Episode 14

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Published on:

23rd Apr 2024

EPISODE 14: What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas? With George McPhee | Playoff Prep, Franchise Moves & The Emotional Side of Hockey

In Episode 14 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren sit down with George McPhee, President of Hockey Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights, to discuss playoff strategy, franchise dynamics, and the emotional journey of building a Stanley Cup-winning team.

McPhee shares personal reflections from his extensive NHL career—from his playing days to his executive roles with the Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, and Golden Knights—offering deep insight into the resilience required to succeed at every level of the sport.

The discussion includes analysis of Vegas’s preparation to defend their Stanley Cup title, how they’ve managed player injuries, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the NHL salary cap and long-term injured reserve (LTIR).

The episode also explores the emotional and logistical implications of NHL franchise relocations, including the Arizona Coyotes’ upcoming move to Salt Lake City, highlighting how these decisions impact players, staff, and fan communities alike.

The show wraps with stories that humanize the game—from Stanley Cup celebrations to family sacrifices, offering listeners a full-circle look at the passion and people behind the league’s most successful franchises.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:29] The playoff format debate and structure overview

[05:56] George McPhee’s NHL journey: player, GM, executive

[18:26] What winning the Stanley Cup truly feels like

[19:21] Reflections on career longevity and life after hockey

[23:51] Unforgettable Cup celebrations and their meaning

[27:22] Vegas’s rise as an NHL expansion success story

[28:41] Navigating the salary cap and injury controversies

[31:24] Key acquisitions and internal team dynamics

[33:24] Goaltending strategy heading into the postseason

[34:58] Thoughts on Alex Ovechkin’s career and legacy

[37:37] Family life in hockey—from front office to home life

[41:38] The ripple effects of franchise relocation in the NHL

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • George McPhee’s path from Hobey Baker winner to Stanley Cup executive reveals the multifaceted nature of leadership in hockey.
  • The Vegas Golden Knights’ strategic roster management and deep playoff experience give them a solid chance at defending their title.
  • Franchise relocation, such as the Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City, affects not just business operations but entire communities and player families.
  • Emotional moments from McPhee’s career—including lifting the Cup—highlight the enduring connection between hockey professionals and the game they love.

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=61558685344275

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ABOUT GEORGE McPHEE:

George McPhee is the President of Hockey Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights and a former NHL player. Winner of the Hobey Baker Award in 1982, he played for the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils before transitioning to management. McPhee served as GM of the Washington Capitals for 17 years and helped build the Golden Knights into a Stanley Cup-winning franchise in just six seasons. He was also instrumental in developing future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin’s career in Washington.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #GeorgeMcPhee #VegasGoldenKnights #StanleyCup #FranchiseRelocation #PlayoffStrategy #NHLPlayoffs #HockeyOperations #AlexOvechkin #SportsLeadership #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.