Episode 13

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Published on:

16th Apr 2024

EPISODE 13: Looking to Strike Oil with Ken Holland | Playoff Strategy, Roster Depth & the Evolution of Goaltending

In Episode 13 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren sit down with Ken Holland, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, as the NHL regular season reaches its final week.

The episode begins with a breakdown of the playoff race, highlighting the five Eastern Conference teams battling for two final spots, along with hot takes on key players and storylines from around the league.

Holland shares stories from his Hall of Fame career, offers deep insight into the Oilers’ strategy for the postseason, and talks about the importance of team depth, health, and leadership in the playoffs. He reflects on reclamation projects, the trade deadline acquisitions of Adam Henrique, Sam Carrick, Troy Stecher, and the mid-season addition of Corey Perry, all aimed at strengthening Edmonton’s playoff push.

The episode also explores whether elite goaltending is still a must to win the Stanley Cup, and how goalie tandems—like Stuart Skinner’s rise in Edmonton—are shifting team dynamics.

The show concludes with The Human Side of the Story, highlighting Holland’s journey from player to scout to GM, and honoring David Carle, head coach of the University of Denver, for his remarkable coaching rise and resilience.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:41] The tight playoff race and bubble team predictions

[01:54] One-Timers: player hot streaks and postseason drama

[03:57] Arizona Coyotes relocation and long-term questions

[07:32] Ken Holland interview begins

[08:04] Holland’s career path and key milestones

[16:52] Breaking down the Oilers’ regular season performance

[24:17] Trade acquisitions and building a playoff-ready roster

[28:25] What motivates players and keeps teams cohesive

[29:49] Preparing for the playoffs: mindset and matchups

[30:53] The critical role of depth and staying healthy

[34:14] Connor McDavid’s health and pursuit of milestones

[36:31] Stuart Skinner’s emergence and goalie confidence

[42:18] Holland reflects on his legacy in Detroit and Edmonton

[49:40] Are elite goaltenders still essential in the playoffs?

[55:33] Human Side of the Story: Hall of Fame moments & David Carle’s journey

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Ken Holland’s career embodies adaptability, leadership, and vision, having built championship teams in Detroitand now guiding a contender in Edmonton.
  • The Oilers’ roster is stronger and more balanced, with playoff experience and strategic depth across positions.
  • Connor McDavid’s health, playoff leadership, and historical milestones are central to Edmonton’s Cup hopes.
  • The evolution of goaltending shows that goalie tandems and consistency often matter more than star power alone.
  • The Human Side reminds us that great hockey minds like David Carle are redefining leadership and resilience across levels.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major 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 KEN HOLLAND:

Ken Holland, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, is one of the NHL’s most accomplished executives. He served as GM of the Detroit Red Wings for 22 seasons, leading the team to four Stanley Cup titles, and currently serves as President and GM of the Edmonton Oilers. Holland is widely respected for his scouting acumen, team-building philosophy, and player-first leadership style.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #KenHolland #EdmontonOilers #ConnorMcDavid #StanleyCup #Playoffs #DavidCarle #DetroitRedWings #Goaltending #SportsManagement #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.