Episode 14

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Published on:

23rd Apr 2024

EP 14 What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas? With George McPhee

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 days to becoming a Stanley Cup champion, giving listeners an in-depth look at the trials and achievements encountered along the way. 

The episode also touches on the upcoming move of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, exploring the challenges and opportunities of introducing NHL hockey to new markets. Emotional anecdotes from McPhee's personal experience with the Stanley Cup highlight the profound connections people have with the sport. 


Additionally, discussions on team strategy, player injuries, and the anticipation for the defense of the Stanley Cup by the Vegas Golden Knights provide a comprehensive overview of the current NHL landscape.



IN THIS EPISODE: 


  • [01:29] The Playoff Debate: Structure and Strategy
  • [05:56] George McPhee from career highlights to Stanley Cup victory
  • [18:26] The emotional journey of winning the Stanley Cup
  • [19:21] Reflections on career and life beyond the rink
  • [23:51] The unforgettable Stanley Cup moments
  • [27:22] The unconventional success of Vegas in the NHL
  • [28:41] Addressing salary cap and player injury controversies
  • [31:24] Strategic acquisitions and team dynamics
  • [33:24] Goalkeeping strategy and playoff preparations
  • [34:58] Reflecting on Alex Ovechkin's legendary career
  • [37:37] George McPhee's family and hockey journey
  • [41:38] The emotional impact of NHL franchise relocations


 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • George McPhee's personal journey in the NHL, reflecting on his experiences from being a player to becoming an executive, and finally celebrating a Stanley Cup victory with the Vegas Golden Knights. 
  • The complexities of managing an NHL team, including navigating salary caps and making strategic player acquisitions. 
  • The emotional and logistical challenges of franchise relocations for players, management, and fans, highlighting the impact on communities left behind and the difficulties faced by those moving to a new city.



RESOURCE LINKS 

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/

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

NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

NHL Wraparound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558685344275


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BIO:

George McPhee (born July 2, 1958) is a Canadian ice hockey executive and former player, currently serving as the president of hockey operations for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1] McPhee served as the general manager of the Washington Capitals and has also served as alternate governor, vice president and special assistant to the general manager of the New York Islanders. As a player, McPhee won the Hobey Baker Award in 1982 as the best NCAA men's ice hockey player, later playing for the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.


: #NHL #Hockey #Podcast #Sports #Broadcasting #StanleyCup #Coaching #Media #Management #ESPN #TNT #Playoffs #Championships #NeilSmith #VicMorren #GeorgeMcphee #VegasGoldenKnights

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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.