

Nick Kypreos is a former NHL left winger who played for the Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. A Stanley Cup champion with the Rangers in 1994, Kypreos transitioned into broadcasting after his playing career and is now co-host of the Real Kyper and Bourne Podcast on Sportsnet and a prominent voice on Hockey Night in Canada.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #NickKypreos #NYRangers #StanleyCup #Playoffs #ArtemiPanarin #CanadianTeams #VancouverCanucks #EdmontonOilers #WinnipegJets #MattRempe #SportsMedia #RealKyperandBournePodcast #NeilSmith #VicMorren #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.